BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
333 South Beaudry Avenue, Board Room
3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2002
The Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles, acting as the Governing Board of the Los Angeles
Unified School District, met in regular session on October 22, 2002, at Los Angeles City Board of
Education Administrative Offices, Board Room, 333 South Beaudry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.
President Caprice Young called the meeting to order at 3:17 p.m.
The following Board 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 Mark Gonzalez from Eagle Rock High School, Brigette Plascencia from Lincoln High
School, and Evelyn Sicairos from Wilson High School were present.
Mr. Huizar led the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDENT'S CONCERNS
Student Member Gonzalez from Eagle Rock High School commented on the high student to teacher ratio,
homecoming events, and the rise in API scores at his school. Mr. Gonzalez also reported that students
have enough textbooks but asked about the possibility of funding for a classroom set of books.
Student Member Plascencia from Lincoln High School shared her concerns in relation to the ongoing
modernization projects, such as the addition of bungalows and removal of trees, and the effects on the
historical site. She also commented on a safety concern regarding the capacity of a pedestrian bridge that
connects the school to the physical education building. Her final concern was the lack of space in the
teachers parking lot.
Student Member Sicairos from Wilson High School commented on the homecoming events and the
different programs at Wilson High such as Adopt a Freshman, Making Connection, Student Forum and
the Magnet program. She also mentioned the Dialogue on Freedom event where attorneys and judges from
the Supreme Court visited Wilson High to talk to students. She also shared concerns regarding the
completion of ongoing construction projects, addressed air conditioning problems, requested additional
parking for students and additional security for their campus.
Mr. Lansing recommended that campus security issues and individual school safety needs be addressed at
the next School Safety, Health and Human Services Committee meeting.
Mr. Tokofsky addressed the textbooks issue in regards to the classroom set of books.
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President Young modified the Order of Business.
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REPORT POSTPONED FROM REGULAR OCTOBER 8, 2002, MEETING
FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1
Adoption of Alternative School Facilities Fee (Developer Fees)
Ms. Hayes moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Canter seconded the motion.
Mr. Richard Sheehan, Special Counsel to the Board, responded to questions by Board Members.
By general consent, the report was adopted.
RECEIPT OF DISTRICT'S INITIAL NEGOTIATING PROPOSAL
President Young announced:
The Board has received the District's initial negotiating proposal to United Teachers Los Angeles and
Associated Administrators of Los Angeles regarding the single-track and multitrack year calendars
for the 2003-04 school year. There will be another opportunity to address the Board on this proposal
on November 12 and 26, 2002, in the Board Room. Those persons who wish to address the Board
on the proposal should call Area Code (213) 241-7002, prior to 10 a.m., the days of the meetings.
REPORTS DATED OCTOBER 22, 2002
CONSENT CALENDAR
Ms. Hayes moved the adoption of the following report designated as Consent Calendar items in accordance
with Board Rule 61:
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 1
Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.
REGULAR CALENDAR
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 2
- Approval of Agreements and Amendments, Agreements for Professional Services,
Agreements for Professional Services-Legal, Amendments to Agreements for Professional Services,
Agreement for Professional Services Aggregating Over $500,000, and Donation of Materials
Mr. Tokofsky moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Hayes seconded the motion.
Mr. Michael Russell, Deputy General Counsel, and Mr. Michael Eugene, Business Manager, responded to
questions by Board Members.
On roll call, the report was adopted, 7 ayes, with the exception of Mr. Huizar and Ms. Korenstein voting no
on Agreement Nos. 0300366 and 0300367.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 3
Award of Advertised Construction Contracts; Approval of Change Orders; Completion
of Contracts; Award of Unadvertised Special Services, Unadvertised and Informal
Facilities Contract; and Rejection of Bids
Ms. Hayes moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent
was adopted.
DIRECT REPORTS
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 6
Student Reinstatements
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 7
Resolution of Intention to Dedicate Easements at Alexandria New Elementary School No. 1
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 8
Resolution of Intention to Dedicate Easements at North Hollywood New Primary Center No. 4
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 9
Resolution of Intention to Dedicate Easements at Belmont New Primary Center No. 11
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 10
Resolution of Intention to Dedicate Easements at Maclay New Primary Center No. 1
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 11
Resolution of Intention to Dedicate Easements at East Valley Area New High School No. 3
President Young announced:
There will be a public hearing on November 12, 2002, in the Board Room, regarding the resolutions of
intention to dedicate easements at Alexandria New Elementary School No. 1, North Hollywood New
Primary Center No. 4, Belmont New Primary Center No. 11, Maclay New Primary Center No. 1, and East
Valley Area New High School No. 3. (Board of Education Report Nos. 7 through 11) Those persons who
wish to address the Board on the dedications should call Area Code (213) 241- 7002, prior to 10 a.m. the
day of the meeting.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 12
Routine Personnel Actions
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 13
- Nonroutine Personnel Actions: Election of Unclassified Employees to Professional Expert,
and Dismissal and Suspension-Dismissal of Classified Employees
Mr. Lansing moved that Board of Education Report Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 be adopted.
Ms. Hayes seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.
