Special Meeting

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[1] Elisa Martinez: I believe we are now live. Okay. Okay. Good evening and welcome to the Tuesday, July 14th special meeting of the Newark Unified Board of Education. And before I asked Ms. Castellon to to call roll call. I would like to make an announcement that board member Lucia Gutierrez has submitted her resignation effective yesterday, Monday the 13th. So I wanted to make sure if there was a void in the roll call, folks knew why. Of course, we will be agendizing at a later meeting next steps with regard to that open position. Okay, and with that, Ms. Castellon, can you please call roll call, please?

[59] SPEAKER_27: President Martinez? Here. Member Nguyen?

[64] SPEAKER_26: Here.

[66] SPEAKER_27: Member Zhang?

[67] Guadalupe Lopez: Here.

[69] SPEAKER_27: And Member Rodriguez? I believe he may be absent at the moment.

[74] Elisa Martinez: He sounds like he's running a little late. He had a Mission Valley ROP meeting, so hopefully he'll join us in closed session. We'll announce as such once he joins.

[86] SPEAKER_27: And that is everybody.

[88] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much. So the next item is the approval of the agenda. Before we move to approve the agenda, are there any modifications anyone would like to make or clarifications?

[101] Bowen Zhang: I don't want to ask the superintendent, Dr. Triplett about, we got an email from one of our community members talking about whether we can do the executive cabinet salary schedule special or meeting. Any response to that?

[119] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, thank you, member Zhen. Yeah, we actually want to pull agenda item, I believe it's 6.9. Okay. from the agenda in response to that.

[134] Elisa Martinez: Very good, thank you. So we will be pulling item 6.9. Any other modifications or questions, clarifications? Okay. with that, I will ask for a motion and a second to approve the agenda. Aziz minus. I'm sorry. Not as is minus item 16 6.9.

[162] Phuong Nguyen: I moved to approve the agenda minus item 6.9.

[169] Bowen Zhang: Seconded.

[170] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Remember when moves members on My vote is an aye as well. Motion carries. And Ms. Castellon, do we have public comment on closed session items?

[192] SPEAKER_27: No, there are no public comments on closed session items. OK.

[195] Elisa Martinez: OK, very good. And so with that, we will recess to closed session, and we will rejoin you shortly. Thank you so much.

[281] Ray Rodriguez: How do I turn off my camera?

[289] SPEAKER_27: Member Rodriguez, there should be where it says start video.

[964] Ray Rodriguez: So maybe I've hit the wrong one. Just to open. Okay. So I need a closed session one.

[4525] Elisa Martinez: Go. Hello. Can you hear me? Sorry. Thank you. All right. Do we have. Remember when are you on? So we'll have to wait another minute unless.

[4563] Bowen Zhang: She's actually on she's not being promoted.

[4566] Elisa Martinez: Okay, so if we can promote Member Nguyen and Member Rodriguez. Okay, there's Member Nguyen. And I know Member Rodriguez and I quickly accidentally jump onto the previous link that had been sent.

[4602] SPEAKER_33: So let's see.

[4610] Elisa Martinez: Let me just reach out to him very quickly. Okay, there he's coming on. Thank you for your patience, everyone. Member Rodriguez, are you on? Okay, there he is. Okay, very good. Thank you so much. Apologize for the delay. Quite a quite a bit in closed session. So thank you so much for your patience. So with that, we reconvene the meeting, the open session meeting of special meeting of July 14. A couple of announcements. Just as a reminder, we are streaming live via Zoom and also YouTube. So thank you, IT. I know we've had some issues with our YouTube streaming, so thank you so much for getting us back on. The second announcement that I actually made at the beginning of the of the meeting was that I wanted to announce that member Lucia Gutierrez has submitted her resignation as board trustee effective yesterday, July 13th. So I wanted to make sure I got those announcements out. And as a reminder, I know we do have some public comment coming up. So just as a reminder, Ms. Castellon will be reading those and we will be limiting the two, three-minute comments. Okay, and with that, I will ask everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and I've been trying to coerce my young son to help me with that. Come here, son. Oops, did I hit you? It's okay, we do it together. Ready? One, two, three. I pledge allegiance to the flag

[4748] SPEAKER_20: of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[4761] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much. OK. All right. Great job. So moving on to, can you hear me OK? I took my headphones out. Is that OK? Okay, so moving on to reporting on closed session items. I do have a couple of items to report on. And I know there's some particular language. So if you give me a minute. Okay. And we did the board did take action to dismiss to dismiss a certified, certificated employee effective June 29. And The vote was unanimous. The motion was made by Member Zhang and seconded by Member Nguyen. Also, I failed to announce that Member Rodriguez did join us, Ms. Castellon, for closed session just for roll call purposes. Okay, thank you. Okay, the second item. The reportable item, there were other discussion points, but the second reportable item is around item 2.8. And the specific language, and this is something that we discussed with our attorney, just I know sometimes there are questions about the appropriateness of the report out. So I just wanna be very clear that we did seek guidance. So in closed session, with a motion made by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Nguyen, the board unanimously voted in favor of approving the agreement and release of claims with NEWMA classified management, supervisory, and confidential employees, in which the employees each agreed to release claims related to compensation and accrual of vacation time to date and reset their vacation to 10 days in exchange for payment. The amounts are as follows. Give me one second. So for Ms. Susan Condon, the total payout will be $39,139.79. For Ms. Laura Johnson, the payout will be $45,254.90. For Ms. Julie Radcliffe, the payout will be $54,209.92. For Ms. Jessica Ricketts, the payout will be $15,224.56. For Ms. Deborah Romero, the payout will be $43,852.62. For Ms. Mary Sayers, the payout will be $36,691.17. For Ms. Monique Castellon, the payout will be $2,946.07. For Ms. Kathy Hayes, the payout will be $3,264.88. For Ms. Michelle Oliveira, the payout will be $3,194.13. And for Ms. Debbie Platko, the payout will be $4,569.25. The total payout for the settlement is $248,147.28. So those are the couple of reportable actions that we took in closed session. All right, and with that, we move on to item 4.1, superintendent report.

[5030] SPEAKER_15: Perfect. Thank you, President Martinez, members of the board, staff and community. It's. So are you OK, President Martinez? Okay, good. It's a pleasure to be with you tonight. My name is Mark Triplett, I'm the superintendent, the new superintendent of Newark Unified. Muy buenas tardes a todos. Mi nombre es Mark Triplett, el superintendente del distrito. So not a whole lot to report Because we're going to hear more of some things later on and new business, but I did want to say that in my first week of week and a half of being superintendent, I've had the pleasure of meeting with. many of the incredible staff that we have both here at the central office, but also at some of the school sites. In particular, I've been visiting some of the school facilities and have had a chance to see some of the work that the custodians have been doing to prepare for the for the fall and just want to acknowledge them and how hard they've been working to really make sure that our facilities are clean and safe and ready for whatever does happen in the fall. And then also wanted to just report out I had the pleasure of going to the Child Nutrition food service headquarters on the other day and had a really good session working with some of the food service folks. What an incredible team that Ms. Sayers has. There's Sean, sorry, there's Oh, Denise, Gabino, Mario, Maria, other Maria, Steve, Teresa, Wiza, and Sarah, all who have been working all summer long to ensure that we're getting out food to our families and our kids. To date in June, you may already know, but in June 45 over 45,000 meals were served in June to our families and in July, thus far over 13,000 meals have been served both Mondays and Wednesdays 11 to 12. And that's at Schilling Central Kitchen and at the junior high. So just wanted to really acknowledge them and the work that they've been doing. And they are now gearing up for providing even more food service in the fall, regardless of how we return, how we return in the fall. So those are the two major highlights. And I'll leave the rest to staff reports and new business.

[5208] SPEAKER_27: I apologize, I got kicked off.

[5211] Elisa Martinez: Are you back on? Okay, thank you. We did get it. Okay.

[5217] SPEAKER_10: Superintendent Triplett, I think you also have a special announcement also within your report of an introduction.

[5236] SPEAKER_15: I'm sorry, is this the point where I can introduce our new executive assistant?

[5241] SPEAKER_36: No, this is a time where we can introduce our new principal for Kennedy Elementary, as the board remembers. Mr. Soria, Jamie Soria, was appointed at the last board meeting of June 18th. And tonight he's here to join us and introduce himself to the board and to our community.

[5261] SPEAKER_15: Thank you. And before he jumps on, thanks for refreshing my memory. No worries. My pleasure. So the board, just a reminder, the board already did approve this, but it wasn't an opportunity to meet him in person. And I just want to say how excited I am for Jamie to come on board. We were really impressed by the interview, his energy, his warmth. his enthusiasm and his experience. So I'll turn it over to him, but just wanted to wish an official welcome.

[5297] SPEAKER_21: Thank you and good evening, Superintendent Triplett, the board and fellow new work team. My name is Jaime Soria and it's OK, I get Jamie all the time. Yeah, I get Jamie all the time, but I'll forgive you for now. We have time to learn it. Yeah, I know. I know. Trust me. I don't need to speak Spanish, but it's Jaime. I'm just excited, you know, to join the new work team, specifically Kennedy Elementary. Just a little bit about myself. I've been in the Bay Area working three and a half years, most recently as the principal for an elementary school in San Mateo Foster City School District. I also was the assistant principal in Milpitas. Before moving to the bay. I worked in the Central Valley as an AP and I taught nine years and loved every many of it. You know, I'm just really looking forward to working with the district and Kennedy elementary staff, whether it be at school in person or at home like zoom or Google meets You know, I just can't wait. Can't wait to meet the community, the families, and especially the students, you know, when it is safe to do so. Currently, I'm just enjoying a little summer break, and I hope you guys are as well. You know, I just want to thank you for the opportunity, and I'm honored to join the team. So thank you.

[5378] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you and welcome.

[5382] Phuong Nguyen: Excited to have you. We're going to put you to work, don't worry.

[5390] Ray Rodriguez: Can I say something?

[5393] Elisa Martinez: Absolutely.

[5395] Ray Rodriguez: Mr. Sarria, it's so great to have you join our excellent team of administrators and our community. You'll find that the Kennedy Elementary community, like all our schools, is a very tight-knit community. And I think that you'll find that They're all about getting our kids the best education possible, and we're happy to have you. You're following in the footsteps of Ms. Hughes, who was with us over 20 years as an administrator and also as a teacher, and you got big shoes to fill, and I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to do it. Welcome to Newark, Mr. Soria.

[5434] SPEAKER_21: Thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome.

[5437] Elisa Martinez: Yes, Mr. Soria, we're very excited. We've had great folks there, but I'm sure you bring a lot of energy and excitement. And so again, we're very, very happy to have you. So I look forward to helping out any which way we can. So thank you.

[5452] SPEAKER_21: Appreciate it.

[5453] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, everyone. Superintendent Triplett. Anything else?

[5459] SPEAKER_15: Thank you. No, that's all. I think we're ready to move on to staff reports.

[5465] Elisa Martinez: Fantastic. Okay. And with that, we move to item 5.1, which is the state budget update. Is that Ms. Dela Cruz?

[5476] Marie dela Cruz: Yes. Thank you, President Martinez and members of the board. I am going to share my screen.

[5483] SPEAKER_20: Okay.

