Ojai Unified School District
Ojai Unified School District Board of Education - Regular Meeting: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Wednesday, September 13 2023
5:30pm - 10:30pm PDT
Here are a few things you need to know:
- The Board may elect to limit public comments on any item to 30 minutes.
- Comments are greatly appreciated, however, please note that the Board cannot enter into a formal discussion, nor can a decision be made on any item that is not already on the agenda. Items the Board wishes to consider for future discussion can be placed on an upcoming agenda.
- Routine items are part of the Consent Calendar and are approved by a single vote of the Board. When the agenda is adopted, a member of the Board can pull an item from the Consent Calendar and move the item to the agenda for discussion.
- Individuals who require special accommodation to participate in a board meeting, including but not limited to an American Sign Language interpreter, accessible seating, or documentation in accessible formats, should contact the Superintendent’s office 48 hours before the meeting to enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accommodation and accessibility to this meeting.
- To ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the Board, translation of written or oral comments will be available.
- All documents provided within 72 hours before the meeting to the members of the board concerning open session items addressed in this meeting may be viewed by the public at the Superintendent's office at the Ojai Unified School District, 414 East Ojai Avenue or on our website at ojaiusd.org.
- You can subscribe to our agenda mailing list by contacting Amanda Belcher at: abelcher@ojaiusd.org
- The open session of this meeting will be recorded and available at ojaiusd.org
Members of the public may view the meeting in English and Spanish (in closed captioning) on the Ojai Unified Youtube channel or Facebook page.
Members of the public may present public comments in two ways:
1. Before 3 p.m. the day of the meeting, public comments can be made in writing by clicking this link: Make a Public Comment. Written comments will be sent to Board Members by 3 p.m. and will be posted on our website.
2. Public comments may be made in person during the meeting at the Boardroom - 414 E Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023, Ojai, CA. Individual speakers may speak for a maximum of three minutes on any two topics and one minute on any additional items. Requests from the public to speak on a specific agenda item must be submitted before the end of public comments on that item.
Board Members:
- Atticus Reyes, President, Trustee Area 3
- Phil Moncharsh, Vice President, Trustee Area 1
- Dr. Jim Halverson, Clerk, Trustee Area 5
- Blair Braney, Trustee Area 2
- Kathy Smith, Trustee Area 4
Administrators:
- Dr. Sherrill Knox - Interim Superintendent
- Betsy George, Assistant Superintendent/CBO
- Angie Genasci, Director of Human Resources
- David Rogers, Director of Operations
- Robin Monson, Director of Special Education
- Ryan Worsham, Executive Fiscal Director
Minutes Secretary:
Amanda Belcher
Agenda
-
Call Meeting to Order in Open Session 5:30 p.m.5:30 pm PDT
-
There are no closed session agenda items
-
-
Reconvene Meeting in Open Session at 5:30 p.m.
-
Flag Salute
-
Report out on closed session action taken, if any
-
Emergency Additions or Modifications to Agenda
-
Approval of Agenda
-
-
Approval of Minutes
Action
Approval of Minutes of the August 9, 2023, Regular Board Meeting.
-
Correspondence Regarding Important District Matters
-
Monthly Communications
-
Public comments
Any individual attending the meeting in person who wishes to address the Board may do so at this time by completing a Speaker Card.
Public comments related to a specific item on the agenda will be held until that item is discussed.
-
Employee Union Presidents' Comments
-
California School Employee Association (CSEA) President Chuck Crawford
-
Ojai Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Richard Byrd
-
-
Board Member's Report
Information
Board Members have the opportunity to present information regarding items of current interest.
-
Superintendent's Report
Information
-
-
Adoption of Consent Calendar
-
Human Resources Certificated and Classified Changes
Consent
Changes to certificated and classified positions for August 1, 2023-August 31, 2023.
-
Measure J and K Financial Report
Consent
A summary of Measure J and K expenditures July 25, 2023 through August 25, 2023.
-
Purchase Orders P24-00065 through P24-00102
Consent
A summary of purchase orders from July 25, 2023 through August 25, 2023.
-
Blanket Purchase Orders B24-00009 through B24-00056
Consent
A summary of Blanket Purchase Orders from July 25, 2023, through August 25, 2023.
-
Warrant Register #5020044239 through #5020044382 and #VCH200000046 through #VCH200000057
Consent
A summary of checks paid from July 25, 2023 through August 25, 2023.
