After the Mt. Diablo school board voted 3-2 to terminate Superintendent Steven Lawrence’s contract early and voted 4-1 to let General Counsel Greg Rolen go before his contract expired, I asked all five trustees to explain their votes. Board President Cheryl Hansen, Vice President Barbara Oaks and Trustee Brian Lawrence voted in the majority on both decisions, saying the district needs new leadership to overcome low morale and lack of community trust.

Trustee Linda Mayo voted against terminating the superintendent’s contract, but sided with the majority in the decision to oust Rolen. Trustee Lynne Dennler voted against terminating both contracts, which were set to expire in June, 2014.

Mayo told me Monday she did not want to comment on her votes because she had previously made comments during board meetings that would explain them. When I said I did not recall those comments, she did not elaborate on what they were or when she made them.

Dennler, on the other hand, sent me an e-mail explaining her votes, which she asked me to quote “with fidelity.” Here is her complete statement:

“I ran for the MDUSD Board of Education, because as a teacher in Mt. Diablo, I felt disrespected and undervalued. I didn’t trust ‘the administration.’ I ran to be a ‘voice’ the classroom and the teacher.

These two years have been eye opening. I gained an understanding of the incredible challenges facing our district by being observant, listening to many differing opinions, and asking questions. I’ve been careful to not be ‘managed,’ avoided blogs, as I appreciate and prefer direct input from the public.

The superintendent answers to and advises the Board of Education. The board has the final direction, which this superintendent has always followed. For the most part, I’ve experienced administrators who would listen. They didn’t necessarily ‘change their thinking.’ It did, however, give me hope, that with multiple like voices on the board, change was possible.

The superintendent’s character and trustworthiness is of greater value to me than policy agreement. I have discovered the reality of the District operation is vastly different than it is perceived through the outside lens. Half-truths and distorted views are often disseminated as fact. Had the present Board chosen to work with Dr. Lawrence, I believe MDUSD would have moved forward.

I met Greg Rolen after my election. He ‘seemed’ to be cocky and supremely confident. After months of working with and observing his work, I realized he was a competent, effective attorney. I grew to appreciate his legal skills, the fairness with which he negotiated settlements, and the money he saved MDUSD.

The facts and timelines of Mr. Rolen’s activities haven’t been presented accurately. A combination of an individual’s interpretation, perspective, and understanding of facts have been blended into actions deemed ‘illegal’ in print. In hindsight some of Mr. Rolen’s actions may have been ill advised but were well meaning, not illegal as have been reported. He has provided the district excellent legal direction.

Historically, newspapers have been bastions that disseminated truth. Today, blogs and newspaper have begun to intermingle in ways that give a perception of fact, to a combination of half-truth and opinion. This ‘blend’ then morphs into ‘fact’ that is shared, commented on, over and over again. Hence the reason I chose to avoid them.

I saw no reason to incur the costs for this change of leadership. Extensive legal expenses, and buyout costs for MDUSD seemed unnecessary. I think first working with these two men, then perhaps acting in a year would have been more prudent.

This superintendent would have changed policy, followed negotiation objectives, or made changes as directed by this board. MDUSD wouldn’t have been static. This board chose instead to make this move. That will appease a small, vocal minority with special interests. Our system allows for that.

I look forward to working together with my fellow board members to bring the important changes we feel are necessary to MDUSD. We will now move ahead to continue to work to provide a quality 21st century education to the students in MDUSD, staffed by employees who are respected and valued.”

Do think the board should have allowed the superintendent and general counsel to finish out their contracts?

MAY 11 UPDATE: When I sent this blog post to my editor to be published on Sunday, she pointed out that the Times never reported that Rolen’s activities were illegal. An editor’s note to that effect will accompany Dennler’s statement in print.

Also, I question how Dennler can make judgments about news reports and blogs that she claims she does not read.

The public is invited to hear Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, D-Alamo, speak about “Education and the Current Legislative Session” from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday in the Lafayette Library.

The event, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, will take place in Room 3491 of the library, which is at Mt. Diablo Blvd and First Street in Lafayette.

