Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Background

The Santa Clara County Office of Education recognizes ten employees each year for outstanding service to students, parents, coworkers, and customers. Nan Harn, a Senior Executive Assistant from the Technology Services Branch is being honored as the Employee of the Month for outstanding skills and accomplishments on the job, dedication to exceptional service and commitment to excellence.

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Background

Patricia Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, will recognize the SCCBOE and the SCCOE for Strong Start as a 2016 Change Maker of the Year.

Strong Start is a coalition of community leaders, early education providers, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, members of the business community and other key stakeholders who are committed to expanding access to high quality early learning opportunities for all children age 0 to 8 in Santa Clara County.  Convened in 2012, the coalition has sought local solutions to help increase access to high quality early education and conducted legislative advocacy efforts at the state and local level to encourage increased investments in early learning.

Strong Start builds upon the strong leadership of the Santa Clara County Office of Education and its many partners in the field of early education. The County Office is the largest early learning provider in Santa Clara County, offering a variety of programs for young children, families and districts, including Head Start, Early Start and State Preschool, which prepare students for kindergarten and academic success throughout school. Strong Start seeks to:

• Support an expansion of quality early learning programs in Santa Clara County;
• Increase public understanding of the importance of quality in early learning programs;
• Increase public understanding of the economic impact and benefits of early learning to the community; and
• Increase public support of quality and access for all children.

High Quality Early Learning matters

• High quality early learning for all children is critical because 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of life
• Countless studies have shown that investments in high quality early education improve school readiness and lead to higher academic achievement throughout school
• Investments in early learning are key to global competitiveness and the productivity of our future workforce
• For every dollar spent on quality early education programs, between $7 and $16 is saved in future healthcare, social services and public safety costs

At this time, members of the public may address the Board on any issue within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board that is not listed on this agenda. Members of the public may also address the Board on an agenda item before or during the Board's consideration of the item.  No action can be taken on an item not on the agenda at this time, but may be referred to the administration or put on a future agenda.  In accordance with Board Bylaw 9323, individual remarks will be limited to 3 minutes each, unless otherwise stipulated.

The Board will hold a Closed Session to consider the following item:

Conference with Legal Counsel--Existing Litigation. (Government Code Section 54956.9(d)) SAN JOSE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT et al., Plaintiffs and Respondents, v. SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION et al., Defendants and Appellants; ROCKETSHIP EDUCATION et al., Real Parties in Interest and Appellants

Report of Actions Taken in Closed Session

At this time, members of the public may address the Board on any issue within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board that is not listed on this agenda.  Members of the public may also address the Board on an agenda item before or during the Board's consideration of the item.  No action can be taken on an item not on the agenda at this time, but may be referred to the administration or put on a future agenda.  In accordance with Board Bylaw 9323, individual remarks will be limited to 3 minutes each, unless otherwise stipulated.

The superintendent may give a report on any activities related to his duties.

The members of the Board may give reports on any activities related to their duties as members of the Santa Clara County Board of Education.

Request Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 15, 2017.

Policy Subcommittee Chairperson

Rosemary Kamei

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Deputy Superintendent

Background

On February 1, 2017 the Policy Development Subcommittee met and approved Board Policy 5131.1 Bus Conduct and Board Policy 6146.1 Hgh School Graduation Requirements and approved the recommendation to delete Board Policy 7160 Charter School Facilities.  These policies are being brought to the Board for second reading and approval.

BP 5131.1 - Bus Conduct (New)

Mandated policy for agencies providing school bus services.  The SCCOE has an Administrative Regulation outlining the process for bus services and conduct.

BP 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements for SCCOE Students

Revise policy to reflect the number of credits required for graduation of students from 220 to 200.  Include a statement that service learning credits and senior multidisciplinary projects are optional for students.

BP 7160 - Charter School Facilities

Delete policy as the Santa Clara County Board of Education does not provide facilities to charter schools.

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Background

The County Superintendent of Schools is submitting his financial activity report on travel/conferences and out-of-county mileage expenses for January 2017 to the Board for review and approval on job-related expenditures.

Fiscal Implications

Funds have been incorporated into the 2016-17 budget.

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Mary Ann Dewan, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent

Background

On January 20, 2016, Dr. Matthew Tinsley presented an update on the Strong Start Initiative. This initiative is an SCCOE effort to ensure all children in the Santa Clara County, ages 0-8, have access to high quality early learning opportunities. The current presentation, by Dr. Tinsley and Trustee Grace Mah, Chair of the Strong Start Coalition, will describe the Initiative's progress over the past 12 months and will summarize some of the planned activities for 2017.

For more information about Strong Start, visit www.strongstartsantaclara.org.

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Philip J. Gordillo, Chief Human Resources Officer

Background

Education Code 1302(a) requires any salary increase of $10,000 or more to be discussed by the County Board of Education at a regularly scheduled meeting. A recent promotion will result in excess of the $10,000 limit for one (1) employee.

Fiscal Implications

The following chart outlines the employee name, prior position title, new position title, reason for the salary increase, prior annual salary, new annual salary and the salary increase for the employee. This employee is slated to receive a salary increase of $10,000 or more.

LEGEND:

A:  Interim promotion (temporary only)

B:  Increase in calendar

C:  Promotion

D:  Position reinstatement

E:  Promotion and increase in calendar

F:  Position change and increase in calendar

G:  Increase in FTE

H:  Position reclassification

Requested Action

No action required

Administrator

Jon R. Gundry, County Superintendent of Schools

Mary Ann Dewan, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent

Background

A Charter Schools Update is provided as a standing agenda item at each regular board meeting.

