Regular Meeting

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[48] SPEAKER_49: Yes. Member Hill?

[50] SPEAKER_28: Here.

[51] SPEAKER_49: Member Grundahl?

[53] Diego Torres: Here.

[55] SPEAKER_49: Member Nguyen? Here. Member Martinez? Here. And President Zhang?

[61] Bowen Zhang: Here. Thank you. Moving on to approval of agenda. May I get a motion to approve the agenda?

[69] Elisa Martinez: I move to approve the agenda as is.

[73] Bowen Zhang: Motion made by Member Martinez.

[74] Phuong Nguyen: I'll second.

[77] Bowen Zhang: Seconded by Member Nguyen. Member Martinez, how do you vote?

[85] Elisa Martinez: Sorry, yes.

[87] Bowen Zhang: Member Grindel?

[89] Michael Milliken: Yes.

[90] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill? Yes. Member Nguyen?

[94] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[95] Bowen Zhang: My vote is yes as well. Motion passed with five ayes. Next, public comment on closed session items. Ms. Gutierrez, do we have any speakers for the public comments on the closed session items?

[110] SPEAKER_49: Yes, we do. For closed session, we have two speakers. Let me just confirm our attendees. Perfect. Um, the first speaker is, uh, Sandy a crazy.

[127] Jodi Croce: Yeah.

[130] SPEAKER_40: Thank you. Good evening. My name is Sandy Acker Reed C and I'm the office manager at BGI. A big reason for yesterday's historic vote has to do with our HVAC system. At either the last board meeting or the one before, the words Dr. Triplett chose regarding the HVAC system were vague and misleading. If I did not know that we have more older units than newer ones, if I did not know that these older units are incapable of taking the MERV filters, I'm sorry, the screen is moving all around and it's a little bit distracting. So I'm going to start that sentence over. If I did not know that we have more older units than newer ones, if I did not know that these older units are incapable of taking the MER filters that we need to stop the virus in its tracks, if I did not know that the MOT department has been decimated and that for our entire district building HVAC, we have one HVAC technician who cannot possibly change all of the filters when they need to be changed. I would have believed that the words Dr. Triplett used meant our HVAC system was safe and good to go. Our HVAC system has not been proven to be safe. If we lose one student or one staff member, that is one too many. Dr. Triplett, as our superintendent, it is for you to lead by example. As the person who leads our district, you are the one who sets the tone. During last night's town hall meeting, you put a target on the back of every NUSD teacher. We all know that social media gives people a platform to express thoughts, propose actions, threats actually, that they would not say in person. And as a result of the words you chose, you threw NUSD teachers under the bus. And it's no coincidence that the very first comment posted on the Newark Teachers Association Facebook page was one filled with vitriol and threats. It was really hard to read that. Dr. Triplett, take that target off of our teacher's backs and own your part of responsibility for that no vote. Thank you.

[277] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[286] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. The next speaker is Nathaniel Whitaker.

[294] SPEAKER_29: Good evening, Dr. Triplett, members of the board. As some of you know, I'm Nate Whitaker, the leadership teacher and one of the ELA teachers at the junior high. And I want to start off by saying that I want desperately to return to the classroom and to work with students in person. This is something I've sorely missed for a whole year. Unfortunately, at this time, the district has yet to demonstrate the preparation needed to return to in-person learning safely. My concerns center on issues that have yet to be addressed, which will ensure that all Newark students who deserve the best will be in a safe environment with as little further disruption to their learning as possible. Here are a few. First, the non-negotiable schedule that was proposed for secondary sites eliminates the opportunities we worked out in the fall for intervention and one-on-one support for struggling students, while doubling the daily workload for teachers. And the 75 minute block periods have been reduced to 50 minute periods. These and other schedule changes reduce the number of live instructional minutes and individual students will get for the rest of the year. And teachers lose their daily prep periods will necessitate are working even farther past the end of the workday. If teachers were allowed to negotiate schedules, these issues could be easily remedied. Next, the HVAC systems at the junior high have had multiple problems for years. Just last year, my students had to sit in a hot, stale, uncomfortable classroom without any AC for months. Multiple work orders were submitted, but nothing happened until a complaint was filed with Cal OSHA and board members who had children suffering in these conditions were notified. Even so, the HVAC unit in my classroom and others still malfunction. Of most of concern is that MOT is installing MERV 8 filters instead of the MERV 13 filters recommended by Cal OSHA and the California Department of Health. In my classroom, as is true for most of the junior high, do not have alternative ways of keeping air circulating. I trust you can see how I struggle with the guarantees given that the HVAC systems are working properly and ready to keep staff and students safe. A solution would be for these HVAC systems to be inspected and cleared by a credible independent HVAC inspector rather than by MOT or their HVAC repair vendors. In multiple town hall meetings, the district has guaranteed that classrooms will be cleaned and disinfected between groups of students. At the secondary level, however, there will be no cleaning or disinfecting between class periods. Instead, cleaning will happen just once a day in the evening. Since students are intermingling all day, if just one confirmed COVID case arises, the entire site will have to close. Being fully vaccinated does not mean that one cannot get or spread COVID and students are not vaccinated. This is a serious risk. Only with more regular cleaning and proper ventilation in the classroom will students and staff be as safe as can be. Again, I really, really want to return to in-person learning, but until these issues are addressed properly, I don't believe that students who deserve the best have a safe environment to return and provide them with little to no disruption in their learning. Thank you.

[481] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Okay, I believe that's all the speaker for closed session item. In closed session, we'll be discussing item 3.2, Public Employee Discipline Dismissal Release. 3.3, Conference with Labor Negotiator. NTACSEA, Conference with Labor Negotiator, Employee Group NEWMA, Unrepresented Supervisor, and Contracted Management. 3.5, Conference with Legal Counsel, Anticipated Litigation, and we'll be back to open session. Okay, we'll be recessing to closed session, and I will see everyone. We'll be back at around seven. Okay, see you at seven. Five ayes.

[3593] SPEAKER_35: Okay.

[3652] Bowen Zhang: Superintendent Triplett, would you want to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

[3658] Mark Triplett: I would be honored. Thank you, President Chen.

[3660] Bowen Zhang: Okay, let's see if we got everybody back. Still waiting for Member Martinez.

[3696] SPEAKER_49: We can begin with, we can begin, and member Martinez will join soon.

[3704] Bowen Zhang: Okay, so we're back to open session. Superintendent has graciously agreed to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ms. Gutierrez, can you turn on the banner and everybody please stand?

[3726] Phuong Nguyen: I pledge allegiance to the flag 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.

[3745] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, everyone. Next, report of closed session actions. All reportable action has been taken in closed session. Student Report from Junior High, McGregor, and Memorial High. Superintendent Triplett.

[3763] Mark Triplett: OK, thank you, President Jun, and good evening to board members and staff and community. So we will have our our student report. And I am delighted to to introduce our student leaders, first from Newark Junior High School, Miss Arisu and also Miss Torres.

[3793] Bowen Zhang: Welcome.

[3797] SPEAKER_16: Hi, board members, staff, and families. My name is Rachel Estew, and I'll be giving the junior high report tonight. Firstly, our fundraising committee has posted funds for this upcoming month, which is still in the works. NJHS's virtual multicultural day has been put on hold and will be continued after we return from spring break. Our activities committee is also holding this week after spring break as well. and finally hope everybody has a relaxing, safe, and fun spring break this week.

[3828] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next.

[3836] Mark Triplett: Thank you, President Jhun, and thank you to the junior high school leader, Ms. Ristew. Next, I believe we have our student leader from McGregor, Alexis Blanco-Barron.

[3853] Bowen Zhang: Welcome.

[3855] SPEAKER_32: Good evening, Superintendent, Dr. Triplett, board members, and cabinet members. My name is Alexis Blanco-Baron, and I'm in ninth grade at Crossroads. I serve on the school site council. It is now our fourth quarter. We have several new students at Bridgepoint and Crossroads. We started a new quarter with a special assembly called the fourth quarter refresh. Over 25 students participated in a training about professional communication and human rights issues. Our tobacco use prevention peer educator did a presentation. Great job, ladies. We're looking forward to spring break week when we return. We will celebrate our third quarter rewards. Thank you.

[3898] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Thank you for your report. Next one.

[3906] Mark Triplett: Oh, um, the board member, student board member, uh, Salami is not here this evening. So I believe we do not have a report from, um, Newark Memorial. Is that correct? Ms. Gutierrez.

[3920] Bowen Zhang: Okay. Moving on to employee organization. I believe we first have, uh, CSCA, um, Mrs. Eustace.

[3939] SPEAKER_48: Ms. Eustis, you are on mute.

[3943] Bowen Zhang: Welcome.

[3945] SPEAKER_28: Thank you. I would like to give this report to the board. The lowest hourly wage rate on the current CSCA classified hourly schedule is $12.58, which is far below the current minimum wage of $14 an hour. While nobody in our bargaining unit is currently making less than minimum wage, what message does this send out to the public about Newark Unified School District and attracting new employees? Minimum wage will increase again on January 1st, 2022. It's time to increase the hourly rates across the board to remain competitive in this area. Currently, CSCA employees are being nickeled and dimed by the district in multiple ways. Wages increased do not keep up with the cost of living. Layoff means the same amount of work for remaining employees at the same time the district is growing about increasing the amount of students which are classified employee students because we live in Newark and most of them are qualifying for free and reduced lunches. This enables the district to cross the threshold and qualify for additional state and federal funding while pushing the district reserves to 17 to 24 percent CSCA classified employees have been working remotely and also in person since the shutdown last March due to the pandemic. CSCA members continue to work both in person and remotely to support the students, staff, and the district to keep it running. CSCA bargained with NUSD to reach a return to work MOU agreement in order to support welcoming back more students to the school sites in person.

[4094] Bowen Zhang: Ms. Eustace, I think you were a little bit frozen.

[4104] SPEAKER_28: ERC. this morning and I would request Dr. Triplett has reached out to me before that he would be willing to talk to me on issues that I find very pending. I'm taking this moment to reach out to Dr. Triplett to please give me a call. There are issues that came up in EERC that I believe deserve his attention. That is my report for tonight. I'm worried about our classified employees and we are here for you, but we want to be treated fairly and be appreciated. Thank you.

[4142] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Ms. Eustace. I believe next speaker is Mrs. Catheerine Ingham-Watters from Newmont.

[4157] Marie dela Cruz: Welcome.

[4161] SPEAKER_53: Good evening, President Jun, Board of Trustees, and Executive Cabinet. Members of NEWMA have been working hard on our site plans as well as preparing for students' eventual return to campuses. We would like to thank the hard work of all those involved during this busy spring season and wish everyone a safe and restful spring break. We are pleased to recognize two outstanding NEWMA members from the Child Nutrition Services Department, Mary Sayers and Kathy Hayes. Mary is the Director of Child Nutrition Services and has been in the NUSD family for 24 years. In fact, she has a high school daughter soon graduating. from Newark Memorial High School. Mary also grew up here in Newark and values working in a district where we support each other. Mary is responsible for serving the students of Newark nutritious and exciting meals, up to four meals a day for some students. Following current USDA healthy meal guidelines by making sure the meals meet the whole grain requirement, sodium levels, as well as the traditional fat and calories. She also works closely with community groups to serve children through the school year, as well as during the summer. Kathy Hayes is the field supervisor for child nutrition. She has been with the Newark School District for 23 years. Major responsibilities are supervising all the elementary school kitchens and the central kitchen. She takes care of district inventory and fills in where needed, from serving at school sites to stuffing envelopes for mailing. What she likes best is meeting new students wherever she goes, from first graders to the seniors at the high school. Thank you for your hard work and being a part of NEWMA, Mary and Kathy.

[4288] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Thank you for your report. I believe that's it for the employee organization. Next, we'll have staff spotlight, Dr. Triplett.

[4302] Mark Triplett: All right, thank you very much, President John. One moment while I get my deck up. So as you know, we like to every month celebrate our outstanding staff throughout the district, including our CSCA classified staff, our certificated NTA staff, and our NEWMA staff. This month, we're really delighted to celebrate a teacher at Kennedy Elementary, fifth grade, Mr. Mark Kelmer. Mr. Kelmer is really outstanding. I've had the pleasure of being in his class. I can say when I think of his class and my visit, actually I've been there twice, his students are really thriving. He's really pushing their creative thinking and student voice is really evident in the class. So please join me in celebrating Mr. Kelmer. Next is our principal of the month, Miss Vicente Ditto. She is the principal at Birch Grove Primary and honored to be celebrating her. Miss Ditto has an incredible instructional focus. She has created a system and a structure for supporting teachers through observation and feedback that is now being used in other schools as well. She's really a systems thinker and a problem solver, has done a lot of preparation for when we return to in-person and is really helping all of us to think through some of those systems. So please join me in celebrating Ms. Ditto. And then lastly, but certainly not least, we have our customer a custodian at Newark Junior High School, Mr. Henry do it. Mr. Dewitt's, my understanding what I heard from the principal Krishna is that when she first got to the school in the fall, the yard was really suffering from lack of water. And Mr. Dewitt's, in addition to all his other duties, has really taken it upon himself to make the gardens flourish, the bushes, the shrubbery, the flowers. It's become a beautiful place this year under his green thumb and his guidance. So please join me in appreciating Mr. Dewitt. And those are our staff spotlights for this month.

[4483] Bowen Zhang: Thank you superintendent and thank you for the three mentioned staff member for what they do for our district and our students. Next will be public comment on non-agenda items. We generally have a 30 minutes limit for all the comments for a particular item. And today, we got 14 speakers. So I want to ask for the board whether we still want to give every speaker three minutes. So if they couldn't finish within 30 minutes, then they will need to wait till the end of the meeting to make the comment. Or does the board see that we can reduce the comment time to two minutes so we can fit everybody into the 30 minutes time frame? I want to hear from the rest of the board.

[4527] Aiden Hill: Member Hill? I think, I mean, if they've already prepared it, right, they probably timed it for three. I think we should give them three.

[4535] Bowen Zhang: Okay, so I'll be watching the time right now. So after 30 minutes, the remaining speaker will be allowed to speak on the non-agenda item by the end of the meeting. Normally before, when we have only a couple of speakers, if you run over by 10 or 20 seconds, I will let you finish. Today, given the volume of our speakers, I'll be a bit stricter on this. So because hope everybody respects everybody's time. Okay. Ms. Goodear, can you bring in the speaker? I believe the first one is Ms. Srivani Vanduri. Time is 7, 17 p.m. Public comment will run through 7.47 PM.