[5496] Marie dela Cruz: So as you know, the state enacted the budget, the governor signed the budget, and it's significantly different than the May revise, which is great news. I'm gonna go over a few of the highlights of the budget with you. First of all, starting with the deferrals, we talked about how one of the strategies that the state was using to save money is to delay the payments that they make to the school districts. So for the enacted budget, instead of only four deferred months, they've added two more months to the deferrals. And the total deferrals is going to be 11.1 billion. And if there's additional federal money that comes in, they may adjust the deferrals. So in terms of our district, what we would be doing to help us with these delayed payments is to use what's known as inner fund borrowing. So we do have enough funds in our other funds that we will be able to borrow up to 85% to get us through these deferrals. In terms of the local control funding formula, the LCFF, this was one of the major changes. As you recall, the governor was proposing a 10% cut. The enacted budget only includes no cuts except for we did not get COLA. So in essence, that is a little bit of a cut because we were hoping to get the cost of living adjustment. But we are happy that it brings it back to the 19-20 levels in terms of the base grants, which we get anywhere from $7,702 per ADA to $9,329. For the categorical programs, they were proposing to cut about 50%. So the budget now does not have those cuts, which is great news for our adult education program. They will not have any cuts there or in the special education So in terms of ADA, we are being held to the 19-20 levels, which is also great news for us. However, for districts that are growing, this is not the best news for them. But because we are what's known as declining enrollment, it does help us. It doesn't change that much because we've always had that option of using either the current year's projections or the previous years, depending on which one was higher. So for us, this hold harmless is also good news. They are suspending the PE minutes requirements. The instructional days stay the same. And let's see, because none of these requirements are waivable by the State Board of Education. So for instruction in the 2021 school year, the new budget provides three options for providing instruction in 2021. We could go in-person instruction, distance learning, or hybrid instruction model. And there was some clarification as to the intent of the budget in terms of LEAs districts providing flexibility in developing instructional models, but they want us to provide in person instruction to the greatest extent possible. So distance learning is very similar to independent study. In terms of the accounting and methodology, but it's not the same. Instructional minutes are measured depends on the type of instruction that we provide for in classroom. The minutes are going to be based on the time spent under the physical supervision of the teacher and the distance learning. The minutes are based on the time value of assignments. And so for school days when students receive both in-person and distance learning, the time account would be based on immediate supervision combined with the time value of the assignment. So in terms of distance learning, our districts can offer under one of two circumstances, either on a district-wide or school-wide level as a result of the guidance from the state or local public officer. And it doesn't require that we get authorization from the public health official. But distance learning should be part of an instructional model that adheres to the most recent available public orders provided. And for those students who are medically fragile or would be put at risk by in-person instruction or who are self-quarantining because of COVID-19, at-risk by in-person instruction right now is undefined, so it's open to interpretation by the student's parent or guardian, and there's no requirement for any medical note or verification. And if we are using distance learning, our districts must do the following for every student. We have to track and monitor the students' daily engagement in distance learning. We have to keep a weekly record documenting the students' engagement each school day and verify their participation and track their assignments. We have to communicate regularly with our parents and our guardians regarding the students' progress and develop written procedures for re-engaging students who are absent from distance learning for more than three school days or 60% of the instruction days in a week. So every district has to adopt a distance learning plan. And it has to describe how we will ensure our student access and participation, staff training, et cetera. The requirements include daily live interaction with students, academic supports for students, that are not performing at grade level, accommodations for special education students, integrated instruction for English learners, and meals for students that are eligible for free and reduced price meal. There will be penalties included in our apportionment that could be withheld by the SPI, which is the Superintendent of Public Instruction, but no penalties before September 1st of 2020. One-time funding is a big part of the governor's enacted budget. $5.3 billion in one-time Federal CARES Act is going to be allocated to mitigate learning loss. So $4.4 billion is coming from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. Almost $540 million from the State General Fund, which is an additional amount that the governor added. and $355 million from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund. The funds are going to be allocated in three ways. So as you recall, at the May revise, they were going to allocate based on only concentration grant, which we were just below the threshold. But they changed that now to where it's going to be based on supplemental and concentration grant allocation. So we are now qualified to receive funding under this allocation formula. And then there's going to be another one and a half billion on special ed, which I mean, it's the same as it was in May revise. And then an additional $980 million he added based on our LCFF allocation. So for our district, this is about $2 to $3 million that we're hoping we can also use to offset some of our current expenses, as well as address our students to help them with learning loss. And the requirements for the expenditures and eligible uses is going to depend on the source of the funding. But the one thing to keep in mind is the period in which we have to spend the money, and for the most part, The money has to be spent between March through December 30, 2020. And the money could be used for learning supports that begin prior to the start of the year. If we extend our instructional school year by increasing our number of instructional minutes, any additional academic services for students, including devices and connectivity. and integrated student supports to address other barriers to learning. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, the ESSER Fund, this was the funding that was based on our Title I allocation. It's about $400,000 for our district. And this remained in the budget as well. In terms of the accountability, when we look at the LCAP, there is no standard LCAP for 2021. However, there is a new form being referred to as the continuity plan. It's the learning continuity and attendance plan. If you notice, it's also the acronym LCAP. So this is the new LCAP that has to be completed by September 30th. We have to hold two public hearings, two separate times, and it needs to spell out how we're going to use the federal funding that's being provided in the budget. The plan has to describe how the state federal and learning loss mitigation funds will be used to provide continuity of learning and address the impact of the COVID-19 on pupils, staff, and the community. And we have to address the following areas in terms of distance learning, learning loss, mental health, social emotional well-being of our students, professional development, people engagement and outreach in school nutrition. And we have to describe how we are increasing or improving services in proportion to our unduplicated students. Special education was reduced a little bit instead of the 645 per ADA that was proposed at May revise, it's down to 625. But this is still going to be a big help for our district. and reduce the contribution from our general fund. Employer contribution rates, we're getting some relief for the next couple of years. You can see that they were able to reduce the rates about 2% each year. But in the third year out, beginning in 2022-23, they'll be 3% higher on the average. School nutrition, there's some additional funding to help with the reimbursement. There's an additional 75 cents per reimbursement. And there's waivers through the end of the 2021 school year to give the districts the flexibility to provide meals to free and reduced price students that are engaged in this. There's a provision in the enacted budget that addresses layoffs prohibits summer layoffs for certificated staff, non-management, doesn't apply to administrative or supervisory certificated employees, and it also prohibits layoffs for classified staff in the areas of child nutrition, transportation, or custodial services for the period of July 1st, 2020 through June 30th, 2021. This just gives you a visual of the deferrals on how our payments will be delayed. For example, if you look at, it's already started. The June payment that we were supposed to receive has been delayed to July. And then the next delay will be in February, which we won't receive until November of the following year. And then March payment, we won't see until October of the following year. And then the April payment, in September of the following year, and the May payment in August, and then finally the June payment we won't see until July. So the distance learning plan just gives a little bit more information on what we need to adopt and what needs to be included. how our district will provide the continuity of instruction to ensure our students have access to full curriculum, how our plan will ensure instructional continuity for students if transition between in-person and distance learning is necessary, ensuring access to devices and connectivity, and how we will measure participation and assess student progress. Professional development and resources will be provided to staff and if there's any new roles and responsibilities of affected staff, and what additional supports for people with unique needs will be provided. The program requirements, there's several requirements that need to be included in our distance learning programs. Daily live interaction for students with teachers and peers for purposes of instruction. Academic and other supports for students who are not performing at grade level or need additional services. Special education and related services to accommodate necessary IEPs. Designate and integrate instruction in English language for English learners, including assessments of English language proficiency. And providing nutritionally adequate meals for free and reduced price eligible students. There's some penalties if we do not meet those requirements. The SPI, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, is required to withhold part of our LCFF apportionment if we fail to comply with any of these student engagement requirements. If a student fails to participate daily, either in-person instruction or distance learning, that student will be deemed absent and will be required to document that absence and report. for purposes of chronic absenteeism rates in our LCAP. Some flexibility that have been extended to our district to help us through some of the cuts is the hardship deferral exemptions and authority to use some of the proceeds from the sale of surplus property for one-time general fund purposes. Increasing our Interfund borrowing limits from 75% to 85% and excluding our state pension payments on behalf from our calculation from routine restricted maintenance. And that's all I have.

[6515] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Ms. Dela Cruz. Any questions from the board? Any comments? That was very thorough. I had the opportunity to listen in when the report was given, so thank you. I think that there's just a lot of moving pieces. I think that's really helpful for everyone to, to all of us to understand as we move into the next section, which is the actual planning, right? So I thought that was very helpful. Any questions or comments?

[6544] Marie dela Cruz: A lot of information, but I think it's necessary for the board to understand and to educate the board on all the different requirements that were built into this budget.

[6558] Elisa Martinez: Absolutely. Any other questions or comments?

[6563] Phuong Nguyen: Thank you, Ms.dela Cruz. I don't have any comments. Thank you.

[6570] Elisa Martinez: Okay, um, so with that, if there are no other comments, we will move on to new business. However, before we move on, actually, sorry. Sorry. We have, oh yeah, it is here. Sorry, I printed out the agenda. Got lost track here. Before we move on to new business, I wanted to just make a clarification point. I was, got a little note here that I actually misquoted one of the amounts when I was reading the report out from closed session. So I just wanted to take a second to correct myself. For Ms. Ricketts, I had read the amount to be, let's see, 15,224. The actual amount is 15,024.56. So I just wanted to make sure I got that on record, Ms. Castellon. Okay, so with that, we move to new business, and which is 6.1, school year reopening plan update. Mr. Superintendent Triplett.

[6635] SPEAKER_15: Thank you, President Martinez. So I just want to introduce this and then the Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Dolowich, is going to lead this presentation.

[6649] SPEAKER_26: Superintendent Triplett, do I need to read the comments first?

[6654] SPEAKER_15: Yes, thank you very much.

[6655] Elisa Martinez: That's my fault. That's my fault. I apologize. I should have asked. Do we have comments, Ms. Castillo? It sounds like we do. Yes, we do.

[6663] SPEAKER_26: We have two comments.

[6665] SPEAKER_27: And I will set a clock at a cap of three minutes per comment.

[6670] SPEAKER_26: So let me pull the first one. And I will start the clock. Hello, I am a parent of two elementary school children in NUSD.

[6682] SPEAKER_27: I responded to the second survey that was recently sent out and I'd like to provide comments of why I believe a hybrid model is the optimal way to function this upcoming school year. It provides the constant social interaction that children need. It cements the teacher slash student relationship that much more benefiting both the teachers and the students. It will allow teachers to detect any learning difficulties that some children may face. I believe it will be difficult for many parents to recognize these traits in their own children. Some classes are not conducive to an online format. There will be less students per class offering an environment where teachers can really focus on their students and students get the attention they deserve. With less students in class and on campus we can implement social distancing. There are less chances for children to suffer from social isolation and diminished mental health. There will definitely be children who will suffer academically if we opt out for 100% remote learning. We'll be putting the onus on parents to become teachers if we do 100% remote learning, a job some are not equipped to do in an academic setting. Related to the bullet above, kids also tend to listen to their teachers better than they do their parents, adding an unneeded stress under a 100% remote learning environment. School isn't just about academics. It teaches kids how to function as adults and any amount of time taken away from them having a chance to be around other children, even if it's for a short amount of time, will impact them negatively. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, a concerned parent. And I have one more on six.

[6783] Elisa Martinez: Sorry, there was no name attached to that one.

[6786] SPEAKER_27: She there's a name on the email. She didn't. She signed sincerely concerned parent.

[6791] Elisa Martinez: So usually folks would put their name on there. So if there is a name, I think it'd be great if you read it.

[6797] SPEAKER_27: OK, this one is from Cindy Plante.

[6800] SPEAKER_26: Thank you.

[6802] SPEAKER_27: And one more on agenda item 6.1. And this one is from Diane Castleberry, dear Newark Unified School District Board of Education trustees and Superintendent Dr. Triplett. The current pandemic has already radically changed the landscape of life and public transit has changed as well. On May 13th, AC Transit met with NUSD staff to discuss service coordination for the new school year. At the time, the school district shared that they had not made a decision on the structure and schedule of the new school year 2020-2021, and were going through a process to propose a plan for board approval. We provided information on limitations given required health and safety protocols, along with limits on resources due to economic impacts. As a result, we have implemented several changes on our buses, which are likely to remain in effect when the fall 2020 school year begins. It is important that the board and staff are familiar with these, but more importantly, it is critical that families are aware of what they can expect when school resumes. Three main points of communications from AC Transit to families involve social distancing and passenger limits on board the bus. Face mask coverings for all riders and the inability for AC Transit to make any schedule adjustments for the coming school year. She's also attached a letter from AC Transit's general manager that she asked me to read. Dear school district representative, on behalf of AC Transit, I hope all is well during these unprecedented times. We know that many school districts' academic plans are still in development and many districts are planning for possible resurgence of the coronavirus in the fall of 2020. We understand that you're refining academic models and developing scenarios for distance and blended models of instruction for the upcoming school year. Pre-pandemic AC Transit carries tens of thousands of students to and from school each day. Due to the pandemic and physical distancing requirements, we have significant less capacity for all of our service. As such, it is important that school districts and private schools in our service area understand how the pandemic will affect bus services.

[6953] SPEAKER_15: Monique, you just cut off.

[6961] SPEAKER_27: Okay, I think she... That you be familiar with these, but more importantly, it is critical that families are aware of what they can expect when school resumes. The three main points that we are asking you to be communicated to families involve physical distancing and passenger limits on board the bus, mask requirements for our riders, and the inability for AC Trenton to make any schedule adjustments for the coming school year. To keep our operators and passengers safe and to maintain social distancing requirements, our capacity to carry passengers has significantly been reduced. Capacity limits are currently 10 passengers on a standard 40-foot bus and 16 passengers on a 60-foot articulated bus. And we have hit the three-minute mark, so we'll stop with that one there.

[7008] Elisa Martinez: About how much longer? Because this is something we can certainly post on our website as well, it sounds like. Is there another repetition?

[7016] SPEAKER_27: It's only about another minute and a half. It's pretty long.

[7020] Elisa Martinez: OK. Continue. Sorry, you know, let's let's finish it just because it does it does impact transportation. But, um, and I know that, like I said, there was quite a bit of repetition. So let's quickly get through it. And then I think we could figure out how to get it posted as well.

[7037] SPEAKER_27: Okay. So let me go back here. Capacity limits are currently 10 passengers on a standard 40 foot bus and 16 passengers on a 60 foot articulated bus. Please note that on average, the district's pre-pandemic supplementary service carried an average of approximately 34 passengers per trip. Based on our currently scheduled service and passenger limits, AC Transit will only be able to carry approximately 30% of the pre-COVID-19 ridership. Once capacity on a bus is reached, additional riders will not be allowed to board the bus and operators will continue their route with only the 10 to 16 riders on the bus, depending on the size. In addition, given the economic climate caused by the pandemic, we do not have the resources to add buses to provide additional capacity. As a result, our ability to accommodate the loads that we would have normally carried during the school year has been dramatically reduced. It is extremely important that you help us convey this information to families. We also ask for your support in stressing to families that students are required to wear face coverings when they are on board any AC transit bus. Consistent with the guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, people in California must wear face coverings when waiting for or riding on public transportation. Failure to do so could result in disruptions to bus service. Lastly, it is important to note that AC Transit developed this year's supplementary service schedules, routes numbered between 600 and 699, based on last year's school schedules with the exception of a few changes that were communicated to us early by school districts. Additionally, random early release days selected by schools to allow for short days during finals or before holidays cannot be accommodated by AC Transit for the upcoming school year. Because of our process to develop transit schedules and the nature of public transit to be consistent, the next opportunity to adjust schedules cannot happen until or next service adjustment schedules for December 2020. which will need to start planning for the next two months. We understand the changes and limitations above will impact families, but due to resource constraints and in order to prioritize the safety of AC transit riders and operators, we feel it is important to communicate these constraints in advance and ask that you communicate this to your families and staff. Our goal is to give as much advance notice so that families, administrators, faculty, and other school district stakeholders can plan accordingly. AC Transit staff will be initiating communications around these topics using our existing communication channels and request that school district also share the information with families. Sincerely, Michael Hirsch, General Manager. This is from AC Transit.

[7209] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Ms. Castellon. I think that was just important information. And so sorry, Superintendent Triplett, go ahead.

[7217] SPEAKER_15: Thank you, no problem. So again, good evening. Thank you, President Martinez. So just to tee up this next section where Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Delawitch is going to present the plan to date. around fall reopening. I do want to just preface by saying we will not have a, I know that the community is anxious to know how we are, whether we're going to be opening the fall year in distance learning or in a hybrid or in full in person. We do not have that we will not have that tonight, but within the next week and a half, we will be able to announce that what we're showing you tonight is a plan for how, how things could look in a hybrid model. as well as the decision-making process that we will use in order to determine when it's appropriate to be in a hybrid model, when it's appropriate to be in distance learning, and when it's appropriate to be full in-person, which unfortunately will probably not happen for some time. We did meet, we held a town hall last Thursday the 9th, and we were able to get a lot of feedback from community around this plan. We plan to hold another town hall on Thursday the 23rd. And we were planning on by the 23rd, having a definitive answer around how we will open up in the fall. One, I just wanted to say one more thing about why, why we're not officially announcing this evening, how we're going to be opening. And that is because we really want to be sure that we're engaging with our labor partners and making a decision in collaboration with our amazing staff through our labor partners. And so to announce something unilaterally or to propose something to the board unilaterally without engaging labor partners does not feel right. And it really needs to be a decision that's made collaboratively. Also, I will say the districts that did come out very early and announce how they would start the school year, many of them are having to roll that back based on conditions that have changed. And so we did not want to make that kind of impetuous decision, but really wanted to make sure we're being thoughtful. We're taking into account the science, safety, and again, making sure that we're partnering with labor to make these kind of decisions. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Dulowicz, who's going to present the plan and process thus far.

