President Caprice Young called the meeting to order at 2:31 p.m.

The following Members were present: Ms. Marlene Canter, Ms. Genethia Hudley Hayes, Mr. José Huizar, Ms. Julie Korenstein, Mr. Mike Lansing, Mr. David Tokofsky, and President Caprice Young.

Superintendent Roy Romer was present.

Mr. Huizar led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Jan Murdock representing United Teachers Los Angeles addressed the Board in place of Ms. Geri Kenyon.

Mr. Tokofsky moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Hayes seconded the motion.

Ms. Canter moved the following amendment:

Recommendation No. 4: That the Board of Education shall formally discuss the reduction of class size in grades 4-12 yearly during budget deliberations until such time that class size is restored to 1988 norms.

Following discussion and with the consent of the maker and seconder, the amendment was changed as follows:

Recommendation No. 4: That the Board of Education shall formally discuss the reduction of class size in grades 4-12 yearly during budget deliberations until such time that class size is restored to 1988 norms.

Mr. Tokofsky moved an amendment requested by Mr. Huizar:

That the Board direct staff to mitigate the unintended consequence of increase to class size; in particular, the increase forced busing of students out of school sites, which may have reached their theoretical operational capacity but which have the desire, ability, and capacity to accept additional students up to their 2001-02 enrollment from their local community. Such mitigation may include the assignment of additional teaching staff to a local school site.

The Items total $33.7 million in reduction, almost enough funds to reverse the class size increase:

1.Item C-22 - Fund SB1X with categorical funds, for a savings of $2.1 million

2.Item C-2 - Reduce the Public Information Office by $1.1 million

3.Reduce Funding for Contracted Consultants by $3.2 million

4.Reduce the Operations Division by $500,000

5.Reduce KLCS-TV by an additional $400,000 for a total cut of 10 percent

6.Convert more District schools to community day schools to generate an addition $5 million, as was done in Item B10 with six opportunity schools

7.Reduce Local Districts from 11 to 7 (amount saved not available)

8.Reduce Facilities by $20 million for a 7 percent total cut to the Division

9.Reduce Local Districts by an additional $1.3 million for a total cut of 10 percent to the budget.

The following speakers addressed the Board on the communication:

Mr. William Siart

Mr. Gary Russell from the Wilshire Center Charter High School

Mr. Bill Ring

Mr. Richard Arthur

Ms. Anedra Shockley shared her time with Mr. Gene Fisher

Mr. Mike Piscal

Ms. Roxanna Godenas

Mr. Gene Krischer representing Friends of the Children

Staff responded to questions by Board Members.

Ms. Ruth Sarnoff

Mr. Daniel Cohen

Ms. Patricia McPherson representing the Grassroots Coalition

Ms. Sherri Franklin

Ms. Juanita Tate

With the approval of the Board, Mr. Lawrence Gilly addressed the Board.
At the request of staff, Ms. Canter moved the report with the following amendment:

That the Board direct the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an audit of the construction management contract proposals and construction management contract documents for 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, a Joint Venture, new construction and modernization contracts. The audit must be conducted, concluded, and report submitted by July 10, 2002, to the Board of Education, the Superintendent, the General Counsel, and the Chief Facilities Executive. Based on the information received from the Inspector General, the Chief Facilities Executive will take appropriate action.

Approval of this Board Report with this amendment will allow continued progress of work in Local Districts. 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, a Joint Venture, and all firms under these contracts will commence work on July 1, 2002.

Mr. Lansing voted aye on all the noted items, with the exception of all the 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas contracts on which he voted no.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Huizar moved the following amendment to clarify staff's needs:

Approving all new construction management contracts, except for 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, a Joint Venture, Modernization Contract.

• District G (Bovis)
  
• District E (Vanir)
  
• 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, Modernization Central Program Functions

Directing the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an audit of 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas and present findings to the August 13 Board Meeting, where the Board may act to award or not award the local District modernization contract to 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas.

Mr. Tokofsky moved to substitute the following for Mr. Huizar's motion:

1.Approve 60 day contract for all construction management contracts present in Local Districts.

