May 9, 2007 - Pacifica School District

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT 

Mr. Mike O’Neill, President 

Ms. Karen Ervin 

Mr. Laurie Frater 

Ms. Connie Menefee 

Ms. Joan Weideman 

Pacifica School District 

375 Reina del Mar Avenue 

Pacifica, CA 94044 

www.pacificasd.org 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 

May 9, 2007 

MINUTES 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT 

Dr. James Lianides, Superintendent 

Ms. Susan Vickrey, Assistant Superintendent 

Ms. Josie Peterson, Chief Business Official 

Ms. Lou Sian, Board Scribe 

1. OPEN SESSION - CALL TO ORDER 

Board President Mike O’Neill called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., stating that Trustees Karen Ervin, 

Connie Menefee, and Joan Weideman were present. Superintendent Jim Lianides and Chief Business Official 

Josie Peterson were also present. Mr. O’Neill adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. to Closed Session to 

conference with Labor Negotiator. 

Trustee Laurie Frater was not present during Closed Session. 

2. CLOSED SESSION 

(a) Conference with Labor Negotiator 

Agency Negotiator: James Lianides, Superintendent 

Employee Organizations: CSEA, LSEA 

(California School Employee Association, Chapter 128) 

(Laguna Salada Education Association) 

3. OPEN SESSION - FLAG SALUTE AND ROLL CALL 

Mr. O’Neill called the Open Session to order at 7:31 p.m., stating that the Board met in Closed Session to 

conference with Labor Negotiator. The Board took no action during Closed Session. 

Mr. Laurie Frater was present during Open Session. 

4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 

It was moved by Ms. Weideman and seconded by Ms. Ervin that the Board approve the Minutes of the 

April 18, 2007 Regular Board Meeting with the following change: 

Page 10, paragraph 2, the last sentence should be – Pacific Heights and Westview properties were sold.

MINUTES REGULAR BOARD MEETING May 9, 2007 Page 2 

Roll Call: 

Ayes: Ervin, Frater, Menefee, O’Neill, Weideman 

Noes: None 

MOTION PASSED: 5-0 

5. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA 

It was moved by Ms. Weideman and seconded by Ms. Menefee that the Board approve the agenda for 

the May 9, 2007 meeting and all consent agenda items except that items 5(e) and 8(b) were removed 

because Measure Q was not approved by Pacifica voters. Also, item 5(c) was removed from the 

Consent Agenda. 

All items on the consent agenda will be approved with one motion, which is not debatable and which 

requires a unanimous vote for passage. If any member of the Board, the Superintendent, or the public 

so requests, any item shall be removed from this section and placed in the regular order of business 

following approval of the consent agenda. 

(a) Agenda of the May 9, 2007 meeting 

(b) Consideration of Acceptance of Warrants 

It is recommended that the Board approve the attached commercial warrants for the period of 

4/2/07 through 4/25/07 totaling $739,064.99. 

(c) Personnel – (The Board removed this item from the Consent Agenda. Please see below.) 

It is recommended that the Board approve the Personnel items as presented. 

(d) Service and Consultant Contracts 

It is recommended that the Board approve the Service and Consultant contracts as presented by 

staff. 

Consultants / Contractors Dollar Amount Term of Service 

1. TruGreen Chemlawn $4,166.00 March 30, 2007 

Milpitas, CA 95035 through June 30, 2007 

District: Annual Tree and Shrub Care Services 

Contract #: 001619 

und/Site: Building Fund/See above 

a) Cabrillo School (001) -- $939 

b) Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School (002)-- $450 

c) Oddstad School (005) -- $297 

d) Ortega School (006) -- $993 

e) Sunset Ridge School (007) -- $770 

f) Vallemar School (008) -- $717 

Budget Account Code: 21-9011-0-0000-8100-5838-XXX-0830 

2. Jasmine Phu $5,000.00 March 22, 2007 

Pacifica, CA 94044 through June 30, 2007 

District: Contractor shall provide Behavioral Therapy services to the students of the Pacifica School 

District during the 2006/2007 school year. Services include direct service, written behavioral data, attend 

at student team meetings, and provision of specific program supports to District Students. 


