Regular Board Meeting
Natomas USD
December 16, 2020 5:45PM
EDUCATION CENTER - BOARD ROOM
1901 Arena Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834
Closed Session: 5:45 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
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| In response to the Governor's Executive Order N-25-20 and Resolution 20-07 Delegating Authority to Take Necessary Action to Protect Students and Staff from the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), adopted by the Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) on March 16, 2020, the NUSD Board Meetings are closed to the public to follow state guidelines on social distancing until further notice.
NUSD Board Meetings are live-streamed and recorded, and available for viewing at https://natomasunified.org/board-of-trustees/videos/.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via eComment through email at publiccomment@natomasunified.org. If you are unable to email a December 16, 2020 for assistance. |
| President Kaplan called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. |
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Jag Bains, Micah Grant, Ericka Harden, Susan Heredia and Lisa Kaplan were present.
Chris Evans, Superintendent, stated the open session meeting of the Board of Trustees is being livestreamed at the direction of the Board. He added that the livestream is available on the district's website, and the recordings will be available for viewing the day after the Board Meeting.
He noted that NUSD Board Meetings are closed to the public to follow state guidelines on social distancing until further notice. He explained this action was taken In response to Governor's Executive Order N-25-20 and Resolution 20-07 Delegating Authority to Take Necessary Action to Protect Students and Staff from the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), adopted by the Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) on March 16, 2020. |
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| President Kaplan announced that the Board would be going into Closed Session to: conference with labor negotiator California School Employees Association. |
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| PROCEDURE: The Board of Trustees welcomes the public's participation at Board Meetings and has devoted time in the meeting for that purpose. Since the NUSD Board Meetings are closed to the public to follow state guidelines on social distancing until further notice, the Board requests that you submit public comments via eComment through email at publiccomment@natomasunified.org. If you are unable to email a public comment, please call Constituent and Customer Services prior to 12 p.m. on December 16, 2020 for assistance. |
President Kaplan asked if we had received any public comments regarding the closed session items tonight?
Christina Huth, Executive Director, stated that we did not receive any public comments regarding tonight's closed session items. |
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PROCEDURE: There are a number of exceptions to the requirement that the public business is done in public. The Legislature has articulated these exceptions because of public necessity for confidentiality or because an open disclosure would violate the privacy rights of an employee or a pupil.
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| Angela Herrera, Chief Academic Officer |
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| President Kaplan reconvened open session at 6:01 p.m. |
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| Jag Bains, Estefania Garcia, Micah Grant, Ericka Harden, Susan Heredia and Lisa Kaplan were present. |
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| President Kaplan announced that no action was taken in closed session. |
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| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| The oath of office will be administered to Micah Grant, Ericka Harden, and Susan Heredia. |
President Kaplan announced they will now move on to administering the Oath of Office to our returning and new Trustees in alphabetical order. She stated that Trustee Micah Grant was formally sworn in by Trustee Jag Bains earlier today, and he will now be sworn in ceremoniously by Sabrina Jackson. Sabrina Jackson administered the Oath of Office to Trustee Grant.
President Kaplan announced joining us tonight is Twin Rivers Unified School District Trustee Christine Jefferson, who will administer the Oath of Office to Trustee-elect Ericka Harden. Christine Jefferson administered the Oath of Office to Trustee-elect Ericka Harden.
