President Caprice Young called the meeting to order at 3:33 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.

Student Members Joana Aquino from Marshall High School and Ignacio Sanchez from Manual Arts High School were present.

Mr. Huizar led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Later in the meeting, Student Member Aquino from Marshall High School shared concerns regarding graffiti on the school campus, the lack of school security after regular school hours, the lack of available restrooms and student parking, overcrowded classes, the possibility of having stadium lights for night games and a new gymnasium. She also requested that the District explore the possibility of changing the hours for street cleaning or the reduction of days for the street cleaning. She also expressed support for the continued level of health benefits for teachers.

The Superintendent stated that negotiations would begin with the bargaining units following the Board's adoption of the initial proposals; and that due to projected increases in future health benefits, he would be bringing four changes to the health benefits eligibility packets to the negotiations: 1) Having both spouses who are District employees covered by the same plan; and those District employees whose spouses are employed outside of the District paid $1,000 to cut double coverage; 2) having a 90-day supply of maintenance prescription drugs, after the initial filling of the prescription, ordered by mail for a $10 co payment; 3) adopting policies for all new hires when they reach the age of 65, Medicare would be used as a bridge to Medicare but not a total duplicate of Board policies; and 4) forming a committee involving unions, District and outside experts to explore ways to address health care benefits.

Mr. Sam Kresner, representing the Health and Welfare Benefits Committee, presented the Committee's recommendations and changes in providers. He indicated that the Committee has received three bids from vendors, which would maintain or improve benefits at the same or slightly reduced costs. The Committee also recommended that funding of benefits be on a per employee basis, and that no changes in benefits level be made at this time, and that the Committee supported the concept of a formation of a committee to address health benefit issues.

The District has received the initial negotiating proposal from Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, Teamster Local 572 for Unit S, Classified Supervisors, California School Employees Association (CSEA), Los Angeles County Building and Construction Trades Council for Unit E - Skilled Crafts, Local 99 for Units B - Instructional Aides, C - Operations-Support Services , F - Teachers Aides, and G - Playground Workers. There will be another opportunity to address the Board on these proposals on August 27 and September 10, 2002, at locations to be announced. Those persons who wish to address the Board on the proposals should call Area Code (213) 241-7002, prior to 10 a.m. the days of the meetings.

Mr. Howard Watts

Mr. John Perez representing United Teachers Los Angeles

Ms. Lorena Jaramillo

Ms. Dolores Sanchez

Mr. Warren Fletcher

Mr. Mike Menzia representing Cigna Healthcare

President Young announced:

There will be another opportunity for the public to speak to the initial proposal from United Teachers Los Angeles (Received July 9, 2002) at the Board Meeting on August 27, 2002, at a location to be announced. Those persons who wish to address the Board on the proposals should call Area Code (213) 241-7002, prior to 10 a.m. the days of the meetings.

This was the final opportunity for the public to address the Board on the District's Initial Proposal to United Teachers Los Angeles (Board of Education Report No. 20), the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (Board of Education Report No. 21), Unit A - School Police (Board of Education Report No. 22), Unit B - Instructional Aides (Board of Education Report No. 23), Unit C - Operations Support Services (Board of Education Report No. 24), Unit D - Office-Technical & Business Services (Board of Education Report No. 25), Unit S - Classified Supervisors (Board of Education Report No. 26), and Unit E - Skilled Crafts (Board of Education Report No. 27) - (Received August 8, 2002).

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

Ms. Ellen Stonehill

Mr. Carl Rogers

Ms. Jan Lipschutz

Mr. Brandon Dixon

Ms. Crystal Cabrales

Ms. Pilar Perry

The Superintendent responded to the speakers' concerns and agreed to meet with them outside of the meeting.

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

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

President Young announced:

The Board is in receipt of the Citylife Downtown Charter 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 communication should go to the recording table 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 August 27, 2002. 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.

Ms. Jacki Breger

Ms. Leslie Forrest

Mr. Brandon and Bryan Forrest

Ms. Jocelyn Smith-Joseph

Dr. Grace Arnold, Coordinator, Charter Schools, responded to questions by Board Members.

