001All right, we will open session. We'll start with a roll call. Rita Martin is here. Delena Martin here. >> Crystal Craraven here. >> Kathy Bodecker here. Diana Corpal here in Q. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. Salute pledge to the flag of the United States of Americ code 54957. Seven, direction was given to initiate an investigation into the complaint. Item B, G code 54957.6, close session regarding matters of negotiation with CSEA and unrepresented groups with designated representatives. Superintendent Pendle, no report. And we did not get to items C, D, and E. So, we will reconvene to close session to complete those items after today's meeting because we didn't want to leave you out there in the sweltering mess for too much longer. Item number five, approval of the agenda. I would like to
002request that items A and B under new business be moved to follow item D. And D new business is in dogs. >> D is in dog. Yes. >> Or David. You said A and B. A and B. Yes. Uh moved under the unodudited actuals and again resolution. and on K for the weakening. I thought that would be an action based on the discussion. Are we able to change that from information to an action item? >> Emily and I had talked about that. We didn't think that it needed to be an action item to approve us meeting with her individually. It was just going to be the conversation of each person's >> what if we come to a collaborative agreement on something would we need to approve that together? And I don't think if we I
003don't think we as a board can make a decision that says one board member can or cannot talk to the superintendent. >> Oh, no. I just meant like a collaborative I guess agreement on how we're having communication like because of the concerns that are brought up. >> Yeah, I don't see why I can't be if there's some if there's action to be taken when we get there. >> Right. That that's what I meant is if it turns into information only then fine. But if if we're saying it's information only then we can't take action. Correct. >> Correct. So it's safer to make that an action item and if no action needed then no actions needed. >> Okay. I wasn't sure if you wanted that on the either cuz that was Oh, information. Um I mean
004I would hope there will be action taken on it. So maybe it's information. Okay. Yeah, those are the only ones that I was like, "Oh, I' thought action might need to be taken. Somebody want to put those together in a motion to approve the agenda with those changes?" I make a motion that we move A and B under D and we make K an action item. Okay. >> All right. Is there a second? I second that. Motion by Diana and second by Crystal to move items A and B under item D under new business and make K an action item. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Moving on to item six, public comment on non-aggenda items. Members of the public are invited to address the governing board on
005any matter within its jurisdiction that is not listed on the meeting agenda. Comments will be limited to three minutes per person with a maximum of 20 minutes per topic. The time cannot be transferred from one speaker to another. Please be please be advised that a schoolboard meeting is a business meeting held to the public and not a public meeting so forth. The board is legally prohibited from discussing items that are not posted on the agenda and cannot respond to public comments made during this session. That said, is there any public comment on non-aggenda items for this evening? Seeing none, comments on agenda items. Members of the public are welcome to comment on any business item that is listed on this evening's agenda. Again, comments limited to three minutes per person with a maximum of 20
006minutes per topic and the time cannot be transferred from one speaker to another. Public comments will be permitted during the board's consideration of that specific item. While the board appreciates and welcomes your comments and questions, we are not at liberty to respond during the meeting. All comments will be taken into consideration during the discussion of that item. Number eight, consent calendar. All matters listed on the consent calendar are to be considered routine and without opposition. The consent calendar will be enacted by one motion. No separate separate discussion of these items unless a board member or superintendent requests a specific item be removed from the consent calendar for separate action. Any items so removed will be considered after the motion to approve the consent calendar. This evening's consent calendar has item a minutes from the August
00726th and August 18th meetings. bills warrants transfers resignation and a new hire statement. I have a question on um the 26 August 26 meeting. The agenda stated under um number 11 new business that the verification of requirements. It says, "The board will review and verify all necessary requirements have been met for the issuance of a short-term staff permit for high school physical education." But in our our minutes, it's Miss Milan. Is she going to be doing this special education? >> No. During the board meeting, there was a change to the agenda. >> Okay. Because I wrote next month, but I didn't. >> Yes. So, that's what it was. So, we changed the agenda. I got a little ahead of myself with Mr. Bloom doing. >> No, I remember you saying that. Okay. Thank you. Cuz
008I'm reading that I'm like, "Wait a minute. this isn't making sense. So, I thought, well, maybe she's a kindergarten teacher. She's going to be a PE teacher, too. >> She'd be a great PE teacher. So, thank you. You're welcome. >> Did you have a public question? >> Oh, sure. the consent calendar. the um new model hires the um athletic director um and actually later on the administrative positions were those posted joint or advertise was there an advertisement of those positions because I didn't I know I didn't see it on but >> things will I think we'll speak to the executive assistant when we get there can you speak to the um athletic director. >> It was filled in house by certificated employee >> but it was posted so all in filled out. >> It was
009filled inhouse with our certificate of employees not answer my question. That's okay. I have a question on bills portion. Um, on page one of the this little report here, >> pardon me. Yeah, board report, we have a 12,287 cost for clinician billing. What is that? I was going to ask about that, too. >> That has to do with the services that are received uh by students. um special ed services that are received by students. >> Okay. >> Last year. >> Okay. And then uh the actual retirement consultation of 550. >> It's the district one. >> It's right here. not >> but it says uh GAB75 disclosure report fiscal year end 2025 and it's $550 >> right so every year it's a it's a government accounting standards board basically it's a you have to go through
010an actuarial to actually go to see how much it would cost to pay for retirees if all those employees you currently have to retire what would the possibility of the district in future years. And so you have to either do like a full-on study or in between do this other study that's kind of a rollover. So this is the rollover which is only 550. Full on study is like 2 to 3,000. >> Okay. >> So every other year it's higher. Then I have a question on page two on um the SSDA superintendent conference of 77840. Was that only for mileage or was that for the cost of the conference as well? >> Have to research that. It just says mileage. >> Mhm. That's 1,112 miles. >> Where was the conference at? I assume that was
011the Newport Beach one. So way down there >> you drove into California. >> It would have been half that to fly. >> Well, not actually cuz I'm hoping to find I go with the least expensive options. And then the next one I have is down further for the U-Haul and Starboard dinner. What is that for? For 38477 actual that's on the cow card where it says US Bank. >> It's just kind of odd to see the new U-Haul on there. >> Oh, that was for boxes and moving blankets and things like that for doing our library and for revamping our conference room plus the maker space. Would you say boxes and blankets? >> Yeah, moving blankets and boxes. >> Why did we need those two? Were we moving furniture? I mean, is this to store
012then or? >> No, I moved furniture. Yeah. >> So, you you you bought that to store it at the district or the blankets? >> Blankets for moving blankets to wrap around furniture to protect it during moving and then boxes for our library. I guess >> where are we moving them to? >> In the district or to the district from the Bay Area. >> Oh, >> yeah. We went down and picked up some tables and chairs and things for the conference room and for the maker space at the high school. >> For the what? >> Maker space at the high school for vocational program for our high school students. >> Thank you. And then I'm assuming the courtyard that by Marriott and then the Humbult Redwood State Park. Was that for the senior trip? Didn't they
013go over there? >> Uh I'm not sure what the courtyard by Marriott is specifically. The Humbult Redwood State Park was Native American Books for our Native American book collection. Got it. Okay. Any other comments, questions for not? I would entertain a motion to approve. >> We'll make a motion to approve the consent calendar. Second motion by Diana and second by Kathy to approve the consent calendar. All those in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Motion carries. >> Item number nine, reports the student report. >> Um, on September 10th, the FA had their very first FFA meeting. Uh, we discussed upcoming events like opening closing ceremonies. There's some it's a a fourth or fifth grade teacher that I follow on Instagram. She just shares all of her funny jokes. So I tell the kids and they
014tell Mr. Blue when he rates my jokes. So >> you miss my joke. >> Just the >> Yes. When I can't sleep, I will go rewatch that again. Okay. Uh, board member reports. >> Well, I would like to say that I went down to the is it Amani or Armani? >> Amani choir and it was pretty cool. Um, I could have probably sat there for >> the entire time just listening to the drums. It was amazing and um, >> yeah, it was good. I think the kids enjoyed it and I'd never been around Mr. Bloom. He's quite the character and >> I think the the kids really like him a lot. >> I mean I think it was a real good interaction between him and because they he was sitting right in front of us.
015So but that was it was pretty cool. Our live followers said you went offline so there are people watching. >> Okay. any other board member st um next month October will be um our dance throughout the month um dances all over so that's exciting >> lots of traveling yes >> what is that Delena and miss >> it's um every weekend in October so it'll be the 15th >> every Yeah, it won't be just here, but it'll be in Lake >> Porta. Um, I was able to attend back to school night. I thought it was great. Very well attended. Lots of community support and families and tables that I thought were a big hit with everybody. Um, I also was able to attend the children's choir performance. It was neat. I've never seen anything like that.
