Regular Board Meeting Saratoga Union ESD May 09, 2019 6:00PM Redwood Middle School Library
13925 Fruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga, CA 95070
Closed Session - 6:00 p.m. Library Conference Room
Open Session - 7:00 p.m. Redwood Middle School Library
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6:00 PM |
The meeting will be called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President Cynthia Miller. The public is given the opportunity to make community comments on any item on the closed session agenda.
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Board President Cynthia Miller called the meeting to order and asked for comments from the public. There were no comments from the public. |
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Conference with Labor Negotiator Nancy Johnson (Government Code 54954.5).
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7:00 PM |
Board President Cynthia Miller will report out action taken in closed session.
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Board President Cynthia Miller reported out action taken during Closed Session. The Personnel Report and Personnel Report Addendum were approved as presented as follows:
Leave of Absence Shannon Avina, Core Teacher at Redwood Middle School was granted a leave of absence for the 2019-2020 school year.
Marie Umali, Occupational Therapist was granted a leave of absence for the 2019-2020 school year.
Resignation Jennifer Bucher, Special Education Aide at Redwood Middle School is resigning effective June 7, 2019.
Alexander Lee, Teacher at Foothill Elementary School is resigning effective June 7, 2019.
Roberta Zarea, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services is resigning effective June 30, 2019.
Retirement Ramona Paiva, Special Education Instructional Aide at Foothill Elementary School is retiring effective August 12, 2019.
Personnel Report Addendum: Resignation Julia Valdez, Director of Special Education is resigning effective June 30, 2019. |
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Meeting Minutes for 4.4.19
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Meeting Minutes for 4.26.19
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The District contracted with the AEDIS Architects to help select the color scheme and prepare the detailed paint specifications for the Argonaut Exterior Painting and Wayfinding contractor.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Aedis Contract
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Contract with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) for the 2019-20 school year with an option to renew for an additional two (2) years, if terms and conditions are met, for field use at Redwood Middle School for the conduct of games and practices during its season. |
Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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AYSO Contract
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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PO Report for March, 2019
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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District Warrants Report for March, 2019
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Adjustment of "District Administration Schedule - Certificated," to both eliminate the "Director of Educational Services" classification and align the remaining two certificated director positions under one column.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Director of Instructional Technology
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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2019 MOU SVMI Saratoga USD MAC Scoring
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Saratoga Union School District is notifying the public of its intention to dispose of surplus and obsolete instructional materials by donation or sale to an organization that agrees to use the materials for educational purposes.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Declaration of Surplus Property Memo Instructional Materials Inventory List
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Hearing Conservation West Agreement
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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2019-2020 Tinker Quote
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Director of Instructional Technology Blanca Herrera and students who participated on the Student Tech Support Team will share their experiences and projects. Herrera will also recognize the teachers who obtained G Suite Certification during the 2018-2019 school year.
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The Board President will ask members and guests to introduce themselves. |
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The public is given the opportunity to make community comments and announcements appropriate to educational programs and activities not already on the agenda. Please limit remarks to three minutes. |
Redwood Middle School Teacher Pam Dovala made the following comments: When interviewing for positions for the District Office, I would encourage you to interview candidates that have a focus on the middle school experience. We have a unique age group, and a professional staff tied to a particular curriculum. We spend a great amount of time explaining ourselves because we do things differently. We have a senior staff with a great deal of experience. We want to represent our community and students well. I strongly encourage middle school experience.
Redwood Middle School teachers Alexis Nesper and Shannon Avina shared a letter that was sent to the board as follows:
As the Redwood Core department, we would like to bring to your attention an issue that concerns the success of all students. We are informed that the District plans to reduce the number of sections for both 6th and 7th grade Cores for the 2019-2020 school year. Declining enrollment is given as the reason; however, data indicates that more sections are needed - not fewer.
For several years, the class size for Core classes, across all grade levels, has averaged 28 students. Oddly, as enrollment has begun to decline in recent years, our class sizes have slowly crept up, with the mathematical mean jumping from approximately 26 students to now over 29.
A 2016-17 district-wide professional development on Visible Learning, presented by Steve Ventura, focused on the effects of a variety of teaching components and strategies. The highest-ranking effects included behaviors such as teacher feedback, and intervention for students with disabilities. These strategies are difficult if not near impossible, to achieve in large classes of 27-30+ students. The evidence also shows that smaller class sizes reward students and their families with immense social-emotional benefits. Students and teachers achieve more and connect more in smaller classes. Class sizes of 24-25 reap numerous dividends at the middle school level.