The following speakers addressed the Board on the motion:

Ms. Argelia Garcia representing the Youth Organizing Communities

Ms. Kirti Baranwal representing the Coalition for Educational Justice

Ms. Elba Villegas

Ms. Wanda and Mr. Jeremy Solomon

Mr. David Martinez representing the Bus Riders Union

Ms. Canter moved:

Whereas, Many Los Angeles Unified School District students rely on public transportation to get to school each day, and increased access to public transportation is essential to their ability to pursue a quality education;

Whereas, Only 35,000 District students requested bus passes during the 2000-2001 school year;

Whereas, This figure comprises approximately 5% of the K-12 population, and strongly indicates that the current process to obtain the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) discount student bus pass poses a barrier to students' ability to gain access to public transportation;

Whereas, The MTA's current application process is the most burdensome for low-income students and students of color, who represent the most transit dependent students in the District;

Whereas, This disparity further jeopardizes their access to quality instruction, and therefore threatens to widen the achievement gap between transit dependent students and other students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education direct the District's Business Services Division, Information Technology Division, Budget Services and Financial Planning Division, and School Operations to work with the MTA to develop a plan to eliminate the MTA's student bus pass application process and sell bus passes to student on school campuses; and be it

Resolved further, That the aforementioned District offices return to the Board in 90 days with a prospectus of the plan to streamline the student bus pass application process, identifying the administrative and fiscal resources required for the plan's implementation.

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

Mr. Huizar moved a waiver of Board Rule 72 to allow action on the following motion in Support of AB 60 (Cedillo), Modification of Drivers' License Requirements. Ms. Hayes seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.

The following speakers addressed the Board on the motion:

Ms. Iris Miranda representing Assemblymember Gilbert Cedillo

Ms. Monica Delgado

Mr. Huizar moved:

Whereas, Current State law requires all Californians applying for a California driver's license to provide proof that their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law and submit a social security number in order to obtain a driver's license;

Whereas, Numerous undocumented immigrants and immigrants in the process of applying for legal status continue to drive without a license due to this requirement;

Whereas, Unlicensed drivers create an environment that may endanger the public because unlicensed immigrants cannot obtain a driver's license nor auto insurance;

Whereas, Los Angeles County is home to many immigrants who are in the process of legalizing their status, and who contribute to the economy and vibrancy of the State of California;

Whereas, Many immigrant parents drive their children to and from school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and if they are undocumented or in the process of legalization 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;

Whereas, Assembly Bill 60 by Assemblymember Cedillo will amend state law to allow immigrants in the process of applying for legal status, or who have filed an application with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to gain lawful presence, to apply for a California driver's license, and will require individuals that do not have a social security number to sign a sworn affidavit confirming that they do not have a social security number and obtain a taxpayer identification number;

Whereas, The Los Angeles City Council adopted a resolution on September 19, 2001, expressing support for AB 60 (Cedillo); and

Whereas, Both the State Assembly and State Senate have adopted AB 60 (Cedillo) and this bill is awaiting referral to the Governor's desk; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles support AB 60 (Cedillo), which would modify California Drivers' License requirements by allowing immigrants in the process of applying for lawful presence the ability to apply for a California Driver's License and enhance the public safety of all Californians; and be it

Resolved further, That the District's Legislative and Governmental Affairs Office include in its legislative program support of AB 60 (Cedillo); and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board urge Governor Gray Davis to sign AB 60 (Cedillo) into law.

Following, discussion Mr. Huizar amended this motion by changing the third paragraph as follows:

Whereas, Unlicensed drivers create an environment that may endanger the public because unlicensed immigrants cannot obtain a driver's license nor auto insurance;

By general consent, the motion as amended was adopted. Ms. Hayes was absent.

Ms. Pam Marton

Mr. Carl Mueller

Ms. Tracy Curness

Mr. Barrett Shewood

Mr. Tony Palermo

Mr. Sterry Marks

Mr. John Ward

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

Mr. Tokofsky moved the following amendment:

That the Board authorize the use of general and categorical funds to increase available seats at the Community School to 600 and the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies to 1,800; and that the Superintendent come back within two months with an expansion plan for both campuses.

