President José Huizar called the meeting to order at 1:42 p.m.

The following Members were present: Ms. Marlene Canter, Ms. Julie Korenstein, Mr. Jon Lauritzen,
Mr. David Tokofsky, and President José Huizar. Ms. Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte arrived at 1:44 p.m. and Mr. Mike Lansing arrived at 1:50 p.m.

Dr. Maria Gutierrez Ott, Sr. Deputy Superintendent, occupied the Superintendent's chair until his arrival at 2:05 p.m.

Ms. Canter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Lauritzen moved that Board of Education Report No. 232-03/04 be amended as follows: Deleting recommendations 1 and 2 giving the Superintendent of Schools complete discretion to delegate the Board's authority to hear grade change appeals to a designee.

Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion which was accepted as a friendly amendment by the mover and seconder.

Dr. Ott and Mr. Merle Price, Deputy Superintendent, responded to questions from Board Members regarding Board of Education Report No. 232-03/04.

By general consent, the Consent Calendar as amended was adopted.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Lauritzen moved to reconsider Board of Education Report No. 232-03/04.
Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.

Ms. Canter moved that the word "complete" be deleted in recommendation 2 of the report as originally presented and that the report as amended be adopted. Mr. Lauritzen seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.

Student Member Claudio Estrada from Francis Polytechnic High School commented on how his school is the second oldest high school in the District. He stated when he began his first year, the buildings were falling apart, the paint chipping off the walls and the restroom facilities were horrific; but as he's graduating he reflects upon the efforts by the school and District to take care of the problems. The recent renovation has left a great impression on him and his peers. He commented on how the student population has grown and how the school has been able to achieve its API goals this year.

President Huizar announced:

Before the Board takes action on Board of Education Report No. 234 - 03/04, State Education Code Waiver Request regarding "Phased Implementation of Full Day Kindergarten, 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.

There were no speakers.
Board of Education Report No. 237 - 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 and Amendment of Professional Services Contracts: Assigned to Regular Calendar

President Huizar announced:

The Board is in receipt of the Camino Nuevo High School Charter Petition. This constitutes a public hearing for the petition, and those individuals who wish to address the Board on this item will be heard. Anyone who wishes to speak to this report should go to the recording booth at the back of the Board Room and fill out a speaker's card. Those individuals will be heard after the speakers already on the list.

The Board will take final action to either approve or deny the charter request at the Board meeting on April 13, 2004. Should the charter request be denied, the petitioners may submit the petition directly to the Los Angeles County Office of Education or directly to the State for action.

The following speakers addressed the Board on the report:

Ms. Ana Ponce, Camino Nuevo High School

Ms. Carmie Casal, Camino Nuevo High School

Ms. Atyani Herndobler, Camino Nuevo High School

Mr. Philip Lance, Camino Nuevo High School

Board of Education Report No. 252 - 03/04 - Synergy Charter Academy Petition: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Ms. Canter announced:

The Board is in receipt of the Synergy Charter High School Petition. This constitutes a public hearing for the petition, and those individuals who wish to address the Board on this item will be heard. Anyone who wishes to speak to this report should go to the recording booth at the back of the Board Room and fill out a speaker's card. Those individuals will be heard after the speakers already on the list.

The Board will take final action to either approve or deny the charter requests at the Board meeting on April 13, 2004. Should the charter request be denied, the petitioners may submit the petition directly to the Los Angeles County Office of Education or directly to the State for action.

The following speakers addressed the Board on the report:

Mr. Randy Palisoc, Co-Founder, Synergy Charter Academy

Ms. Katy Aquino, Synergy Charter Academy

Mr. Brandon Louie, Synergy Charter Academy

Mr. Juan Rivera

Ms. Dori King

Dr. Ott, Mr. McNair, Ms. Arnold, and Mr. Kevin Reed, General Counsel, responded to questions from Board Members.

