President José Huizar called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m.

The following Members were present: Ms. Marlene Canter, Ms. Julie Korenstein, Ms. Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte, Mr. Mike Lansing, Mr. Jon Lauritzen, Mr. David Tokofsky, and President José Huizar.

Superintendent Roy Romer was present.

Ms. Canter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Guy Mehula, Deputy Chief Executive, and Mr. James McConnell, Chief Executive, Facilities Services Division, responded to questions from Board Members.

Mr. Scot Graham, Director of Leasing and Asset Management of the Real Estate Branch, responded to questions from Board Members.

By general consent, the Consent Calendar was adopted.

Student Member Lissette Marquez from Banning High School thanked the Board for the opportunity to be at the Board meeting, and shared how the students turn every negative into something positive through various programs. She also commented on upcoming events at the school.

Student Member Jennifer Harris from Gardena High School also thanked the Board for the opportunity to share student concerns. She commented on the lack of involvement of parents and students in school activities, the need for better communication, the need for better security. She also shared some of the positive programs conducted at the school.

An opportunity is now given to those individuals who had requested to address the Board on the Initial Proposals from the Los Angeles School Police Association.

A final opportunity to speak to the Initial Negotiating Proposals will be given at the February 24, 2004, Regular Board Meeting, to be held in the Board Room. To be placed on the speakers' list, individuals should call the Board Secretariat at Area Code (213) 241-7002 or toll free (877) 772-6273, prior to 10 a.m. the day of the meeting.

Board of Education Report No. 206 - 03/04 - Adoption of Single Track, Four-Track Year-Round (90/30), and Three-Track Year-Round (Concept 6) Instructional Calendars for 2004-05 School Year: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 211 - 03/04 - Ratification of Award of Advertised and Unadvertised Contracts, Approval of Change Orders, Completion of Contracts, Rejection of Bids, Termination of Contracts, and Award of Professional Services Contracts: Assigned to Regular Calendar
Board of Education Report No. 216 - 03/04 - Authorization to Negotiate and Enter into a Sublease Agreement for Visitors Parking for the Beaudry Building Central Administration Offices in Replacement of the Terminated Parking Agreement: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 217 - 03/04 - Approval of Amendment and Donation of Money: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Senior Deputy Superintendent Maria Ott, Mr. McConnell, and Chief Financial Officer Ken Gotsch responded to questions from Board Members.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted unanimously, 7 ayes, with the exception of Agreement
No. 0420092 on which Ms. Korenstein voted no.

Ms. Sandy Mendoza representing United Way

Ms. Celina Torres representing the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute

Ms. Maria Casillas representing Families and Schools

Dr. Julie Mendoza representing the University of California, All Campus Consortium on Research for Diversity (UC ACCORD)

Deputy Mayor Barbara Sandoval of the City of Los Angeles

President Huizar noted that a number of letters had been submitted by the Tomas River Policy Institute from many political leaders and community organizations.

Mr. Lansing moved:

Whereas, 72% of the Los Angeles Unified School District's K-12 student population is of Latino descent, today's Latino youth will become the largest source of workforce, emerging leadership and parents of tomorrow;

Whereas, A coalition of preeminent local organizations, individuals, foundations, and corporations have joined together and created the "Latino Scorecard 2003: Grading the American Dream" to assess the well being of Latinos in Los Angeles across the areas of education, health, economic development, housing, and public safety;

Whereas, The Latino Scorecard was released on October 30, 2003, and offers a final grade of a "D" to the state of education provided to Latino students in Los Angeles County based on the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute's analysis of pre-school enrollment, academic achievement, high school completion, and college preparation, concluding that:

• Latino 4th graders in the County of Los Angeles score considerably lower than White, non Hispanic and Asian-American students on the California Achievement Test (CAT/6) in reading, math and language indicating that our students have not mastered the basic skills of reading and writing and are likely to fall further behind in the years to come;

• The County of Los Angeles high schools lose more than 41% of Latino student enrollment between the 9th and 12th grades; more than 30,000 students disappear from the high school system compared to the loss of 17% or 4,700 White, non-Hispanic students; and