President Kaplan announced that NUSD Superintendent Chris Evans would administer the Oath of Office to Trustee Susan Heredia. Superintendent Evans administered the Oath of Office to Trustee Heredia. |
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Passed with a motion by Micah Grant and a second by Ericka Harden. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Yes Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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| Board of Trustees |
| Board of Trustees |
| The Board is asked to hold its Annual School Board Reorganization Meeting. |
The Board is asked to hold its Annual School Board Reorganization Meeting. Passed with a motion by Lisa Kaplan and a second by Micah Grant. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Absent Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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| Under the provisions of Education Code section 35142, our governing Board is required to set an annual organization meeting. At the December 9, 2020 Board meeting the Board took action to designate December 16, 2020 as the annual organizational meeting. During the organization meeting Trustees will elect school Board Officers (President, Vice President, and Clerk). Our current Board officers will continue their roles through the adjournment of the December 16, 2020 Board meeting. |
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| President Kaplan made a motion for Susan Heredia as President, Micah Grant as Vice President and Ericka Harden as Clerk. |
Annual Organizational Meeting Packet
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| Board of Trustees |
| Board of Trustees |
| The Board is asked to hold its Annual School Board Reorganization Meeting. |
The Board is asked to hold its Annual School Board Reorganization Meeting. Passed with a motion by Dr. Susan Heredia and a second by Lisa Kaplan. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Absent Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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| Under the provisions of Education Code section 35142, our governing Board is required to set an annual organization meeting. At the December 9, 2020 Board meeting the Board took action to designate December 16, 2020 as the annual organizational meeting. During the organization meeting Trustees will elect County School Boards Association representative and a County Committee on School District Organization representative. The County School Boards Association representative attends meetings at the County with representatives from all county school Boards. The County Committee on School District Organization representative comes together with other representatives to review and approve proposals to change school district organization in the county. The County Committee also considers petitions for transfers of school district territory, and establishes or changes school district governing Board Trustee area. Our current Board officers will continue their roles through the adjournment of the December 16, 2020 Board meeting. |
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| President-elect Heredia nominated Jag Bains for County School Boards Association and Lisa Kaplan for the County Committee on School District Organization. |
Annual Organizational Meeting Packet
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| Student Board Member Estefania Garcia gave congratulations to the returning Trustees. She gave a special congratulations to Trustee Harden and noted that she wishes nothing but the best for her journey. She noted that she is looking forward to what she can do for the NUSD staff, families and students. She added that speaking from experience it has been a great role to serve the Natomas district. She stated that she hopes she enjoys every moment along the way. |
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Trustee Harden stated that there are too many people to thank. She shared that she is looking forward to this. She asked that at a later time for those that she forgets that she can come back and speak again. She gave thanks to the community and all those that have entrusted this opportunity to her. She gave God all the glory. She thanked Real Life Church, her family, the democratic party, the union, Sac Women's Dems, the NWPC, and her small but powerful team. She gave a special thank you to south Natomas because without them she would not be here.
Trustee Grant stated that he would not be as brief because the first time he did this he was filled with anxiety and he couldn't get any words out. He noted that he took the time to prepare some things. He congratulated Dr. Susan Heredia on being reelected to the Board and added that she is a world class Trustee and that he looks forward to serving with her again. He stated to Ericka Harden for being newly elected to the Board, he finds her to be a world class person and it's been a privilege to get to know her and work with her in this new capacity. Grant shared that he is very honored to be starting his second term on the Board. He thanked Trustee Bains for his support. He thanked the voters of the district, especially the faith-based members of the community who did so much by delivering the most votes ever to any candidate running for school board. He noted there are many challenges ahead of us, the ongoing challenge of fiscal discipline and classroom resources, and from where he stands it looks like the district is weathering the day-to-day storms that all schools face and NUSD is doing better than many of their neighboring districts. He opined that we should take pride in that. Grant stated that we also have the unexpected ongoing challenge of this pandemic that has overtaken the land. He noted that these are precious years in the lives of our growing students, years that they cannot afford to lose. He shared that he grew up poor, as poor as any student in his district and his parents looked to school as a refuge of hope. He added that the parents of our schools today deserve no less and we will continue to deliver. He stated that so far NUSD has met the difficult challenge with determination, innovation and courage. He shared that NUSD will continue to do so in the months ahead until this pandemic is behind us. Grant stated that there have also been personal challenges as well. He added that in 2020 racism continues to raise its ugly head. He shared that there has been racism directed at him but also towards his wife and child. He shared that as he walked precincts, he learned that it is very important to listen and added that sometimes listening was very hard. He shared some of the names that he was called while walking precincts. He stated that his faith kept him on track. He shared that his faith is stronger now than when he started and that prevailing in this election despite attacks has only strengthened it more. He shared that he remains committed to providing the students of our district with the absolute best educational opportunities that we can. He opined that he looks forward to moving with a four minded agenda at the governance level and in the classroom that ensures that parents, teachers and students are heard over the next four years. Grant encouraged everyone to remember the reason for the season and shared that he always encourages people as a form of literature to consider the life of Christ. He opined it is the greatest story that has ever been told. He added that this holiday season to think of other people. He thanked the district for always doing that regardless of where the philosophies are and for always thinking of the people during this holiday season.
