Minutes- Sept 25 2008.doc - Vista Unified School District

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VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES OF A REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
FOOTHILL-OAK ELEMENTARY
MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING
1370 Oak Drive
Vista, CA 92084
OPEN SESSION / CALL TO
ORDER / ROLL CALL /
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President
Gibson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board Members Present
Jim Gibson, President
Steve Lilly, Vice President
Stephen Guffanti, Clerk
Carol Weise Herrera, Member
David Hubbard, Member
Staff Members Present
Dr. Joyce Bales, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Sandy Gecewicz, Chief Academic Officer
Myrna Vallely, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Donna Caperton, Chief Business Officer
Jeanie Luckey, Executive Director, Professional Development
Matt Doyle, Executive Director, ELD, Pre K-12
Raylene Veloz, Recording Secretary
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES Dr. Sandy Gecewicz stated tonight Vista Unified is celebrating the
success of students, teachers and parents. Vista Unified School District
is stepping up and students and staff are reaching higher.
Certificates were presented to newly certified and previously certified
teachers of the District who have been certified in the Lindamood-Bell
teaching techniques. 11 teachers received certificates.
Dr. Gecewicz stated 156 students made a perfect score on at least one
area of their California Standards Test (CST). Certificates were
presented to the students for perfect scores in math by the principal for
each school. They were:
‣ Temple Heights Elementary, Principal Shari Fernandez
‣ Beaumont Elementary, Principal Peggy Fickes
‣ Foothill-Oak Elementary, Principal Beth Graham
‣ Maryland Elementary, Principal Acacia Thede
‣ Hannalei Elementary, Elizabeth Gosnell
Certificates were presented to the schools and students with the
strongest Academic Performance Index (API) growth:
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‣ Crestview Elementary a 10 point gain, Principal Tracy Zachary

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‣ Mission Meadows a 17 point gain, Principal Denise Shaver
‣ Olive Elementary a 37 point gain, Principal Gina Zyburt
‣ Vista Academy of Visual & Performing Arts, a 29 point gain,
Principal Mary Contreras
‣ Rancho Minerva a 20 point gain, Principal Steve Riehle
‣ Washington Middle School a 24 point gain, Assistant Principal
Cheryl Carter
‣ Rancho Buena Vista High School a 21 point gain, Principal
Varda Levy
Jeanie Luckey, Executive Director of Professional Development
presented a certificate and flowers to teacher Erica Glennon of Rancho
Buena Vista High School. Ms. Glennon was recognized at the Salute to
Teachers event.
‣ Vista High School a 13 point gain, Principal Larry White
Presented certificates to schools and students who received a score of
over 800 for the API:
‣ Breeze Hill Elementary, 836 points, Principal Susan Fitzpatrick
‣ Madison Middle School, 845 points, Principal Robert Pack
‣ Roosevelt Middle School, 808 points, Assistant Principal Olga
Greenlee
Certificates were presented to schools and students that met the
guidelines for the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP):
‣ Alamosa Elementary, 846 , Principal Vivian Firestone
‣ Bobier Elementary a 42 point gain, Principal David Lacey.
Bobier has conditionally exited Program Improvement (PI)
status this year.
‣ California Avenue made AYP and made a 55 point gain.
‣ Casita Center, 809, Principal Laura Smith
‣ Empresa Elementary, 862, Principal Debbie Gosselin
‣ Grapevine Elementary, Principal Amy Illingworth. Second
school to make conditional exit off the PI status. Made a 29
point gain.
‣ Lake Elementary, 870, a 10 point gain, Principal Diane Lambert
‣ North Star Academy, 809, a 18 point gain, Principal Vicki Corea
‣ Palomar High School a 72 point gain, Principal David Gordon
‣ Monte Vista Elementary, Principal Sue Orton. First school to
exit PI status.
‣ Vista Magnet Middle School highest API score in the District
871.
Jeanie Luckey presented a certificate and flowers to Maggie Jacobsen a
teacher from Vista Magnet Middle School for being honored at the Salute
to Teachers event.
Presented 4 more certificates for teachers who have been certified in the
Lindamood-Bell techniques.
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In closing, Dr. Gecewicz thanked parents, teachers, students and
administrators for the support they give to one another. She
commended students in putting education before play and the bright
future ahead for each and every one of them.
DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VTA
CSEA
.
DELAC
.
CONSOLIDATED MOTION
POLICIES
Dr. Bales thanked parents, teachers and students for the celebration.
Also thanked the PTA parents for their help with the reception.
Introduced Student Board member Dustin Byer, senior at Rancho Buena
Vista High School.
Member Hubbard moved approval of the agenda, seconded by
Member Guffanti. All in favor passed unanimously.
Jan O’Reilly president of VTA appreciated the celebration and stated it
was a wonderful event. Ms. O’Reilly requested that the Local
Educational Agency (LEA) plan that is to be approved tonight by the
Board be tabled. She has questions/concerns on some of the items
cited in the plan and would like to give other people a chance to review
this plan adequately. Expressed her concerns on the VIMS and Reading
First grants that the District will not be receiving this year. Those monies
enhance our programs.
No Report
No Report
Member Lilly read the consolidated motion. Member Hubbard moved
approval of the consolidated motion, seconded by Member Guffanti.
All in favor passed unanimously.
Item 8.A. Approved to Adopt Resolution No. 09-26 to Update Exhibits A and B
of Board Policy No. 9012, Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Code
HUMAN RESOURCES CERTIFICATED/CLASSIFIED
DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
BUSINESS SERVICES
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Item 9.A., Approved and Ratified Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement
Between the Vista Unified School District and the California School Employees
Association Chapter #389
Item 9.B., Approved Implementation of the Salary /Classification Study
Recommendations to Include Unrepresented Positions
Item 10.B., Approved Out-Of-State Travel for One Rancho Buena Vista High
School Teacher, Jennifer Hall, and the International Baccalaureate (IB)
Coordinator, Heather Golly, to attend the IB Conference in Denver, Co,
November 21-24, 2008
Item 10.C., Approved Out-Of-State Travel for Three Rancho Buena Vista High
School Counselors to be named later to attend the IB Conference in St.
Petersburg, Florida, December 3-6, 2008
Item 10.D., Approved Out-Of-State Travel for one Rancho Buena Vista High
School Teacher, Andrea Miller, to Attend the IB Conference in St. Petersburg,
Florida, December 3-6, 2008
Item 10.E., Approved Resolution #09-10 of the Vista Unified School District
Declaring Sufficient Textbooks or Instructional Materials for Each Pupil
Item 10.F., Approved a New Regional Occupation Program (ROP), UC
Approved, High School Courses
Item 11.B., Approved Waiver of School Facilities Fees for RBV International
Baccalaureate (IB) Program

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ITEMS HELD FOR DISCUSSION
PRESENTATIONS BY COMMUNITY
MEMBERS
STAFF COMMITTEE REPORT TO
THE BOARD
Item 7.A., 2007-08 Vista Unified School District Accountability Progress
Report
Item 7.B., Board/District Goals and Strategic Plan
Item 10.A., Approve the Local Educational Agency Plan for the Vista
Unified School District
Item 11.A., Approve to take Action to Grant or Deny the Charter Petition
for the Classical Academy, Vista, As a New Charter School in the District
Item 12.A., Items Not on the Agenda/Items for Future Discussion
Ron Ferreirae teacher of Rancho Buena Vista High School stated that
schools have improved over the past five years and the gains are
nothing new. Mr. Ferreirae mentioned surrounding school districts and
their gains and stated that individual schools have improved. It takes a
lot of hard work. It’s the teachers, staff and most of all students who help
in this effort and not a program.
Member Gibson stated the District will always celebrate success and
hard work.
7.A. 2007-08 Vista Unified School District Accountability Progress
Report
1. State Accountability – Academic Performance Index (API)
2. Federal Accountability Report – Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) and
3. Program Improvement (PI) Status
Steve Green, Coordinator of Research and Assessment, presented
information on the Academic Performance Index the State growth model
and the progress of individual schools. The Districts API increased by 16
points. Mr. Green presented API growth by subgroups. The largest
subgroup to grow was the Pacific Islander subgroup. Shared API scores
of elementary, API growth of middle and high.
Member Hubbard addressed his concerns on the API drop of Alta Vista
High School (AVHS). Mr. Green stated he is speaking with Principal
David Gordon to work on this and stated that AVHS is a very small
school with a small student population with students who may be
struggling academically compared to other schools in the District.
