III. Students' Concerns

Student Members Heather Whitlow of Westchester High School, Dylan Redmon of Fairfax High School, and Elizabeth Bernier of Hamilton High School

Our Kids, Our Schools - Review of Proposition BB Progress

A.Board of Education Report No. 1 ADOPTED

Facilities Services Division No. 1
(Award of Advertised and Unadvertised Contracts, and Rescission of Contracts)

Facilities Services Division No. 2
(Appointment of Architect - Van Nuys New Elementary School No. 1

B.Facilities Committee Report No. 1 ADOPTED

Information Technology Division No. 1
(Education Technology Grant)

C. Instruction/Curriculum/Student Achievement Committee Report No. 1
Office of the Superintendent No. 1
(Annenberg Foundation and Getty Education Institute Arts Partner School Grant)

VI. Regular Calendar ­ Communications Dated December 15, 1997

D.Board of Education Report No. 2 ADOPTED

(1997-2000 Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Teamsters, Local 572 {Classified Supervisor})

E.Board of Education Report No. 3 ADOPTED

(Budget Transfer-Resources for the Blue Ribbon Citizen's Oversight Committee Related to School Repair Bonds)

F.Board of Education Report No. 4 ADOPTED

G.Board of Education Report No. 5 ADOPTED

H.Board of Education Report No. 6 ADOPTED

I.Board of Education Report No. 7 ADOPTED

J.Board of Education Report No. 8 ADOPTED

(Various Purchasing Transactions)

K.Board of Education Report No. 9 ADOPTED

(Routine Personnel Actions)

L.Board of Education Report No. 10 ADOPTED

(Student Expulsions)

M. Mr. Tokofsky - White House Place/Eco-Village (Noticed October 20, 1997) POSTPONED

Whereas, Neighborhood schools enhance kids' learning and increase parent participation in a school;

Whereas, Small schools and children centers personalize learning;

Whereas, Schools emphasizing green environments replete with plants and earth's treasures enrich the urban environment in which most of the District's students inhabit and study;

Whereas, Eco-Village is a neighborhood based organization committed to White House Place Primary Center and the surrounding neighborhood;

Whereas, Eco-Village is located in a historic site and the historic neighborhood of the Bimini Bath;

Whereas, The City of Los Angeles and the Community Redevelopment Agency along with the
Los Angeles Unified School District have invested substantial financial resources and efforts in the development of Eco-Village;

Whereas, Eco-Village currently involves and serves the White House Place students and the entire neighborhood by reducing crime and gang activity;

Whereas, the Los Angeles Unified School District, acting in the best interest of the children should seek to avoid the delay or a battle with the supporters of Eco-Village; and

Whereas, There are other options to be explored regarding the placement of two necessary bungalows;

Whereas, The Superintendent's staff, such as the Real Estate Division have met with the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Council Office to develop alternative solutions for housing children at the White House Place Primary Center, as well as to explore the possibility of selling the four-plex property at 3551-3557 White House Place, to the City's Community Redevelopment Agency; and

Whereas, The Community Redevelopment Agency will continue to work with the Eco-Village community to ensure an on-going program for sustainable community education; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Superintendent and his staff prepare for the Board's review a plan with a specific timeline and a detailed chronology of previous negotiations to resolve the land, building and education uses of the area proximate to White House Place known as Eco-Village,

N. Mr. Tokofsky - Motion to Establish an Office of Inspector General (Noticed November 3, 1997)
POSTPONED

Whereas, the Los Angeles Unified School District projects one billion six hundred million dollars ($1,600,000,000) annually in business, construction, and consulting contracts for the next 10 years, adding an additional approximate four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000) in voter approved Proposition BB funds;

Whereas, such funds should be allocated in the most cost-effective basis that prevents tax dollar waste or abuse; and

