The board meeting this evening lasted a little over an hour. There was a pretty good number of people present at the beginning of the meeting, but the numbers diminished after student awards were presented early in the meeting.
1) Superintendent’s Report - Supt. Keith Tomes provided info on the following topics: a) ROP welding courses for next year are being organized. Equipment is being tested and needed items are being ordered. b) Summer School is in the planning phase. c) PLC (Professional Learning Communities) explained to board with brief overview of how the implementation will work within the district. The most obvious change will be an additional period four days a week at the high school (with time being shaved from other classes). d) LCAP survey to be given to all stakeholders including staff and community.
2) Farewell presentation to Dawn McMillen: History of service, gift, cookies, and punch.
3) One parent spoke during public comments regarding a work experience opportunity provided to her son through the local Elk’s Lodge.
4) Retirement - Three teachers turned in letters of resignation. Their last day of work will be June 4th. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the local teachers’ union for a retirement incentive was ratified with a 4-1 vote. Sandy Sprouse was the only board member to vote against the incentive.
5) Bonus of almost $9000 was paid to Joseph Wolfe who is serving as an Administrative Intern this year and who will serve as high school principal next year. Board President Deana Garrison said that his service went “above and beyond expectations.”
6) Cal STEAM Academy - The board approved a contract agreement with this charter school. A spokesman for the organization promised the district $100k in revenues the first year plus free access to online curriculum for students attending TJUSD, as well as some kind of a scholarship. Deana Garrison expressed some skepticism over the deal, but said she hoped for good results.
7) On-Point Technology - The board approved several invoices with a total cost of $93.4k for installation of equipment in one high school classroom and several elementary classrooms.
8) Handicap Parking - The board directed the district to install three additional handicapped parking spaces in front of the high school. Also they asked that additional spaces be considered at the community pool.
NEXT MEETING: May 12, 2016