All are welcome, according to a news release.

More information is available by calling the League at 925-878-1162.

What specific topics related to education and the current legislative session would you like Buchanan to address?

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a special closed session meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday to act on settlement agreements with former Superintendent Steven Lawrence and former General Counsel Greg Rolen, among other items. The public is invited to comment before the meeting in the district office at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord. The board expects to report out its actions after the closed session.

Here is the agenda:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

3.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

3.2 Public employee appointment: To consider the process for the appointment and other appropriate issues relative to the appointment of Interim Superintendent Action

3.3 Approve Separation Agreement of General Counsel Action

3.4 Approve Separation Agreement of Superintendent Action

3.5 Existing Litigation – Craig Blyeth v. MDUSD Contra Costa Superior Court, (Action No. C12-1854) Action

4.0 Report of Closed Session

4.1 Report out on Closed Session Info

5.0 Adjournment
5.1 Adjourn meeting Info”

Do you believe the board should discuss the process for the appointment of an interim superintendent in open session?

3:26 p.m. UPDATE: Four board members are present. Here is audio from the first portion of the meeting: http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Documents/audio/2013/05082013part1.mp3

Board President Cheryl Hansen said she anticipates reporting out of closed session by 5 or 6 p.m.

The Mt. Diablo school district’s special education Community Advisory Committee will meet tonight to discuss working collaboratively with the district and hear a report about changes in 2013-14, among other items. Here is the agenda for the meeting, which will take place in the district office at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord:

“COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
DATE: May 7, 2013
TIME: 7:00 – 9:15 p.m.
PLACE: Dent Center – Board Room

1. Call to Order 7:00

2. Introductions (7:02 – 7:05)
Please notify the audience during introductions if you are recording the meeting. Please let us know if this is your first time attending a CAC meeting.

3. Adoption of Minutes – April 9, 2013 (ACTION ITEM) (7:05 – 7:10)

4. Presentation – “District and Parents Working Collaboratively: Part III” – Bryan Cassin (7:10 – 7:35)

5. Chairperson’s Report – Lorrie Davis (7:35 – 7:45)

5.1 Election of 2013-2014 Officers (ACTION ITEM)

5.2 2013-2014 CAC Meeting Dates (ACTION ITEM 5.3 CAC Membership Renewals (ACTION ITEM)

5.4 CAC Annual Report (Discussion)

5.5 CAC Summer Planning Session

6. Old Business (7:45 – 8:20)

6.1 Interim Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Kerri Mills
• Annual Budget and Annual Service Plan
• 2013-2014 Anticipated Program Changes

6.2 Board of Education Report – Lynne Dennler and Barbara Oaks

6.3 Board of Education Comments – Lorrie Davis

6.4 Budget Advisory Committee Report – Tricia Tamura-Li

6.5 Equity Advisory Team – Dorothy Weisenberger and Dr. Kerri Mills

NETWORKING BREAK

7. New Business (8:30– 9:00)

7.1 ATAAC – Christian Patz

7.2 Extended School Year – Samantha Espinosa

7.3 Autism Task Force – Vi Ibarra

7.4 DELAC Committee – Denise Lambert

7.5 Advisory Commission on Special Education – Morena Grimaldi

7.6 Parent Liaison – Hilary Shen

7.7 Sub-Committee Updates: NEXT UPDATE IN MAY 2013
Parent & Community Education Committee – Julie Nibblett
Membership & Publicity Committee – Vi Ibarra
Legislative Committee – Denise Lambert
Blog Committee – Autumn Green

8. Public Comment (9:00 – 9:10)
Public comment is an opportunity to share concerns and comments with the CAC. In the interest of time, speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each with a total of fifteen (15) minutes for all speakers. Please respect student and personnel privacy. CAC members and district staff might not be able to respond to individual concerns in this forum, but will take your contact information and follow-up with you.

9. Information Items/Announcements/Adjournment (9:10 – 9:15)

DON’T FORGET – - BRING A FRIEND TO THE MEETING!!”