2.Authorize the Office of the Inspector General to do due diligence on all contractors, including subcontractors, and return to the Board in advance of 60 days.

3.Authorizing the Superintendent or his designee, along with the Inspector General, to make policy recommendation to institutionalize the due diligence process.

With the approval of Mr. Huizar, the intent of Items 2 and 3 from Mr. Tokofsky's motion were incorporated into his amendment:

Approving all new construction management contracts, except for 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, a Joint Venture, Modernization Contract.

• District G (Bovis)
  
• District E (Vanir)
  
• 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas, Modernization Central Program Functions

Directing the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an audit of 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas and present findings to the August 13 Board Meeting, where the Board may act to award or not award the local District modernization contract to 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas.

Requesting the Superintendent to make policy recommendations to institutionalize the due diligence required for all contracts at the August 13 Regular Board Meeting.

Requesting that the Office of the Inspector General provide a report on the Superintendent's recommendations, and that the report as amended be adopted.

Mr. Tokofsky moved to add the following to Mr. Huizar's amendment:

Authorize the General Counsel to do due diligence on all contractors, including subcontractors, and return to the Board in advance of 60 days.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted, 6 ayes, with the exception of Agreement Nos. 010199, 0100045 and 0101500 on which President Young voted no. Mr. Lansing was absent, but had previously recorded a no vote on all 3D/International, Inc. - URS Corporation Americas contracts.

Ms. Barbara DeCuir Cap and Gown Ceremony

Ms. Eva Sherman Musical Note Reading

Mr. Ryan Sanshuck Removing the Koran Book from School Libraries

Mr. Michael Saulenas Asbestos

Mr. Rick Selan Integrity

Ms. Lorena Jaramillo Accountability

Mr. John McDowell Dual Language Program at Ivanhoe School

Ms. Maria Parra South Gate Middle School

Dr. Randy Ross in place of Geraldine Washington African American Learners Resolution

Ms. Janis McQuain Curriculum Changes

Ms. Canter moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Huizar, Mr. Lansing, and Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Huizar and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report.

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

By general consent, the report was adopted. Mr. Huizar was absent. Mr. Lansing had recorded his vote earlier in the meeting.

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

Ms. Hayes moved that the report be adopted. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion.

Ms. Hayes moved the following amendment:

Changing the last sentence of the first paragraph on page 23 of the Policy and Guidelines to read as follows:

In addition, financial statements audited by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), in an accountant structure approved by the CPA firm, will be submitted to the sponsoring District within four months following the close of the fiscal year.

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

Ms. Hayes moved the adoption of the following reports designated as Consent Calendar items in accordance with Board Rule 61:

BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 1
BUSINESS, FINANCE, AUDIT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1
FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1

Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Lansing and Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

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

Following discussion, roll call was held open pending the return of Board Members.

On roll call, the report was adopted, 6 ayes, 1 no, Mr. Tokofsky. Mr. Lansing had recorded his vote earlier in the meeting.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an abstention on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Dr. Donald Gill from the New West Charter

Ms. Lisa Jackson from the New West Charter

Ms. Shelly Aronson

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

Following discussion and on roll call, the report was adopted, 4 ayes, 1 no, Ms. Hayes. Mr. Huizar and Mr. Lansing were absent.

Extending contracts for two years to June 30, 2004, of Employees identified as Nos. 3, 7, 10, 11 and 18, Associate General Counsel II positions, and No. 9, Executive Officer of the Board; and correcting Item B to change to Contract Expiration date to December 31, 2002, and that the report as amended be adopted.

Roll call was held open pending the return of Board Members. On roll call, the report as amended was adopted 4 ayes, 2 abstentions, Ms. Korenstein, Mr. Tokofsky. Mr. Lansing was absent.