Fund/Site: Special Education 

Budget Account Code: 01-6500-0-5750-2700-5827-024-0204 

3. Karen Joe $8,640.00 April 2, 2007


Pacifica, CA 94044 through June 30, 2007 







4. Bruns Belmont Construction, Inc. 

San Jose, CA 95133 

$44,922.00 C/O Signed April 6, 2007 

District: Change Order #2 

a) CORR 07 – Cost to include site work for Building G3 including but not limited to: 1) removal of existing a 

paving and soil to prepare pad, 2) relocate storm drain line, 3) extend water and sewer to building and m 

final connection, 4) extend gas line complete with s.o.v in box to within 16 ft. of building pad, 5) provide 

electrical, data, signal and fire alarm conduit from locations shown on plans to Building G and 6) constru 

concrete walks a shown on plans. -- $44,922 

Contract #: Original Contract 001614 for $998,600.00 

Fund/Site: Building Fund/Vallemar 


Muscio Electric $2,680.00 April 16, 2007 

Pacifica, CA 94044 through May 16, 2007 

District: Disconnect electrical conduits from portables #37 & #38 at Ortega School and portables #D1 & D2 

at Vallemar. Disconnect electrical conduits from Vallemar daycare portables #3 & #4. 


Fund/Site: Building Fund/Ortega (006) and Vallemar (008) 

Budget Account Code: 21-9011-0-0000-8500-6274-XXX-0830 

5. ABC Fence $1,885.00 April 20, 2007 

Pacifica, CA 94044 through May 20, 2007 

District: Install approximately 32’ of 1 5/8” structural steel hand railing. 2 ½” terminal posts sore drilled in 

to existing concrete stair case. Install 1 5/8” top and middle rail approximately 18” apart. All hot dipped 

galvanized structural steel. 


Fund/Site: Building Fund/Vallemar 


6. School Innovations & Advocacy $59,700.00 July 1, 2007 

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 through June 30, 2010 

District: Provide services as preparer of Mandated Cost reimbursement claims. 

a) 7-1-07 through 6-30-08 -- $19,900 

b) 7-1-08 through 6-30-09 -- $19,900 

c) 7-1-09 through 6-30-10 -- $19,900 


Fund/Site: General Fund/Human Resources 


8. Terrasearch, Inc. $940.00 C/O April 26, 2007 

San Jose, CA 95119



a) Supplemental services requested to design a horizontal drainage system layout as an 

alternate to the currently approved subdrain system. A site plan and cross-section will be 

prepared. The site plan and cross-section will then be submitted to a contractor to prepare a 

price to install the system. 

Contract #: Original Contract 001447 for $11,460.00 

Fund/Site: Building Fund/Ortega 


9. Svala Construction, Inc. 

Burlingame, CA 94010 

$7,256.35 C/O Signed April 26, 2007 


b) COR 14 – Provide revisions to the low voltage and data system as discussed in the 3/20/07 site 

meeting. -- $6,194.35 

c) COR 15 – Provide a cost to raise the existing electrical box at the southeast corner of the project 

$1,062.00 

Contract #: Original Contract 001576 for $3,082,000 

Fund/Site: Building Fund/Ortega 


10. Rebecca Leung $6,192.00 April 26, 2007 

San Francisco, CA 94131 through June 30, 2007 







11. Community Playgrounds, Inc. $38,787.00 May 2, 2007 

Novato, CA 94945 through August 2, 2007 

District: a) Install new Burke Play Structure -- $8,977 

b) Furnish/Install 1,872SF of 3’ Poured in Place -- $29,810. 


Fund/Site: Building Fund/Sunset Ridge 


(e) Management Plan for Financing Other Post Employment Benefits – (The Board removed this item 

from the Consent Agenda. Please see below.) 

It is recommended that the Board approve the Management Plan for Financing Other Post 

Employment Benefits. 

