1Call to Order
1.1Roll CallProcedural
20:14Welcome
2.1Welcome by the School Board PresidentProcedural
31:20Changes to the Agenda
3.1Changes to the AgendaDiscussion
41:54Approval of Agenda (Action Required)
4.1Approval of AgendaAction
52:35Oral Communication - If you have public comment related to a Regular Board Meeting item, please post it on: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3rKbPfVCTpOsK5ILqjnU2u-h-NuNx-vUq4OZxYNVR8lc4aQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) prior to the Regular Board Meeting or immediately upon the meeting opening.
Maria Stockton (1min) — Thanked the principal and maintenance staff at Clifford School for quickly installing a safety barrier in the office after she raised the concern at the previous board meeting.
64:21School/Community Reports
6.1The Sobrato Organization ReportInformation
Item details
Rationale: Peter Tsai, Vice President of Real Estate, and Sierra Sousa, Development Associate for The Sobrato Organization will give an overview of a joint project the Redwood City School District and The Sobrato Organization are exploring to create a new mixed-use development to be located at 750 Bradford Street and 603 Jefferson Avenue in Redwood City. This project would create approximately 68 workforce housing units for RCSD staff and faculty at the corner of Jefferson and Bradford, as well as an adjacent 170,00 square foot office building along Bradford on properties currently by TSO and RCSD, respectively. Financial Impact: Not at this moment. Submission for Approval Prepared by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
738:02Bond Program Consent Items (Action Required)
7.138:02Approval of $200,000 Movement from Program Contingency to Energy and Security ProjectAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This movement will cover the security camera and intrusion system construction at Adelante/Selby Spanish Immersion School. Financial Impact: Total - $200,000. Requested movement of $200,000 from Program Contingency to Energy and Security Project. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
7.238:02Approval of Encroachment Permit Fee for Taft School with the City of Redwood CityAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This fee will cover the encroachment permit for the underground utility work that lands off site on the City's land at Taft Community School. Financial Impact: Total - $90,750.78. Within budget. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
7.338:02Approval of Generator Rental and Purchase Proposals for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Peterson PowerAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This generator will provide power to the library and multi-use building at Orion Alternative School while the power is down during construction. We will be renting a generator for up to three months while we wait for the new purchased generator to be delivered to the site. Once the purchased generator arrives, we will immediately return the rental. Financial Impact: Rental - 3 months for $17,602 with estimated tax. Purchase - $60,241.82; Total - $77,843.82. Within budget. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
7.438:02Approval of California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) Construction Oversight Proposal and Change Order #1 for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with SCS EngineersAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: SCS Engineers will be handling the California Environmental Air Quality (CEQA) construction oversight services for the Orion Alternative School (formerly John Gill School) site. Financial Impact: Original Proposal - $37,700; Change Order #1 - $27,560; Total - $65,260. Within budget. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
7.538:02Approval of Final Plan and Field Review Invoice for Kennedy Middle School Administration and Parking Lot Project with the Division of the State Architect (DSA)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This check has already been sent to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and District has received the letter of certification for this completed project. Financial Impact: Total - $29,878.42. Within budget. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
8Bond Program Action Items (Action Required)
8.138:02Approval of Covid-19 Safety Compliance Officer (SCO) August Proposal and New Agreement for Active Construction Sites with The Safety GuysAction
Item details
Rationale: The Safety Guys will be providing Covid-19 safety compliance officer (SCO) services for all active construction sites for as long as this service is required by County order. This new agreement is setup as a not-to-exceed allowance. The sites and services offered can be adjusted by District at any time. Financial Impact: August Proposal - Not-to-exceed $165,000; New Agreement - Not-to-exceed $1,100,000; Total - $1,265,000. Requested movement of $704,000 from Program Contingency to projects. Budget Source: Fund 21 - Measure T GO Bond. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Don Dias, Bond Program Director Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
938:34Discussion Items
Michelle Torito (2min) — Described the unsustainable workload teachers face with excessive planning, grading, emails, IEPs, attendance forms, and 10-12 hour days including weekends, and called for meaningful change.
Christina Granado (1min) — Described her overwhelming workload as a third-grade teacher and asked whether existing data like newsletters and daily schedules could substitute for the new attendance forms.
Vanessa Sanchez (1min) — Reported averaging 82.5 hours of work per week against a 32.5-hour contract and said the administration's suggestion that most tasks could be done in 6.5 hours on Wednesdays was a blatant disregard of teachers' reality.