I notice that there has been no mention of the special education FCMAT report since it was presented March 11. It had been my impression that the recommendations would come back for a board vote on March 25.

Do you think the committee should discuss the FCMAT recommendations?

MDHS JROTC color guard presents flags for pledge of allegiance.

Tonight’s May 6, 2013 Mt. Diablo school board meeting has begun. Here is the agenda:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info
1.2 Board Member Lynne Dennler will participate from: Paseo de la Marina Norte 585, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, JAL, Mexico Info
2.0 Announcements
2.1 In closed session, the Board will consider the items listed on the closed session agenda. Info
3.0 Public Comment
3.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info
4.0 Adjourn to Closed Session at 6:00 p.m.
4.1 Negotiations – The Board may discuss negotiations or provide direction to its representatives regarding represented employees, pursuant to EERA (Govt. Code Section 3549.1) Agency negotiators: Julie Braun Martin and Deborah Cooksey. Agencies: MDEA, CSEA, Local One M&O, Local One CST, MDSPA, and Supervisory. Action
4.2 Conference with Labor Negotiators Action
4.3 Admission Action
4.4 Readmission Action
4.5 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action
4.6 Anticipated Litigation Info
5.0 Reconvene Open Session
5.1 Reconvene Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Info
6.0 Preliminary Business
6.1 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info
7.0 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session
7.1 Negotiations Info
7.2 Conference with Labor Negotiators Info
7.3 Admission Info
7.4 Readmission Info
7.5 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Info
7.6 Anticipated Litigation Info
8.0 Consent Agenda
Action
8.1 (Item #1) Items listed under Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the consent agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately. Action
8.2 (Item #2) Recommended Action for Certificated Personnel Action
8.3 (Item #3) Approval of Provisional Internship Permit (PIP) request Action
8.4 (Item #4) Request to increase Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the 2013-2014 school year Action
8.5 (Item #5) Recommended Action for Classified Personnel Action
8.6 (Item #6) Classified Personnel: Request to Increase and Decrease Positions Action
8.7 (Item #7) Creation of a New Job Description for Administrator of Equity and Disproportionality Action
8.8 (Item #8) Award of Request for Quotations for RFQ #1646: Schlage Lock Hardware Action
8.9 (Item #9) RFQ/RFP 1641 Approval of Preliminary Services Agreement for the Management, Coordination, Constructability Review, Value Engineering and Recommendations related to Remodel of the Science Center at Ygnacio Valley High School Action
8.10 (Item #13) Final Change Order: Hazardous Materials Testing and Field Observation Services Related to HVAC installation at Various Sites: Enviro-Safety, Training And Resources, Inc. Action
8.11 (Item #14) Notice of Completion for LLB #1604 Action
8.12 (Item #15) Approval of contract with MusicTrip.com and Mt. Diablo Unified School District for services provided for College Park High School band trip. Action
8.13 (Item #16) Professional Services Contract for Provision of Comprehensive Architectural/Engineering Services associated with Sports Medicine and Air Conditioning Modifications at Mt. Diablo High School Action
8.14 (Item #17) Increase total for Independent Services Contract for The Event Group Action
8.15 (Item #18) Approval of additional contract with Resource Development Associates, Inc. (RDA) to revise and administer the Title I Parent/Family Involvement Survey for the 13 Title I schools. Action
8.16 (Item #19) Resolution 12/13-43 Classified Employees’ Week Action
9.0 Consent Items Pulled for Discussion
9.1 (Item #10) RFQ/RFP 1632 Award of Lease-Leaseback Agreement to Taber Construction, Inc. for HVAC Modernization at Bancroft, Mountain View, Silverwood and Valle Verde Elementary Schools. Action
9.2 (Item #11) RFQ/RFP 1634 Award of Lease-Leaseback Agreement to Bell Products, Inc. for HVAC Modernization at Monte Gardens ES, El Monte ES, Shadelands, Sunrise and Westwood ES. Action
9.3 (Item #12) RFQ/RFP 1633 Award of Lease-Leaseback Agreement to Taber Construction, Inc. for HVAC Modernization at Gregory Gardens, Hidden Valley and Strandwood Elementary Schools. Action
10.0 Public Comment
10.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District that is not on this agenda. These presentation are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. If there are multiple speakers on any one subject, the public comment period may be moved to the end of the meeting. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info
11.0 Communications
11.1 District Organizations – At regular Board meetings, a single spokesperson of each recognized district organization may make a brief presentation following the Consent Agenda. Items are limited to those which are informational. Info
12.0 Business/Action Items
12.1 Appointment of Administrator, School Support Action
12.2 Opportunity for public response to the Initial Successor Agreement Proposals for Public Employees Union Local #1 Clerical, Secretarial and Technical Units (CST) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District Action
12.3 Opportunity for public response to the Initial Successor Agreement Proposals for Public Employees Union Local #1 Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities/Transportation/Landscape/Warehouse/Food and Nutrition Services/Technology and Information Services/Substitute Custodian and School Bus Driver Units (M&O) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District Action
12.4 Opportunity for public response to the District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal for California School Employees Association (CSEA) Action
12.5 Request to approve the proposed decision of the Administrative Law Judge and implement the certificated layoff. Action
12.6 Boundary Modification for Bay Point Elementary Schools Action
12.7 Approve Separation Agreement of Superintendent Action
12.8 Approve Separation Agreement of General Counsel Action
12.9 Ratify the appointment of Jayne Williams, of Meyers Nave, as Interim General Counsel from May 7, 2013- September 9, 2013 Action
12.10 Approve the Legal Services Contract of Jayne Williams, of Meyers Nave, as Interim General Counsel Action
12.11 Approve the Legal Services Contract of Latisha McCray, Contract Attorney Action
12.12 Meeting Extension Action
13.0 Future Agenda Items
13.1 Graduation Requirements Info
13.2 Board Goals 2013-2014 Info
13.3 Mt. Diablo High School Academies Info
14.0 Board Member Reports
14.1 Board reports Info
15.0 Closed Session
15.1 Items not completed during the first Closed Session will be carried over to this closed session. Action
16.0 Adjournment
16.1 Adjourn Meeting Info”

