REGULAR Meeting of the Board of Trustees Novato USD November 01, 2016 7:00PM Novato Education Center - 1015 Seventh Street, Novato, CA 94945
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President Knell called the Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. |
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President Knell announced Trustee Millerick would be absent from the meeting, because he was away on business. |
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A motion to approve the Agenda passed by a vote of
6-0, 1 (Trustee Millerick Absent)
Passed with a motion by Ms. Maria Aguila and a second by Mr. Thomas Cooper. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Trustee Scott requested Consent Agenda Item “10.h” – Ratify Warrant Register for Warrants Issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016 be pulled for discussion. |
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A motion to approve the Consent Agenda, including Item”10.c” – Approve 2017-2018 School Calendar with the corrected 2017-2018 School Calendar, and excluding Item “10.h” - Ratify Warrant Register for Warrants Issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016, passed by a vote of 6-0, 1 (Trustee Millerick Absent)
Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Jim Larson, Sinaloa Middle School Principal
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Jim Larson, Sinaloa Middle School Principal, introduced Sinaloa teachers Mary McGurkey and Jennifer Becker who gave some background on the CCT ELD program. Five students presented a model lesson, and they collaborated with the Board of Trustees to answer questions from their lesson. |
Sinaloa Student Board Presentation CCT ELD Program
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STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS: No Student Board Members were present.
TRUSTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS: • October 20, the Executive Committee of the Novato Blue Ribbon and the Bullying Prevention subcommittee met and Superintendent Hogeboom attended. • October 22, Kermes Festival at Lynwood Elementary School and the Blue Ribbon Bullying Prevention Committee had a craft table for students and parents to participate sharing a link of what made them special. • October 24, Farewell Retirement Luncheon for Karen Maloney, Assistant Superintendent, Business & Operations • October 27, Marin County Office of Education SchoolsRule of Marin distributed $130,000 to School Fuel to support Novato students and appreciation was expressed for Tom Peters, President/CEO, Marin Community Foundation, and his staff for hosting the event for the past five years. • October 28 and 29, “Novato’s Scream on the Green”, and the Novato Blue Ribbon Bullying Prevention Committee had a table with information about bullying. • Novato High School Homecoming Week with a parade, football game and dance • Marin School of the Arts performance “How to Succeed in Business” • Marin County Joint Legislative Action Committee is developing its priorities to present in Sacramento in January. President Knell is on the subcommittee and he encouraged comments on the priorities. He invited Student Board Members to attend the Sacramento Legislative event.
SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: • October 27 and 28, Dual Enrollment Conference in Ontario, California. Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services, also attended. • November 1, the District Leadership Committee had its second meeting and they are developing rubrics for Communication, which is one of the 6Cs of the Graduate Profile. • A Marin Oaks High School student was congratulated for his poem that was selected from over 500 submissions for the California State Anthology of Student Poets and having it published in the Statewide Anthology, “Where Animals Move Like Planets.” He read his poem to the Board of Trustees.
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Aaron Fix, President, Novato Federation of Teachers (NFT) commented on support of Measure G, the Novato school bond.
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Julia Kempkey, Director of Instruction and Innovation Board Goal/Priority Student Success
Objective To seek approval for the Get Focused…Stay Focused! course to be included as a high school requirement and approval of the associated Board Policy 6146.1 Background The Get Focused…Stay Focused! (GFSF) is an initiative designed to provide every student with the necessary information and experiences to develop college and career readiness skills as well as facilitate the development of an online 10-year Career and Education Plan. Further, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and achieve their post-secondary goals. Many districts across California have adopted the Get Focused….Stay Focused! course through a partnership with their local Community College. Novato Unified is fortunate to have a strong and growing partnership with College of Marin, a partnership that will provide our students with the benefit of the course content and associated skill development, dual high school and college credit and the opportunity to be enrolled at College of Marin. The GFSF course will replace Geography as a requirement for incoming freshmen. However, both high schools will continue to offer Geography as an elective as well as the Advanced Placement course, AP Human Geography. Further, World History and United States History will continue to provide high school students with a strong background in geography within the historical context. This also aligns with the new History-Social Framework recently released by the California Department of Education. An updated version of NUSD Board Policy 6146.1 is also included in this board report to reflect the changes to graduation requirements. Additionally, the BP was updated to reflect the removal of the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) as one of the graduation requirements for students and language was added to reflect our district goal to increase the number of students who met the college entrance requirements. Finally, there were small errors corrected in the Board Policy. The Get Focused…Stay Focused! course also will provide several benefits to our students and have a positive impact school-wide. First, the GFSF course outline has already been approved by the UC and CSU’s as a college preparatory course in the “g” category (elective). Additionally, an articulation agreement with College of Marin means that all freshmen in NUSD will be enrolled at COM and the majority of students will receive college credit (grade dependent). Finally, students will develop a comprehensive 10-year plan that has proven to motivate students.