(f) Electronic Scoreboard at PALL Field (No Cost to the District) 

It is recommended that the Board approve the installation of an electronic scoreboard at the Pall 

Field at Ortega School. 

(g) Denial of Claim Against the District 

It is recommended that the Board deny the Tort Claim filed on behalf of Student ID 719301. 

(h) Permit Application: Kiewit Construction 

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve a permit application for Kiewit Construction 

Company to utilize a portion of Oddstad School.


(i) Job Share Proposals 

It is recommended that the Board approve the job shares for the 2007-08 school year as listed 

Roll Call for Agenda and Consent Agenda: 


Noes: None 


(c) Personnel 

Mr. O’Neill requested clarification from staff regarding the change of status from temporary to probation to 

tenure positions. He asked if new employees will be hired to replace those who are leaving after this year. He 

stated that when the Board has its Budget Study Session on May 23, he wanted to be sure that it has the most 

flexibility that it can possibly have for all positions. 

Ms. Vickrey stated that by law, temporary and probationary employees automatically advance to tenure 

positions. The change of status takes effect on the first day of the school year in the fall. After completing 75 

percent of the school year, employees may not be laid off. Layoffs are done according to seniority. She stated 

that the District is in the process of filling positions that will be vacant next year. A person-to-person 

replacement will not work in the event of a layoff. The classes would have to be restructured and teachers’ 

certification reviewed. Layoffs would be made according to categories and seniority. For example, eliminating a 

7 th grade teacher position would not be appropriate if a workforce reduction must be made at the kindergarten 

level. 

Dr. Lianides stated that staff is looking carefully at staffing levels and attendance for next year. The District is 

calling families of incoming 6 th , 7 th , and 8 th grade students at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School who have been 

enrolled for less than three years, to ascertain their intent to return in the fall. The information will assist in 

making prudent decisions about staffing levels for next year. 

1) Management: 

None 

2) Certificated: 

a. Employment of Kristina Hofler, Substitute Teacher with an Emergency 30- 

Day Substitute Teaching Permit, District Office, effective April 4, 2007. 

b. Employment of Karen Stevenson, 5 th Grade Classroom Teacher 1.0 FTE, 

Certificated Salary Schedule $42,652 (E/4-III), Sunset Ridge Elementary 

School, effective August 22, 2007. 

c. Employment of Janet Nelles, Resource Specialist Teacher, Certificated 

Salary Schedule$54,595 (L/10-III + MA $1,000), Cabrillo School, effective 

August 22, 2007. 

d. Employment of Robin Blaise, Kindergarten Teacher, Certificated Salary 

Schedule$40,410 (B/1-II), Ortega Elementary School, effective August 22, 

2007. 

e. Employment of Mary Lasley, Speech/Language Teacher, Certificated 

Salary Schedule $57,350 (L/10-VI + MA $,1,000), District Office, effective 

August 22, 2007. 

f. Employment of Kelly Edelhart, 4 th Grade Classroom Teacher, Certificated 

Salary Schedule $40,410 (A/0-II), Vallemar School, effective August 22, 


g. Employment of Maureen Duncan, Kindergarten Teacher, Certificated 

Salary Schedule $26,173 (L/10-II $52,344 @ .5FTE), Sunset Ridge 

Elementary School, effective August 22, 2007. 

h. Employment of Karen Barba, Kindergarten Teacher, Certificated Salary


Schedule $16,207 (L/10-VI $57,349 @ .28 FTE), Sunset Ridge 

Elementary School, effective August 22, 2007. 

i. Employment of Angela Boland, 1.0 FTE Temporary Intern School 

Psychologist, Certificated Salary Schedule $34,125 (A/0-I), District Office, 

effective August 22, 2007. 

j. Employment of Sharonn Wilson, 2 th Grade Classroom Teacher, 

Certificated Salary Schedule $40,174 (A/0-II), Ortega Elementary School, 

effective August 22, 2007. 

k. Resignation of Meggan Taylor, 5 th Grade Classroom Teacher, Sunset 

Ridge Elementary School, effective June 15, 2007. 

l. Resignation of Brittany Brendel, 8 th Grade Classroom Teacher, Vallemar 

School, effective June 15, 2007. 

m. Retirement of Ann Hass, 1 st Grade Classroom Teacher, Vallemar School, 

effective June 16, 2007. 

n. Resignation of Lori Dinneweth, 7 th /8 th Grade Science Teacher, Ingrid B. 