President-elect Heredia stated that she wanted to welcome Trustee Harden. She added that she looks forward to working with her. She stated that she looks forward to continuing to work with him. She shared that she is humbled and appreciative that the community reelected her. She shared she is entering her 6th term as a Trustee and she is beginning to feel that she has to remember everything now and ensures that everyone knows what to do. She noted that with it comes the responsibility of being a senior member on the school board. She thanked the community and opined that like Trustee Grant she is very good at connecting with the community. She shared that she is very honored to be nominated as the CSBA president-elect and added that she wants to make sure that NUSD gets highlighted for all the great things the district does. She noted that the district has had a couple of Golden Bell Awards but that she really wants people to take note of what is happening in this district which is one of the more progressive districts and where Trustees come together and never lose sight of why they are here. She reminded them that they are here for the kids and families. She opined it is so important. Heredia stated if Trustees begin to sway she will remind them why they are there. She explained that's why she serves and was an educator for many years because of her commitment to kids and the community and to making sure that every child in this district gets the best education possible. She gave thanks and added that she is humbled to be in the presidential position for this Board. She shared that in subsequent years it will be challenging to accept that nomination as her role in CSBA and her responsibility increases it would have been more difficult. She expressed her appreciation for that nomination. She thanked everyone and opined that she looks forward to the next four years.
Trustee Bains welcomed Trustee Harden and congratulated her. He opined that he looks forward to working with her. He congratulated Trustee Grant and Trustee Heredia for their well-deserved re-elections. He stated that he wanted to recognize the work done by Superintendent Evans. He added that this has been a tough year and what he has achieved and done with his team is nothing short of remarkable. He opined that the NUSD community owes him a lot. He thanked Superintendent Evans.
President Kaplan thanked the Trustees for allowing her and the Superintendent to steer this ship during the pandemic. She opined it has not been easy but their faith and trust in knowing they put kids first. She noted her appreciation. She explained that the district was on it and that all of our kids have technology, have Wi-Fi and are getting social emotional supports. She stated that there are huge learning disruptions but she has faith in how hard the district is working and that they as Trustees, even with differences, come together to put kids first. She thanked the Trustees for allowing her and the Superintendent a little more latitude this year on how they led. She welcomed Trustee Harden. She stated to Trustee Grant and Trustee Heredia that she looks forward to continuing to work with them and opined they have done good stuff and knows they will continue it. She stated that tonight is the 7th night of Hannukah and as Trustee Grant said, it should be about light and hope. She shared that she is eternally grateful that she has a stable job, shelter, food, the things that her kids need to be able to concentrate on school even though distance learning isn't working for them. She added that she can only imagine for our families who are not sheltered how hard that is. She explained that while there is a Special Board meeting after this that she wants to publicly thank the leadership of our Natomas Schools Foundation (NSF), Sonia Mercado, Monty Maxwell, Superintendent Evans and herself for what they have started with the Go Fund Me page. She explained it is putting the needs of our children and families first to try to give them the basic needs in sheltering to make sure that every child succeeds during this difficult time, especially for those that do not have a choice. She added that our Nutrition Services, our Social Workers, our staff and everyone is going above and beyond. She thanked them for doing something so heartwarming this time of year that will potentially have long term impacts on people's lives. She opined that for her that means a lot. She wished everyone a wonderful holiday and added that may they be blessed in abundance with 2021 and be able to see each other safely soon. |
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| Superintendent Evans offered congratulations and welcome to Trustee Harden and the two incumbents Trustee Heredia and Grant, it is great to have you both back. He stated now that the Board has reorganized they have three significant issues that they get to deal with tonight. He noted that two of them directly talk about surveying students and families, two of our major constituent groups. He added that the third one focuses on the California Voting Rights Act. He explained that all three of these things are very important. He stated that the first two focus on why they should all be working in education for Natomas Unified staff as well as serving on the School Board. He explained that these are issues that will directly support and serve our students and families in an unprecedented health crisis and the subsequent economic fallout that has come as a result of that. He shared that right now one in right families do not have enough food in our country. He added that the number gets worse, and is one in six if families have children in the house. Evans stated that parents have co-taught now for 10 months. He opined whoever thought that in the United Stated we would face a year that would be like this, full of frustration, pain and suffering for so many. He explained that tonight the Board of Trustees have the opportunity to see their direction turned into action, the vision, the core beliefs, the goals, and the commitments all point to moments like this. He shared that these are examples of why candidates become Trustees. He stated that tonight Trustees get to hear from staff and then take action if they so choose that will make a difference, short term in some cases and longer term in others for students and families. He opined that this would be one of the most exciting opportunities that they have had in awhile to know they are making a significant difference for some of our neediest families. He noted 25 homeless families and a little under 300 students for daycamps. He added that with that they will move forward. |
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| PROCEDURE: The Board of Trustees welcomes the public's participation at Board Meetings and has devoted time in the meeting for that purpose. Since the NUSD Board Meetings are closed to the public to follow state guidelines on social distancing until further notice, the Board requests that you submit public comments via eComment through email at publiccomment@natomasunified.org. If you are unable to email a public comment, please call Constituent and Customer Services prior to 12 p.m. on December 16, 2020 for assistance. |
President Kaplan asked if we had received any public comments regarding items not on the agenda?
