March 7, 2022
Superintendent Jeff Baier shared that the state of emergency in California is set to expire at the end of March; therefore, beginning in April, board meetings will be held in-person at the district office. Public comments can be made in-person or by emailing the board of trustees.
LASD will also be updating its masking policy to align with those of Santa Clara County. Masks will be strongly recommended rather than required starting March 14.
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. McGonagle shared that the Wellness Committee will choose a new Comprehensive Sex. Ed. curriculum to comply with the California Healthy Youth Act. The new curriculum will be piloted this spring and parents will be notified of the ability to opt-out.
Mrs. McGonagle also provided information about Universal Pre-K and the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP), both now required by the state. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is currently offered to children who turn 5 years old between Sept 2 and Dec 2. Universal Pre-K expands TK such that all 4-year-olds will be eligible by the start of the 2025/26 school year. In the interim years, there will be a gradual roll-out with the birthday cut off getting later each year. Universal Pre-K is estimated to cost the district anywhere between $3.2-4.7 million per year once it is operating at full capacity, but the state is only granting $143,000 in one-time funding. ELOP requires the district to offer extended school days (9 hours) to at least half of the unduplicated pupils (English learners, low income, foster/homeless) entering TK in the 2022-23 school year. The district is eventually expected to offer the same extended hours to unduplicated pupils through 6th grade, though the exact timeline is yet to be determined. The district currently expects $850,000 over 4 years from the state for this program, though it could end up being more.
Assistant Superintendent Mr. Kenyon presented a clean audit for 2020-21 and submitted the 2nd Interim Financial Report for approval. He also asked the board for direction regarding the 2022-23 budget, specifically for technology. The board indicated that despite anticipating increased expenses over the next 5 years (pay raises, new programs mandated by state, and facility upkeep), they would like the district to take full responsibility for meeting the technology needs of staff and students (an estimated $500,000 per year).
The 2022-23 district calendar was approved and can be found on the LASD website.
March 21, 2022
Superintendent Jeff Baier announced that Nadia Oskolkoff, principal of Gardner Bullis, has accepted a new position outside the district and her position will need to be filled.
Board President Steve Taglio and the district consultants shared that the district is now reviewing 3 applicants for the superintendent position and 5 applicants for assistant superintendent. Both roles need to be filled before the start of the next school year.
Assistant Superintendent Randy Kenyon and the district architect presented a 3-Year Deferred Maintenance Plan that could cost the district over $41 million. The plan focuses on lighting, HVAC systems, and roofing. Board member Bryan Johnson asked the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) to review the proposal before the next board meeting. Several board members indicated that the district cannot afford to complete the work at this time.
Mr. Kenyon also provided information about the Universal Meals Program which will be implemented next school year. MV-Whisman School District (MVWSD) has agreed to provide meals to LASD at cost ($9 / day, which includes 2 meals). The combined federal and state meal reimbursement rate will likely be around $7 per day, which means that LASD must absorb the difference. Assuming a 60% participation rate in universal meals, the program could add up to $720,000 in food costs alone. Additional costs include $400,000 per year in staffing as well as initial set up totaling $300,000 or more. So far the state has only offered the district a one-time grant of $100,000 to fund this mandated program. Board members are asking the community to reach out to their state representatives (Marc Berman, Josh Becker) to request more funding for basic aid districts such as LASD.
Stella Kam, Observer