Following discussion, Mr. Huizar withdrew his second. It was the legal counsel's opinion that the Board could vote on the amendment without Mr. Huizar's second since the amendment had been presented for discussion.

On roll call, the amendment failed, 5 noes, 1 aye, Mr. Tokofsky, 1 abstention, Ms. Korenstein.

After discussion and on roll call, the report was adopted, 6 ayes. Mr. Lansing was absent.

BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 1

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

Later in the meeting, Ms. Hayes recorded an aye vote on the Consent Calendar.

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

Mr. Tokofsky moved:

Whereas, Proposition 47, the Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002, provides $13 billion in bonds to relieve overcrowding, make safety repairs and upgrade California's elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges and universities;

Whereas, California's independent Legislative Analyst reports, "About one in three California school children attends an overcrowded school or a school needing modernization";

Whereas, Proposition 47 is needed to build new classrooms to relieve already overcrowded schools and accommodate nearly one million new students who will be entering our schools. According to the State Department of Education guidelines, the District needs more than 13,000 new classrooms, or 331 new schools;

Whereas, Proposition 47 ensures every critically overcrowded school district is eligible for its fair share of funds to build new classrooms;

Whereas, Many older schools are in dire need of repair and upgrading, and Proposition 47 is needed to fix leaky roofs, repair broken bathrooms, upgrade inadequate electrical and fire alarm systems, install heaters and air conditioning, improve earthquake safety, upgrade college laboratories and research, and wire classrooms for the technology and computers students need to meet academic standards and compete in the modern work force;

Whereas, Proposition 47 provides matching funds to school districts that have already or will soon pass local school construction bond measures;

Whereas, The California Taxpayers' Association supports Proposition 47 because funds must be spent on school construction, not on bureaucracy or wasteful overhead, and projects must comply with strict accountability requirements, including mandatory audits, to safeguard against waste and mismanagement; and

Whereas, Proposition 47 is supported by a large and diverse coalition, including the California State PTA, California Teachers Association, California Taxpayers' Association, California Chamber of Commerce, League of Woman Voters of California, Californians for Higher Education, California Building Industry Association, California Business Roundtable and local teachers across the state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles support Proposition 47 - The Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002.

Following discussion Mr. Lansing moved the following amendment to the third paragraph, which was accepted by Mr. Tokofsky as a friendly amendment:

Whereas, Proposition 47 is needed to build new classrooms to relieve already overcrowded schools and accommodate nearly one million new students who will be entering our schools. According to the State Department of Education guidelines, the District needs more than 13,000 new classrooms, or 331 new schools;

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

Kathy Littman, Facilities Division, responded to questions by Board Members.

By general consent, the report was adopted.

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

Following discussion, Ms. Korenstein moved the following amendment:

That the recommendation read as follows: That the Board of Education authorize staff to execute (i) a lease of office space at 355 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, and (ii) a lease of office space at 333 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, including the right to terminate the lease as to floor 16 of the North Tower, for the period commencing on March 15, 2003, and ending June 30, 2006, and otherwise in substantially the same form as the two leases presented to the Board on this date.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted, 5 ayes, 1 no, Mr. Huizar, 1 abstention, Mr. Tokofsky.

Mr. Eugene Burney regarding Case No. 039-02/03

Ms. Pamela Burney regarding Case No. 039-02/03

Mr. Daniel Burney regarding Case No. 039-02/93

Ms. Lisa Stephens regarding Case No. 095-02/03

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

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

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

Ms. Canter moved:

Whereas, The people of the State of California have enacted Assembly Bill 1843 (W. Brown, Chapter 974, Statutes of 1989) that provides grants to public entities involved in activities that result in reduced landfill disposal of used whole tires and reduced illegal disposal or stockpiling of used whole tires;

Whereas, Said procedures established by the California Integrated Waste Management Board require the applicant to certify by resolution approval of the application before submission of said application to the State;

Whereas, If awarded a grant, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California for development of the project; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles authorize the submittal of an application to the California Integrated Waste Management Board for the 2002-03 Playground Cover Grant Program; and be it

Resolved further, That the Los Angeles Unified School District be authorized and empowered to execute in the name of Pacifica Community Charter School all necessary documents, including but not limited to, applications, to implement and carry out the purposes specified in the grant application.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky and Ms. Young recorded aye votes on the motion.