016>> And I also participated just on the Farm Barrel side. I help out with the farm day that the kids do for all the fourth graders. And we had our fourth grade class as well as our FFA students there representing. And they all FFA students especially, they all had on their matching shirts and they just looked like a really nice group of students. lots of good compliments of how our little ones and our high school students were able to be a part of that and volunteer their time. So, it's good to see them out outside of school still representing. >> I really like to school night, too. And the lemonade was the best lemonade I think I've ever had. >> Stalled. They sold out before I got there. >> Okay. Okay. CBL >> I have
017nothing to report. >> He's got a whole bunch of meters. >> Okay. Superintendent Princ. >> Okay. Well, I have enough to cover, so you know. Okay. So, um, our current enrollment is at 52. We ended the 2425 school year at 61. I reported previously, but at the beginning of the school year, things kind of have to even out of our kids leaving. Are they actually gone? Are they coming back? We've had quite a bit of movement. So, as of today, we're at 52. They may change some more. In fact, I think we're getting a couple more kids this week, but um 52. Um again, as a reminder, over the summer, we had three students graduate, 14 moved away, four transferred out. Um but since the start of this school year, the 2526 school year, we've
018added two TKs. We have four students that previously transferred out came back to us. So, I'm really excited about those four and seven new students. Five of those seven are inner district transfers in to our district from another district. So, they are choosing us over a different district. So, that's really exciting, right? Moving that needle. And the most exciting announcement of the day, our districtwide attendance, TK through 12th grade, we are at 96% attendance. >> Yeah. Right. That is huge for our district and you know our families are doing the work. Yes, I should come over there and pat you on the back because they're getting their kids up and around and making sure they get to school and they are supporting our teachers and our staff and spreading the message to our kids that
019school's important and we need you in the classroom so we can teach you all the good things and that school's fun, right? It's a good place to be. And so 96% were That's amazing to you. It's exciting. So good stuff. Um coming up, I'm working with Kyle Bill on some cultural awareness training for the board. That was requested at a previous meeting. Um so cost breakdown for that for the session, two to three hours. We're looking at about $1350 for that. Um I would highly recommend it. Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing and with the understanding that 70% of our student population is Native American. This is information that is important for all of us. Um, and it just Kyle's just great at presenting it. So, thank you, Kyle. So, I highly recommend. >>
020Do you have perspective dates yet or when we might be looking at this? >> Not yet. We're getting there. >> Okay. >> And and what fund would that give? Well, $1350. We could pull that from educator effectiveness. We I mean there's >> discretionary block grant. >> Yeah. So, we've got >> So, we have funds that could cover that. >> Yeah. So, that's good stuff. And then, um recent events within the district, we had our back to school night. It was a huge success. I had a hard time imagining this year's back to school night being better than last year's back to school night. Remember when I started here, we didn't have a back to school night the first year. All the staff told me, "Don't bother. Nobody comes." So, we didn't. But then the next
021year, we had back to school night. Huge turnout, right? And then this year, we served over 240 hot dogs, 100 knickknack lemonades. They would have served more, but they ran out as Rita said. Um, so many families came together. I love the community partners coming in and tableabling providing resources for our our families and I think that El Creek t-shirts are pretty sweet and I I love seeing them out and around the community um showing that our our school spirit it's growing so it's exciting. >> Um and then we had a goodies with grands event for our grandparents. It was very wellreceived. Grandparents joined our students for breakfast in the cafeteria. They take they took photos with our backdrop and some grandparents even went to the classrooms with their kids. That was really sweet to
022see. Families expressed a strong interest in seeing more of these types of events throughout the year. And I had a lot of grandparents say, "I couldn't make it. Can we do another one?" So, we'll have another goodies with grands this year for those of you that weren't able to make it that time. So, we're, you know, I like the the uh alliterations goodies with grants. If you have any ideas, let me know because I've got like muffins with mom. I need something for aunties. So, if you have any ideas for aunties, please let me know. >> There you go. See, >> I love it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> So, just those types of events really bring everybody together and it's a lot of fun. Um, and then as uh, Rita spoke about farm
023day, Miss Votes class attended farm day and our FFA group volunteered. It went really well. I heard a lot of positive feedback about our students out in the community and how well that they were representing Elk Creek. So, good stuff. And then our middle school volleyball team has been playing home games and away games. They're actively competing. Um, they're learning teamwork and they're building school pride at the same time. It's great. The Ammani Children's Choir visited us from all the way from Uganda. I think a lot of you were there and the students were absolutely enthralled by the performance. PJ calling me. They were enthralled by the performance. Even the high schoolers shared that they were unsure at first. Do I have to come to this? And then afterwards, they they totally loved it. And
024they especially loved seeing Mr. Bloom and Miss Lewis dance on the stage. They were good sports. And um some of our kids even got to play the drums. So it was enjoyable. Upcoming events. Are you ready? So on September 30th, our Chico State is going to visit our high schoolers at El Creek High and talk about Chico State life and what it's like to be a college student and about applications and types of programs that they offer at Chico State. Um October 2nd, our middle school volleyball team is playing at Providence at 1 p.m. On October 8th, our high school is taking a trip down to Princeton High School for their college day. On October 10th, we have a middle school volleyball home game at 1:00 in our gym at El Creek High. On October
025What date was that again? Sorry, >> the 10th. On October 14th, our 9inth graders are heading to the FFA Green Hand Conference. On the 22nd, uh we have our fifth through 8th graders participating in the Glen County Spelling Meet. And on the 24th, make sure you mark your calendars for this one. Our ASB is hosting a Halloween carnival that will be in the Elk Creek Elementary cafeteria. It is a fundraiser for ASB. Dinner will be served, lots of games, lots of fun for the kids. So, please bring that. Let your neighbors know. Um, and then also we have a high school volleyball schedule now because we officially have a varsity girls volleyball team. >> So, not only do we officially have a team, but we have one extra. >> Great. It's crazy. So, um, this
026I believe this was posted on Paris Square, but I'll double check and make sure it's out there for everybody to know. Their first game will be Saturday the 11th, October 11th in San Rafell at Christian Academy. Yeah, everyone's got to drive. Um, it starts at 1 in the afternoon. They're depart at 9:15. So, I think San's time to drive. >> Can we take the bus? But on Monday the 13th, it's a home game. We're playing Herlong at the 13th. >> The 13th. Yeah. It's a home game. Four o'clock in the gym. And on the 14th, oh boy, these are backtoback games for these girls. We're playing Paradise Adventist here at home and that's at 5:30. >> Okay. So, the 13th is at 4. >> 13th is at 4:00. 14th is at 5:30. Both of those
027are fun. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And that's right. Two away and then three homes. Yeah. Yes. So, we're all very excited. We ordered new jerseys, so the girls helped picking out the design on those. So, they're all thrilled and it's going to be great. So, make sure you come to those home games and cheer on the Elks. So good. And our elk shirts. >> Yes. And your elk shirts. Absolutely. Okay. I told you I had No, I didn't. I did have one thing to add. It doesn't really fit under my board member report. It's more of me as a public comment report, but I'll just throw it out there. The Clay Target team has seven members shooting this year. We had our first We've done a range of safety day and we had our first
028uh practice competition on Saturday. So, we're shooting out at West Hills with both the Orland and the Willows team. So, it's been really good. A couple of the kids have never shot before. They've never handled a gun before. So, we've done all the safety stuff. They're borrowing guns from Orland. They were a little too big for them last week. So, we're gonna kind of switch it up and make sure we can find guns that they like and they can handle. And the parent teacher club booster club initiative that I'm working on, I've been talking to Miss Walters. She was the one that was on the bank account last. So trying to figure out with her exactly how we move forward. But I do have 14 people that have signed up on the Google form that
029want to help with fundraisers, you know, as we're getting towards volleyball, you know, um snack bar and figuring out how we can do stuff on that. So I'm still trying to I know there's got to be paperwork and bylaws and all that that we need to figure out and make sure we're doing it right, but it's coming along. So So Okay, new business. Jump down to item C, 2425, unodited financials. Take it away, >> so we still have our tax form. We no longer need to report ages. So I condense it down. I mean there's this power but we can always go back always here. So the poweroint itself again this is last year. So it goes through June 30th of 2025 once the board approved it to date the state as well which very
030first one the comparison. So second arrow was back from March, April of the last school year is when we looked at the last time we really looked at the 2425 year and then we finally closed the bills this recently on that 2425 year all the bills came in that was all paid off in that fiscal year. We know sometimes the bills we don't receive until quite a bit later getting fund balance that you see in there actual from the previous year. Uh starting off at 2425 with the 2.3 million. So obviously the number is going to be the same. The LCFF revenue between the two nominal difference. Um we're talking about $6,000 or so difference. So we didn't have the P2 numbers at second interim. So that's what we get funded off of. But I
031say it's a combination of your P2 numbers from your current year you're in the 24 to 25 year or the previous fiscal year or an average of the three previous fiscal years. So you need to have that number to figure the calculation which we didn't have at the time. So it was off about $6,000. It's pretty close. On the federal side, um a significant difference. We're talking about projecting uh revenues of little over a million dollars and really only $878,000 uh coming in and that two big reasons for that. Uh one of those being CSI. So CSI uh this is the last year of CSI that we're receiving money for uh being in comprehensive school improvement. uh the district has come out of that and no longer qualifies for that but we still have multiple
032years to spend that and then you have multiple years to spend it and the type of grant that it is you don't recognize that revenue until you actually spend it and so $94,000 that could have been spent in the 2425 year is actually going to be spent in the 25 26 year and most of that has already been spent up to this point. So that will expense. Another thing in the on the federal side, unfortunately, the forest reserve funds didn't come through at the amount that we thought they were and so they were discounted quite a bit. In fact, it was $40,000 less what we normally would get. Uh but that has been reenacted and I've been told that we are going to get be paid back for that missing amount that we'll pay in
033this last year. So that's good news. Is there a timeline on when we get that repaid? >> Um, so in September they're actually going to be uh so we're almost done with September. So yeah, so it won't be probably until the spring. So it will take some time for that. Uh, another thing there uh with the pack aid was up $27,000 from what we had originally budgeted which is great. Uh again, that's dependent upon uh the amount of students that we have that come to the district from the reservation because we don't collect property taxes on those students and so there's like a reimbursement almost process for that in the other side. >> Is that the impact? >> Impact a date. Correct. And then the titles. So we got a significant amount of title money
034that more than covered uh our instructional aids. And so I have set aside some of that money to help with this year because you can move it ahead when it comes to that. So you have 24 months to extend it. Actually 20 to spend it. But um so that's going to help with having a teacher on special assignment that we have this year. So help function which will help the budget for this coming year. And so title one, same as CSI, you know, recognize those funds, but it's actually spam, but it's just really neat. On the state side, um quite a little bit of a difference, uh on there. Uh one of the biggest things being ELO. So there was hope that we were going to get the initial amount of $100,000 for ELO. There
035was talks kind of went back and forth to eventually got knocked down to 50,000. So we're going to get the minimum amount $50,000 for ELOP. That'd be the expanded learning opportunity program for the additional 30 days. And 50,000 is more than enough to cover that. So it's not too big of a concern. It was just kind of the hope that we were going to receive that money. It just didn't come in. That doesn't impact the regular budget really whatsoever. Um and we do we have been carrying those funds over. You have two years to expend those ELO funds. So you get it in the one year you have that year and then one more year to extend it. And so we have expended all the funds that we needed to to this point as far
036as the 23 24 funds had to be expended by June 30th of 2425 and new. So we're trying not to send any money back to the state they've already given us. It's just that sometimes your hands are tied when it comes to the actual spending of those prices and making sure that there's on the local side. Um very good news. Uh almost $80,000 more in local revenue. The Biggest thing there being interest. Interest was uh in the past has been less than 1% that we get at the department of finance. It was well over 1% uh this last year uh which was $83,000 more in interest than we anticipated which is fantastic. We don't normally build that into the budget. It's just kind of a a good thing to kind of go over historical averages.