[4581] SPEAKER_20: Can you guys hear me? Yes, you may begin. Oh, thank you. Good evening, everyone. I am Shivani Wanjari, and a parent of a ninth grader and sixth grader in this district, and hope you're all doing well. So I'm here to talk about the concerns with the seventh grade math options for our kids. And I'm sure many parents have the same concerns. So recently, I found out that from the junior high administration that they're taking away the algebra option for the seventh grade. I was really surprised. I reached out to administration. I reached out to superintendent. And of course, I sent an email. I don't know whether Mr. Triplett got a chance to check it out, but I did reach out to so the many people to understand how can we take it off without having a clear transition plan for the kids from junior high to high school. So I'm really concerned like, you know, many high achieving kids will leave the district without having pathways for our kids. And of course, I am also thinking the same way if for my kids, if we don't have a solid plan here. So as I've seen previous years, between 5% to 10% of the kids, around 90 kids, needs an advanced curriculum. And our district should be able to cater all the students, not just whatever we can do. As school enrollment has been declining, this is the last thing we have to do. If not for the student, think about the district. The school makes between a certain amount per student. And with less engagement of the student, high achievers will feel less motivated to come to school. And a few of the failings, as I said earlier, it could be me too, go as far as to pull the kids out of the school. The district loses money year after the year. And then this is the last thing we wanted to lose the money at the exponential rate. And then, of course, seventh grade student won't be able to understand this by cutting, if this is happening because you're cutting the algebra. To compensate this losing the money, we have to close more schools. That's happening already. How stubborn we are that we are willing to do this and neglecting the basic values our district believes in, that every Newark student deserves the best. Our high performance are not our students. Now, it's our chance to decide. Our district seems to have never focused on how to keep these high-performing kids in the school district, who can really bump up our scores. Also, we increase the load to the high school is going to be another issue. Putting two years of learning into one's 80 days worth of curriculum in a high school, it simply won't cut it. Many students will be starting. Wait five seconds. OK. Okay, many kids will be astounded by this fast pace. The only thing I'm asking here, I would like to see our kids be able to take Calc PC by 12th grade, which is required by top schools. It shouldn't be, it should be maintained for all students. It's not like, you know, only the advanced students, like everybody should be able to take this. That is what the school district should be looking at.

[4766] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Thank you, Srivani. Our time is limited. Next speaker. Sorry, yes, the next speaker is... Mr. Sasadar Jalalamundi.

[4782] Chery Villa: Thank you.

[4789] SPEAKER_49: Mr... We're bringing him over, one second. The name doesn't appear currently on our attendee list, so... We can come back to that one later. The next name is going to be April Holland.

[4815] Bowen Zhang: Welcome, you may begin. You are on mute.

[4829] SPEAKER_49: Hello, Ms. Holland, you may begin.

[4840] SPEAKER_48: April Holland?

[4844] SPEAKER_49: We will try to come back.

[4846] SPEAKER_39: Oh, no, I, sorry about that.

[4849] Bowen Zhang: Okay, you may begin.

[4851] SPEAKER_39: All right, I am basically addressing the same issue that I believe Srivani addressed, which was algebra access for seventh grade students. We have been in the district from the age when our child was in kindergarten, and they are in sixth grade now. We've had very good experience with the elementary school We are part of BGI and have great things to say about the teachers and the administrator. But at this point, I'm feeling frustrated. It feels that significant time and effort and funding is being directed to help lower performing students achieve as well it should. But the district does seem to not cater to higher achievers. And this is despite numerous promises over the years. to introduce a gate program or programs directed to higher achievers or additional stem programs when the district appears to be hemorrhaging students and failing to enroll students from those newly constructed homes in Newark or incoming residents with high-tech professionals with young children, this appears to be a direct correlation. And that's based on many conversations and social media views, next door posts. So we've addressed this issue about, hey, we really thought that we were going to have algebra for seventh grade students, and now they're talking about taking it away again. We talked to the Newark Junior High principal and vice principal, but they advised us that this decision would be based based on direction from Dr. Triplett and Mr. Dalowich, who must advise that a class will be created before it can be offered. And that's despite a commitment that they've already made to test all incoming sixth grade students on algebra and math placement. So our expectation would be that if a minimum of 30 students qualify for seventh grade algebra, that a class would be offered. Note there are currently three algebra seventh grade classes being taught for the 2020 to 2021 school year. And after speaking with several parents and observing this happen multiple times over the past few years, it feels like a pattern has emerged being that the class will be discontinued only to be reinstated when parents organize and express anger that the class is being canceled again. We've done the same thing that other parents have done. We considered transfers like an inter-district transfer or private schools, but personally decided to stay in the Newark Unified School District specifically because of the availability of both advanced language or Puente language options and the algebra for seventh grade, only to find out that the class is now potentially not being offered. So unfortunately, we now have decisions to make and our fear is the district will wait too long to make a decision. So it's my hope, obviously, that a decision would be made hopefully tonight. So thank you for your time. And I hope to see a commitment.

[5037] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Thank you. I do see Mr. Sassadar, Mr. Jilayamudi there. So I think we can, we can bring on.

[5047] SPEAKER_49: Yes, we'll go back to that one.

[5048] Bowen Zhang: Okay.

[5049] SPEAKER_49: Okay. Once. Okay.

[5051] Bowen Zhang: Okay, you're on mute, you may begin.

[5055] SPEAKER_21: Good evening, everyone. My name is Shashidha Jalilamodi. I have two students that go to Newark School District. One is in sixth, going to junior high and other is already in high school. I'm a little bit concerned and worried about the path where Newark School District as a whole is going as like, we are cutting the courses without notification to parents. or anything like that. And we are in a catch-22 situation. If you don't offer good courses, then there'll be no enrollment. There'll be more enrollment if you are cutting down the courses. Then really, we are losing students. Once you lose students, your funding goes down, and it's just a downward spiral. And being in a Bay Area and not having an algebra being in seems to be odd because you cannot push this learning to high school because it looks like the junior high and the high school are not coordinating and this coordination has to be blamed blamed on school administration office because they need to know like if the course is being taken away from one school how is the other school supporting it If we are afraid our kids are not able to take algebra in seventh grade, then there's no way they can take it in eighth grade when they go to high school. And there's a lot more other pressures that are induced. I don't see a clear path that the district is looking into to provide a pathways where how do we recover this lost, uh, what do you call learning time and how can we still offer the courses and be the destination, uh, where everybody wants to go. And I have, I have known multiple families that are pulling kids, at least five families that I know are pulling kids out of a newer, and that's not a good sign. Uh, because it is just a downward spiral. I would sincerely, sincerely ask to take a look at the curriculum and everything. I'm not saying whether this should be there or not, but provide a path, provide a vision like where, how we are going to overcome our, whatever the drawbacks we have, how we are going to reach the goal. That I'm not seeing. Cutting the classes is just escaping the problem. I want the board to solve the problem, the school district to solve the problem. Parents are here, we are here to solve the problem. What we are trying to do now is just run away from the problems. And this is not what we should be teaching the kids who are looking at us and saying, hey, this is what is going to happen next year. And they will start learning, looking at us. They will think it is OK to run away from problems instead of solving them. And I hope we as parents, educators, board members, community members, we set an example saying that against all odds, we did make it and we will be successful. That's the message I want the board to set. And please carefully consider the decisions you're making.

[5239] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Sassadar. Next speaker.

[5244] SPEAKER_49: Our next speaker is Brian Miller.

[5250] Bowen Zhang: Welcome.

[5258] SPEAKER_49: You may begin, Brian.

[5260] SPEAKER_42: Am I audible?

[5261] SPEAKER_49: Yes.

[5261] SPEAKER_42: Yes. Wonderful. I don't think need three minutes. I have a 12-year-old going into seventh grade. Very similar opinion and feedback here. We're at the center of Silicon Valley. Everybody's tech in this area. These people, neighbors, community, they move in here, they buy homes. It's because of tech. We've got a lot of engineers in the area. And technology runs on algebra. Every computer program, every piece of software, every device you have runs on algebra. trying to teach these things to my 12-year-old. He gets it, but he doesn't really trust dad or trust mom. We need our educators to be really on board with algebra. This age, 12 years old, 13, this is the time. Iron is hot. This is the opportunity. I think Sassy mentioned it a little bit earlier. If we wait too long, then kids get demotivated. They get distracted. Direction changes. Now's the time to teach them these critical principles on how math works. And with that, I'll give the two minutes back.

[5321] Bowen Zhang: Thanks folks. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Next speaker.

[5327] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. The next speaker is we're going to skip this one and come back. It's Jocelyne Leguette, but they don't seem to be available. So we will go with Sandy Ecclesi.

[5343] SPEAKER_43: You may begin.

[5344] SPEAKER_40: I won't be taking the full three minutes either. I just wanted to take a moment to say that once you, as our district leadership and school board, feel it's safe for our students and our NUSD staff to come back on campus, that will be the time you need to hold our board meetings in the boardroom with Newark families and staff in the audience. The boardroom is much bigger than a regular classroom. Yet, if you're concerned about the amount of people who want to be present, then move the meetings to the music school cafeteria. You need to see our faces when you hear our voices. There's a disconnect during the board meetings when people talk as I am now, and you do not see our faces. And one case in point would be when I was speaking earlier, the screen was going all over the place, different things were flashing before it settled on to the timer. And it was just really disconcerting trying to speak with that happening. So I'm hoping that the time has come where instead of having virtual board meetings, that you had conduct them in person. Thank you.

[5411] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[5416] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. The next speaker is Paula Clevenger.

[5424] Bowen Zhang: You may begin. You are on mute.

[5432] SPEAKER_49: Ms. Paula Clevenger, you may begin.

[5435] SPEAKER_38: Okay. Am I alive now? Yes. Okay. Wanted to be in on this, but it didn't work. So don't worry about it. I started out wanting to make a comment to the board of trustees, Dr. Triplett and staff, but after today, I would like to also talk to the parents and community as of Newark. I have read so many comments from parents and community members on several Facebook pages today. And at first I was furious and wanted to comment on each and every remark, but now I want to bring it down to one of my kids in my class. And yes, Now that my name is shown, I am a teacher who wants to remain anonymous, but will not. So I won't be the next target on Facebook. Wednesday, one of my kids asked if today would be the last day that we would see each other this year. He was afraid that because of the proposed switch to in-person learning, he might not have me as a teacher starting on April 14th. Yes, the students know and have listened when the district said there was no guarantee that they would have the same teacher in the district's current plan. It broke my heart to tell him that I didn't know what would happen to any of my kids, because that is one of the long list of responsibilities that the district leadership has pushed onto the principals to accomplish in a very short period of time. I have fought hard to build a class culture that revolves around respect and trust, as well as academics through several daily Zoom and Google meets. My kids have worked hard during this difficult year to not only learn, but gain some sort of normalcy to life that is nothing but normal. Now parents are blaming teachers and teachers unions everywhere for not rushing back into unsafe classrooms and shorter times with our students. How did the tide turn so quickly? Since the pandemic began, teachers were celebrated for helping students cope through this difficult time. The amount of hate that I read on Facebook throughout the day has left me with a bad taste in my mouth and a hole in my heart. You have trusted teachers with your children for years, trusting them to make the best decisions on how to not, how not only to, sorry, trusting to make the best decisions on how to not only educate them, but keep them safe. Why has it changed now? Thank you.

[5567] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[5571] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. Our next speaker is Lori Eddings.

[5580] SPEAKER_30: Thank you. Dr. Triplett, President Jiang, and board members, and welcome to Miss Pierce. I'm Lori Eddings and I teach eighth grade history at Newark Junior High School. I'm fully vaccinated and I really want to get back into the classroom to actually be with my students live and in person. I do have three pretty big concerns on returning. I want to be solution-oriented, so I also have some suggestions that I hope you will consider. The first concern is our HVAC system in the classrooms. The current HVAC system was installed about three or four years ago. It has never worked correctly. MOT received numerous requests, but so far nothing has or can be done. Nothing has been done because the former administration, not this one, the former administration went cheap when they purchased the current HVAC system. The one they purchased and we have now throughout the district is a discontinued HVAC system. Unfortunately, this makes it nearly impossible to get new parts to fix or maintain our HVAC. Parts are being taken from one school to try to fix the HVAC at another school throughout the district. Parts can no longer be purchased from the supplier because, as I've said, the model's discontinued. I'm very aware that this administration did not purchase the discontinued HVAC model, and it is not your fault, but it is your responsibility to keep things safe for our students. I know Dr. Tricklett had best intentions when he told the community that MIRV9 filters would be installed along with ionization units. At the time, I'm sure Dr. Triplett wasn't aware that the California Department of Health recommended no less than a MIRV13 filter in order to filter out the microorganisms of COVID-19. And even more unfortunately, we are only getting MIRV8 filters, which is the largest filter our HVAC system can actually hold. This is five grades of filter below the recommended safety protocol of the California Department of Health. And ionization units have a huge controversy right now as the ozone they let off can be detrimental to the individual's health. I'm honestly unsure any filter would make a difference if the HVAC system itself doesn't work. It's kind of like putting a new air filter in your car If the car doesn't work, the new air filter won't make a difference. There are three tests that can be run for air quality and quantity to make sure it is safe for our students and staff. I would like to share those. The first one is a balance test to make sure the airflow is working. The second one is called the HERS test. The quantity of constant airflow in the classroom is safe. And the last one is indoor air quality or IAQ test that measures the quality of air to make sure it is safe. I believe if all these tests were performed, the inspections passed in every classroom, Dr. Triplett could, with full confidence, let our community know that our school air is safe for children. I also, well. Thank you.

[5762] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Lori. Next speaker.

[5767] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. The next speaker is Carlos Zarate. It's going to be one second while we work on the video.

[5788] Bowen Zhang: OK, Carlos, you may begin.

[5790] SPEAKER_49: One second. OK. Sorry. Okay, Carlos, you may begin.