Whereas, California is a large state and home to a diverse population, including 40 percent of the United States' Asian Pacific American population, which constitutes 13 percent of the State's total population;

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the nation, serves a student population of over 700,000 that reflects the region's diversity;

Whereas, The District strives to create an effective learning environment by teaching tolerance and respect for the many cultures, religions, and backgrounds of the students, parents, school staff and administrators who make up our community;

Whereas, Abercrombie & Fitch, a clothing retailer, recently marketed a new clothing line that depicts degrading, hurtful, and stereotypical caricatures of Asian Pacific Americans;

Whereas, The Asian Pacific American community and Los Angeles residents of many backgrounds have recognized that this campaign is offensive and have joined together to criticize the perpetuation of these negative images as part of a misguided marketing and sales campaign by Abercrombie & Fitch;

Whereas, Abercrombie & Fitch targets the youth market and has at lease 15 stores in the Los Angeles area; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles joins with the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA), Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), LA80-20, and the Korean Youth and Community Center in strongly criticizing the use of degrading and hurtful images by Abercrombie & Fitch, or any other clothing retailer, as part of a marketing and sales campaign to target youth or any other market; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent be directed to draft a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Abercrombie & Fitch expressing the position of the Board of Education.

After discussion and response from Dr. Santiago Jackson, Assistant Superintendent of the Division of Adult and Career Education, Mr. Tokofsky stated that he would removed the second and fourth "resolved" of his motion:

Resolved,That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles authorize the Office of the Inspector General to investigate all Los Angeles Unified School District expenditures since the passing of Proposition 227 concerning C-BET funds; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent or his designee present to the Board on or before May 1, 2002, a comprehensive report of all adult English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in the District; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent or his designee evaluate the effectiveness and thoroughness of these adult ESL programs with particular regard to the current use and future potential of computer assisted instruction; and be it finally.

Resolved, That the Board authorize the Superintendent to initiate and complete an RFP process by June 15, 2002, to fulfill areas of need within the District's adult ESL instructional programs with particular emphasis on the incorporation of computer assisted instruction.

Resolved, That neither the head of the establishment nor the officer next in rank below such head shall prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation, or from issuing any subpoena during the course of any audit or investigation; and be it

Resolved further, That the Office of Inspector General be funded through a mechanism that will provide adequate funding to perform its mission without subjecting it to internal or external impairments on its independence.

Whereas, Current research has clearly demonstrated the importance of early childhood education as a foundation for future literacy;

Whereas, Early childhood literacy education is a preventative measure that can displace the District's current literacy intervention programs;

Whereas, The Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles is committed to ensuring that all District students be able to read at or above grade level; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles declares Early Childhood Education part of the District's core mission; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education directs the District to include early education center facilities in the next local bond; and be it

Resolved finally, That the Board of Education directs the District to focus on early childhood education efforts on the students that will be entering the lowest performing schools with Academic Performance Index scores of 1 and 2.

Ms. Hayes moved:

Whereas, The California School Boards Association, along with the Association of California School Administrators, is strongly urging the State Legislature and the Governor to adopt a state budget by the constitutional deadline of June 30, 2002;

Whereas, The more than 1,000 school districts and county offices of education throughout California rely upon state funding for essential services to six-million students;

Whereas, Although California faces a $23.6 billion budget gap, Governor Davis has safeguarded the stability of the K-12 budget;

Whereas, The budget proposal also has protected many of the highest priority education programs, which are critical to sustain the school reforms that have been implemented;

Whereas, In an effort to close the $23.6 billion budget gap, the May Revision includes shifting $1.7 billion in General Fund revenues to 2002-03 that would have applied towards the 2001-02 Proposition 98 guarantee;

Whereas, This shift is possible under the terms of Proposition 98 provided that the current-year adjustments are enacted by June 30, 2002; and

Whereas, Should the actions not take place by June 30, 2002, the state will lose its ability to delay allocation of those funds and will need to resort to other options to meet the K-12 funding obligations jeopardizing many education programs and services; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles joins the California School Boards Association and the California School Boards Association to register its strong support that the California State Legislature and Governor Davis adopt a state budget by the constitutional deadline of June 30, 2002.