Ms. Ruth Sarnoff Public Comment - Environmental Process

Mr. George Buzzetti Accountability

Mr. Michael Saulenas Belmont Learning Center

Dr. Randy Ross representing the Summit of African African American Learner
American Leaders

Following discussion, Mr. Huizar moved the following amendment:

That the existing recommendations be numbered as 1 through 3, that Exhibit A and the following recommendations be added:

$35 million in debt service charges to the cost center for the Procurement Services Group until such time as the positions listed in Exhibit A are eliminated.

may occur from the future sale or disposition of the Business Services Center towards the payment of the $35 million in Certificates of Participation issued for the new warehouse and distribution facility.

staffed is based upon the estimated total annual sales. In the event that future sales volume increase in the warehouse due to the addition of new schools, budgetary increases in supply accounts or sales from partnerships with other school districts, additional staff commensurate with the increase in sales volume may be necessary to efficiently run the operation. This additional requirement shall not affect the eventual reduction in the overhead recovery rate (resulting from the consolidation of warehouses).

On roll call the report as amended was adopted, 5 ayes, 1 no, Mr. Tokofsky. Mr. Lansing was absent.

Following discussion and because of inquiries from the Board, staff requested that all the professional services-legal contracts in Section IV be withdrawn. The maker and seconder agreed to amend the report by withdrawing the items.

On roll call, the report as amended was adopted 6 ayes, with the following exceptions:

Ms. Canter abstained from voting on Agreement Nos. 0200839 and 0101380 (1, 2) in Section (1) of Board of Education Report No. 3 for reasons previously recorded in the Minutes, Regular Meeting, September 25, 2001, and voted aye on the balance of the report

Mr. Tokofsky disclosed that he may be considered to have an interest in transactions between the Board of Education and the Children's Museum of Los Angeles and abstained from voting on Agreement No. 0200773, he also abstained from voting on Agreement Nos. 0200684, 0200883, and 0200212 in Section (1) of Board of Education Report No. 3 for reasons previously recorded in the Minutes, Regular Meeting, January 8, 1996, and voted aye on the balance of the report.

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

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

Following discussion and due to concerns expressed by Board Members, this report was postponed to the Regular Board meeting on August 27, 2002.

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

Whereas, Early childhood education, combined with the current District literacy initiatives such as Open Court and Waterford can serve to decrease the number of schools in the lowest Academic Performance Index deciles;

Whereas, The drafted California Master Plan for Education calls for a focus on school readiness, including universal, standards-based preschool;

Whereas, Early childhood literacy education is a preventative measure that can replace the District's existing retention 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 direct the District to increase the number of early childhood facilities by adding classrooms to existing large acreage sites, and by adding early childhood education facilities to planned new primary and elementary schools in high need areas; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board direct the District to focus not only on increasing the number of early education seats, but also on the quality of early childhood education, including rigorous curricula, a system of accountability, and improving the quality of early education teachers through professional development and attraction and retention of highly qualified teachers; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board direct the District to focus its early childhood education efforts on the students that will be entering the lowest performing schools with Academic Performance Index scores of 1 and 2; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board declare Early Childhood Education as part of the District's core mission.

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; and

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

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles join 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.

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.

Mr. Huizar - Motion to Improve Management and Oversight of Professional Services Contracts (Noticed April 23, 2002)(Assigned to Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee) The motion was postponed to the August 27, 2002, Regular Board Meeting.