Mr. Luis Ramirez

Mr. Bill Ring

Mr. Peter Paladino, Widney High School

Ms. Rita Suarez, Chairperson, ELAC, District I

Ms. Carla Vega, DELAC

Ms. Lissa Mooney, Nutrition Network

Mr. Randy Benigno, Monlux Elementary School

Mr. Adam Gottlieb

Ms. Turusew Gedebu-Wilson, Los Angeles Collaborative for Health and Active Children

Ms. Canter moved:

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second-largest public school district in the nation responsible for the education of more than 750,000 students;

Whereas, Recent studies indicate that students who eat breakfast have improved math and reading scores, increased classroom attention, reduced absence and tardy rates, and improved psychological and social behaviors;

Whereas, A school breakfast is often the only morning meal available to many children, therefore representing an essential part of the initiative to improve the education skills of young children to prepare them for school and life; and

Whereas, The District's Food Services Branch and the District's Nutrition Network work together to increase the number of students eating healthy breakfasts each day; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles express appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the District's Food Services professionals who make the School Breakfast Program a success in our schools and the District's Nutrition Network for their efforts to provide resources and to promote nutrition in our schools; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board recognize the week of March 8 through 12 as School Breakfast Week and commit to work with the District's Nutrition Network, Food Services Branch, and our schools to organize activities and events to promote and increase participation in the School Breakfast Program.º

The following speakers addressed the Board on Mr. Huizar's motion in Support of Senate Bill 1160 (Cedillo) to Improve Public Safety for all Californians (Noticed 2/24/04)

Mr. Frank Aguirre, Senator Cedillo's Office

Mr. Jose Manuel Valdez, Mexican Cancer Society

Mr. Lauritzen moved:

Whereas, Everyday 24 million drivers are placed in jeopardy because of unlicensed, untested, and uninsured drivers. SB 1160 (Cedillo) will give licensed drivers confidence that all who share our roads understand our rules;

Whereas, Hard-working, taxpaying California residents need automobile transportation to work and care for their families; and, therefore, are forced to drive even if they do not have the proper training, insurance, or driver's license, thereby compromising highway safety;

Whereas, Californians cannot purchase auto insurance without a license, the current exclusionary policy contributes to the current climate to which approximately 5.3 million out of 24 million drivers are not insured;

Whereas, Los Angeles County is home to many immigrants who contribute to the economy and the vibrancy of the State of California;

Whereas, Many immigrant parents take their children to and from school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and if they are undocumented, do not possess a driver's license, thus posing a public safety risk and liability to both children and adults in District schools and to the general public;

Whereas, Operating a motor vehicle is an important key to participating in the State's economy and critical for parents with school-aged children; and

Whereas, The District has previously supported similar legislation, Assembly Bill 60 (Cedillo) and Senate Bill 60 (Cedillo); now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles endorses SB 1160, a measure to improve highway safety by ensuring that millions of additional California motorists are licensed, property trained, and fully insured; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board urges the State Senate, State Assembly, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to approve SB 1160 (Cedillo).º

Ms. Canter moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion.

Ms. Linda Wilson, Coordinator of Student Discipline Proceedings, responded to questions from Board Members.

By general consent, the report was adopted. Mr. Tokofsky was absent. Later in the meeting,
Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the report.

Board of Education Report No. 240 - 03/04 - Delegation of Authority to Negotiate and Execute Leases, Licenses, Permits, and Other Agreements or Instruments that are Necessary or Incidental for the Use of Real Property: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 241 - 03/04 - Agreements, Amendments, and Donation of Money: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Ms. Canter moved:

Whereas, The United State Congress declared in 1981 "Women's History Week" to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8;

Whereas, The Congress in 1987, at the request of the National Women's History Project, expanded the week to a month;

Whereas, The purpose of Women's History Month is to increase consciousness and knowledge of women's history and to take one month of the year to remember the contributions of notable and ordinary women;

Whereas, Understanding Latinas and Latina history is an important part of celebrating Women's History Month;

Whereas, According to a recent report produced by the non-profit group, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) in January 2004; there are five million Latinas in California;

Whereas, Latinas make up 22 percent of the total California K-12 enrollment;

Whereas, Latinas represent one in every two female Kindergartner in California;

Whereas, The City of Los Angeles declared March 12 as Latina History Day in March 2000; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles hereby commemorates March as Women's History Month;

Resolved further, That the Board hereby declares March 12 as Latina History Day; and be it finally

Resolved, That by adoption of this resolution, the Board hereby encourages all students, faculty, administrators, and parents, to remember and celebrate the contributions that women have made to California and the United States.