Lacy Middle School, effective June 15, 2007. 

o. Resignation of Challeen Flick, 6 th Grade Classroom Teacher, Ingrid B. 

Lacy Middle School, effective June 15, 2007. 

p. Change in status from Probationary 2 Classroom Teacher to Tenure 

effective August 27, 2007: 

Taruna Suri IBL 

Lindsey Rattray ORT 

Gina Arugello ORT 

Melissa Zywotko SR 

Sean Nunan SR 

Lily Boe SR 

Daina Flores SR 

Leannne Bezanilla SR 

Joy Dardenelle SR 

q. The following teachers are returning for the 2007-2008 school year on 

Probationary 2 Contracts: 

Donald Potter CAB 

Jennifer McTeague CAB 

Lisa Anchick CAB 

Dane Jessie CAB 

Allen Seul IBL 

Mark Boelter IBL 

Monica Lobao IBL 

Meghan Blackman IBL 

Cecilia Ng LMEC 

Maridel Ordona-Rehmet LMEC 

Hien Le LMEC 

Katie Brennan Johnson LMEC 

Sharon Elvander ORT 

Debra Lyttle SR 

Jennifer Phipps SR 

Pamela Rubenstein SR 

Natasha Stoddard V 

Erin Coen V 

Kelley O’Brien-Carnevale V 

Brian Cooper V 

Classified: 

a. Employment of Linda Sampson, Classified Substitute, Classified Salary 

Schedule B, Step A for Appropriate Position Range, District Office, 

effective April 3, 2007. 

b. Limited Term Classified Instructional Aide Substitute Assignment for Judy


Hess, three (3) hours per day, five days per week, Classified Salary 

Schedule B, Step A, Position Range, Vallemar School, effective March 23, 


c. Employment of Ty Truong, Bus Driver I, Classified Salary Schedule A, 

Step B for Appropriate Position range, District Office, Maintenance and 

Operations, effective April 30, 2007. 

d. Resignation of Cherice Olsen, Instructional Aide, Ingrid B. Lacy Middle 

School, effective May 4, 2007. 

e. Classification/Status Change from Probationary to Permanent for 

Charlene Hilo, Instructional Aide, effective April 10, 2007. 

f. Classification/Status Change from Probationary to Permanent for Susan 

Beckmeyer, Instructional Aide, effective April 19, 2007. 

g. Classification/Status Change from Probationary to Permanent for Susan 

Casas, Instructional Aide, effective April 19, 2007. 

h. Employment of Stephanie Morris, High School Tutor, $10.00 per hour; 

student calendar; by timesheet, Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, effective 

February 12, 2007 to April 5, 2007. 

i. Employment of Kyle Ludwig, High School Tutor, $10.00 per hour; student 

calendar; by timesheet, Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, effective February 

5, 2007 to April 5, 2007. 

j. Employment of Lucas Piotter, High School Tutor, $10.00 per hour; 



k. Employment of Joseph McAuliffe, High School Tutor, $10.00 per hour; 



(a) Management Plan for Financing Other Post Employment Benefits 

Mr. O’Neill stated that post employment benefits is a $400,000 budget item in two years. He asked staff about 

the missing information in the report. He also asked staff if the District has implemented any cost containment 

steps. 

Ms. Peterson stated that she will complete the report when she receives the actuary study that is expected this 

month. This item is presented to the Board for approval because the District is applying for a grant that is due 

on May 15. Once she receives the actuary study, she will present it to the Board as a discussion item. 

Dr. Lianides stated that the District contracted with an actuary last fall. GASB 45 has added more work and 

delays in receiving the actuary report. 

It was moved by Ms. Weideman and seconded by Ms. Ervin that the Board approve items 

5(c) Personnel, and 5(e) Management Plan for Financing Other Post Employment Benefits. 