[5797] SPEAKER_27: Good evening, members of the board and Dr. Triplett. My name is Carlos Zarate. I'm a student at the junior high school, and I'd like to speak about the school naming process for the newly merged school. NUSD is paying Dr. Triplett's former boss, Jeanette Hernandez, $20,000 to facilitate Dr. Triplett's to facilitate the school merger of Graham and Snow. This is an outrage to me because documents are being copied and pasted and little progress is being made. Currently NUSD is using the exact same process as two schools recently merged in Oakland Unified School District. Sankofa Academy and Kaiser Elementary. The merger and school naming process of Sankofa and Kaiser are being used as a framework to merge Graham and Snow. I know it's a common practice for districts to collaborate and share strategies and processes. However, I would like to draw your attention that this process has taken the Oakland Unified School District over a year to merge, not five months like we are attempting to do. Once again, I am not opposed to the merger. I am opposed to the lack of transparency, lack of communication, and lack of leadership from the Newark Unified Board and the superintendent. Board members, I am asking for a greater investment in this merging process from you all. Please pay closer attention so that you can learn for yourself the injustices happening in this district. You were voted into to serve. Thank you.

[5894] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Carl. Next speaker.

[5896] SPEAKER_49: Thank you. The next speaker is Monica Quiroz. I will be working on the video on this one as well.

[5940] SPEAKER_48: Monica, you may begin.

[5947] SPEAKER_49: Monica Quiroz?

[5949] Bowen Zhang: You're on mute.

[5954] SPEAKER_49: Monica Quiroz? One second. We're gonna, one second, President Zhang.

[5978] Bowen Zhang: Okay, you may begin.

[5985] SPEAKER_49: We're bringing the speaker back. Apologize for the delay. Okay, one second.

[6013] Bowen Zhang: Okay, you may begin.

[6021] SPEAKER_05: Monica, you can start. Good evening, esteemed president of the board, Dr. Triplett. la comunidad latina de Graham y miembros de ILAC estamos escribiendo esta carta para informarles sobre la falta de profesionalismo e irrespeto que sigue sucediendo a lo largo proceso de función de nuestra escuela. En primer lugar a pesar de que nuestra comunidad de habla hispana es más del 15 por ciento del distrito ha logrado, no ha logrado proporcionar traducciones de documentación importantes, es decir, presentaciones de PowerPoint, plazos de traducción de plan local. El CAP, el director Trippin, constantemente afirma que quiere ser inclusivo de todos los padres y comunidad, pero hasta la fecha nos sentimos ignorados y frustrados. Hemos solicitado Hechos, hechos comentarios en reuniones comunitarias y reuniones de la junta, pero nunca obtuvimos una respuesta. Nosotros, los miembros de ILAC, solicitamos una reunión con el Dr. Triplett a principios del año y a partir de ahora nunca ha respondido. en la reunión de padres de Graham y Snow, donde solo unas 28 personas se reunieron a la mitad, fueron los empleados del distrito, Dr. Triplin, la señorita Gutierrez, la señorita de la Cruz, el señor Martínez, la señorita Vásquez, y otros profesores más, tres hackers, los padres Se unieron, tuvieron dificultades para seguir la misma presentación que se utilizó en el personal. También me gustaría agregar que el documento no fue traducido y la traductora no puede hacer la traducción de todo lo que se dice y a la cual no están proviendo los servicios a la comunidad latina. ¿Cómo pueden esperar que los padres participen cuando la mitad de ellos tienen dificultades para acceder o leer las diapositivas? Cuando los padres de Gram hacen preguntas, por lo general son ignorados y se les dice que son demasiado agresivos y se oponen. Esto es como si el distrito se expresa de los miembros de la comunidad que cuestionan en el sistema. les damos a saber que si esto no cambia, estaremos llevando una queja formal al Departamento de Educación de California en las siguientes semanas. Ya basta de mentiras y promesas, Dr. Triplett. Gracias. [Translated] Monica, you can start. Good evening, esteemed president of the board, Dr. Triplett. the Latin community of Graham and members of ILAC are writing this letter to inform you about the lack of professionalism and disrespect that continues to happen throughout the process of function of our school. First, even though our Hispanic-speaking community is more than 15 percent of the district has succeeded, it has failed to provide important documentation translations, i.e. PowerPoint presentations, local plan translation deadlines. The CAP, director Trippin, constantly states that he wants to be inclusive of all parents and community, but to date we feel ignored and frustrated. We have requested Acts, comments at community meetings and board meetings, but we never got an answer. We, ILAC members, request a meeting with Dr. Triplett at the beginning of the year and from now on has never responded. at Graham and Snow's parents' meeting, where only about 28 people met in half, were district employees, Dr. Triplin, Miss Gutierrez, Miss of the Cross, Mr. Martinez, Miss Vasquez, and other professors, three more hackers, the parents joined, had difficulty following the same presentation that was used in the staff. I would also like to add that the document was not translated and the translator cannot make the translation of everything that is said and to which they are not providing services to the Latino community. How can they expect parents to participate when half of them have difficulty accessing or reading slides? When Gram's parents ask questions, they are usually ignored and told they are too aggressive and opposed. This is as if the district is expressed by community members who question in the system. We let you know that if this doesn't change, we will be bringing a formal complaint to the California Department of Education in the following weeks. Enough of lies and promises, Dr. Triplett. Thank you. [End] [Translated] Monica, you can start. Good evening, esteemed president of the board, Dr. Triplett. the Latin community of Graham and members of ILAC are writing this letter to inform you about the lack of professionalism and disrespect that continues to happen throughout the process of function of our school. First, even though our Hispanic-speaking community is more than 15 percent of the district has succeeded, it has failed to provide important documentation translations, i.e. PowerPoint presentations, local plan translation deadlines. The CAP, director Trippin, constantly states that he wants to be inclusive of all parents and community, but to date we feel ignored and frustrated. We have requested Acts, comments at community meetings and board meetings, but we never got an answer. We, ILAC members, request a meeting with Dr. Triplett at the beginning of the year and from now on has never responded. at Graham and Snow's parents' meeting, where only about 28 people met in half, were district employees, Dr. Triplin, Miss Gutierrez, Miss of the Cross, Mr. Martinez, Miss Vasquez, and other professors, three more hackers, the parents joined, had difficulty following the same presentation that was used in the staff. I would also like to add that the document was not translated and the translator cannot make the translation of everything that is said and to which they are not providing services to the Latino community. How can they expect parents to participate when half of them have difficulty accessing or reading slides? When Gram's parents ask questions, they are usually ignored and told they are too aggressive and opposed. This is as if the district is expressed by community members who question in the system. We let you know that if this doesn't change, we will be bringing a formal complaint to the California Department of Education in the following weeks. Enough of lies and promises, Dr. Triplett. Thank you. [Translated] Monica, you can start. Good evening, esteemed president of the board, Dr. Triplett. the Latin community of Graham and members of ILAC are writing this letter to inform you about the lack of professionalism and disrespect that continues to happen throughout the process of function of our school. First, even though our Hispanic-speaking community is more than 15 percent of the district has succeeded, it has failed to provide important documentation translations, i.e. PowerPoint presentations, local plan translations. The CAP, director Trippin, constantly states that he wants to be inclusive of all parents and community, but to date we feel ignored and frustrated. We have requested Acts, comments at community meetings and board meetings, but we never got an answer. We, ILAC members, request a meeting with Dr. Triplett at the beginning of the year and from now on has never responded. at Graham and Snow's parents' meeting, where only about 28 people met in half, were district employees, Dr. Triplin, Miss Gutierrez, Miss of the Cross, Mr. Martinez, Miss Vasquez, and other professors, three more hackers, the parents joined, had difficulty following the same presentation that was used in the staff. I would also like to add that the document was not translated and the translator cannot make the translation of everything that is said and to which they are not providing services to the Latino community. How can they expect parents to participate when half of them have difficulty accessing or reading slides? When Gram's parents ask questions, they are usually ignored and told they are too aggressive and opposed. This is as if the district is expressed by community members who question in the system. We let you know that if this doesn't change, we will be bringing a formal complaint to the California Department of Education in the following weeks. Enough of lies and promises, Dr. Triplett. Thank you. [End] [End]

[6188] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[6193] SPEAKER_49: Actually, if you give me one second so I can translate this one. Okay so um the three minutes up the speaker uh was um spoke about the lack of that the speaker mentioned that she feels a lack of respect regarding the Latin community and lack of due to the lack of translation with documents such as um any uh district plans or powerpoints or presentations. She believes that Dr. Triplett talks about inclusivity but she and the community do not feel included. The members from ELAC requested a meeting early on in the year, and they still have not been able to get a meeting with Dr. Triplett. During the Graham and Snow meeting, the presentation was not translated. Therefore, the Spanish-speaking members were not able to provide input on the information because they were not fully informed as to the exercise that was being asked of, and therefore they feel that they are not providing adequate services for the Latin community. And if adequate services are not being provided, how do you expect the Latin community to feel that they are included? Currently, the community feels that they are being described as aggressive when all they're asking for is help. And if this doesn't continue, there will be a formal complaint with the education agency. Thank you. One second while I get the next speaker. The next speaker is gonna be Daniel Reed.

[6315] Bowen Zhang: You may begin.

[6318] SPEAKER_33: Thank you and good evening board, superintendent, members of the community, guests, I've been teaching for over 30 years and with Newark Unified since 2004. I've been before the board once before when I was invited to present an animated slideshow I'd created about the junior high, which one could still view on YouTube. Tonight, I mean to speak for the more experienced, perhaps more idealistic, yet still realistic members of our district's community. Those of us who are teachers because we're compelled to guide, tutor, mentor our community's future citizens. to speak for those of us drawn to our often thankless responsibilities because of our commitment to helping those who will create our future world become better versions of themselves and thus create a better future world. Several years ago, I was a union rep and refused all entreaties to return to that position because of the aggressive us versus them air of the ongoing activities. It repulsed me. It's been my experience that any problem can be solved for the benefit of all concerned if both sides truly want to find a mutually beneficial solution. If one side or the other needs to win, however, there's no chance that the as yet unknown solution will ever be found. Misinformation has been shared and we teachers, those of us on the front lines of educating the youths of our community, have been cast as the bad guys when our concerns for the safety and progress of our students and colleagues are valid. Teaching virtually is not easier for us teachers. We're not sitting around a pool sipping martinis. We don't have time. I spend many, many more hours working virtually than I ever did teaching in person. At the same time, we've only a few weeks left to the school year, and we, both teachers and students, now have virtual teaching and learning down. It's effective and meaningful instruction. As is true every year, those students who engage the lessons are learning a lot. Our district is small and we've always needed more money, and who doesn't? And I well understand the desire to fulfill the state's requirements and thereby add almost $2 million to the district's coffers. But I have to say no when the cost is safety and efficiency. The community of Newark is often referred to as a family. but families don't knowingly sacrifice their members for money. Whatever motivations drive this push to reopen, to do so before the individuals who actually man the front lines believe it to be in the best interests of their students and colleagues is not ideal. Thank you.

[6485] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. So the board, we still got three, we're over the time, we still got three speakers left. Do we want them to speak at the end of the meeting or? want to proceed with another nine minutes? Anybody, you can chime in.

[6504] Terrence Grindall: I'd support taking a few more minutes to hear from everyone.

[6507] Aiden Hill: OK, next speaker. I second.

[6513] Bowen Zhang: Next speaker.

[6515] SPEAKER_49: OK, thank you. We're going to go back up to one that was missed, which is Jocelyn Leggett. Jocelyn, you may begin. Hi, Jocelyn, can you unmute yourself? Jocelyn Leguette? One more time, can you hear us, Jocelyn? Mr. Rose, I think we can try again later if you want to switch speakers. We can go with Speaker Delight-Evans, Vasquez please.

[6574] Bowen Zhang: Can we work on a video? OK.

[6576] SPEAKER_49: Delight, you may begin.

[6577] SPEAKER_50: OK. Can you hear me? Yes. Okay, good evening members of the board and Dr. Triplett. I have been a member of the Newark Unified School District and community since 2001. At the last board meeting, some of us expressed our concerns about the process in which the new leadership of Snow Graham was being selected. Board member Fong recommended Dr. Triplett consider having an outside panel to go through this process. As a third grade teacher in class, we learned that when something is not fair or doesn't feel right, we should do something about it. Otherwise, we become part of the problem. Well, I do feel the leadership selection process was not fair or right. So I am speaking up about it. Again, the definition of equity is justice according to natural law or right. Specifically, freedom from bias or favoritism. Yesterday, the principal of Snow and the principal of Graham had their interviews for the leadership position of the merged schools. The panel, which I'm going to assume was selected by Mr. Martinez and Dr. Triplett, was a panel of their peers, peers, colleagues with no biases or favoritism. I find that there were no biases or favoritism really hard to believe. Even though we respectfully asked to have representatives from Snow and Graham be on the panel, No one was included. Where is the transparency? Are we full of bias or favoritism? I am so disappointed that a neutral panel did not happen. Did the school board and the district staff take a good look at their processes and practices before acting upon them? I believe the answer is no. I bring this to your attention because myself and many other teachers feel the division that we feel the division that the district leadership is causing for not being honest and transparent Dr. Triplett and board members, as public servants, you must listen to the community and be involved in the processes that take place when hiring principals as well as cabinet members. We urge that you follow through with meeting the needs of our students and not act like politicians who make promises but don't allow follow through. Thank you.

[6718] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[6725] SPEAKER_49: The next speaker is Annabel Gutierrez.

[6735] Bowen Zhang: Can you unmute yourself? You may begin.

[6739] SPEAKER_51: Good evening. I am concerned by the lack of transparency and the lack of equity that's happening in this district. It is my understanding that the Graham and Snow principles were interviewed this week. Parents, teachers, and board members ask you, Dr. Triplett, to adjust your panel to make it fair and unbiased. I want to know, did Principal Byrd and Principal Tomasini have to interview with the panel of their peers? If so, that would be terribly unprofessional and inappropriate from your part. It also sends a message that NUSD does not follow equitable processes. The reopening plan that fell through this week is another example of an inequitable process. Did you really expect NTA to approve the MOU when you gave the community a deadline of April 1st at noon to turn in their commitment forms when teachers leave for spring break that same day? You don't even have sufficient technology available to all students in the district. What is your main concern? Is it the academic success of our students? Or are you worried about the funding the state will provide if you reopen? Did you think you were ready to reopen when Graham School hasn't had an office manager during all of distant learning? Another inequitable process has been the merger of Graham and Snow. First of all, even though our Spanish speaking community is more than 15%, the district has failed to provide translations of important documents like PowerPoint presentations, timelines, and LCAP. Dr. Triplett constantly states that he wants to be inclusive of all parents and communities, but to this date, we feel dismissed. At the Gramps No Parent meeting, there were only approximately 20 people who joined, and half were district employees, like Dr. Triplett, Ms. Gutierrez, Ms.dela Cruz, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Dolowitz, Ms. Pierce, and other teachers, plus three hackers. I'd also like to add that the document was not translated, which is a disservice to the Latino community and against Ed Code 48985. How can you expect parents to participate when half of them are struggling to access or even read the slides? When parents from Graham ask questions, they are usually dismissed and told they are too hostile or unwelcoming. Is that what we call community members who question the system? If no changes are made, we will be filing a formal complaint with the California Department of Education to make sure this is also looked into. A better job needs to be done to ensure that NUSD follows transparent and equitable processes that meet the academic needs of all our students. Thank you.