Member Hubbard would like a report back on AVHS to see if they have
moved in a positive direction. Mr. Green will be working with Principal
Gordon.
Federal Accountability Report – Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
Mr. Green explained the Adequate Yearly Progress is the Federal
accountability report under the No Child Left Behind Act. He shared
information on the AYP targets for unified districts and the criteria that
needs to be met in English Language Arts and math. Reviewed Vista
Unifieds 2008 AYP summary and the criteria they met and percentage
proficient.
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Further information shared on students with disabilities and what that
includes, AYP for English Language Learners and targets subgroups
have met. Shared statewide summary of schools. Bobier and
Grapevine Elementary met their AYP target and if they meet them at the
end of this year will exit PI status at the end of this year. Reviewed the
Safe Harbor Clause which states if schools can reduce by 10% the
number of students below proficiency they satisfy the Safe Harbor
criteria and meet their AYP. Reviewed how Bobier and Grapevine have
met the safe harbor criteria. Member Lilly stated he did not see why we
couldn’t make Safe Harbor next year. It’s an achievable goal for schools
striving to make progress.
Mr. Green continued to share information on the Districts Safe Harbor
2007-2008 Data and Safe Harbor targets for 2008-2009. Member Lilly
stated he is satisfied with the strategy with students who are English
Learners. He stated his concern with students with disabilities and would
like a staff analysis and plan to bring back on academic performance.
Discussions continued on students with disabilities.
5 minute break
Member Gibson moved that item 11.A. be moved forward, seconded
by Member Hubbard. All in favor passed unanimously.
Item 11.A. Approve to take Action to Grant or Deny the Charter
Petition for the Classical Academy, Vista, As a New Charter School
in the District
Alejandro Sanchez spoke to an issue about field use by the City of
Vista. This was not the right item for 11.A. Mr. Sanchez will be called
back up.
Silvia Peters addressed her many concerns about charter schools GPA
and SIATech. She stated the most important issue is the health and
safety of students. She expressed her concerns about regulation of
current charter schools and the Districts oversight of them.
Jill Parvin spoke on behalf of North Star Academy teacher Gregg
Rolfsmeyer. Ms. Parvin read a letter by Mr. Rolfsmeyer on his objection
to the approval of the Classical Academy and his various concerns.
Classical Academy is selective in their student enrollment.
Alejandro Sanchez is opposed to this charter school. There will be
another time and another place. We have had problems in the past on
previous charter schools.
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Dina Harris of Best Best & Krieger stated the District has submitted
two alternative resolutions based on staffs review as well as Ms. Harris.
Ms. Harris gave a brief background on past information and stated the
Classical Academy resubmitted their petition based on concerns that
were brought up at a previous meeting. Ms. Harris stated the two
options presented are to deny the petition based on the Finding of Facts
or to approve granting with conditions. Ms. Harris reviewed some issues
of concern, such as academic issues, special education issues,
budgetary concerns and location of a facility.

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Greg Moser of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch
stated he did review the website of the Classical Academy and
addressed some of his concerns. Mr. Moser stated that they are WASC
accredited and have been established since 1999. He also stated that
when he went to look at the documents a lot of information is fairly
current. They include a lot of appendices which are not part of the
charter document. Mr. Moser advised that four areas be covered:
1. That the appendices be included in the charter document.
2. They reference the other charters that they have but nothing states
in the charter or appendices how the Classical Academy relates to
the other schools.
3. New employees need to go into STRS and not social security.
4. Will they be a school of the District or their own LEA.
5. Notice of where the site will be located.
6. Specify Insurance.
Discussions continued regarding appendices not being included in the
petition and the possible reasons for that. Member Guffanti wanted more
clarification on the conditions to approve by Greg Moser.
Member Lilly stated we can approve, disapprove or approve with
conditions. He stated I am persuaded by staff analysis that there are
pretty systemic and multiple short comings in this proposal and it’s not
our job to make the proposal hold, that’s not our job and it’s not our job to
write a set of conditions to make sure the proposal holds. Member Lilly
continued and I’m not prepared to approve this charter school with this
many questions remaining unanswered even though we’ve given them
multiple opportunities to answer those questions.
Member Lilly moved to deny the charter, seconded by Member
Hubbard.