Christina Huth, Executive Director, stated they received public comments from Bryan Felix, Kenneth Casparis and Dharia McGrew. The public comments have been forwarded to the entire Board of Trustees and appropriate staff. The specifics of these public comments will be recorded in the official Board meeting minutes.
Bryan Felix submitted the following public comment:
My name is Bryan Felix. I'm a resident of South Natomas in the River City Commons neighborhood. Our neighborhood is home to many LGBTQ families and allies. As a resident and as a teacher myself, I am strongly opposed to Micah Grant being elected to a board leadership position because of his anti-LGBTQ positions and affiliation with the Republican party. I believe his leadership would be antithetical to the inclusive, Democratic values that the Natomas community shares.
Kenneth Casparis submitted the following public comment:
Dear Members of the Board,
My name is Ken Casparis. I live in South Natomas in the River City Commons neighborhood, a neighborhood that is home to many LGBTQ families and allies. I am strongly opposed to Micah Grant being elected to a board leadership position because of his anti-LGBTQ positions other political beliefs. I believe his leadership would be antithetical to the inclusive, Democratic values that the Natomas community shares.
Thanks,
Ken
Dharia McGrew submitted the following public comment:
Dear NUSD Trustees
As you prepare to elect board officer positions this evening during your annual board reorganization, I strongly urge you to elect leadership who will ensure that all students and families in Natomas are supported, welcomed, and celebrated. I have been a resident of South Natomas for 6 years now, and will have kids entering the NUSD schools next year. As an LGBTQ family, we feel supported and welcomed by this very diverse neighborhood. It is always my hope that when my children enter the school system, they will have teachers and textbooks who reflect our life, family, neighbors and friends. I support district policies that create safe and inclusive environments for ALL learners. Members of this board who have not supported FAIR act implementation and other LGBTQ-inclusive district policies do not reflect my values, or those of my neighbors. I was present for the vote on adoption of FAIR act compliant textbooks and was deeply hurt by comments and justification for not supporting implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive curricula. Research shows that kids who see themselves reflected in their lessons do better in school, feel safer, have improved mental health, and experience less bullying. I urge you to elect board leadership who will work to support all families and children that attend school in this district.
Thank you,
Dharia McGrew |
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| PROCEDURE: Generally, routine items are approved by one motion without discussion. The Superintendent or Board member may request that an item be pulled from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately. In alignment with BB 9322, the item shall be removed and given individual consideration for action as a regular agenda item. |
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Passed with a motion by Micah Grant and a second by Jag Bains. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Yes Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| The Board is asked to approve the November 18, 2020 Regular Board Meeting minutes. |
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| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| Chris Evans, Superintendent |
| The Board is asked to approve the Affirmation of 2020 Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. |
| Trustees taking action on this item is a symbolic gesture affirming the already-approved 2020 Board Policies, Administrative Regulations and Board Bylaws. No changes to existing policies are made at the time of approval, and no Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, or Board Bylaws will be changed or amended as a result of any action taken. |
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Affirmation of 2020 Board Policies
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| Angela Herrera, Chief Academic Officer |
| Angela Herrera, Chief Academic Officer |
| The Board is asked to receive a presentation regarding resources for continuing child care/day camps and to potentially taking action to continue child care/day camp services. |
The Board is asked to receive a presentation regarding resources for continuing child care/day camps and to potentially taking action to continue child care/day camp services. Passed with a motion by Lisa Kaplan and a second by Jag Bains. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Yes Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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As we continue to remain in distance learning, the Board asked staff to provide information for their consideration in regards to continuing to provide day camps/child care beyond December 18, 2020 which is the last day of our currently approved plan. NUSD Staff looked at a variety of resources to consider to continue to provide day camps/child care while we are in Distance Learning. After looking at all viable options, below are 3 resources that could individually or in combination could be implemented:
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The Center - Potential Monthly cost of $163,202 to serve currently enrolled Day Camp students at each of the 9 sites currently being served, (220 spots).
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The Catalyst Kids Childcare - Potential Monthly cost ranging from $72,000 to $200,640 to serve as few as 120 students and as many as 220 spots in regional cohorts (located at fewer sites than with current day camps).