A more recent district-wide professional development event focused on stress and anxiety that were shown in the documentary Angst. Mental health professionals were also invited for follow-up questions, and they emphasized the importance of forming supportive relationships and strong connections with others. Increasing class sizes makes it improbable that any teacher could reach every student, which is extremely stressful for us. Cutting sections and increasing class sizes is counter-productive with highly vulnerable middle school students and produces burnout for Core teachers. If the district is serious about mental health, it should care about students and teachers.
Furthermore, continued funding from Measure A states, in part:
"WHEREAS, stable local funding needed to protect neighborhood schools' academic excellence, enhance student success, retain highly qualified teachers, limit class sizes and preserve academic programs; .. . "
Core academic classes like English language arts, literature, and social studies are foundational. Literacy, writing, and understanding one's role in society are essential to effective communication and becoming a global citizen. To develop these skills and be competitive, our students need more individualized attention and more opportunities to participate in a curriculum that includes speaking, listening, and collaborating.
We know that the district budget is complex, yet multiple classes in several departments at Redwood operate with far fewer numbers than in Core. While a well-rounded student is important, it is crucial to prioritize the life-long value of what students learn in Core.
The Core department is also aware that the District intends to hire an ELA/ELD TOSA. One possible solution to the challenges faced by the District is to instead consider that we may better serve students by increasing section numbers and reducing class sizes, rather than hiring a TOSA. As highly trained and veteran staff, Redwood Core teachers do not foresee any special projects or textbook adoptions for which a TOSA would be immediately necessary. These funds would be better spent in ways that directly serve students on a daily basis, allowing for increased and high-quality student-teacher contact and student engagement.
Teachers at Redwood, new and old, know what an exceptional place it is. As a Core department, we would appreciate insight into why class sizes now have to be maintained at such high numbers, and why there is a need for sections to be dropped.
Please consider our concerns. We want what is best for our students.
Sincerely, the entire RMS Core Department Shannon Avina Elizabeth Belles James Conn Pam Demertzis Pam Dovala Amy Duren Scott Galet Susan Kim Josh Marks Alexis Nesper Eve Roux Kathleen Schelhorse
Redwood Middle School Core teacher Josh Marks made the following comments: I have been teaching here for almost 20 years and I have loved working here. The only reason why I wouldn't stay is because of burnout. I have developed close relationships with my students. When they become adults, they become my friends. They mean a lot to me. I want that to continue. I hope you will make sure that this does continue and I think my fellow core teachers feel exactly the same way. I hope that you want there to be senior core teachers. We end up with class sizes at 30 or over. We are so math-obsessed that we don't think about what core teachers do. There is a great deal of work and we can't keep that going with large class sizes. |
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Saratoga Teachers Association Vice-President Sandy Waite-Lopez reminded everyone about the SUSD Retirement Party on May 30. We hope to see everyone there. |
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Superintendent Nancy Johnson made the following comments: This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we certainly do appreciate our teachers. You have been receiving love notes and gifts from students and it is well-deserved.
We are thrilled to announce that our parcel tax seems to be passing by 72.13% with a few ballots still coming in. I would like to thank Sumangala Prasad and Jessica Yan for their co-chairing work and all of the committee members who helped with calling and precinct walks as well as getting the word out.
Recent standout events at our school sites include the Argonaut community carnival held recently.
A shout-out to Foothill parent Harvey Wang; he and his crew repaired and rebuilt things at Foothill recently. The results are outstanding.
The Redwood robotics team are the winners of the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant of $5000, to be used for a school improvement project next year.
The Saratoga International night last weekend was wonderful. It was great to see so many families turn out on a Saturday evening. |
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Board Member Sophia Kao made the following comments At our recent Board Office hours we heard from core teachers here at Redwood about class sizes I attended the SMB pancake breakfast at the high school I enjoyed the SEF Leadership appreciation night We are very grateful to see that Measure A was passed; thank you to the community.
Board President Cynthia Miller made the following comments: The core teachers here at Redwood came to speak with us during Board Office Hours. We did receive the letter that was sent last Friday. I am doing some background research before we respond.