037Historically we've never seen this high of an interest rate. So um I'm not obviously putting that in the budget to receive that every year, but uh that was a good thing that that came in uh during the 2025. So the revenues overall, you'll notice down about $140,000, but expenditures down too. And again, matching revenues to expenditures, CSI was in the budget, $94,000 less was expended in that year. that have moved into the 2526 year. The tie money that I just talked about, that's about $25,000 from revenue move and the expenditures that into the next year as well. So that explains some of the reduction in expenditures transfers out. So the transfer out actually that we only have uh at this point in time was to support the cafeteria. And so we've always had to make
038a contribution in the cafeteria just because we don't reach economies of scale being so small in the amount of students. You have to have a staff person on there. You have to have someone that cooks the food. You have to you have to buy the food. All those sorts of things. Commodities. We do get an aotment for commodities that helps with that. So that was a $28,000 savings right there just based off like reimbursements that came in from the cafeteria were up a little bit which was great but the cost of food was just down quite a bit just because of the amount of students that really that were participating in >> when it comes to transfers in 15,96 was in the budget only 14580 that actually is the money transferred from our fund 20
039for retirees back into fund one to help cover their insurance costs. So, um, um, >> and didn't you say that's going away eventually >> when they age out? Yes. >> We know who that is. >> So, if you notice the the the negative number of the 190 actually was $168,000. So, there was um there was a good little bit of savings there as far as what we had originally anticipated. And then of that $168,000, really only $125,000 of that was unrestricted. So because this is a melding of both restricted and unrestricted funds, it's important to kind of look at what side of that is restricted, what side of that is unrestricted and ongoing. And so about $125,000 in unrestricted deficit spending. If you go to the next slide there, the multi-year projections, the 2526 and
0402627 are not updated. say from budget time, so back in June. So those numbers are just brought across with the new balances that are put into place to kind of show you what the platinum balance looks like in 2627 when you put that through. And even with projected deficit spending and not having updated 2526 projections, not only on the revenue side, but on the expense side because a position the teaching position was not filled in 2526 that this does not uh have at this point in time. as well as some other expenditures and revenues. So this does not accurately show 256 anymore just because changes right we have changes all the time. So first interim is going to go through October 31st. So after that we'll do an update to the budget and then in
041December you'll have the new updated projections for 252 and the effect that will have I think it will have a positive impact obviously not filling a teaching position considering um uh staffing is basically the highest cost in the district right so but again even with these high expenditure numbers that are in here we're still looking at a healthy 1.4 4 million dollars in funds. >> And what enrollment is this based on? >> Um, again, that's true. So, this is based off of the enrollment projections back from budget time, which were more like uh 62 >> and we're 52 >> 52, but again, still being within the funding bands that we currently are still in. We'd still be in those bands unless something changes the high school, possibly positive. So, we're right now at enrollment of
04222 students at the high school, but that's changed recently. >> That's what I was going to ask. I thought was the band of the high school >> 19.58. >> So, >> if we had 22 and miraculously high. So, not not trying to count our chickens, but if you average 89% attendance with 22 students, you would meet 19.5 and you're currently at 96%. >> 96% we're going to keep it there. >> And that's with the high school, too. >> Yeah, that's doing well. >> Yeah, the high school's doing really good. >> Yeah. >> That was fantastic. >> Because we weren't anywhere close to a different band in elementary. We have been a couple years ago we were right on the cusp less than 188 away from that next funding that really would have been would have
043been over $150,000 to the district not only in that year but in ongoing years as well because you'll get that benefit of current year priority average in those years. When is the next because it's in October, right? Where we like there's a day and that's what they >> right. So there's two different factors that come into play when it comes to LCF funding. One of those is called Seabeds Day. So that's the first Wednesday in October which is October 1st this year. >> And so with that you lock in your duplicated percentage. And so your duplicated percentage is the number of students that are either low income foster youth, English language learners. We don't have them, but we do have foster youth and we do have homeless and we do have low income. And so
044you lock in that percentage. And when you lock in that percentage in October, that's also a three-year average that that goes into that one. It's not based on the number of students. It's based on the number of students that qualify within that. So it's just a percentage and not an actual whole number, per se. And so when you lock that in, then you don't have to worry about going up or down. it comes to the enrollment then it becomes ADA and ADA is based off of uh the last full month before April 15th. So April 15th is that cuto off date to lock in what your ADA funding will be for that particular year and then that will play into the averages of is it higher is it lower than the previous year is are
045you using an average of the last three years based off of what we see that year. So there's two different there's two different things going on at the same time. Got to keep them. >> Yeah. March 15th to April 15th. 7 every day. >> Sorry. No, the bad other mentioned it earlier 20. There's still plenty of money in fund 20 to cover the remaining amount for the the last person that qualifies currently. Um, right now we don't have anybody yet that will qualify in the near future to receive that benefit anytime soon, but it's just something to be aware of when we do get someone possibly someone close that to receiving the benefits. This based off of calculation years of service uh with the district and how much sickly they have accumulated at that time
046in fund 40. Um, that's at $102,000 committed to cap the project. So, there's still some money there in 1040. Um, a lot of that money was still related to the solar project. And so, we're uh in the process of working with uh the vendors that you guys approved a couple months ago to get us signed up to get that tax credit. Even though it's funny that you call a tax credit and we don't pay the taxes, we still credit for it. And so, um we're in the process of doing that. And so hopefully that will be a significant for the health and districts as well, but we won't know that one until probably um the end of this fiscal year. >> And >> with the fund balance or ending fund balance, can you remind us
047what the state requirement is for? >> Yeah. So like for us to >> Sure. Sure. So um we actually don't have the criteria standards that we do in in this particular one but it is normally 3% for the entire mouth because there's a smaller distance and so um this one we've been well over 20% to 25% when it comes to balance when 10% would would be good, but I would say 15% for being such a small district would be great for this district just because we're talking about smaller numbers and being able to sustain, you know, if a bus goes completely out and you're going to have to replace that, you know, could the district do that? So, >> so what's the actual requirement that we have to >> uh it would be 3% or
048higher than um percentage of the expenditures? I don't have that one in front of me. I'm sorry. adding to that later. >> So roughly 3% of >> roughly 3% of expenditures >> 3% 3 million. >> So if you look at your total expenditures there 3% a whopping 100,000. >> Right. >> Okay. >> And so I've always had in reserves you can actually see in your tax forms of $100,000 in economic uncertainty is what they like to call it. And so that's always been the reserve. We have honestly been well more way more than that. And you recommend closer to like >> I'd say 15% for a district this size and it's depending upon the district itself or kind of getting inflows and outflow the district has being small obviously you're going to need a higher
049fund balance just because yeah >> any questions any community for fun. >> So this corresponds with the sax forms or the receipt. >> It does. Yeah. >> And so yeah, if you look at the actual tax forms themselves, there is like a cover page and kind of goes over that main topics, I guess you would say, of what's going on. You have what we call the CAD forms that percent current cost of education expended for classroom compensation. And so there's a minimum amount that you need to spend on your teachers and your instructional aids, but when you're so small, you can be exempt from that. So the district will be from calculations. Uh because normally it be 60% for elementary and 55% for unified 50 for just high school districts. Somewhere at 45%. Uh but
050again that because the district's so small, it's exactly my calculation because you still have to have a person in the cafeteria. You still have to have custodial. still have to have these other positions that again economies of scale you'll have economies of scale so that's why you're exempt from that calculation and then it's orient every student succeeds act maintenance of effort so you have to have spend a certain amount of money on your students specifically when it comes to a goal code not to get too technical when it comes to accounting but basically that you're spending about the same amount on the students as you did last year per capita um and then if there's any kind deficiency would tell you if you're percentage below above or below it and there isn't one. And then
051next the GAN is actually the next item on the agenda. So we'll talk about that. And then the ICR that's the preliminary the proposed indirect cost rate. So that's a rate that we could charge like grants if we wanted to for kind of the overhead to you know to delineate the grants but you know basically for the accounting or payroll has to go along with uh you know rolling out those funds >> and we don't use that uh other districts use a lot for different programs at county level we use it a ton because there's a lot of overhead that comes with our county office but the district being so small that means there's going to be less money going towards that grant if we use that rate whereas this can just use it all
052itself. >> Yeah, because the cap is going to be the same on grants. >> No, it actually varies between grants. >> Well, no, no, on a grant whether you choose to use the indirect not. Yes. >> Pull it out or push it all towards the program. >> Right. Instead, you just use it all towards whatever the grant is program instead of charging some indirect cost some overhead fees for it. >> And then on the back side is just signature. And then the table of contents. The table of contents, it shows every kind of fund that there is in school business. But anytime there's a letter by it, a G basically or an S, that means that there's data for the district in that specific funding. They call them form forms or funds. And so for
053us, you'll see fund one, the general fund. Then you've got fund 13 for the cafeteria. Um, you've got fund 17. I don't talk about fund 17 because that's been spent down. That's less than $100 from plan 17. So that's why I don't really touch on it. CL 20 for post-employment benefits, fund 40 for um capital outlay projects and uh those are your the five funds that the district has. So and then it gets into the actual forms as far as attendance and uh any kind of categoricals like your titles which is those are rehabs. Basically everything that happened in the 24 25 year financially any other questions or comments item B means whatever we're on C not it is in action item to approve the un audited actuals portion of this for the 2425 year.
054>> I make a motion to accept the unodited actuals as presented by Dusty. >> Second. Motion by Diana and second by Crystal to approve an audited actuals as presented. All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. Item D, the GAN limit resolution for 2425. >> So, do you have this? We need to put in the numbers actually for the resolution for this year and this form itself, but in the tax forms themselves, it's a third item on the the sheet on the facts. Basically, it it comes from 1979 and it's a law to help limit uh uh government spending year-over-year so that the your entity or government entity is not spending an exorbitant amount from one year to the next. And if there's too much, then it will it will actually kick
055out a number from your tax forms and you actually have to call the state and explain to them why you're expending so much more than you did in the previous year in specific categories. That's never happened that I'm aware of and I've never had issues, but it's still the law and you still need to have a resolution every year regarding that year-over-year spending. >> Okay. >> So, does that So, the number that's on this page one of the stats for 73,855. Correct. So, we couldn't That's saying that our total expenses couldn't be more than 7003,000 more than they were last year. >> Um, it's a calculation that's done. I haven't actually looked closely as far as what that percentage is because if there's a GAN form that's in here, that's >> right. Um but yeah,
056it it takes into consideration the specific uh expenditures and the way that you code it in the system. And so depending on how what account string that would use that you put it in there, it will categorize it in a certain column. And if it's categorized in a you know like not for student instruction, then it'll get placed over into another category and then we'll compare it to the previous year to see how much more or less are you doing from that previous year. non-instructional categories. Similar way of explaining it, I guess, but it's not like I have to do the calculation. The system does it itself just based on how we code everything and then our expenditures. And so, like I said, if it did kick out a number, then it would be news
057to me and then I'd have to research it longer like, okay, what does that even mean? like what what would the process be if it does say we're going over that amount and do we need to you know give back some of this money back to the state because we've overexpended I don't know I've never seen it actually kick out a number so >> so we're within >> yes you're within the the natural >> we have a magic number which is a good thing >> so we'll just wait until that box turns red >> we don't want it to turn >> then I have to put my name on there >> in Alaska we know Dustin student is like, >> "Okay, so we need a motion to approve adopting the GAN limit resolution for 2425."