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President Young resumed the Order of Business.
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SPECIAL REPORTS
CAREER AWARENESS WEEK
Mr. Huizar introduced Dr. Santiago Jackson, Assistant Superintendent of the Division of Adult Education,
Roger Miller, Principal of East Los Angeles Occupational Center and Irene Savedra, Graphics Design
Teacher at East Los Angeles Occupational Center. He also paid a special recognition to Laura Espinoza,
Student of the Division and National Gold Medal winner of the Skills USA VICA Conference and Luis
Zaragoza, National Bronze Medal winner of the Skills USA VICA Conference. Mr. Huizar presented
Dr. Jackson with Board resolution proclaiming the week of November 18 through 22 as "Career
Achievement Week."
TITLE III INITIATIVE FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
Mr. Roy Romer, Superintendent and Ms. Rita Caldera, Director of Language Acquisition Branch, made a
presentation regarding the Title III Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant Students and responded to
questions by Board Members.
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President Young modified the Order of Business.
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MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR ACTION
Mr. Huizar moved a waiver of Board Rule 72 to allow action on the following motion regarding the
Resolution Calling for Title III Initiative for English Language Learners and Immigrant Students.
Mr. Lansing seconded the motion, which on roll call was adopted 5 ayes, 1 no, Mr. Tokofsky.
Ms. Korenstein was absent.
Mr. Huizar moved:
- Whereas, English learners' and immigrant students' academic performance demands urgent action
by the Los Angeles Unified School District;
- Whereas, The data demonstrate that current standards-based strategies, curriculum and instruction
are not uniformly implemented and contribute to a culture of lowered expectations that affect
English language development progress and student achievement levels of English learners and
immigrant students;
- Whereas, English learners and immigrant students bring diverse and rich non-English language and
non-standard English language skills and experiences to the classroom, and English learners and
immigrant students bring diverse and rich non-mainstream cultures, heritages, histories and life
experiences, and these strengths have historically been treated as deficits, resulting in a deficit-laden
model of instruction;
- Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District must provide standards-based instruction and
access to core content areas in order to close the achievement gap and result in academic success for
English learners and immigrant students;
- Whereas, Second Language Acquisition and Primary Language Instruction research calls for
constructivist based pedagogies, literature and materials that are culturally relevant and responsive,
and that foster high expectations and build on the cultural knowledge and cultural context of
English learners and immigrant students in accordance with their diverse learning styles;
- Whereas, These culturally relevant pedagogies, literature and materials delineate diverse strategies in
primary language and English language instruction such as Specially Designed Academic
Instruction in English that will make content meaningful for English learners and immigrant
students and will result in helping to close the achievement gap;
- Whereas, Classroom management strategies that encourage teachers to become students of the
cultural and linguistic knowledge that English Learners and Immigrant students bring to the
classroom promote active cooperative learning and link lived experience with content knowledge,
and;
-
Whereas, In order to be successful, the Title III Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant
Students must be implemented throughout the entire Los Angeles Unified School District within
the context of professional development that is predicated on standards-based culturally relevant
and culturally contextual pedagogy, curricula, and methodology; now, therefore, be it
- Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles direct the Superintendent to fully
implement the Title III Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant Students and ensure that local
district superintendents and appropriate central office, local district and school site personnel fully
embrace and implement the Title III Initiative in its entirety, holding schools as well as local district
and central offices accountable for the academic success of English learners and immigrant
students;
- Resolved further, That the Board direct the Superintendent to support local districts that already
embrace the content and intent of the Title III Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant
Students and are working towards its implementation, and direct all local districts to fully embrace
and implement the Title III Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant Students;
- Resolved further, That the Superintendent direct the Office of Instruction to provide support to
those local districts that may require assistance in developing a plan with the eventual goal that all
local districts will have an authentic and actual working implementation plan for the Title III
Initiative for English Learners and Immigrant Students in order to ensure district-wide
administrative and instructional accountability; and be it finally
- Resolved, That the Superintendent report back to the Board in six months on the methods of
professional and staff development, parent outreach and evaluation that have been employed for
implementation by the Office and Instruction and local districts. º
Ms. Hayes seconded the motion.
Staff responded to questions by Board Members.
By general consent the motion was adopted.
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President Young resumed the Order of Business.
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DIRECT REPORTS (Continued)
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 4
Various Purchasing Transactions
Mr. Tokofsky moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Canter seconded the motion.
Ms. Anne Fischer, Chief Procurement Officer, responded to questions by Board Members.
By general consent, the report was adopted. Mr. Huizar was absent.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 5
Student Expulsions
Mr. James Pilcher addressed the Board on Case No. 138-02/03.
Ms. Canter moved that the report be adopted. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion.
Mr. Hector Madrigal, Director of Pupil Services, responded to questions by Board Members.
After discussion, Ms. Hayes moved to amend the report by allowing the student in Case
No. 138-02-03 to remain at the present assignment until further evaluation of placement by staff.
Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Tokofsky
was absent.
By general consent, the report as amended was adopted. Mr. Tokofsky was absent.
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President Young modified the Order of Business.