MDHS JROTC color guard presented the flags for pledge of allegiance.

Hansen reported out closed session.

Tim Cody pulled items 8.10-8.12 from consent calendar. Board unanimously approved rest of consent calendar.

He presented slides that have not yet been posted and said project is over budget.
John Ferrante and John Parker both questioned why bids were so high and Parker said more bids should be solicited.

8.10 passed in a 3-2 vote, with Hansen and Lawrence voting against.

8.11 John Ferrante and John Parker again spoke against.
Passed in a 4-1 vote, with Lawrence against.

8.12 John Ferrante and John Parker again spoke against.
Passed in a 4-1 vote, with Lawrence against.

Public Comments:

1. Mike Langley urged the board to keep academies small.

2. Willie Mims urged teachers to file Williams complaints if there are problems at their schools. He also questioned where the last three special board meetings were adequately noticed and said the board’s decision to pay people to terminate their contracts and to pay other people to do their jobs gives the appearance that the district has a lot of money. He also spoke against lease-leasebacks.

12.1 Board unanimously appointed Ygnacio Valley Elem. Principal Christine Richardson as a SASS administrator to replace Susan Hukkanen, who left last year.

MAY 7 UPDATE: Since I did not finish summarizing the board actions last night, I am pasting the district’s “Board Action Summary” for the meeting below:

“Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Board Action Summary
Meeting of May 6, 2013
Retirements:
Certificated
Mildred Browne
Judith Cubillo
Barbara Donovan
Elaine Green
Nancy Hanebury
Valerie Lyles
Nancy Martini
Hellena Postrk
Calla Van Buskirk
Shirley Weiner

Classified:
Carolina Gow
Sandra Michels
Cecelia Swanson

1. Approved all consent agenda items.

2. Approved the appointment of Christine Richardson as School Support Administrator effective 2013-2014 school year.

3. Provided opportunity for public response to the successor agreement proposals for CST and Mt. Diablo Unified School District and formally adopted the proposals for formal negotiations.