058>> And it looks like we have to do like a fill in the >> Yeah. So get a Yeah, we'll get a clean copy of this signed after the I make a motion to accept the GAN limit. >> Second that. Motion by Diana and second by Crystal to approve the 2425 GAN limit. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Okay. We will return to new business item 11A. Consideration of building the executive assistant to the superintendent position. Can I get back or should I? Well, this is this position was approved by the board um late last year, filled in January. Miss Dom has resigned. We are sad to see her go. Um and there's been some concerns with the board and the public about the budget and the position. So,
059we thought it most appropriate to put it as a new business item so that we could have this discussion and take input and decide how we want to go. It is budgeted. It's in the current budget and it's in the 2526 budget to have that position filled. So, that's why we review the budget now. Okay, that's all I got. >> Okay. Thank you. Well, our district, it's safe to say we're on a solid path forward and we've made meaningful progress and our families are taking notice, but to maintain this momentum and avoid stalling our growth, we have to address a critical gap. Our families love the heart of Stony Creek. I have families coming to my office telling me how much their children love to come to school at our schools. But they've also been
060very clear. If we cannot provide the extracurricular opportunities and athletics their children need, they'll leave. This challenge isn't new to our district. For decades, we've seen families exit our system between elementary and high school because we haven't yet built the programs that inspire them to stay with us. To change that, to grow enrollment and build long-term sustainability, we must expand our offerings and show our families that Stony Creek is where their children can thrive academically, socially, and athletically. That cannot happen without the executive assistant position. It's not a luxury. It's a necessity. This role is not clerical help. It's a strategic function that supports every corner of our district. It enables leadership to operate efficiently to focus on high impact initiatives and deliver the kind of excellence that attracts and retains our families. Without this
061position, we limit our ability to grow. With it, we lay the foundation for the next phase of Stony Creek success. Writing and managing grants that bring in funding for athletics, extracurriculars, and facilities. For example, the K12 strong workforce grant that we are currently working on where it could bring $250,000 into our district, leading communications and branding efforts, including website updates, newsletters, ad campaigns, and district-wide messaging that attracts families. Organizing community events like goodies with grants to involve our community and build school spirit and connectedness with our communities. coordinating board meetings, preparing agendas, policies, compliance documents so that we remain legally protected and operationally sound. Managing public records requests, ensuring we remain transparent and compliant with California state law, updating office procedures and protocols to increase efficiency and provide clear communication so that we can do
062more for our students with the resources that we already have. and providing consistent office coverage which allows all staff to take breaks while ensuring that families always reach a live person in our office building trust and credibility and connection between the families in the district. Let me be clear, this position is not a routine desk job. The executive assistant is already working an average of 50 hours per week ensuring that every deadline is met, every regulation is followed, and every opportunity is seized. That level of commitment demonstrates exactly how essential this position is to the growth and the sustainability of our district. From a fiscal standpoint, this role has already been budgeted for in the current year. We're not asking for new or additional funds. We're affirming an existing investment, one that the board has
063already approved and one that directly supports our ability to deliver on our mission. Without this role, we cannot run the campaigns, secure the grants, or create the programs that will keep families in Stony Creek and bring new families to us. With it, we have the instruct the infrastructure to expand athletics, build extracurricular opportunities and strengthen the culture that inspires families to stay. If we want to grow enrollment and build a sustainable future, we must first invest in the staffing that makes it possible. The executive assistant position is not an extra. It's the foundation for the next phase of Stony Creek's success. >> Thanks. >> Well, one comment I have is when we approved this position back in what did you say? January, is that when we approved it? >> January 21st. >> That was based
064on an enrollment of 62. We are now down 10 from that. Although our attendance is good. Um I did ask Dusty if this position was not filled for the rest of the year be give or take around $75,000 savings and um I've not seen any new grants and even though the enrollment has come up some, we're not anywhere near the 62. So personally I think we need to hold off on filling this position. >> What? So you said you had said that something for grants is in progress. Are there other ones that we're currently trying like in progress? Yeah, we have a list of grants we're working on, but the the K12 SWP grant is the one that's due the soonest, mid-occtober, and that one's up to $250,000. >> Is that restricted for something? >>
065It's I mean, grants are there's always rules around grants and what they can be spent on. So, SWP stands for strong workforce. So it's like CIG that we use for our A programs and workforce training, but it can go all the way down to kindergarten. So while CIG is for our high school, >> we can utilize it all the way down into our our lower elementary kids. Okay. And last time when we had opened this position, the conversation was around giving it what did we say a year of trial and seeing where we end up at. like I don't know like cuz I know 75,000 is a lot of money and at the same time if we drop off the position then we end up losing more than that potentially in grant money. Um so
066then I'm like okay well do we allow the rest of this sixmonth trial and see where we get from there and I know like some families moved away kids moved away and so like that's unavoidable. I don't necessarily look at that as like we're failing at attendance or enrollment because life happens. But um I don't know, part of me optimistically wants to see if this will help, you know, but I do see where you're coming from on like saving the money, but it's like that cost benefit analysis of like we did budget it, we planned for the year, like seeing it through what's already budgeted, see, and then re-evaluate in six months and see where we're at and figure out where to go from there. Might be a wise decision. >> What do you think,
067Delina? I agree with Crystal somewhat. Like, I think give it a shot, another six months, and see what happens. Maybe we won't need that in 6 months. Maybe Jill and Emily will be able to work on their own. I think give it another six months. the only one person. I agree with Christmas. I think we need to just keep moving again. You know, I've thought about this a lot and I've talked to folks in the community. I've talked to Sienna. I've talked to Ellie and I, yeah, I'm a budget person and I look at the dollars, but I also look at, you know, if we just scratch it now and we just kill the moment momentum on all the stuff we're trying, we're we're not going to be any farther ahead that it's I think
068it's worth it to, like we had in the very original discussions, it's worth it to take the risk and the investment and try to build build more programs, provide more support, do more grants and publicity and website and events and all these things that we've been talking about that seem to have been working. I mean, there's there's stuff working to bring in the families and bring in the kids and have people come to events. And if we kill that now, we're just going to go right back downhill where we were. And it's not, you know, these the 14 kids have moved away, that's no, that has nothing to do with the the position. No, it's nothing totally disconnected from the position. So I would also be in favor of continuing on with the position public
069comment. >> I was just going to say that same thing by me being um I'm a volunteer parent and a GPA member. I try to make all the events that the school has. Um whereas and I don't put nobody on the spot, but I only see this Gal's position. She's been there. I've seen a couple of you guys at the events and holding events myself. I know it's hard. Clean up's hard. You're getting extra cook. You're getting that extra. She does a lot. You know what I mean? And I was just going to ask, does she Is she the one that does the parents work? Is Is she the one that, you know, does all this stuff to get the social media out to each parent? I mean, I I would just say as a
070parent and I get you're looking at the money. I get that part. But if it's already budgeted for this year, I would keep it and then just kind of see like read the same. But yeah, I when I read this, I didn't read it until today and I was like, what? She's leading. Yeah. Like that position because I feel like it was real important. You know what I mean? Like it's it's helping. She's probably that extra one that I know when I needed stuff, she's there. As a parent and as a GPA person, like I get that information whereas, you know, maybe Emily's busy or maybe Jill's busy or Jill's watching other students and you know, like trying to help on the other. I think all those positions are vital. Just saying. And I know
071it doesn't, you know, it doesn't directly mean dollars to the district when we have these fun events like goodies with grants, but when before my kids were at our district, we were at Kirkwood and that was they had an event for everything and it was amazing. You know, there was Father's Day, they went and found frogs for Father's Day. And there was and the more events there were, the more parents that came. And then I came, you know, to no one's fault, I came to our district and nobody did anything. And it kind it gets old after a while. like, well gosh, this is this is not fun for the kids, the the kids see the other districts doing stuff. So, now that we have the momentum and yeah, it's not driving dollars. Those grands,
072goodies with grands are not bringing their checkbook. I mean, maybe they will someday, but it's getting the families involved and having the kids excited to come and show off their school. And I think that means a lot. And so, be being able to have the support to do that, I think, is critical. >> Yes. >> So, Um I haven't never held no like you know executive position or anything but like my son has and I know he needed assistance in helping because like it's so much like so many hats that you have to wear just to you know uphold those kind of positions and and burnout is real. So like I think that it's going good right now too like I'm in agreements with you know like passing what she's saying. So it is real
073and I think it's very important to have good results going on. does not want to see us lost, you know, after all of our work. So, so there were yes, this would be an action item to con consider the continuation of filling the position and then we would talk. next item would be who that next person could be. So, someone want to make a motion of one sort for the filling of the or continuation of the position. >> Yeah, I'll move to approve continuing to have the position available. >> Thank you. Motion by Crystal and second by Kathy to continue with the executive assistant position. Do you want to have a roll call? >> I vote if you'd like. We can. Yes. Can we do a roll call vote, please? >> Roll call vote. Diana,
074>> no. >> Crystal, >> yes. >> Delena, >> yes. >> Rita, >> yes. Kathy. >> Yes. >> Thank you. For one motion casts. Item 11B, appointment of executive assistant, the actual the person in the position. Want to talk about that process? >> Sure. Yeah. Last week we um brought an interview committee in and interviewed seven applicants. Eight. Eight applicants. Um, we had 36 people apply um and brought eight in for the interview, the initial interview. And the hiring committee is proud to recommend Mr. Ryan Fzen for the position of executive assistant to the superintendent. Mr. Fzen brings a unique skill set that will serve our district exceptionally well. With 15 years of experience in labor relations, seven years in management, and seven years as a trainer, he has a proven background in organizational leadership, negotiations,
075compliance, and problem solving. His career has spanned roles as a labor representative, a negotiator, an organizer, and trainer where he has drafted and managed legal documents, facilitated agreements, and represented organizations in high stakes situations. Beyond that, his experience in communications, database management, and audio v video production provides valuable technical and outreach skills. Mr. Fzen's breadth of experience ranging from legal compliance to communications technology positions him as a strong partner in helping our district streamline operations, maintain transparency, and expand the programs and opportunities that would keep families in Stony Creek. >> Did you say he has video skills and stuff? So like for advertisement and all the things they were talking about doing that's cool because then we can keep that in house which saves a lot of money right it's very expensive right was this
076a candidate made aware that this job could only I mean it could end not for sure juror type situation or >> did I tell him it was a six-month job is that what you're asking >> I I mean, it isn't an at will position as a a confidential employee. Okay. Any other comments, questions? You guys sat in on the panel, right? >> I did not. No. >> Oh, I didn't muted. Oh, do you have things to add? Um, I I thought uh this man with his experience with CSEA and uh just his knowledge, he could be a great support for Emily and guiding her n helping her navigate through things. and he he has a real uh good discernment about him and uh a quiet strength and he he's very much um comfortable in in