Roll Call for Items 5(c) and 5(e): 


Noes: None 

MOTION PASSED: 5-0


6. COMMUNICATIONS 

This portion of the agenda is available to the public to address the Board on any issue that is not on the 

agenda. The maximum time allowed for any speaker is three minutes. 

(a) LSEA (Laguna Salada Education Association) – None 

(b) CSEA (Classified School Employees Association) - None 

(c) People Wishing to Address the Board - None 

(d) Correspondence – 

A correspondence from the executive director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 

addressed to Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School Principal Kitty Mindel. The letter states that the school is in 

competition to be named a Governor’s Challenge Competition Regional Award Winner, and in line to be a 

finalist for the grand prize. The grand prize winner receives an exercise machine. 

(e) Board/Superintendent Communications 

Mr. Frater attended enumerable Measure Q meetings, an auction at the Community Center on behalf of a 

Vallemar School community member, and the Olympics event held at Terra Nova High School and sponsored 

by the Wellness Program. 

Ms. Ervin attended Measure Q meetings, and Cabrillo School’s Creative Arts Night 

Ms. Weideman attended the American Association of University Women Dinner regarding Measure Q, a 

Jefferson Union High School District Articulation Meeting with Ms. Menefee, and the Ocean Shore Spring 

Concert. 

Ms. Menefee attended Measure Q meetings, joint articulation meeting with JUHSD, and Partnership for a Safe 

and Healthy Pacifica presentation. 

Mr. O’Neill attended Measure Q meetings, the combined schools band concert, Greek Fest, and a Yosemite 

field trip meeting. 

Mr. Lianides stated that the District is a recipient of the Noyce Foundation math grant. To illustrate the tenuous 

nature of grant funding, 28 districts participated in the application process. Pacifica School District was one of 

nine districts that were interviewed, and one of six districts that received a grant of $100,000. This year, the 

Foundation changed its criteria for the grant. It wanted a small district to showcase its math instruction. They 

were impressed with the District’s application. The initial funding is for one year only. The Foundation will 

evaluate the District’s progress to determine if it will continue funding. 

Ms. Menefee asked about the Noyce Foundation’s projection of the longevity of the program. Ms. Vickrey 

stated five to eight years. The Foundation will re-evaluate programs on a yearly basis. One elementary school 

district was in the middle of its cycle on a literacy project, and that funding was pulled this year. 

Ms. Menefee thanked staff for securing the grant. It would have been devastating to have not received the 

support. 

(f) Board Committee Reports – based upon written reports – None 

7. PRESENTATIONS 

(a) Calera Creek Outdoor Classroom Project: Vallemar School Kent Award 

Vallemar School Principal Brian Connor recounted the history of the Calera Creek Outdoor Classroom Project. 

Calera Creek was a huge, eroded gully full of blackberry bushes. When the police station was built, the City of 

Pacifica was required to restore the creek to its former condition of forty years ago. The wetlands that drain the 

surrounding hills were restored and fenced off. The District requested a gate to access the wetlands for 

environmental studies. Parent Melody Zavala wrote a grant and contacted restoration organizations. One in 

particular, Kids for the Bay, which mainly supports urban creeks that flow into the Bay, provided a well-


developed program of study for 4th – 6th grades. Through Ms. Zavala’s efforts, Go Native Nursery, the City 

engineering department, parents, and others, a school-wide effort to plant natives in the wetlands was held. 

During the wet times of the year, the students could not utilize the wetlands, so Mr. Frater and Mr. Connor 

made a boardwalk in 10 feet sections. Go Native Nursery installed the boardwalk. Now, the creek can be used 

during the wet and dry seasons. The students go out to the Calera Creek at least four or five times a year. The 

project is tremendously popular and dove-tails nicely with Outdoor Education and Camp Arroyo. The 6th grade 

classes have had three years of experience in the creek. The plan is to hold an auction to fund a $10,000 to 

$12,000 lab science program for the 6th , 7th , and 8th grades. 