[7388] SPEAKER_04: Good evening. Thank you, Dr. Triplett. I'm happy to be here tonight. I'm going to share my screen now and begin our presentation. Good evening for tonight's brief presentation, I'll be providing current updates as Dr triplet mentioned from Newark's July 9 virtual town hall meeting, as well as survey results from both our community and staff. I'll discuss the process for phases of reopening, as well as restarting in person instruction. with a focus on the safety for both our students and our staff with respect to reopening in the fall. I'll introduce concepts for hybrid model schedules, virtual academy, as well as prioritizing significant subgroups of students when we return. And most importantly, I'll allow for an opportunity for questions and feedback. From our survey results, we had 750 respondents from each and every school community in Newark, as you can see here, including our district office. There were 35 respondents in Spanish from a majority of our school sites. And if you looked at the data specifically, 367 of the respondents in of the 750 said that they prefer the hybrid model, whereas 424 prefer the distance learning. So majority distance learning, although it is very close. And it's interesting to note with my team breaking this data down further, looking at staff only respondents from staff only 80% prefer distance learning and from parents and families, approximately 55% preferred distance learning. So a clear distinction between staff and community preference. When we looked at respondents in Spanish, and again, out of the 35, a more closer split, 17 preferred the hybrid, 18 preferred a distance learning. So very close, and again, 35 respondents in Spanish. With respect to the response of families that are planning to enroll in the virtual academy out of the 750 responses, 367 responded, yes, they intend. So almost 50% of our families cited this. And with respect to Spanish speaking families of the 35 responses, 26 said that they were interested in the virtual academy. From the responses, we compiled the top five themes, and we are looking forward, as Dr. Triplett mentioned, on July 23rd to providing responses at the start of the virtual academy with respect to the questions and the comments that were made. The first and foremost of the themes that was captured had to do with safety of students and staff, followed by enrollment and registration questions, child care issues with respect to maintaining distance learning and what to do for child care, the questions around special education and specifically its schedule, and finally, operations with respect to the virtual academy. To give you an idea of the most salient questions for safety, for instance, questions came out around how teachers will be supported with respect to protocols if they are indeed out with COVID-19. Or for instance, the second question, what will be the current protocol if a child or student test positive and were in fact in the hybrid model? With respect to enrollment and registration, there were questions around the hybrid model In terms of the start of the school year, what will it be hybrid first distance? How will siblings be aligned with respect to group A or B? And with respect to childcare, as I mentioned, questions around what will be provided and specifically if we're in the distance learning model, what will parents and guardians do as options for their child? Again, we will provide responses And some of those will be embedded in tonight's presentation. Others will be provided July 23rd. With respect to the final two columns, special education, parents, guardians and staff asked about the virtual academy specifically will be offered for students with special services that have an IEP. And the answer is yes. Questions around how to proceed with a request for IEP or a 504 plan if a child does not yet have one. And those details will be provided from our special education department. And then questions around the virtual academy. For instance, if you're on a transfer, how will that affect transfer status? if you're, for instance, at BGI from Kennedy and you're in the virtual academy, which will be centralized at the district level, how will that operate? And the answer is you will maintain your status in the transfer school. So again, more information to follow, but wanted to give some clear takeaways from the questions and concerns voiced by the community. As we transition on, our current situation is now informed by Three comprehensive surveys. And of course we are under the guidance of both the state and county level, but as I move forward with presentation of different phases for reopening, which we're seeking board input, and also asking for approval here tonight. that we understand as a district, the concerns from the community, as well as the level of anxiety from our staff that Dr. Triplett mentions. As a district, we are committed to being thoughtful and deliberative with the decision we make for August 13th. And we will prioritize the safety of our students and staff first and foremost. So we wanna underscore that point as a district. The state level identified four pillars with respect to reopening schools. They are health and hygiene, face coverings, physical distancing and limiting gatherings. And then the county office of education, as well as the Department of Public Health at the county level, then drilled down and identified seven components for the purpose of tonight's presentation. Anyone is welcome to delve deeper into the following slides, but for the purpose of brevity, I'll cover them fairly quickly to move on to the phases of opening, as well as the hybrid models. However, the seven areas are cloth and face coverings, face shields, temperature screening, physical distancing, the cohort size when students return, the length of time cohorts are in instructional times, and then finally, how to navigate and put protocols in place for student and teacher movement with respect to rotations. So cloth face coverings are required for all students. We understand the challenge that poses for our younger ones and we do have responses for our concerned community members. Face shields are also permissible as a substitute. Temperature screening is recommended to be conducted at home before entering the building. And then as a district, we can support as necessary additional screenings if if required physical distancing, as many are aware, six feet or more specific to tables and desks and physical configurations and size of cohorts should be limited to 12 students or less. with each teacher. And of course, the length of time, although we will be monitoring as a district daily and weekly with respect to cases, and we're well aware, unfortunately, in the summer that cases in the county and Newark particularly have spiked, the county recommendation is that we reassess the instructional model every four weeks. So I'll speak more to that momentarily. And finally, teacher and student movements, we know it's a challenge to keep younger children apart, but we want to maintain stability again anywhere from 10 to 12 students maximum together to limit interactions and gatherings. So, therefore, this time. and mentioned previously, the district recommends a differentiated approach for elementary and secondary schools, and I'll speak to those models momentarily. We do have separate design teams comprised of teachers, additional personnel, counselors, making up those design teams and recommendations, over 30 Newark personnel. We also want to prioritize our students that are moderate intensive SDC or have a history with mental health hardships. And so we want to make sure that if and when, and again, only when it's absolutely safe to do so, we return that we prioritize certain subgroups, such as our moderate intensive STC students. And finally, again, as Dr. Triplett mentioned, no later than July 23rd will we have a definitive response and clear plan for our community. But we want to be very clear that with our current situation and conditions, we will only reopen when it is absolutely safe for both our students and our staff. So as Ed Services moves on with our presentation, we do recommend a phased reopening, which I will speak to the nuances shortly, and with an emphasis on safety and health conditions. We also recommend a tiered approach for in-person services, in addition with a high-quality virtual academy offered for all families that wish to remain with Newark Unified. And I'll present a schedule upcoming And then finally, a point of emphasis for us, and also at the state level for the California Department of Education, is a focus on equity. Specifically, as mentioned, special education students, but in addition, students experiencing mental health hardships, students that are in early childhood, such as music's preschool program, newcomer students to our district, students most impacted by learning loss, and students at transition grades, specifically kinder seventh grade, and ninth grade. This flowchart is our recommendation for phases of reopening. And if you look at it from the top, you can see the state level outlined. California Department of Education recommends reopening school and below it, Alameda County recommends reopening of school. And if you follow the flowchart over to the right, if either the state or the county level determined that conditions were not appropriate or safe, for returning in a hybrid model, for instance, then we would follow over to the right, our flow chart, and we would, in effect, start August 13th in distance learning. This is our rationale. Of course, pending updated labor agreements. Unlike some other districts, we want to be transparent and collaborative partners with our labor partners. And so this is a priority for us as we work to design reopening in the safest way possible. However, if California Department of Education and the county both give us the green light, then you can see as a local education agency, Newark Unified ultimately determines the phase for reopening. And we are recommending here tonight that that responsibility falls with Superintendent Triplett with respect to the following five categories. So we would look as a team at the cases, not only in schools, but also in our community. We would look at whether we have the sufficient equipment and PPE, so that we can safely support our staff. and make sure our students are attending in the safest environment possible. We would look at the necessary and requisite items for contract tracing, the physical capacity and space. And of course, that differs on each campus. And then of course, cleaning to the utmost and highest standards. And so those would be our five overarching categories that we would look in terms of determining reopening, whether it's in the whether it's in the hybrid model or if it's distance learning as it was in the spring. Although there will definitely be changes with respect to distance learning if we indeed start with that. And some of those changes include grading, as we mentioned, and feedback. However, if we start in the hybrid model, A few takeaways should be noted. Here you see the top portion allocated for our elementary model. The bottom portion, grades seven through 12 for our secondary schools, both emphasize common and consistent language for our families. Again, one of our advantages as a tight-knit community is that we have one junior high and one flagship high school. We want to ensure, and this was a question that came up repeatedly from family and community members, we want to ensure that siblings and families with multiples have preference with respect to their group A and group B. Group A would meet on Tuesday and Thursday, and group B would meet on Wednesday and Friday. Please note the Monday protected day and one of the One of the conversations and recommendations from our planning committee includes a weekly template for each and every family Monday morning from their designated teacher. This allows lessons, activities, and projects to be more accessible. And this was, again, a significant takeaway from our first survey with the community. A hybrid schedule, again, only when conditions allow, allows for more thorough cleaning Because there's only one group on campus each day. And if students are indeed in a virtual academy. and you take the remaining students and divide in half for group A, group B, you have significantly fewer students on campus for, again, those stable cohorts, no more than 12 students each. If you look at the secondary, you can see a variation. It should be noted that each design team has a phase one and a phase two. And we know there were questions around the staggered start times, as well as the bell schedule. And so those are forthcoming with agreements and collaborative conversations that we're continually and currently engaged in with our labor partners. However, in the first phase, it deserves to be noted that we would prioritize safety. So what this means is that lunches would be distributed on campus. However, the afternoon would be designated for either staff to continue with remote instruction, to meet or provide feedback to students, or to communicate directly with families. A phase two, noting going back to our phases of reopening, if numbers decrease or flatline, we would in effect move from a hybrid phase one to a hybrid phase two with an extended full day on campus. And again, that is both examples of a hybrid model, not a distance learning model. With respect to our special education model. We know this is a Detailed, busy slide, let's call it what it is. But there were a number of questions specifically from our families with students with special needs. And so we wanted to be responsive tonight in a number of ways. We wanted to highlight a few things. Again, alignment with a protected Monday that allows for staff meetings, preparation, staff to attend professional development, and in the morning provide a weekly template This provides asynchronous learning opportunities. And then Tuesday through Friday, Group A, Group B. If you look on the left under the title week, you'll see a few things to note. SDC specifically, if you look at, for instance, Newark Memorial High School, SDC. You'll note that if you follow it horizontally, that we are prioritizing students on campus for our SDC students. However, if you look, for instance, other students, resource students that are elementary or secondary RSP on the left, and you follow them over to the right, you'll see that they are aligned specifically to push in with a least restrictive environment model, which is recommended at the state level. so that they are in fact in the general education classes. That's a distinction to note. Another question that came up was specific around our preschool program. And so we wanted to be able to provide information for our preschool students. We know for the younger ages, just like parents wrote in the letter, that to develop meaningful relationships, to receive in-person instruction, and to have the opportunity for a semblance of socialization, that there is a lot of advantages with a hybrid model, but we want to provide that again, only when it is absolutely safe to do so for our students and families. So a few significant takeaways, and these of course will be distributed throughout the community, but based on the Thursday virtual town hall meeting, we felt it imperative to include here tonight. And finally, with respect to the Virtual Academy, the Virtual Academy, you can see an example. This is a very forward-thinking, progressive team that I'm happy to be a part of. And again, it's aligned with the 100% distance learning on the Monday. And there would be an approach with respect to live instruction, working in small groups, towards specific skills and projects geared towards 21st century standards, as well as the skills. And it really allows us to redesign and reimagine. Probably the most reoccurring question that came up with a virtual academy. One, how does this differ from distance learning? And the biggest way it differs is that if we, in effect, start with distance learning August 13, and we're allowed to reassess four weeks later, and cases have decreased flatlines, and it's deemed safe to transition and pivot to a hybrid four weeks later. the students and families enrolled in the virtual academy would remain. In other words, the virtual academy is not fluid. They would be in it as elementary students for the entirety of the first trimester and for secondary students for the entirety of the semester. So that's important to note. And again, you wouldn't lose your status in your homeschool. And I'll speak upcoming about a timeline and and checkpoint of dates. So speaking of this, we shared this. This is the first of two. We have some new information for families in our community here tonight. Obviously tonight, the July 14th, we are recommending after discussion and feedback, approval of our phases of reopening, approval of our hybrid and distance learning plans, because we need to be able to provide the safest environment possible for our staff and our students, and to be able to pivot As conditions dictate. That's an important point to note. And then of course, we also are recommending that superintendent triplet is able to make the recommendation within the next 10 days or less, and we want to be transparent and collaborative with our labor partners. and prioritizing those relationships, as well as those agreements in order to make sure that we are thoughtful in getting this right, because Newark deserves that July 23 we have the second of two virtual town hall meetings, and we look forward to, to improving responsiveness and communication. August 6th, we have a scheduled board meeting. All principals will have returned by August 3rd through the 10th, and therefore, we will expect direct and timely communication, both from the district and site principals, with respect to each school community. That will include updates, textbooks and supplies, and further Chromebook distribution. Continuing with our monies that Ms.dela Cruz outlined, we want to address the digital divide. Beginning in early August, continue to distribute Chromebooks and to make sure that we do everything we need to do with connectivity, hotspots, and Chromebook distribution to be a one-to-one district. We have to be, and that's a priority for our district. August 13th, students return and before that teachers return on August 10. If you drill down a little bit from this, you can see here important dates and checkpoints. A few things to note that we want to provide registration for the virtual Academy again pending agreement with our labor partners that would be available July 20. As Dr triplet mentioned by July 23 if not sooner, we would like to plan and announce whether it's a hybrid or distance learning model. so that all families can take the appropriate next steps and we can support our staff in planning appropriately for August 13th. July 30th, a week and a half later, once the virtual academy registration is open, we would close the window. And if we indeed went to a hybrid model, then students and families would receive an assignment on August 5th. If we did not, and everyone would know by then that we are starting distance learning. This allows for the necessary steps protocols and logistics to be put in place. And that's an essential point to note, because we're all hoping that the numbers decrease to the point where students and staff can return safely in person with the hybrid model. August 13th, regardless, we will start school and we will provide communication and feedback for our students, as well as grades. And then Along the timeline of a four-week assessment as a district, we will not only provide weekly updates, but we will make a determination every four weeks with respect to whether the instructional model will change. And as mentioned regarding the virtual academy, that at the end of the first trimester mark for elementary students and at the semester mark for secondary students, that parents may have an opportunity to revise if they so desire. So at this time, what I'd like to do is share with you how we intend to move forward together, what is new and what we've been working on as a district and as an instructional planning committee. I mentioned the weekly template. We want to provide that from our teachers to our families and identify weekly outcomes as well as the tasks starting on Monday that can be expected and so that parents, guardians, and students know what to work on and what to expect. We want to be able to be creative and rethink education to free teachers up, whether it's in the afternoon or on off days with a group A or group B, to provide more small group instruction for the significant subgroups outlined here tonight. We want to be able to move forward and collaborate with our NTA partners regarding a virtual academy and offer the opportunity for families that are uncomfortable returning in the fall. If we did indeed go to a hybrid model, the opportunity to join a virtual academy, stay in Newark Unified and receive instruction, live instruction from a credentialed Newark teacher. We want to take a redesigned approach with board goals aligned with district goals that emphasize a student-centered approach. We want to place an emphasis on mental health. We know just as adults have been significantly impacted, so too have our young ones. And we need to find different resources and support for our teachers to be able to provide social emotional learning, as well as mental health check-in opportunities in addition to curriculum We want to design in ed services a new graduate profile that takes into account the pandemic, as well as the skills requisite for 21st century workforce. And we also want to tap into and continue to support leading from within. We had a partnership with ed tech and outside organizations that we're looking to maintain for professional development. But we also want to identify and work with our labor partners to compensate lead teachers, to set up classrooms, so that they're consistent throughout the district with remote learning. We understand that all of our staff are at varying points and we need as a district to take the onus to support them, provide opportunities in the end of July and the first week of August to set up remote classrooms now so that what we experienced in the spring does not occur again. So at this time, I'm gonna open it up for questions. I'm also going Once questions or information is presented, would like to recommend that we have a board vote to approve the instructional models and phases of reopening here tonight, as well as authorize superintendent, Dr. Triplett to make a final determination on reopening schools based on the criteria I outlined and based on the emphasis placed on the safety for our students and our staff. Thank you.