077uh supporting a superintendent. Has he worked in education at all in that arena before? >> Oh, okay. Yeah. And then with him having skills in negotiation and experience, does that mean that you would reduce costs of having Doug? >> Boy, that would be nice, wouldn't it? >> Yes, ideally. >> Okay. >> Because then that also offsets the >> Right. Yeah. >> Yeah. ideally. >> Or even just another person to bounce off ideas off of, you know. >> Yeah. But if we didn't have to pay for attorneys at every single meeting then you know it reduced cost there and then it makes that if we keep things more in house it just reduce overall spending. >> Absolutely. >> Which is you know addressing our concerns there too. >> So sounds great. Do we have public comment
078on it? >> Any public comment? >> Um I I have a comment. Uh I was asked last week to also be on the committee for the hiring and we had a lot of good applicants and I think and he probably he was the one that stuck out the most and one thing that he did say which kind of caught my curiosity. He he just he said the first thing he asked was how many students and you know you spoke and wow that's like five to six students per ratio you know teacher know so much of that and I just think you know and even years and it's been a lot of years since I've been you know around the school up here with you know one being 54 and the other one being 46 and
079it's like and I see this stuff and it's really I love because I I see a lot of good things, a lot of things happening where more people come to it and even I do. So, not having praying kids or grand prayer kids or anything else. But yeah, I I I think he made a good choice. So, and I think he's going to do a lot, you know, willing to free her up, be a support, you know, with her for her and everything to free her up to do other things. He had he had a lot of hats that we could you know that he can offer. So I was really impressed. So we made a good choice. All right. We need a motion to proceed. I make a motion to proceed to put Brian
080Fzen in the position of his executive assistant to help the superintendent. I second that motion by Kathy, second by Crystal to appoint Ryan Frzen into the executive assistant to the superintendent role. All those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. All right, we get C and D in writing. We are on to item E, SB88 compliance. Know that there's a lot of new new things with SB88. So staff will give a report on the current status of SB88 if there's anything outstanding, anything that they need to work on or support be support of. >> Yeah. So Senate Bill 88 took effect July 1st, 2025. So just a little bit of background information for everybody if that's okay. >> Yes, please. >> Um it establishes new safety and compliance requirements for school districts that operate
081or contract for pupil transportation services. Uh the law applies to individuals who drive 40 more hours per school year for school related transportation and those drivers must meet updated driver qualifications and vehicles must undergo specific inspection standards. So, the requirements for drivers to comply with SB88 drivers must meet a full set of qualifications being at least 18 years of age with the proper California driver's license class, clearing a TB risk assessment, passing a criminal background check with fingerprint fingerprint clearance, maintaining a clean driving record, no suspensions, revocations, probation, or two-point violations within the past three years, and that's within the DMV full notice program. submitting to drug and alcohol testing, completing a valid medical examination, which is renewed every two years, and receiving initial and ongoing training, including first aid training. So, Stony Creek Unified
082has already taken the steps to ensure readiness. We've consulted with our legal council and reached tenative agreements with both CSEA and SCF, our labor partners to ensure that our practices align with law and that our, you know, we're up to date with them on the requirements on our employees. Um, a driver testing pool has been established with Paramix. It's the same company that we use for our bus drivers. It's a separate testing pool to cover the drug and alcohol testing and the medical clearance requirements. And we do not currently have drivers exceeding the 40hour threshold, but we will um, and we'll make sure that those individuals will have fully met the requirements of SB8 prior to reaching that benchmark. There are also vehicle inspection requirements. A 19point safety inspection has to be performed at a
083Bureau of Automotive Repair, that's bar licensed facility. These inspections must be conducted every 50,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. And although there's some debate about whether school districts operating their own vehicles must follow that same inspection standard as contracted providers, Stony Creek is going to proceed responsibly. We are in the process of contracting with a qualified vendor to complete these inspections and ensure compliance and are speaking directly with BAR to maintain that compliance on all of our vehicles. Our district continues to work closely with California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Automotive Repair Bargain again regarding inspections and testing and compliance for both buses and vans. And again, I want to reaffirm with everybody that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority in this district. And we
084establish robust robust compliance systems, partner with state oversight agencies, and proactively align our policies with SB88, including working collaboratively with our labor partners. Um, so we're committed to meeting those standards of the new law and ensure safe and reliable transportation for all of our students. So none of that though has been done up to date. >> None of the >> safety training the 19 none of that's been done yet. We're in progress on that. So we're contracting like I said with a bar we're working on a contract with the bar licensed facility. We have already been in contact with bar looking for the name the name written down uh Mr. David Dawson, who's the State Bureau of Automotive Repairs program representative, he actually came up to our office and sat down with us to talk
085about our vehicles and set up a program to make sure we're maintaining compliance on everything. Um, but by, you know, before they hit 40 hours, everyone's going to have everything they need. >> So, the limits of the compliance is dependent on whether the employees hit that 40hour limit or not. Okay. >> Yes. And there is some there is some debate on that. I've talked with our CHP Mr. Bowman who does our DOT compliance. I talked with this uh bar just said his name. Sorry, I have too many notes. David Dawson. And I've also talked with the attorney. What's up? Got it. Okay. M friends, I just say that I know C is for districts and county offices. Uh county office, we're in a little bit of a different situation because our drivers primarily special are
086our employed driver. But to know in terms of districts, you guys are not behind any ball in any way, shape, or form. Most districts are going to push the low to the 40 hours in terms of the inspections. Um county office we've been using machine for servicing uh and purchasing vehicles trying to buy vehicles in our county and they're not certified by R. >> Is that the only other place? What is it Justin? >> J&J J&J is the only one that certified. So, um, it's been a Johnson. It's been a it's been a major headache here. We try to get this done. We tend to obviously we still don't have we're still not all our vehicles are in compliance yet because the 19 point inspection uh I think one out the tiny chip in the
087windshield is not fairly new car. So anyway, I just from a district standpoint and some of our other smalls are just um just tracking the hours to make sure they're legal and are going to stay legal within that uh portion of the legislation. So >> yeah, because the way I understand them, once you hit that 40 hours, you cannot drive anymore until you complete the safety and all that. And we've got to be getting close to that with the teacher and Joe. >> Yeah, but we'll be good to go before they hit 40. I promise. We're watching it really close. The other thing is just you never know when an employee is not going to pass that physical employee that was anticipated because of health condition obviously I'm not disclosed but we wouldn't think walk
088around with it every day u she's not eligible to qualify yet she is still eligible underneath the 40 hours um within the legislation can I attorney So it's not like all legislation sometimes it's not going to cause >> it doesn't make not healthy enough to drive over 40 but before that >> not a problem give you fake while you're driving and you know which never so never lost for anything and so um anyway so it's it's some tricky legislation >> so we have lots of vehicles because this just this uh more rigorous inspection. That's only on the primary vehicles they drive or does that throw every vehicle into that portal. >> We're going to put every vehicle in. That's our goal. >> Because they could be driving anything. >> Yeah. Any other >> Exactly. Because
089we swap vans depending on if there's field trips and how many students are going or if the volleyball team is traveling and they need the nine passenger. I mean, we swap vehicles all the time. So, we're going to going to run everything through it. >> Yeah. >> All right. Any other questions or comments on SB88 compliance? Now you know more than you ever wanted to know. Open the >> Oh, sorry. >> Sure. So, it's really close to your now or you've got people have to have the all those tests now that train. >> So, is the training from the new in person? Is it online? Is it going to take a while? >> There are no requirements as far as the training goes. There's not a number of hours or anything. It's just certain types
090of training they have to have. It could be in person on campus. >> I thought they had to have the 10 hours of safety training. >> Nope, it's not. I checked with the attorney. It does not say 10 hours. >> Maybe it's kind >> just Yeah. And there's a list of items that they have to be trained on. Yeah. end the first day. End of the first they will be fully covered before they hit 4 hours. >> Okay, thank you. >> Item F, district website. >> Yeah, this was a >> this was a question I had sent in to Emily, not realizing that it would be on here, which is fine. Um, I was looking at somebody asking a question. and I got on our website and our website is not it's not good. It's
091got old stuff on it and if we want to sell this district, people should be able to go to Stony Creek's website and see all the goodness, but when you're looking, you know, our van and bus route shows one route. Um, but and some of the like at the FFA, I know that we have it on there, but those are the we got to have new officers. They should be on. Do we have new officers in FFA? because two of them are gone. So, it's that kind of stuff. And I thought that that was part of the administrative assistance duties was to keep the website up to date. Um, I feel that also I believe it's a law with Kalpers that you need to have sour schedules on there, which I've asked about having that
092on for a while. Um, I think we need to be clear that Indian Valley is temporarily closed. when you look at it, somebody moving to Stony Ford could look at that website and go, "Oh, damn. You know, school's just a half a mile down the road from where I'm going to live. This school is not open. It needs to indicate that it's temporarily closed." Um, I think the teachers uh assignments need to be correct. We have Miss Close is teaching a class when she's not. She's an intervention teacher. That's kind of a boost. We have these teachers teaching and then we have this Tossa here. That could be to me that's a plus. So, these are those are the things that I was I was looking at. Um, when you look on at the front
093page, the board minute meeting dates are not they're way out of whack. There's July and August and I I mean, it needs to be updated. That's that's it. Okay. Would you like to go through this list? Sure. Okay. Um, I did check with Ed Services from GCE on what does website compliance look like? What are we legally required to have? Um, so thank you GCE Ed services for that. Darren is wonderful. Um, so we are in compliance on our website as far as the law goes and as far as ADA compliance because there's ADA compliance laws when it comes to to district websites and we're under comp we're in compliance with that. Um, as far as the administrative assistant updating the website, yes, ideally we'll get there, but our unfortunately our website service that we
094use is school insights is very cumbersome and difficult to use. I've I would consider myself an extremely techsavvy person. Um, I'm a Google certified educator and yet I struggle with school insights. It's difficult to use and it takes a long time to make updates or make new pages. So, right now, I mean, I I respectfully disagree that it's not good. I think it looks good. In fact, I've received compliments on the website, but um I've gone through your list and double checked the board meeting dates, times, and locations are up to date um through October. The next two meetings I did not put up there because both of the two meetings that we have set for November and December are set on holidays. And so at the October board meeting, the board will need to
095pick new dates for November and December's meetings. Um there was one minutes missing in the 2425 section that's been updated. Um photographs were updated over summer. That again takes time for photo editing. So those are will gradually be added um as we get photos that will look great on the website. Um salary schedules, I have no problem putting those on there. It's just the time getting the time to make a new page, but it's from everything I've can find, it's not legally required. Um, I don't I would not recommend writing online that Indian Valley is closed because the school sites being used and that's an important distinction. Um, we don't want to write that it's closed. So, I I wouldn't recommend that at this time. Update van and bus routes. I can work on that.