Rita Melton (1min) — Expressed that her workload is untenable and unsustainable, criticized the district's response letter to RCTA as lacking compassion and empathy, and asked why teachers are not treated with the same care they show students.
Michelle Bond (2min) — Described working 12-hour days and weekends, detailed physical toll including cracked teeth and eye pain, and argued that every minute spent on clerical tasks like attendance is a minute taken away from quality instruction.
Sharon Tsuchiyama (2min) — Described working 10+ hours a day seven days a week under a rigid five-and-a-half-hour live lesson schedule and asked for flexibility in schedules, small group structures, and office hours to better serve students.
Megan Blackburn (2min) — Argued that current schedules are harmful to 10-year-olds and that planning 10 sets of synchronous and asynchronous lessons per subject in 6.5 hours while also grading, communicating with parents, and completing attendance is impossible.
Monica Voltz (3min) — Spoke about working a minimum of 10-hour days seven days a week, the heavy personal and student impact of the schedule, and asked the board for support and a lighter workload so teachers can continue to do their jobs with heart.
Heather Irani (1min) — A 31-year educator and 18-year RCSD teacher described spending Labor Day and another full day working at school with her daughter's help, learning colleagues across the district face the same massive workload that is simply not sustainable.
Chelsea Williams (4min) — Described teaching three math curricula plus homeroom and enrichment, spending 8+ hours weekly on lesson creation alone, and working 30+ hours beyond contracted hours weekly, calling it unsustainable.
Sandy Hoover (1min) — A TK teacher described 12-hour days five days a week, inability to sleep due to anxiety, and expressed uncertainty about how long she can continue at this pace.
Christy Herrera (3min) — A kindergarten teacher of 20 years described minimum 12-hour daily workdays, severe eye strain, inability to find time for self-care, and urged the board to look into using existing platforms like Google Classroom and Seesaw to reduce the new attendance form burden.
Stephanie Pappalardo (2min) — An RSP middle school teacher advocated for her special education students who are overwhelmed by multiple digital platforms and excessive screen time, and asked the board to rethink Wednesday requirements and reduce overall workload.
Erin Washburn (2min) — As RCTA president, presented survey data showing 75% of members working more than 9 hours above contract and 43% working more than 16 hours above contract, called the situation a grievable contract violation, and outlined needed solutions including flexible schedules and streamlined attendance tracking.
Angie Teeple (2min) — A 28-year fifth-grade veteran speaking at a board meeting for the first time described 12-hour days six to seven days a week, the burden of tech support and platform unfamiliarity, and asked the board to value teachers' well-being.
Catherine Rivera (2min) — As principal of Orion Alternative School, acknowledged the difficulty of the year while offering a silver lining: the school's two parent communities have united in support of teachers and students, with parents recognizing and appreciating teachers' tremendous work.
Mohammed Tabrizi (2min) — Criticized the district's decision to switch from Zoom to the inferior Google Meet platform last spring and the slow migration back to Zoom, arguing the delay caused unnecessary frustration and called on the board and district leadership to strive for and deliver excellence.
Tia Knoedler (1min) — As a special education instructional assistant, supported teachers' concerns about the oppressive workload and urged the board to put teachers' needs first rather than letting parent demands drive the agenda.
Marlena Goanna Mendoza (2min) — A special education teacher described going to a student's home on her prep day to teach him how to navigate his iPad, training her aides in technology, conducting home visits for IEP wet signatures, and completing overdue testing—all on top of an already impossible workload.
Shannon Cody (3min) — Expressed love for the district and community while acknowledging the enormous challenges of distance learning, and called on the whole RCSD community—board, administration, staff, and families—to work together toward what is best for students.