Whereas, the District wishes to avoid even the appearance of lax controls over these new expenditures; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles establish the Office of Inspector General and appoint an Inspector General to a term of office of five years, which may be renewed once for a total of 10 years; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles convene a panel of at least three members of the Association of Inspectors General to screen and recommend candidates for the selection of an Inspector General; and be it

Resolved further, That the selection panel use the following criteria when making their selection: That the inspector general shall have verifiable experience in criminal investigations and prosecutions, the conducting of audits, public administration, conflict of interest and campaign finance laws, and any additional skill or knowledge necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of an inspector general; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles shall select the inspector general from the candidates recommended by the panel of Inspectors General; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles define the duties of the Inspector General as being responsible for auditing and investigating any and all matters regarding the operations, activities, construction, and expenditures of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles, district and Board staff, and District contractors and subcontractors. The authority of the Inspector General shall also include investigation of possible conflicts of interest, improper communications with Board Members on potential contracts before contract awards, or other ethical violations and be it

Resolved further, That the Inspector General shall have subpoena power as authorized by state and local codes or granted powers and the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles acknowledges that any investigatory file compiled by the inspector general is an investigatory file compiled by a law enforcement agency subject to disclosure pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 6254 of the Government Code; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles direct the Inspector General to establish procedures to require that a prequalification questionnaire be completed by each construction company, engineering firm, consultant, legal firm, product vendor, and any other business entity seeking to contract with the board for the furnishing of goods or services. The Board will establish polices and procedures to prohibit the District from entering into a contract or doing business with any firm that knowingly provides false information on the questionnaire. The questionnaire shall solicit information regarding the firm including, but not limited to the following subjects: (1) Experience; (2) Quality and timeliness of past performance; (3) Reliability and responsibility; (4) Compliance with wage, hours, and other fair; (5) Compliance with equal employment requirements; (6) Subcontractors used by the firm; (7) Integrity of the firm and its key personnel; (8) Gifts given, or contributions made, to members, alternate members, or employees of the Board; (9) Lawsuits filed against the firm and their dispositions; and be it

Resolved further, That the Inspector General shall, at a noticed public meeting of the Board of Education, report quarterly on the following: (a) School construction, design, and repair contracts, including expenditures on such projects for consultants, attorneys, developers, and construction firms; b) Expenditures of funds allocated by Proposition BB and any future bond measures approved by the voters for school construction, design, or repair; (c) Travel, meals, and refreshments, private club dues, membership fees and charges, and any other expenditures which are specified by the Board; (d) A report on savings or recommendations for savings; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles fund the Office of Inspector General using existing District resources, which may include redirecting funds which would otherwise be allocated to the Independent Analysis Unit or the recently established Special Audits Branch.

Whereas, Literacy is the cornerstone for all students success;

Whereas, The teaching of reading is the major mission of our school district;

Whereas, The National Education Association is sponsoring a Literacy Component called, "Read Across America - Green Eggs to Hamlet;"

Whereas, This is a national effort to focus on literacy and reading and will be kicked off the week of the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Seuss; and

Whereas, It is appropriate for the Los Angeles Unified School District to recognize and support this important event; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles proclaim the week of March 1 through March 7th "Read Across America - Green Eggs to Hamlet" Week throughout the District and encourage all employees to engage in activities that will promote literacy and reading for all of our children.

IX. Receipt of Communications For Action At Next Board Meeting

(The Board will decide which are to be referred as Consent Calendar communications.)