In addition, the data for school districts have successfully implemented the course has seen: - 9th grade course failure rate decreased
- Freshman suspension rates decreased
- Overall school attendance increased
- Improved Advanced Placement performance
- Higher ACT and SAT scores
- Increased graduation rates
All of the benefits of the course align well with district goals and priorities to increase the percentage of students meeting college entrance requirements (A-G rates) and increasing the number of students taking higher level college preparatory courses. Finally, Novato Unified is fortunate to have an extremely strong partnership with the College of Marin, which allows for an articulation agreement between each entity. This means that any certificated teacher can teach the course and be articulated with an equivalent course at College of Marin. The Memorandum of Understanding between COM and NUSD outlines the responsibilities of each party as well as the grading criteria to articulate the course to the College of Marin. The course outline was reviewed and refined by College of Marin staff to articulate to their course Counseling 129, College and Career Readiness. College of Marin staff will also submit the course to be approved for University of California and California State University transferable credit, which means that students who receive an A or B in the course (based on successful completion of the exit portfolio requirement) will receive college credit. Further, the course culminates in students creating an online 10-year career and education plan, Overview (From 2015 Board Report) Get Focused…Stay Focused! is an initiative designed to provide every student with the necessary information and experiences to develop college and career readiness skills as well as facilitate the development of an online 10-year Career and Education Plan. The course outline was reviewed and refined by College of Marin staff to articulate to their course Counseling 129. College of Marin staff will also submit the course to be approved for University of California and California State University transferable credit, which means that students who receive an A or B in the course (based on successful completion of the exit portfolio requirement) will receive college credit. Further, the course culminates in students creating an online 10-year career and education plan, The Get Focused…Stay Focused! initiative positively impacts the lives of all students by: - Provides developmental and self-sufficiency topics for at-risk students who may lack these skills
- For students on track to college, currently only 53% of the entering college freshman nationwide graduation within six years, pointing to the need for early interventions to provide students with a vision of a productive future and an understanding of the consequences of not completing their college education
- For the highest functioning students, learning the process for personalized career decision-making will provide a skill and understanding that will propel them to make the best choices for themselves. When individuals’ career choices match their unique personalities, life satisfaction increases
Get Focused…Stay Focused! curriculum utilizes the Career Choices and Changes workbook, allowing students to discover who they are, what they want, and how to get it. The course is broken down into three sections: - Section One: Who Am I?
- Section Two: What Do I Want?
- Section Three:How Do I Get It?
Attachments: - Draft Course Outline for Get Focused…Stay Focused
- Draft Memorandum of Understanding between College of Marin and Novato Unified School District
- Draft of Changes to Board Policy 6146.1 for Graduation Requirements
Funding Source/Cost $6,000 per year for consumable materials: Restricted Lottery $10,000 ongoing training and implementation costs: Unrestricted General Fund **Since the GFSF course is replacing Geography, there is not an additional cost associated with increased sections or full-time equivalents. Recommendation The Superintendent and staff recommend the approval for the Get Focused…Stay Focused! course to be included as a high school requirement, and approval of the associated Board Policy 6146.1.
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Julia Kempkey, Director, Instruction and Innovation, reported that Get Focused…Stay Focused (GFSF)! is an initiative designed to provide every student with the necessary information and experiences to develop college and career readiness skills as well as facilitate the development of an online 10-year Career and Education Plan. The GFSF course will replace Geography as a requirement for incoming freshmen. However, both high schools will continue to offer Geography as an elective as well as the Advanced Placement course, AP Human Geography. Further, World History and United States History will continue to provide high school students with a strong background in geography within the historical context. This also aligns with the new History-Social Framework recently released by the California Department of Education.