Ms. Ervin stated that environmental science appeals to children at every level. Mr. Connor stated that there are 

very few children who do not enjoy it. 

The Kent Awards Dinner where Vallemar School will receive a Kent Award for this project will be held on 

Monday, May 14, 2007. 

8. DISTRICT BUSINESS 

(a) Parcel Tax Election Update - Discussion 

Dr. Lianides stated that this item provides the Board an opportunity to give staff direction in preparing for the 

Budget Work Study on May 23, 2007. 

Ms. Weideman stated that the Measure Q results were 58 percent yes, and 42 percent no. The measure did 

not receive the two-thirds vote required for passage. It means that for every no vote, two people had to vote 

yes. Unfortunately, the minority rules. 

Ms. Ervin stated that it feels like the Board’s hands are tied behind their backs. It is so frustrating to hear how 

the District is trying to move the children into the 21st Century, and how they will be competing globally. 

Children will need all the help they can get. It is dissatisfying to see that a minority disagreed with Measure Q, 

and the children will have to pay the consequences. 

Ms. Menefee stated that she is disappointed. It is demoralizing. The District received the Noyce Foundation 

grant, and Mr. Connor’s school received a grant for the Calera Creek Project. Everyone on the Board made 

several phone calls. Ms. Menefee extended special thanks to Mr. Frater, Mr. Mark Stechbart, and Ms. 

Stephanie Hamilton. She is disappointed for the children and for all those who worked very hard for Measure 

Q. There are tough choices ahead. Ms. Menefee read the following statement: 

“Peggy Meadows and Bernie Sifry, I expect to see you on the Capitol steps first thing 

tomorrow morning, lobbying our legislators for equalized school funding. I sincerely 

hope you never rest until you resolve the funding inequities in this state.” 

Mr. Frater stated that he has very little to vent, and that he is relieved that it is over. He received an e-mail that 

thanked him for his efforts on behalf of a parent’s child and all of the children in Pacifica. It is obvious that the 

next step is to lobby the legislators. The mood in the community is not in favor of a parcel tax, and he stated his 

uncertainty that the mood would improve. It seems that the group that is lobbying on the District’s behalf is not 

very effective. It is unfair that children in Pacifica are receiving half the amount of what children in other parts of 

the County are receiving for their education. The community must become active, including those who wrote 

letters to the Pacifica Tribune opposing Measure Q. The community must lobby for a change in the way school 

funding is determined. Proposition 13 may have worked when there were 10,000 children in a school district, 

but it is no longer working in today’s climate of declining enrollment. 

Mr. O’Neill stated that there were two school measures on the ballot and both failed; one in Millbrae and one in 

Pacifica. It is interesting to note that if Proposition 13 required a two-thirds vote; it too would not have passed. 

A 58 percent vote for a candidate would be considered a landslide and a mandate. Unfortunately, the mandate 

is from a minority who does not realize what will happen. He stated that he felt sorry because the outcome is a 

slap in the face of the teachers. 

Dr. Lianides stated that he shares in the disappointment. He stated that he was impressed with the parents, 

teachers, and administrators. It was a team effort, guided by strong parent leaders. It was a good process that


brought a lot of people together in a common cause. It is unfortunate that even when the measure wins by 58- 

42 percent, it is short in the world of two-thirds vote. In any other election, it would be considered a complete 

success. It is sad that in the foreseeable future, students in the Pacifica School District will have far fewer 

dollars behind their education than students in other districts in San Mateo County. The funding is calculated 

with very different formulae that are archaic, unfair, and poorly serves the children in Pacifica. Dr. Lianides 

stated that he agrees with Mr. Frater, the District has to move ahead and look forward. There are glimmers of 

light in grants, but there needs to be a concerted effort to make the issues of unfairness of funding known; and 

to keep the battle going both locally and at state levels. One day we will have a funding system for schools that 

ensures equity, fairness, and adequacy. It is hoped that society will value the education of children and make 

those dollars plentiful and adequate to educate the next generation, because society will depend on it. Dr. 