Whereas, The Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles support competition in the contracting process so that all qualified bidders have a fair opportunity to enter bids and to eliminate favoritism, fraud, and corruption in the awarding of public contracts;

Whereas, When non-competitive procurement actions are taken, District staff should at the least indicate in writing the efforts they took to identify other vendors and the efforts they will take to ensure that future procurements are competitive;

Whereas, Non-competitive procurements should not be used because of poor advance planning;

Whereas, District business should be conducted in a manner above reproach and with complete impartiality, and the expenditure of public funds should provide the highest degree of public trust and an impeccable standard of conduct;

Whereas, A general rule must be to avoid any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in District-contractor relationships;

Whereas, The procurement of professional services is governed by both the California statutes and Board policy;

Whereas, Board policy requires competitive bidding through a request for proposals for the procurement of professional services in excess of $58,900;

Whereas, Board policy allows an exception to competitive bidding if approved by the General Counsel, who may also ask input from the Office of the Inspector General;

Whereas, Recent reviews have shown that some District administrators are not complying with selected provisions of Board policies relating to professional services contracts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That waivers only be granted by the General Counsel for professional services contracts up to $500,000 that meet the following criteria:

• District staff have thoroughly investigated possible vendors, and it is reasonable to believe no other significant vendor would appear who would offer the same quality of services at significantly different prices;

• Time is of the essence;

• The vendor already has significant knowledge of the problem, or the District has a high level of confidence in the work that more than offsets any price advantage that might be attained by a request for proposal;

• District staff have conducted a process similar to a request for proposal but without the formality; and be it
  
  

Resolved further, That any waiver for professional services contracts in excess of $500,000 be submitted to the Board for review and approval prior to District staff awarding such contracts; and be it

Resolved further, That the Office of General Counsel provide quarterly written reports to the Board showing the waivers requested, granted, and denied as well as the reasons for such decisions; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Chief Procurement Officer maintain statistics on the use of request for proposals for professional services contracts awarded over $58,900 and provide these statistics quarterly to the Board.

Whereas, The improprieties that surfaced in the District's relationship with the Eastridge Companies and in Arthur Andersen's relationship with another client are not grounds for debarment under the District's current debarment policy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles direct the Superintendent to review the current District debarment policy and assess the need for any revisions; and be it

Resolved, further That the Board direct the Superintendent to assess what role the District's ethic's policy should play in business decisions; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Superintendent report back to the Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee within 90 days.

Resolved, that the Board consider the following Items totaling $33 million in reduction:

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 additional

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.

which fits the definition of emergency overtime. Develop standardized policies and systems that monitor overtime requests and expenditures, and identify a separate line item for classified personnel overtime in the 2002-03 budget.

Business Services Division No. 1 - Approval of Amendment to Agreement for Master Contract for Professional Services, Amendments to Agreements for Professional Services, Agreements for Professional Services Aggregating Over $500,000, and Donations of Money: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division No. 1 - Award of Advertised Construction Contracts, Approval of Change Orders, Completion of Contracts, Award of Unadvertised Special Services, Unadvertised and Informal Facilities Contracts, Rejection of Bids, Revision to Delegations of Authority, and Revision to Signature Authority for Public Works Contracts: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division No. 2 - 2th Floor Lease at Beaudry: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division No. 3 - Lease for Shatto Place: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division and Office of Environmental Health and Safety No. 1 - Approval of Project and Approval of Environmental Impact Report for Central Los Angeles Area New Middle School No. 1 (Union Avenue and Seventh Street): Assigned to Consent Calendar

Facilities Services Division and Office of Environmental Health and Safety No. 2 - Approval of Project and Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration for Weemes Elementary School Playground Expansion (Thirty-Seventh Street and Catalina Street): Assigned to Consent Calendar

Facilities Services Division and Office of Environmental Health and Safety No. 3 - Approval of Project and Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration for Venice Skills Center Construction Project: Assigned to Consent Calendar

9:30 a.m., Special Meeting, June 20, 2002
1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, June 25, 2002
10:00 a.m., Special Meeting, June 27, 2002
10:00 a.m., Annual Meeting, July 2, 2002
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, July 9, 2002
9:30 a.m., Special Meeting, July 9, 2002
1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, July 9, 2002

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

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

Later in the meeting, Mr. Huizar recorded an aye vote on the Report of Correspondence.

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's 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.

