1. education
2. school

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District
REGULAR MEETING ORDER OF BUSINESS
333 South Beaudry Avenue, Board Room
1 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Board President’s Reports
VGo Robotic Telepresence Presentation
Labor Partners
Committee Reports
Recognition of Administrators of the Year
PTA Presentation
Superintendent’s Reports
Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Update
Recognition of Senior Police Officer Nestor Gonzalez
Consent Items
Items for action below will be assigned by the Board at the meeting to be adopted by a single vote. Any
item may be pulled off of consent for further discussion by any Board Member at any time before action
is taken.
Old Business for Action (Postponed from Previous Board Meetings)
1.
Board of Education Report No. 244-14/15
WITHDRAWN
Charter Schools Division
(Charter for Valor Academy Elementary School) Recommends the approval of the proposed
charter for Valor Academy Elementary School for 5 years to serve 468 students in grades TK-4
at the school to be located in the Panorama City area of the San Fernando Valley.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
1
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
New Business for Action
2.
Board of Education Report No. 420-14/15
Office of Labor Relations
(Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council (Unit E)
Memorandum of Understanding for 2014-2017 Successor Collective Bargaining Agreement)
Recommends adoption of the 2014-2017 Successor Agreement for Unit E (Trades Council).
3.
Board of Education Report No. 382-14/15
Procurement Services Division
(Procurement Actions) Recommends approval of procurement actions taken by staff for
professional services, agreement amendments and purchases within the delegated authority of the
Superintendent as described in Attachment A for a total amount of approximately $20.6 million
for first aid instruction, data and program evaluation services, grant writing services, private
school Title 1 professional development, private school Title 1 student counseling services,
payroll overpayment collection services, SAP software licenses, MiSiS oversight services,
professional learning management technology services, Communities in School program site
coordinator, classroom theater workshops for students, technology support services at a high
school and 16,028 procurement transactions and low value contracts. Additionally, recommends
approval of professional services contracts goods and general services contracts with agreements
and amendments for amounts over $250,000 not under the delegated authority, as detailed in
Attachment B, including evaluation services of after school programs, transportation services
software, MiSiS development services reallocation of funds, additional vendors to provide those
services and an additional $8.5 million of contract authority, contracts to provide professional
development at Reed Investment Schools for $1.9 million, teacher support for instructional
coaching for $360,000, transportation services for LA's Best contract extension, and an
automobile tires purchase contract for $1.5 million.
4.
Board of Education Report No. 431-14/15
Human Resources
(Routine Personnel Actions) Recommends approval of 3,775 routine personnel actions such as
promotions, transfers, leaves, terminations, etc.
5.
Board of Education Report No. 432-14/15
Human Resources
(Nonroutine Personnel Actions) Recommends the approval of the dismissal of 1 classified
employee, the suspension-dismissals of 2 classified employees, and the rescission of dismissal of
1 classified employee.
6.
Board of Education Report No. 418-14/15
Accounting and Disbursements Division
(Report of Cash Disbursements, Request to Reissue Expired Warrants, Reimbursement of the
Controller’s Revolving Cash Fund, and Donations of Money) Recommends approval of warrants
for things such as salary payments for a total value of $458,054,098.06; the reissuance of 3
expired warrants totaling $3,826.81; reimbursement of the Controller’s revolving cash fund in
the amount of $343, and the acceptance of 3 donations to the District totaling $242,500.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
2
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
7.
Board of Education Report No. 444-14/15
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
(Master Resolution for General Obligation Refunding Bonds) Recommends authorization to
allow staff to take the necessary actions to implement issuance of one or more additional series
of the general obligation refunding bonds in an amount not to exceed $2.5 billion to allow the
District to take advantage of lower interest rates, if and when such market conditions arise and
the appointment of specific service providers to assist the District with the issuance.
8.
Board of Education Report No. 445-14/15
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
(Update of Debt Management Policy) Recommends adoption of the Fiscal Year 2013-14 Debt
Management Policy with specific changes to the current policy. The Board policy is to review
the policy annually to establish formal guidelines for the issuance of debt instruments and other
long-term financial obligations.
9.
Board of Education Report No. 383-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Contract Actions) Recommends approval of actions that have been executed within the
delegated authority of the Superintendent, including the approval of the award of 4 advertised
construction contracts for $872,300; 4 job order contract amendments for $4 million; 93 change
orders for $780,466; the completion of 37 contracts; the award of 33 informal contracts totaling
$500,986; 1 takeover/completion contract; the award of 2 architectural and engineering contracts
for $307,060; the award of 4 task order contract amendment totaling $621,000; the award of 4
professional and technical services contract amendments for $513,962; and extra services and
amendments for architectural and engineering contracts for $162,138. Additionally awards
contracts not under the delegated authority, as detailed in Attachment B for 1 goods and services
contract for $364,000 for concrete; 1 professional and technical services contract for $400,000
for film services management; and 2 professional and technical services contract amendments for
approximately $4 million for playground safety tile matting.
10.
Board of Education Report No. 424-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Amendment to the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Define and Approve
Six Projects that Address Critical School Repair Needs) Recommends approval of an amendment
to the Strategic Execution Plan to define and approve 6 projects addressing critical school repair
needs for a combined budget of $25,903,353.
11.
Board of Education Report No. 425-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Amendment to the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Redefine the Project
to Repair Slope Failure at Marquez Charter School as the Marquez Charter School Outdoor
Learning Center Project and Approve the Revised Project) Recommends approval of an
amendment to the Strategic Execution Plan to redefine the project to correct slope failure at
Marquez Charter School for a revised project budget of $5,708,230
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
3
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
12.
Board of Education Report No. 426-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Amendment to the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Define and Approve
Six Projects that Address Defective Synthetic Turf Fields) Recommends approval of an
amendment to the Strategic Execution Plan to define and approve projects addressing defective
synthetic turf fields at 6 schools for a combined budget of $8,432,758.
13.
Board of Education Report No. 427-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Amendment to the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Define and Approve
the Moneta Continuation High School Improvement Project) Recommends approval of an
amendment to the Strategic Execution Plan to define and approve the Moneta Continuation High
School Improvement Project, which will create a 6 classroom facility with increased recreational
area and administrative facilities, for a budget of $830,000.
14.
Board of Education Report No. 428-14/15
Facilities Services Division
(Amendment to the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Define and Approve
Eleven Board Member Priority and Educational Service Center Priority Projects) Recommends
approval of an amendment to the Strategic Execution Plan to include 11 Board Member and
Educational Service Center priority projects valued at $1,038,705 in Board Districts 1, 4, 5, 6,
and 7.
15.
Board of Education Report No. 400-14/15
Office of the Superintendent
(Conditional Approval of Establishment of Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Los Angeles)
Recommends conditional approval of the proposed Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Los
Angeles to be located at Los Angeles High School effective for the 2016-2017 school year to
serve 700 students in grades 6-12.
16.
Board of Education Report No. 401-14/15
PUBLIC HEARING
Office of the Superintendent
(Approval of Waiver Request to the State Board of Education for Establishment of Girls
Academic Leadership Academy, Los Angeles) Recommends approval of submission of a waiver
request to the State Board of Education enabling the District to operate a single gender school.
17.
Board of Education Report No. 434-14/15
PUBLIC HEARING
Charter Schools Division
(Denial of the Renewal Petition for Los Angeles Big Picture High School) Recommends denial
of the renewal petition for Los Angeles Big Picture High School and adoption of the Findings of
Fact supporting the denial recommendation.
18.