The GFSF course outline has already been approved by the UC and CSU’s as a college preparatory course in the “g” category (elective). In the spring, Novato teachers will finalize the course outline for approval for A-G requirements, and the course outline and rubric will be presented to the Board for approval.
Additionally, an articulation agreement with College of Marin (COM) means that all freshmen in NUSD will be enrolled at COM and the majority of students will receive college credit (grade dependent).
An updated version of the NUSD Board Policy 6146.1 was shared to reflect the changes to graduation requirements, adding the desire of the Board of Trustee to prepare each student to obtain a high school diploma and to complete the high school requirements that meet the college entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University (A-G requirements). The CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) as one of the graduation requirements for students was removed, and language was added to reflect the district goal to increase the number of students who meet the college entrance requirements. Finally, there were small errors corrected in the Board Policy.
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A motion to approve the Get Focused…Stay Focused! Course for High School Graduation Requirement and the Second and Final Reading of Board Policy 6146.1 High School Graduation Requirements passed by a vote of 6-0, 1 (Trustee Millerick Absent)
Passed with a motion by Mrs. Debbie Butler and a second by Mrs. Shelly Scott. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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1. Get Focused Stay Focused Course Outline 2. 10.11.16 Get Focused Stay Focused Articulation Agreement NUSD-College of Marin 3. 6146.1 Board Policy High School Graduation Requirements (Draft)
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Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent Board Priority/Goal - Equity
- Student Success
- Staff Success
ObjectiveTo adopt Resolution No. 14 – 2016/2017 – In Support of Proposition 55: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016 Background Proposition 55, the California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act, temporarily extends current income tax rates on the wealthiest Californians for 12 more years – singles earning more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $500,000 a year. - This measure does not raise taxes on anyone.
- Middle-class families and small businesses will benefit when the temporary quarter-cent sales tax increase expires as planned at the end of this year. Proposition 55 does not extend this sales tax.
- The initiative will generate an estimated $8 billion per year on average.
- The initiative allocates these tax revenues to education and health care.
- The initiative includes tough accountability and transparency requirements.
Proposition 55 protects students and public schools from returning to the days of massive budget cuts, educator layoffs, and larger classes. California public school funding was cut to the bone during the recession, forcing more than 50,000 teacher and staff layoffs, huge class sizes, and the elimination of programs like music and art that make students well-rounded. Furthermore, California is facing a severe teacher shortage. There is a need to hire more than 22,000 teachers next year alone, and schools are just beginning to restore critical support staff, including school security, library aides, bus drivers and custodians. Funding from Proposition 55 will give local school districts the money they need to hire quality teachers and school employees, and to reduce class sizes. California chronically underfunds health care, and Proposition 55 provides up to $2 billion per year to give low-income families with children increased access to care. This measure helps low-income families with children access the care they need, especially preventative care, which keeps children healthier and saves California money in the long run. Proposition 55 will help low-income children come to school healthy and ready to learn. The attached resolution supports Proposition 55: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016. Funding Source/Cost N/A Recommendation Superintendent and staff recommend adoption of Resolution No. 14 – 2016/2017 – In Support of Proposition 55: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016. |
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Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent, reported on Resolution No. 14 – 2016/2017 – In Support of Proposition 55: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016. Proposition 55, the California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act, temporarily extends current income tax rates on the wealthiest Californians for 12 more years – singles earning more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $500,000 a year. • This measure does not raise taxes on anyone. • Middle-class families and small businesses will benefit when the temporary quarter-cent sales tax increase expires as planned at the end of this year. Proposition 55 does not extend this sales tax. • The initiative will generate an estimated $8 billion per year on average. • The initiative allocates these tax revenues to education and health care. • The initiative includes tough accountability and transparency requirements. |
A motion to adopt Resolution No. 14 – 2016/2017 – In Support of Proposition 55: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016 passed by a vote of6-0, 1 (Trustee Millerick Absent) Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Resolution No. 14 - 2016-2017 - Support of Prop. 55 - CA Childrens Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016
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Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations
Board Priority/Goal Student Success Objective Obtain Board approval to proposed addition of Bad Debt Policy to Board Policy 3555 – Nutrition Program Compliance (First Reading). Background It is a federal requirement that the district have a bad debt policy as part of Nutrition Policy Compliance. Federal guidance defines bad debt as unrecovered/delinquent debt that, after all reasonable steps have been taken, has not been recovered by, or before, the end of the school year in which the debt was incurred. After all reasonable steps have been taken to recover the unrecovered/delinquent debt, and if the district is unsuccessful in collecting the unrecovered/delinquent debt by the end of the school year, then the debt is considered bad debt and nonfederal funding sources must repay the school food service account for the total amount. Funding Source/Cost Less than $500/year Recommendation The Superintendent and staff recommend addition of Bad Debt Policy to Board Policy 3555 – Nutrition Program Compliance (First Reading).
