January 29, 2013 - Board of Trustees - Ceres Unified School District

Minutes – Board of Trustees UNAPPROVED MINUTES Meeting – January 29, 2013
4. COMMENDATION/SCHOOL PRESENTATION SECTION
a. Recognition of Rotary District 5220 Peace Essay Contest 1st Place Winner - Whitmore
Charter School
Principal Lynnette Chirrick introduced the first place winner of the Rotary District 5220 Peace
Essay Contest. The Trustees greeted and congratulated the student and President Welsh
presented her with a certificate in recognition of her accomplishment.
At this time, President Welsh offered the opportunity for those in attendance for the commendations to
exit the meeting.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
a. Opportunity for the Board and Administration to Adjust the Published Agenda
President Welsh offered the opportunity to make adjustments to the published Agenda. Dr.
Siegel requested that Information & Study Item 10. e., State Budget Update, immediately
precede Action Item 9. g., Salary Restoration, given that information in the budget update is
applicable to the salary restoration. The Agenda was so adjusted. For the purpose of the
meeting minutes, Item 10. e. appears in its agendized order.
6. HEARING SECTION
a. Opportunity for Citizens to Address Items Not on the Agenda
Trustee Davis read aloud the guidelines relevant to public presentations to the Board and
opened the Public Hearing for those wishing to address an item not on the Agenda.
Rosalinda Vierra introduced herself as a parent of students at Central Valley High School
and Sinclear Elementary School, and addressed the Board regarding concerns at CVHS. Ms.
Vierra asserted that $35 charged for students to attend the Winter Formal was excessive for
what they received. Ms. Vierra also expressed concern that her daughter is now a half
semester behind in preparing for college after receiving a failing grade for “unknown
circumstances” in a pre-calculus class last semester, and being unable to change classes.
Ms. Vierra noted that, as a member of the NAACP Education Board, she is aware that Latino
and African-American students were recently transferred out of CVHS for credit deficiency,
many of whom were behind by as few as 5 credits, as her daughter is now. Ms. Vierra
emphasized the importance of advocates such as the NAACP in fighting for students’ rights.
She reported positive experiences with the administration of Sinclear Elementary School,
but suggested that the staff and administration at CVHS are defensive and unresponsive.
Ms. Vierra encouraged open communication between school administration, parents and the
community.
7. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Trustee Davis reported that no action was taken during Closed Session.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes of the Regular Governing Board Meeting of January 8, 2013
b. Ratification of Warrants
c. Ratification of Employment
d. Disposal of District Property
e. Sale of District Property
f. Claim for Damages
g. CUSD Board Policy July 2012 Revisions
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