Board of Education Report No. 435-14/15
PUBLIC HEARING
Charter Schools Division
(Renewal of the Charter for Carpenter Community Charter) Recommends the approval of the
renewal of the charter for Carpenter Community Charter for 5 years to serve 982 students in
grades TK-5 at the school located at 3909 Carpenter Avenue in Studio City.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
4
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
19.
Board of Education Report No. 433-14/15
Charter Schools Division
(Conditional Approval of the Charter for Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles)
Recommends the conditional approval of the proposed charter for Girls Athletic Leadership
School Los Angeles for 5 years to serve 375 students in grades 6-8 at the school to be located in
the Van Nuys, Panorama City, or North Hills areas of the San Fernando Valley.
20.
Board of Education Report No. 437-14/15
PUBLIC HEARING
Charter Schools Division
(Waiver Request to the State Board of Education for Establishment of Girls Athletic Leadership
School Los Angeles) Recommends approval of submission of a waiver request to the State Board
of Education to allow for the operation of a single gender charter school.
21.
Board of Education Report No. 290-14/15
Division of Instruction
(Establishing Two New Pilot Schools) Recommends approval of 2 new pilot schools for the
2015-2016 school year - Baldwin Hills Elementary School and Gifted/High Ability Magnet and
Walnut Park Middle School - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academy.
22.
Board of Education Report No. 421-14/15
Office of the Superintendent
(Amendment to the Information Technology Strategic Execution Plan to Revise and Approve the
My Integrated Student Information Systems (MiSIS) Project) Recommends approval of an
amendment to the Strategic Execution Plan to revise the MiSIS Project to allocate an additional
$8.5 million of bond funds, bringing the total budget to $53,965,725.
23.
Board of Education Report No. 392-14/15
Office of Curriculum, Instruction and School Support
(Approval to Submit the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s California Career Pathway
Trust Grant Application to the California Department of Education) Recommends submission of
the two year grant application to the California Department of Education where the District
would partner with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on a career pathways grant at
specified schools in South Los Angeles. The grant request is for $250,000.
24.
Board of Education Report No. 438-14/15
PUBLIC HEARING
Parent, Community and Student Services Branch
(California Department of Education Waiver for School Site Council Composition)
Recommends approval of submission of a waiver request to the State Board of Education for an
alternate School Site Council composition for small schools.
25.
Board of Education Report No. 446-14/15
Office of Data and Accountability
(Revise Policy on Release of Student Directory Information) Recommends approval of revisions
to the policy on the release of student directory information to add the Department of Public
Health, Department of Health Care Services, District School-Based Health Care Providers, and
the Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health as authorized recipients of directory information and
to add degrees and awards received to the directory information.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
5
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
26.
Board of Education Report No. 447-14/15
Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Support Services
(Adoption of Textbooks for Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry) Recommends adoption of
specified instructional materials for use in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry courses.
Additionally delegates authority to the Superintendent to approve modifications to the list of
adopted high school textbooks.
27.
Board of Education Report No. 458-14/15
Office of the Superintendent
(Proposed 2016-2018 Health and Welfare Successor Agreement) Recommends authorization for
the Superintendent to enter into a tentative agreement for between the District and Associated
Administrators of Los Angeles, California School Employees Association, Los Angeles/Orange
Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, Los Angeles School Police Association, Los
Angeles School Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association, SEIU Local 99, Teamsters Local 572,
and United Teachers Los Angeles for health and welfare benefits for 2016-2018.
Board Member Resolutions for Action
28.
Mr. Zimmer, Ms. Ratliff – Close the Commercial Property Loophole (Res-027-14/15) (Noticed
October 14, 2014 & Postponed from Previous Meetings)
Whereas, Voters in the state of California approved Proposition 13 in 1978;
Whereas, Proposition 13 created limits on the property taxes paid by residential and commercial
properties;
Whereas, Residential and commercial property values in California are reassessed upon change
of ownership;
Whereas, On average, California residential property changes hands every 10 years, while change
of ownership for commercial property is far more complicated and therefore generates
reassessments less often;
Whereas, Commercial property owners are able to avoid reassessment of their property by limiting
the portion of ownership that changes hands to ensure that no single party owns more than 50
percent;
Whereas, Property taxes represent the single largest source of funding for public schools;
Whereas, Proposition 13 resulted in a 53 percent drop in property tax collections and through
subsequent legislation the State assumed a greater role in funding of schools;
Whereas, Since the State of California has assumed a greater role in the funding of public
schools, per-pupil support has declined from the top 10 in the nation to the bottom 10;
Whereas, Proposition 13 is anti-competitive in that new entrepreneurs and businesses must pay
fair market value for their property, while commercial property owners who have owned their
property for a longer time pay disproportionately lower property tax rates;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
6
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, California’s schools enroll the largest share of English learners (ELs) in the US, and
has a larger percentage of students from low-income families than does the rest of the US;
Whereas, Research shows that ELs and students from low-income families cost more to educate;
Whereas, California spends far less per student than do states – such as Illinois and New York that have smaller percentages of both ELs and economically disadvantaged students;
Whereas, Among states, California ranks 51st in the number of students per teacher, 51st in the
number of students per guidance counselor, 51st in the number of students per
librarian, and 48th nationally in the number of students per administrator;
Whereas, Public schools in California face challenges in providing an equitable and fair
education for a student population with vast differences in language, poverty, parental education
level, and other social, educational and economic factors; and
Whereas, Regularly reassessing non-residential property would, according to an analysis of data
provided by the California Board of Equalization, generate at least $6 billion in additional
revenue for public schools and other public services; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District supports efforts
to modify how the value of commercial properties in California are reassessed to allow for more
regular and fair commercial property value reassessment while maintaining Proposition 13
protections for residential properties and small businesses;
Resolved further, That tax revenues generated by modernizing how commercial property is
reassessed benefit local schools and essential social services, and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District supports this effort and will
communicate this position to local elected officials including members of the Los Angeles Board
of Supervisors, the Los Angeles City Council, as well as Senators, and Assembly members.
29.