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Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations, reported on the federal requirement that the district have a bad debt policy as part of Nutrition Program Compliance. Federal guidance defines bad debt as unrecovered/delinquent debt that, after all reasonable steps have been taken, has not been recovered by, or before, the end of the school year in which the debt was incurred.
After all reasonable steps have been taken to recover the unrecovered/delinquent debt, and if the district is unsuccessful in collecting the unrecovered/delinquent debt by the end of the school year, then the debt is considered bad debt and nonfederal funding sources must repay the school food service account for the total amount.
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A motion for Board Policy 3555 Nutrition Program Compliance - Addition of Bad Debt Policy as a First and Final Reading passed by a vote of 6-0, 1 (Trustee Millerick Absent) Passed with a motion by Mr. Gregory Mack and a second by Ms. Maria Aguila. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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BP 355 Nutrition Program Compliance - Addition of Bad Debt Policy
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Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Board Priority/Goal - Equity
- Student Success
- Staff Success
- Community Engagement
Objective To present the 2016-2017 District Plan for Student Achievement (DPSA). BackgroundDuring the past two October School Board Meetings our Board of Trustees approved all the Schools Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). Our District Plan for Student Achievement supports the strategies and actions steps to support our school plans and to implement our district-wide goals and priorities: Equity Goal Area: Every single student in the Novato Unified School District will be provided with the necessary opportunity and assistance to grow academically each year - English Learners academic growth on Measures of Academic Progress – MAP
- Increase the UC/CSU College Entrance Requirements in order to meet A-G requirements at all High School programs
- All students and identified student group academic growth on SBAC State Assessment focused on English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics
Student Success Goal Area: All students will demonstrate at least a year’s growth in one year’s time and graduate with the skills and knowledge to be successful in college and career through high-quality learning experiences and assessments aligned to the California Standards as well as be informed citizens - Graduate Profile: 6 C’s
- Early Literacy / Literacy – To increase reading proficiency for all students
- High School Math Achievement – Increase percentage of students earning a C- or better
Staff Success Goal Area: All staff will receive the appropriate support and resources in order to create the conditions to ensure student success - Project Based Learning
- Professional Learning
- Human Resource – to increase retention rates of certificated staff and increase diversity of staff to reflect our district student demographics.
Community Involvement and Engagement Goal Area: Each school site will develop and maintain positive parent, student, and community involvement and engagement to promote and support student success - Student Voice
- Community Liaisons
- Bond Project
Our District Team in collaboration with site Principals will monitor the implementation of the District Plan which supports and is in alignment with Site Plans and LCAP throughout the 2016-17 school year. Funding Source/Cost Local Control Accountability Plan funds including Title 1, Title II, Title III, and Grant Funds Recommendation N/A
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Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services reported that during the past two October School Board Meetings the Board of Trustees approved all the Schools Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). The District Plan for Student Achievement supports the strategies and actions steps to support school plans and to implement district-wide goals and priorities: Equity, Student Success, Staff Success, and Community Involvement and Engagement. The District Team in collaboration with site Principals will monitor the implementation of the District Plan which supports and is in alignment with Site Plans and LCAP throughout the 2016-17 school year.
The District Team, which included Superintendent Hogeboom, Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services, Melissa Diaz, EL Coordinator, Jen Larson, Coordinator of Secondary Instruction, Michelle Stephens, Coordinator of Elementary Education, Julia Kempkey, Director of Instruction and Innovations, Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Lynn Erikson, Coordinator of Student Services, Leslie Benjamin, Director, Communications and Community Engagement, and Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations, shared a presentation on the 2016-2017 District Plan for Student Achievement (DPSA).