[9089] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Mr. Dulowich. And before we get started on discussion as is customary, I will ask a motion to approve the instructional model and authorize the superintendent to make a final determination on the reopening of schools 2020-2021 school year. So before we open discussion, I'd like a motion and a second to accept staff recommendation.

[9122] Phuong Nguyen: I'll move to approve 2020-2021 school year reopening plan update.

[9132] Elisa Martinez: May I have a second?

[9140] Bowen Zhang: I'll second it.

[9143] Maria Huffer: Thank you.

[9146] Elisa Martinez: Okay, and with that, we open discussion. So, board, I'm sorry, I just can't see everybody. I was trying to get everyone. So, member Zhang, do you have any questions?

[9159] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, just one thing that for the cohort, the hybrid learning model, per day, we're still talking about three periods, right? Or each period is longer? Or will there be an earlier dismissal time?

[9177] SPEAKER_04: Really good question. So initially, when it is safe to return in the hybrid model. Students and families would have an abbreviated schedule. So to your question, it would not be a full day want to make sure that students and staff are safe and so students would receive lunch. And then they would return home or with an after school program provided and teachers would provide remote instruction provide feedback to students in the afternoon plan collaboratively or communicate with families that's the phase one just to make sure. that when and if we start with hybrid that staff are safe and our students are safe and the phase two to your point is we do have a phase two and we're going to develop the bell schedules that align with it but we would we would then extend the day to a traditional full day

[9244] Bowen Zhang: And that's in phase one, say for group eight, Tuesday will be in the morning will be period one, two, three, right? And on Thursday, we'll be period four, five, six. So it will be just three classes in the morning and then lunch and then go home. And then after school program collaborating was teacher. That's the phase one, right?

[9264] SPEAKER_04: Correct. Two, essentially two thirds of an instructional day.

[9271] Bowen Zhang: Okay. And phase one also have the staggered entrance and staggered dismissal, or no?

[9283] SPEAKER_04: That is what we are continuing to collaborate with our labor partners regarding. And the goal, to your point, is yes. And there's also an opportunity, whether we formalize that at the district level, or allow specific school communities to develop their own staggered start, arrival and dismissal times, because we know that each community is unique and has unique needs. So that may be an opportunity to deviate from school community to school community. But yes, with respect to staggered arrival and dismissal.

[9322] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, so that means within each group, within group A and within group B, they will be further divided into two groups.

[9329] SPEAKER_15: Correct. Based on the staggering. Sorry if I could just jump in. The staggering is more complicated at secondary just by the nature of the way that teachers teach different content areas. And so we're still trying to explore what's the best way to do that without creating sort of bottlenecks, so to speak. So I think it is easier to stagger in the elementary. And we're still working it out, how that could possibly look in the secondary.

[9363] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, and for Superintendent, Dr. Triplett.

[9366] Elisa Martinez: Sorry, Member Zhang, maybe just this last one. I just want to give the other board members an opportunity to ask questions.

[9375] Bowen Zhang: Oh. So follow up on the virtual town hall last week, some unanswered questions. Superintendent, are nurses going to be present on the side and are playground allowed for the kids?

[9387] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, thank you, member John. So in terms of nurses, we have we have a nurse, a lead nurse for the district. We don't currently have a nurse at every site. And so we're trying to think through how to make sure that we have trained staff at every site. And we have a particular staff at every site that are able to implement health checks and protocols with Supervised by the district, the district nurse and then your question about the. the play structures. We're still looking at the guidelines from the county to make sure that whatever we do with allowing play structures to be used, that we're following all cleaning protocols. If it's determined that there is a way to keep them safe and utilize the play structures, we certainly will do that. But we are being a little cautious there. Okay, thank you.

[9450] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you, Member Zhang. Member Nguyen, Member Rodriguez, any questions or comments?

[9457] Phuong Nguyen: I do have comments. I'll wait, go ahead. Okay, I can start. So based on the, based on the, sorry, I can't even think right now. Based on the presentation screen you have up right here, where it says for secondary grades seven through 12, in the hybrid phase one, teachers see their students 50 minutes in person a week per class. So when I look at that, wouldn't it be more advantageous for parents to enroll their students into the virtual academy and not have to deal with the phase one hybrid model in terms of instructional minutes, even though it is in a virtual setting, you're still getting longer and longer instructions and more detailed instructions if you enroll your student in virtual academy?

[9520] SPEAKER_04: That's a fair point, Ms. Nguyen.

[9523] Phuong Nguyen: And how would that, I'm sorry, and then how would that, I mean, in terms of like if we are looking at equity, how does that affect that?

[9531] SPEAKER_04: Good question. Ultimately, it's a family's and students' preference. We would still want to provide the same amount of live in-person instruction. We could couple a hybrid model with also live instruction as well. I think, again, going back to one of those points, A family wishes to prioritize in-person instruction, for instance, socialization with peers, relationship with the teacher, knowing that ultimately we're going to expand to a full day where we intend to provide more than 50 minutes each week. That is the intention of phase two, but we want to be transparent around phase one. So if that is the case, then the families would indeed select hybrid. If a family is uncomfortable with in-person, even if conditions improve, but they don't want to send their child or student back until there's a vaccine, for instance, and they know that that child wishes to remain with Newark Unified and receive the online instruction that you're talking about, then the virtual academy would be more advantageous. So you definitely bring up Very good points. I think there is a preference for a percentage of our community that wish their child or student to receive instruction in person and to also have this socialization with peers. And so the hybrid model allows that, some semblance of normal in our new normal, whereas that virtual is gonna remain throughout the trimester or semester.

[9646] Phuong Nguyen: And then my last question, it's from a parent and they want to know that if they opted in for Virtual Academy and if things got better and it was safe from COVID for kids to go back to school, can they opt out or do they have to stay in the Virtual Academy?

[9662] SPEAKER_04: They can absolutely opt out at the trimester or semester mark, but not before.

[9669] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you. And remember Rodriguez before I give you the floor I we are, um. At 7 42. I believe we're scheduled to end at eight. Um that was if we so we're going to have to extend and we still have quite a bit to go. So, um. Did we just someone please correct me? So I am looking at open session. I thought I had read till eight o'clock, correct?

[9703] Bowen Zhang: Yeah.

[9703] Elisa Martinez: Okay. Okay. So if I'm thinking, maybe try to wrap this conversation up for the next 10 minutes. So maybe an hour. I'm looking at the board. You think when one more hour will get us through the rest of the agenda? Because I know we could only extend one, one time. Do you think we need more than one hour?

[9730] Ray Rodriguez: I'm fine with the hour unless somebody else wants to.

[9733] Bowen Zhang: I think we should just shoot for an hour.

[9735] Elisa Martinez: Okay. So with that, I would like a motion or I would ask for a motion to extend the meeting by one hour.

[9747] Bowen Zhang: I move we extend the meeting by an hour.

[9751] Jodi Croce: Second.

[9753] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Member. Young moves member when seconds. How do you vote member win? Yes. Remember Rodriguez?

[9763] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[9763] Elisa Martinez: Remember John? Yes. My vote is a yes as well. So we're extending the meeting until nine o'clock. Thank you. And so sorry about that.

[9782] Ray Rodriguez: you know, uh, committees and, uh, Discussing this, putting it all together. Um, it's obvious that a lot of time went into it and, um, and I appreciate all that. Um, you know, personally, I like the hybrid model. Um, however, based on, um, you know, the government, the governor's statements and what's going on in the County, I just feel that personally, um, and you know, I've got for grandkids that attend the schools. I mean, not that that gives me any preference other than the fact that, you know, I can understand where parents are coming from and grandparents. I just feel that distance learning for now would be the right way to go. Now, it's my understanding based on the presentation that we're gonna give the superintendent the right to make the decisions. And I'm assuming that Mr. Triplett, being that the person that he is, will keep the board informed and make sure that we're in the loop. So we just vote once and then it's on him. And as a board, as we all know, if we don't give him the latitude that he needs in order to perform and do his job, then that's considered micromanaging. And we definitely don't want to do that. The virtual academy kind of pulls me the wrong way. Maybe I'm not understanding it correctly. But when everything is changing on a day-to-day basis, and to say that a parent cannot take their student out of virtual academy until the trimester I feel that that's punitive and I think there's got to be a better way to do that. Understanding that we need to have, you know, things in place so that kids can learn and we don't want a situation that disruptive and it prevents us from, you know, the kids from learning. I had a question as far as from a teacher standpoint, you know, having I'm sorry, um, having kids that, uh, that are, you know, teachers, um, if a teacher feels, um, That they're not safe in what particular decision we make. Um, I'm sure that we have something in place where we can accommodate the teacher so that they feel that, um, we're not just shoving them to the side and moving on despite of their concerns. That 80% rate on the teachers kind of, you know, alludes to that. And so I want to make sure that we have things in place that there's mobility where if a person starts in one and they want to go to the other one, that they can do so. So that's a concern that I have. And then we have partners when it comes to ROP and special ed, and I'm hoping that we'll reach out to the partners and see if we can you know, garner some information from them so that we can move forward. I'm very concerned about special needs kids to make sure that they receive the instruction that they need. And that's all I have. Thank you.

[10000] SPEAKER_04: Thank you. Brief response, Member Rodriguez. First, just to say, in the initial stages of planning in the summer, in early June, before four numbers spiked with cases, we were hopeful of returning in a hybrid model and we also knew from our survey that some families felt uncomfortable returning in a hybrid model on August 13th and then therefore the reason to start a design of a virtual academy so that we wouldn't lose our our Newark students and they could remain with our district if we indeed started August 13th in a hybrid we wanted to address that level of discomfort. So I will say that and clearly there are a number of staff that feel anxious and unsafe to return in the fall based on the survey. We want to honor that. And of course, I think staffing from human resources with our NTA labor partners would determine the criteria that you referenced with respect to staff that feel unsafe.

[10080] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Mr. Talbowich. Thank you. Yes, and I think it's important to remember that the Virtual Academy is something the parents would have to opt in. Right, so I think that that's really important. I think it's a great option, because I know that I know folks that I've heard in the background, they really like that idea. And anything that gives them the option to make sure we're keeping our students here in Newark.

[10104] SPEAKER_04: Oh, sorry. The last point I just to say, again, is that the virtual academy includes a credential teacher. So teachers that meet a criteria and outlines agreed upon criteria with NTA would have that opportunity to continue teaching remotely. And that would address that safety factor that member Rodriguez mentioned.

[10126] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you. And I have a couple of questions and I know I were trying to wrap this topic up I know there's a ton of interest, but the first question I had was with, as I tried to marry the presentation that That Ms. Dela Cruz presented with regards to the funding. And then as I look at our plan, which is where Mondays is a, we'll call a staff like a development day. And I just remember a part of the presentation with the county. or regarding the budget, where I think there is a requirement of number of instructional days. And I'm not sure that, and there was a question that was very similar to what we're doing, whether, hey, does that Monday, if we use Monday for prep day, does that count as an instructional day? And the answer was no. So, but I don't know if it was, you know, if I heard it right, or if you all are thinking and have had that discussion.

[10192] SPEAKER_15: we can answer that um yeah so um thank you i think that i that is uh at surface value almost does seem like a bit of a contradiction um one thing is that the the monday time will involve student learning it just um it wouldn't be um it would be asynchronous But having said that, we do want to make sure that we are getting approval from the state around their guidelines, that an asynchronous learning day on Monday does qualify for the guidelines. So we will definitely, before we make any final steps, make sure that that's approved by the state.

[10235] Elisa Martinez: Very good. Thank you. And then my second question is, assuming we do start, and that's part of what we're going to give you we're gonna prove the path forward. But one of the things that I know we've talked about Superintendent Triplett is around, let's assume we do go for a distance learning. And thank you for sharing, Mr. Dulavich, here, you know, our risks, our high-need students, like our special ed or our younger kids. We also know we have a high-risk population of kids out there, right, who maybe are not in the safest environments. So I'm curious as to where we capture that on the grid, because that's one of the things that definitely keeps me up at night, is how are we How are we going about it from from an equity perspective from from from being a safe zone for our kids, how are we building that into that grid, if you will.