[6919] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Next speaker.

[6924] SPEAKER_49: Our next speaker is Teresa Castain.

[6936] SPEAKER_48: Teresa, you may begin.

[6948] Bowen Zhang: You're on mute.

[6954] SPEAKER_48: Teresa, you may begin.

[6955] SPEAKER_43: Can you hear me? Yes. Okay. Good evening, everyone. As a member of the community, I attended the last meeting to listen to the grandma snow. The grandma snow principal selection process. Many of us parents felt dismissed and ignored by the way the meeting took place, and a lack of transparency from Dr. Triplett triplet. I know my, I know many parents have addressed these questions and previous meetings. No answers have been provided. Why did our principal of Graham, Ms. Byrd, reapply for a job she has been doing for the last five years? She has been principal of the year, has had the highest scores in the district, and has high expectations of all students. Do you guys think it was fair for her to be interviewed by a panel of peers? Are you retaliating for the fact that we had more than 200 parents do a peaceful protest because the board and Dr. Tremblay wanted to close our school based on discriminatory criteria? Why are our parents of color and Spanish-speaking parents constantly being ignored, but yet when an English only parent from Snow asked to talk to Dr. Triplett. He tells his executive assistant, Ms. Gutierrez, to please remove the rest of the parents from the Zoom call. And then we open the meeting so that he can meet in private with the Snow parents. Are we dividing and conquering our community? Parents and teachers of grand are being perceived as hostile and unwelcoming for questioning the system. It's ideas such as these that create a better narrative where everyone, every group can thrive and matter. Transparency, equity, and community involvement are usually the buzzwords that are constantly being used by Dr. Triplett and his team. Should we define them and ensure that our actions show more of it rather than dividing our community? I thank you. I thank everyone for this opportunity to speak.

[7146] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. I believe that's it, right?

[7151] SPEAKER_49: We are going to try one more time with Jocelyn and hopefully it'll work. Okay. Jocelyn, do you hear us? Can you hear me? Yes. Perfect.

[7162] SPEAKER_17: You may begin. Okay. With all that has transpired over the past year in this country, it's truly disheartening as a Newark resident, alumni, and past employee to have to speak this evening. We were all hopeful for the success of the new superintendent. Unfortunately, that hope was trampled on with the continued disrespect of students, parents, and staff of color. On September 17th, 2020, I watched the school board pass the Black Lives Matter in the classroom resolution. Do any of you, I'm sorry, do any of you know what that resolution mean, or is it just a jump on the Black Lives Matter bandwagon? To watch the many faces in the Zoom boxes that night speaking in support of Black students left me wondering when this school district has ever asked me my opinion as a Black parent in reference to my own, to my or my child's experience in NUSD. The answer to that question is never. Does this show that we matter? Over the years, I've watched many administrators come and go in Newark, and I've heard of the discriminatory stories as well. I was happy to see the only Black principal in this school district remain at Graham Elementary School, and I continue to hear of the positive impact she has had during her tenure in USD. including being named Elementary School Principal 2020 for Region 6 of the Association of California School Administrators. What an honor. So please explain to me why she has to re-interview for a position that she has successfully held for the past five school years. Explain to me how your only Black principal who has raised standardized test scores for some of the most in-need students in Newark should have to receive a pink slip. in which the superintendent claims was not a pink slip. In what organization does someone post a job announcement for a position that is not open for applicants to apply? How disrespectful. Dr. Triplett, I am here to say to you tonight that you have personally disrespected the Black families in Newark. Your personal attack on Principal Byrd is an attack on all of us. Our children deserve to see themselves in not just the curriculum, but represented in our staff, school leaders as well. Clearly the disciplinary in this school district's, I'm sorry, in this school district's, what's my spot? in the school district's data calls for it. The Black community is wondering how many qualified Black applicants apply for jobs in NUSD and don't even get an interview. The Black community wants to know how our Black teachers and staff are treated in NUSD. Since, I'm sorry I'm running out of time. Having said that, now look at your choices, look at your decisions. We as a black community are watching you as well, and we won't be silenced.

[7353] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. I believe that's it for all the speakers, right?

[7358] SPEAKER_49: Thank you, and yes, that is all the speakers.

[7360] Bowen Zhang: Superintendent Rapport, Dr. Rattriple.

[7363] Mark Triplett: All right, thank you, President Jhun. One second while I get this presentation up. All right, so this is the superintendent report for April 1st of 2021. Tonight, wanted to speak on just two topics in particular. One, enrollment like we do each time. And then two, I know on top of everyone's mind is the reopening update. So first, in terms of enrollment, This is this week's enrollment data. As you know, we share this every board meeting and update it. So unfortunately, as you can see, since last board meeting on the 15th, or actually I believe it was on the 18th, but from the enrollment on the 15th of March, we have lost an additional 14 students. Unfortunately, I think that what we're experiencing is, and what I have heard from both principals and from parents alike, is that some families are leaving the district and frustrated about the fact that there is not in-person learning and are seeking other options. So this is something that we'll continue to monitor, of course. And it's definitely something that we are concerned about and to make sure that we are doing everything we can to both mitigate any loss in enrollment, but also really think about how we are increasing enrollment for the upcoming school year. So you've seen this before. This just wanted to review our enrollment enrollment process. We ended the priority window on the 12th of March, and we've been processing the applications from the priority window, and then also any transfers. And now we are in the open registration section, so we're now accepting additional registrations, and we'll continue to place students up through the summer and into the fall. Last time I did share because I know this was a concern around shilling that there would be based on the data that we've seen from enrollment that there would be both a dual language immersion kindergarten and a first grade. Sorry, a dual language immersion kindergarten and a first grade, as well as a English non dual language immersion kindergarten and first grade. I'm excited to provide an update we have gotten an overwhelming response to the dual language immersion program so It does look like we are going to be adding a second cohort in both kinder and first grade to the dual immersion program, which is very exciting. And of course, still offering an English, English only option for both kinder and first grade at Schilling. So I'm going to switch now to reopening and talk a little bit about this. First, I want to just go over some really important points that I've been sharing throughout the year as we've continued to prepare for reopening, but wanted to give you an update on some of these things. As you know, we have developed throughout the year, we developed cleaning protocols for or disinfecting and daily cleaning of all spaces in all our schools. We purchased equipment including foggers that you see now being used on airplanes and in other spaces that really help to mitigate and eliminate the virus on surfaces. And I wanted to talk about also our HVACs. So we do have MERV 9 filters in every single one of our HVAC systems. We replace those on a schedule. And this has come up as a question during our reopening plans. And so I just wanted to address it. Typically, the filters are exchanged two times a year. That's the standard practice for the size of the filter. This year we are changing them four times a year. So they were changed in August, changed again in December, and then March we have changed them a third time. I believe we'll be complete with that cycle in the next week. And then we'll change them again in June. So this is not required, but it is what we're doing in order to one of the steps we're doing to make sure that we're addressing issues around HVAC and the virus. Now you will notice that I put this slide in, or this image in here, because I just want to be totally transparent about the level of filter, and I think I've said this before, but the HEPA filter, which is a even stronger filter, is, I believe it's MERV 13s and up. Those were identified early on as being able to capture significant amount of potential airborne spores that have the virus. Unfortunately, our HVAC units do not, cannot hold a MERV 13. It's a much thicker filter. And so, we made a decision with our own guidance with the MOT and our project manager to use the thickest, best filter, but within the boundaries of what our systems could hold. If we used a MERV 13, then we would be at risk of actually creating more problems because less airflow would be going through our system. So you can see that the MIRV-9s, they're good. They are in the upper half of filters in terms of what they protect against and including bacterial spores, but they're not the MIRV-13. And so because of that, we also wanted to think about what are the other ways that we actually do it even better than addressing the virus and airborne risks through filters. Many districts are using air purifiers, and that has been a common strategy to just bring portable air purifiers into classrooms. We do have some air purifiers, but as you know, we actually decided to make a much more comprehensive and powerful intervention, which was to purchase the needlepoint bipolar ionization units. So these we have installed on every HVAC unit which slated to complete that on April 9. I believe it's over yeah 556 devices that we purchased and that have been that are being installed. We're right. We're in the last section of the installation, as we speak. The needlepoint bipolar ionization, as you saw in the presentation, kills mold, kills viruses, kills allergens, smoke, a whole bunch of things. And so it's a really good investment because it'll last not just for the COVID and that, but also for forest fire, smoke, and a bunch of other things. Very expensive. And you can see the price that has that is it is cost, but we believe that this was really a valuable inter intervention and expense. And this, unlike the filters, the needlepoint bipolar ionization actually kills the virus in the air. in its airborne form, unlike filters, which block the virus and is also a good intervention, but not as effective as the needlepoint bipolar ionization. And it has been proven to be absolutely safe and healthy, and in fact, improves the safety and the health for all of our staff and students. I wanted to also share as you know we've, we've been very fortunate and very grateful to have some partnerships with different organizations, medical organizations that have supported us to ensure that all of our staff get vaccinated. So we had a partnership with. Holler's Pharmacies and the Fremont Fire Department. That was exclusive opportunity for our staff to be vaccinated on those dates. Oakland Coliseum was exclusive opportunity for educators. They did two days where it's just educators at the Coliseum. And then TrueCare 24, we had another exclusive vaccination session there where it was only for NUSD staff. And we'll have another one on the 19th of April. In addition, there's a number of other opportunities throughout the county for folks to be vaccinated, but we're really pleased that we were able to provide unique, exclusive opportunities for all of our staff to be vaccinated. And then another thing I just wanted to share is that we have done something that, to my knowledge, I don't know of any other district in the area is offering, and that is free childcare for all our staff during this time. We really recognize that our staff have families of their own, have children at home that may be in a district that is not reopening, and so we really want to be conscious of that. And so we made a decision and it was also part of our bargaining with NTA that we would provide this free of cost to any staff member who needed childcare for their children for all day. So as you recall, the requirements or criteria for reopening, one of them was to be in the red tier, which we entered on March 10th. And this week we entered the orange tier, which is of course exciting and really good news. We submitted our reopening plan very early on December and I believe in January is when it was put up on the county website. We've also done a COVID-19 safety plan to be posted five days in advance of any opening. We have a labor agreement with CSCA and then we have been in negotiations with NTA and did reach a tentative agreement with them this past week. So just a little bit of reminder about the bargaining process with NTA. So both parties had negotiating teams and have negotiating teams made up of different representatives, teachers that are special education, elementary, secondary, NTA president, and a labor representation from CTA. And then from NUSD, the HR manager, executive director of HR, different other NUSD directors, principals, and our legal team. The two parties have had really, really productive, I would say, and challenging discussions, a lot of give and take. And we did reach that mutual agreement. So both sides endorsed a tentative agreement. And then last week, or excuse me, this week, Tuesday and Wednesday, the larger membership for NTA voted. met over 20 times between these two bargaining units. We bargained in good faith, as did NTA. And when we reached that agreement, we were very excited and hopeful for a reopening. The vote that the results from the vote, unfortunately, did not did not ratify this tentative agreement. And so out of 239 responses, which was 81% of the membership of NTA, 55% 45.6% voted no, not to ratify the agreement and 38.9% voted yes to ratify and so and as you can see 19% did not vote at all and approximately 5.5% voted but chose to abstain from one way or another. So just wanted to report out some of the concerns that came out of that. We were very clearly very, very disappointed. We had a town hall meeting last night, which we hoped would be information to community about the reopening and the dates and details. And instead, we had to share out with the community the results of this vote. Some of the concerns that NTA raised up, concerns around HVAC, functionality and filtering, time for preparing campuses and classrooms, overall cleaning and safety procedures, a lack of details regarding district-provided childcare for members, the impact of all hybrid bell schedules on working conditions, provisions of adequate supplies and technology, and disruption to learning. And they also raised up yesterday a lack of compensation, which we were a little surprised at, given that that was not brought up in any of our negotiations in the last eight months. So we are committed to continuing to negotiate and we're also very content committed to continue continuing to plan and for a return to reopening students are our number one priority and staff as well making sure that they are safe. and healthy and able to return to in-person. So one of the quotes from NTA was, make no mistake, NTA members want to be with their students. And I believe that to be very, very true. We agree. And that's exactly what we want. And so we are committed to this return. We are committed to bargaining. And so we did return to the bargaining table today at 11.45 AM. We had a productive conversation. We are looking forward to a proposal from the NTA bargaining team. And then we are ready and eager to address any and all concerns from that team. And that is my presentation for this evening.

[8219] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Superintendent, for the report. And any clarifying questions from the board? If not, then we can move on to the next item. Okay, thank you for the report again. Next, old business governance calendar. This is discussion information purposes. Superintendent Kruppler.

[8246] Mark Triplett: Thank you, President Jeon. Sorry, I'm having trouble with my, getting back to my screen here. There we go. Yeah, so, um, yeah so the board has had asked has asked about a governance calendar and we've had this discussion in the past. So we wanted to bring forth our new new reversion and revised template. for the governance calendar. We have populated it with things that are both standard for all districts in California, and we really used the CSBA guidelines for that, as well as engaging with our different departments to identify other really important things that would need to be brought to the board on a regular basis or periodically. But you'll see those on there as well. And then lastly, as the board has brought forth requests, we have now begun to put those onto the calendar per the requests that come up. So I guess we can open it up for any comments or suggestions regarding this new template.

[8320] Bowen Zhang: Any board member? I've actually read the calendar. The item I requested was posted on the calendar, so I really don't have much complaints. Any other board members? Member Hill?