9.1Discussion on COVID-19Discussion
Item details
Rationale: It is the Administration's recommendation that the School Board and Superintendent Baker discuss the procedures followed by the Redwood City School District during the shelter in place order related to COVID-19. The School Board and Superintendent Baker will discuss the procedures the Redwood City School District has followed related to Child Nutrition Services, Technology, Professional Development, and Distance Learning during the shelter in place order related to COVID-19. Financial Impact: None at the moment. Submission for Approval Prepared by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
102:36:31Consent Items (Action Required)
10.12:36:31Acceptance of DonationsAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: During the year, the School District and schools receive donations from parents, staff, and community members to help improve student achievement throughout the School District. The Kennedy Middle School Library received an extremely generous donation of $10,000 for books from Ms. Michelle Bellomo. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Eliana García, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.22:36:31Approval of Additional Vendors to be Included with Non-Public School ("NPS")/Non-Public Agency ("NPA") Master ContractAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: The San Mateo County SELPA office agrees on rates and signs master contracts with Non-Public School ("NPS")/Non-Public Agency ("NPA") for each school year. The various districts then prepare Individual Service Agreements ("ISAs") on individual students directed by Individualized Education Program's ("IEPs"). The Master Contract (attached as Exhibit A) covers the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, was approved by the RCSD Board of Education on August 12, 2020. At that time, it was noted that the District expected to receive additional contracts upon their being processed by the SELPA, and that such contracts would be brought for approval to a future board meeting. **PLEASE NOTE**: The approved rate sheets for 2020-2021 will be submitted at a future Board Meeting as soon as the San Mateo County SELPA process them. Attachments: Exhibit A - 2020-2021 SELPA Master Contract Exhibit B - Approved Rate Sheets Financial Impact: Non-Public School ("NPS") and Non- Public Agency ("NPA") Special Education Fund, D140. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Patricia Pelino, Director of Special Education Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.32:36:31Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and Peninsula Community Center (PCC) for Fiscal Year 2020-21 (PE+ Program)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: PCC will run the PE+ program at Roosevelt, Hoover, Orion Alternative, Taft, Selby Lane, Garfield, Henry Ford, and Adelante Selby schools beginning August 19, 2020, and ending June 11, 2021. The goal of PE+ is to provide physical activity during the school day, that includes positive and consistent health messages that will result in students' having higher levels of physical fitness, improved self-esteem, lower levels of anxiety and stress, an increased sense of well-being and improvements in academic achievement. PCC will hire or retain key staff and work with appropriate school staff to implement and support specific modules of PE Program in grades K-5. The PE program will use a distance learning model to provide the following: A blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes offered weekly At least 1 synchronous (live) class offered each week Financial Impact: RCSD intends to fund $118,909 of the total cost of PE Plus program with contributions from each school. The Sequoia Healthcare District pays the balance of the program. See attachment. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Andrea Garen, Director of Health and Wellness Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.42:36:31Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and Sequoia Healthcare District (Healthy Schools Initiative Grant)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: School health services play a vital role in the academic outcomes of students. Sequoia Healthcare District and RCSD have, as a common objective, the effective and efficient coordination of school-based health programs and services to students and staff. The 2020-21 MOU with the Sequoia Healthcare District (SHD) will formalize and define collaboration and implementation of the Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI) grant, as summarized here: A full-time Director of Health and Wellness, two District Registered Nurses, and one Licensed Vocational Nurse will be partially funded through SHD's Healthy Schools Initiative cooperative agreement. All staff funded through the Healthy Schools Initiative grant will share in the responsibilities for attaining the goals and objectives outlined in the program proposal. The Director of Health and Wellness will oversee all aspects and phases of the project implementation and operations and will collaborate with RCSD administration and staff, and SHD staff. The District Director of Health and Wellness reports directly to the District's Deputy Superintendent, and to the Superintendent on a monthly basis. In addition to supporting full-time wellness staff, SHD will provide funding directly to RCSD to support programs and services provided by third-party agencies either through direct payment to RCSD or through grant funds provided directly to third party agencies. Sequoia Healthcare District will also provide funding directly to RCSD to help fund contracts between RCSD and non-profit agencies as subcontractors to provide services and programs that augment the efforts of the Healthy Schools Initiative. Complete Sequoia Healthcare District MOU attached. Financial Impact: Total HSI grant funding to RCSD $745,777. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Andrea Garen, Director of Health and Wellness Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.52:36:31Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and One Life Counseling (Increased Counseling Services)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This addendum is to approve an increase in counseling services provided by One Life Counseling at Hoover, Taft and Roosevelt as follows: · To increase the maximum cost of contract services to $197,496, which includes a maximum obligation of $137,496 for this amendment agreement; and · To provide the Trauma Support Program at additional schools Taft and Hoover (10 hours/week per site); · To provide School-Based Counseling services as follows: 25 hours each at Taft, Hoover and Roosevelt (25 hours x $57.29/hour x 32 weeks = $45,832) per site for a total increase of $137,496. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement dated AUGUST 3, 2020 between DISTRICT and ONE LIFE COUNSELING shall remain in full force and effect. Financial Impact: $137,496 out of funds allotted for Covid-19 related expenses. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Andrea Garen, Director of Health and Wellness Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.62:36:31Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and San Mateo County Office of Education for Library Services for 2020-21Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: The library services offered in the agreement are intended to augment and improve the School District's existing library programs and collections and to enable the School District to comply with state credentialing regulations pertaining to the provision of professional library services. Services provided under this contract are not intended to replace those that would be provided by a full-time certificated Library Media Teacher employed by the School District. Virtual Professional Development: Provide regular, ongoing, training sessions for the District's library staff, and registration fee for one attendee per contracted site for two partial-day opportunities. Virtual Support Services: Assist the School District, school administration and library staff through a community of practice to include: assessment, collection development, and leadership. Financial Impact: The total of $38,160 will be paid for out of the General Fund budget. Submission for Approval Prepared by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.72:36:31Ratification of Warrant Register, August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: Education Code Section 42631 states that all payments from funds of a school district shall be made by written order of the governing board of the district. The attached report consists of expenditures from various funds in the amount of $4,364,278.01 for the period August 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020. Financial Impact: The total disbursement from the San Mateo County Treasurer's Office amounts to $4,364,278.01 and represents actual expenditures for all funds. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
11Action Items (Action Required)
11.12:36:31Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Redwood City School District and the California School Employees AssociationAction
Item details
Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Patricia Perez, Director of Human Resources Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
11.22:36:31Approval of Variable Term Waiver RequestAction
Item details
Rationale: Ignacio Leon Guillen fills a 5th grade Spanish Immersion teacher position at Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School. Ignacio has shown proficiency in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession Standards in many areas. This is remarkable especially for a new teacher in California. He attempted all three sections of the CBEST and passed two sections. He has also passed CTEL1 and completed course work for CTEL2. Ignacio is working on completing the remainder of the requirements in order to clear his credential. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Patricia Perez, Director of Human Resources Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
11.32:36:31Approval of Personnel Changes for 2020-21Action
Item details
Rationale: Due to changes in staffing needs within the Facilities Department & the District Office , the following position changes are requested for 2020-2021. Additional positions needed : · Effective July15, 2020 1.0 FTE Custodian - District Office. Needed for daily cleaning and sanitization of the District Office due to threat of COVID-19. Financial Impact: Approximately: $65,000 - $70,000. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Patricia Perez, Director of Human Resources Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
122:37:17Board and Superintendent Report
12.1Report from Board Members and SuperintendentReports
132:44:13Information
13.1Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund - July, 2020Information
Item details
Rationale: Education Code Sections 41001 and 41002 generally provide that all money received by or apportioned to a school district shall be paid into the county treasury "to be placed to the credit of the proper fund of the district". Education Code Section 41015 authorizes school districts to invest "special reserve" or "surplus" funds, stating that the governing board of any school district or any county office of education which has funds in a special reserve fund of the district or county office of education or any surplus moneys not required for the immediate necessities of the district or county office of education, is hereby authorized to invest all or any part of the funds in any of the investments specified in Sections 16430 or 53601 of the Government Code. Historically, districts in San Mateo County have been depositing all of their funds to the county treasury. The County Treasurer has made investment decisions for the school districts, which is not a unique practice statewide. School district funds on deposit with the county treasury, along with funds deposited by other agencies, are placed in a County "investment pool", and profits and losses realized from these invested funds are shared among the pool participants in proportion to the amount invested. Financial Impact: Gross earnings for the month ending July 31, 2020 were 1.718%. The current average maturity of the portfolio is 1.80 years with an average duration of 1.74 years. The portfolio continues to hold no derivative products. Please copy and paste the link below to view the investment report for July 2020: https://treasurer.smcgov.org/sites/tax.smcgov.org/files/July_2020_Investment_Report.pdf Please copy and paste the link below to view the copies of the Investment Reports and the Compliance Reports: https://treasurer.smcgov.org/ investment-information Submission for Approval Prepared by: Priscilla Aquino-Dichoso, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
142:44:20Correspondence
152:45:10Other Business/Suggested Items for Future Agenda
162:46:06Board Agenda Calendar
16.1Changes to the Board Agenda ScheduleInformation
Item details
Rationale: The schedule of board agenda items will be presented at a future board meeting in September. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Eliana García, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
172:47:06Adjournment (Action Required)