Ms. García, Ms. Ratliff – Encourage LAUSD Participation in the PulsePoint Application to Save
Lives (Res-053-14/15) (Noticed February 10, 2015 & Postponed from a Previous Meeting)
Whereas, The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department have
announced their participation in the PulsePoint Application (PulsePoint App), a smart phone
application designed explicitly to save lives by connecting persons experiencing Sudden Cardiac
Arrest (SCA) in a public place with citizen volunteers willing to assist and Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR)-trained individuals who are within a one-quarter mile radius;
Whereas, To be most effective in saving as many lives as possible and improving the chances for
survival for victims of SCA, it is imperative to increase the number of volunteer CPR-trained
registrants in the PulsePoint App;
Whereas, SCA is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated
325,000 deaths each year (which is approximately 1,000 people a day or one person every two
minutes);
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
7
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Eighty percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home or within private
settings, and survival rates nationally for SCA are less than 8 percent.;
Whereas, Delivery of chest compressions CPR is lifesaving first aid, and can sustain life until
emergency responders arrive by helping to maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain;
Whereas, In April 2008, the American Heart Association revised its recommendations and
encouraged bystanders to use Hands-Only CPR as an alternative to the combined rescue
breathing and chest compression method. It is believed that this change will significantly
increase the willingness of bystanders to assist perform CPR, and if administered immediately,
can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival;
Whereas, The PulsePoint App will alert registered volunteers CPR-trained individuals and offduty first responders, at the same time emergency responders are notified, that there is a cardiac
arrest victim in his/her proximity in a public place. The application uses sophisticated locationbased services to alert trained citizens in the immediate vicinity of the need for emergency
assistance CPR;
Whereas, The PulsePoint App also directs these citizen rescuers to the exact location of the
closest public access Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An individual is able to report
and update AED locations using the PulsePoint AED Application (PulsePoint AED App). As a
result, volunteer emergency responders trained in CPR and off-duty professionals, such as
firefighters, police officers, and nurses, will be able to locate the AED closest to them when a
cardiac emergency occurs;
Whereas, Marketing and outreach activities are handled by PulsePoint, a 501(c)(3) non-profit,
foundation whose mission is to improve communication with local public safety agencies and
empower CPR-trained individuals to use their skills in aiding someone with SCA and reduce
millions of annual deaths;
Whereas, Downloading both the PulsePoint App and the PulsePoint AED App offer the potential
of saving thousands of lives within and beyond the boundaries of the Los Angeles Unified
School District; and
Whereas, The PulsePoint App currently provides coverage for hundreds of cities and
communities in other states and countries, including Arizona, South Dakota, Oregon, Ohio,
Florida, New York, and Australia; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District urges all
District employees, students, and their families to be prepared to respond during a cardiac,
breathing, or first aid emergency by receiving appropriate training in Hands-Only CPR and
certification in First Aid, CPR and AED;
Resolved further, That the Board directs the Superintendent to disseminate and make available
information about the PulsePoint Respond and AED applications to District employees, students,
and families; and, be it finally
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
8
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That the Board expresses its appreciation to all District employees that will voluntarily
register for and utilize this new resource to help save more lives in the District.
30.
Ms. Galatzan, Dr. McKenna – Support of State Legislation to End the “Personal Belief”
Exemption for Student Immunizations (Res-056-14/15) (Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, Measles is a highly contagious disease that can result in complications including
pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis and death;
Whereas, Measles can be prevented through the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine,
typically given to children at 12 months and 4-6 years of age;
Whereas, The MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective with the first dose and 97 percent with the
second dose in preventing measles;
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in 2000 that measles had been
eradicated in the United States, meaning the disease no longer originates here;
Whereas, 20 million cases of measles are reported annually around the world, and travelers to the
United States can transmit it to those who have not been vaccinated;
Whereas, A measles outbreak that started in Orange County in December has since sickened
dozens of people throughout California and other states;
Whereas, California Health Code 120325 requires children to be immunized against measles and
10 other diseases prior to being admitted to public or private elementary or secondary school,
child-care center, day nursery, family daycare home or development center;
Whereas, California Health Code 120365 grants an exemption to this requirement if the
vaccination is contrary to the “personal beliefs” of the parent or guardian;
Whereas, .01 percent of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Early Childhood Education
and .08 percent of kindergarten students are unvaccinated due to a personal belief exemption, in
addition to an unknown number of older children;
Whereas, California Sens. Richard Pan and Ben Allen have introduced Senate Bill 277, which
would repeal the personal belief exemption, but allow an exemption for medical reasons; and
Whereas, SB277 would also require school districts to notify parents of the immunization rate at
their child’s campus for each required vaccination at the start of every academic year, and for the
state to reimburse districts for any related costs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District urges the
California Legislature and the Governor to approve SB277 as a way to protect all students from
potentially serious yet preventable diseases.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
9
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
31.
Ms. Galatzan, Mr. Zimmer, Ms. García – Supporting Low-Income Students through Title I
Funding and Opposing House Resolution 5 (Res-057-14/15) (Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The federal government has long recognized the need to provide additional resources
to children living in poverty in order to advance equity in public education;
Whereas, President Lyndon Johnson established special funding through Title I of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 to help close the achievement gap
between low-income children and their middle-class peers;
Whereas, Title I funding can be used to supplement the educational program of a school through
a variety of means, including the hiring of additional teachers and paraprofessionals to reduce
class size, providing professional development for teachers, and purchasing instructional
materials;
Whereas, The average per-pupil allocation of Title I funding has fallen by 22 percent nationally,
from $1,546 in 2009 to $1,212 in 2014;
Whereas, President Barack Obama has proposed an increase of $1 billion to the Title I budget for
Fiscal Year 2016, which would bring the program to the highest funding level in its history;
Whereas, Congress has introduced House Resolution 5 (HR5), which would revise the ESEA
and cut the nation’s Title I funding by $800 million to 2012-13 levels and freeze that allocation
through 2021-22;
Whereas, HR5 would also change the formula for allocating Title I funds, resulting in an $80.6
million, or 24 percent loss to the Los Angeles Unified School District, thus undermining the
District’s ability to provide schools and students with the resources they need to succeed;
Whereas, The District already experienced a significant drop in annual Title I allocations as a
result of the Great Recession and sequestration; and
Whereas The District is committed to providing all children with a world-class education,
regardless of socioeconomic status or other factors, and students living in material poverty are
especially deserving of services to help them succeed academically; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District opposes HR 5
of the 114th Congress; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Board directs the Office of Government Relations to convey this message to
the 114th Congress, and work with other districts in California that would be negatively impacted
by this policy to lobby against its adoption.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
10
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
32.
Ms. García – Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (Res-058-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, Take Our Daughters to Work Day was established in 1993 to empower young girls to
realize their full potential in the work environment and build the confidence necessary to obtain
the skills and capabilities to enter and compete in today’s workplace;
Whereas, In 2003, the name of the program was officially changed to Take Our Daughters and
Sons To Work Day to include boys and empower all youth to overcome societal barriers and
reach their full potential;
Whereas, Adults, parents and mentors all share the responsibility to cultivate and inspire the
passions and talents of all our youth;
Whereas, President Barack Obama has stated that on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work
Day, we reaffirm our commitment to this special responsibility by creating opportunities for our
Nation’s youth to gain first-hand experience in the workplace;
Whereas, By connecting young people to diverse professional paths, we are able to broaden their
horizons, instilling in them the belief that with hard work, determination and commitment
anything is possible. As adults we must encourage, provide positive examples, and foster
confidence, hope, and determination, to ensure a strong and prepared 21st century workforce that
can meet the challenges ahead;
Whereas, On Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day on April 23th, millions of young girls
and boys will participate and accompany their parents to the workplace where they will learn, be
inspired and have the opportunity to strive to reach their fullest potential; and
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District Parent-Student Handbook states that students
who participate are required to notify the school of attendance by returning a School Notification
of Participation and Parent Responsibility Form; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District designates April
23th as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day and commemorates it throughout the District;
Resolved further, That students and employees will be encouraged to participate in Take Our
Daughters and Sons to Work Day; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Board supports Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day.
33.
Ms. García, Dr. Vladovic – Declaring April as Autism Awareness Month (Res-059-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District’s mission to achieve 100% graduation
applies to all students of all abilities;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
11
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, National Autism Awareness Month started in the United States in the 1970s in an
attempt to draw attention to the urgency for awareness and concern about autism and the
challenges faced by the autistic community;
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism prevalence
currently stands at one in every 88 children in America;
Whereas, There is no cure for autism and there is an ever-growing need for services and supports
for individuals with autism;
Whereas, Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is
Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across
the United States. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum,
this successful grassroots fundraising effort generates vital funds for autism research and raises
awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding
to combat this complex disorder;
Whereas The Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on April 18th strives to increase
awareness and advocacy of autism, and to provide families with information, tools and
resources;
Whereas, The District currently serves 13,494 students within the autism spectrum;
Whereas, The District’s Division of Special Education, through its transition programs and
services provided to all students with disabilities, is committed to providing students with autism
the support necessary to transition from high school to a productive post-secondary life; and
Whereas, The District celebrates the autistic community’s uniqueness, strengths, and abilities;
now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby declares
April 2015 National Autism Awareness Month and directs the Superintendent and all District
staff to support activities that promote education and awareness of this special population; and,
be it finally
Resolved, That the Superintendent, report back on:
1) Current collaboration between the District, LA County Health, and autism support
service providers;
2) The state of funding for autism support in the classroom and for families in the District;
3) Availability of space on campuses and wellness centers for autism support services;
4) The current state of professional development offered to teachers and faculty that interact
with autistic students with recommendations, if any, to improve the professional
development offerings.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
12
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
34.