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4th R Child Care - No cost to NUSD, parents would cover the fee for their students to attend using a sliding scale.
Fiscally, the day camps are costly. Natomas Unified would struggle to continue the day camps in January without a significant stimulus package or reducing our reserves. |
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Assistant Superintendent Shea Borges and Chief Academic Officer Angela Herrera presented on Consider Resources for Continuing Child Care/Day Camps During Distance Learning. The objectives of the presentation were: to provide the Board with resources to consider continuing child care/day camps beyond December 18, 2020.
The presentation highlighted: information about the day camps; day camp timelines; operating expenses of the day camps August 27-December 18; day camp enrollment data; child care 4th “R”; budget considerations; potential ongoing day-time child care services; considerations for selecting The Center; contract costs for day camps with The Center; considerations for Catalyst Kids childcare; contract costs for day camps with Catalyst Kids Childcare; considerations for the 4th “R”child care centers; and a resources summary.
Trustee Harden stated that they talked about seeing if there is availability and how will the community know if the other programs have availability? She noted that Child Action is usually full. She asked if anyone has checked in to see if Child Action has availability? She asked if we know that the staff knows that?
Mrs. Borges stated that The Center staff has been working with them and that it is based on eligibility and what the families have been utilizing. She added that The Center is looking for additional funding that was potentially coming from the State so that they can offer it to more families.
Trustee Harden clarified if a family was just coming to the program they would be accepted.
Mrs. Borges stated she is unable to answer that question as she does not have that information.
Trustee Grant stated that he wished we could do more and realizes the budget restraints at the same time. He added it is important to understand that kids need socialization, while we need to be careful. He shared that he is still a big advocate that they can get kids back into some environment where they can learn from each other, grow and play. He explained that whatever form this looks like tonight, he will support it because they know that suicide rates are up but that we do not know how high. He noted that modeling data suggests that they are fairly significant but that is not information that they will not have for two years with the way the United States tracks the suicide rates. He reiterated that whatever this looks like tonight, he will support it.
President-elect Heredia stated that when we first looked at this one of her biggest concerns was the cost and what that means to the district over time when we have large sums to pay. She shared when it is one time she feels comfortable with it but they are looking at this cost over time and they do not know what the budget will be in January and what kind of additional expenses the district will have. She noted that is her concern. She stated that this is usually Trustee Grant's comment in looking at it from a fiscal perspective. She noted she is thinking about long term because school funding is so unstable and those that give districts money do not always make consistent decisions about funding schools. She asked Mrs. Cleveland if she could shed any more light on the cost and that she is aware that there are many mitigating factors. She added that she is with Trustee Grant about the kids needing socialization and families that need the support because there is no childcare out there that they can afford. She noted that at the same time she is trying to find a happy medium to look out for the expenses of the district.
President Kaplan asked if we know the kids that are attending the daycamps from 4-6 p.m., what school sites are they attending? She explained that her thought was that if they look between Bannon Creek School and Jefferson School, the district could potentially look at having one site stop serving students at 4 and anyone that needs service after that goes to Bannon Creek School. She noted that it would help mitigate it because they are so close. She stated that it could be the same thing if they looked at Natomas Park and Heron School where they could potentially merge the programs to save some money. She noted that she thinks that would be something where they are giving staff direction to look at that may be able to help mitigate costs considering how expensive it is. She further explained that it is her thought that maybe only a couple of sites offer the program through 6 p.m. Kaplan stated that she understands the subsidy that the Board approved with 4th R will not go into effect until 4th R begins operating at the permanent Paso Verde campus, she shared that what she is interested in finding out is of the families that are attending The Center, how many families could actually pay 4th R where then the district would only have 4th R which is more cost effective. She asked if the district could possibly pay the $565/month for families who attend The Center who can't afford to pay for 4th R would be cheaper than paying for The Center full time. She noted we are already paying for the services, can we just move in the areas that have 4th R. She explained have 4th R the provider and the families that cannot pay the district then pay the monthly charge. She added that the district would save money and the children would still receive the services. She noted that she is not sure if that is possible
Heredia and Kaplan briefly discussed the logistics of Kaplan's idea around some school sites having programs that end earlier than others."
Mrs. Herrera asked a clarifying question of when talking about those three families at JFS, are you suggesting they would attend the day camp at BCS for their entire day? She added that is one of the considerations for the district, cohorting the students and the idea of maintaining the ratios at one site.