[8334] Aiden Hill: Thank you for putting this together. I think it's great. And then I'm sure we'll tweak it as we go forward. Nothing that we put in place immediately is perfect. We should never expect that, but I think it's a great start. So thank you.

[8351] Elisa Martinez: I just wanted to again say thanks. We've been talking about putting a shared document out there for a while now. So I think this is a great start. It's good to see, you know, gives us a sense of the timing of, you know, the things that need to happen every year. And we can start to then overlay some of the other potential asks that we may have as a board. So much appreciated.

[8376] Bowen Zhang: Okay.

[8378] Phuong Nguyen: Thank you. I'm also in agreement with member Martinez and member Hill. I think the format is easy for us to follow. And as long as it's a living document, we can make adjustments. And I think that it's a really good tool for us to be able to keep on top of things. So thank you so much.

[8397] Terrence Grindall: On a second or third or fourth, all board members' comments is very useful and appreciated.

[8405] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, superintendent. Moving on to a new business. Character Strong for the elementary school. Dr. Triplett?

[8412] Mark Triplett: Thank you, President Zhang. And Ms. Gutierrez, are we bringing in Mr. Delawich and our guests from Character Strong? Terrific, as they're coming in. So if the board remembers, we brought to the board Character Strong as a recommended social-emotional learning curriculum for the secondary grades earlier this year. And at that point, we did talk about how we were continuing to evaluate and consider what would be the best curriculum in the elementary grades. We did considerable amount of engagement with multiple different committees and teams, and ultimately landed on Character Strong as the best choice for the elementary as well. So we're bringing that forth to you tonight, and I'll turn it over to our distinguished director of teaching and learning, Mr. Dulwich, who can talk more about the process for selecting this and more about the curriculum itself.

[8470] SPEAKER_22: Great, thank you, Dr. Triplett. I want to appreciate the opportunity to present this evening and thank the board for taking a few minutes to turn our attention to our social-emotional learning curriculum at the elementary level. We recently presented and the board approved Character Strong as a secondary social-emotional learning curriculum. Tonight, we'll have a little more time to unpack SEL at the elementary level. As a recap, social emotional learning curriculum provides a space for educators to teach social and emotional skills, allowing students to become more resilient and process difficult circumstances. It's been advocated for and strongly recommended by the California Department of Education, as well as our local partners. in Alameda County, and it's been requested by Newark Unified teachers alike, both at the elementary and secondary level, and as well as by students. It also falls under one of our three district instructional priorities, social emotional learning curriculum for our students, as well as supporting both students and staff with mental health wellness. The Elementary Curriculum and Assessment Council has met numerous times this academic year. Most recently, they've received presentations from three different social-emotional learning curriculums. On March 8th, after the third presentation, the council rated each of the three curriculums. The results were comprehensive and clear, and I look forward to sharing them with you here this evening. It should be noted that out of the eight elementary schools, we had representatives from each of the eight, and we had a total of 11 respondents weigh in with their ranking of the three SEL curriculums. Of the 11 participants in the council, 10 rated Character Strong as their first choice. Character Strong also received one second place vote compared to the other two, Second Step and Toolbox. So clearly, Character Strong rose to the top. Why was that? What were the significant reasons that Character Strong was selected by our elementary colleagues? First, it was because they provide relevant and easy to use videos. And the CEO, Mr. Norlin, shared some information with you previously a few weeks ago. Our council members also rated the fact that our secondary colleagues spoke highly of Character Strong. They've been implementing it thus far and have been generally pleased. And so they were attracted to the idea that we would be a TK12 district. And so this allows us for the end of this year, but even when we do begin next year to be aligned throughout the district for developmentally appropriate SEL lessons. And then it's also very accessible for our teachers. They have activities and lessons that can be accessed online. So there were a number of different reasons that it ended up rising to the top, and those are three of them. I am gonna also reintroduce the CEO of Character Strong, John Norlin, who we have a partnership with from secondary, and you met him previously. We're both here to answer any questions. We're happy to do so. And he's gonna speak a little bit further about Character Strong at the elementary level, and then also the importance of vertical alignment for our district. So I'll turn it over to Mr. Norlin.

[8697] SPEAKER_15: Can everybody hear me okay? Thank you for having me again. It's great to see you again. Two board meetings. What a gift. And I just want to applaud. We're excited about the opportunity to partner. TK through 12th grade, having been both at the classroom level for over a decade, as well as working at the district level, anytime that you can get an intentional alignment across the entire district with common language, as well as that vertical aligned through line, you can always leverage much more impact. One of the things that is different from my last presentation is that for many years, social emotional learning has lived at the elementary level. There's a lot of offerings at the elementary level. There's not as much at the secondary level. One of the things that is important is that your secondary age students don't see it as elementary. I think there's a big note here, and that is the idea of something could be as research backed as you want it to be, but kids can't benefit from something they don't receive. One of those issues of the secondary is that you want it to be engaging and relevant. Across all grade levels, it needs to be easy to use for staff. It can't be one more thing on their plate. There is a lot that they're dealing with. And I think one of the exciting things about the elementary toolkit, the social-emotional learning curricula that they have is the ease of use, the different resources that they can use in many different environments, whether that's the classroom, whether that's resources that they can share with families, on the playground, things with staff. There's a lot of different resources that are easy to use in that web-based platform. So I just want to compliment the decision to have that vertically aligned curricula, TK through 12th grade, as well as providing tools for your staff. Because in this area, it is definitely something that is needed right now. And I am excited about the opportunity, having been the one that got to lead the different walkthroughs, both for your elementary and your secondary staff, and to be with you tonight.

[8833] SPEAKER_22: OK. Thank you, Mr. Norland. I do want to open it up. If any board members have related questions, we're happy, either of us, to respond to them here this evening.

[8845] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, I got a question regarding is this a one year contract? And because I believe the money is paid through the stimulus money. And obviously, the board will need to reevaluate this contract, because the next time we want to renew this, this will be paid out of the general fund. So just want to talk about the timeframe of the contract, any our district metrics that we how we're going to evaluate the effectiveness of this curriculum. So next time, we'll need to pay out of the general fund for this.

[8877] SPEAKER_22: Great, thank you for that question. Dr. Triplett?

[8880] Mark Triplett: Yeah, Ms. Delacruz, do you wanna talk a little bit about the funding sources?

[8886] Marie dela Cruz: Yes, this particular contract is being paid out of our Learning Loss Mitigation Fund, which comes out of the CARES Act. Fortunately, we will still be receiving emergency relief funds in the next couple of years. So if we do decide to support this program in the next couple of years, It will not have to come out of general fund. We will be able to pay for it through the federal programs.

[8915] SPEAKER_22: And one point, President Zhang, just to say that Mr. Norland and I have spoken around monitoring and evaluating the program. So we will do that and have information from survey information with students and families at the end of this year. So we can reassess for next year.

[8935] Bowen Zhang: OK, thank you. That's what I want. Remember Hill.

[8943] Aiden Hill: All right, kind of building on President Zhang's question. So, and I think I maybe asked this the last time. So I'm very, you know, I'm very supportive, but also very focused on like outcomes and metrics. And I think we talked a little bit about it at the secondary, but we'd be interested in what's unique about elementary, what you're kind of expecting in terms of outcomes and how we measure those, and what's sort of the difference between elementary outcomes and secondary outcomes.

[8977] SPEAKER_22: Mr. Lerone, I don't know if you want to start with that.

[8980] SPEAKER_15: I don't know if someone wanted to speak to it. Yeah, so I think there's a few differences. Obviously, there's definitely choice for the district in terms of what you would be most interested in measuring, because there's a lot that you can measure. And so the within that choice of what it is that you're zeroing in on around the different social emotional learning competencies. There's both the individual skill sets, as well as the connection to the greater school culture and climate work, right. Do I feel like I have an adult that cares about me is a well-known question that you might measure. Do I enjoy coming to school? That's some of the outcomes that also could be measured alongside individual skill development. So based on what that is, We can definitely support in what's the best way to measure it. We have a partnership with Dr. Clayton Cook at the University of Minnesota on ways that you can do that that are both cost effective as well as as robust as you want to make it. What's different? There's a lot that's different in the elementary and the secondary. They're both social-emotional learning focused, but the elementary is definitely built in a way that can support even other things that you might be doing. around social emotional learning. It is something that you can have a month long focus for a specific trait like perseverance or empathy, and then ways to weave that into really the daily fabric of school and the different environments that students might be in during a traditional day. It also has things that will work virtually. as well as in person. So it meets that need now, as well as as you re-enter. But it definitely has an intentional through line, but a different look and feel in the way that it's designed, more of a toolkit feel, where you've got lots of different things that you can choose from, whereas your middle school and high school are more of the lessons that you could deliver once a week in those slide decks in English and in Spanish.

[9103] SPEAKER_22: And I would just add to that and kind of drill down. For us, initially at the district level, I think the three outcomes we're most interested in, and of course we'd have to adjust developmentally, would be the student's connection to the school community, two, the student's own individual feelings or emotions during this time, especially vis-a-vis the pandemic, and then three, honing in on certain values. values of that school community. So for us, I would lift up those three categories.

[9134] Phuong Nguyen: So in terms of capturing those and trying to to measure the outcomes of how the students are benefiting from the program are there built in assessments in terms of the online tools that you guys or lessons that you have and versus the in person. exercises.

[9162] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, there are built in with the elementary toolkit some pre and post assessments for the different grade levels and traits that could be taken and turned into a virtual survey as well. They are included in the toolkit and those could even be on top of doing more of a school wide measuring of the impact. So there are built in pre and post assessments for the different grade levels and traits.

[9186] Phuong Nguyen: So your system provides, if we wanted a report or a dashboard to measure those to see tangibly the progress of the students, we would be able to get that out of the curriculum, correct?

[9204] SPEAKER_15: It's a great question. It's not a dashboard that we would be providing, but we could give the guidance where you could do it through your own dashboard or your own mechanism of doing that. But it's not something that they would fill out into our system, and our system kicks back a report for you. But more of a mode of we could support how you could do that within whatever system that you have. So that's a good, important clarification.

[9229] SPEAKER_22: Yeah so ultimately we would have to build it at the district level and then push it out and then have students and families rate it. We could use Mr. Norland's information but I think we would have to develop that within ed services.

[9245] Phuong Nguyen: Okay so I mean I think my question is so basically you are capturing the data through these lessons in your virtual platform or lessons and that you can relay that data to the district and the district is then interpreting how well the assessment is going. Is that correct?

[9269] SPEAKER_15: No, that's a really important question. We don't collect any student information or data, it would be within the web based platform. There are pre and post assessments. That you could want. If you're in person download and then give the students if it was something that you wanted to administer digitally, then you could take the questions, the simple questions that are there. And let's say that I don't know if your platform is a Google platform or whatever other, but you could use your own forms then so that it's all that information is being kept within and we don't keep any of that data. One of the main reasons for that, that I was going to speak to is so many schools and districts have their own ways of measuring whether it's utilizing an actual company that does that for them or even their own, because there is a real cost-effective way to do it as well, using validated instruments. That's the type of support that we can give. It's not that students are going in and filling out a survey that goes into our site and then we kick it back. You would have all of that information. It's more the downloadable pre and post assessments are there, but they could be turned into digital like assessments that you use within your platform.

[9340] Phuong Nguyen: So does your curriculum have an integration with any of another software that will be able to capture that so that we can really look at the assessment?

[9353] SPEAKER_15: Yeah, depending on what you use, we definitely can have our technology team and we do that all the time work with your district tech on ways that we could, it would depend on what it is that's being asked, but it's definitely one that would be more than willing to connect on to see are there ways that we can, you know, make that happen. and take a look. And there's pretty common practices across lots of districts. So we could see what other districts are doing as well to meet those needs. But a lot of times it's not a really complicated fix. It's just more of what are the wishes that you might have.

[9386] Phuong Nguyen: Okay, great. Thank you.

[9393] Bowen Zhang: If there's no other question, I am willing to make a motion to approve the SEL Character Strong for elementary school. So I'll move to approve Carter Strong as an elementary SEL curriculum for newer unified school district. May I get a second?

[9414] Leonor Rebosura: I second.

[9415] Aiden Hill: Seconded by member Martinez. I'm sorry. I hate that. Is there, is there, are we approved? Is it for this year? Is that what we're approving? Is there like a- Yes, only this year.

[9426] Bowen Zhang: Because we come back for the matrix for next year. Okay, perfect. And then for the next couple of years, it will be the federal stimulus money. Okay, perfect. Okay. Member Martinez, how do you vote? Yes. Member Goodell? Member Goodell?

[9445] Terrence Grindall: I'm muting, sorry. Yes. Member Hill?

[9448] Bowen Zhang: Yes. Member Nguyen?

[9450] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[9451] Bowen Zhang: My vote is yes as well. Motion carries with five ayes. Thank you, Mr. Norton. Thank you, Mr. Dolovich. Thank you. 4.2 resolution, Child Abuse Prevention Month. Superintendent Triplett.

[9466] Mark Triplett: Yes, thank you, President Chun, and thank you, Mr. Delawitch and our guest. Yeah, so this is a resolution essentially in support and lifting up the importance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is in April. It's something that districts and cities have really tried to lift up as a way of becoming more and more aware of the very serious problem around child abuse and making sure that we're all really being conscious of it. So the resolution is essentially in support and in awareness of this month being, this upcoming month being that.

[9510] Bowen Zhang: Okay, thank you. If no questions or discussions, I'm ready to make a motion to approve the resolution. I move that we adopt resolution Number 2020.21-024, recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, seconded by Member Grindel. Member Martinez, how do you vote?

[9534] Penny DeLeon: Yes.

[9536] Bowen Zhang: Member Grindel?

[9537] Terrence Grindall: Yes.

[9539] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill? Yes. Member Nguyen?

[9543] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[9544] Bowen Zhang: My vote is yes as well. Motion carries with five ayes. And this is a resolution that we generally read out. So I'll start. And after after I finished, I think a fractional I'll ask the next board member to continue. emotional member john seconded by member Grinnell, the following resolution is adopted, whereas child safety is of the utmost importance. And whereas child abuse and neglect is an important societal concern that may affect the long term health and well being of not only the children, but also the adults they become. Whereas safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and communities can break the cycle of abuse and maltreatment. And, member Nguyen, can you continue?