[10297] SPEAKER_04: I'll jump in there. So, well, two things. One, and I think we can improve our approach we had a number of students disengaged in the spring, especially over the course of the months. And so we have a student services department that can develop. an approach systematic intervention by monitoring and being in communication with the sites, and then following up appropriately with families. If we see students, for lack of better word, kind of fall off the grid. Again, the other thing. In the phase one, to your point, President Martinez, we would allow the afternoon for small group work. And so when we talk about, on the previous slides, subgroups that are issues of inequities, when we talk about students experiencing mental health hardships, newcomers to the district, students transitioning to kinder seventh and ninth, then we need to find ways with small group instruction so that teachers can reach them in a different time than the designated period one through six.

[10375] SPEAKER_15: If I could just add real quick, I really appreciate the point, President Martinez, because equity absolutely has to be in the forefront. And we also really wanna make sure that as we build out our learning loss mitigation plans and our continuity of learning plans, that that's where we're really focusing the use of those funds that are coming in to make sure that we're supporting those students who currently are farthest from success.

[10409] Ray Rodriguez: Can I ask a question?

[10412] Elisa Martinez: Okay, maybe one more, go ahead.

[10416] Ray Rodriguez: By the way, when I talked about staff and I said, teachers, I meant all the staff classified and management and everybody. Everybody should feel safe in the environment that we're gonna put out there. The assessment piece is always something that's concerned me. As was stated, some of the kids got felt through the crack during the spring. And I wanna make sure there's something in place. And I'm sure there is to make sure that, those kids are given the opportunity to catch up.

[10452] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, thank you. I'll just speak from sort of like a broader national perspective. I think that in the spring, the progress monitoring of student learning was not what it should have been during the distance learning. And so in building these plans for the fall, that's number one priority as well, is that how do we ensure that we are measuring student learning on a daily, weekly basis? And then also, how are we communicating that back to both the student and to the family? Because in feedback, we heard many times that families felt like they didn't know where the student was at in terms of their learning. And so we really need to make sure that we're doing a better job at that. And that's not a diss on Newark Unified. That's really something that was across the board, a challenge for educators.

[10513] SPEAKER_04: I'll highlight one challenge that came up with our elementary teachers. When we were in the spring, we administer an assessment called DRA, which assesses their reading level. And when we went to distance learning, some teachers in the transition didn't have those resources. And then with students disengaged or remote, checking in inconsistently, it was a significant challenge, almost near impossible to administer DRA, which then shows up on our trimester report card. So the short answer is we have to work collaboratively with our teachers If indeed we start distance learning to find alternative measures of assessment, because the traditional uses that we use as a district go out the door, because this is 180 degrees from our traditional setting.

[10570] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. And if I may, just one final question, and then I think we'd like, I'm gonna be calling for a vote here. And we should have asked this earlier, with regards to second or to Bridgepoint, our continuation school, would they fall under something similar to the secondary schedule? Is that what we would expect to see?

[10590] SPEAKER_04: Yes, we're looking for alignment with all three schools, the junior high and both high schools.

[10601] Elisa Martinez: Okay, thank you so much, Mr. Dolowich, I think, and Superintendent Triplett, I think, again, very, I know there's a ton of work, Mr. Rodriguez mentioned it, you know, that we thank everybody, we know there's a lot of subcommittees and a lot of work that's been happening, so thank you so much for bringing this forward.

[10619] SPEAKER_04: Absolutely, I just want to echo, we share the community's concerns and anxiety, it keeps us up at night also.

[10626] Elisa Martinez: Absolutely. For those of us board members who have kids in the district, we're right in there. So we are desperately trying to wish we could get that answer, but we absolutely value the thoroughness and the work that you are doing to make sure you are bringing the science and the facts to the forefront and actually engaging our labor partners, right? Because I know that that's part of what you all are doing now. So in the spirit of making sure that we are finding the best solutions, in the spirit of giving the kids as much as what we can give them while keeping everybody safe. I think it's absolutely the best approach. So I appreciate it. And if it's before the 23rd, we'll welcome it. But we understand that you're meeting our expectations. Okay, so with that, I'd like to ask Ms. Castellon to repeat the motion on the table, please.

[10682] SPEAKER_27: Yes, motion to prove agenda item 6.1 2020 2021 school year reopening plan update made by member when and seconded by members young.

[10697] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. And with that, I will ask for a vote. Member Jean.

[10705] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[10707] Elisa Martinez: Member Rodriguez. I think that was a yes. You're in mute. Yes. Okay. Member Nguyen? Yes. My vote is a yes as well. So the motion passes unanimously and we have full faith in you, Superintendent Triplett and the team and the broader team that will find the right answer for us. So thank you so much.

[10733] Ray Rodriguez: I'm sorry I was muted.

[10736] Elisa Martinez: I read your lips, Mr. Rodriguez.

[10737] Ray Rodriguez: I know, but I have every faith that Superintendent Triplett, especially with the name of Triplett, would be three times as good as any prize superintendent we've ever had. Wow, okay.

[10748] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.

[10751] Phuong Nguyen: No pressure there. Thank you so much for all your hard work. And staff, thank you so much for taking thoughtful consideration.

[10761] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, the staff has been doing really incredible work on this. And we will keep you all in regular communication. So thank you.

[10768] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much. Okay, so we still have quite a few items. So we do have an hour I'm going to try to keep us on task here. So next item 6.2 appointment of principal Newark junior high. So who will be covering that item?

[10785] SPEAKER_15: I can jump in and then I'll tee it up for Jessica. So we're really delighted to be proposing or recommending the appointment of a new principal for the Newark Junior High. She comes with a lot of experience. What really struck us was a real warrior for equity and very much an instructional leader. So this is Ms. Risha Krishna. And I'll let Jessica speak a little bit more about that.

[10818] SPEAKER_36: Thank you, Superintendent Triplett. And yes, we actually have Miss Krishna with us joining us for a quick introduction, but a little bit about her. She is she has she's a 19 year career. She built a diverse set of skills that strengthen her ability to lead. And she most recently served as a principal of a large sixteen hundred plus middle school and vice principal at a K-8 international school in Livermore. Her passion for reserve justice compelled her to lead the implementation of a social emotional curriculum that reduce health issues among the students in her population. Without further said, I don't know if she is already in the chat, but I would like to formally introduce Miss Risha Krishna and staff is recommending her for the new principal position for the junior Newark school. Sorry, for the newer junior high school position.

[10882] Elisa Martinez: Sorry, before Ms. Krishna begins, Ms. Avedra, would we go ahead and do the motion to approve and before she speaks, actually, if we don't. Okay, so with that, thank you, Ms. Avedra. I will ask for a motion to approve the staff recommendation which is to approve the appointment of the principal candidate for Newark Junior High may have a motion and a second.

[10910] Bowen Zhang: I move that we accept the appointment of the new principal for Newark Junior High School. I second.

[10918] Elisa Martinez: Thank you member Zhang. Member Rodriguez seconds. Okay, and with that I'm actually going to go ahead and ask for a vote. Member Nguyen? Yes. Member Rodriguez?

[10932] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[10933] Elisa Martinez: Member Jeanne?

[10934] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[10935] Elisa Martinez: And my vote is yes as well. So the motion passes unanimously. Okay, go ahead. Sorry, Ms. Saavedra, go ahead and introduce

[10943] SPEAKER_36: Thank you so much, and sorry for jumping the gun. I think I'm trying to expedite the process as well, so we can finish the meeting sooner. Without further said, I would like to introduce and welcome Risha Krishna to Newark Unified School District. Ms. Krishna is here with us. And I think as soon as you unmute yourself, you can introduce yourself, Ms. Krishna.

[10965] SPEAKER_28: Thank you, Miss Avedra, and thank you, Dr. Triplett and distinguished board members for giving me this incredible opportunity to serve the students, staff, and of course the Newark community, Newark Junior High School. I am so honored and excited to be part of Newark Unified School District. Like Miss Avedra mentioned, I am very much passionate about equity for all students. I too started as an EL student and I'm grateful and proud to be a product of K-12 public school system, which prepared me for college and career. I'm a strong believer for creating innovative and sustainable programs that embrace excellence for all students. And as we approach fall, which I've heard such great reports this evening, And during this unique times, I'm committed to doing what's best for our students, providing support for our teachers and staff while partnering with our parents as we redefine our relationship with learning. And once again, thank you for giving me the chance to do what I love. And I am so proud to be home of the Cougars. But I also want to say another part of who I love is my 30-year partner, my husband. He's been here 20-year journey, whether I'm creating a course called Ethnic Studies or I'm serving on Instructional Quality Commission at the CDE, but he has been my rock as I support all the students. So I am very excited and honored. Thank you so much.

[11059] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much, Ms. Krisha. Thank you, Miss Krisha. We're, we're excited. The staff is raves about you. So we're so so excited to have you to have you join the team and look forward to your contributions. Thank you so much. Welcome.

[11073] SPEAKER_20: Thank you. Welcome.

[11078] SPEAKER_28: Thank you.

[11082] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay, so we will move to item 6.3, which is the appointment of the assistant principal at Newark Junior High.

[11095] SPEAKER_15: Great, and I can start here again. So, yeah, we are equally excited about Ms. Vanessa Hayden, who is being recommended as the assistant principal. Just to be totally transparent, these two, well, first of all, these two are going to be an incredible powerhouse. But to be transparent, because of the timing and because of the urgency and the fact that we did not want to lose either one of them, they don't know each other yet. So you're witnessing a meeting of the minds and you're witnessing history because they're going to really rock this junior high. So yeah, Vanessa, I've just been struck by her enthusiasm and her excitement and her love for middle school. We bonded over that because I was a former middle school principal and we both really connected over just how fun and quirky and kooky and delightful middle schoolers are. So without, oh, sorry, Ms. Saavedra, did you want to add anything?

[11159] SPEAKER_36: No, that just it's a pleasure. And at this time, President Martinez, staff would like to recommend Vanessa Hayden to be appointed as the assistant principal for the Newark Junior High School.

[11174] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much, Mr. Bedra. May I have a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation?

[11181] Phuong Nguyen: I'd like to move to approve staff recommendation to second.

[11187] Elisa Martinez: Member Wen moves, Member Rodriguez seconds. And with that, I will ask for a vote. Member Wen, how do you vote? Yes. Member Rodriguez?

[11199] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[11200] Elisa Martinez: Member Zhang?

[11201] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[11203] Elisa Martinez: My vote is a yes as well. So we approve the motion carries unanimously. So welcome. Welcome.

[11210] Bowen Zhang: Welcome to Newark.

[11212] Phuong Nguyen: Unfortunately, you both will have me as a customer. So I have an eighth grader there. No worries.

[11220] SPEAKER_36: Hello, everybody. I'd like to introduce I would like to introduce formally Vanessa Hayden as the new assistant principal of Newark Junior High School. And for that further say, Vanessa, why don't you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your experience.

[11236] SPEAKER_20: I am Vanessa Hayden. I have been an assistant principal for about five years. I was a teacher for about 10. And I absolutely loved it. The majority of my experiences at a junior high, I love the energy of junior high kids. I love how they just blurt everything out, and it's super awkward, but they have a lot of great things to say. So I'm looking forward to meeting them all. I'm looking forward to working with all of you and getting to know you. I am just excited. I am thrilled to work with you. I'm looking forward to learning how to best support everybody. I want to be involved. Include me. I'm super excited. Thank you.

[11272] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Thank you so much, Ms. Hayden. We're very excited to have you. And I'm sure you guys are going to do great things for our quirky kids. My daughter is leaving that junior high stage, probably still growing out of that. But I really appreciate it, just that they are. It's such an important time. I suppose every step we could say that. But very, very happy to have you. Thank you so much.

[11301] SPEAKER_26: Welcome.

[11303] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. Okay, so we're moving on Miss Saavedra to item 6.4, which is the appointment of the assistant principal at Newark Memorial.

[11317] SPEAKER_36: Mr. Tripling, go ahead.

[11319] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, and so I will say, I do not know Mr. Rodriguez yet as well, because the process started before I was officially appointed. So I will leave it mostly to Ms. Saavedra, but I will say that everybody that was involved in the process raved about him. So I have the utmost confidence, and I'm really glad that he is joining the high school team based on your approval, of course.

[11353] SPEAKER_36: So tonight staff would like to recommend John Rodriguez for the assistant principal position at the Newark Memorial High School.

[11367] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Ms. Avedra. So I will entertain a motion to accept staff recommendation to approve the appointment of the assistant principal for Newark Memorial.

[11380] Ray Rodriguez: I'll make the motion with the understanding that there is no conflict because we have the same last name.

[11387] Elisa Martinez: Member Rodriguez moves.

[11390] Bowen Zhang: I second.

[11391] Elisa Martinez: Member Zhang seconds. Thank you. Member Nguyen, how do you vote? Yes. Member Rodriguez?

[11398] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[11399] Elisa Martinez: Member Zhang?

[11400] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[11401] Elisa Martinez: I vote as a yes as well. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you so much, Ms. Saavedra.

[11408] SPEAKER_36: And without further ado, I would like to introduce, for an appointment and I'm so glad and proud to introduce him to you tonight. He has 22 years of experience, multiple years working as an assistant principal and is with a lot of pride that I introduced Mr. John Rodriguez to the Board of Education tonight.

[11433] SPEAKER_08: Just like to say thank you very much to Superintendent Triplett and the board members. I'm really excited also to introduce myself to the community in Newark. Just a little bit about myself. I grew up in Hayward, so I'm an East Bay boy. I started my career in New Haven Unified. I taught at middle school and then was an assistant principal at the middle school, the high school, and then have spent the last 11 years in the Fremont Union High School District. I'm really excited because the last three years I've spent working directly on equity. We created a position that was the AP of equity and my whole goal in that time has just been to shrink the achievement gap at the school that I was working at. I'm excited to get back to the East Bay though because I'm looking to work in schools that are more diverse with a staff that is more diverse. And I just, I can't tell you how happy I am to be coming to Newark. I'm chomping at the bit to get back to work. So thank you so much for the opportunity. And I really look forward to getting to know all of you and the parents and the students and all of the community members. So once again, just thank you. And I will see you soon.