Clerk of the Board Arati Nagaraj made the following comments: I attended the RMS SEF Jog-a-thon; kudos to parents and students I also attended the SEF Leadership event I attended the Saratoga Rotary Art Show with art work displayed by all of our schools I had a great time at the SMB Pancake breakfast I was able to attend the internet safety seminar held recently at Foothill. About 20 parents attended with good conversation
Board Member Phyllis Tung made the following comments: I visited an RMS Math class and was able to see the marble launch project. It was an awesome project. Kids were having a good time explaining their project. The Argonaut carnival was a great community event The Saratoga International Festival had great food and eye-catching displays and performances. My son and I had a great time. I would like to learn more about the process for selecting the volunteer of the year and staff of the year. Parents would like to hear more about the process as well. |
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Saratoga Classified Employees of the Year were introduced as follows:
Redwood Middle School - Deb Dallas Argonaut Elementary School - Bridget Parr Foothill Elementary School - Ramona Paiva Saratoga Elementary School - Stella Pak District Office - Patti Wareham Child Nutrition - Sue Westphal Maintenance, Operations & Facilities - Carols Jiron
Saratoga Teachers of the Year were introduced as follows: Redwood Middle School - Alexis Nesper Argonaut Elementary School - Matt Weber Foothill Elementary School - Connie Weber Saratoga Elementary School - Judy Wolthausen
Judy Wolthausen was selected to represent the Saratoga Union School District at the Santa Clara County Office of Education celebration in September. |
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The meeting was adjourned for a brief recess. |
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The meeting was reconvened to Open Session. |
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Director of Instructional Technology Blanca Herrera will present an EdTech Plan update.
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Director of Instructional Technology Blanca Herrera presented an edtech plan update. Please see the attached presentation for more information.
Teachers on Special Assignment Doris Watson and Julie Orlando presented information about district-wide makerspaces.
Board Member Sophia Kao stated that going through the Edtech plan process was a lot of work. Kao discussed an overview of the seven standards over the course of six years. Herrera stated that we are on track with the work on these standards by all teachers. The BrightBytes survey data the board will see in June will give more information.
Kao expressed interest in updating the Edtech plan and revisiting priorities as we move through the seven standards. Herrera stated that we are looking at ways to measure all of the items. We have to create a metric and let teachers know what that is. I do an EdTech plan review every spring with principals and teachers. We also discuss what is coming up and what professional development will be needed by teachers to move forward.
Kao asked if we can discuss re-calibrating this table and referring back to it yearly. The reason we are making progress in innovative design is because we have this goal in our LCAP. Herrera stated that we do reflect and revisit yearly but we also want to give teachers time to fully embrace what we are asking them to do with each standard. Superintendent Nancy Johnson stated that we also want our teachers to do the professional development that goes with each of these ITSE Standards. We need time to do that throughout the school year.
Clerk of the Board Arati Nagaraj stated that we are looking at the students and need proper metrics. If we can update this chart, we can show what we projected and what is actual.
The board discussed the need to have the chart on page 17 updated to reflect where teachers are at this time.
Board President Cynthia Miller asked there is an identified set of things that need to be bought, technology-wise. We have made an investment in various types of devices. I don't have a good sense of what we are missing. Other than replacement, what is on our priority list? Herrera stated that for this year, we were focusing on getting Chromebooks set up for Grades 1-8 and iPads for TK and K. The trends that I'm seeing in general is for the displays - multiple TVs for projection of presentations, interactive displays, etc. Some teachers are working with these but we'd like to give teachers time to be comfortable with what they have in their classrooms right now.
Miller confirmed that we are in a "replacement mode" right now. Herrera stated that we did one big replacement recently and will be doing another one in the summer. We will be replacing a number of carts at Redwood on an ongoing basis.
Kao stated that in February there was discussion on cybersecurity. Where are we at with that? Herrera stated that I am working to set this up for our staff as an online course with learning modules.
Board member Phyllis Tung asked what the plan is to have balanced use of technology in the district. Herrera stated that it is mostly about helping teachers use technology in the classroom when it is appropriate. Learning comes first, technology second. |
Approved EdTech Plan EdTech Update
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District Consultant Trinette Marquis will present information regarding the communication survey given to District families in January, 2019.
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District Consultant Trinette Marquis presented information regarding the district communications survey done in January, 2019. Please see the attached report for specific information.
Clerk of the Board Arati Nagaraj stated that from the time we started this work until now, I am grateful for the progress being made. We had started things but there was always something else going on. We have to help our audience take ownership of the information as well.
Marquis stated that you do want to tell people that they should read everything, but you also have to meet people where they are. How do we redesign information to help people better consume it?
Board member Sophia Kao stated that this is one of our LCAP goals and we are making great progress. I am glad that our district is doing relatively well in many different categories. I am also grateful that we have Grace Jens helping us with this. I learned a great deal from your presentation. There is great advice and practical steps for us to follow.
Nagaraj stated that when you talk about texting, I think we have to think about our changing demographics and what platforms they use. Certain platforms are used by certain groups. How do we think about shifting strategies and platforms to reach these folks?
Board member Phyllis Tung stated there is a trend about listening more. Online communication is not face-to-face. I want to learn more about how we can listen to our parents more. Marquis stated that there is a lot of listening going on in your district. It isn't good enough to just listen, however. People want to be told that you listened, what you learned and what has changed as a result of your listening. |
Communication Survey Presentation
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The Board President will call for a 10 minute recess. |
The meeting was adjourned for a brief recess. |
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The Board President will call the meeting back into Open Session.