4. Provided opportunity for public response to the successor agreement proposals for M&O and Mt. Diablo Unified School District and formally adopted the proposals for formal negotiations.

5. Provided opportunity for public response to the District’s successor agreement proposals to CSEA and formally adopted the proposals for formal negotiations.

6. Approved the decision of the Administrative Law Judge to eliminate 87.22203 FTE from MDEA membership, 2.10 FTE from School Psychologists, and 5.60 FTE from DMA membership and authorize the Superintendent/Designee to give appropriate notice on or before May 14, 2013 to the individuals named in or affected by the decision.

7. Approved boundary modification for Bay Point elementary schools.

8. Ratified the appointment of Jayne Williams, of Meyers Nave, as
Interim General Counsel from May 7, 2013- September 9, 2013.

9. Approved the legal services contract of Jayne Williams, of Meyers Nave, as Interim General Counsel.

10. Approved the legal services contract of Latisha McCray, contract attorney.”

MAY 13 UPDATE: In response to an informal Public Records Act request, I received a copy of the superintendent’s departure email to management staff and the district’s engagement letter with Meyers Nave, which spells out the following hourly rates the district has agreed to pay: $270 for principal attorneys, $240 for associate attorneys and $135 for paralegals.

Here is a google docs link to the documents: https://docs.google.com/file/d/17SfR6y4HRPwbbxLypW9wtVEUZRi8WM6ZseFjrbIkoqRb7gFVLpagAv9HoUBJ/edit?usp=sharing

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a special meeting tonight at 8 pm to discuss settlement agreements with the superintendent and general counsel in closed session and to review candidates for interim superintendent, also in closed session. In open session, the board plans to appoint an interim secretary to the board, designate CFO Bryan Richards to provide digital signatures on payroll warrants effective May 1 until an interim superintendent is in place, and to vote on a contract with a superintendent search firm.

Here is the agenda: http://esbpublic.mdusd.k12.ca.us/public_agendaview.aspx?mtgId=407.

As I have previously mentioned, I will not be able to attend tonight’s meeting and I’m not sure if any other CC Times reporter will attend. However, the public portions of the meeting should be live streamed at http://www.livestream.com/mtdiablounifiedschooldistrict/ And later archived at  http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Pages/boe-sam.aspx.

Do you think the board should hire a superintendent search firm tonight?

Gov. Jerry Brown has thrown down a gauntlet to California legislators, challenging them to dramatically change the way schools are funded — by giving more new money to districts with a high percentage of low-income and English learners than to other districts.

He also wants to give more flexibility to all districts by allowing local school boards to make most decisions about how they spend state funding. This means money previously designated for specific students or programs could come with no strings attached.

A Public Policy Institute of California poll released earlier this week showed a majority of those surveyed back the governor’s proposal, which is called the Local Control Funding Formula. This has bolstered the hopes of supporters of the plan, who fear critics could sway legislators to back away from making bold changes to the education budget.

“There are some in the capitol that are saying we need to make all districts whole before we pursue a policy goal of making a more equitable finance system,” said Jonathan Kaplan, senior policy analyst for the California Budget Project. “The way I read the findings is that there’s some dissonance between these findings and that perspective.”

Some districts are arguing that before any extra money is doled out to those with needier students, funding for all of them should be raised back to the levels they received before the state started making deep cuts to the education budget several years ago. The poll showed that 59 percent of Californians think the state needs to spend more money on education overall and that 71 percent support the governor’s plan to direct more funding to low-income students and those who don’t speak English fluently.

Significantly, 66 percent said districts with low-income students should get additional funding, even if it means giving less to others. Fifty-four percent said districts with more English learners should get additional funds, even if others get less.

Arun Ramanathan, executive director of the children’s advocacy organization Education Trust-West, said he was surprised, but pleased by these findings.