Facilities Services Division No. 1 - Award of Advertised Construction Contracts, Approval of Change Orders, Completion of Contracts, and Award of Unadvertised Special Services, Unadvertised and Informal Contracts, Cancellation of Contracts, and Rejection of Bids: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division No. 2 - Adoption of a Resolution of Necessity and Authorization to Obtain Funds to Obtain Orders for Possession of Land Parcels Required for Huntington Park New Elementary School No. 7 (West of Corona Avenue Between 60th and 61st Street, City of Huntington Park): Regular Special July 9, 2002

Facilities Services Division No. 3 - Adoption of a Resolution of Necessity and Authorization to Obtain Funds to Obtain Orders for Possession of Land Parcels Required for State Street New Elementary School No. 1 (East of State Street Between Live Oak Street and Hope Street): Regular Special July 9, 2002

Facilities Services Division No. 4 - Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for the Lease of Property at the Chamber of Commerce Building, 350 South Bixel Street, Los Angeles for the Instructional Support Services Branches of the Division of Educational Services: Assigned to Consent

Facilities Services Division No. 5 - Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for the Lease of Property for Classroom Space for Adult Education at 1241 South Soto Street, Los Angeles: Assigned to Consent

Facilities Services Division No. 6 - Belmont Learning Center (BLC) Planning and Feasibility Services Agreement with Alliance for a Better Community (ABC): Assigned to Regular Calendar

9:30 a.m., Special Meeting, April 30, 2002
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, June 11, 2002
9:30 a.m., Special Meeting, June 11, 2002

Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Huizar and Mr. Lansing were absent.

Reference is made to Facilities Committee Report No. 1, dated May 28, 2002, wherein the Board adopted a resolution of intention to dedicate an easement, without consideration, to the Vineyard Crossing Apartments, L.P., a portion of Canoga Park High School for ingress and egress.

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.

Mr. Tokofsky moved:

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District of Los Angeles County, in pursuance of the provisions 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 Vineyard Crossing Apartments, L.P. (hereinafter called "Grantee") all that certain real property situated in the Canoga Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as follows:

That portion of Jordan Avenue, being 60.00 feet in width, as shown between Blocks 102 and 103 of Owensmouth Tract in the City of Los Angeles, as per map recorded in Book 19, Page 37 of maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of said County, described as follows:

Beginning at the northwest corner of Lot 1 of Tract Map No. 30010, in the City of Los Angeles, as per map recorded in Book 741, Page 48 of maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of said County, said point also being on the easterly right-of-way of said Jordan Avenue; thence south 89º59'10" west 30.00 feet along the northerly line of said lot projected, to the centerline of said Jordan Avenue; thence north 00º00'35" west 4.00 feet, along said centerline, to the true point of beginning; thence south 89º59'25" west 5.00 feet, measured at right angles to said centerline; thence north 00º00'35" west 117.42 feet, parallel and 5 feet westerly of said centerline, to the southerly line of that portion of land as contained in that certain final order of condemnation by the Los Angeles Flood Control District, a certified copy of which was recorded June 27, 1951, as Instrument No. 2836; thence north 58º03'07" east 5.89 feet, along said southerly line, to the intersection of said centerline of Jordan Avenue; thence south 00º00'35" east 120.54 feet, along said centerline, to the true point of beginning.

Such dedication is proposed to be made by Easement Agreement, without consideration, under the following conditions:

Grantee shall bear all costs and expenses associated with the construction, operation, inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of any improvements located in the Easement. Grantee agrees to indemnify and hold Grantor harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, cost, damage and/or expense, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, arising out of or in connection with the use, construction, operation, inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of any improvements located in the Easement.

and that the President of the Board of Education and the Director of Asset Management be authorized to sign the Easement Agreement on behalf of the Board, dedicating said property upon the terms and conditions set forth in the resolution adopted May 28, 2002.