096Um, teacher assignments are updated. Title N section. The board just approved the new Title N policies, so we'll work on getting that page updated. Those were approved last month. Um, update FFA officer information. Our FFA advisor does most of the work with FFA and I think they do it mostly on Facebook because that's where the traffic tends to be. And then athletic section. Yeah. As time allows, we can get some pictures of shooting sports team and volleyball. even listed right now all it has is track. >> Sure. >> So it would be good to have like you said we have seven kids now. >> Yeah. >> It would be good to highlight those things. >> Absolutely. >> You know if they're looking around to see what's going on there. >> Sports is a huge deal.
097>> Yeah. Yeah. >> As time allows. We'll definitely get those pages updated. We tend to focus more of our time and energy on parent square so our parents can make sure they're staying connected and also on our Facebook page because that tends to be where we get most of our traffic is through social media. So, is there I think we've talked about it before. Is there a way to add guest users in Parent Square like people in the community so that they're able to get, you know, have more of those up to dates? >> Yes. >> How would we do that? Is there >> Yeah, they can just contact the office and we'll get the most away. In fact, we already have guest users on there. I know Kyle's on there, right? And >> make
098sure the board is on it like for the immediate board stuff. Are you on it? I >> think all you are. Yes. Because you're an emergency contact. So yeah, you're >> because you can even make a board group for communications. >> Yep. Yeah. We have parents square is really neat because we have like groups within parents square. So like we have a native families group so to remind them of GPAC meetings and board meetings and and what have you um in conjunction with our Native American policies and procedures that we worked on. Um and so yeah, we could we have like an FFA group. I think we had a a basketball team group or something like that. So, yeah, we could absolutely have a courtroom. >> Um, with the website being so difficult to use,
099should we look into other options for something that's more user friendly? >> Yeah. So, parent square has a website thing and it parents square feeds it. It's really expensive. I quoted it to the board back when we decided to try Parent Square out. I can get an updated quote, but I think it's pretty spendy. >> But is there even other independent options that might just be easier for you? But maybe they cater to because we have to have certain things in compliances and stuff that it's not like when you just go to Squarespace for Yeah. >> You know, but if there is an option that makes it way easier, then that way our admin team can >> do that without taking a million years to have to figure out pages and all the things. >>
100Sure. Yeah. I can check in with maybe some of the other superintendents and see if they have a website builder that they love. It's easy to use and kind of get a take a poll. >> Yeah. >> And do we have a fund that that could come out of like the one that we talked about last time that has like $80,000 something that we have >> a different fund. >> Did that get speaking of 80,000? >> Okay. because yeah like the easier that we can get the information out and and because it is true websites are like the brand image the everything and it's really good resource for the community interests so whatever we can do to make that easier is a good idea >> Mr. events. Does county offer any or have any technical
101support or anything like that that help us with the website? >> Uh doing ours was for William Bench for office to get that. It a lot longer than that. It's been okay. I know at Maxwell I think it's Catapult is the Yeah, there's a vendor they use. >> I wish I know that before she came on board at GC she preferred that contract I think with anyway there are a couple that are a little more friendly. >> Thank you. Okay. So maybe website could be a circle that next meeting for some kind of quotes or other ideas or something. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Moving on to item G. CSA reopener sunshine proposal for 2526 negotiations. >> Okay. So you have a copy of it in your packet. This one. >> Uh yes. initial proposal from
102CSEA to the group CJS and then I gave just kind of a little overview but it basically says the same thing on the agenda. So this is you know core negotiation um they would like to open article 4 district rights CSA here proposes to introduce some adjustments to the current authority framework to potentially involve more input on certain operational decisions. Don't ask me what that is because this is all the information that they've given me. So, I'll find out more tomorrow. Um, article seven, leaves, uh, CSA proposes to consider enhancements to the existing leave policies and the inclusion of new leave. Article 13, salaries, fair and equitable increase to the salary schedule and addition of classified positions to the salary schedule. And then article 14 employee benefits increase to the current health and welfare benefit
103cap. So this is just information only question. Any comments questions? So the under article 13, the CSEA hereby proposes the addition of classified positions to the salary schedule. Are are they going to ask us to have positions that we don't need? >> I don't know. >> Oh, I'll I'll know more tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Yeah. This is as much as I know on what they'd like to discuss. >> All right. >> Yeah. I know. I wish it and I wish there were more details to share. >> Okay, that rolls into item H. This is the district's reopener sunshine proposal for CSU negotiations for 2526. So that's how the So the union will give us the list of things they want to talk about and then the district sends back here's things that we want to
104talk about. >> Yes. So in our response, our initial proposal, um we would like to open article five, hours of employment, the district proposes to explore a trans transition to a 4-day instructional week consistent with statutory authority and community interest while ensuring no negative impact to the wages or benefits of CSA represented employees. um salaries course district proposes to ensure classified employee salaries reflect fairness and fiscal responsibility within the district's budget. The district further proposes to ensure the bus van driver classification both reflects current duties, responsibilities and safety needs and enables continuity of service. Um we would like to open article 14 employee benefits. That's the health and welfare cap. And then article 15 safety. The district proposes to enhance student and driver safety through the use of camera and GPS monitoring on district vehicles
105carrying students. No, we already do. Has to be negotiated. >> Oh, okay. Is that information? Well, sorry. Okay. I move to approve our districts reopen our central CSA for the 25 2025 2026 negotiation. All second here. Motion by Crystal and second by Delena to approve the SCJUSD reopener sunshine proposal to CSEA. All those in favor say I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Item IOU with CSA chapter 215 for emergency van driver coverage. >> Okay. Okay, so you have an MLOU in your packet. Um, this is because we had an incumbent employee leave the van driving position on August 11th right before school started. Um, we did not have another classified employee to fill that position and so working with CSEA, we put thisou together and so that we could have coverage for that position. Thisou
106expires on September 30th. Um unless we all agree to extend it. So remember this. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So since the if there's no change to theou, what happens on Tuesday? Is that the 30th? >> Yeah, we'll have that conversation with CSA tomorrow for me transition. Oh, okay. >> So that could potentially get extended tomorrow. It could. I'll talk to them about it. Okay. Yeah. Um, Helena from CSEA is well aware of the whole driver situation. >> Yeah. >> Are you going to be discussing with them about the ban driver positions that we're flying right now? I mean, is there going to be >> Yeah, that's on the reopener >> of maybe extending the amount of hours so that it would open up a better pool. >> Yeah. We'll be discussing the the van bus
107driver classifications during negotiations tomorrow. It's already there. Any other comments, questions? It's kind of odd that we're seeing this now, a month later. Well, this was this was after the last meeting though. >> It was the 286 >> when I got it back from CSA signed it was the meeting that's why so it has to be signed and then comes to the board eradicated. >> All right, this is the next item. Okay, I move to approve theou with CSA chapter 215 for emergency van driver coverage and second motion by Crystal, second by Kathy for thisou. All those in favor say I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Item Jouou with Kopatai Native Wellness Inc. >> Okay, so this one is very exciting. You have a copy of it in your pocket. So you can take
108a look at theou. So this is anou between shony freak identified and kinoatai native wellness incorporated. This agreement establishes a partnership to support the academic, social, emotional and cultural well-being of our students. And it outlines the collaboration for referrals, communication, and delivery of culturally responsive services on our school campuses. of course with appropriate parental guardian consent and thisou helps us to ensure compliance with Burpa and HIPPA and provide safeguards for student records. So it makes everything official. >> Is this part of the presentation last time but I thought it was for a grant that we didn't get. >> No, you're thinking of community schools. We had talked about it at that time not received that grant >> but that's not >> however no we want to continue a a closer partnership with Kuckatai so that
109they can assist us in better meeting the needs of our native students and so this makes all of that. >> Is there a financial aspect to this? >> No. >> Oh wait it's just ensuring that all our compliance and everything is >> will these services be available to all kids or just the Native American? All >> all students so it doesn't matter. >> Yeah. >> Right on. >> We did have an issue before with previous folks working with him where the it was only the Native American kids that got to go and that kind of upset the some of the kids the other kids that wanted to be involved. >> So I'm glad that it's all kids. >> Any other questions, comments? Kyle, you want to add anything? Yeah, I don't mind. >> So, I'm
110I want I want to take the opportunity um to talk about all students. So, currently this would be um it's proved tonight this would be our secondou with the school. Um we have anou with the office of Lake County Office of Education, one of their schools. And so, we've been um offering weekly um sessions with students in the in the school. um they're high school age students, but it's with all both native and non-native students, and it's been really wellreceived. Um students really enjoy a lot of the information that we share. Um a lot of it is is rooted in culture, but also that are relevant to students that they're, you know, experiencing around behavior and decision- making components of it. Um so we do like a lot of civic engagement as well. Also we
111do talk about um you know students looking toward um understanding how their voice can be used to create change. Um so that's another aspect that we love to deep in but also the cultural um you know the school district being comprised 70% of native students. Um you know for us um for for like we're very deeply connected to the community. Um I myself grew up in Grindstone, went to school in the district, graduated, um was a trustee for the district for a little while and so we have a lot of um experience and then a lot of the native students recognize our staff as we're all culturally uh we're very culturally active um here in Grandstone and different communities. So a lot of students see us and know us already. Um so we really have
112established really good relationships with families and students. Um and then we're also western trained. So um our uh we have a mental health clinician that's on our staff. She's um tribal um and she is a social worker and so she has a specialty and working um in school in the school setting. So um we're looking to bring them in. She's also a certified wellness coach which is a new initiative throughout the state um where we bring in u nonclinical service into the schools. And um one of the things that we're hoping to explore with thisou and being able to be in the schools is uh partnering with different um universities and colleges that are training the next round of wellness coaches to intern with us because they do have to earn a certain amount of
113hours in the field. And so, um, us having a relationship with BU College, um, and even at Chico State, looking to bring those interns that want to get hands-on experience working within the school, but also in a very unique setting, which is being in a rural area, working with the tribal population as well. So, um, we are looking to develop that. Um, and then the the cost piece of it, we're obviously all of our organization is ran by grants. So, we receive a lot of our funding to be able to offer a lot of these services. Um just this past Saturday um Greg Zoom the tribe passed a resolution designating us to offer some specific benefits that are new to Calim uh medical and we are able to weave that into the school as well.