The Trustees requested the DPSA presentation be well communicated, because it represents how well NUSD is supporting its students, families, and staff, and encouraging community participation.
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NUSD District Plan for Student Achievement 2016-17
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Liz Smith, Director of Special Education
BOARD PRIORITY - Student Success,
- Staff Support
OBJECTIVE To build awareness of how school psychologists are uniquely prepared to address student success through a multi-tiered system of supports. BACKGROUND The week of November 14 is the National Association of School Psychologists School Psychology Awareness week. The theme for 2016 School Psychology Awareness Week is Small Steps Change Lives. Our goal is to highlight how the small steps students take can help build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to promote personal achievement, growth, and resilience, as well as a sense of belonging and well-being. Small acts are essential in building greater successes.
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Liz Smith, Director of Special Education, introduced Karin Jinbo, who shared a PowerPoint presentation on the National Association of School Psychologists School Psychology Awareness week which is the week of November 14. Highlighted were how the small steps students take can help build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to promote personal achievement, growth, and resilience, as well as a sense of belonging and well-being. Small acts are essential in building greater successes. Superintendent Hogeboom and Liz Smith recognized two NUSD psychologists, Arezu Iranipour and Sunny Im-Wang.
The Board of Trustees expressed appreciation for all NUSD’s school psychologists.
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11.01.16 School Psychology Week Presentation
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Ivan Chaidez, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Sean Rozell, Director of Information Technology
Board Priority/Goal: - Equity
- Student Success
- Staff Success
Objective: To inform the Board of Trustees about progress to date with our District data warehouse, Schoolzilla, and share new data reports. Background: Data needs to be the foundation upon which all of our District’s decisions are built. That is a statement that is obvious to most people, but getting access to meaningful and useful data is frequently difficult. The District has many sources of data. We have a student information system (Aeries) to track attendance, grades, student demographics, etc., and various assessment systems that track student progress related to learning content mastery (CAASPP, CELDT, NWEA MAP, etc.). We also track socio-economic status (free & reduced lunch status) through our student nutrition system and Special Education data, college application data, and many other critical data points are all tracked through different systems throughout the District. Being able to pull relevant data points from all of these different systems and distill them into a meaningful report or to generate any sort of trend analysis is very consuming. To address this challenge, the District contracted with Schoolzilla to serve as a data warehouse and data analytics tool. As a data warehouse, Schoolzilla serves as a single repository for all of the critical data points that are tracked by the District. The system continuously pulls data from all of our various data systems on a regular basis to ensure that the information is current and up-to-date. Now that most of the data that is in one place, we have begun creating meaningful reports that our administrators and staff can use to make informed decisions. The first two reports that we created were an A-G Tracker and a Student Profile Report. The A-G Tracker was created for our high school counsellors and administrators to monitor students’ progress towards meeting the UC/CSU A-G requirements. The Student Profile report was created to help teachers, counselors and administrators observe student success by showing them data on attendance, grades, discipline, assessment scores, etc. The Student Profile Report is presented as a standardized dashboard for an “at-a-glance” view into a particular student’s progress. The data points displayed in both reports are also dynamic links that will allow staff to explore a deeper understanding of any particular data point. |
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Ivan Chaiez, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, Sean Rozell, Director of Information Technology, and Alex Perez, Data Systems Supervisor, shared a presentation on Schoolzilla which serves as a data warehouse and data analytics tool. As a data warehouse, Schoolzilla serves as a single repository for all of the critical data points that are tracked by the District. The system continuously pulls data from all of NUSD’s various data systems on a regular basis to ensure that the information is current and up-to-date. Now that most of the data is in one place, meaningful reports have been created that administrators and staff can use to make informed decisions.
The first two reports that we created were an A-G Tracker and a Student Profile Report. The A-G Tracker was created for high school counselors and administrators to monitor students’ progress towards meeting the UC/CSU A-G requirements. The Student Profile report was created to help teachers, counselors and administrators observe student success by showing them data on attendance, grades, discipline, assessment scores, etc. The Student Profile Report is presented as a standardized dashboard for an “at-a-glance” view into a particular student’s progress. The data points displayed in both reports are also dynamic links that will allow staff to explore a deeper understanding of any particular data point.