[9587] Phuong Nguyen: Yes, whereas child abuse prevention requires a coordinated and comprehensive response by all systems supporting children, youth, and families. For example, schools, law enforcement, health systems, faith-based organizations, and community programs. Do you want me to continue?

[9611] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill, continue.

[9615] Aiden Hill: I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was reading.

[9618] Bowen Zhang: So where are we? You will be starting the fourth, I mean the fifth, whereas.

[9624] Aiden Hill: Whereas everyone? Yes. Whereas everyone has a stake in ensuring that children have access to resources and supports they need to be safe, healthy, and successful.

[9638] Bowen Zhang: Keep going. Member Goodell.

[9641] Terrence Grindall: Whereas suspected child abuse or neglect must immediately be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities and.

[9649] Bowen Zhang: Member Martinez.

[9652] Elisa Martinez: Therefore, we have identified child safety and family services to be a priority and hereby declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

[9663] Bowen Zhang: Has been adopted by the Board of Trustees of Newark Unified School District this first day of April 2021 by the following votes. Ayes are five, nos are zero, absent zero, abstain zero. And I guess our member clerk will offer the signature, the West signature after this meeting. Thank you, everyone. 4.3. Resolution 2020.21-05 to delegate authority to procure necessary materials, equipment, and services to provide these distance and in-person learning for staff, teachers, and students to mitigate the effect of COVID-19.

[9696] Mark Triplett: Superintendent Triplett. Thank you, President Chen. I'm going to turn this over to Chief Business Officer, Ms. Dela Cruz, to explain a little bit about the history and the rationale behind this one.

[9709] Marie dela Cruz: Thank you, Dr. Triplett. So this resolution is aligned with the proclamation that Governor Newsom had presented last March, 2020. So it gives the district the flexibility and allows us to purchase any necessary materials or services that are needed in order to keep our students and our staff safe. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So it's really in support and aligns with the governor's emergency proclamation regarding the COVID-19.

[9753] Bowen Zhang: Okay, we do have a public speaker for this. Ms. Gutierrez, can you bring the public speaker? Mr. Pujab Singh.

[9765] SPEAKER_26: Hi. Can you hear me?

[9767] Nancy Thomas: Yes.

[9769] SPEAKER_26: I'm Pooja Singh and I'll be speaking on behalf of the OCC21 class. On Tuesday, our class learned that there was a possibility that we would have to return to in-person learning. With in-person learning, we would have to be situated in the cafeteria and would lose 50 minutes of instructional time from our usual time. Our class discussed this and decided we would not like to return to in-person learning. There's literally only eight weeks of school left, too. Having to make a huge adjustment when we only have eight weeks left is unnecessary. We do not feel safe returning, as most of us have not gotten our vaccines yet. We are also currently learning about taxes in the Buddha and find it imperative that our instructional time on these subjects is not cut. Also, I would like to make a comment on character strong. We have been participating in the character.

[9818] Bowen Zhang: I do want to remind you this is a comment on the Procurement, delegate authority to the student procurement. Do you have any, I guess, necessary equipment services related to the safety of COVID-19 to common on? Can we stop the clock? Because this is not really the common agenda that we just discussed about the character strong and the school reopening.

[9846] SPEAKER_26: Oh, I thought I could talk about this because it was part of the agenda. But yeah, I shouldn't have mentioned this then. But thank you to the board and our teachers for the time and effort you put into making sure that we have safe and accessible learning. You're all very swag for everything that you do, even though not enough of us have recognized that. Yeah, you can stop the clock now.

[9870] Bowen Zhang: OK, thank you. Thank you. Sorry, I guess. I thank you for your participation, but we do need to follow the Ed Code regarding, we're not allowed to allow speaker to comment on agenda that we're not really designated to comment on. So that's not, that's really out of our control.

[9888] Phuong Nguyen: President Zhang, can we just let the student know that she can make the public comment in the public comment section at the next board meeting if she'd like?

[9898] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, so if you would like to make a comment, Particularly on something that's not on the agenda item, we do have a section called public comment on non-agenda item. And you're welcome to make a non-agenda item comment for our next meeting. And if you are interested in making a comment on the item that will be discussed on the agenda, you can also request a comment on that. Thank you for your participation. So with that, I will open up the discussion to the board. member Hill.

[9937] Aiden Hill: So as I think many of you know, um, so I am a certificated, um, social studies teacher and, um, the subjects that fall under that are a number of them in primarily history, but also government and economics. Um, and I would like to strongly encourage the board not to adopt this resolution. Um, so, uh, We have a constitution that we've sworn an oath to, and our system is set up to basically, you know, where the legislative body has the power of the purse, and that there are checks and balances in our system. And in when we have times of emergency. It's very, very easy to try to overlook those but we overlook those at our peril. And for those of you that remember your American history, a long time ago, Civil War. Abraham Lincoln tried to suspend writ of habeas corpus, big deal. We now have our own version of that, which was Governor Newsom's stay at home order. And I actually did my Cal TPA on this and I can tell you that there were a number of constitutional overreaches, which the Supreme Court has since actually said were constitutional overreaches. And this falls under that. So we should not be abdicating our oversight and our fiduciary responsibility. And we are no longer in the same emergency that we were a year ago. So my viewpoint is, is that if our district needs help in supporting any type of measure for safety, et cetera, they can come to us at any time and we can discuss and review and if appropriate, approve. But I don't believe that we should be delegating you know, unsupervised authority and also with no sunset provision and no budgetary envelope. Because in that resolution, there are no constraints around the timeline. There's no constraints around the spending. It is an open checkbook. I think it's very unconstitutional and I would recommend that we don't adopt it.

[10065] Bowen Zhang: My question for the superintendent is, does this resolution exempt or provide room to circumvent the board when it comes to big purchase going forward.

[10077] Mark Triplett: Ms. Delacruz, can you comment and just clarify how this process would work?

[10084] Marie dela Cruz: Yeah, it doesn't preclude staff from going back to the board for approval. What it does, it does give us the authority to declare an emergency if, for example, we are reopening next week, and we had to buy $100,000 worth of equipment. Because of the bid limit, obviously, we would have to go out to bid and go through that whole process, which could delay it for maybe a month, two months. So what this does is allows staff, the designee, to declare it an emergency situation. We would be able to purchase the equipment And then we would go back to the board and get your approval and let you know that this is what we've done because of this situation. It's not something that we would apply in every situation. It would depend on each case, obviously. And it doesn't provide a blanket authority. It is based on COVID-related type services, materials, supplies, and needs.

[10165] Bowen Zhang: Is there any sunset clause for this one?

[10172] Marie dela Cruz: As far as I know, the governor did not include any sunset in his proclamation.

[10178] Bowen Zhang: And- No. Member Goodell? Yeah, you are on mute.

[10191] Terrence Grindall: The pandemic is not behind us. We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have serious problems. We are in a health emergency. And I think this approach of providing the district the flexibility to respond so they can protect our students and our teachers is appropriate. I am heartened to hear that the board would receive report and transparency about the actions that were taken, but I believe that the streamlining of our process in order to protect our students and staff is appropriate.

[10229] Bowen Zhang: Other board members? Member Martinez?

[10235] Elisa Martinez: I agree with member Grendel. We are not out of the health crisis. I mean, thank goodness we have shown improvement, but we need to be agile. In fact, as we think about and we hear the concerns that are preventing us from moving forward in some cases, we need to make sure that district staff is agile and we are not constraining that. In addition to you know, the concerns about overreach. We haven't seen that. And we have good processes. We've gone through audits that show that we've got good accountability processes set up from a financial monitoring perspective. So I don't think that, you know, going through and potentially overreaching our function at this point is warranted.

[10285] Phuong Nguyen: I'm also in agreement with fellow board members Brindel and Martinez. I think that we should allow the district to have the flexibility in order to make those kinds of decisions, especially since we are still currently in a pandemic. So I am in agreement with them.

[10309] Bowen Zhang: So My biggest concern for this is actually the sunset clause. So, Superintendent, is there a way that you think that we can apply a sunset date? And if the pandemic continues, the board can reauthorize another period. Because I understand the emergency, but my concern about this history is not necessarily one member he'll talk about a civil war. My memory is about the war on terror. We don't know when that war will end.

[10339] Mark Triplett: Yeah, I don't believe that it currently has a sunset, but it's certainly something that we could apply if the board so wishes.

[10347] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, so I would suggest, I mean, obviously, I wasn't going to consult with the rest of the board. I would extend this to June the 30th. If, let's say, come the new year, we're still in the crisis, and then we can both extend this period again. Other than just say, hey, let you go.

[10369] Aiden Hill: And I think we should also entertain budget limits, right? So that's our fiduciary responsibility. Or are we going to provide a completely open checkbook?

[10382] Bowen Zhang: Well, one of the things, if I understand correctly, is all of these purchases, none of them can really come from the general fund. So I guess most of them come from the stimulus and specially designated funds. because I don't believe General Fund can pay for any of this.

[10404] Marie dela Cruz: Well, for the most part, yes, you're right. We would be spending the in-person instruction grants as well as possibly the expanded learning opportunity grants and any emergency relief funds first, obviously, if that were the case. And in some cases, it may apply to if we were to do our HVAC projects, which for the most part right now is funded by the bond. So it could come from different sources, but for the most part, yes, mostly the federal CARES type stimulus funds.

[10443] Elisa Martinez: Okay. Sorry, President Jeong, if I may, I definitely support putting an initial time frame on it. I would suggest, however, that it's that we go at least through August, maybe even September, because we're going to be in prep mode. And this is where they're getting a lot of things that are in line, if you will, to get us going. So I would suggest maybe second week of September, we revisit it. I think that's not an unreasonable ask.

[10480] Bowen Zhang: What about other board members? What about we can revisit, I mean, come September, if there's still an emergency going on?

[10488] Terrence Grindall: I can support that also. I was thinking it was more like December, but I can support, I can support, remember, marking this as mid-September deadline.

[10497] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, so to address Member Hill's concern, the reason that I am less concerned about this spending is, like I said, most of this I know will not be coming from the general fund. So that gave me more assurance on this will not be an open checkbook where we come back and go like, hey, how did we even run a deficit when we're projecting a surplus because something from the general fund ran out.

[10518] Aiden Hill: One thing I'd like to remind everybody, and this is from our own current crisis, it's not from the Civil War. How many respirators do we have sitting around in warehouses right now? Because we all freaked out and said, respirators, respirators, we need more respirators. So, you know, I think that it's very dangerous to be given an open checkbook and all of a sudden start spending a bunch of stuff and with no type of checks and balances.

[10546] Elisa Martinez: Yeah, I think it's important, though, that we don't go to extremes. I mean, you know, I mean, we could be alarmists and imagine the worst condition. Again, I don't I think we have the right controls. We are meeting every couple of weeks. So we don't have to manage to manage.

[10564] Aiden Hill: We have visibility, but we don't know. But the issue is that we're delegating the authority. Right.

[10570] Bowen Zhang: Well, we are not we are not get back. Obviously, the board can definitely go bring this back as a general and take it back. We see abuse. So so that's the thing. It's not that after we vote to delegate, there's no way we can take it out after the contract signed. So so with that, so since talking about second, we lost September, we missed September.

[10591] Marie dela Cruz: So I guess I can add that to the resolution.

[10596] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, I'll be I'm happy to to amend the to make a motion with the amendment of the sunset day will be the mid-September of 2021.

[10604] SPEAKER_49: Do you want to provide an exact date Dr. I mean President Chung?

[10609] Bowen Zhang: September 16th is a board meeting. Okay that will we will revisit Okay, I think, yeah, I think, can I, am I breaking up?

[10637] Elisa Martinez: You froze for a second.

[10638] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, I know something's wrong. So I'll move that the board adopt the resolution 2020.21-025 to delegate authority to procure necessary materials, equipment, and services to provide distance and in-person learning for staff, teachers, and students to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 with the sunset date of September 16th, 2021. May I get a second? I'll second. Moved by myself, seconded by Member Grundahl. Member Martinez, how do you vote?

[10671] Elisa Martinez: Yes.

[10674] Bowen Zhang: Member Grundahl?

[10675] Terrence Grindall: Yes.

[10677] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill? No. Member Nguyen? Yes. My vote is yes as well. Motion carries with four ayes and Member Hill descended. Thank you. Next one, personnel report consent calendar. I move that we ratify the personnel report as presented. May I get a second?

[10701] SPEAKER_26: A second.

[10703] Bowen Zhang: Seconded by member Nguyen. Member Martinez, how do you vote?

[10706] Elisa Martinez: Yes.

[10708] Bowen Zhang: Member Buendel?

[10709] Terrence Grindall: Yes.

[10710] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill? Yes. Member Nguyen?

[10715] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[10717] Bowen Zhang: My vote is yes as well. Motion carries unanimously. Consent calendar, non-personnel items. If no additional discussion, I move to approve item 14.2 through 14.5. May I get a second?

[10735] Joy Lee: I second.

[10736] Bowen Zhang: Seconded by Member Nguyen.

[10737] Joy Lee: Go ahead.

[10738] Bowen Zhang: Member Martinez, how do you vote?

[10741] Elisa Martinez: Yes.

[10742] Bowen Zhang: Member Guendel? Member Guendel, are you Member Grenell, are you mute?

[10753] Terrence Grindall: Oh, yes.

[10755] Bowen Zhang: Member Hill?

[10756] Aiden Hill: Yes.

[10760] Bowen Zhang: Member Nguyen?

[10761] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[10764] Bowen Zhang: And myself, both yes, yes, as well. We have donations report. Superintendent, can you please read out our generous donors?

[10774] Mark Triplett: Yes, thank you, President Jun. I'd be an honor. We are so appreciative of all of the generous donations of from our community. So, and I believe this might be one of the first times I've done this. So am I reading? I'm reading the name? And the the amount? Is that right?

[10792] Bowen Zhang: Yes. Yeah, you don't need to talk about the date, the donation, the donor and the specified purpose.