Whereas, Magnet schools are an example of academic success within the Los Angeles Unified School District;

Whereas, Magnet schools far outperform non-magnet schools academically;

Whereas, Magnet schools have been shown to be one of the most successful ways to equalize the academic achievement of students across socio-economic status;

Whereas, Over 35,000 students are on waiting lists to enter magnet programs; and

Whereas, Geographic inequities exist in the distribution of magnet seats across the District, both in terms of the number of seats and the type of program offered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles direct the Superintendent and staff to present options, costs, and tradeoffs to expand both the number of magnet schools and the number of magnet seats at existing schools in the District no later than the week of November 1; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board direct the Superintendent and his instruction and facilities staffs to include possibilities in new facilities for magnet program expansion; and be it finally

Resolved, That the District address and resolve the existing geographic inequities in the provision of magnet seats.

Whereas, Adult education is a mission of the Los Angeles Unified School District;

Whereas, Adult education is fundamental to the well being of individuals and the community as a whole;

Whereas, All studies indicate that the educational attainment of a parent is a major determiner of the educational success of a child;

Whereas, For adults to succeed in the job market, participate in the political process, as well as to provide for family needs, they must be capable problem-solvers who are familiar with information and communications technologies, and have good literacy skills;

Whereas, One in ten adults in the Los Angeles region has six years of education or less, half the proportion of San Francisco and Sacramento residents and the lowest of all U. S. Metropolitan areas, including the immigrant magnets of New York City, Chicago and Miami.

Whereas, Existing adult education opportunities are inadequate to meet the needs of the growing number of adults who would like to advance themselves;

Whereas, The charter school system is especially well suited to develop and implement new innovative approaches to meet the educational needs of adults, because charter schools foster creativity in instruction, and are flexible to meet and respond quickly to the needs and schedules of community members; and

Whereas, Charter adult schools could also address the unique educational needs of adults living in low income communities and those with specialized language needs. In Los Angeles County, it has been determined that more than 42% of Latino adults are illiterate in English, and 40% of South Los Angeles African American adults and 75% of South and East Los Angeles Latino adults have not finished high school;

Whereas, California charter schools for children and youth are proving to be effective in improving academic achievement for low-income and at-risk students, now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles acting as the governing board of the Los Angeles Unified School District direct the Superintendent of Schools to support the passage of legislation to broaden current state charter laws to include opportunities for adult education.

Whereas on December 11, 2001, the Board of the City of Los Angeles approved the expenditure of $100,000 to formalize a Master Plan for Academic & Facilities Needs for the creation of a Visual and Performing Arts High School at Central Los Angeles High School No. 9 (450 North Grand Avenue);

Whereas, The Master Plan Report has been completed and was received by the Members of the Board of Education on July 9, 2002;

Whereas, The Master Plan describes the additional visual and performing arts facilities to be constructed in order to fully implement the proposed visual and performing arts academic program at a cost of approximately $18 million dollars;

Whereas, Funding for this Phase II project was included in the recent $3.35 billion Bond Measure scheduled for the November 2002 ballot;

Whereas, Significant numbers of high school and middle school students continue to be bused out of the Belmont attendance area;

Whereas, Belmont High School and Virgil and Berendo Middle Schools continue to operate on the 163 day Concept 6 Calendar;

Whereas, Through the hard work and dedication of teachers, principal, parents, and students several innovative academies including Performing Arts, Multi Media, and Arts and Humanities Academies, have been in operation at Belmont High School for two to five years, as well as other fine arts offerings including a strong instrumental music program; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles open and operate Central Los Angeles High School No. 9 (450 North Grand Avenue) as a community-based visual and performing arts high school to serve the young people living in the local area who express an interest and commitment to the rigor of a joint arts and academic program; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent be directed to prepare a comprehensive curriculum and operations plan for the Central Los Angeles High School No. 9 (450 North Grand Avenue). Planning for this school's academic curriculum, arts curriculum and overall operations should take into account all the existing visual and performing arts programs at Belmont High School.

APPROVED BY BOARD: September 10, 2002

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CAPRICE YOUNG JEFFERSON CRAIN
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD

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