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Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - HR Board Priority/Goal Staff Support, Student Success Objective Provide the Board with information regarding teacher retention data from 2013-2016 for Novato Unified School District (NUSD). Background Teacher retention is critical to any school district; NUSD is no different. With this in mind, teacher retention data is tracked annually. Staff will review teacher retention data from 2013-2016 and discuss efforts to increase teacher retention. Please see the attached document for complete details.
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Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, shared a presentation on teacher retention data from 2013-2016 and discussed efforts to increase teacher retention. Highlights of the presentation included the understanding of past employees perspectives, current employees perspectives, support of current teachers, and finding tools to better understand employee perspectives. The TELL survey will help NUSD to know more about teacher perspectives, and assist with teacher retention.
Public Comment: Aaron Fix, President, Novato Federation Teacher (NFT), commented on the importance of teacher retention.
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2013-2016 Teacher Retention Data Teacher Retention Data PPT
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Leslie Benjamin, Director, Communication and Community Engagement Board Goal/Priority Student Success
Objective To share information on students who did not continue with the Novato Unified School District in the 2016-17 school year. BackgroundEach year there are a number of students who do not return to the Novato Unified School District. Last year, we conducted a survey of only 5th and 8th students who did not return to the District as we wanted to know about the transition from 5th to 6th grade and 8th to 9th grade. We received 42 responses after sending to 85 email addresses representing a 49.4% response rate. This year we surveyed all students who did not return to NUSD for the 2016-17 school year to give us a better idea of students not returning. We sent an email with a survey link to 330 email addresses and received 107 responses, representing a 32% response rate. Attached is a summary of both the 2015 and 2016 Surveys showing what schools the students attended the year before and what school they are currently attending if more than 2 students had moved to that school. Summary of 2016 Results An analysis of the results focusing on the responses that included both the school the student attended and the school the student is now attending, excluding extenuating circumstances and students that moved, 53 students and their families chose not to continue at NUSD. Of those 53, 16 were at the elementary level and 37 at the secondary level. Grade level was not included in this year’s survey so it is unclear at the elementary level whether they left for another elementary school or on to another middle school. (Grade level will be included next year’s survey.) Students at the elementary level are now attending: Good Shepard 7 St. Isabella’s 3 McKinley School 2 River Montessori 1 Marin County Day 1 Marin Christian Academy 1 Marks Day School 1 Some of the reasons given were: - Common Core
- Disappointed in the math curriculum
- Did not feel student was learning
At the secondary level, 37 students did not continue at NUSD and 26 of them were a transition from the 8th to the 9th grade, 4 moved to another middle school, and 7 moved to another high school.
Students at the secondary level are now attending: Marin Catholic 14 Sonoma Academy 5 Redwood High School 4 Branson 2 St. Vincent de Paul 2 The following schools had 1 student each move to that school: Marin School, Marin Academy, St. Ignatius, San Domenico, Our Lady of Loretto, Good Shepard, Novato Charter, and McKinley. Two responses didn’t state school. Some of the reasons given were: - Common Core and math curriculum
- Wanted a challenging environment for their student
- Inconsistent quality of teachers
- Issues with school and system
- College prep environment at new school
Next Steps:
It appears that NUSD is losing students between their 8th and 9th grade year and some are leaving once they’ve entered high school. In addition to the 12 goals outlined in 2016-17 Priorities and Goals, some of the actions NUSD has been taking to strengthen the high schools include: - Increasing the rigor and relevance as demonstrated in the both Novato High and San Marin’s Single Plans for Student Achievement recently presented to the Board.
- Get Focused Stay Focused!
- Developing pathways at both high schools:
- San Marin:STEM, Academies
- Novato High: MSA, No Bells Initiative
Specific areas to address further include: - Continue developing a stronger and deeper relationship with the College of Marin
- Strengthen the extra-curricular activities for more student participation, e.g., speech and debate, mock trial, robotics, sports, etc.
- Review all advanced placement courses and offerings
- Continue to develop curricular pathways
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Leslie Benjamin, Director, Communication and Community Engagement, shared information on students who did not continue with the Novato Unified School District in the 2016-17 school year. An analysis of the results focusing on the responses that included both the school the student attended and the school the student is now attending, excluding extenuating circumstances and students that moved, found that 53 students and their families chose not to continue at NUSD. Of those 53, 16 were at the elementary level and 37 at the secondary level.