President Kaplan stated she wants to maintain the ratios and added that it would take a little bit of moving around but that it is better than shutting down an entire program while at the same time looking at how the district can be fiscally responsible. She asked if Trustees had any other questions and are they okay with staff looking in to that as a possibility.
Trustee Grant asked if we grant the Superintendent or designee the authority to look into what President Kaplan suggested, that he is okay with that. He added that the alternative is that we have kids and families that need that additional support. He opined we need to empower the Superintendent and give him that authority and send it in a board communication.
President-elect Heredia stated that she is in agreement.
Trustee Bains stated that there was a second question from President Kaplan regarding the district to contribute around $565 a month per child for 4th R.
Mrs. Borges stated that 4th R is struggling with staff shortages and that the district would have to see what they could expand. She added that they do have space in some of their current cohorts but as far as expanding and moving them, that would be a discussion that the district would need to have with 4th R.
Superintendent Evans stated he wanted to share some information that ties into what Mrs. Borges spoke to earlier about having to close some cohorts and programs due to COVID. He added that there is a district in California that is smaller than NUSD, and that before Thanksgiving had six positive cases and 38 exposures which is students and staff combined. He added that after Thanksgiving they went to 38 positive cases and 175 exposures. He reminded that this is a district that is smaller than NUSD. He added that last week this same district had 51 positive cases and 370 new exposures. He opined that we are very lucky that NUSD has a partner like The Center who continues to have people who are willing to work and support our students. He shared that one of the great things is that the kids are in programs with their friends which helps a lot with social emotional support which Trustees have talked about a lot. Evans stated that staff would be looking for direction on how long Trustees want to give staff the authority to take this out, as far as we need to or take it two months at a time? He explained that the money can be simplified in two easy ways, either put this on a credit card and if money comes then the district will pay off the credit card with no interest and if no stimulus that provides districts with support than NUSD goes into their savings one time. He noted that if it goes three months than it would be about $500k if it was two months it's about $360k. He stated that staff will just look for direction on where the Board would like them to go. He noted that it sounds like they are supportive but need to know to what length and where to go. He reminded that staff has about two days to get this in place and communicate with the families.
Trustee Grant stated that his desire is to get through the holiday season and it is worth going mid to late January and then coming back to reassess. He shared that he is open to a Special Board meeting after the swearing in of the new President of the United States. He reiterated that we should get through the holiday season.
President Kaplan asked for thoughts on the Board giving staff authority to go to the end of January, but at the January Board meeting get an update, that gives the Board enough time to continue it and see where the money is. She noted this would allow them to safely consolidate or have 4th R assume, if The Center does not have many kids on campus but has room. She added that would continue The Center through at least January.
Mrs. Borges stated they would need to give 4th R at least a one-month commitment so they would have time to talk to their employees and families.
Superintendent Evans asked the Board to consider going through the end of February, since it's a short month. He noted that gives the Board two Regular Board Meetings and a Special Board meeting if they want. He added that he is aware that it is more money but from a family perspective in order to get daycare in a few short weeks is not great. He explained that if the Board wanted staff could bring back a report in January for them to look at. He stated this is another organization that needs to plan for its staff and that if the date was the end of January then it could end up at the January 20th Board meeting the childcare staff could learn that they only have 11 days to plan before they are unemployed. He noted that we may not get the same staff back.
President Kaplan stated that she is good with that since we do have economic uncertainties in the budget that if the Board wanted to could dip into without putting the district into too much danger. She reminded that childcare is a great equalizer for the unequal. She reiterated that she is good with giving staff the direction to go two months and look at how we can save in the meantime.
Superintendent Evans clarified that they want staff to bring back a report to the Board on January 20th.
President Kaplan stated yes on the cost on what mitigating factors or any savings that have been identified, to that extent the expansion of 4th R.
Superintendent Evans shared that he suspects after the president-elect is sworn in that districts will get a better sense if there is progress towards a third stimulus or not.
