1) Elementary AVID - Two teachers from the elementary school shared with the board how they use AVID in their classrooms. One teacher talked about how AVID is used at the second grade level and the second teacher (with the assistance of two students) explained how fifth graders benefit from the AVID program. Later in the meeting, BTW, the board approved the contract with the AVID organization for the 2014/2015 school year.
2) Board Member Comments - One board member had good things to say about bus cameras. Other board members talked about the Centennial Celebration and another talked about youth basketball. Regarding the Centennial Celebration it was reported that it was very successful. Not only did a large number of people participate, but various organizations raised a fair amount of money during the event. For instance, it was stated that over $400 was raised at the ice cream social that was held at the Trona Airport.
3) Superintendent's Report - Supt. Olney reported that the Parent Project has been a success and that the twelve-week course is now over. He also talked about the WASC accreditation process and said that two self-study meetings have been completed. Additionally he mentioned that several teachers attended the recent Computer Using Educators Conference and that he will meet with them and a few other staff members to discuss technology-related ideas that should be considered for implementation in the district.
4) Negotiations - An item having to do with health insurance benefits has been added to the list of items to be discussed during contract negotiations with the teaching staff.
5) Public Comment - A community member announced that 18 students will be participating in the JR Olympics next Saturday (April 12) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cerro Coso Junior College.
6) Baseball Coach - Approved by a vote of 3-1. The single nay vote was cast by Sandy Sprouse. The missing board member was Trisha Funke who was present for most of the meeting, but who had to step out for a few minutes. (I believe she was making an appearance at the final Parent Project meeting.)
7) Facility Master Plan - The board approved (4-0) a contract with an architectural firm. The firm will assess facilities, conduct a consolidation study, and create a master plan for improvements. The total cost will be well over $20k, but the report will provide a thorough list of maintenance, demolition, upgrades, and modernizations which enable the district to deal with facilities issues in an organized and cost-effective manner.
8) Board Policies and Administrative Regulations - Ten policies and regulations were introduced for the board to consider. Some discussion regarding each of these items took place, but no action was taken. The items can be grouped into the following categories:
A) Athletics - Job descriptions for athletic director and head coach of high school sports. (2 items)
B) Technology/Social Media - Policies related to district-sponsored social media and employee use of technology. (4 items) The focus here was primarily on the use of social media as it relates to classrooms and sports teams. Coaches and teachers will be required to get permission to create such social media sites and the sites will be required to post information such as disclaimers and policies regarding inappropriate language and that sort of thing. In fact, a list of eight items which each official district social media platform shall display was presented. Also discussed were policies relevant to appropriate employee behavior on such sites.
C) Nondiscrimination/Harassment - The focus here was gender, gender identity, and gender expression. (4 items) Basically language was added to existing policies and regulations address these issues as per either state or federal requirements. For instance, the following passage is included in one of the Administrative Regulations:
Determining a Student's Gender Identity: The Coordinator shall accept the student's assertion unless district personnel present a credible basis for believing that the student's assertion is for an improper use.
The coordinator would be the superintendent in our district. Board members asked for clarification several times regarding the implications of this policy. For instance, under what circumstances would a biological male be permitted to play on the girls' softball team or possibly use the girls' restroom. Obviously this is a controversial and sensitive issue.
NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING: May 8, 2014