[11523] Marie dela Cruz: Thank you so much, Mr. Rodriguez. We appreciate it.

[11527] Elisa Martinez: Go ahead. Sorry. No, please. It's your turn to talk. No, just Mr. Rodriguez. Thank you for your excitement. Definitely. I believe it. We believe it. So we're very, very happy to hear you and the passion in which you speak about, again, closing that achievement gap. You know, again, that's no secret. We've been having that conversation quite a bit, especially as we get into secondary and so specifically the high school. So music to my ears. Personally, I'm sure everybody, the board would agree, but so excited to have you and thank you very much. Thanks. Thanks for being here. Can I say something? Of course, Mr. Rodriguez.

[11565] Ray Rodriguez: I just wanted to welcome Mr. Rodriguez to Newark Unified School District. If he was in New Haven, he might have met a friend of mine, Jaime Huertas, the counselor there, and his experience is second to none. And I think he's going to find the principal, Ms. Rangel, at the high school is just a great principal. And the staff at the high school is a very experienced, excellent staff. So I'm sure that he'll do well in that setting.

[11595] SPEAKER_08: Thank you. I just want to say I know Jaime very well. He was a counselor. I was a house principal at Logan for about a year, and I've been friends with Jaime long before that, so I'm glad we have him as a friend in common.

[11611] Ray Rodriguez: Even though he's Puerto Rican, that was okay, right?

[11614] Elisa Martinez: Wow, I don't know. Okay, thank you. Thank you, Board Member Rodriguez. Thank you. And thank you, and again, welcome, Mr. Rodriguez. Okay, so moving on to item 6.5, the appointment of the executive assistant. So Superintendent Triplett.

[11636] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, thank you. So yeah, this one is an unusual situation because this recommendation is that we're recommending that the board lose a board member in order to gain an executive assistant in Ms. Lucia Gutierrez. So I think her experience speaks for itself. You all know her quite well. But I'm really excited by the possibility that she could join my team. And I think her experience on the board, her experience with law, and her experience as an executive assistant in other positions really speaks for itself. So we are really excited to be recommending her for the executive assistant position.

[11689] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Superintendent Triplett. Ms. Saavedra?

[11693] SPEAKER_36: Tonight, staff would like to recommend Lucia Gutierrez as the new executive assistant to the superintendent.

[11702] Elisa Martinez: And with that, may I have a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation?

[11706] Ray Rodriguez: Make the motion.

[11708] Bowen Zhang: I move to approve the appointment of executive assistant.

[11715] Elisa Martinez: Yes. Okay. You remember Rodriguez. You okay? If we have members young. Yes emotion. I'll be second. Okay. And member Rodriguez seconds. Okay, Perfect. And with that, we will take a vote. Remember when? How do you vote? You need time. You're on mute.

[11737] Phuong Nguyen: Yes, of

[11744] Ray Rodriguez: a little difficult. But I've had the pleasure of knowing Miss Gutierrez since she was probably in elementary school. And we get an executive assistant and we get an attorney at the same time. How can you beat that? So I'm excited.

[11764] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. So that's a yes? Yes. Okay. Member Zhang?

[11769] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[11771] Elisa Martinez: Okay, my vote is a yes as well. So the motion passes unanimously. Miss Avera.

[11778] SPEAKER_36: Thank you very much. And without further ado, I know that she's a familiar face for all of us. But Miss Gutierrez, would you like to say a few words and introduce yourself in this new role?

[11792] SPEAKER_33: Hello, everyone, and thank you board for approving this appointment I am really excited. And I would like a couple minutes to say that I, that I It's hard. Honestly, it's hard leaving the board, but I'm glad that I'm going to continue to work with you guys. But I would like to say that these 20 months of being a board member have been very enlightening, rewarding. It was a wonderful experience to know how influential a board member can be in a student's education. And hopefully, I was a positive influence to them and successfully represented my constituents as well. Being an effective board member in Newark takes a lot of work. and it's for a good cause. So I, as of now, invite our community to get involved, become school board members, and help make a positive change for students in our district.

[11849] SPEAKER_32: To our Spanish speaking community, miembros de la comunidad hispanohablantes, les aviso que hoy dejo de ser directora en la mesa directiva y cambio de trabajo para estar en las oficinas del distrito. [Translated] To our Spanish speaking community, members of the Spanish-speaking community, I advise you that today I stop being director at the board of directors and change of work to be in the district offices. [End]

[11862] SPEAKER_33: Thank you, President Martinez. Thank you, members of the board. And thank you, Superintendent Triplett. I look forward to this new chapter.

[11872] Elisa Martinez: Well, thank you, Ms. Gutierrez. I will no longer call you board members. Thank you, Ms. Gutierrez. Welcome. We, of course, know you very well. We are excited, obviously, for you to apply all the learnings that you have had over the last couple of years. And again, just the degree of professionalism I think that you bring. So very excited to have that. We know, you know, that there's a ton of work and you'll have your work cut out, but we are confident, absolutely, that you're, you know, with you and Superintendent Triplett and the rest of the team, you're going to keep us in line. So very, very much look forward to that. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

[11914] Phuong Nguyen: All right. Congratulations on your new role. Thank you.

[11918] Maria Huffer: Thank you, everyone.

[11919] Bowen Zhang: Thank you for your service and I look forward to your service in a new capacity.

[11924] Maria Huffer: Thank you.

[11925] Bowen Zhang: And I guess, by the way, you know, I guess next regular board meeting, we got to agenda agenda is the item to select the next vice president on the board.

[11934] Elisa Martinez: Yes, we do. So yes, we will.

[11936] Ray Rodriguez: Go ahead. I wanted to say thank you for being an excellent board member. You came to us when we really had a need when Frankie left and and now that You know, we have an opening and we have a new superintendent coming in. And with your experience and knowledge, I'm sure that the district office through the superintendent and how you reach our community, it's going to be second to none. And we expect you to work twice as hard as you did as a board member. Thank you.

[11968] Elisa Martinez: Absolutely. Okay. Thank you. Thanks. And welcome again in your new role, Lucia. Thank you. Okay, so with that, we move on to item 6.6 was the to ratify the collective bargain agreement with CSCA. Who will be taking that item?

[11992] SPEAKER_36: Mr. Triplett, would you like me to go ahead?

[11995] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, please go ahead, Mr. Vetter. Thank you.

[11997] SPEAKER_36: You're welcome. Tonight the district and we'd like to announce that the district and the California School Employee Association CSCA reached a tentative agreement for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 agreement. The CSCA membership voted to approve the agreement on July 6, 2020, and it now comes to the board for ratification.

[12024] Elisa Martinez: very good. Thank you. So um, and I did not. I haven't been asking and Miss Castillo, please. If there's any comments on any of these items, if I forget to ask, please just make sure you Raise your hand. Let me know any and no public comment on this item.

[12040] SPEAKER_27: Not on 6.6. Now there will be.

[12042] SPEAKER_36: Okay. Thank you. If I may add Miss Martinez just wanted to tell the audience a little bit about the timelines. We started our negotiations July 23 of 2019. The TA was reached last May 22. And for obvious reasons, the pandemic hit us and different reasons why the vote was taken. The final vote was taken on July 6, which is why we're bringing it out to the board on July 14.

[12076] Elisa Martinez: Gotcha. Thank you so much. Okay, and so before we open up for discussion, may I have a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation to approve the, to ratify, I'm sorry, the collective bargaining agreement with CSCA?

[12093] Ray Rodriguez: I'd like to make the motion. I second.

[12097] Elisa Martinez: Member Rodriguez moves, Member Zhang seconds. Okay, any comments or questions for Ms. Saavedra regarding the item in front of us? I don't have any questions. I know that I think all of us, you know, it has been, you know, thank you for kind of reviewing the timeline. I know there, once again, a ton of work from obviously our district staff, but, you know, equally on the team of our CSCA partners. So I just wanted to thank you for working so hard to really find that common ground and bringing this agreement forward. So thank you very much.

[12137] Ray Rodriguez: I wanted to thank her also and everyone that was involved in putting this together. from the district side and also from the classified. You know, the classified are the ones that, you know, just all of them live here or just most of them. And they're very involved in what we do to keep our schools safe and to make sure our kids experience at each one of the sites is an enjoyable one. And so I'm happy about this agreement. Thank you.

[12171] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Member Rodriguez. If there are no other comments, I will go ahead and ask Ms. Castellon to repeat the motion.

[12183] SPEAKER_38: Go ahead.

[12185] SPEAKER_27: For agenda item 6.6, to ratify collective bargaining agreement with California School Employees Association, CSCA, made by member Rodriguez and second by member Zhang.

[12198] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Ms. Castellon. Member Nguyen? Yes. Member Zhang?

[12204] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[12205] Elisa Martinez: Yes. Member Rodriguez.

[12206] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[12208] Elisa Martinez: And my vote is yes as well. So motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Thank you again. Okay, um. Item 6.7. Um I believe Miss

[12236] SPEAKER_27: To say the survey indicated a strong support for a bond measure is a stretch. The Godby final survey test showed only 32.5% were a definitely yes, 36.1% were a probably yes. Probably yes is not a definitely yes. Plus, this data was collected early in the shelter-in-place process before major layoffs and before Newark had over 200 COVID-19 cases. On the ballot label, why does this list the cost as $0.06 per $100 assessed value? Why isn't the cost listed per $100,000 assessed value like the last bond measure? The cost would be $60 per $100,000, about a 50% increase over Measure G, which barely passed with only 55.9%. The key findings is riddled with language from the previous bond, including hot button and buzz word projects. It correlates better equipped educational facilities with outstanding student achievement. Most people would not agree with that thought process. It also states this measure will create local construction jobs, boost economic activity in the area and protect jobs for local teachers and staff. Really, in most cases, you have to select the lowest bidder and how this protects jobs for local teachers and staff. And by the way, Measure G was passed in 2011, not 2012. With the limited amount of time I have left, let me address the ADIS Master Facility Plan, which costs $496,946. The bond hasn't publicly reviewed and accepted the final plan. A draft was presented on May 16, 2019, and contained a lot of errors. There was an invitation only unveiling at the Silliman Center in September 2019 for those who participated in the workshops. The plan from that meeting had the same errors. Also, have you received the deferred maintenance component of the plan? If so, the Measure G Bond Oversight Committee has yet to see the deferred maintenance plan which according to Ed Code section 15278C4, they are responsible for reviewing. I realize this is on the agenda for only discussion information. These are unprecedented times, so many individuals are still not working. What would what would a campaigning even look like? A bunch of mailers? It's the personal contact that is most effective. Finally, with four board member seats on the ballot and the prospect of up to two school closures, is this the right time? And this is from Ms. Cindy Parks.

[12411] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Ms. Castellon. Yeah, I've been struggling on how to have this conversation given the resignation. of our fifth board member and also kind of the learnings from our study session. And I say that because one of the guidance that we received was that for a bond to move forward, for us to move forward, the board would have to have a four-fifths majority. In the instance that we are in now, where we all only have four board members, it has to be an absolute majority. Okay, and and I'm bringing that up and whether we kind of continue the conversation to happy to do that, but it was the question one of our board members specifically members young I know that you weren't. I think you felt kind of strongly, I'll say kind of. I don't want to put words in your mouth that that you weren't prepared to support to bring a measure like this to to know the November election. You know, I am kind of going to, and I'm speaking to my fellow board members here, whether we should be having this discussion and spend some time here. We do have an attorney that, and of course we're paying for the attorney to be here. So if we want to have conversation and some questions of her and the rest of the team, happy to do that. But if we believe that we're not going to get that, we'll call even the second on the motion to have the conversation. Then, then let's let I would recommend that we let the motion die. So, but, but I'm really going to look at, you know, John.

[12520] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Martin. Last time when I explained my opposition, I was doing a power outage, so I didn't really have time to really explain why. I mean, except I just gave one sentence because really the power was not here. So give me five minutes to, or maybe three minutes timer to really talk about my reasoning behind my opposition.

[12541] Elisa Martinez: Okay, so then let's do a motion in a second and actually open the discussion and then choose, if we choose not to move forward, then I think, you know, at the end of the day, this isn't an item that requires action, but I think it should be a very transparent conversation amongst us four so that we can either have clarity of whether, for example, Superintendent Triplett and I agendize it for a vote next time. Okay, so with that, I will ask for a motion and a second to open discussion.

[12576] Bowen Zhang: I'm sorry. I move to open up discussion regarding whether we're going to move forward with the bond measure in November.

[12582] Phuong Nguyen: I second.

[12585] Bowen Zhang: So last time, due to the power outage I only talk about one reason that the one. One reason that I was opposed for this I wasn't ready for this is because during economic depression, when people are hurting, I don't think this is a good time to raise people's taxes. But I actually have three other reasons why I'm really reserved about this. The second reason is letting a bond election to trigger a reevaluation of your bond rating when you have consecutive qualified budget is not something I really want to entertain. I see a clear path of us going back to the positive qualification of the budget. I would rather do a bond election during that time. Like I said a year ago, the credit rating and the bond rating of the district is a non-negotiable for me. So a third reason I wanted to talk about is, I think a lot of optimism we have about this measure was based on the Gavi survey result. Local races are notoriously hard to poll because the low response rate and it's almost impossible for pollsters to reweight the sample to match the demographics of the likely voter universe. In that response, 55% of the respondents are homeowners, while in an actual newer election, more than 70% of our voters are homeowners, on a measure that's literally a tax increase on the homeowners. And in that response, zero, yeah, you heard that right, zero of the respondents has a college degree, while 30% of our likely voter universe is college degree holder who are overwhelmingly homeowners in our city. Again, this is a tax increase on the homeowner. The survey was conducted in the first week of April during the rally around the flag period where Trump has a 50% approval rating, where every elected official literally have a north of 70-80% approval rating. And we started the survey with asking about the COVID-19 response effort on the local government, on a state government. So all of these would lead me to think that we, because of undersampling of the homeowners and college educated voters and the timing of the result, I will think naturally this somehow might overestimate the support for the measure. And the fourth one, I think, I think you already mentioned, is the timeline. We need to, we need to have an aggressive campaign to run on this. Who's going to do the fundraising? How are we going to design the literature? How are we going to, who's going to knock on doors? Who's going to be, walking under 100 degrees to sell this paper. So based on the four reasons, I'm not really comfortable moving forward with this at this time.