-
Deposit Detail Report
Consent
Deposit Detail Report for July 25, 2023 through August 25, 2023.
-
U.S. Bank Cal-Card Purchases
Consent
A summary of Cal-Card purchases for June 26, 2023, through July 24, 2023.
-
Approval of Consolidated Application for Funding
Consent
The purpose of the Consolidated Application is to declare intent to apply for 2023-2024 funding of specified Federal Programs. This application is submitted annually.
-
The Approval of the Catalina Island Marine Institute Field Trip for 8th-9th graders
Consent
The 8th and 9th grade students who were unable to go on their Catalina Island Marine Institute trip due to COVID have the opportunity to go on October 18, 2023- October 20, 2023. There will be approximately 60 students, 2 teachers, and 3 chaperones.
-
The Approval of Field Trips for the Nordhoffs Future Farmers of America class
Consent
The Nordhoff Future Farmers of America (FFA) group would like to go on two field trips in the month of October 2023.
-
-
Presentation
-
Analysis for Moving District Office Programs and Departments to Matilija's Site
Presentation
-
Legislation and Education Workforce Housing
Presentation
Dr. Dana Cuff, Director of CityLAB - UCLA and Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, will be presenting information to the Governing Board regarding legislative policy regarding Education Workforce Housing.
-
Consideration and Next Steps for Development of District Properties
Presentation
A Legal Representative from AALRR will provide the board with information regarding legal processes and requirements for exploring the development of the district office and other properties. The topics will include workforce housing, requirements for a 7-11 Committee, barriers related to Historic Landmark Designations and consideration for multi-use property functions.
-
-
Human Resources
-
Local Board Certification of Athletic Coaches
Action
Coaching Certification 2023-24 Fall Sports, Board authorization for
the following coaching assignments for competitive sports for the 2023-24 school year is
requested per Education Code 44258.7(b) and Coaching Certification 2023-24 - Fall Sports -
Approval of Revised Bond Project Manager Job Description
Action
The Human Resource department recommends a revision of the Bond Project Manager job description in order for the job description to demonstrate the requirements more accurately.
-
Approval of Revised Director of Special Education Job Description
Action
The Human Resource Department recommends the revision of the Director of Special Education job description in order for the job description to demonstrate that the Director of Special Education oversees and supervises classified positions in Special Education.
-
-
Governing Board/Superintendent
-
Update Board Policies
Discussion/Action
First Reading
Policy 6174: Education For English Learners
Policy 6159.2: Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School And Agency Services For Special Education
Policy 6146.4: Differential Graduation And Competency Standards For Students With Disabilities
Policy 5145.6: Parent/Guardian Notifications
Policy 5141.6: School Health Services
Policy 5141.5: Mental Health
Policy 4340: Bargaining Units
Policy 4240: Bargaining Units
Policy 4140: Bargaining Units
Policy 0420.41: Charter School Oversight
Policy 4112.2: Certification
Policy 1113: District And School Websites
Policy 5030: Student Wellness
-
Approval of Revised Unofficial Board Member Guide
Discussion/Action
Board Members Moncharsh and Smith reviewed and have recommended changes to the Ojai Unified School District Unofficial Board Member Guide.
-
Amended Board Bylaws for First Reading/Potential Action
First Reading/Action
Board Member Moncharsh and Board Member Smith reviewed all CSBA-recommended Board Bylaws and have presented them to the Board for consideration.
-
Approval of Resolution to Reaffirm Student Advisory Council Resolution #23-24-05: Reaffirmation of the Student Advisory Council
Action
The Board is asked to discuss the concept of greater student involvement at school board meetings and confirm the continued participation of high school students through the Student Advisory Council.
-
Certification of School Board Representative to Vote in Election for Members of the County Committee on School District Organization
Action
Pursuant to Education Code Sections 35023 and 72403, the Governing Board of each
School District and each Community College District shall annually at its initial meeting
select one of its members to serve as its representative for purposes of Article 1
(commencing with Section 4000) of Chapter 1 of Part 3. The representative selected
pursuant to this section shall have one vote for each member to be elected to the County Committee. -
Discussion Regarding Prioritization of Next Steps and Actions to Determine Long Term Plans for District Properties
Discussion
The Board will discuss and provide guidance to District staff regarding priorities and next steps to determine the long term plans of the vacant District properties.