Board of Education
P. Office of the Superintendent No. 1 REGULAR
(1997-2000 Memorandum of Understanding Between the Los Angeles Unified School District and
the California School Employees Association for Unit D {Office-Technical and Business
Services})

Q. Office of the Superintendent No. 2 REGULAR
(1997-2000 Memorandum of Understanding Between the Los Angeles Unified School District and
Los Angeles County Building and Construction Trades Council for Unit E {Skilled Crafts})

R. Office of the Superintendent No. 3 REGULAR
(1997-2000 Memorandum of Understanding Between the Los Angeles Unified School District and
the Los Angeles School District Peace Officers Association for Unit A {School Police})

S. Budget Services and Financial Planning Division No. 1 CONSENT
(Ratification of Revised Unique Multitrack Year-Round Calendars for Ascot Elementary School
for School Year 1997-98)

T. Business Services Division No. 1 REGULAR
(Agreements and Amendments, Professional Services Agreement, Personal/Professional Services
Agreements Aggregating $50,000 and Over, Amendments to Personal Services Agreements
Aggregating $50,000 and Over, and Donation of Money)

U. Facilities Services Division No. 1 REGULAR
(Award of Advertised and Unadvertised Contracts, and Rejection of Bids)

V. Personnel Division No. 1 CONSENT
(Credential Waiver Authorizations)

X. Approval of Minutes

W.1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, August 7, 1995 APPROVED

X. Report of Correspondence APPROVED

X II. Miscellaneous Business

Motions and Resolutions (Draft Language)

Y. Ms. Castro, Ms. Fields, Mr. Horton, and Ms. Korenstein - March as National Women's History Month

Whereas, Congress has passed Public Law 100-9 declaring the month of March to be designated "Women's History Month";

Whereas, Women of all dimensions of diversity: race, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, have served the nation as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement in the United States and worldwide;

Whereas, Women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the Abolitionist Movement, the Emancipation Movement, the Industrial Labor Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and other movements, which create a more fair and just society for all;

Whereas, Women have made and continue to make historic contributions in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and

Whereas, Despite these contributions from women in all walks of life, the role of women in history up to and including the present, is often overlooked and frequently undervalued; now, therefore,

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles urge all schools to join in the observance of March as National Women's History Month;

Resolved further, That all schools be encouraged to observe this month with special classroom activities, assemblies or other programs that honor women of the past, as well as contemporary women, including women in our families and communities; and be it

Resolved further, That all 3-12 grade students be encouraged to participate in the student essay project, designed to honor women and men who have made a significant contribution to the Women's Rights Movement.

Z.Ms. Fields and Mr. Kiriyama - Regular Board Meeting Schedules ASSIGNED TO

Whereas, The Board has a significant responsibility as the policy making body of the Los Angeles Unified School District;

Whereas, The history of the L.A. City Board of Education reveals that prior to 1976, the Board held regular meetings every Monday and Thursday; in the 1976-77 school year the Board reduced its regular meetings to once a week; and beginning in the 1991-92 school year to the present, the Board has held its regular meetings twice a month to do the Public's business;

Whereas, The fulfillment of the Board's duties requires informed decision making taking into account recommendations from the Superintendent, his staff and community members;

Whereas, The volume of District business requiring the Board Members' attention has increased necessitating substantially more preparation time and resulting in extended board meetings; and

Whereas, The Board has an interest in reducing any delays felt by schools because of several factors, including but not limited to the number of agenda items due to the passage of Prop. BB and class size reduction; now, therefore, be it

Resolved That, the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles make all necessary changes to the rules, policies and procedures of the District to allow the body to hold its regular meetings on the first, second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 2 p.m.;

Resolved That, the agenda items be limited to 26 a meeting, with the exception of items of urgency and placed on the agenda by the Board president or the Superintendent;

Resolved That, one Board of Education meeting per month be held in each Board district on a rotating basis; and be it

Resolved further That, the above resolutions be implemented on a 10 month trial basis and reviewed at that time before becoming permanent.