114So we are able to sustain a lot of our programming through being medical approved. So a lot of the service that we're able to offer not just to students but their families as well is what also kind of keeps us to be able to continue our programming and offer what we offer. Um we're also a Elevate Youth California grant recipient and we wrote Glenn County um as a service area for us. So Branson and then also being able to come in the district. So what's really nice about this is is uh we've had a good working relationship with Emily over the past year. U but if Emily were to move on to something else, we don't want to have to start all over with trying to convince somebody to to trust what what we're doing.
115this codifies a relationship to allow us to continue to maintain uh the work that we're doing long long after a staff or administration changes. So that's why we're really um looking forward to gettingou and offering our services not only to the students but also um the families and um you know obviously being uh in the health field we're HIPPA we have to be HIPPA compliant and knowing the school district they have to be FUPA compliant. So a lot of times when um there's opportunity for us to to work with families um we're not able to because of those privacy acts. So thisou kind of will help um allow us to have those conversations with what students are needing um that are that are u complying with those privacy laws. But one piece is that we're
116very mindful of ensuring that families know what services their children are receiving. So we do it with consent of the family first so that parents are comfortable with what we're offering um as far as direct services that we so um yeah we're hopeful and um getting this uh approved so that we can continue our relationship and then um we're always looking at how canai leverage um our uh our our resources to bring into the school district as well. So hiring staff um receiving grant funds to come into the school so that that burden doesn't fall on the district. So, you know, being able just to have maybe a space in the district will be helpful for us. Um, but, you know, we look forward to being able to um solve some of the challenges that
117we want to actively be a part of solving problems, not just talking about to you all to solve, but us being a partner in helping solve challenges. And I'm sharing and you you've already heard a lot of the work that we're doing and um you know, you've uh really enjoyed coming here and being able to uh offer our support and services. And so, yeah. And then if there are any other questions around the years, it is only a three year. So we're just kind of like seeing how things work out and then we can look at renewing it if that was something that the board wanted to do. >> You said the medical funding is that would there be any extra hoops to jump through for the families or the school in order to, you
118know, make sure the kids have filled out the right paperwork or they to be eligible in order for you guys to be able to bill for the medical. Obviously there are um that certain families will need u through medical you know they need to be in partnership for some services um and then having um other medical coverage but if um you know because we also have grant funding so um where we can't bill we would just offer it in house anyway so that's what's also beneficial so where we can build we obviously can and now the new changes within medical that um services like counseling are billable even within the school district. So we normally that was only you can only bill for it within a facility but um the state has opened it broaden
119it because they realized that um students can get these things similar services within the school. Um so that is there's a big shift right now within the state in the medical structure which is allowing a lot of these services to be brought into school which is great because teachers are trained to teach students um and when it comes to behavioral um wellness you know we have other trained professionals that can support that so that teachers can focus on what they're what they're to do what they do best which is educate students so we can kind of work collaboratively. >> That's good. Correct. So then that I just want to make sure I'm understand correctly. So if a student doesn't qualify for the reimbursement, they won't be denied service. >> Yeah. No, they wouldn't. And that's
120really not the main focus of this. Um those are just if a student or you know as we talk if the student is identified as something that we can offer that falls within a benefit. um we would go through that process obviously because um we want to sustain our programming >> but the main focus isn't to offer medical benefits. It's really to um come into the school and offer cultural classes and support kind of what we're doing already. Um we're what we're doing in Lake County. We're not billing for any of those things. It's just focused on bringing in programming for youth. But they're also um with this MOU it it um opens the door to allow us to do that if it was something that the school district identified. So >> or if you
121identified a kid and worked through the parent. >> Yeah. For example, if we found out that a family was um food insecure um we would then could maybe initiate that process of saying would you like to enroll in a program where we can coordinate services to get you food? Um if there was a need there's a new benefit around substance use. So, if there's a family member um that was needing connection to those types of services, we would see if they are eligible for a benefit, enroll them. Um but we could also just kind of connect them. So, it's connecting them to services that are existing in the community. >> And then when it talks about identifying students who may benefit, so then on our side as a district, you would be working out with
122the parents before they ever get connected. Is that how that works? >> It depends. It depends on the needs of the family whether that comes through initially with initiation from the district or if it comes through initiation from Keno diet. We'll work on that what would be best for that individual family. >> Yeah, >> we're not we're not primed for that information. It's just we're prepared if it comes up in a setting. Um obviously at these community events when we're boothing as well those kinds of needs could arise in just a general conversation and so we're trained you know obviously we're listening for those needs um and have services connected. So what's really neat is it's a whole person approach. So it's not just um you know programming but looking at the the needs of
123students and their families. So if there is a a need that's identified, we have connections and we're uh because we're medical approved, we can connect them to our services which may help with those needs that they could be identified in conversation. What I was going to say is um because I feel like this would help me as a Native American parent and my Native American children that attend the school. There's not a lot of help for behavioral health at all. And I'm experiencing this and um the county only can offer one day a week to come up for my kids' needs. I I can't speak for every parent. I speak for mine. And so I have two children that attend. And so it would be very helpful getting that extra cultural piece for my kids
124for something that they're comfortable with versus I mean just the hour or two hours that the county can provide. So, it would be beneficial to our district to do that. And I and I'm telling you, want other kids to come here and if you have that other piece, that's going to be very helpful because a lot of people that have children on IEPs, our school can't provide those extra help like like they need now. And so it would be very beneficial for Kokatai to come in and be able to help fill the gaps that the school can't fill just as a parent. >> Thank you. >> Obviously, we're still working into this. How much time do you what would it look like timewise? >> Yeah, I think um that would be good for us to
125sit down and decide, you know, what would uh work for uh the student schedules and you know, obviously elementary and high school might look very different. Um right now where we're at it's it's um on a weekly but it's just for a couple hours during the lunch. Um there is a little bit more flexibility with that school because it is a community school as to where um here there might be they might look differently. So once we get the um you know formally established relationship we can have that really indepth conversation of what would it look like for um our staff coming in um would it you know so we can have more of those um in-depth conversations of what it would actually look like. Um because right now we we have like you know
126weaving is is um something that everyone's kind of really picked up on even at our um at our community gatherings. Um a lot of the students both tribal and non-tribal really gravitate to that. And so we we like to do whatever they're interested in um and let the students kind of decide what that what it would look like. But um yeah, just kind of getting a gauge of what um the scheduling might look like. We can coordinate that with Evan and teachers as well. Yeah, I can see that something really non intimidating have the kids come in and do an activity and that's when they're really going to open up and be able to have those conversations and beating any of that. >> Yeah. And really >> and we also have two youth ambassadors so
127um we they're able to travel with us and so having pure, you know, pure pure mentorship is really um a strength. Um so one of our youth ambassadors um they're both in one's in the 11th grade and one's a senior. Um but one of our youth ambassadors, she shares her story of struggling with opioids um in junior high school, which is a very powerful story um that she shares and I think it really connects with students to let them know that those are realities that um is is out there in the in in the real world and she actually was exposed to in school. So those are realities that I think our students um are are could come across and to have a peer of their share their story, but how they came out on
128the other side of that in a positive way by utilizing culture. It's not about being involved in wrestling and academics or you know um football and those types of things. So really having youth share um with each other um I think is really a strength and we have two of those youth ambassadors on our team that we could bring periodically come and share. Lake County is a little bit of a drive, so they they can't come every week, but we would definitely love to bring them out so that youth are um you know engaging with each other in positive ways. >> Okay, any other questions or concerns? >> Great idea. >> And then just one last note that we forgot to mention. So, um we work closely with GPAC as well. So, we attend the
129meetings with GPAC. um coordinate a lot of things with them. But on the 50 um the on Friday, September 26th is the 58th annual California Native American Day um at the Capitol in Sacramento. Um it's going to be from 10 to 2 and it is a statewide event where tribes from all over the state convene in Sacramento um and share there's vendors there, different uh cultural displays that'll happen. Um ceremony um uh dances will be shared there. So that's that's happening that students may go to. Um that's really really exciting. And then also um in November is Native American Heritage Month and we've already set a date. I believe it's for um November 6th uh is when we're planning to do an event here in the school district as well and we'll be there helping
130coordinate um with different partners to bring that together too. >> What's the date of the capital? >> Um September 26. >> This Friday. So, yeah, big event. But, um, thank you all and we're looking forward to a partnership and continuing the work that we're doing. >> Thank you. >> I move to approve the memorandum of understanding with Wellness. Second. >> Motion by Crystal and second by Delina to approve thisou with Kokatai Native Wellness. All those in favor say I. And I oppose. Motion carries. You guys are hired. >> Okay. Item K, Winkley weekly sync up meetings with the superintendent. So, this is a topic that Emily had brought to the board individually um as a way of building communication with the board members um of having weekly syncup meetings. And I know Crystal wanted to
131talk more about how that could work and the purpose of the meetings and >> yeah um more to like I can't commit to doing that every single week. Um but I really did like the Monday memos and things and I guess the concern the main concern is that possibility of an accidental serial meeting or even the appearance of not being above approach being an issue. Um, but then also ensuring that we're actually all getting the same information because how something gets relayed to someone if we both ask similar questions could be different to how someone else gets. And so like we had already talked about um like if someone emails and she answers a question then she sends it out to us so we all have the same information. But if we're doing individual contacts
132then that's kind of feeding that purpose or that goal. Um, so I wanted to like open that up and talk to see like, okay, what's going to be our best collaborative effort >> to um, like ensuring we're staying above approach, we're not having accidental serial meetings and that we're also getting all this information like where we just come up with what's going to be our best course of action for that. Well, I had asked the question before you did about I felt that this could create a ser serial meeting and um I did a little research and according to California School Board Association, it recommends that you not hold these type of meetings that and if it says an effective governance relies on a board acting as a unified body And if each one of