Board of Education Report No. 245 - 03/04 - Classified Retirement Service Credit Proposal - Information Technology Branch: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 247 - 03/04 - Energy Supply and Energy Service Provider Contract with Strategic Energy Services for Direct Access Service Meters: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 253 - 03/04 - Withdrawn Prior to Meeting

Board of Education Report No. 255 - 03/04 - Emergency Closures of King-Drew Medical Magnet; Attendance Allowance due to Emergency Conditions; and Payment of Employees: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Board of Education Report No. 256 - 03/04 - Revised Measure K Charter School Expansion Policy: Assigned to Curriculum & Instruction Committee 3/18/04

Board of Education Report No. 257 - 03/04 - Policies and Procedures Regarding Allocation of Facilities to Charter Schools: Assigned to Curriculum & Instruction Committee 3/18/04

Board of Education Report No. 259 - 03/04 - Authorization to Offer Two Closed Schools, Highlander Road Elementary School and Collins Street Elementary School, to Charter Schools: Assigned to Curriculum & Instruction Committee 3/18/04

Mr. Sam Yoshida, Director of Facilities Contracts Services, responded to questions from Board Members.

After discussion and at the request of staff, the report was amended by postponing action on the AON Contract. By general consent, the report was adopted as amended. Ms. Canter and Mr. Tokofsky were absent. Later in the meeting, Ms. Canter and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report.

Before the Board takes action on Board of Education Report No 223 - 03/04 Authorization to Adopt Energy Engineering Study and Award as a Sole-Source Negotiated Energy Services Requirements Contract to Greentech Energy Services, Inc., 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.

There were no speakers.

Mr. Lauritzen moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Ms. Canter, Mr. Lansing, and Mr. Tokofsky were absent. Later in the meeting
Ms. Canter and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report.

Mr. Morris and Mr. Bud Jacobs, Interim Assistant Superintendent, responded to questions from Board Members.

By general consent, the report was adopted. Ms. Canter, Mr. Lansing and Mr. Tokofsky were absent. Later in the meeting Ms. Canter and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report.

Mr. Ken Gotsch, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Richard Knott, Controller, Mr. Lorenzo Tyner, Budget Director, Mr. Michael Eugene, Business Manager, and Dr. Roger Rasmussen, Deputy Budget Director, responded to questions from Board Members.

Mr. Eugene responded to questions from Board Members.

By general consent, the report was adopted. Ms. Canter, Ms. Korenstein, and Mr. Lansing were absent. Later in the meeting Ms. Canter recorded an aye vote on the report.

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

Mr. Eugene and Mr. Price responded to questions from Board Members.

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

There is no language available.

Before action is taken on the Report of Correspondence regarding correspondence from Jack O'Connel, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, concerning receipt of a notification of non compliance, Compliance Investigation Case No. S-0476-03/04, 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.

There were no speakers

Ms. Canter moved that the recommended disposition of the items of correspondence as indicated in the report be approved. Mr. Lauritzen seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.
Ms. Korenstein and Mr. Tokofsky were absent. Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the report.

9:30 a.m., Closed Session, February 24, 2004

Mr. Lauritzen seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Ms. Korenstein and
Mr. Tokofsky were absent. Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the minutes.

Ms. Helen Kim Bass Introduction of Horizon Project

Mr. Jose Murga Use of Carver Middle School Field

Ms. Genevieve Harper Complaint against a Teacher

Ms. Lorena Jaramillo Accountability

Mr. Luis South Race Politics in Education

Mr. Lauritzen announced:

The Curriculum Instruction Committee will meet March 18, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss Civic Education and proposals related to the Charter School Office.

Mr. Crain announced:

The March 25, 2004, School Safety, Health & Human Services Committee has been rescheduled to March 18, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room.

The Human Resource Committee has been rescheduled to meet on March 25, 2004, at 9:00 a.m.

The Crenshaw High School women's basketball team won the City Final.

Ms. LaMotte moved that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mrs. Shirley McCuen, Parent Representative, District G, and also Mr. Tokofsky requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Cheryl Lynn Maybee, Executive Director of Project Grad Los Angeles, and Mr. Norm Legaki, teacher at Wilson High School Police Academy. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Ms. Korenstein and Mr. Lansing were absent.

The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

APPROVED BY BOARD: June 22, 2004