Whereas, The so-called "95/5" Initiative has qualified for the next statewide ballot;

Whereas, The Initiative proposes that, beginning in the 1999-2000 fiscal year and every year thereafter, no more than five percent of all funds received by school districts (all federal, state and local revenue) shall be expended on administrative costs, as defined by the measure;

Whereas, The Initiative proposes that, beginning in the 1998-99 fiscal year and every year thereafter, each school district shall include in its budget a system indicating the contribution of each expenditure to the achievement of a specific performance objective pursuant to the district's effort to improve pupil performance;

Whereas, The Initiative states that every district failing to comply with any provision of the Initiative shall be fined by the State Board of Education an amount equal to five percent of the basic
per-ADA revenue limit times total ADA;

Whereas, The penalty for the Los Angeles Unified School District would total $116.4 million district was to be found out of compliance;

Whereas, The Initiative includes in the five percent, and thus subject to reduction, certain school district costs that protect the safety of students, such as school bus maintenance and repair;

Whereas, The Initiative includes in the five percent, and thus subject to reduction, certain school district costs that provide and protect the quality of educational services provided to students, such as curriculum development, staff development, and supervision of instruction;

Whereas, The Initiative reduces fiscal efficiency by reducing district services provided to school sites, such as data processing, payroll, accounting, bulk purchasing, and warehousing.

Whereas, The Initiative will increase administrative costs at school sites as they assume more administrative responsibilities from the district;

Whereas, The Initiative will increase administrative costs in school districts as they carry out the mandates contained in the Initiative; and

Whereas, The Initiative is opposed by several major statewide educational organizations, including the California State PTA, California School Board Association, Association of California School Administrators, California School Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, California Association of School Business Officials, Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Easton, and the League of Women Voters; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles oppose the so-called "95/5" Initiative.

PLEASE NOTE: MS. CASTRO WILL BE ANNOUNCING HER INTENTION TO PRESENT
THE MOTION LISTED ON PAGE 9.

BB. Meeting, Conference and Convention Motions and Announcements

CC.This Week In Education

Mrs. Boudreaux will comment on the following:

• Albertson's Food and Drug - Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  
  
• "1997 California Principal of the Year" Award: Mr. Howard Lappin, Foshay Learning Center
  
  
• Kind/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science Unveiling of Historical Commemorative Wall
  
  
• Mr. Joe Hicks, Director, Human Relations Commission, City of Los Angeles
  
  
• Islam Night of Power
  
  
• Black History Month Kickoff, January 30, 1998
  

• El Camino Real High School and Taft High School Football Teams

• Yellow Ribbon Week

• Rolling Readers/America Reads Program Grows in District 5
  
  
• Los Angeles Unified School District Police Officers Association, Mexican American Education Commission, and Mrs. Boudreaux's Holiday Celebrations

• Concern About Pesticides in the Schools
  
  

DD.Speakers

XIII. Adjournment

Please Note That The Board Of Education May Refer Any Item On This Order Of Business For The Consideration Of A Standing Committee Of The Board Of Education Which Meets On The Thursday Immediately After This Meeting.

Motion and Resolutions (Initial Announcements)
EE. Ms. Castro - "Greening" Proposal ASSIGNED TO FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Whereas, The Proposition BB Blue Ribbon Citizens' Oversight Committee has approved a motion to plant lawns and trees at up to one-third of the district's playgrounds, or on nearly 20 million square feet;

Whereas, The planting of lawns and trees, also known as "greening," presents countless benefits to Los Angeles schools and neighborhoods, including reduced pollution and exposure to ultraviolet light, a safer, more exercise-friendly environment and greater educational opportunities for students;

Whereas, Non-profit groups will continue their commitment to "greening:" schools by supplying the District with volunteer labor and trees free of charge;

Whereas, "Greening" will eventually lower energy costs by shading school buildings and
grounds, thus reducing the District's reliance on air conditioning;

Whereas, Because of budget cuts to staff there are presently not enough gardeners and
gardening equipment to attend to the immediate maintenance needs from any new greenery; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles instruct the Superintendent to include in his 1998 budget the nearly $1 million in funds necessary to pay for the first-year costs associated with the "greening" proposal; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent include in future budgets the funds necessary to cover the ongoing costs associated with this proposal.