[10800] Mark Triplett: Perfect. So the first one production services to create an MHS graduation video for Newark Memorial High School class of 2020 was done by commune three three unity production team, and it was for the class of 2020 so that was a donation in kind. There was $50 for a Birchgrove Primary donated by Vipin Boyanpally and Intel Match, and that was a principal donation. $400 for Schilling from Veronica Haidt and a Google Match, and that was a principal donation. $1,000 for Birchgrove Intermediate from Nicole Isant and a Google Match, and that was a science program. $400 for Kennedy, and that was Jorge Bernardes and a Google match, and that was for Mrs. Carpenter's classroom. $100 for Newark Unified School District from Himal Megpara and Microsoft match, and that was for Educational Services. $500 for Graham Elementary from Debbie Roa. That was a principal donation. $610 for Newark Unified School District from Viva Darin Hom. And that, Hom, excuse me, that was for educational services. $70 for Birch Grove Primary from Vipin Boyapani and Intel Match, again. That was a principal donation. $100 for shilling from Mansi Bandarupalli and Workday, and that was a principal donation. $60 for a newer cunified school district from the Blackboard Giving Fund and PG&E, and that was in support of students. an iPad Pro donation and an Apple Magic Keyboard for Newark Memorial High School. That was a DonorsChoose donation for the English Department. Likewise, an Apple Pencil, iPad Air, a keyboard case for Newark Memorial High School, also from DonorsChoose to the English Department in support of ELL students. And lastly, a gaming computer desktop for Newark Memorial High School from DonorsChoose for the English Department in support of ELL students. Again, very big appreciation to all of the donors and supporters of our students and schools.

[10950] Bowen Zhang: Yeah, and obviously we got, with this vote, we also get a signature card for our assistant superintendent of ed services, Ms. Nakira Pierce, your first board meeting, welcome again. Okay, moving on, board of education committee reports. Anybody has any committee report?

[10973] Phuong Nguyen: We do have a liaison meeting coming up on April 19th.

[10977] Bowen Zhang: OK. Anything else?

[10983] Elisa Martinez: The next Mission Valley ROP meeting be the same date as our next meeting. Is it the 15th? I believe April 15th. So we'll have more to report then.

[10998] Bowen Zhang: OK. Anything else? Seeing none, Board of Education request, Member Martinez.

[11012] Elisa Martinez: Hi, yes. Am I off mute now? Yeah. Okay. You know, I was thinking about the resolution we passed about child abuse prevention. And I know when we first went into lockdown and we had to close our schools, I literally, you know, just felt the pressure in my chest about right or wrong, right? That schools are the safe place for many of our kids. I know that there's some conversation around, well, why is it on us? It is, you know, that is just a fact. And, you know, I still feel it. I feel it in my hands. I feel it in my chest that we are, we, all of us in this collective discussion are impacting the life of many of these kids who really depend on us for a safe zone. And so that there are things that we need to work through, right? But as I look at other districts, not everyone is opening up. but many districts are opening up with very similar plans, right? So why are we different? What do we need to do to go find those solutions? Because at the end of the day, I think that's the picture that I want us all to have, is who we are here to serve. We talk about our fiduciary responsibility, absolutely, and none of us forget that. But the most important thing that we need to remember is that our kids are watching. And sometimes we also hear, well, we're trying to protect our kids. Families or parents are making that decision, whether they want them to come back to school, right? So for those that want to, because there's a good percentage of our community that wants to, we have a responsibility to create those solutions, right? Of course, protecting not just their health, our staff's health. So that's kind of just the framework that that's just in my head. And yeah, I too have read some of that negativity out there. Right? And at the end of the day, there's this sense that we are all coming from a place of just bad intentions. Right? And not trusting each other. Why? Newark has a long history of that. But if we're going to, let's be fair. Let's be fair to each other. And I get criticized because I'm a big supporter of superintendent and team. I'm okay. I'll take that, right? Because folks can vote for me or not vote for me. That is everyone's prerogative. But I do have very clear what we have to do. and we have to find a positive path forward. To just blame, it's not helpful, right? So how do we find those solutions? And not coming from a place of that superintendent triplet is not trying to be transparent, or so-and-so teacher is trying not to be transparent, that's not helpful. So at the end of the day, there are kids who need us to get our act together. And I encourage all of us to just please remember that. Sorry, that was my soapbox and I'm done. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Member Shaw.

[11246] Terrence Grindall: Member Quindle. I want to second those comments. In my opinion, in-person instruction is better not only for the intellectual development of our children, but their emotional development too. I applaud the superintendent for coming up with a plan where safety is addressed and parents that don't feel comfortable sending their kids don't need to. So there is an option and I appreciate that. So I just wanted to draw that forward. I have one other element I wanted to talk about is that I do hope that we will start working towards bringing the board in person so that we can hear from the citizens directly. I know there's technical challenges because I also think it would be helpful if we still maintained a option for people to call in. I know that's not exactly just snapping your fingers and making it happen, but I hope we can I hope that the district staff are on top of that, not only for the factor so that we can actually work better by hearing from our constituents, but also the Also, the fact that the example that it sets for the fact that we're involved in, we're going back to normal as well. So there's no vote on that tonight, but I hope we can be on that. And that'll be coming, if there's board action that we need, we have that coming forward. Thank you.

[11351] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Mr. Member Goodell.

[11356] Aiden Hill: Yeah, so yeah, I agree with both of my fellow board members that, yeah, I mean, from an in-person learning standpoint, we need to start a process to figure out how to make that happen. And then I would also echo member Grindel's viewpoint that we need to lead by example as well. And so I'm hoping that maybe we can ask president Zhang and superintendent to explore, you know, how we can get back to some level of in person board meetings, you know, and figure out a timetable. Obviously, we can do whatever we need to do to support that. And then following in member Grindel's tradition or aspect of here's one and I'll raise you one. So Um, I, um, on a, on a slightly different topic. Um, I think, um, well, I, I don't remember what it's called in our bylaws, but we have a, um, a bylaw that allows us board members to come forward with kind of an idea that they want to like talk about. Um, do you remember president John, what that's called? I forget what it's called.

[11430] Bowen Zhang: You can just raise the YouTube one.

[11432] Aiden Hill: No, no, no, but like I like the it says that we can like there's a like we could have asked for a special little time, whether it's during a study session to go talk about a particular topic. I forget what that's even among ourselves or? Yeah, no, it's like it's in our, I'll come back and find it. But what I would like to introduce and get on the board calendar is, I believe, right, the board is the ultimate authority for the school district. And I believe that, you know, that we, that there can be, you know, that we should have access to all information as we make decisions. And I've had prior experience working with other companies where I've helped them implement what's called a legal data room. where all legal related matters are actually stored in an online service that appropriate people have access to. And I think it would be an important step towards transparency to make sure that we have that kind of ability for the board to see everything that's going on. And I'd like to share kind of what I've learned working at other companies, how that could be implemented and how we might consider doing the same thing here in our district.

[11512] Bowen Zhang: That's it for me. Okay, number one.

[11516] Phuong Nguyen: I just wanted to, I don't have any real requests other than I would like to see us coming back into a live board meeting environment. I think that, yes, it is definitely a good way for us to be leading by example if we want our teachers to be back in the classrooms teaching in person, we do have to walk the same path. be in person and listen to our community and have them interact with us and engage with us in a safe way, obviously. But I do echo the sentiments that Member Martinez is saying. I understand the situation. Yeah, we only have a few weeks of school left, and what is the real true purpose of doing that? Why would we want to you know, hash up or start over and bring in-person learning for students and family. And the mere fact of it is that we have a good population, a percentage of our population in our community that want to have their kids back in to in-person learning. And we have to give that option to those parents and to those families and to those students. And And it is really up to us as a community board members, all of all of our staff and our executive staff and our our teachers and our CSC and all of our. all of our other remaining staff to work together to be able to make this happen in some sort of way and not cast again negativity on it. It has been a very tough and trying time and everyone has been resilient, but ultimately what we need to do is really think of all of the students and not just and not just basically ourselves or what's motivating us for not wanting to do certain things or wanting to do certain things. So I just want everyone to keep that in mind that we do, at the end of the road, have the same purpose and the same goals. And just we need to come together to be able to figure that out. So I hope that we do. Thank you.

[11669] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Member Nguyen. I think during the day, if you travel at If you visit the corner of Haiti and Baden-Wurth, those low-income apartments, if you travel through Baines Avenue, those right next to the train track, you're going to realize the kids from the most lower underserved communities, their learning hours is zero. It's not three hours or five hours. You go to mommy and daddy to go out and make a living. They are mostly watched by bigger siblings or the grandparents who cannot read, who cannot write. So we talk about the mission of our school district, whatever is serving our most underserved students, helping our most underprivileged kids. For me, the top priority for any school district or education system, it's not like reducing inequality, it's about social mobility, it's upward mobility. When you see kids wandering around the train track, because parents are all making a living, I don't see any social mobility there. I see very little hope of moving these kids, moving up the social ladder. I'm not expecting them to be multimillionaire or billionaires, but at least they should be doing better than their parents. And I believe for these kids, the prolonged lockdown with distance learning probably disproportionately hit them the most. So I want to echo the sentiment from member Martinez and other board members. And hopefully we can reach a definitive agreement as soon as possible. Okay, next one, Board of Education celebration and announcement. Member Martinez.

[11778] Elisa Martinez: Well, I do want to just celebrate everybody's effort, you know, in trying to move us forward. You know, I think about the, those that are ready, the teachers that are ready to come back, because I also hear the passion and their willingness to come back because they maybe perhaps feel, you know, whatever it is that's motivating them. I wanna celebrate them because we have been focused on the other, on the nose. You know, there is a percentage of our folks that are ready and ready to, to get in the classroom and start to support our kids as needed. So I really wanna celebrate because that also takes courage. So just wanted to say that.

[11837] Terrence Grindall: Member Buendel. Just wanna thank everybody for all the work they're doing, all the hard work that's being done from from district cabinet to the superintendent to the teachers, and of course, the kids who are working really hard to overcome these challenges and and are they're going to they're going to come out with they're going to come out of this with a new experience and some new tools, too. So just applaud everyone.

[11876] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, Member Hill.

[11879] Aiden Hill: Yeah, and so I'd like to thank and appreciate all the teachers in our district. And for those of you that don't know, I am a fellow teacher. I'm a first year new teacher at Cupertino High School. And so I'm going through the same thing that you are. And we're actually coming back as a district on April 19th. And we have a lot of the same fears that I think many of you do. And there's a lot of things, I'm involved in a lot of discussions where not all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed. And so understand some of the concerns. But I think we just really need to all figure out as a society how we can somehow get back to normalcy and start taking steps to do that. And I think that we as a board and staff are willing to work, you know, to make that happen so that everybody wins. So, but I just want to recognize the teachers and everybody that is trying to make this happen because it's a heavy lift.

[11947] Bowen Zhang: Thank you, member Dale, member Winn.

[11950] Phuong Nguyen: I just really wanted to appreciate member Hill for his last comment. And it's, you know, because you are a teacher, it is very relatable in terms of what our current teachers in the district are going through. So thank you for that. And then also just again, along the lines with all my other board members, we just wanted, I personally want to appreciate all the teachers. I know that everyone is working really hard. Whether or not you know we agree or disagree in terms of if we want to come back into in person or stay in distance learning. I think I sympathize on both ends and I see pros and cons on both of them, but. As a board member, we're here to serve the entire community, and our community is pretty much evenly set. So we want to be able to have, again, the opportunity and options for our students and all of our families. But lastly, just thank you so very much for all your hard, hard work, and have a wonderful Easter and spring break. So thank you so much.

[12025] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Yeah, obviously I want to echo member Wynn's sentiment. Happy Easter, everyone, for this weekend. And I want to end on a relatively lighter note. And next time on the 15th, the regular meeting when we meet again on the 15th, member Wynn will be one year older. So I will wish her a early happy birthday. OK, superintendent conclusion remarks.

[12050] Mark Triplett: Thank you, President Jun, and I appreciate that. I'm going to mark that on my calendar so I can give her a hard time. Um, thank you board members. I I too want to really appreciate our teachers I know this is really really hard and I know that um that everybody wants what's best for for kids and are really doing everything they can for our young people and um, it it is noticed and it's seen and Um, also all our our principals our office staff our custodians food service our aides um, these are people that have all been on the front lines and really working hard for our kids and families all year long. And so really, really appreciate everyone. And lastly, I do want to say it's there's been so much going on. I would be remiss if we didn't bring up the the unfortunate hate against Asian Island, Asian American and Pacific Islander community that we've seen on the rise in our country and our society. Since COVID began, and I just want to say that as an individual as a district that we stand with our Asian American Pacific Islander students, with our staff, with our families against this hate. And, and we cannot have that or tolerate that in our, in our society. So we're, we're with you, we support you. And, and together we will, we'll keep pushing for a better, better society. So thank you all.

[12146] Bowen Zhang: Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent. I move to adjourn the meeting. May I get a second?

[12155] Elisa Martinez: I'll second.

[12156] Bowen Zhang: Seconded by Member Martinez. Member Martinez, how do you vote? Yes. Member Grindel? Yes. Member Hill? Yes. Member Nguyen?

[12169] Phuong Nguyen: Yes.

[12171] Bowen Zhang: My vote is as well. Meeting adjourned at 9.24 PM. Everybody have a great Easter weekend. Thank you. Five ayes. Night, everyone. Night, everyone.

1. Live Comments: Join with an Internet-connected device (tablet, computer, phone, etc.)

Virtual Meeting Practices & Connection Information

Type Information, Procedural In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-29-20, Board meetings will be held "virtually" until further notice. These meetings will be accessible to the public by internet or telephone. No physical meeting place will be provided.

Meetings will live-streamed on the NUSD YouTube on the internet. Public comment opportunities will be available through the virtual meeting. Please see the public comment instructions provided here.

As always, we encourage you to contact the entire Board by email at "board@newarkunified.org." This address goes directly to the Board members, who check their emails frequently.

Roll Call

Type Procedural Board Members:

President Bowen Zhang Member Phuong Nguyen Member Elisa Martinez Member Terrence Grindall Member Aiden Hill

Student Board Member: Member Wahhab Salemi

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

2. Live Comments: Join with an Internet-connected device (tablet, computer, phone, etc.)

Approval of Agenda

Type Action

Recommended It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the agenda for this meeting. Action Purpose:

Members of the Board may request that the agenda be approved as presented or amended.

Motion & Voting It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the agenda for this meeting.

Motion by Elisa Martinez, second by Phuong Nguyen.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

3. CLOSED SESSION

Public Comment on Closed Session Item

Type Procedural Purpose:

To provide a space for the community to make a comment on Closed Session Items.