It appears that NUSD is losing students between their 8th and 9th grade year and some are leaving once they’ve entered high school. Some of the actions NUSD has been taking to strengthen the high schools include: • Increasing the rigor and relevance as demonstrated in both Novato High and San Marin’s Single Plans for Student Achievement recently presented to the Board. • Get Focused Stay Focused! • Developing pathways at both high schools: o San Marin: STEM, Academies o Novato High: MSA, No Bells Initiative
Specific areas to address further include: • Continue developing a stronger and deeper relationship with the College of Marin • Strengthen the extra-curricular activities for more student participation, e.g., speech and debate, mock trial, robotics, sports, etc. • Review all advanced placement courses and offerings • Continue to develop curricular pathways
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Student Retention Data
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Gladys Batz, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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10-18-16 Regular Minutes Draft
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Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Personnel Actions 11.1.16
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Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - HR Board Priority/Goal Staff Support, Student Success Objective Obtain Board approval of the 2017-2018 school calendar. Background Each year, the Board adopts school calendars for upcoming school years. The District Calendar Committee, which includes teacher, support staff, and administrator representatives, met and considered various drafts of the school calendar. Key considerations during the development of draft calendars include: - Instructional program consistency and delivery
- The best interest of students, instructionally speaking
- Contractual and legal guidelines
- Alignment of student break periods with other Marin County school districts
- Balance in the number of days in each semester
- Selecting Staff Development Days with the least negative impact on ADA, while continuing to provide opportunities for staff collaboration
The Calendar Committee distributes draft calendars to the school sites for review and input and considers all group comments and requests. The majority of stakeholders prefer that the school calendar continues largely in the same form as in recent years. Therefore, the Calendar Committee suggests that the 2017-2018 calendar continues with similar school start and end dates, school breaks and holidays as previous calendars. Funding Source/Cost Not Applicable Recommendation The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the 2017-2018 school calendar. |
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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2017-2018 School Calendar (Draft) 10.31.16 (corrected)
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Kris Cosca, Assistant Superintendent - HR Board Priority/Goal Staff Support, Student Success Objective Obtain Board approval of the Credential Programs Intern 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 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 Credential Programs Intern Agreement with Sonoma State University.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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SSU Intern Agreement 16-17
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Liz Smith, Director of Special Education
BOARD PRIORITY Student Success OBJECTIVE To approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the CoVitality application, software for universal screening that measures the social emotional well-being of students. BACKGROUND Positive psychology screening tools allow us to see where students social-emotional strengths lie. Once identified, these can be used through existing interventions to build resilience to stress. This is a strengths-based way to look at student’s social emotional skills, rather than triaging and diagnosing problems. The group is offering program consultation and the software for the 2016/17 school year at no cost. It is a student driven assessment through any online portal. The projected plan is to have students compete it in one class (5 to 10 minutes). Freshman through seniors will take this at each high school. Karin Jinbo and Lynn Erikson have offered support for administration implementation, systems review and data review for appropriate intervention recommendations. FUNDING SOURCE/COST None RECOMMENDATION The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the CoVitality application, software for universal screening that measures the social emotional well-being of students. |
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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11.01.16 Memorandum of Understanding NUSD-CoVitality
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Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations Board Priority/Goal Student Success Objective To open Fund 12: Child Development Fund to account separately for federal, state, and local revenues to operate child development programs. Background At the April 5, 2016 board meeting it was announced the California Department of Education awarded NUSD a preschool grant to expand the YMCA preschools located at Hamilton K-8, Loma Verde Elementary, Lu Sutton Elementary and Olive Elementary Schools. On June 21, 2016, the Board approved the contract between the YMCA and Novato Unified School District (NUSD) to implement and operate preschool classes at four NUSD elementary school sites. The California School Accounting Manual (CSAM) establishes the Child Development Fund (Fund 12) to account separately revenue received for, or from the operation of, child development services covered under the Child Care and Development Services Act (Education Code Section 8200), and these monies shall be deposited into this fund. The monies may be used only for expenditures for the operation of child development programs. The costs incurred in the maintenance and operation of child development services shall be paid from this fund, with accounting to reflect specific funding sources (Education Code Section 8328). Funding Source/Cost Not applicable. Recommendation The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of Resolution No. 15-2016/17 Authorizing the Opening of Fund 12: Child Development Fund.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Resolution #15 - Open Fund Child Development Fund 11.1.16