Lianides stated that some day we will all be old; and we will be dependent on the generation that we are 

currently educating to take care of us. If we do a very poor job of providing for their education, we will be 

paying for it very dearly in 20 years. 

The Board discussed the types of items it will need for the Budget Work Study on May 23. Ms. Weideman 

stated that the Board would like to have an update of the May Revise. The Board requires information in terms 

of GASB 45 and the funding of retirements. The Board requires a list of items that can be cut from the budget 

and a priority list. Mr. Frater asked for a dollar amount that needed to be met in the budget. 

Dr. Lianides stated that staff would like the Board’s direction for next year, assuming that the District’s 

structural deficit is the same next year as it is this year. This year’s structural deficit is anticipated to be within 

the $170,000 range. The goal is to balance the budget. The District with the Board’s direction can decide to 

balance the budget in one year or in two years. For example, the goal could be to have the budget under 

$100,000 next year; and a zero deficit in two years. During the process, the Board can examine the types of 

items presented by staff. As indicated in a prior transmittal at the last Board meeting, the Board has discretion 

to take action to eliminate certain things versus those things that are negotiable. For example, class size is 

written into the teachers’ contract which would require negotiations with the teachers. Dr. Lianides will present 

the items in the two categories of negotiable and those within the Board’s discretion. Staff needs a plan to 

balance the budget within two years; and the plan must not be so tenuous that it can be thrown into a crisis; 

e.g. —a child with special needs moving into the District. Balancing the budget would also mean a stable 

budget with some cushion to absorb an unexpected expense. Unlike other public agencies, the District must 

provide certain types of services whether it has been budgeted or not. 

Mr. O’Neill requested that the certificated and classified employees, PTO Presidents, and Parent Council 

Representatives be invited to participate in the process. The Board meeting is on May 23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at 

the District Office, and the public is invited to attend. He requested cost figures on Class Size Reduction for 

each grade level. This program has not been fully funded for years. He wanted to be sure that if programs are 

cut, there will not be an additional loss of funding. For example, cutting an $8,000 program, and losing $50,000 

in subsequent funding. The Board requested information on rental income, fields maintained but not used by 

schools, amortizations, staffing for playground supervision, District contribution to the band program, Sodexho 

contract, Free and Reduced Lunch program, investments in infrastructure that would cut the operating costs, 

ways of generating more revenue, potential rental income from Linda Mar Educational Center and Oddstad 

School, the current figure in Fund 17, and the cost of membership in the Association of Low Wealth Schools. 

The Board will receive a report from the Strategic Planning meeting regarding the budget. 

Dr. Lianides stated that the point must be made with the public that the District has been living off of its 

reserves; and the reserves are dwindling. 

(b) Procedures for Senior Exemptions – (Since Measure Q did not pass, the Board removed this 

item from the Agenda.) 

Assuming that Measure Q is successful with Pacifica voters, it is recommended that the Board 

adopt procedures for the issuance of parcel tax exemptions for seniors over age 65. 

(c) Job Description for Staff Occupational Therapist – Information 

Ms. Peterson stated that the District has an occupational therapist program director. The District currently 

contracts with a non-public agency for a staff occupational therapist. By hiring its own occupational therapist,


the District could save costs. It benefits the Special Education Program to have its own employee on board. 

This is for one position. Depending on the caseload, it will be determined whether it is a full-time position. This 

is a first reading for the job description. This item will be brought back to the Board for approval. 

Ms. Weideman asked about the cost savings. Ms. Peterson stated that currently the District contracts with an 

agency at a rate of more than $55 per hour. Depending on the hours worked, the District can save significantly 

on the hourly salary. The District would have to provide benefits. 

Dr. Lianides stated that since the District is a collaborative, it may establish a relationship to contract 

occupational therapy services to other districts. This has been done with the adaptive physical education 

teacher. The newly hired position would allow the current occupational therapist to do more assessments. 

In response to Ms. Menefee’s question, Ms. Peterson stated that it was a difficult position to fill because 

occupational therapists can work for hospitals and private companies for higher salaries. The District would 

have to advertise and start the recruitment process for a licensed occupational therapist with a degree. 