• Very few high school graduates in the County of Los Angeles are UC/CSU eligible. Only 26% of Latinos, 31% of African-Americans, and 44% of White, Non-Hispanic students take the coursework necessary to apply to a UC/CSU;

Whereas, The Latino Scorecard highlights rays of light in public education provided to Latino students by identifying promising practices in selected District schools that result in high achievement among Latino students;

Whereas, The Latino Scorecard recommends that model elementary, middle and senior high schools be identified and best practices researched for replication in other schools; and

Whereas, The Latino Scoreboard Education Action Team, including but not limited to The Alliance for a Better Community, The Tomás Rivera Policy Institute at University of Southern California, University of California's All Campus Consortium on Research for Diversity (UC ACCORD), and The United Way of Greater Los Angeles has requested to join with the District in a partnership to develop best practices study and recommendations; and

Whereas, The Board Members are committed to improving education for the Latino student population to maximize their skills and future contributions to our society; now, therefore, be it

Resolved That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles directs the Superintendent to request that appropriate District staff immediately begin a collaboration with the Latino Scorecard Education Action Team in joint efforts to research the best practices of District K-12 schools that have a strong record of Latino student achievement as identified by multiple indicators such as standardized tests (California Standards Test, California High School Exit Exam, CAT6, CELDT), student transcripts, UC ACCORD's College Opportunity Ratio (COR) and data measuring critical conditions for student learning;

Resolved further, That the Latino Scorecard Education Action Team shall make a priority of identifying best practices by learning from the experiences of District students, parents, teachers, and staff using observational techniques, such as those currently used by the District, as well as survey methods developed by the Latino Scorecard Education Action Team;

Resolved further, That a study of best practices on Latino student achievement will inform educational practices in all District schools and will benefit students of all ethnicities by collecting and assessing information on how all student groups are impacted by varying educational programs and practices; and be it finally

Resolved, That the findings of said research and recommendations be presented to the Board and made public in February 2005 at which time said recommendations will be considered for adoption in a District-wide effort to improve student achievement in the District.

Superintendent Romer, Chief Operating Officer Tim Buresh, Ms. Esther Wong, Assistant Superintendent of Planning, Assessment and Research, and Deputy Superintendent Merle Price responded to questions from Board Members.

By general consent, the motion was adopted. Ms. Canter, Ms. Korenstein, and Mr. Lansing were absent.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Canter recorded an aye vote on the motion

The following speakers addressed the Board on Mr. Huizar and Ms. Canter's motion regarding the "No Secrets Program" in the District.

Ms. Donna Edmiston representing the City Attorney's Office

Mr. William Dworin representing the City Attorney's Office

Ms. Canter moved:

Whereas, The mission of educating children includes a responsibility to promote the health and welfare of children;

Whereas, Child sexual abuse is a heinous problem in our society, striking as many as one in five girls and one in twenty boys at some point in their childhood;

Whereas, Parent education and involvement are vital elements in the fight against child sexual abuse;

Whereas, The City Attorney of the City of Los Angeles, Rockard J. Delgadillo, has launched the "No Secrets Program," a child sexual abuse awareness and prevention program aimed to educate parents about this crime;

Whereas, The "No Secrets Program" will provide parents with an in-depth explanation of the types of sexual predators, the signs of child sexual abuse, and ways to protect their children through a lecture presented by child abuse expert Bill Dworin, and written materials; and

Whereas, These lectures and materials are provided free to the Los Angeles Unified School District schools through a grant provided by Verizon Wireless; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles hereby expresses its commitment to partner and collaborate with the City of Los Angeles City Attorney's Office to present the "No Secrets Program" to parents of students in the District.

Mr. Eugene Selivanov

Ms. Marci Adams

Ms. Esperanza Alvarez

Ms. Canter moved that the report be adopted. Mr. Lansing seconded the motion.

Mr. Lauritzen moved that the report be amended by changing the term period of the charter to two years. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion.