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The meeting was reconvened to Open Session. |
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Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Roberta Zarea will present an annual update on the District's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).
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Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Roberta Zarea presented an update on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Please see the attached report for specific information.
Zarea stated that we are working closely with the Santa Clara County Office of Education in developing the annual update and goals for next year. This report is still a work in progress.
Board member Sophia Kao asked about the local indicators. Zarea stated that we analyze ourselves in the different areas and assign a number of 1-5. We look at the different areas and assess ourselves according to our curriculum framework, which is a timeline of where we are at in our district. This helps us to prioritize. Superintendent Nancy Johnson stated that there are many conditions that we have to work under. In history/social science we are still looking at our options.
Kao stated that some of our LCAP goals were reported on this evening, which is great.
Kao stated that we do a candid self-reflection and we do have certain areas where we are not meeting our goals. How do we prioritize this for next year? Zarea stated that it is a work in progress, flexible and tied to the metrics as well as stakeholder input that we receive. |
LCAP Draft
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete will present Argonaut painting project information for board review and approval of a contract for Satellite Painting, Inc.
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Staff recommends approval of Satellite Painting, Inc. to paint the exterior and wayfindings at Argonaut Elementary School.
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Staff recommends approval of Satellite Painting, Inc. to paint the exterior and wayfindings at Argonaut Elementary School. Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Ms. Sophia Kao. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete reported on the exterior paint and wayfinding project that will be done at Argonaut Elementary School this summer.
We received five bids with an open bid process. The lowest was Satellite Painting, who has done work with other districts and has worked with Saratoga High School as well. We have received good recommendations about this company.
We will work around the special education buildings and the clubhouse this summer.
We feel comfortable recommending this company to handle this task for us. |
Contractor Approval For AES Exterior Paint & Wayfinding Project
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete will present the Food Management Services contract for board review and approval of Sodexo, America, Inc. to these services for the 2019-20 school year and an option to renew for an additional four (4) years. District staff prepared the bid packet for the project, which was reviewed and approved by the California Department of Education (CDE). The bid was posted in February and the District received only one (1) bid from Sodexo America, Inc. The CDE has reviewed and approved this process.
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Staff recommends approval of Sodexo America, Inc. to provide food service management services for the 2019-20 school year with an option to renew for an additional four (4) years. |
Staff recommends approval of Sodexo America, Inc. to provide food service management services for the 2019-20 school year with an option to renew for an additional four (4) years. Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Mrs. Phyllis Tung. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete stated that we ran the RFP and had the mandatory walk-through. Sodexo was the only bid that came in.
We are happy to present a new contract with Sodexo, who we have had a long-term relationship with. We are not required to go out for an RPF for five years. This is a one-year contract with four potential annual renewals. The cost is slightly higher. They are also taking on the cost of replacing the Point of Sale (POS) system, which is an added benefit of the contract.
Board member Sophia Kao asked if this is the same contract as before. Aldrete stated that the terms are the same but the POS (both online and the system at the school sites) was something we asked them to add. The terms will not change for five years.
Kao asked about the total number of students taking food items (breakfast, lunch and al a carte). Aldrete stated that she will find out that number and report back to the board. Representatives from Sodexo will come to our June board meeting to report on work done throughout the year.
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Sodexo Contract
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete will present and request approval of Resolution 471.5-19, the Education Protection Account for 2018-2019.
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Passed with a motion by Mrs. Arati Nagaraj and a second by Ms. Sophia Kao. |
Absent Mr. Eric Cao. Yes Ms. Sophia Kao. Yes Mrs. Cynthia Miller. Yes Mrs. Arati Nagaraj. Yes Mrs. Phyllis Tung.
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Chief Business Official Jean Aldrete presented Resolution 471.5-19 for board discussion and approval.
The resolution was approved in a roll call vote. |
2018-19 EPA Resolution
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The board will review future agenda items. |
The board discussed future agenda items.
Add: LCAP Federal Addendum (June) Process of selecting volunteers of the year (August) |
Board Meeting Matrix 2018-2019
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The Board will discuss upcoming board-related responsibilities and activities.
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The board discussed upcoming board activities.
Special Board Meetings: Monday, May 20 at 3:30 p.m. May 28 at 4 p.m. or May 29 at 8 a.m.
Events: May 15 – Redwood Middle School Open House May 16 – All elementary schools Open House May 17 - Paul Robinson Retirement Party May 30 - SUSD Retirement Party |
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The meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m. |
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Absent | Mr. Eric Cao |
Present | Ms. Sophia Kao |
Present | Mrs. Cynthia Miller |
Present | Mrs. Arati Nagaraj |
Present | Mrs. Phyllis Tung |
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