Ms. García, Ms. Ratliff – National Library Week: Access and Knowledge to All (Res-060-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, National Library Week is a national observance first sponsored in 1958 by the
American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April;
Whereas, Our school, academic, public, and special libraries make a difference in the lives of
millions of people in the United States;
Whereas, More than 21 million people use California’s public libraries each year;
Whereas, In conjunction with National Library Week, the American Association of School
Librarians also observe School Library month in April;
Whereas, In interest to satisfy the students’ educational needs, the school libraries provide a
range of resources and information in support of the school curriculum;
Whereas, Los Angeles Unified School District libraries are important community educational
resources, providing books and innovative programs for students and communities in about 500
schools;
Whereas, Librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds find
and interpret the information they need to live, learn, and work;
Whereas, Libraries are part of the American Dream, places for opportunity, education, self-help,
and lifelong learning;
Whereas, Libraries are narrowing the digital divide, by providing no-fee public internet access to
accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online information, including
government, continuing education, and employment opportunities;
Whereas, The Los Angeles Public Libraries supports and welcomes new Angelenos by providing
information on citizenship, DACA and other benefits; and
Whereas, Libraries remain a brick and mortar safe-haven for free-access to knowledge,
technology, entertainment and history in under-resourced communities where many students lack
access to the world-wide-web in their homes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District supports the
goals and ideals of National Library Week and declares April 12-18, 2015, as LAUSD Library
Week;
Resolved further, That it encourages all students and residents to visit a library to take advantage
of the wonderful library resources available and thank their librarians and library staff for
making information accessible to all who walk through the library's doors; and, be it finally
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
13
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That the Board supports librarians' efforts to ensure that all Americans, regardless of
their social, economic, or citizenship status, can continue to access 21st century library services.
35.
Ms. García, Mr. Zimmer, Galatzan – Denim Day in LAUSD (Res-061-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District makes every effort to ensure that every
student is free from harm and excels in a nurturing environment;
Whereas, In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the
victim wore jeans. People all over the world were outraged. Wearing jeans became an
international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault;
Whereas, Peace Over Violence organizes Denim Day in Los Angeles every April during
National Sexual Awareness Month;
Whereas, Denim Day seeks to invite public discourse and eventually eliminate attitudes that
blame victims and prevent them from seeking assistance;
Whereas, This year, Denim Day in LA will take place on April 29, 2015 and on that day, people
throughout L.A. will wear their jeans as a visible sign of protest against the myths that still
surround sexual assault;
Whereas, Approximately every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually
assaulted;
Whereas, Women neither ask for nor deserve to be raped, ever;
Whereas, Silence does not equal consent;
Whereas, By participating in Denim Day in LA on April 29, 2015, we promote prevention
through education; make it possible for more survivors of sexual assault to reach out and find
help; and help men and boys to understand the critical role they play in preventing violence
against women;
Whereas, On this day, in the schools, offices and streets of Los Angeles County, we unite against
rape of girls, women, boys and men. We stand in support of survivors and we break the silence
to end sexual violence;
Whereas, The District is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment that is free from
sexual abuse of children; and
Whereas, The District has called upon itself and on the community in Los Angeles and in the
State of California for changes to better protect the students in the District; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby declares
April 29, 2015 Denim Day, and directs the Superintendent and all District staff to support
activities that promote the education and awareness of abuse prevention.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
14
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
36.
Ms. García – Celebrating the Month of the Young Child (Res-062-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District recognizes that a quality early childhood
experience will ensure the successful emotional, intellectual and physical development of a
child;
Whereas, Every child should reach adulthood having experienced a safe, healthy and nurturing
childhood, which prepares her or him to become a responsible and contributing member of the
community;
Whereas, The District acknowledges its responsibility to provide strong, safe communities and
support for families in the development of caring and capable children and youth;
Whereas, The Month of the Young Child provides an opportunity for the community to
acknowledge the value of early learning and to show appreciation for those who promote a
child’s strength through nurturing relationships and the cultivation of creative spirits.
Whereas, April has been celebrated as “The Month of the Young Child” in communities across
the nation since 1971; and
Whereas, This celebration provides an important opportunity for the District to focus attention on
the needs of children and their families, and in particular to support the literacy of children and
families; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District acknowledges
and celebrates April as “The Month of the Young Child” in the District.
37.
Ms. García, Ms. Ratliff, Ms. Galatzan – Proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness
Month (Res-063-14/15) (Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The most important responsibility of the Los Angeles Unified School District is to
educate our students in a safe environment;
Whereas, The District is committed to expanding the awareness of the school community
around child abuse prevention and personal safety;
Whereas, In Federal fiscal year 2013, 52 states reported 678,932 victims of child abuse or
neglect;
Whereas, Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our
community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone in our
community;
Whereas, Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Los
Angeles;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
15
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects
that can have lifelong consequences for victims of abuse;
Whereas, Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the meaningful
connections and partnerships created between child welfare, education, health, communityand faith-based organizations, businesses and law enforcement agencies;
Whereas, We acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase
awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being
of children and families in a safe, stable, nurturing environment;
Whereas, Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families;
Whereas, The District is dedicated to keeping parents, families and community
stakeholders connected with information and resources needed to support their children’s
education, health and well-being;
Whereas, The District has centralized protocols, guidelines, tools and resources for best
practices in child abuse prevention, intervention and post-intervention at each school
through on-going training, education and awareness; and
Whereas, Students learn better and are more successful, productive, contributing members
of society when they are engaged in a safe, respectful and nurturing school community;
now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District declares the month of April as
Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month in the District and urges all citizens to
recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for
all children and families.
38.
Ms. Ratliff, Mr. Zimmer, Dr. McKenna, Mr. Kayser – Celebrating Teacher and Substitute
Teacher Appreciation Week 2015 (Res-064-14/15) (Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, Instruction and teachers are at the very heart of the Los Angeles Unified School
District’s mission to provide our students with an education that prepares them to be college and
career-ready;
Whereas, Teachers are the drivers of educational high achievement towards the goal of 100%
graduation rates;
Whereas, Teachers are more than purveyors of knowledge in the classroom, they also serve our
students as role models and mentors;
Whereas, Substitute teachers must continually adjust to different working conditions in order to
provide continuity in the learning process for students;
Whereas, Teachers positively impact the lives of students well beyond the classroom;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
16
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, The National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association have
designated the week of May 4-8, 2015, as National Teacher Appreciation Week and May 5,
2015, as National Teacher Day; and
Whereas, It has also become customary for school districts to recognize the first full week in
May as National Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week or “SubWeek”; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby
recognizes and honors the contributions of teachers to quality education across the Los Angeles
Unified School District and extends its gratitude and appreciation for their year-long efforts;
Resolved further, That the Board hereby declares the week of May 4-8, 2015, as Teacher
Appreciation Week;
Resolved further, That the Board hereby declares the week of May 4-8, 2015, as National
Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Board hereby declares May 5, 2014, as National Teacher Day.
