Board Meeting Notes: May 11, 2022 Regular Meeting
Fremont Unified School District
Board of Education Meeting Summary
May 11, 2022 (Regular Meeting)
Click to View the Agenda of this Board Meeting
Click to View a Recording of this Board Meeting
At its May 11th meeting, the FUSD Board of Education:
3.4 Approved Revisions to the SURF BoardE Bylaws (item heard out of order)
SURF BoardE (Students United for the Representation to the Fremont Unified School District Board of Education) has recently worked to update its bylaws to better support the group's objectives and goals. The SURF BoardE has placed an emphasis on increasing student awareness of and interaction with school sites. Their goals include reaching out to all students of FUSD including high school, junior high/middle school, and elementary students, and equally representing all opinions and concerns of FUSD students.
To comply with these major goals, SURF is requesting formal amendments to the bylaws with proposed language to achieve the group's goals.
SURF BoardE members already reviewed and unanimously approved these changes.
Board members expressed concern about the democratic methods for selecting a representative for each high school, and asked that this be addressed in future bylaw discussions.
The Board unanimously approved the revisions to the SURF BoardE Bylaws.
3.1 Received the 2021-2022 SURF BoardE Year in Review (Students United for Representation to the Fremont Unified School District Board of Education)
Throughout the current school year, SURF BoardE has worked hard to present to the Board of Education highlights of student activities and concerns/opinions.
As the school year ends, student leaders will present "State of the SURF" a retrospective review of their accomplishments in 2021-2022.
Trustees recognized and appreciated the dedication and accomplishments of SURF BoardE members.
3.2 Adopted Resolution 034-2122 in Appreciation of Student Board Member, Tushar Dalmia
It has been a customary and wonderful tradition to present a resolution of appreciation to the current Student Board Member in recognition of their service to the Fremont Unified School District.
Tushar Dalmia has done an excellent job as Student Member of the Board of Education for the 2021-2022 school year. We commend him for the outstanding service for which he has given Fremont Unified School District.
The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 034-2122 Recognizing Tushar Dalmia.
3.3 Adopted Resolution 035-2122 in Appreciation of 2021-2022 Student Board Representatives, Recognition of 2021-2022 SURF Board of Education Representatives and Introduction of 2022-2023 Student Board Members and Representatives
The Constitution of the SURF BoardE sets forth the method of appointing new members and electing officers. Members are appointed after submitting applications, recommendations, and participating in an interview process with current Board Members. Students are appointed for a one-year term and may resubmit for a second term.
The annual interview and selection process has been completed and the SURF BoardE is recommending students and the Student Board Member for the 2022-2023 school year.
The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 035-2122 in appreciation of 2021-2022 Student Board Representatives, recognition of 2021-2022 SURF Board of Education Representatives and introduction of 2022-2023 Student Board Members and Representatives.
7.1 Reported on Action taken in Closed Session
Unanimously rejected claim on behalf of a former employee.
Unanimously approved a settlement agreement for Office of Administrative Hearing Case No. 2021120906 for full resolution of claims.
Unanimously approved an employee separation agreement.
Unanimously appointed three administrators:
Zahra Pelayo - Assistant Principal, American High School
Jeff Alves - Assistant Principal, Washington High School
Amy Perez - Assistant Principal, Fremont Adult School
8.1 Celebrated the Retiree Recognition
Superintendent Cammack recognized the 107 employees with approximately 2,129 years of collective service and experience with FUSD. He noted the overwhelming impact these employees have had through their service. Our community is grateful for their contributions.
See video with list of retirees.
8.2 Heard the Superintendent Report
Superintendent CJ Cammack thanked Principal Kim Pedrotti and Chadbourne for hosting him today.
Classified School Employee of the Year Nominees for 2022
Announcement of Classified School Employee of the Year winner
He recognized all classified employees ahead of Classified School Employee Week, May 15-21, 2022. These employees are vital to student success.
Superintendent Cammack announced FUSD’s 2022 Classified Employee of the Year: Denise Klawitter. She is a Special Education Paraeducator 1 at Grimmer Elementary. Her outstanding fellow nominees were also recognized: Selvin Diaz - Custodian 1 at Hopkins Junior High, and Betty Ng - Accounting Technician 2 in Budget, Audit and Attendance. Congratulations to each of the nominees, and thank you for your professional dedication and excellence.
He also noted that FUSD had a productive legislative action visit to Washington, D.C. last week. Representatives met with Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Eric Swalwell to advocate for increased funding for Special Education and child nutrition, and action and funding on addressing the digital divide.
8.3 Heard the Student Member Report
Student Board Member Sissi Zhang provided her first report. All high schools celebrated Teachers Appreciation Week, and have/will have prom. AP exams are happening now. MSJHS is having a senior and alumni panel for students and a talent show. KHS hosted a mental health week. AHS had a night market for clubs to raise funds. IHS is completing Quest Testimonies now. WHS is hosting their senior breakfast, and hosted a memorial for a teacher who recently passed away. SURFBoardE is having new member orientation.