“It gives me great faith in California and Californians that they’re focused on equity and also focused on the notion that it’s going to take making tough choices,” he said. “Looking at the Legislature’s approval ratings, it would be quite interesting if they went and opposed something that was so clearly popular with California voters.”

The Legislature’s approval rating, as well as its approval rating for how it is handling K-12 education, was 31 percent, according to the survey. Fifty-three percent disapproved of the Legislature overall and half of those surveyed disapproved of the Legislature’s handling of K-12 education.

But Kaplan cautioned that the poll presents state results, which might not reflect the views of voters in some areas.

“They’re reflecting statewide attitudes,” he said. “The elected officials who are debating this proposal are in very particular, distinct geographical areas of the state, so we don’t know what this polling data would look like if it were in a specific Legislative district. The question will be where specific representatives will stand.”

Still, the poll did release some data that narrowed down who supported giving new education funding mostly to districts with more English learners and low-income students. Here’s a rundown of those findings:
- 71 percent of all adults favor (21 percent oppose)
- 60 percent of likely voters favor (31 percent oppose)
- 72 percent of public school parents favor (23 percent oppose)
- 80 percent of Democrats favor (15 percent oppose)
- 45 percent of Republicans favor (42 percent oppose)
- 62 percent of Independents favor (30 percent oppose)
- 73 percent of Asians favor (17 percent oppose)
- 79 percent of Blacks favor (21 percent oppose)
- 88 percent of Latinos favor (8 percent oppose)
- 59 percent of Whites favor (32 percent oppose)
- 83 percent of those with incomes under $40,000 favor (11 percent oppose)
- 68 percent of those with incomes of $40,000-$80,000 favor (25 percent oppose)
- 58 percent of those with incomes of $80,000 or more favor (34 percent oppose)

It also showed what voters from different geographic thought about shifting control over spending to local districts. In the Bay Area, 34 percent of those surveyed said local schools should have the most control over spending, compared to 36 percent statewide. Forty-seven percent of Bay Area respondents said local districts should have more control, compared to 43 percent statewide. And 18 percent said the state should have the most control over spending, compared to 16 percent statewide.

Bay Area voters nearly mirrored statewide results related to giving more flexibility in spending to districts. Seventy-eight percent of Californians and Bay Area residents said districts should get more flexibility, while 17 percent of Californians and 15 percent of Bay Area residents opposed this idea.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, who heads up the Assembly Education Budget Subcommittee, said she thinks the Legislature could find a way to provide more funding to all districts, while also giving more to those with the neediest students.

“I don’t feel that raising the base rate for all students and meeting the needs of those with huge disparities are mutually exclusive goals,” she said. “I think that we can find a compromise where we can increase the base rate for every student and also put extra money toward our neediest schools and neediest students. What we’re really looking at right now is: Can we build a compromise within the governor’s proposal that would not have undue negative consequences for any particular group of students?”

Here’s a breakdown of more of the survey results:

Do you support the governor’s proposal?

The Mt. Diablo school board is meeting in closed session tonight to discuss two separate personnel matters and continue discussions regarding a Public Records Act request submitted by Contra Costa Times columnist Dan Borenstein.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which started at 7 p.m:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

3.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Info
The Board received information relative to a personnel matter.

3.2 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action
Two Certificated Employees: #12428 and #13977
Two employees: #22936 and #28941

3.3 Board Response to the Public Records Act Request of the Contra Costa Times Action
In Closed Session, the Board will receive advice and counsel regarding documents submitted as responsive to the Public Records Act request of Dan Borenstein of the Contra Costa Times.

4.0 Reconvene Open Session
4.1 Report out on Closed Session Info

5.0 Adjournment
5.1 Adjourn meeting Info”

There was no public comment before trustees went into closed session. Here is the audio from the first portion of the meeting: http://www.mdusd.org/boe/Documents/audio/2013/04252013part1.mp3

First, Julie Braun-Martin, assistant superintendent for personnel, met with trustees, presumably to discuss the information received about a personnel matter under Item 3.1.