[12735] Elisa Martinez: Anybody else would want to weigh in? Because I think it is important. I know that we did have a study session and some folks joined in, but we had a wider audience. I'm not sure where we are now. you know, if Member Nguyen and Member Rodriguez, you know, if there's any questions we'd like to ask. I mean, it sounds like we don't have a 4-4. So, you know, we could have some conversations now. I think it's important maybe just to wait. I know the rest of us have some reservations too. So in fairness to, this is not a just Member Zhang doesn't support this. We all have some reservations. So I think maybe if we just spend a minute each, just kind of where we are, And then maybe think through what might we want to do going forward. Member Nguyen, do you have any comments?

[12784] Phuong Nguyen: After really rethinking the whole and reading through the bond language and just thinking about the timeline that we're in and also just the parameters of what has happened since April, I'm not comfortable moving forward with the bond measure. on the ballot either. And in light of that, I mean, because I am in agreement with on some of the points that member Zhang had brought up. And the only reason why I would consider a bond measure in light of, you know, if we were able to get it passed, it's more towards rebuilding the infrastructure in terms of adding additional technology if we are to, continue with the distance learning or virtual academy, you know, moving forward with the school year. And that would be advantageous for us, but in terms of it really, if we pass the bond, if we are able to even, you know, get kids back into the school sites, it doesn't seem like it during this climate right now.

[12852] Elisa Martinez: Okay. Member Rodriguez.

[12859] Ray Rodriguez: You know, in April, We knew that it was going to be tight. And then with the pandemic and the virus coming in, it's going to be so difficult to put together a election committee and, you know, with these challenging times. But, you know, one of the things that really excited me about Mr. Triplett was his experience in putting together bonds. So I'd like to hear a little bit about him. I don't know if he's had the opportunity to really look at it because he's only been you know, a superintendent for a few days, but I'd like to get an idea of what he thinks, whether it's something now or whether if he thinks it's something maybe in the foreseeable future that we can put together.

[12907] Elisa Martinez: Should I respond now? Maybe I'll make my last comment, because I think that they're, I mean, it's kind of more, we aren't voting, but it looks like we're, to me, you know, it sounds like we're giving direction. And so, you know, as I think about one of the, and I had the same statement during our during our study session. So it's not not any different from that perspective. My main reservation was around, you know, having clarity of what the message is, right. And feeling like, you know, we, we had, we're facing a bunch of economic issues, we kind of went to a, you know, revenue enhancing committee, and all of a sudden, we were talking about a bond. And, and the, you know, the need to be very prescriptive, knowing that we do have a, we'll call a Our Newark residents, you know, want to see that we have a solid plan because historically, we may not have done the best job, right, in terms of really making our statement and then delivering on it. So I think we have to be cognizant that we're not just we'll call catering to that, but we have to be self reflective in terms of how we've been, how we've performed as a board as a district. So, so with that kind of backdrop, I think that was my main reservation knowing that we are talking about school consolidations knowing that we have area three frankly that was my main motivator. is that we know we have an Area 3 development site for us. And as a district, we have to break ground by summer 2025. And so that was one of the main areas I want to make sure that we are not short-sighted and that we are thinking that we can't, you know, that's a huge, that's a huge value for the district, right? So we need to be making those forward-looking decisions. You know, I kind of was running around this morning just confirming those dates. So, you know, I think that if we, we know that the longer we wait for a bond, things are getting more expensive. Right. So that is the disadvantage of not moving forward right now. The, the, the upside is that we will have a very succinct, we would, I would expect a very succinct plan of how we would want to move forward with a bond, two years from now. Right. So, you know, I think that that's kind of where I'm coming from. I think regardless, we don't have the four votes to move forward. But I think it's important for all of us as a board to just kind of get our thoughts and some of the hurdles. And for me it is, we have to right size our school district and we can't get distracted from that. And I think we will be a much more credible group of leaders when we go out to our citizens and ask for funds.

[13084] Phuong Nguyen: Yes, I would be in agreement with that. Definitely, we need to get our school consolidation committee going and make sure that we have findings from that to support also, you know, bond measures elections for the next time when it comes around. Yeah.

[13103] Elisa Martinez: So, Superintendent Terrible, we can certainly, you know, you can certainly respond briefly to Member Rodriguez's question, but I think that, you know, I'm not sure that we, there's a ton more questions that we would have for staff at this point.

[13120] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, thank you. Yeah, just real briefly, because I'm sure it's something that we should really devote more time to discuss any sort of long-term plans. Moving down the road, but I really respect the comments by all the board members and In particular, just sort of the timing issue based on what has happened in the last six months makes a lot of sense. I will say that the connection to school consolidation and reimagining the larger plan for the district and the footprint, it does seem deeply connected to that. And so I agree with what you're saying, President Martinez, around us not losing sight of like a longer term PB, David Ensign — He or Hemant Mehta, he or him. PB, David Ensign — He or Him. the climate and the appetite for whether a parcel tax or a bond measure, because there's some real strong benefits to a parcel tax as well. And just thinking through which one of those is the best at any given moment, I think is a really important conversation.

[13217] Elisa Martinez: Okay. So, um, I think at this point, um Miss Dela Cruz. I know they think this was going to be an item you were going to be presenting, but I think that at this point we've you know, there's enough to give direction that we will not be bringing this back forward. Okay, So I know that we had this was the first reading that we were maybe going to have another meeting. Um, another special meeting in time for filing on August 7th. But I think we don't have any additional questions. My correct board So with that, any comments, Ms.dela Cruz? Otherwise, we'll go ahead and move on to the next item.

[13262] Marie dela Cruz: No, I do not have any further comments, but I would just like to thank Janet Mueller for joining us. I'm sorry. I mean, we didn't have any questions for you, but if you'd just like to say hello.

[13277] SPEAKER_28: Thanks for having me, and I enjoyed many of your discussions this evening while I was waiting for the item.

[13284] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much.

[13285] SPEAKER_28: Thank you.

[13288] Elisa Martinez: Okay, so with that, we move to item 6.8. Who's this? Ms. Delacruz?

[13295] Bowen Zhang: I think she just muled it.

[13308] Elisa Martinez: All right, Ms. Alecruz?

[13312] Marie dela Cruz: Oh, okay. Yes, thank you. This board item is to recommend the ratification of a salary increase for our New Work Management Group, also known as NEWMA. So this group includes our Certificated Management as well as our Classified Management and Confidential Employees. And it is for the 2019-2020 school year, which is in line with the NTA and CSCA agreement where they would receive 1% ongoing as of July 1, 2019, and then an additional 1% as of February 1, 2020.

[13365] Elisa Martinez: Thank you. And Miss Gus, they own. I didn't ask if there was any public comment on this item. Thank you. Okay. And with that, I will ask for a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation.

[13380] Phuong Nguyen: I moved to approve item 6.8. Thank you.

[13385] Elisa Martinez: Remember when I second members on seconds. Any questions or comments to Ms.dela Cruz or staff on this item? Okay. If not, I will go ahead and ask for Ms. Castellon to repeat the motion, please.

[13410] SPEAKER_27: Motion made to approve agenda item 6.8, NEWMA Management Confidential Supervisor Employee Salary Schedule Adjustment for 2019-2020. Motion made by Member Nguyen and seconded by Member Zhang.

[13427] Elisa Martinez: Thank you so much. Member Nguyen, how do you vote? Yes. Member Zhang?

[13433] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[13433] Elisa Martinez: Member Rodriguez?

[13435] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[13436] Elisa Martinez: And my vote is yes as well. So motion passes unanimously. Thank you so much staff for bringing this forward. Thank you. Okay, and we pulled item 6.9. Was that the last one? Okay, a new business. So we move on to consent agenda. Personnel items. So do we, any comments here? Can I have a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation of the personnel report as presented?

[13480] Bowen Zhang: I move to approve the personnel report as presented.

[13484] Elisa Martinez: Second. Okay, member Zhang moves, member Rodriguez seconds. Okay, member Nguyen, how do you vote? Yes. Yes, okay. Member Rodriguez? Yes. Member Zhang?

[13502] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[13503] Elisa Martinez: My vote is yes as well. So the staff recommendation passes unanimously. Thank you. And the next item is their consent non-personnel, the master contract between Ascend Rehab and Newark Unified. I will ask for a motion and a second to approve staff recommendation.

[13532] Bowen Zhang: I move to ratify the master contract.

[13536] Elisa Martinez: Thank you, Member Zhang. I second. Member Nguyen seconds. Member Zhang, how do you vote?

[13546] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[13547] Elisa Martinez: Member Nguyen? Yes. Member Rodriguez?

[13552] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[13553] Elisa Martinez: And my vote is yes as well. So the motion passes unanimously. Is that it? That's it. Okay. You know, I actually inadvertently, we didn't have a next agenda comments, but I did want to just briefly touch since I did announce the resignation of our fifth board member, we will be agendizing the kind of implications of that in terms of members young to your statement around the clerk's position, as well as any next steps with regards to the filing for that role, for that fifth seat. Okay. And with that, I will entertain a motion and a second to adjourn.

[13599] Phuong Nguyen: Oh, sorry. One thing, President Martinez. Also, should we also agendize committees reassignments?

[13611] Elisa Martinez: Yes. Thank you. I will do that. Thank you. Okay. I will, um, with that, we don't have a, we don't have a section for, we didn't agenda section for announcements. I apologize. So it was very specific to the announcement I made about the role. So I apologize for that member Rodriguez. No problem. So I will entertain a motion and a second to adjourn.

[13638] Bowen Zhang: I move to adjourn.

[13641] Elisa Martinez: Members Young moves.

[13642] Ray Rodriguez: Second.

[13644] Elisa Martinez: Member Rodriguez seconds. Member Wynn, how do you vote? Yes. Member Rodriguez?

[13650] Ray Rodriguez: Yes.

[13651] Elisa Martinez: Member Young?

[13652] Bowen Zhang: Yes.

[13653] Elisa Martinez: My vote is yes as well. So let's see, 848 and meeting is adjourned. Thank you so much, everyone, for joining.

[13660] Ray Rodriguez: Thank you. Great meeting, everybody.

[13662] SPEAKER_36: Thank you.

[13663] SPEAKER_15: Appreciate it.

[13665] SPEAKER_36: Good night. Good night.

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.1 To observe the meeting virtually, Please see below

Type

To observe the meeting via zoom please follow directions below This will call the Board of Education Meeting to order at 5:00 pm

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81923379234 Webinar ID: 819 2337 9234 You will be asked for your name. If you prefer to not have your name show in the participant list you can type zoom for your name.

Or join by phone:

    US: +1 669 900 6833
 Webinar ID: 819 2337 9234

1.2 Roll Call

 Type                     Procedural

1.3 Approval of Agenda

 Type                     Action

 Recommended              It is recommended that the agenda for this Board of Education meeting be approved.
 Action

1.4 Public Comment on Closed Session Item Virtually, Please see below

 Type                     Procedural

How To Submit Comments:

. In order to be read aloud during the meeting, comments must be received by 12:00 PM the day of the Board Meeting (July 14, 2020).

� Email comments regarding agendized items to publiccomment@newarkunified.org.

� Emails must be clearly labeled by stating the Number/Agenda Item they wish to reference on the subject line of the email, i.e, "Public Comment - Closed Session Item 3.2.A Labor Negotiations," or "Public Comment - 13.2 SNA Child Prevention Month. During the meeting, comments will be read aloud by Ms. Castellon, and they will be added to the meeting minutes. All comments will be limited and timed to three minutes.

As with in-person meetings, the Board respects the right of the public to comment on Board matters. The content of messages should be civil and appropriate for a public meeting of a school district governing board.

1.5 Recess to Closed Session

Type                     Procedural

2. CLOSED SESSION

2.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/ Release (GC54957)

Type                     Procedural

Executive Director, Human Resources

2.2 Public Employment (Gov. Code, � 54957, subd. (b)(1) Title: Principal, Newark Junior High School

Type                     Information

Purpose:

Background:

2.3 Public Employment (Gov. Code, � 54957, subd. (b)(1) Title: Assistant Principal, Newark Junior High School

Type                     Information

Purpose: Background:

2.4 Public Employment (Gov. Code, � 54957, subd. (b)(1) Title: Assistant Principal, Newark Memorial High School

Type                     Information

2.5 Public Employment (Gov. Code, � 54957, subd. (b)(1) Title: Executive Assistant

Type                     Information

Purpose:

Background:

2.6 Conference with Labor Negotiator Employee Organizations: NTA & CSEA (GC54957.6)

Type

Agency Negotiator: Jessica Saavedra Executive Director Human Resources. Greg Dannis , Dannis Wolliver, Kelly

Employee Organizations: NTA & CSEA

2.7 Conference with Labor Negotiator (GC 54957.6) NEWMA, Unrepresented Supervisors & Contracted Management

Type

Agency Negotiators Jessica Saavedra, Executive Director of Human Resources, Marie dela Cruz, Chief Business Official, and Ingrid A. Meyers, Dannis Woliver Kelley NEWMA, Unrepresented Supervisors & Contracted Management

2.8 Conference with Legal Counsel regarding Existing Litigation (GC 54956.9(d)(1))

Type

Cases:

Bretz vs Newark Unified School District Keenan Claim # 569505

2.9 Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Anticipated Litigation (GC 54956.9(d)(2))

Type

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: three cases

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code, section 54956.9, subd. (d)(2): Resolution of claims regarding vacation accrual for classified management, confidential and supervisory employees.

3. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

3.1 To observe the meeting virtually , Please see below

Type

To observe the meeting Please see below Or view at a later date on our Youtube channel. This will resume the Board of Education Meeting at

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81923379234 Webinar ID: 819 2337 9234 If you prefer to not have your name show in the participant list you can type zoom for your name.

Or join by phone:

 US: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 819 2337 9234

3.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Type                     Procedural

3.3 Report of Closed Session Actions

Type                     Action

4. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

4.1 Superintendent Report

Type                     Information

5. STAFF REPORTS

5.1 2020-21 State Budget Update

Type                     Discussion, Information

Purpose: To provide the Board an update on the 2020-21 State Budget.