1. Special Education Review of Rocketship Schools

Background

At the 12/14/2016 Board meeting, the Charter Team was asked to conduct a review of the special education program at Rocketship schools. Rockethship is a member of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA. More information about the El Dorado County Charter SELPA can be found at www.edcoecharterselpa.org. The Charter Team would like to extend their appreciation to the Rocketship Special Education Staff in this collaborative process which included:

1. A review of the special education files at all 8 Rocketship schools​
2. Interviews with parents of special education students at Rocketship Alma, Si Se Puede, Brilliant Minds and Rising Stars
3. Interviews with Rocketship special education staff, including Designated Instructional Staff (DIS)  
4. Observations of a variety of Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) environments 
5. Recommendations were made for Rocketship Charter Management Organization (CMO) to implement in collaboration with El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE).

The Charter Schools Team recommended the following actions:

• Review and update procedures for file management for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct an annual review/training for all special education staff of Due Process requirements.
• Provide professional development focusing on relevant strategies in addressing identified processing deficits that impact eligible special education students’ performance and progress
• Consider consulting with agencies and other providers including the SCCOE and the Inclusion Collaborative in the areas of inclusive education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for students identified with moderate/severe needs.

2. Legacy Academy Charter School

Background

An update of Legacy’s progress with the MOU and Resolution requirements set forth for Legacy upon approval by the Board regarding opening in 2017-18 will be provided.  On December 14, 2016, SCCBOE approved the Legacy Academy Charter School petition, resolution and MOU (7-0) as a countywide charter serving at promise students in grades 6-8.  These documents provided specific benchmarks which Legacy needed to meet in order for the school to open in August 2017. To date, Legacy has met the required document submissions. Clarifications are needed in order to ensure that the submitted documents meet the requirements as agreed to in the MOU. The review and clarification process is underway. On February 21, 2017, charter school staff was notified by Mr. Buller, Director of Legacy, that due to facility issues, the Legacy Governing Board has decided to delay its opening until the 2018-19 school year.  Charter school staff is in consultation with legal counsel regarding Legacy’s decision. 

3. Flooding in San Jose, CA  

A status report will be provided for SCCBOE authorized charter schools who were impacted by the flooding this week in San Jose. Rocketship Discovery Prep was affected by the flooding and closed while an assessment of water damage was conducted. 

4. Proposed Special Meeting on Charter Schools: A dialogue with the community

A status report of the discussion of the planning process for a special meeting on Charter Schools will be provided. 

Background

The SCCBOE met in retreat at a special meeting on January 28, 2017. The board discussed items pertinent to their operations and the conduct of business for calendar year 2017 including communication and charter schools oversight. The board will have the opportunity to discuss certain agreements reached at the retreat and follow up items pertaining to charter schools oversight.

Follow up Item #1 - Agreements on Placing Items on the Agenda - Board Operations

Board President will confer with superintendent and decide whether an item is within the board’s jurisdiction and reasonable in scope and impact on office resources. Items requiring clarification or discussion of allocation of staff resources will be brought back during the future agenda items discussion at a regular meeting of the board.

Follow up Item #2 - Charter Schools

Several Items requiring additional research or follow up related to charter schools oversight were identified at the special meeting. 

1. MOUs – timing of development, template language, possibility to provide at the time of approval. - These items are in progress for research and may involve the Policy Development Subcommittee in the coming months.

2. Process of Petition Withdrawals – This will be studied at a Policy Development Subcommittee meeting.

3. Update BB regarding charter schools – This review is underway with the Policy Development Subcommittee.

4. Status of BCLAD of regular schools in the county – This analysis was completed and provided at the 2/15/2017 regular meeting of the board.

5. Continue planning a special meeting – "A dialogue with the community about oversight/monitoring." The Ad Hoc Charter School Committee will meet again after survey results with teacher representatives is complete.

1. Budget Study Committee,  May 2017 (Tentative)  (Superintendent Gundry)
2. Policy Subcommittee, April 5 (Trustee Kamei,Chair)
3. Joint Legislative Advisory Committee (JLAC), April 19 (Trustee Di Salvo, Chair)
4. Head Start Policy Council, March 21 (Trustee Green)
5. Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA), March 22 (Trustee Kamei)
6. Joint Committee on Child Care (JCCC), March 15 (Trustees Green and Rossi)
7. Warmenhoven Inclusion Collaborative, March 17 (Trustee Di Salvo)
8. California School Boards Association (CSBA) Delegate, May 20-21 (Trustee Kamei)
9. California County Boards of Education (CCBE) Board of Directors, May 21 (Trustee Kamei)

1. Best Practices and Roles of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Schools and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) -- Study in progress. (Trustee Chang)
2. Equity for API students in higher education (Trustee Song)
3. Iteration of National Education Technology Plan--Equity Issues (Trustee Di Salvo)
4. Discussion on an Amicus Brief (Trustee Di Salvo)
5. Branch Reports (Trustee Mah)
6. Board Self-Evaluation (Trustee Mah)

The next Santa Clara County Board of Education meeting is schedule for March 15, 2017.  For Board agendas and meeting minutes, please see our web site at www.sccoe.org under the County Board of Education page.