President Kaplan stated they give direction to staff to move forward for another two months of the services that are currently provided with coming back to the Board for further discussion and report in January. |
Day Camp Extension Presentation #2 - 12.16.2020
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| Roman Muñoz and Michelle Cannon, Lozano Smith |
| Roman Muñoz and Michelle Cannon, Lozano Smith |
| The Board is asked to receive information from legal counsel on the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and approve next steps for Natomas Unified. |
The Board is asked to receive information from legal counsel on the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and approve next steps for Natomas Unified. Passed with a motion by Micah Grant and a second by Lisa Kaplan. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Absent Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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Legal counsel Roman Muñoz and Michelle Cannon from Lozano Smith will present on the CA Voting Rights Act (CVRA), which is a state law that allows a school district to be sued for using “at-large” elections in areas that have a history of racially polarized voting. (Elections Code § 14032.) This is being brought forward because numerous districts in the state and Sacramento region have received PRAs and/or demand letters claiming the district is in violation of the CVRA. Natomas Unified has not received that communication at this time. Districts statewide are transitioning to “by-trustee area” elections, either on their own initiative, or in response to a threat of a CVRA lawsuit. In a by-Trustee area election system, Trustees must reside within specific, defined, Trustee areas. Trustees will only be receiving information and approving next steps at the December 16 Board meeting. Trustees will not be discussing and/or approving specific Trustee areas at this Board meeting. If Trustees approve staff to move forward and work with legal counsel and a demographer to begin the transition process to a by-Trustee area election system, there is a legal process Natomas Unified must go through before Trustees take any action to approve specific Trustee areas. |
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Christina Huth, Executive Director, stated they received public comments from Brenda Borge and Alice Mercer. The public comments have been forwarded to the entire Board of Trustees and appropriate staff. The specifics of these public comments will be recorded in the official Board meeting minutes.
Brenda Borge submitted the following public comment:
At this time, we greatly need by-neighborhood elections because areas of South Natomas do not have the representation that they deserve. Socio-economically, the students in South Natomas are generally less diverse than other areas of NUSD, and the students and families of South Natomas deserve board members who can easily represent their area. As far as the rest of Natomas, racially we may or may not be as diverse as we were when the district last considered this action, however socio-economically we do not shake out equally in each and every neighborhood. For that reason, Natomas Teachers enthusiastically are promoting by-neighborhood (by-trustee) elections for the entire NUSD district area. Thank you.
Alice Mercer:
I am a resident of South Natomas. The school district should transition to geographic districts for each member to serve from. The rationale for this is to guarantee diversity of representation. In my almost 20 years in Natomas, the school district has gone from being relatively mixed, to having a clear economic divide between the older southern portion and the newer northern portion of the district. In the meantime, we've gone from having trustees from South Natomas, to many of the trustees living with a mile of each other. It's also clear that South Natomas is not a priority for the district. It needs to be, and equity and fairness demand it. Because of this, the law also demands it, and while there is currently not any "demand" letter for this action, they should and will be, so better to start the process now.
Do the right thing
Roman Muñoz and Michelle Cannon, legal counsel with Lozano Smith presented on the California Voting Rights Act and Board Approval on Next Steps. The presentation highlighted preventing racially polarized voting and transitions to district-based method of elections.
Trustee Grant asked what is the average timeline for the five hearings?
Ms. Cannon stated the first two public hearings have to be held within 30 days and the second two have to be within 45 days of one another under the law.
Trustee Grant asked in terms of the word coordinate with Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), does that require approval from SCOE or is this a polite way to say we are going forward in this direction?
Ms. Cannon responded that it is both. She explained that the first part is letting them know it is happening. She noted that it is important to coordinate if they are busy so that the county committee can plan board meetings if they have to coordinate their calendars. She noted that can be done administratively. She added that NUSD wants to make sure SCOE knows when our timeline is and when they need to have a County Committee meeting.
President Kaplan asked if the State Board of Education ever turned one of these down?
Ms. Cannon stated no, she has not seen one turned down.
Trustee Grant stated just so the public can know, if the Board says we want this to be a special election, is that something that NUSD pays for or does the County?
Ms. Cannon stated that the district pays for it.
Trustee Grant asked how much would that cost?
Ms. Cannon stated it is a lot of money. She shared that she is aware of a large district but their cost for a special election was in the high $100s of thousands of dollars.
Mr. Muñoz stated it would take regular election costs and double or triple that. He noted they are very expensive.
President Kaplan asked if for a light number it could be $250k and heavy could be $500k?
Ms. Cannon clarified that she would say light would be $500k.
President Kaplan asked when do we get the new census information? She asked if we started the process before the new census came out would we have to re-draw maps?
Ms. Cannon stated that the district would have to redraw the maps. She added that we know from the census bureau that information should not be expected until July and then 6 weeks ago it was moved to to be determined. She noted the earliest date would be July. She explained if Trustees drew maps before census data came out, the district would have to use the 2010 data and then they would bring in a demographer a second time after the new census data came out and make adjustments and changes. She noted that in this case the maps that they worked on that had all those public hearings on them will never be used for any election.