Ms. Jean Brown, Assistant Superintendent, and Mr. Price responded to questions from Board Members. Mr. Price also noted that a Committee of the Whole meeting had been scheduled for February 26, 2004, regarding Charter School Programs.

On roll call, the amendment failed, 3 ayes, 2 noes, Ms. Canter, Mr. Lansing, 1 abstention, Ms. LaMotte. Mr. Huizar was absent.

Mr. Tokofsky moved that the report be amended by changing the term period of the charter to three years. Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which was accepted as a "friendly" amendment.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted, 4 ayes, 1 no, Ms. LaMotte, 1 abstention, Ms. Korenstein. Mr. Huizar was absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Huizar recorded an aye vote on the report. The final vote was 5 ayes, 1 no, 1 abstention.

Ms. Laura Gutierrez representing Union de Vecinos Amistosos (UVA)

Ms. Bea Stotzer representing New Economics for Women

Mr. Fedodah Mohammed was given the opportunity to address the Board.

Ms. Veronica McDonnell representing Central City Neighborhood Partner

Mr. Ron Solorzano representing the NEW Academy Board

Mr. Lansing moved that the report be adopted. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion.

Mr. Mehula, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Peter Misseijer, Coordinator in the Charter Schools Office, Mr. Kevin Reed, Interim General Counsel, Mr. Richard Sheehan, Special Counsel to the Board, and Ms. Brown responded to question from Board Members.

Mr. Huizar moved the following amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by the maker and seconder:

In the Recommendation on Page 2, adding the following:

That the Board further directs the Superintendent and the Chief Facilities Executive to include language in the Development Agreement, and any Lease Agreements with New Economics for Women, LCB Enterprises, or the NEW Academy Canoga Park requiring the following:

1.New Canoga Park Elementary School No. 1 shall open with at least 522 two semester seats;

3. NEW Academy Canoga Park shall have no right to assign responsibility for the operations of the charter school to any other party;

4. New Canoga Park Elementary School No. 1 shall give enrollment priority to students from the Canoga Park Elementary School attendance area in order to provide relief to the overcrowding at Canoga Park Elementary School.

Ms. Korenstein moved to amend the report by changing the charter to a "affiliated" charter.
Ms. LaMotte seconded the motion.

On roll call, the amendment failed, 5 noes, 2 ayes, Ms. Korenstein, Ms. LaMotte.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted, 5 ayes, 2 noes, Ms. Korenstein, Ms. LaMotte.

At the request of staff, Mr. Lauritzen moved that the report be amended by correcting the site named from Wilshire Avenue to Wilshire Boulevard, and that the report as amended be adopted. Mr. Lansing seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted as amended. Ms. Canter, Ms. Korenstein, and
Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the report.

Ms. Lorena Jaramillo Accountability

Ms. Ruth Sarnoff Accountability

Mr. Gene Krischer representing Friends Accountability
of the Children

Later in the meeting, Mr. Jay Mooney spoke in place of Victoria Hoke, who represented Hemacare and spoke on the subject of blood drives.

Whereas, The mission of the Los Angeles Unified School District is to best educate its students;

Whereas, It is universally accepted that the formative years of a child's life will have the most impact on that child's ability to learn and gain skills;

Whereas, Full-day kindergarten is a nationally accepted educational solution that has been proven to close achievement gaps among English and non-English speakers, ethnic groups and economic classes;

Whereas, The implementation of full-day kindergarten is a means of improving academic achievement as full-day kindergartners consistently outperform half-day students on learning achievement measures;

Whereas, A half-day schedule can only afford a bare-bones lesson plan, students that participate in full day programs enjoy a broader curriculum where they are exposed to music, science, social studies and art, and develop important social skills. Full-time students also spend more individual time with teachers leading to a greater quality and quantity of parent/teacher interactions and allowing for early diagnosis of potential problems;

Whereas, Full-day kindergarten facilitates the transition to and readiness for the first grade, directly aids in reducing retention rates and ultimately helps cut the number of students who drop-out;

Whereas, Over 60 percent of the kindergartners in this nation already attend full-day kindergarten and those students will be competing with our students on many national tests, rankings, SAT's, and ultimately for jobs, the time has come for the State of California to aggressively promote and support full-day kindergarten;