Background: The Board adopted the District's 2020-21 budget on June 18, 2020, which was based on the Governor's May Revise. The Governor signed the State Budget on June 29, 2020. The district has 45 days from the date the Governor signs the budget to make public any revisions to the budget based on the enacted budget. The district will present its 45-day revised budget at the August 6, 2020 Regular Board meeting.

The attached summary of the 2020-21 State Budget, as presented by Capitol Advisors Group at a recent webinar hosted by the Alameda County Office of Education, will be discussed at the July 14, 2020 Special Board Meeting.

File Attachments State Budget Update_Capitol Advisors_Budget Act PPT 2slidesperpage.pdf (2,766 KB)

6. NEW BUSINESS Subject 6.1 2020-2021 School Year Re-Opening Plan Update

6.1 2020-2021 School Year Re-Opening Plan Update

Type                     Action, Discussion, Information

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Fiscal Impact            Yes

Budgeted                 Yes

Recommended              Approve instructional model and authorize the Superintendent to make a final
Action                   determination on the reopening of schools for 2020/2021 school year.

Goals                         1a. Student Achievement
                              MISSION: The Newark Unified School District will inspire and educate all students to
                              achieve their full potential and be responsible, respectful, and productive citizens.

Purpose:

To present an update to the Board of Education regarding the re-opening of the 2020-2021 school year, hold a discussion and has a recommended vote for the Board.

Background: On March 17, 2020 school districts throughout Alameda County transitioned to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Alameda County remains sheltered in place with some re-opening of essential operations. Newark Unified School District administration has been working in consultation with the Alameda County Health Officer, Dr. Erica Pan; the Alameda County Office of Education and with NUSD work groups to plan for the upcoming school year. Over the past month, NUSD has sent out a community survey and has worked with NUSD teachers, classified staff and administrators to draft plans for the re-opening of the upcoming school year keeping in mind that the plans must be flexible due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of cases within Alameda County. On July 9, 2020, Dr. Triplett led a virtual town hall to share draft plans with the community and also shared a new survey, in both English and Spanish for the community to complete and share their input about the re- opening of schools in the fall. Today's discussion and recommendation for Board vote will include a review about the criteria for restarting school with flexible options that include a hybrid model of in-person instruction and distance learning, 100% distance learning, along with a 100% distance learning option within a virtual Learning Academy.

File Attachments NUSD Special Board Meeting 7.14.20 NUSD -3.pdf (1,087 KB)

6.2 Appointment of Principal, Newark Junior High School

Type                     Action

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020
Recommended              Staff recommends the Board of Education approve the appointment of Principal, Newark
Action                   Junior High School.

July 7, 2020 a panel of 6 Newark stakeholders who consisted of labor partners NTA, CSEA & NEWMA, participated in the interview process of the Junior High School Principal. One candidate was recommended to move forward for a final interview with members of Cabinet which took place on July 8. After conducting Reference checks, Staff is recommending a candidate for Board approval of the appointment of Principal, Newark Junior High School.

6.3 Appointment of Assistant Principal, Newark Junior High School

Type                     Action

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Recommended              Staff recommends the Board of Education approve the appointment of Assistant
Action                   Principal, Newark Junior High School.

On July 7, 2020, a panel of 7 Newark stakeholders participated in the interview process for the Junior High Assistant Principal position. 2 candidates were recommended to move forward for a final interview with members of Cabinet which took place on July 9. After conducting reference checks for all candidates, Staff is bringing forward a recommendation for the Board of Education to approve the appointment of Assistant Principal, Newark Junior High School.

6.4 Appointment of Assistant Principal, Newark Memorial High School

Type                     Action

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Recommended              Staff recommends the Board of Education approve the appointment of Assistant
Action                   Principal, Newark Memorial High School.

On June 11, 2020, a panel of 8 Newark stakeholders participated in the interview process for the two vacant Assistant Principal positions. Five candidates were recommended to move forward for a final interview with members of Cabinet which took place on June 22. After conducting reference checks for all candidates, Staff is bringing forward a recommendation for the Board of Education to approve the appointment of Assistant Principal, Newark Memorial High School.

6.5 Appointment of Executive Assistant

Type                      Action

Preferred Date            Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date             Jul 14, 2020

Recommended               Staff recommends the Board of Education approve the appointment of Executive
Action                    Assistant.

On July 6, 2020, a panel of 6 Newark stakeholders who consisted of NEWMA employees, participated in the interview process of the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. Two candidates were recommended to move forward for a final interview with Superintendent and Board President on July 8, 2020. After conducting reference checks, Staff is recommending a candidate for Board approval of the appointment of Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.

6.6 Ratify Collective Bargaining Agreement with California School Employees Association (CSEA)

Type                      Action

Preferred Date            Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date             Jul 14, 2020

Recommended               Staff recommends the Board of Education ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Action                    with California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Purpose: The District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) reached a tentative agreement for 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The CSEA membership voted to approve the agreement on July 6, 2020, and it now comes before the Board of Education for ratification.

Background: The current Collective Bargaining Agreement with CSEA sunset on June 30, 2019, resulting in both sides sunshining their reopeners for a successor agreement. Formal negotiations began on July 23, 2019. After several rounds of negotiations, we were able to reach a Tentative Agreement on May 22, 2020, for a three- year agreement. The District submitted documentation to the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) indicating that the District can afford this agreement. ACOE has reviewed the documentation and agreed to our findings. CSEA membership voted to approve the agreement on July 6, 2020. With the approval of the Tentative Agreement, the District was able to submit the AB1200 documents to ACOE. During the 2020-2021 and/or 2021-2022 school years, reopened negotiations may occur pursuant to section 9.1.1, if the California Schools and Communities First Initiative contingency is approved by voters to determine whether additional enhancement to the salary schedule should be made.

The Articles that are updated are: Article 2 Recognition Article 4 Organizational Rights Article 6 Organizational Security and Dues Deduction Article 7 Evaluation Article 8 Duty Hours Article 9 Pay and Allowances Article 10 Health and Welfare Article 17 Professional Growth Article 29 Discipline Article 30 Term

CSEA members will receive the following compensation:

2019-2020 School Year: 1% increase retroactive to July 1, 2019. Effective February 1, 2020, all bargaining unit salary schedules shall be increased by an additional 1%. 2020-2021 School Year: Effective July 1, 2020, all bargaining unit salary schedules shall be increased by 1%. 2021-2022 School Year: Effective July 1, 2021, all bargaining unit salary schedules shall be increased by 1%. Effective February 1, 2022, all bargaining unit salary schedules shall be increased by an additional 1.5%.

Attached are the AB1200 documents outlining the financial impact of the agreement.

File Attachments CSEA TA for Succesor Agreement.pdf (2,598 KB) CSEA AB1200 June 2020_General Fund.pdf (94 KB) ACOE AB 1200 review letter_CSEA 6-12-20.pdf (518 KB)

6.7 Review Ballot Language and Timeline for the November 2020 Bond Election

Type                       Discussion, Information

Goals                         2a. Safe, Secure and Healthy Learning Environments

Purpose: To discuss the ballot language, project list and timeline for a bond election in November 2020. The deadline to submit the item to the county registrar is August 7, 2020.

Background: The Board approved a contract with Godbe Research, a survey consultant, to conduct a survey on the feasibility of NUSD putting a general obligation (GO) bond and/or parcel tax measure on the ballot in November of 2020.

The community survey was conducted from April 13, 2020 to April 21, 2020. The results of the bond and parcel tax survey conducted by Godbe Research was presented at the regular Board Meeting on May 21, 2020. The survey indicated a strong support for a bond measure. Results of this survey provided the Board of Education data, from a wide base of participants, with respect to support for placing a parcel tax, GO Bond, or both on the 2020 ballot. The survey included both telephone survey and electronic email.

Since the Board is interested in a bond measure for the November election, a Resolution with the ballot language and full text of the ballot measure needs to be adopted before August 7, 2020. A draft of the ballot language including a project list is attached for the board's review and discussion.

File Attachments Draft Bond Ballot Language and Full Text.pdf (298 KB)

Subject
                         6.8 NEWMA (Management/Confidential/Supervisory) Employees - Salary
                         Schedule Adjustment for 2019-20



Type                     Action

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Recommended              Staff recommends the Board ratify salary increases for NEWMA, the Newark
Action                   Management Association, which includes Certificated Management, Classified
                         Management, Confidential, Classified Supervisory, Behavioral Specialists and
                         Occupational Therapists, for the 2019-20 school year.

Goals                        2a. Safe, Secure and Healthy Learning Environments

Purpose: Governing Boards must orally report out a summary of a recommendation for final action on certain local agency salaries, salary schedules or other compensation.

Background: NEWMA stands for "Newark Management Association" which includes Certificated Management, Classified Management, Confidential, Classified Supervisory, Behavioral Specialists and Occupational Therapists. The NEWMA salary increase for 2019-20 is 1% on the salary schedule retroactive to July 1, 2019 and an additional 1% on the salary schedule effective February 1, 2020.

File Attachments NEWMA Feb 2020-2.pdf (58 KB) NEWMA July 2019.pdf (53 KB)

Subject                  6.9 2019-20 and 2020-21 Cabinet Salary Schedule



Type                     Action, Discussion

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Recommended              Discussion and action on proposed retroactive 2019-20 salary schedule and 2020-21
Action                   salary schedule for the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and Chief
                         Business Official.

Purpose: Governing Boards must orally report out a summary of a recommendation for final action on certain local agency salaries, salary schedules or other compensation.

Background: The contracts of the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and the Chief Business Official's tie salary increases to those increases received by other employee groups. The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services' and Chief Business Official's contract states that compensation "shall be increased each year in the same percentage amount that is granted to the NEWMA salary schedule...". NEWMA received a 1% increase effective July 1, 2019 and an additional 1% increase effective February 1, 2020. The proposed salary schedule reflects these increases for the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and Chief Business Official. The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services will receive a 1% retroactive pay increase for the period of July 1, 2019 - December 18, 2019 and the additional 1% will be effective July 1, 2020. The Chief Business Official will receive a 1% increase effective July 1, 2019 and an additional 1% increase effective February 1, 2020.

File Attachments Cabinet salary schedule FY20-21.pdf (171 KB) Cabinet salary FY19-20.pdf (170 KB)

7. CONSENT AGENDA - PERSONNEL ITEMS

7.1 Personnel Report

Type                     Action (Consent)

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Recommended              Staff recommends the Board approve the personnel report as presented.
Action

This report includes employment, retirements, reassignments and terminations for both certificated and classified employees. Specific actions can be made known at the conclusion of the meeting.

File Attachments HR PAL 07-14-20.pdf (377 KB)

8. CONSENT - NON PERSONNEL

8.1 Master Contract between Ascend Rehab Inc. and NUSD

Type                     Action (Consent)

Preferred Date           Jul 14, 2020

Absolute Date            Jul 14, 2020

Fiscal Impact            Yes

Dollar Amount            $925,815.00

Budgeted                 Yes
Budget Source              010-5825-6500-5770-3150-900-50--177, 010-5100-6500-5770-3150-900-50--177,
                           010-5100-6500-5770-3190-900-50--177

Recommended                The staff recommends the Board ratify the Master Contract.
Action

Goals                         1a. Student Achievement

Purpose: The District contracts with nonpublic agencies when necessary to provide related services to students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs). For the upcoming school year Ascend Rehab, Inc. will provide .2 FTE Occupational Therapist (OT) and 7.6 FTE Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and Speech Language Assistants (SLPA) covering the needs for unfilled positions for the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, Ascend Rehab, Inc. will provide Extended School Year (ESY) related services, and summer assessment services to students to determine eligibility for special education related services. This past school year the Special Education Department had to add additional Speech Language Pathologists support due to the number of students requiring assessments and related speech services for speech. Additional support was also acquired from another contractor at the end of the school year to support the high demand of assessments particularly as the preschool level. This continues to manifest due to the current outstanding in person assessments that the District has pending due to COVID-19.

Background: Students served through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and identified as needing speech and occupational therapy related services are legally mandated to receive these required services. Without the agency's therapists, Newark Unified School District would be out of compliance in providing these necessary related services. The District has actively recruited to fill these FTE positions but have been unable to fill them. The District requires speech related services to fulfill the District's obligation to serve special education students. The ongoing shortage of special education personnel nationally, requires the District to act with a sense of urgency to ensure service providers are in place at the commencement of the school year. Districts throughout California have similar challenges faced in Newark Unified School District in securing qualified personnel to serve special education students speech services. The shortage of Speech Language Pathologists is due in part to the limited number of graduate programs, along with an increasing number of students qualifying for speech related services. Currently, Newark Unified School District has the following employees serving students requiring speech related services, they are as follows: 1.6 FTE Speech Language Pathologists, and 1 FTE Speech Language Assistant (SLPA). For the upcoming school year Ascend Rehab Inc. will support the District with 7.6 FTE. This is an increase of .6 from the previous school year. The increase is due to the number of students' qualifying for speech related services. Students' speech services may include 1:1 intense services, along with group services, depending on the unique needs of the student. In recent years with the increase of students qualifying for special education related services under the primary eligibility of autism, has further impacted the number of students that require speech related services to meet students' unique needs. Moreover, the District is required to ensure caseloads of providers are within the recommended Education Code- EDC requirements they are as follows:

56363.3. The average caseload for language, speech, and hearing specialists in special education local plan areas shall not exceed 55 cases, unless the local plan specifies a higher average caseload and the reasons for the greater average caseload. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 58. Effective January 1, 2008.)

56441.7. (a) The maximum caseload for a speech and language specialist providing services exclusively to individuals with exceptional needs, between the ages of three and five years, inclusive, as defined in Section 56441.11 or 56026, shall not exceed a count of 40. (b) The superintendent shall issue caseload guidelines or proposed regulations to local educational agencies for individuals with exceptional needs between the ages of three and five years, inclusive, by January 1, 1988. (Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 311, Sec. 6.5. Effective July 30, 1987.

OT services function as "related services" under IDEA 2004 EC 56363.3 Caseload for language, speech and hearing specialist

File Attachments MC Ascend Rehab 20-21.pdf (269 KB)

9. ADJOURNMENT

9.1 Adjournment

Type                     Procedural

No items will be considered after 12:00 p.m., unless it is determined by a majority of the Board to extend to a specific time. The meeting shall be extended no more than once.

No minutes available.