Next, a man whom Braun-Martin addressed as “Tom,” met with trustees. He brought a rolling cart of documents with him.

Since then, trustees have been behind closed doors. Although Board President Cheryl Hansen initially estimated she would report out around 9 p.m., there is no sign of trustees yet (at 9:10 p.m.)

10:45 p.m. The board voted 3-2 to release the superintendent from his contract by May 1 without cause and 4-1 to release the general counsel from his contract by May 1 without cause. Trustees Linda Mayo and Lynne Dennler voted against releasing the superintendent and Dennler voted against releasing the general counsel.

The board unanimously approved two separation agreements, which trustees plan to sign during a special meeting at 8 p.m. Sunday. Also at that meeting, the board expects to appoint an interim superintendent and to begin its search for a new superintendent.

Do you agree with the board’s decision?

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the board room at the district office, 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord.

Here is the agenda:

1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

2.0 Announcements

2.1 In closed session, the Board will consider the items listed on the closed session agenda. Info

3.0 Public Comment
3.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

4.0 Adjourn to Closed Session at 6:00 p.m.
4.1 Negotiations – The Board may discuss negotiations or provide direction to its representatives regarding represented employees, pursuant to EERA (Govt. Code Section 3549.1) Agency negotiators: Julie Braun Martin and Deborah Cooksey. Agencies: MDEA, CSEA, Local One M&O, Local One CST, MDSPA, and Supervisory. Action
4.2 Existing Litigation – Brooktree Homeowners Associatoin v. MDUSD and Northgate Community Pride Foundation Action
4.3 Existing Litigation – Marilyn Jamerson v. MDUSD (EEOC Cases) Three Matters #555-2010-02583, #555-2011-00290, #555-2012-00158 Info
4.4 Anticipated Litigation Info
4.5 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Action

5.0 Reconvene Open Session
5.1 Reconvene Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Info

6.0 Preliminary Business
6.1 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

7.0 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session
7.1 Negotiations Info
7.2 Existing Litigation Info
7.3 Anticipated Litigation Info
7.4 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint Info

8.0 Student Representatives
8.1 Student representatives will report on activities at their schools. Info

9.0 Consent Agenda
Action
9.1 (Item #1) Items listed under Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be approved/adopted by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items; however, any item may be removed from the consent agenda upon the request of any member of the Board and acted upon separately. Action
9.2 (Item #2) Minutes of the meetings of March 11 and March 25, 2013 Action
9.3 (Item #3) Recommended Action for Certificated Personnel Action
9.4 (Item #4) Request to increase and decrease Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the 2013-2014 school year Action
9.5 (Item #5) Recommended Action for Classified Personnel Action
9.6 (Item #6) Classified Personnel: Request to Increase Positions Action
9.7 (Item #7) Fiscal Transactions for the Month of March 2013 Action
9.8 (Item #8) Award of Bid for RFP #1636 – Fire System Testing Action
9.9 (Item #9) Williams Quarterly Summary Report Action
9.10 (Item #10) Award Inspector of Record (Project Inspector) Contract Action
9.11 (Item #11) Agreement between Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Independent Contractor Dr. Mary Bacon Action
9.12 (Item #12) Award Inspector of Record (Project Inspector) Contract Action
9.13 (Item #13) Approval of Master Contract (PO#86799) with 1-on-1 Learning with Laptops, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to provide tutoring services to eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview View Middle Schools. Action
9.14 (Item #14) Approval of Master Contract (PO#86812) with Extreme Learning DBA Aavanza, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to the eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres, and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview Middle Schools. Action
9.15 (Item #15) Approval of Master Contract (PR#73278) with ! 1 A 1 ! TUTORIA !, a State Approved Provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES), to provide tutoring services to the eligible students at the nine Title I schools, as follows: Bel Air, Cambridge, Fair Oaks, Meadow Homes, Rio Vista, Shore Acres and Ygnacio Valley Elementary; and Oak Grove and Riverview Middle Schools. Action
9.16 (Item #16) Authorization to submit a USDA Farm to School Planning Grant for Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Action
9.17 (Item #17) Authorization to submit a grant to Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Program for the CARES After School Program Action
9.18 (Item #18) Authorization to submit a grant to the Mt. Diablo Health Care District (MDHCD) for the CARES After School Program. Action
9.19 (Item #19) Workforce Investment Act, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, Section 231 and the English Literacy and Civics Education (EL Civics) supplemental funding Action
9.20 (Item #20) First 5 Contra Costa School-Readiness Grant Action
9.21 (Item #21) Increase Contract between Mt. Diablo School District (MSUSD) and Maxim Services, Non Public Agency (NPA) for the 2012-2013 school year Action
9.22 (Item #22) Resolution 12/13-41 Day of the Teacher Action
9.23 (Item #23) Asian Pacific Heritage Month Action