Whereas, The goals are to implement full-day kindergarten equitably District-wide as quickly as possible, ensure that existing academic achievements gaps are not exacerbated and support the local decision-making process;

Whereas, The swiftest implementation of full-day kindergarten is contingent upon passage of Measure R which allocates $100 million to the effort and will be matched with State funds;

Whereas, Beyond its academic value and popularity with teachers and parents alike, an additional benefit of full-day kindergarten is that it is family-friendly and meets the childcare needs of working and lone parents;

Whereas, To prepare for full-day kindergarten the District must construct an effective and developmentally appropriate curriculum, settle on an ideal length of day, retrain kindergarten teachers, review meal/supervision schedules and adjust transportation assignments;

Whereas, Any full-day kindergarten program designed by the District should seek to continue academic and social gains made by children in universal preschool and/or Headstart;

Whereas, The teachers, administrators, support staff, classrooms, desks, chairs, library and cafeteria are already in place and bond money is committed for additional start-up costs, the District an implement a full-day kindergarten program for a minimal investment yet reap tremendous academic rewards; and

Whereas, Successful implementation of full-day kindergarten is contingent upon local flexibility and the full participation and buy-in of principals, teachers, parents and support staff; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District shall commit itself to creating a full-day kindergarten program and implementing it District-wide within four years. The program is to be developed by the Superintendent and staff in conjunction with District kindergarten teachers, State educators, and national experts.

Ms. Korenstein asked if the author would accept the following amendment as friendly:

Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District with the passage of Measure R shall committee itself to creating a full-day kindergarten program and implementing it District-wide within four years.

Following discussion, Ms. Korenstein withdrew her request for an amendment.

By general consent, the motion was adopted. Ms. Korenstein and Mr. Lansing were absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote and Mr. Tokofsky recorded a no vote on the report. Mr. Lansing was absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen recorded an aye vote on the report.

Whereas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is collecting signatures for a November ballot initiative to generate additional funding for Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies;

Whereas, The Los Angeles City Council is considering a citywide measure for the same purpose; and

Whereas, The Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) is the fourth largest local law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County and is charged with protecting our school children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles directs the Superintendent to advocate for the inclusion of the LASPD in any City or County ballot initiatives that aim to generate additional funding for local law enforcement and to send a letter requesting LASPD inclusion in such initiatives to appropriate officials forthwith.

Mr. Huizar - Declaring March as American Red Cross Month:

Whereas, The American Red Cross is one of our Nation's oldest and most renowned charitable organization, providing help, hope, and healing when disasters or other crises strike countries, communities, or families around the world;

Whereas, The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, was chartered by Congress in 1905 to provide aid in times of need;

Whereas, Each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 67,000 disasters nationwide;

Whereas, The Red Cross' courses in lifesaving skills, first aid, CPR, and water safety provide Americans with information they need to help maintain safe and healthy lives;

Whereas, The Red Cross recruits millions of people annually to donate blood and thereby provide hospitals with half of the Nation's supply of blood and blood products; and

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District donates more than 6,000 pints of blood through American Red Cross blood drives; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles proclaim March 2004 as American Red Cross Month and urge all citizens, staff members, and students to donate blood and organize Red Cross blood drives at schools throughout the District, and to support their local chapters of the American Red Cross through volunteering or financial donations.

Whereas, Proposition 56, the "Budget Accountability Act" is on the March 2, 2004, ballot;

Whereas, Proposition 56 would reduce from two-thirds to 55 percent the number of votes required to pass the budget bill and other bills, including tax increase measures related to the budget bill;

Whereas, Proposition 56 would require the Legislature to put into the State reserve at least 25 percent of any excess revenues, until the reserve reaches 5 percent of prior-year spending;

Whereas, Proposition 56 would prohibit the Legislature and the Governor from collecting their salaries and expenses on a permanent basis when the budget is late, and requires the Legislature to stay in session until the budget is passed;

Whereas, Proposition 56 would require that a budget summary be included in the State ballot pamphlet with directions to an Internet website showing voting records of legislators and budget-related items;

Whereas, The passage of Proposition 56 is important to education because when the budget is late, schools cannot plan for the upcoming schools year, and programs are left in jeopardy; and

Whereas, When the budget is not passed on time in Sacramento, the Los Angeles Unified School District faces a difficult challenge in passing its own budget; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles hereby supports Proposition 56, the Budget Accountability Act, because it would reform the budget process at the State and thereby improve the budget process at the District.