President Kaplan stated that she had asked Superintendent Evans to add this to the agenda because the Board needs to talk about it. She added that it has been talked about for awhile and she felt that they needed to give Board Members the option to talk about it. She noted her preference is that since we are in a pandemic and distance learning, public hearings would be via Zoom, so her hope would be that her fellow Trustees would consider the first option and ask for an update from staff in June on next steps. She noted that she supports option one which is to proactively adopt a “Letter of Intent" to begin the transition process. She explained this would take a large amount of staff time to do this year. Kaplan stated if we wanted to do this, we adopt the Intent to go to Trustee areas in where the census is in building the maps based off of real information. She explained that as many have been around and seen the growth since 2010 the maps based on current censure data would not be reflective of the growth that is out there. She added that she wanted to give Trustees background on her thought process and then open it up to Trustees to say where they are.
Trustee Bains stated that he supports the Trustee area elections and thinks that the right thing to do here is the first option and wait until we receive the new census information. He opined that hopefully by then they can meet again in person. He noted that he is supportive.
Trustee Grant stated that he moves approval of option one but realizes there are other comments.
Trustee Harden stated that she supported moving approval. She added that she does not think the district would get very many people to come out during this time and that it is a lot to ask of staff at this time.
President-elect Heredia stated she was supportive.
Christina Huth, Executive Director stated that for the record, during the presentation we received another public comment from Scott Fafferty. The communication has been forwarded to the entire Board of Trustees and appropriate staff. The specifics of this public comment will be recorded in the official Board meeting minutes.
Scott Rafferty:
"Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments via eComment through email at publiccomment@natomasunified.org. If you are unable to email a December 16, 2020 for assistance." It does not state when these emails are accepted or how they will be spoken to the Board and public, as required by Gov. Code 54954.3
Item XV.b states: "Trustees will only be receiving information and approving next steps at the December 16 Board meeting." The agenda packet materials as posted contain no presentation or other documents, as the Brown Act requires when they are provided to a quorum of the Board. Please provide any materials prepared for the district to the public before considering this item, as required by 54957.5(c), so that the public can make meaningful comments that reflect this information.
The Board should not take action until the census data are available. It should not pass a resolution of intent to comply until it has heard from the public regarding the impact of such a proposal.
Superintendent Evans stated the motion is directing staff to bring the Letter of Intent January 20th.
President Kaplan stated yes and that she thinks it would be good to bring the Letter of Intent in January once we receive new census data.
Superintendent Evans stated he wanted it to be clear for the record that staff would bring this at the next Board meeting so that the Board can see the Letter of Intent and approve it.
President Kaplan stated for the record that Student Board Member Garcia had to leave the Board Meeting early. |
The California Voting Rights Act - 12.16.2020
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| Board of Trustees |
| Board of Trustees |
Passed with a motion by Dr. Susan Heredia and a second by Jag Bains. |
Yes Jag Bains.
Absent Estefania Garcia.
Yes Micah Grant.
Yes Ericka Harden.
Yes Dr. Susan Heredia.
Yes Lisa Kaplan.
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| Each year, member boards elect representatives from 21 geographic regions to CSBA's Delegate Assembly. The Delegate Assembly is a vital link in the association's governance structure and sets the general policy direction for the association. Nomination and Candidate Biographical Sketch Forms for CSBA's Delegate Assembly are now being accepted until Thursday, January 7, 2021. The following documents are attached:
- Memo from Jamille Peters, Director
- List of all Delegates with Term Expiration
- Delegate Assembly Nomination Form
- Candidate Biographical Sketch Form
- FAQ regarding Delegate Assembly Nominations and Elections |
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President-elect Heredia stated there are six vacancies and that her vacancy was last year. She added that at this time since it is just the nomination and not the voting yet that she would like to go with one nomination. Heredia nominated President Kaplan so that she can continue to remain on the Delegate Assembly since Heredia is no longer on the floor as a delegate. She opined that is her motion although she is aware that there are other people that they would like to support.
President Kaplan stated that they will see the other people that they would like to support for voting in February.
Trustee Grant stated that for the record he was going to abstain as he normally does because of the process. He explained that while he knows Trustee Kaplan he does not know everyone else.
President Kaplan stated this would just be to nominate her, it would not include anyone else.
Trustee Grant stated that he would not abstain.
President Kaplan stated that she appreciated the Board’s nomination and that her hope is to bring back good information to keep the district progressive and ahead of the game. |
CSBA Delegate Assembly 2020 - Packet
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| President Kaplan adjourned the Regular Board meeting at 8:00 p.m. |
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