Whereas, The Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles established a Los Angeles Unified Schools District (District) Code of Ethics that requires a lobbyist registration program;

Whereas, A lobbyist registration program ensures meaningful public disclosure of the full range of financial relationships that exist between government decision-making and those who are paid to influence the process;

Whereas, The District hired an Ethics Officer with the charge of implementing a lobbyist registration program;

Whereas, A lobbyist registration program has not been implemented due to lack of human and financial resources;

Whereas, The District's Ethics Office should abide by the rules and programs established by the Board and has the responsibility to advocate for needed resources;

Whereas, The Ethics Office is currently located within the Office of the General Counsel but should be its own autonomous, independent office, with the authority and resources to implement the District's Ethics Policies; and

Whereas, The Board is committed to ensuring that District's Code of Ethics is implemented; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles hereby instructs the Chief Financial Officer to report to the Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee on the funding necessary to create a separate, independent office for the District's Ethics Office; be it

Resolved further, That the Board hereby instructs the Chief Financial Officer to work with the Ethics Officer and Inspector General to identify the funds necessary to implement an effective lobbyist registration system and District Ethics Office; be it

Resolved further, That the Board hereby instructs the Ethics Officer and the Inspector General to report to the Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee at its August 2002 meeting with a comprehensive package to implement the District's Code of Ethics and lobbyist registration program; and be it

Resolved finally, that Such a lobbyist registration system have, at a minimum, the following key elements:

• lobbyist registration forms, including the potential cross; registration forms with the City and/or County of Los Angeles Ethics Commission;

• a lobbying handbook and training for lobbyists;

• quarterly reports to the public and Board of Education describing lobbyist registration, activities and issues, such as the report published by the Los Angeles City/County Ethics Commission;

• other programs/systems to make the District lobbyist registration system enforceable, its reporting relationship to the Board and the Superintendent.

That Board Member Julie Korenstein would have incurred hardship by attending the June 11, 2002, Closed Session, Special, and Regular Board meetings, and Mr. Mike Lansing, also a Member of this Board, would have incurred hardship by attending this morning's Special Board meeting.

Ms. Canter announced:

The July 16 meeting of the Human Resources Committee has been cancelled. The next Human Resources Committee meeting will be at 10 a.m., August 20, 2002.

That the Annual Meeting of the Board Education be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2002; and that a Special Meeting be held at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, regarding eminent domain. Both meetings will be in Room H-160 (Board Room).

President Young announced:

That the Regular July 23 Board Meeting, the July 11 meeting of the Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee, and the July 16 meeting of the Facilities Committee have been cancelled.

There will be a Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Room H-160 and the July 16 meeting has been cancelled.

The July 2 meeting of the School Safety and Campus Environment Committee has been cancelled.

Whereas, Healthy children have better attendance, improved behavior, fewer visits to the school nurse, and increased attention, creativity, and academic achievement;

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District has a strong interest and obligation in promoting the health of children;

Whereas, Less than one in seven District students ranked as physically fit in 2001;

Whereas, Child obesity has increased two-fold over the past two decades and adolescent obesity has increased three-fold;

Whereas, A 1998 University of California Los Angeles survey of 900 students in 14 District elementary schools found that 40 percent were obese;

Whereas, Overweight and obese children are at higher risks for long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers;

Whereas, A 2000 report from the District Student Health and Human Services found that over 25 percent of children in Los Angeles County are uninsured and thus do not have access to preventative health care;

Whereas, An extra soft drink a day gives a child a 60 percent greater chance of becoming obese;

Whereas, Soda has been identified as a key contributing factor to the obesity epidemic, and

Whereas, Even in a difficult budget year, the money raised from soft drink sales does not justify the harm soft drinks pose to our children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Los Angeles Unified School District shall discontinue the sale of soft drinks at all school sites by June 2003; and be it,

Resolved further, That the District shall not enter into any new contracts nor extend any existing contracts for the sale of soft drinks on campus.

Mr. Tokofsky acknowledged Byrd Middle School's win of the California State Northridge's Knowledge Bowl, the opening in May of two new Anne and Kirk Douglas Playground dedications at Mt. Washington and Eagle Rock Elementary Schools, and on the visit to Garfield High School of 20 students from Sweden in a day of cultural exchange.

Ms. Hayes moved that the meeting be adjourned. Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Huizar, Ms. Korenstein and Mr. Lansing were absent. The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.

APPROVED BY BOARD: August 13, 2002

______________________________________ _________________________________
CAPRICE YOUNG JEFFERSON CRAIN
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD

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