The meeting this evening lasted about forty minutes. Several community members were present, mostly parents of students receiving Student of the Month awards. The following are meeting highlights from my point of view:
1) Superintendent - Keith Tomes shared information with the school board about an interesting court case pertaining to employee unions, the state budget, and ways the district will improve its use of technology. Regarding the state budget he said that the state is in the process of repaying schools for money borrowed from the education budget during the recession. He cautioned that the current increases in funding seen in education are likely to only be temporary.
2) Elementary Report - Eighty-four percent of parents attended recent parent conferences.
3) Public Comments - Football coach Curtis Boutte thanked local companies for donations to support the high school football team. He also expressed some disappointment that despite a 9-1 win/loss record and advancement to second round of CIF playoffs, that the community does not seem to be showing what he sees as a lot of enthusiasm and support for the football program.
4) Winter Coaches - Positions for basketball season approved with a 4-0 vote.
5) Substitute Teacher - A retired teacher returning as a substitute teacher approved 3-1.
6) Retirement - Current Maintenance/Operations/Transportation (MOT) Foreman retiring effective December 31.
7) New MOT Foreman approved with a 4-0 vote.
8) Service Credit Cost - Mr. Tomes explained retirement incentives being offered to three senior employees. Basically the incentives offered must be less than the amount saved by the district as a result of the retirements. Since new employees come in at a lower point on the pay scale, the district saves a substantial amount of money. This savings justifies the use of retirement incentives and is a requirement for the incentives to be approved by at the county level.
9) Unsatisfactory Behavior - A board member asked that a discussion be held at a future board meeting regarding “U” behavior grades. She feels that a clear policy regarding these grades needs to be considered.
10) California School Board Association Conference - Three board members and the superintendent will be attending a conference in San Diego.
11) Next Regular School Board Meeting: December 10, 2015.