39.
Ms. Ratliff, Ms. García – Celebrating Administrative Professionals Week 2015 (Res-065-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, Administrative educational office professionals play an essential role in coordinating
the office operations of schools and offices, often working alongside their administrators;
Whereas, Classified educational office professionals are the front lines of our schools and
offices, often serving as the first contact that parents, students, and others have with the school in
the office, on the phone, and in the virtual world;
Whereas, The work of educational office professionals today requires advanced knowledge and
expertise in communications, computer software, office technology, project management,
organization, customer service, and other vital office management responsibilities;
Whereas, Educational office professionals are masters of data and have remained the steady
center of our schools and offices by helping ensure requests and concerns are handled correctly,
promptly, and at minimal cost; and
Whereas, Administrative Professionals Week is observed annually in workplaces around the
world to recognize the important contributions of administrative support staff and is sponsored
by the International Association of Administrative Professionals; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District proclaims the
week of April 19-25, 2015 as Administrative Professionals Week, and Wednesday, April 22,
2015 as Administrative Professionals Day, saluting the valuable contributions of administrative
professionals and all educational office professionals in the workplace for their dedicated service
and leadership.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
17
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
40.
Ms. Ratliff, Mr. Zimmer – Recognizing Be Kind to Animals Week® 2015 (Res-066-14/15)
(Noticed March 10, 2015)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing a safe and civil
learning and working environment for all students and staff;
Whereas, Animal abuse and interpersonal violence toward humans share common
characteristics;
Whereas, Research shows that animal abuse is a predictor of domestic violence and an indicator
of distress in the household;
Whereas, The National School Safety Council, the U.S. Department of Education, the American
Psychological Association, and the National Crime Prevention Council agree that animal cruelty
is a warning sign for at-risk youth;
Whereas, A study by the U.S. Department of Justice on animal abuse and youth violence
suggests that “addressing cruelty to animals…may add one more piece to the puzzle on
understanding and preventing youth violence”;
Whereas, The household dog and cat population in Los Angeles County is estimated to be
between 2.4 million and 4.8 million; and
Whereas, The American Humane Association established the first full week of May as the
annual celebration of the philosophy of kindness to animals; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby
reaffirms its commitment to promote attitudes of kindness, consideration, and respect for all
living things; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Board hereby declares the week of May 3-9, 2015 as Be Kind to Animals
Week® and encourages all students, families, and staff to treat all animals humanely this week
and throughout the year.
41.
Mr. Kayser, Mr. Zimmer, Ms. Ratliff – Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 (Res-072-14/15) (Waiver of Board Rule 72)
Whereas, April 24, 2015, marks the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide;
Whereas, The Armenian people were subjects of a systematic and premeditated genocidal
campaign, which began at the hands of the Ottoman government, through 1919 and continued
under the Kemalist government of the Republic of Turkey from 1920 through 1923, whereby 1.5
million Armenian men, women and children were slaughtered or marched to their deaths in an
effort to annihilate the Armenian Nation in the first modern genocide, while thousands of
surviving Armenian women and children were forcibly converted and Islamized, and hundreds
of thousands more were subjected to ethnic cleansing during the period of the modern Republic
of Turkey from 1924 through 1937;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
18
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, These crimes against humanity also had the consequence of permanently removing all
traces of the Armenians and other targeted people from their historic homelands, and enriching
the perpetrators with the lands and other property of the victims of these crimes, including the
usurpation of several thousand churches;
Whereas, In response to the Genocide, the Near East Relief organization, the first
Congressionally sanctioned American philanthropic effort created exclusively to rescue the
Armenian Nation and other Christian minorities, was founded and provided unprecedented relief,
delivering more than $117 million of humanitarian assistance between 1915 and 1930, and
saving approximately one million refugees, including 130,000 orphans of the Genocide;
Whereas, The Republic of Turkey has inexplicably and adamantly denied the occurrence of the
crimes against humanity committed by the Ottoman and Young Turk rulers for many years, and
continues to do so a full century since the first crimes constituting genocide occurred, despite the
Turkish government’s earlier admissions and the overwhelming proof of genocidal intent;
Whereas, The United States is on record as having officially recognized the Armenian Genocide,
and President Barack Obama entered office having stated his “firmly held conviction that the
Armenian Genocide is not allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely
documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence” and affirmed his
record of “calling for Turkey’s acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide”;
Whereas, The State of California has been at the forefront of encouraging and promoting a
curriculum relating to human rights and genocide in order to empower future generations to
prevent recurrence of genocide;
Whereas, The Governor of California, in accordance with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 51,
proclaimed April 24 of each year as a State Day of Remembrance in recognition of the
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide;
Whereas, The concern for human rights is a major element in the History-Social Science
framework for California public schools, kindergarten through 12th grade;
Whereas, Los Angeles Unified School District students and staff, and Armenians throughout the
world are commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 1915;
Whereas, The District has a significant Armenian student population, many of whom have
family members who experienced first-hand the horror and evil of the Armenian Genocide and
the ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide;
Whereas, The District has been at the forefront of mandating that the Armenian Genocide not
only be taught, but discussed and made a focal teaching point for universal religious and ethnic
tolerance; and
Whereas, Every student and person, regardless of ethnicity or national origin, should be made
aware of and educated about the Armenian Genocide so that it and other state-sanctioned forms
of ethnic cleansing may never happen again; now, therefore, be it
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
19
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby
designates 2015, as the “Year of Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915” and the month of April of every year thereafter as the month of
“Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915”, and in doing so will
ensure that the Armenian Genocide is properly taught to the students, staff, and the community at
large; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District reaffirms its commitment to working
with the community groups, nonprofit organizations and school personnel to ensure that
genocide studies remains an important part of the high school social studies curriculum.
Board Member Resolutions for Initial Announcement (Continues at Tab 54)
42.
Ms. García, Ms. Ratliff – Celebrating Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
(Res-068-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, In 1977, Congress introduced a House resolution to proclaim the first ten days of May
as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Week;
Whereas, On October, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution
designating this as an annual celebration, which we now know as Asian and Pacific American
Heritage Week;
Whereas, In 1990, May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first
Japanese to the United States, which was in May, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the
completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, in which the majority of the
workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants;
Whereas, In 1990 Congress voted to expand Asian and Pacific American Heritage from a week
to a month-long celebration, and in May, 1992 the month of May was permanently designated as
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month;
Whereas, Studies have found that the academic needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander
students are frequently overlooked;
Whereas, Understanding Asian and Pacific Islander history is an important part of celebrating
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month;
Whereas, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed in significant ways to all
aspects of society;
Whereas, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured and overcome hardship and
heartache. In the earliest years, tens of thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners,
transcontinental railroad builders, as well as farm and orchard laborers, were subject to unjust
working conditions, prejudice, and discrimination - yet they excelled;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
20
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Even in the darkness of the Exclusion Act and Japanese internment, Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders have persevered, providing for their families and creating opportunities for
their children;
Whereas, California is one of the states with the largest Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
population; and
Whereas, In the Los Angeles Unified School District, 6.14% of the student population are
identified as Asian, Filipino, or Pacific Islander; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District proclaims May
as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month and encourages all students, faculty,
administrators, and parents to remember and celebrate the contributions that Asian and Pacific
Islanders have made to California and the United States through various classroom projects; and,
be it finally
Resolved, That the Superintendent will work with all schools in the District to recognize and
celebrate Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month through culturally relevant activities and
through in-depth discussions of historically relevant topics.