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MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR ACTION (Continued)
Ms. Young and Mr. Tokofsky's - Support of Legislation to Broaden Charter School Laws to Include
Adult Education (Notice August 13, 2002 - Assigned to Curriculum & Instruction Committee)
was postponed to the November 12 Regular Board meeting.
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. º
RECEIPT OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR ACTION AT NEXT BOARD MEETING
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Accounting and Disbursements Division No. 1 - Tax Shelter Annuities - Authorization to Enter into an
Agreement to Provide a Common Remitter Service: Assigned to Regular Calendar.
Budget Services and Financial Planning Division No. 1 - Initial Proposal to United Teachers Los Angeles
and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles Regarding Single-Track and Multitrack Year Calendars for
the 2003-04 School Year: Assigned to Regular Calendar for November 26 Regular Board meeting.
Business Services Division No. 1 - Agreements and Amendments, Amendments to Agreement for
Professional Services, Agreement 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; Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreements, and Clarification of Authorized Signatures
for Facilities Professional Services Contracts: Assigned to Consent Calendar
BUSINESS, FINANCE, AUDIT AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Office of the General Counsel No. 1 - Contractor and Consultant's Code of Ethics, Lobbyist Registration
Code and Conflict of Interest Code: Assigned to Regular Calendar
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
Facilities Services Division No. 1 - Authorization to Renew or Negotiate Changes to the Electric Energy
Agreement Between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power: Assigned to Consent Calendar
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Korenstein moved the approval of the following presented minutes of the governing board of the
Los Angeles Unified School District:
3:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, September 24, 2002
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, October 8, 2002
3:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, October 8, 2002
Mr. Lansing seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Tokofsky moved that the recommended disposition of the items of correspondence as indicated
in the report be approved. Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
MEETING, CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION MOTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Young announced that action for the following will be postponed to a Special Board meeting:
The Board will consider a change to its governance structure replacing its standing committees with
biweekly meetings to address policy and oversight; and structure a monthly Regular Board meeting
to focus on the District's Strategic Plan; and a monthly Regular Board meeting with a focus on
business and facilities. The anticipated meeting schedule is attached as Exhibit A.
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President Young resumed the Order of Business.
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DIRECT REPORTS (Continued)
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT NO. 14
Renaming of Franklin Primary Center to Richard Riordan Primary Center
The following speakers addressed the Board on the report:
Mr. Howard Watts
Mr. Gene Krischer, representing Friends of the Children
Mr. George Buzzetti
Ms. Ruth Sarnoff
Ms. Hayes moved that the report be adopted. Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion.
Mr. William Crittendon, Administrator, School Operations, commented on the District's process for
naming and renaming of schools and responded to questions by Board Members.
On roll call, the report was adopted 6 ayes, 1 no, Ms. Korenstein.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Continued)
SPEAKERS
The following speakers addressed the Board on the subjects indicated:
Mr. Richard Russo Parental Involvement
Mr. Manuel Aldana Parent Concerns
Ms. Norma Pedregon Special Education District K
Mr. Andy Pedregon Special Education District K
Mr. Rafael Perez Public Comment
Ms. Yolanda Perez Bullying/Threat Policies
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS (Initial Announcement)
Mr. Tokofsky's motion regarding Neighborhood Councils.
- Whereas, In May 2001, the Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils was approved,
establishing a system through which people in neighborhoods may be empowered to create
Neighborhood Councils to serve their needs;
- Whereas, The Plan also set minimum standards to ensure that Neighborhood Councils represent all
stakeholders in the community, including neighborhood schools;
- Whereas, Schools are recognized as neighborhood centers and are frequently used as the site of
Neighborhood Council meetings; now, therefore, be it
- Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles direct the Superintendent to
examine the following issues related to schools and neighborhood councils: use of schools by
Neighborhood Councils for meetings; establishing a point of contact for the Department of
Neighborhood Empowerment within the District; a system for dispersing Neighborhood Council
information to schools; posting of Neighborhood Council meetings on school bulletin boards and
identification of possible roles for the Neighborhood Council within the Los Angeles Unified
School District and report back to the Board of Education within 60 days with a plan.
MEETING, CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION MOTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
Ms. Canter announced:
The final result of the election of the selection process for the members of the Personnel
Commission was:
5,315 in favor of changing the process
588 opposed
Approximately 90 percent of the votes were in favor of the change. The Superintendent will
enact this change.
Mr. Tokofsky announced:
There will be a Special Committee of the Whole meeting in the Board Room on Tuesday,
October 29, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. regarding the legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
Mr. Huizar announced:
There will be a Special Business, Finance, Audit and Technology Committee meeting in the Board
Room on Thursday, October 24, 2002, at 1:00 p.m.
- - - -
Ms. Hayes moved that the meeting be adjourned in memory of John Edward "Gus" Chambers, beloved
father, grandfather and great grandfather, who attended local area schools from elementary through Loyola
Marymount University. Ms. Canter seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Ms.
Korenstein and Mr. Lansing were absent.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
APPROVED BY BOARD: November 12, 2002
______________________________________ _________________________________
CAPRICE YOUNG JEFFERSON CRAIN
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD
iu