Before action is taken on the Report of Correspondence regarding correspondence from Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, concerning receipt of a notification of non compliance, Compliance Investigation Case Nos. 0297-03/04 and S-0161-03/04 a public hearing must be held.

This constitutes a public hearing and those individuals who wish to address the Board on this item will be heard. Speakers should go to the recording booth and fill out a card. Those individuals will be heard after any speakers already on the list.

Mr. Tokofsky moved that the recommended disposition of the items of correspondence as indicated
in the report be approved. Ms. LaMotte seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.

1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, January 13, 2004
3:00 p.m., Special Meeting, January 20, 2004
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, January 27, 2004

Reference is made to Board of Education Report No. 202 - 03/04, dated January 27, 2004, wherein the Board adopted a resolution of intention to dedicate, without consideration, a portion of Rowan New Primary Center to the Southern California Edison, SBC California, and Buena Vision for an easement for, and the right to construct, maintain, operate and use, underground conduit and appurtenant structure in and across the real property in the unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles and the right to enter upon and to pass and repass over and along said easement and right of way and to deposit tools, implements and other materials thereon.

The Board has fixed this meeting as the time and place for the public hearing upon the question of such dedication.

An opportunity is now given to anyone present to file with the Board petitions protesting the proposed dedication, signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors of the District as shown by the affidavit of one of the petitioners.

No petitions being filed, a motion is now in order to adopt the resolution and to direct the President and the Deputy Director of Real Estate to sign on behalf of the Board the deed dedicating said property.

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles, in pursuance of the provision of Sections 17556 through 17561, inclusive, of the Education Code of the State of California, does hereby declare its intention to dedicate an easement to Southern California Edison, SBC California, and Buena Vision (hereinafter called Grantee) all that certain real property situated int he County of Los Angeles, State of California, legally described as follows:

The easement for Rowan New Primary Center is for an easement for, and the right to construct, maintain, operate and use, underground conduit and appurtenant structures in and across the real property in the unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as a portion of Lot 32 of Laguna Tract as shown on map filed in Book 12, page 173, of Maps, in the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office shown as Parcel 2 on the attached map.

Together with the right to enter upon and to pass and repass over and along said easement and right of way and to deposit tools, implements, and other materials thereon.

For legal description see Exhibit A attached hereto and by this reference made a part of this instrument.

Such dedication is proposed to be made by a Grant Easement with consideration, under the following conditions:

In the event Grantee ceases to use said real property for the purpose described herein, then all rights of Grantee herein shall cease and the above-described property (Exhibit A) shall revert to Grantor free and clear of the easement or estate hereby granted, and Grantor may reenter and retake full possession of said premises; it being an essential part of the consideration thereof that use by Grantee of said premises for the purpose described herein is a condition for the continuing of Grantee's easement or estate hereunder.

Grantor shall be responsible for damage caused intentionally or by any negligent act or omission of Grantee, its agent or employees while exercising the rights granted herein;

And that the President of the Board of Education and the Director of Acquisition and Relocations or his designee be authorized to sign the Deed on behalf of the Board, dedicating said property to` Southern California Edison, SBC California, and BuenaVision, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the resolution adopted January 27, 2004.

The March 25, 2004, meeting of the School Safety, Health and Human Services Committee has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 1 p.m. in the Board Room.

The February 19, 2004, meeting of the Human Resources Committee has been rescheduled to meet at

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

APPROVED BY BOARD: March 23, 2004

______________________________________ ______________________________________
JOSE HUIZAR JEFFERSON CRAIN
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD

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