10.0 Consent Items Pulled for Discussion

11.0 Public Comment
11.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District that is not on this agenda. These presentation are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. If there are multiple speakers on any one subject, the public comment period may be moved to the end of the meeting. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

12.0 Communications

12.1 Alternative Education Foundation – Carol Fidler Info

13.0 Superintendent’s Report
13.1 College Park Basketball Team Info
13.2 Distinguished Schools, College Park High, Diablo View Middle, Foothill Middle Info

14.0 Business/Action Items

14.1 Public presentation of the District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to California School Employees Association (CSEA) Action

14.2 Public presentation of the Initial Successor Agreement Proposal for Public Employees Union Local #1 Clerical, Secretarial and Technical Units (CST) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to CST Action

14.3 Public presentation of the Initial Successor Agreement Proposal for Public Employees Union Local #1 Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities/Transportation/Landscape/Warehouse/Food and Nutrition Services/Technology and Information Services/Substitute Custodian and School Bus Driver Units (M&O) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Initial Successor Agreement Proposal to M&O. Action

14.4 Boundary Modification for Bay Point Elementary Schools Info

14.5 Proposed Membership Reconstitution of Budget Advisory Committee Action

14.6 New Members on Budget Advisory Committee Action

14.7 National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) Action

14.8 Approval of Non-Public School Adjustments Action

14.9 Creation of a New Job Description for Administrator of Equity and Disproportionality Info

14.10 Healthy Schools Act Update – Pesticide Spraying Info

14.11 College Park High School Attendance Boundaries Update Info

14.12 Meeting Extension Action

15.0 Future Agenda Items
15.1 Graduation Requirements Info
15.2 Board Goals 2013-2014 Info
15.3 Mt. Diablo High School Academy Info

16.0 Board Member Reports
16.1 Board reports Info

17.0 Closed Session
17.1 Items not completed during the first Closed Session will be carried over to this closed session. Action

18.0 Adjournment
18.1 Adjourn Meeting Info”

What is the most interesting thing to you on tonight’s agenda?

11:57 pm UPDATE: Here’s a recap of what happened:

(I arrived after the report out of closed session and the student rep comments)

The Mt. Diablo school board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. tonight to discuss the strategic plan, before going into closed session to consider and act on the dismissal of two contract employees and to act on union negotiations. The public is invited to speak before the board acts on these items. The board is expected to report out its actions after the closed session.

Here is the agenda for the meeting, which will take place in the district office at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord:

“1.0 Call to Order
1.1 President will call the meeting to order Info

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call Info

2.0 Public Comment
2.1 The public may address the Board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers, or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

3.0 Business/Action Items

3.1 Strategic Plan Action

4.0 Public Comment
4.1 The public may address the Board concerning items that are scheduled for discussion during closed session only. These presentations are limited to three minutes each, or a total of thirty minutes for all speakers or the three minute limit may be shortened. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Info

5.0 Adjourn to Closed Session

5.1 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release Action

5.2 Negotiations Action

6.0 Reconvene Open Session

6.1 Report Out Action Taken in Closed Session Info

7.0 Adjournment
7.1 Adjourn meeting. Info”

Do you agree with the board’s decision to discuss the strategic plan before this closed session?