-
Consideration and Approval of Letter of Support for Community Resilience Centers Planning Grant
Discussion/Action
At the August 9, 2023 Board Meeting, Chris Danch from Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council presented information regarding the Council’s desire to submit a state grant application for Community Resilience Centers Planning. Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council is requesting the Ojai Unified District submit a letter of intent to be a part of the Collaborative Stakeholder Structure during the planning phase.
-
-
Business, Operations, and Facilities
-
Measure J and K Projects Monthly Report
Information
Bond Project Manager, Alan White, will provide a summary of Measure J and K Projects as well as inform the Board about bond project processes and the basic steps from inception to completion.
-
Approval of Change Orders #1 and #2 for Nordhoff Tennis Courts Project
Action
Bond Manager, Alan White will present information regarding the change order requests for additional cost related to conditions at the construction site.
-
Athletic Vehicles - Approval to Spend Up To $200,000 to Purchase Slightly-Used Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for Athletic Program Transportation
Action
District staff has allocated $200,000 in the District budget in order to purchase District vehicles. District staff recommends the acquisition of five slightly-used SUVs that can seat nine passengers to support the high school and junior high athletic programs.
-
Approval and Spending Ceiling of Bus Service Provider Costs for Home to School Transportation
Action
District staff has secured a bus service provider to provide transportation to the students who live on the East side of the valley and Upper Ojai. However, the approximate cost of this service is $1100.00 per day.
District staff seeks guidance from the Board to determine the maximum amount to be spent on home to school transportation service provider costs.
-
Facilities Usage - Hours of Operation, Rental Processes & Current Rates and Proposal for New Rates
Information/Discussion/Action
The Board requested information regarding District facilities rentals including fee structure and process. and as well they will discuss concerns around hours of operations.
-
Consideration and Approval to Increase Bus Driver Salary
Action
Staff recommends the Board approve a range increase for bus drivers to range 37 and for District staff to bring this recommendation to the Personnel Commission for approval.
-
Measure K Bond Issuance Resolution #23-24-06
Action
Consideration of Resolution #23-24-06 Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Bonds Election of 2020, Series B, in an Aggregate Principal Amount Not To Exceed $20,000,000 and Approving Related Documents and Actions.
-
Resolution #23-24-07 Review and Approval of the TRAN Preliminary Official Statement (POS)
Action
At the August 9, 2023 meeting, the Board authorized a resolution for the District to issue TRANs for the 2023-24 fiscal year. At that time, the POS was not ready for review and approval. Staff recommends the Board approve the Resolution for the POS.
-
Request to Increase the Certificated Teacher Sub Rate
Action
Ojai Unified struggles to hire and retain substitute teachers. One of the primary reasons for this is that the District's pay rate for substitute teachers is at least 30% below our neighboring districts - Ventura, Carpinteria, and Santa Paula. Ojai’s rate is $140 per day and increases to $165 per day after 30 continuously worked sub days (also known as ‘Long-term Sub Rate’).
-
FCMAT Health Risk Analysis Update
Information
Betsy George, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, will present an update on the staff’s progress toward reducing the District’s fiscal health risk.
-
2022-23 Unaudited Actuals
Action
Betsy George, Assistant Superintendent Business Services, will present the Unaudited Financial Report for the 2022-23 fiscal year pursuant to Education Code Section 42100. Staff will file the report with the County on or before September 15th.
-
2023-24 Monthly Financial Report
Information
The Fiscal Report shows the District's annual budget (45-Day Revise) for revenues and expenditures compared to actual revenues and expenditures plus encumbrances through August 31, 2023.
-
-
Curriculum/Instruction
-
Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution #23-24-08
Action
This attached resolution is a recognition of the contributions of the Hispanic people to American society, and of Hispanic Heritage Month.
-
-
Future Agenda Items and Parking Lot Report
Information/Discussion
The Board may discuss and potentially agendize items for future meetings.
-
Adjourn Meeting
3.0 8-9-23 Minutes (1).docx
Attendance
Members
| Name | Attendance |
|---|---|
Blair Braney |
|
Dr. Jim Halverson |
|
Phil Moncharsh |
|
Atticus Reyes |
|
Kathy Smith |
Take mission-critical meetings from friction to focus with Boardable.
Get Started