43.
Ms. García – Support of the College and Career Access Pathways Act – Assembly Bill 288
(Res-069-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, The connection between college degree and economic stability has been exhaustively
documented, making college access and preparation a social and economic justice issue;
Whereas, Across the United States there is a growing emphasis on school and community
college collaboration to prepare students to be college and career ready;
Whereas, California should do more to help schools and community colleges improve their
college readiness and college enrollment rates;
Whereas, Concurrent enrollment has become a viable and effective method to prepare any
students – even those who may have struggled academically and who may have had no initial
interest in pursuing a postsecondary degree or credential – to complete high school and enter
college;
Whereas, Allowing a greater and more diverse segment of high school students to take
community college courses could provide benefits to both students and the state, such as,
reducing high school dropouts, increasing the number of community college students who
transfer and complete a degree, shortening the time to completion of educational goals, and
improving the level of preparation of students to successfully complete for-credit, college level
courses;
Whereas, Concurrent enrollment has been known to increase high school graduation rates and
improve chances of success in college;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
21
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Through concurrent enrollment partnerships, the Los Angeles Community College
District could work with local school districts to create clear pathways of aligned, sequenced
coursework that would allow students to easily and successfully transition to for-credit, college
level coursework leading to an associate degree, transfer to the University of California or the
California State University, or a career technical education (CTE) credential or certificate;
Whereas, Through partnerships with local high school districts, the Los Angeles Community
College District could increase the number of students that earn college credits in high schools
and increase the number of students moving directly from high school to college;
Whereas, To facilitate the establishment of concurrent enrollment partnerships, the state should
remove fiscal penalties and policy barriers that discourage concurrent enrollment opportunities;
Whereas, AB 288, the College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP) Act, reduces some of the
state’s key barriers around concurrent enrollment and makes it possible to expand college and
career pathway opportunities for all students, thereby saving students and the state valuable time,
money and scarce educational resources;
Whereas, 86 percent of the last measured cohort of students entering the Los Angeles
Community College District assessed below college-level math or English according to the
state’s Student Success Scorecard;
Whereas, AB 288 seeks to expand access to concurrent enrollment for all students particularly
historically underserved students, of which the Los Angeles Community College District serves
a disproportionate number;
Whereas, AB 288 would increase exposure to college-level classes for traditionally underserved
students by addressing transportation and other access barriers in authorizing college-level work
be offered on the high school campus;
Whereas, AB 288 would accelerate college-level learning and decrease remediation needs for
high school students by authorizing district to increase the number of units students may enroll in
and prohibit assessing fees to high school students in CCAP courses;
Whereas, AB 288 would increase access to CCAP courses by increasing the priority registration
level for CCAP students while maintaining a balance of access to traditional community college
students; and
Whereas, AB 288 would increase transparency by requiring CCAP agreements to be adopted at
open board meetings where the public can weigh in; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District supports the spirit of AB 288 and calls
on California to rethink its policies governing concurrent enrollment and establish a policy
framework under which school districts and community college districts could create concurrent
enrollment partnerships as a strategy to provide critical support for under-achieving students,
those from groups underrepresented in higher education, those who are seeking advanced studies
while in high school, and those seeking a career technical education (CTE) credential or
certificate; and, be it finally
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
22
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That the District requests the members of the California State Senate and the
California State Assembly to improve and expand college access for all students and pass AB
288 (Holden), the College & Career Access Pathways (CCAP) Act.
44.
Ms. García – Equity on A-G: Reaffirming Our Commitment to A-G Life Preparation for All
(Res-070-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, In 2005, 10 years ago today, the Los Angeles Unified School District adopted the
visionary resolution, Create Educational Equity in Los Angeles Through the Implementation of
the A-G Course Sequence as Part of the High School Graduation Requirements, also known as
the A-G resolution, that set forth the goal to prepare all students for college and career and
subsequently close the Achievement Gap;
Whereas, The 2005 A-G resolution sought to remedy long-standing inequalities in access to
college preparatory courses, across Los Angeles high schools, that contributed to unequal
patterns of college-going and career readiness by addressing an urgent need for a quality
education that communities of color and those living in poverty had long been denied;
Whereas, Despite immense budget cuts, the A-G resolution spurred concerted District
investments in parent engagement, academic supports, early interventions, extended learning
time and other strong efforts and investments in students. Today more students are accessing the
A-G course sequence across all subgroups and 68% of students in the Class of 2014 (students
who began high school in 2009) graduated compared to only 48% of students in the Class of
2005 (students who began high school in 2001);
Whereas, While these investments have precipitated gains for students, the District is faced with
a rapid decline in graduation rates. Only 28% of those students in the Class of 2014 successfully
completed the A-G course sequence with a grade of “C or better”. Additionally, it is projected
that only 37% of the Class of 2017, the first class designated to successfully complete the A-G
course sequence with a grade of “C or better” in order to graduate, will meet the requirement.
Whereas, Severe disparities between subgroups continue to persist: while 57% of Asian students
and 39% of white students from the class of 2014 completed the A-G course sequence with a
grade of “C or better”, only 15% of American Indian, 19% of black, 26% of Latino students, and
merely 3% of English Learners did the same;
Whereas, District leadership, administrators, and educators must recommit, build and improve
upon the strategies outlined in the 2005 A-G resolution, as to recognize and invest in the 63% of
the Class of 2017 and significant number of students in subsequent classes who are currently not
on track to graduate;
Whereas, District leadership, administrators, educators, parents and students have the ability and
knowledge to invest in effective strategies and develop innovative solutions to ensure all students
are on track to graduate;
Whereas, The Superintendent recently classified three tiers of students and corresponding initial
interventions that leadership must take action on in the upcoming months and years;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
23
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Schools identified in the 2014 Equity is Justice Resolution, subgroups identified as
high needs in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), and black and brown students overall
are the students that are most at risk of not graduating, yet thrive alongside their white and Asian
peers when there are increased, proactive supports;
Whereas, Increased funds to the District through Proposition 30, LCFF, and a recovering
economy allow for a renewed investment in the children of the District;
Whereas, While the access to A-G courses is necessary it is not sufficient to ensure students
graduate college and career ready. Students must graduate with the skills, knowledge, and
abilities that will prepare them to succeed in college and career.
Whereas, The Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District believes that all
students must be encouraged, supported and invested in, to provide them the choice to pursue a
post-secondary education, vocation/career technical education, a career and other career options
in order to close the Achievement Gap; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District renews its
commitment to the strategies, timeline and spirit set forth by the 2005 A-G resolution with a
precise focus on equity;
Resolved further, That the Superintendent will use the information gathered through the series of
Performance Dialogues and conduct an equity audit of A-G in the District within 120 days that
must surface gaps in resources, interventions and access. In particular the audit must address the
following:
1. Define the characteristics/conditions at those schools with high A-G completion rates
and at those schools with low A-G completion rates.
2. Clearly outline how success and failure stories change across different geographic
zones mapped out by the Student Needs Index.
3. Create an A-G Index that maps out all funding distribution to, and expenditures by,
each school site in the District alongside A-G access and completion rates for high
school students, and projected rates for middle and elementary school students.