Member Guffanti stated the positive aspects of the school. He also
mentioned their other charters that have been successful. Member
Guffanti would like to suggest that the Board do a conditional acceptance
and have Greg Moser and Classical Academy work out the details.
Member Hubbard stated the conditions of the petition do not meet his
expectations regarding racial ethnic balance, special education and
securing of a facility/site for the school.
Member Herrera expressed her concerns of a past charter school that
did not last a year due to the charter itself was very poorly written.
Member Herrera did not want to see the students of this District out on a
limb. They would be better served in receiving a quality education by
staying were they are within the District. She would vote against the
Classical Academy.
Member Gibson stated competition is good for the public school system.
Charter Schools offer an alternative for parents. If they are not meeting
the needs of the students they should fail. Competition adds quality.
Member Gibson stated if he had a choice he would ask for a conditional.
Believes this could be a successful charter school.
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Member Lilly stated my motion is to adopt Resolution 09-25 and
thereby deny the charter, seconded by Member Hubbard for
clarification Member Hubbard asked Member Lilly it’s the one we
received this evening from attorney Harris that includes a revised
Finding of Fact, Member Lilly stated that includes modifications
made by attorney Harris. What I’m referring to is the resolution that
incorporates the original resolution to deny and incorporates the
revised.
All those in favor Hubbard, Herrera and Lilly. Those opposed
Gibson and Guffanti. Three in favor 2 opposed motion passes.
Member Gibson moved that two items be tabled tonight Board District
Goals and also 10.A. due to insufficient time.
Member Hubbard moved to table Item 7.B. to another meeting,
seconded by Member Guffanti. All in favor passed unanimously.
Member Hubbard moved to table Item 10.A to another meeting,
seconded by Member Guffanti. All in favor passed unanimously.
Member Gibson stated a couple of meetings ago he asked staff to come
forward with something or some sort of description on how we are going
to do the high tech curriculum or recommendation on that. Next time can
we have some sort of progress on what we plan to do
Member Lilly suggested that the Board have one Board meeting on
October 16 and if necessary another meeting be held on October 30.
Item 8.A. Adopt Resolution No. 09-26 to Update Exhibits A and B of
Board Policy No. 9012, Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Code
Two hold cards were pulled for Item 8.A. This item was already approved
under the consolidated motion. Member Lilly moved that those who
pulled hold cards be allowed to speak, seconded by Member
Guffanti. All in favor passed unanimously.
Alejandro Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez did not wish to speak.
Silvia Peters stated she felt having this item is good for the District. Ms.
Peters addressed her concerns on the Citizen’s Bond Oversight
Committee and the Conflict of Interest with Guajome Park Academy.
Member Lilly moved to adopt resolution 09-26, seconded by Member
Herrera. All in favor unanimously passed.
Item 12.A. Items Not on the Agenda/ Items for Future Discussion
Community Member Martin Kellough spoke to the issue of school buses
cutting thru Coventry Road where his home is located. They have no
purpose there. Mr. Kellough stated there are 35 – 40 buses going up
and down the street Monday through Friday. Buses need to take the
main thorough way.
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Dr. Bales will look into it and get back to Mr. Kellough.

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Ginger Quevedo a resident of the neighborhood and a 19 year
employee of the District stated a lot of the excuses used by the Director
of Transportation are not true. She stated various examples. They do
have a petition of over 100 signatures from neighbors.
Dr. Bales will look into it and get back to Ms. Quevedo.
Carmen Radwinsky who has a son who attends Madison Middle School
spoke about a trip that is open to all Madison Middle School students for
an educational trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C., Gettysburg and
Boston. Ms. Radwinsky has already signed up a significant amount of
donors. She needed a letter from Madison Middle School on their
letterhead and also the school Tax I.D. number for the donors. This is a
standard letter that the donors receive from the school. Would like to
see the policy on fundraising in writing and she would also like to know
why the fundraising efforts throughout the District are not equal.
Scott Zimmer spoke to the issue of school buses going down his street
and is concerned about the buses going by. Mr. Zimmer has a
kindergartner who attends Beaumont and stated his concern for her and
other students. Buses need to use the main thorough way.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:45
p.m. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on
Thursday, October 16, 2008.
_____________________________
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
_____________________________
Clerk of the Board of Trustees
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