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Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent Board Priority/Goal Student Success ObjectiveTo obtain Board of Trustees approval for field trip requests of overnight field trips and trips exceeding 100 miles per Board Policy 6153. BackgroundPer Board Policy 6153: “Board approval shall be required for all trips longer than one hundred miles one way, extending overnight, or requiring a non-budgeted expenditure of over $5.00 per student. The approval will be obtained as far in advance as possible. For extenuating circumstances, when the established timeline cannot be adhered to, the Superintendent or designee may authorize the trip.” The field trips requests for approval include: - Rancho Elementary School – Fourth Grade – Sonora, CA – May 17-19, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Jazz Music – Folsom Jazz Festival –January 27-28, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Theatre – Lenaea Theatre Festival – Folsom, CA - February 10-12, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Theatre – Ohlone College – March 17-18, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Music – Santa Cruz Jazz Festival – March 17-18, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Music – Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival – March 31 – April 1, 2017
- Novato High School – 9-12 Music – Oceanside, CA – April 7-9, 2017
Funding Source/Cost N/A Recommendation Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the above listed (attached) field trip requests.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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1. Field Trip - Rancho - Sonora - May 17-19 2017 2. Field Trip - NHS Folsom Jazz Festival - January 27-28 2017 3. Field Trip - NHS Lenaea Theatre Festival - Feb 10-12 2017 4. Field Trip - NHS Ohlone College - March 17-18 2017 5. Field Trip - NHS Santa Cruz Jazz Festival March 17-18 2017 6. Field Trip - NHS - Monterey Next Generatio Jazz Festival - March 31-April 1 2017 7. Field Trip - NHS Oceanside - Music - April 7-9 2017
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Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations Board Priority/Goal Student Success Objective Obtain Board ratification of warrants issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016. Background Staff has provided a copy of the warrant register, of all funds, for warrants issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 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 October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016 as presented. |
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Trustee Scott requested Consent Agenda Item "10.h." - Ratify Warrant Register for Warrants Issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016 be pulled for clarification on a few of the warrants, and she requested better name identification for each warrant. Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations, gave clarification.
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A motion to approve the Consent Agenda Item "10.h." –
Ratify Warrant Register for Warrants Issued October 11, 2016 through October 24, 2016 passed by a vote of 6-0, 1(Trustee Millerick Absent)
Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Ms. Maria Aguila. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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Warrant Register for Warrants Issues October 11, 2016 to October 24, 2016
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Yancy Hawkins, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations
Board Priority/Goal Student Success / Community Involvement and Engagement Objective Approve gifts or donations in excess of $100 received by the District: 1. Student Services Cash Donation for Canine Drug Program 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: Student Services/$5,000 Recommendation The Superintendent and staff recommend approval of the gift(s) or donation(s) as listed. |
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Shelly Scott and a second by Mr. Gregory Mack. |
Yes Ms. Maria Aguila. Yes Mrs. Debbie Butler. Yes Mr. Thomas Cooper. Yes Mr. Derek Knell. Yes Mr. Gregory Mack. Absent Mr. Ross Millerick. Yes Mrs. Shelly Scott.
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The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. |
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November 15, 2016 | Regular Meeting
| Closed Session 6:30 p.m. Open Session 7:00 p.m.
| District Education Center | December 6, 2016 | Regular Meeting
| Closed Session 6:30 p.m. Open Session 7:00 p.m
| District Education Center | December 20, 2016 | Regular Meeting
| Closed Session 6:30 p.m. Open Session 7:00 p.m | District Education Center |
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AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Gladys Batz, certify that on Friday, October 28, 2016, I caused to be posted a notice of the meeting of the Novato Unified School District Board of Education
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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.
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Present | Ms. Maria Aguila |
Present | Mrs. Debbie Butler |
Present | Mr. Thomas Cooper |
Present | Mr. Derek Knell |
Present | Mr. Gregory Mack |
Absent | Mr. Ross Millerick |
Present | Mrs. Shelly Scott |
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