Background:

Please see the link below for Public Comment information.

http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/nusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BN8PNC6402C1

Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/ Release (GC54957)

Type Action, Procedural Information will be provided by the Superintendent and Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

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

Type Action, Procedural Information will be provided by the agency negotiator, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Assistance from legal firm Dannis, Woliver, Kelley, Attorneys at Law may be provided.

The employee organizations include NTA & CSEA.

Conference with Labor Negotiator (GC54957.6(a)): Employee Group - NEWMA, Unrepresented Supervisors & Contracted Management

Type Action, Procedural Information will be provided by the agency negotiator, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and the Superintendent. Assistance from legal firm Dannis, Woliver, Kelley, Attorneys at Law may be provided.

The employee organizations include NEWMA, Unrepresented Supervisors, and Contracted Management

Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (GC 54956.9(d)(4))

Type Action, Procedural Information will be provided regarding:

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: One case

Recess to Closed Session

Type Procedural Purpose:

The Board will recess to Closed Session, and reconvene to Open Session on or about 7pm.

4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Pledge of Allegiance

Type Procedural

5. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS

Report of Closed Session Actions

Type Action, Procedural Purpose:

If available, a report of closed session will be provided by the Board President.

6. STUDENT REPORT

Student Report from Newark Junior High School, MacGregor and Newark Memorial High School

Type Information Purpose:

At regular Board meetings, a spokesperson of each secondary school may make a brief presentation.

Discussion items may include updates, celebrations, and upcoming events.

1. Newark Junior High School - Alyssa Torres & Rachel Ristau

2. MacGregor - Alexis Blanco Barron

3. Newark Memorial High School - Wahhab Salemi

7. EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS

Employee Organizations

Type Information Purpose:

At regular Board meetings, a single spokesperson of each recognized employee organization (NTA, CSEA, NEWMA) may make a brief presentation.

Background:

Discussion items are limited to updates, celebrations, and upcoming events.

1. NTA: Sean Abruzzi

2. CSEA: Sue Eustice

3. NEWMA: Cathreene Ingham-Watters

8. RECOGNITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

Staff Spotlight

Type Information Purpose:

To recognize the wonderful accomplishments of our NUSD Team.

Background:

The presentation will be provided by the Superintendent.

9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

Type Procedural Purpose:

To provide a space for the community to make a comment on non-agenda items.

Background:

Please see click the link below for Public Comment information on Non-Agenda Items and Agenda items.

http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/nusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BN8PNC6402C1

10. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Superintendent Report

Type Information Purpose:

The superintendent will provide the Board with district information, updates, news, or anything in the jurisdiction of the board or the superintendent.

Background:

Information provided by the Superintendent

File Attachments Supt Report 4.1.21.pdf (3,237 KB)

11. OLD BUSINESS

Governance Calendar 2020-21

Type Discussion, Information Purpose:

For the Board to review the existing Governance Calendar.

Background:

As recommended by CSBA and the Board, the District maintains a Governance Calendar that retains information regarding the upcoming Board meetings. This calendar provides information regarding agenda items that will come to the Board from various District departments, as well as recommendations from the Board for future agenda items.

Governance Calendar Link HERE

12. NEW BUSINESS

Elementary Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum - Character Strong

Type Action

Absolute Date Apr 01, 2021

Fiscal Impact Yes

Dollar Amount $15,993.60

Budgeted Yes

Budget Source LLM

Recommended Staff recommends that the Board approve Character Strong as a elementary SEL curriculum Action for Newark Unified School District. Purpose:

Character Strong, a comprehensive Social-Emotional Curriculum, is designed for students in grades TK-12 at both the elementary and secondary levels. The curriculum is updated each year and includes relevant topics for students, including character education, navigating social media, and dealing with emotions as a result of the pandemic. The curriculum includes ready-made videos, lessons, and supplementary resources for teachers. Students and teachers have voiced significant interest in having an SEL curriculum and with Character Strong, Newark Unified will have a comprehensive vertically-aligned SEL curriculum TK-12. Focusing on the mental health of our students stands as one of the district's three instructional priorities.

Background:

As a result of the pandemic, educators and leaders at the state and county level strongly recommend creating a space for students to engage in Social-Emotional Learning. Teachers and students alike have requested an SEL curriculum to create a space to engage in relevant topics that are not covered in traditional academic courses. Moving forward with Character Strong will allow Newark Unified teachers to have a comprehensive vertically-aligned SEL curriculum for grades TK-12.

File Attachments Character Strong Overview.pdf (33 KB) Character Strong 4.01.21.pdf (364 KB) Character Strong Quote.pdf (41 KB)

Motion & Voting Staff recommends that the Board approve Character Strong as a elementary SEL curriculum for Newark Unified School District.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Elisa Martinez.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

Resolution No 2020.21-024: Child Abuse Prevention Month

Type Action

Absolute Date Apr 01, 2021

Recommended Staff recommends the Board adopts Resolution No. 2020.21-024 recognizing April as Child Action Abuse Prevention Month.

Purpose:

For the board to review and adopt Resolution No 2020.21-024: Child Abuse Prevention Month

Background:

A presidential proclamation in 1983 declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. We are joining forces with other districts and cities to promote the well-being of all children by participating in the National Child Abuse Prevention Month during April 2021.

File Attachments Resolution No 2020.21-024 Child Abuse Prevention.pdf (31 KB)

Motion & Voting Staff recommends the Board adopts Resolution No. 2020.21-024 recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Terrence Grindall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

Resolution 2020.21-025 To Delegate Authority to Procure Necessary Materials, Equipment and Services to Provide Distance and/or In-Person Learning for Staff, Teachers and Students to Mitigate the Effects of COVID-19

Type Action

Recommended Staff recommends the Board adopt Resolution 2020.21-025: To Delegate Authority to Action Procure Necessary Materials, Equipment and Services to Provide Distance and/or In-Person Learning for Staff, Teachers and Students to Mitigate the Effects of COVID-19. Purpose:

To allow the District to procure necessary materials, equipment, and services that are needed for the education of students via distance and in-person learning.

Background:

On March 4, 2020, the Governor of California declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19. The Governor's proclamation is attached for reference. The proclamation states, in part, as necessary to assist local governments and for the protection of public health, state agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services needed to assist in preparing for, containing, responding to, mitigating the effects of, and recovering from the spread of COVID-19. Applicable provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code, including but not limited to travel, advertising, and competitive bidding requirements, are suspended to the extent necessary to address the effects of COVID-19.

Adoption of this resolution approves the delegation of authority and appoints the Superintendent/designee, who is hereby authorized and directed, pursuant to a majority of the vote of the Board and Education Code section 17604 and similar statutes, to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the continuation of public education, and the health and safety of the students and staff at the District sites, including, but not limited to: make alterations, repairs or improvements to school property, and/or execute, deliver or otherwise negotiate a contract with vendors for the purchase of sanitizer, sneeze guards

and barriers, masks, gloves, and other personal protection equipment, and any other equipment, goods, materials, services or products that are recommended by any federal, state or local agency or determined to be necessary to keep students, staff and administration personnel safe to the extent possible.

File Attachments RESOLU~1.PDF (68 KB) Governor's Resolution 3.4.20-Coronavirus-SOE-Proclamation & bidding resolution.pdf (1,368 KB)

Motion & Voting Staff recommends the Board adopt Resolution 2020.21-025: To Delegate Authority to Procure Necessary Materials, Equipment and Services to Provide Distance and/or In-Person Learning for Staff, Teachers and Students to Mitigate the Effects of COVID-19, with a sunset date of Sept 16, 2021.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Terrence Grindall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall
Nay: Aiden Hill

13. CONSENT AGENDA - PERSONNEL ITEMS

PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote

Type Action

Recommended Staff recommends that the following personnel agenda items be approved under one Action consented vote. Items _________. Purpose:

This is specifically a placeholder, and will only be used if multiple agenda items are approved under a consented vote.

Background:

Items within Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved, adopted, or ratified by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately.

Personnel Report

Type Action

Preferred Date Apr 01, 2021

Absolute Date Apr 01, 2021

Recommended Staff recommends the Board ratify 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 04-01-21.pdf (366 KB)

Motion & Voting Staff recommends the Board ratify the personnel report as presented.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Phuong Nguyen.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

14. CONSENT AGENDA - NON-PERSONNEL ITEMS

PLACEHOLDER - One Consented Vote

Type Action

Recommended Staff recommends that the following agenda items be approved under one consented vote. Action Items _________. Purpose:

This is specifically a placeholder, and will only be used if multiple agenda items are approved under a consented vote.

Background:

Items within Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved, adopted, or ratified by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately.

Motion & Voting Staff recommends that the following agenda items be approved under one consented vote. Items 14.2 - 14.5.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Phuong Nguyen.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

Signature Card - Mid-Year Revision

Type Action

Recommended Staff recommends the Board approve of the Signature Card Mid- Year Revision for the Action Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services as presented. Purpose:

To update the signature card of Authorized Agents as required by the Alameda County Office of Education.

    Payroll, Warrants, and Disbursements
    Official Documents and Reports

Background:

This is the "Signature Card" to be kept on file at the Alameda County Office of Education. This is a mid-year revision to update the signature for the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and delete the signature of the previous Executive Director of Human Resources.

File Attachments Pierce-Davis, Nicole_Asst Supt of Ed Services Mid-Year_2020-21.pdf (97 KB)

Donations Report

Type Action

Budget Source General Fund (Fund 010) Donations

Recommended Staff recommends the Board accept the Donations Report as presented. Action Purpose:

The purpose is to acknowledge receipt of donations to the District.

Background:

Throughout the year community members, groups, parents and other individuals make monetary and in-kind (supplies and equipment) donations to NUSD. The exact nature of the source of the donation is submitted to the Business Office on a standard form. It is critical that any restrictions on the funding be indicated and the budget developed based on the donor restrictions. If there is no indication of the school or use of the funding, any proceeds or cash donations received are placed in the NUSD local revenue in the unrestricted general fund. It is recommended that the donations be processed through the Business Office and ultimately approved by the Board so that the funding can be publicly acknowledged and budgeted properly according to donor restrictions. There is acknowledgment at a public Board meeting and a letter of thanks is sent to the donor by the Business Office for NUSD.

File Attachments Donations Report_2021-04-01.pdf (21 KB)

Williams Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report January 1 to March 31, 2021

Type Action

Recommended Staff recommends the Board approve the Williams Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report for Action the period of January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021. Purpose:

For the Board to receive and approve the Williams Uniform Complaint Quarterly Report for the period of January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021.

Background:

Education Code 35186 requires that the Superintendent of a school district report summarized data on the nature and resolution of all complaints filed under the Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures to the local Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools on a quarterly basis. The report must include the number of complaints by general area, the number of resolved and unresolved complaints, and be publicly presented at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. The attached report is presented to the Board for the period of January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021.

File Attachments Q421 UCP Report.pdf (205 KB)

Minutes of the March 18, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

Type Minutes Purpose:

For the board to review and approve the minutes

Background:

The attached minutes are reflective of the March 18, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. The exact language is available for viewing on the NUSD YouTube Channel HERE.

15. BOARD OF EDUCATION - COMMITTEE REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, REQUESTS, DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION

Board of Education Committee Reports

                       DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION

Type Information Purpose:

The board committee members will give any updates, if available, of the committees they are members of.

Background:

Mission Valley ROP - Elisa Martinez SELPA - Bowen Zhang Newark - NUSD Liaison Committee - Phuong Nguyen & Terrence Grindall Newark Teacher Induction Advisory Council (Formally EBBIC) - Elisa Martinez Audit Committee - Phuong Nguyen & Aiden Hill Bond/Parcel Tax - Elisa Martinez & Terrence Grindall

Board of Education Requests

                       DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION

Type Information Purpose:

This is an opportunity for Board members to suggest items for placement on future agendas, and to review requests.

Background:

Governance Team Handbook

Authority is collective, not individual: The only authority to direct action rests with the Board when seated at a regular or special Board meeting. Outside this meeting, there is no authority. A majority vote of the Board provides direction to the Superintendent. Board members will not undermine the ability of staff to carry out Board direction.

Bring up new ideas/decide to move new ideas forward:

The Board will be open to having "brainstorming" discussions about any idea that a Board member may feel merits exploratory consideration. "New Ideas" are defined as any proposal brought forward by a Board member, at his or her own initiative or at the request of a constituent, which has not previously been discussed during a Board meeting. Board members will first notify the Board President and/or the Superintendent of their interest in bringing forward a new idea. The preliminary discussion of a new idea will not require staff research time. Initially, staff will be expected to respond to new ideas based on current knowledge. Only a majority of the Board may direct the Superintendent to conduct research regarding the exploration of a new idea. The Superintendent will decide on the delegation of assignments to other District staff. The new idea will be agendized for discussion only. The Board will decide if the new idea should be further developed and studied by staff. A Board majority will decide if staff time should be invested in the "fleshing out" of new ideas. Individual Board members, in the course of interactions with constituents, will be careful not to make or imply a commitment of the full Board to explore or proceed with implementing new ideas.

Board of Education Recognitions and Announcements

                       DEBRIEF AND DISCUSSION

Type Information Purpose:

This is an opportunity for Board members to acknowledge or recognize specific programs, activities, or personnel.

16. SUPERINTENDENT'S CONCLUDING COMMENTS, UPDATES FOR THE BOARD AND FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS

Superintendent's Concluding Comments, Updates for the Board, and Future Agenda Requests

                       FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS

Type Information Purpose:

This is an opportunity for the Superintendent to make any concluding comments, updates, agenda requests, or provide information of future meetings.

17. ADJOURNMENT

PLACEHOLDER - Extend Meeting

Type Action

Recommended The recommendation is that the Board extend the meeting to ____PM Action Purpose:

This is a placeholder, only to be used if the Board adds a motion to extend the meeting.

Adjournment

Type Action, Procedural

Recommended The recommendation is that this meeting be adjourned. Action Purpose:

No items will be considered after 10:00 p.m., unless it is determined by a majority of the Board to extend to a specific time.

This action will conclude the meeting.

Motion & Voting The recommendation is that this meeting be adjourned.

Motion by Bowen Zhang, second by Elisa Martinez.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Elisa Martinez, Bowen Zhang, Phuong Nguyen, Terrence Grindall, Aiden Hill

No minutes available.