This data must be presented widely and in an accessible manner to the public so that
communities can assist the District in targeting investments for students;
Resolved further, That the Superintendent will enhance his recently proposed A-G
Implementation Plan by including clear and comprehensive strategies on the following:
§
§
OVERALL
1. Use the equity audit to frame and drive the implementation plan
2. Create palpable urgency among the District, schools and families
3. Ensure policies and district-wide efforts support the plan (i.e. English Learner
Master Plan, Linked Learning, Common Core State Standards)
ACHIEVEMENT
1. Focus on students most at-risk of not successfully completing the A-G course
sequence by:
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
24
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
a) Expanding the proposed Tier system to include identification of
elementary and middle school students’ A-G success probability using
data informed indicators and providing corresponding supports and
interventions
b) Launching an A-G specific Coordination of Services Team (COST)
approach, also known as personalization and differentiation, for
students most at-risk of not completing the A-G course sequence
whereby they are identified by middle school or as early as possible
using data informed indicators; the intervention ends once they
complete the entire A-G course sequence with a grade of “C or better”;
and the Team includes their parents or legal guardians
c) Creating unique and in-depth sub-implementation plans for English
Learners and Special Education students
2. Re-boot and enhance Linked Learning implementation
3. Strengthen parent engagement by creating a college-going culture at school,
increasing communication time between staff and parents to monitor student
achievement, and providing workshops to families on key aspects of college
and career readiness
4. Expand opportunities to course access outside of the regular school day
through summer school, Community College dual enrollment, Adult
Education, online courses, etc.
5. Create the environment and incentives for schools to adopt data-driven
strategies and interventions including block scheduling models and
opportunities for teacher collaboration
6. The district and schools must take every course necessary to improve ‘D’ and
‘F’ rates across A-G courses with explicit steps that must be taken before a
‘D’ is issued
2. FUNDING DISTRIBUTION
o Focus A-G investments and attention in highest need schools
identified by the Student Needs Index
o Implement the Equity is Justice Resolution as intended
3. ACCOUNTABILITY
o Create a plan that is understood by all stakeholders
o Set District and school level annual targets for strategies,
interventions and completion rates from kindergarten through 12th
grade
o Instate an annual report to be released in January to District
personnel and community
4. PROCESS
o Ensure that the community A-G champions are involved in the
planning and monitoring of the implementation plan;
Resolved further, That if the California Governor approves a final 2015-2016 state budget which
offers new dollars to the District, that at least 5% or no less than $2.5 million, whichever is
greater, be allocated on a per pupil basis to each school site to provide A-G support; and, be it
finally
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
25
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That until the District reaches 100% A-G completion rate, all seniors must have an
Individual Graduation Plan, a guaranteed spot in a place where they can complete/retake their
needed A-G courses, and a conversation with them and their parents or legal guardians. The
District must provide one or more of the following for seniors to be able to graduate: summer
school, paid online course recovery, Community College dual enrollment, Adult Education, 5th
year programs and/or tutoring.
45.
Ms. Ratliff – Classified School Employee Week (Res-071-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District wishes to recognize those persons who are dedicated
in their service to public education;
Whereas, In 1986, the California State Legislature decreed the third full week of May each year as
Classified School Employee Week in official recognition of classified school employees, by passage of
Senate Bill 1552 (Campbell);
Whereas, Classified school employees include clerical and technical employees, as well as bus drivers,
paraeducators, food service providers, security officers, maintenance workers, and serve many other roles
in the District;
Whereas, Classified school employees provide valuable services to the students, faculty, staff and schools
of the District;
Whereas, Classified school employees contribute to the establishment and promotion of a positive
instructional environment within the District;
Whereas, Classified school employees serve vital roles in promoting the welfare and safety of the
District’s students, faculty and staff;
Whereas, Classified school employees strive for excellence in their respective functions within the
District; and
Whereas, Classified school employees comprise an integral part of the District community; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District hereby recognizes and
honors the contributions of classified professionals to quality education in the State of California and in
the District, and extends its gratitude and appreciation for their dedicated service; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Board hereby declares the week of May 17 – 23, 2015, as Classified School Employee
Week in the District.
46.
Mr. Zimmer, Ms. Ratliff – Believing in Our Schools Again: Investing in Enrollment Growth for LAUSD
2015 (Res-073-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, Enrollment decline has now been identified as the number one factor causing the Los
Angeles Unified School District’s structural budget deficit;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
26
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Enrollment decline limits the District’s ability to implement Board approved District
priorities and effectively serve all students;
Whereas, Despite the ongoing District budget crisis, program cuts and additional stresses,
District schools have shown measurable progress in almost every area over the last five years;
and
Whereas, The March 10th report from the Chief Financial Officer identified an enrollment decline
of over 140,000 students over the last decade and over 40,000 students in the last year, but did
not identify specific strategies for reversing this enrollment decline; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District declares
reversing the declining enrollment trend as a primary priority for the District; and, be it finally
Resolved, That the Superintendent, in collaboration with research institutions and experts in the
field, shall develop a comprehensive enrollment expansion plan and submit it to the Board for
action at the June 2015 Regular Board meeting, that includes, but is not limited to:
•
•
•
•
47.
A strategic plan for investments that would serve as catalysts to reversing current trends
in declining enrollment and that would be aligned with other Board approved District
priorities. Such investments would be based on the identification of programs that are
currently growing enrollment and would include 1, 3 and 5 year benchmarks for
reversing this trend.
A District-wide campaign designed to grow enrollment by highlighting District
successes. Such a campaign would address the positive impact that additional resources
would have on the classroom and on the District’s ability to serve all children.
A comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure current housing developments and business
developments throughout the District to ensure new residents and employees are familiar
with the educational options in the District.
A strategic plan and investment to expand efforts based in enrollment recovery, dropout
prevention, in-district academic recovery, individual student attendance tracking plans,
and returning student support programs that will eradicate dropout rates and facilitate the
return of students to the District to diploma recovery up through the age of 25. Mr. Zimmer – Studying the Impact of Academic Ineligibility on Student-Athletes in LAUSD Schools
(Res-074-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, Physical activity, in the form of interscholastic competition, has been shown to be
beneficial to a student’s overall educational experience, including higher grade-point average
(Fox et al, 2000; Burnett, 2001), increased likelihood for students to be accepted into college
regardless of race, class or gender (Shifrer et al, 2012), and improved mental and physical health
(Harrison and Narayan, 2003; Burnett 2001);
Whereas, Athletics have served as a vehicle to break down racial and gender barriers in this
country (Burnett, 2001);
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
27
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Other large interscholastic athletic programs in states like New York report that female
high school athletes are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs, 80% less likely to get
pregnant, and are 3 times more likely to graduate than non-athletes (Women’s Sports
Foundation);
Whereas, Research suggests that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students’
sense of engagement or attachment to their school and decrease the likelihood of school failure
and dropping out (Burnett, 2001), and it has been shown that at-risk students who had previously
played a sport are much more likely to drop out of school than at-risk students who had not
previously played a sport (Mahoney & Cairns, 1997);
Whereas, Under California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Bylaws section 205-A, student
athletes who fail to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or above become academically
ineligible to participate in school sports and are many times removed from the teams on which
they compete. Additionally, if a school’s board of governors deems it appropriate, schools may
adopt a ‘probationary period,’ lasting not longer than a period equivalent to one standard
semester pursuant to CIF Bylaw section 201-A(1), in which a student can continue to participate
in sports while having the opportunity to increase his or her academic performance to meet the
state requirements;
Whereas, The CIF Bylaws section 505-A states, “Each Section shall adopt policies and/or
establish procedures that will promote, within its jurisdiction, equal opportunity for all students
regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or physical disability”; and
Whereas, There is not research immediately available to determine whether a 2.0 GPA eligibility
and optional probationary period is the most effective and equitable policy to encourage studentathletes to maintain strong academic performance, to meet the Los Angeles Unified School
District’s goals for graduation rates, and to maintain race and gender equity in California
interscholastic competition; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Superintendent authorize a study examining the impact of the 2.0 grade GPA
requirement on student athletes in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and that that study
should include, but not be limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Data analysis of demographics of students who become academically ineligible;
Analysis of attendance rates for student athletes before and after ineligibility;
Analysis of academic performance for student athletes before and after ineligibility;
Analysis of trends in expulsion/suspension incidents before and after ineligibility;
Analysis of whether or not the ‘probationary period’ provides adequate intervention for
students at risk of ineligibility;
6. Comprehensive review of literature research related to alternative programs statewide and
nationally;
7. A review and study of the effectiveness of the existing athletic intervention programs in
the District and comparable CIF districts;
Resolved further, That the Superintendent report back to the Governing Board of the Los
Angeles Unified School District with recommendations for any policy or program changes by
January 2016; and, be it finally
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
28
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Resolved, That the Superintendent report to the Board regarding the relationship between
District policy recommendations and CIF guidelines and regulations.