(d) Budgetary Increases & Transfers at Year End Resolution 2007-05-09-A - Action 

It was moved by Ms. Weideman and seconded by Mr. Frater that the Board approve Resolution 

2007-05-09-A to authorize the County Superintendent of Schools to make such transfers at the 

close of the 2006-07 school year as may be necessary to permit the payment of obligations the 

District incurred during the year. 

Ms. Peterson stated that this item is a standard, year-end procedure. It enables the County to move certain 

items from certain categories. The District is not increasing the budget. This is a transfer budget from one 

category to another to enable the District to close its books. 

Roll Call: 


Noes: None 


(e) Facilities Update - Information 

Ortega Phase II – is in its final stretch. The project will be completed within a week. Contractors are installing 

asphalt around the perimeter of the building and the swale. The project improves drainage in the event of a 

very wet and rainy year. In the winter, water runs off from the hillside and collects in the middle of the playing 

field. The work will help to avoid situations where children have to step through puddles to access the 

buildings. The landscape contractor has been to the site a number of times. They will repair a broken main that 

causes flooding in areas by the road. By the end of next week, the temporary, gravel road through the field will 

be removed. The landscape contractor will restore the soil before installing the turf in early June. The grass 

should have two months of growth before the start of soccer season and the new school year. The District is 

waiting for the geotechnical report regarding runoff from the top of the hillsides. The work will be done during 

the summer. 

Vallemar School – construction has started on the music building. Within several weeks, the slab will be 

poured. Currently, they are working on drainage work with the sewer lines. Geotech has been on site giving 

instruction on the types of footing required. The project requires intricate timelines. After the music building, 

they have to start the buildings in the back of the school for the fourth grade class. The work must be 

completed before school opens in the fall. The District is monitoring the project very carefully, and so far, the 

contractor is doing well in working cooperatively with Vallemar School. The construction area has been well 

isolated, while students have access to the lower field area. 

(f) Report of Interest Earned (3 rd Quarter) - Information 

Ms. Peterson stated that the District has earned more than $150,000 in all funds combined. The year- to-date


is more than $434,000. The District has earned 4.53 percent in interest. An unused portion of the TRAN has 

earned some of the money. 

Mr. O’Neill requested an explanation of this fund to present to the public at the May 23, 2007 meeting. 

9. BOARD BYLAWS, POLICIES and ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS 

(a) BP 6141.6 Instruction – First Reading 

Dr. Lianides stated that this is a new policy which recognizes the various contributions of cultures. It ties the 

studying of various cultures to the California State Standards. It includes activities, languages, cultural 

characteristics, and events. It challenges stereotypes by recognizing the values and contributions of all 

cultures. 

This is a first reading. This item will be brought before the Board for approval on the May 30, 2007 Consent 

Agenda. 

10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

• Resolution requesting changes to the No Child Left Behind legislation. 

• Asset Management Foundation Discussion, June 20, 2007. 

• Kent Awards, May 14, 2007 

• Ocean Shore School Open House, May 24, 2007 – Mr. Frater 

• Sunset Ridge School Open House – Ms. Menefee 

• Cabrillo School Open House – Ms. Ervin 

• Greek Fest at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, May 24, 2007 

• Joint Meeting with Jefferson Union High School District and City of Pacifica, May 29, 2007 

• All District Band Concert at San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 10 Year Anniversary with Mr. Rob 

Schneider, reception following the concert, May 22, 2007. [The Board requested that an invitation be 

sent to the JUHSD trustees, Superintendent Mike Crilly, and high school band teachers – See Ms. 

Vickrey.] 

11. ADJOURNMENT 

Board President Mike O’Neill adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.. 

NEXT MEETING: May 30, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m., District Office, 375 Reina Del Mar Avenue, Pacifica 

Joan Weideman, Clerk James Lianides, Ed.D. 

Minutes Approved 5/30/07 Secretary to the Board

May 9, 2007 - Pacifica School District

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