133us are going in, there's just too much of a chance of whatever say I go in and discuss, not on purpose, by by accident saying, well, you know, then it goes to Crystal and then it may go on to, you know, Rita, well, in the course of the conversation, I'm not saying that Emily could do this, but it could happen, you know, well, I discussed it with the other board members and yada yada that creates a serial meeting. And I think that instead of setting up times for everybody to go in and sync with the superintendent, if board members want to go in and talk with Emily, they should, but it shouldn't be organized. I mean, you're you spend a lot of time in there >> with her as the president. Um, I believe Kathy,
134you go in and talk chat with Emily. >> Yeah. So, um I don't know Delena I, you know, I don't >> I only do that if I have questions based on what you sent us, which you know. >> Yeah. Usually I do that through email. >> Right. Right. Right. >> Or a phone call. But either way, like I think when we were doing the Monday memos, it ensured we were all getting the same information and then we can ask questions from there. But it also gave us regular communication, which I really did like. And I I think going back to something similar, even if it's not a weekly thing, if that's too much, you know, every other week or something where we're all getting the same information and then avoiding that possibility of, you know,
135issue. Um, sorry. >> I I too like the um I too like the Monday or and then that way if also you can let us know where your what your status is that week if you're going to be out of the office or whatever. It's a I think it's a good thing and then we're all getting the same information and then from there if we have questions on that we as an individual could come back to you. So do you have input here? >> I have a lot of Oh yeah. Um, so nothing beats face-to-face communication in building relationships, in building a team, um, a culture of teamwork, a culture of trust, a culture of open communication. Nothing compares to a face-to-face conversation. And I cannot tell you how many leadership trainings I have been
136to where the number one thing they recommend superintendents do is meet weekly one-on-one with their board members. And up until now, that's been something that I've just I've been trying to, you know, manage my schedule. And now with some extra help in the office, I've been able to do that to get to a place where I can meet weekly with board members. I checked on the legal aspect because I know there are those concerns about serial meetings and I did talk with um Randy Ericson who is our phone and friend attorney. He's the principal attorney at McDougall Bulmer Lion Foley and Ericson law firm. They need a acronym or something. >> Um he is it okay Rita if I give you the information he gave me? >> Yes please. >> Okay. He's very detailed when
137you ask him questions. So here's his detail. He says, "The district's board of trustees is a legislative body subject to the Brown Act. The act requires meetings of the board to be open to the public. A meeting includes any congregation of the majority of the members of a legislative body at the same time and location to hear, discuss, deliberate, or take action on matters within the body's jurisdiction." He gives me the government codes, too, but I'll stick those. The Brown Act prohibits a majority of the board, three or more in a five member board like we have, from communicating with each other outside of an open meeting about district business, whether directly or through intermediaries. This includes serial meetings, that's what you're talking about, where information is shared memberto member until a quorum is effectively
138deliberating outside of a public meeting. However, as indicated in government code section 54952.2B2, to B2. The prohibition against serial meetings does not prohibit an employee or official of a local agency, eg the superintendent, from meeting or communicating separately with board members outside of a meeting in order to answer questions or provide information regarding a matter that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the local agency. So long as the comments or positions of other board members are not shared. So that last sentence is the crux of the whole argument. So long as comments, positions, or voting decisions are not shared from one board member to another board member, then it's not a serial meeting. Um, each meeting between the a superintendent and a board member is a unique meeting and it's a time to connect.
139It's a time to answer questions, um, address concerns, seek advice. That's what it's for, not to talk about what other board members think of a a subject that's within the jurisdiction of the school board. and he said he'd be happy to talk with the board more about it if you have more questions. And I I think when it comes to like there's an issue of all things are lawful, they're not all helpful. And in this instance, the appearance of something, the accusation of something, whether it's true or not, can still be an issue, right? Like I mean there's a number of ways that that could go wrong even from a outside perception that I think we should be on guard against because we want to be transparent. We want to be above board. We want
140to be doing things in a manner that we people aren't even going to bring up an accusation, right? I mean we're live streaming >> so we can have more transparency. We record these things so that there's more transparency, more honesty, more accuracy. like it and this could just be a feeling. It feels like if there's all these separate meetings going on that we're not all actually getting the same information because I think it's valuable if one person asks a question we all get the answer because there's been times that it's like I wouldn't have thought to ask that but now that someone else did I'm really interested in that and I might have follow-up questions you know and I think that actually makes us stronger as a team to have all that same information and
141like be on the same page at all times versus Oh, well, I talked to so and so when we're in a meeting. Well, I talked to her and she said said that. Well, wait a second. Now I'm confused. I had talked to her, she said. Now, we have this whole little thing of I said it at this time, she said it this time or whatever the case may be that I think it actually can create more confusion and more chaos than having the round like we're always on the same page with communication. Uh my opinion is more communication is better than less and I you know communication has been a hot topic among this board and my communication and communication within the district and I'm asking for more communication which is why I offer the
142board members to a weekly sync up. Now if you're not available and you can't meet that's that's totally understandable to me. I understand having a busy schedule. Um but I that regular communication is really important. Having that level of relationship I think is really important for us as a team and um weekly syncups a lot of stuff happens in a week and so a lot of times it's you know when we meet it's ideas of oh you know like what you said with frogs with fathers. Yeah. like that. I never thought >> I want to do frogs with fathers. But those types of ideas and brainstorming which I think is a good collaborative type of relationship to have more communication is better than less. But again, if you're you're not available or maybe you want
143to meet once a month or maybe you want to meet every other week or maybe you want to meet over Zoom so you don't have to drive to El Creek. I mean that's fine if you do whatever works. In my mind, the perfect world would be both would be the the detailed Monday memos with the no, here's the things going on. Here's the days you're out of the office. Here's all this stuff. plus having the opportunity to then have >> those more >> personal p personal >> and I think that it comes down to us policing ourselves and not well what did Crystal think about this >> right or what did because that's yeah we are going to be curious if there's you know you have to share some type of personnel issue oh well
144what did they think but I think that we just have to be cognizant of that >> well I would think the sinka or whatever you want to call it, the meeting would only have to do between myself and her, not other issues. >> So, >> right, because if those issues are like how you have brought up that >> if only certain people are hearing about issues and then we come to a board meeting and now all of a sudden half of us or more were in the dark, then it's like what is going on? You know, like it just doesn't seem like that's >> meeting the goal of really having us in the know. So, if she if she does that once a week thing online where we're all making that connection together as a
145group and then we have our individual time with Emily, I I I like it. I'm learning. Uh I'm I'm just learning. I'll ask her questions about the brown. I'll ask her things that I don't know and I don't understand. and and so for me I appreciate just being able to learn and to have that time. >> Well and I guess yeah the personnel thing was a bad example because if there is a personal update that needs to be given that would be given the same information to the whole board but something about you know >> what do you think about this for the parent teacher club or the snack bar or this kind of fundraiser or just I guess what I would call more benign things Yeah, just general day-to-day things. >> Today was my
146first um meeting with Emily and I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what I was doing there, but I went in not talking nothing about nothing but my grandkids that go to school and their behaviors and stuff. So, it was kind of beneficial to me because not only did I not know that my grandson was acting up in school, but you know, his behaviors and stuff like that. And so, but it wasn't nothing to do with the school board or any personal person. It was about the grand my grandsons and their you know being at school, their behaviors and stuff. So like um I kind of like the meeting. I got to know what was going on more in school and now I think I may have to go and sit in
147class. So that just seems to be more of a you want to have personal time to get to know us as individual people versus schoolboard related things. >> That's what I got at I mean like like I said it wasn't we didn't talk about schoolboard stuff. It was just that was our conversation. >> So is that your goal then? It's not actually schoolboard related. My goal is to open the line of communication between myself and the district and each individual school school board member. And like we said, we saw a variation, right, of how two different board members use the time in the meeting. One to talk about their grandchild and the services we provide and what's going on there, what's going on in the classroom, and one to learn more about governance and learn
148more about what what happens in a school on a day-to-day basis. I think if we still have the regular weekly information that we used to have and then as Yeah. As you people are able or wanting or whatn not to be able to go in and have personalized meetings at each comfort level. Yeah. I mean, that monthly thing could trigger emailing back and saying, "Hey, can you set aside 30 minutes to chat off of that instead of trying to come up with a conversation every week, you know?" >> Yeah, you certainly don't have to meet with me and you don't have to meet with me every week. Part of what I'm trying to do is schedule the time, set the time aside, right? prioritize that time in my calendar so that I can have consistent
149meetings with those that want to because my calendar gets crazy and I'm in and out and all over the place and things pop up and and I I know it's been a little crazy here at the start but I'm hoping to be able to get more consistent and have that time set aside for >> Okay. So then we are still going to get a weekly email or we are not I guess is my question because I I don't know what goes on in between the time until I get here. But I don't have the ability to set aside a weekly meeting. And if that's not what it's going to be about then I would appreciate email updates. >> I think that's your intention is to get back to those Monday meetings. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
150I like them at the beginning of the week. here's what's going on and then obviously if something comes up that's pertinent that the board needs to know in between Mondays hey this this thing happened that would be full board right everybody gets the same information >> and if it's an emergency I text you >> that right >> so yes I also really like Monday so >> good just you know just events because there there is stuff going on games and all that so yeah >> okay Do we want do we need to take any kind of formal action? >> Okay. Number 12, board requests for future agenda items. >> Follow up on the website and report. Um, Moo said that the November and December regular meeting dates are on a holiday. So, next month we
151would look at having a different regular meeting date for those. Yep. >> Okay. So, make sure you bring your calendars with you next month. Anything else we talked about tonight that I forgot to hug? Okay. All right. Then with that we will adjourn open session returning back into completing close session. Thank you for coming.