Resolutions Requested by the Superintendent
48.
Pre-July 1 Notice (Sup Res005)
Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles, pursuant to the current
Agreements between the Los Angeles Unified School District (District) and United Teachers Los
Angeles (UTLA); and the Los Angeles Unified School District (District) and Associated
Administrators Los Angeles (AALA); and in accordance with the individual employment
contracts of these and other District employees, hereby declares salaries and benefits for the
2015-16 school year for District employees to be indefinite and subject to change or reduction
before or after July 1, 2015, as may appropriately result consistent with the collective bargaining
process as applicable. The District shall act to implement such changes or reductions, as the
District deems necessary, to address operational, financial or budgetary conditions or needs,
including but not limited to balancing the District’s budget and otherwise responding to causes
such as state funding limitations, legislation, grant funding, legal requirements or actions, and
rising District operating costs and increased expenses.
Possible changes or reductions in salaries or benefits, which may be implemented in 14-15 OR
2015-16 for UTLA-represented employees, AALA-represented employees, management,
confidential, supervisory, and other District-represented employees include, but are not limited
to, adjustments to salary rates, tables and differentials; revisions to work year (number of paid
days); adjustments to health and welfare plan benefit and contribution levels; and other
compensation and employment matters.
All such changes or reductions are to be consistent with the collective bargaining process, where
appropriate, and all Board Rules, policies and practices are subject to revision to carry out any of
the changes or reductions described above. The above actions are listed by way of example, not
limitation, and may be supplemented or revised in the discretion of the Board of Education.
49.
Motion Declaring Salaries Indefinite and Suspending Board Rules, Policies and Practices
(Sup Res006)
Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles: (1) hereby declares that all
management, confidential, and other unrepresented certificated, classified and unclassified
employees’ salaries, benefits, and other compensation and other terms and conditions of
employment are declared indefinite for the 2015-16 school year and subject to change or
reduction on or after July 1, 2015 in the discretion of the Board of Education, as a result of
uncertainties, negotiations, legislation, and other factors deemed sufficient by the Board of
Education; and (2) suspends or amends all Board Rules, policies, and practices, as applicable,
that may be in conflict with actions taken, or which may be taken, to balance the District’s
budget or otherwise carry out the Board of Education's policy judgments.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
29
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Possible changes or reductions in salaries, benefits and other compensation matters which may
be implemented for unrepresented employees include, but are not limited to, adjustments in
salary rates, tables and differentials; revisions to work year (number of paid days); and
adjustments to health and welfare plan benefit and contribution levels. The above actions are
listed by way of example, not limitation, and may be supplemented or revised in the discretion of
the Board of Education.
50.
Reappointment of Member to the School Construction Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee
(Sup Res007)
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District ratifies the
reappointment of Mr. Paul Escala, representing the California Charter Schools Association, as
Member to the School Construction Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee for a two-year term
commencing May 11, 2015, and determines that Mr. Escala is not an employee, official, vendor,
contractor, or consultant of the District.
Miscellaneous Business
Special Reports
51.
Receipt of 2013-14 Debt Report (0090-14/15)
Correspondence and Petitions
52.
Report of Correspondence including Williams/Valenzuela Settlement Uniform Complaint
Quarterly Report Summary (0091-14/15)
PUBLIC HEARING
Minutes for Board Approval (0092-14/15)
53.
1 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, December 17, 2013
10 a.m., Regular Board Meeting, May 13, 2014
10 a.m., Regular Closed Session Meeting, March 10, 2015
1 p.m., Regular Board Meeting, March 10, 2015
Board Member Resolutions for Initial Announcement (Continued)
54.
Dr. McKenna - Foster Youth Awareness Month (Res-075-14/15) (For Action May 12, 2015)
Whereas, In Los Angeles County 28,000 children are in foster care and 8,278 of those children
are enrolled in the Los Angeles Unified School District;
Whereas, Foster youth experience high rates of school mobility;
Whereas, Only 58% of foster youth graduate from high school and less than 3% go on to college;
Whereas, Foster youth face particular barriers to academic success, such as separation from
siblings, exposure to trauma, and removal from their homes and communities;
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
30
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15
Whereas, Foster youth experience poor adult outcomes 2 years after exiting foster care: 68%
receive public assistance, 1 in 4 will be incarcerated, and 27% percent of the homeless
population has spent time in foster care;
Whereas, Foster youth experience social stigma for being a part of the foster care system; and
Whereas, With loving foster parents, supportive learning environments, foster youth counselors,
adequate social services and appropriate community involvement, many more foster youth will
be able to overcome troubled pasts and become successful and productive citizens; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District recognizes the
month of May as National Foster Care Month;
Resolved further, That this Board indicate its appreciation of individuals who have and continue
to provide care to foster youth; and, be it finally
Resolved, That faculty and staff be educated on particular barriers foster youth face as well as
educational legislation that helps support the academic achievement of foster youth.
Announcements
Recognition of the Garfield High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team
Public Comment
Adjournment
Please note that the Board of Education may consider at this meeting any item referred from a Board Meeting
five calendar days prior to this meeting (Education Code 54954.2(b)(3)).
The Board of Education may also refer any item on this Order of Business for the consideration of a
committee or meeting of the Board of Education, which meets on the Thursday immediately after this meeting.
Requests for disability related modifications or accommodations shall be made 24 hours prior to the meeting to the Board Secretariat in
person or by calling (213) 241-7002.
Individuals wishing to speak at a Board meeting must sign up at the meeting. There will be no sign ups in advance of the meeting.
Speakers must sign up prior to the item being acted upon by the Board. Speakers should plan to arrive early as items with no speakers may
be acted on at the beginning of the meeting.
If you or your organization is seeking to influence an agreement, policy, site selection or any other LAUSD decision, registration may be
required under the District's Lobbying Disclosure Code. Please visit www.lausd.net/ethics to determine if you need to register or call (213)
241-3330.
Materials related to an item on this Order of Business distributed to the Board of Education are available for public inspection at the
Security Desk on the first floor of the Administrative Headquarters, and at:
http://laschoolboard.org/04-14-15RegBd
Items circulated after the initial distribution of materials are available for inspection at the Security Desk.
Bd of Ed Regular Meeting
04/08/15post
31
Order of Business
1 p.m., 04-14-15