9. Approved the Consent Calendar (Items 10.1 - 13.5)
The Board unanimously approved all Consent items after conversation on the following: 11.1 Approve the Staff-Recommended Curriculum for Social Emotional Learning for Grades 9-12; 11.2 Receive the Fremont Adult and Continuing Education State of the School Presentation; 11.7 Authorize Staff to Enter into an Agreement with Care Solace for Access to Mental Health Care Programs and Resources from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023.
16.1 Approved Funds for A-G Success Grant
As part of the passage of Assembly Bill 130, the A-G Completion Improvement Grant was established to fund and help provide additional supports to address increasing the number of California high school students, particularly unduplicated pupils (foster youth, low-income students, and English learners), to graduate from high school with A-G eligibility.
These one-time grant funds shall be used for activities that directly support student access to and successful completion of the a-g course requirements. The grant program has allocated FUSD with the following funds: A-G Access at $716,991 and A-G Learning Loss Mitigation funds grant at $268,797.
The funds are available for use or encumbrance through the 2025-2026 school year.
At the April 13, 2022 Board meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed the use of the funds.
Staff presented an overview of FUSD’s plan, and requested approval of the funds for the A-G Completion Improvement Grant Plan.
The Board unanimously approved the funds for the A-G Success Grant.
16.2 Approved the Staff-Recommended Adoption for Grade K-5 Science
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Kim Kelly and Program Manager of Math and Science Sue Lemke presented an overview of the adoption history and process.
In 2013, California adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These new standards approach science education in a fundamentally different way from the previous science standards and are intended to develop skills and interest in science for all students, including those traditionally underrepresented in STEM. This new approach made our adopted science materials obsolete.
In November 2018, the State Board of Education released a list of approved K-8 science programs. The Curriculum & Instruction Department began the process of reviewing elementary programs in 2019. In Fall 2021, the K-5 Science Adoption Committee was formed, consisting of teachers from across the district and included teachers from the Spanish Dual Immersion program as well as teachers with Special Education expertise.
Initially, the committee evaluated five programs using the California Toolkit for Instructional Materials Evaluation. Textbooks that did not score well on these rubrics were eliminated from consideration. In December 2021, the committee identified two programs for a deeper review through a pilot process.
- STEMscopes
- Amplify Science
Thirty teachers, including classroom teachers and elementary Science Specialists from across the district, piloted one unit from each program from February 1, 2022 through April 12, 2022. The two pilot programs were available to the public for review through digital access, and for review by the Board Trustees from February 28 to May 10, 2022. A feedback form was made available to the public during the review process.
Following the pilot, the team reconvened and discussed the strengths and challenges of each program, and took into account public feedback.
After a thorough review of the programs, the adoption team reached a consensus to recommend Amplify Science.
The Board unanimously approved the adoption of the Amplify Science curriculum for grades K-5.
16.3 Approved Extension of the Grades 6-8 Springboard Math Curriculum Contract
During the 2013-2014 school year, the Springboard math curriculum was adopted for grades 6-8. The Board approved this adoption at the May 7, 2014 meeting. The 2021-2022 school year was the final year of this 8-year adoption. The cost of the initial adoption included consumable materials for the life of the adoption, but starting with the 2022-2023 school year, those consumable student materials will need to be purchased.
The Curriculum and Instruction Department does not recommend adopting new math materials now with a revised math framework being released soon. Instead, the Department recommends FUSD extend the Springboard contract for three years, which gives time for the framework to be released, publishers to write updated materials, and the California Department of Education to revise its approved textbook list.
FUSD plans to run an adoption for a math program for grades 6-8 during the 2024-2025 school year, with the new materials ready for use in schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Until that time, we need to purchase the Springboard consumable materials for use by our students. The $492,953 cost covers three years of consumable materials.
The Board unanimously approved the extension of the Springboard math curriculum contract for 3 years.
16.4 Approved the Staff-Recommended Curriculum for Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Kim Kelly and Program Manager - ELA, History, Social Sciences Jamie Shimomura presented on the TK curriculum adoption.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified Pre-Kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. The TK program emphasizes social and emotional development and addresses the young child's language, literacy, and pre-math skills. TK provides young learners with a readiness year that will prepare them for success in traditional kindergarten and beyond.
The current TK curriculum, Big Day for PreK, was purchased in 2011-12 for FUSD's inaugural year of the TK program. This curriculum has been discontinued by the publisher, so the adoption of a new TK curriculum is necessary to meet the needs of the growing TK program.
This spring, a TK adoption process was started. The TK Curriculum Adoption Committee was comprised of the following individuals:
- Five transitional kindergarten classroom teachers
- One Instructional Coach from the Department of Curriculum & Instruction (Special Education focus)
- Program Manager for elementary programs from the Department of Curriculum & Instruction (non-voting)
- Director of Elementary Education (non-voting)
Initially, four curriculum packages were considered. The adoption team used a rubric to choose two programs for further analysis and piloting:
- The Creative Curriculum for PreK (Teaching Strategies, 2020)
- World of Wonders (McGraw, 2017)
A TK information night was held on March 2. Twice that evening, once before and once after the information session, the publishers of the two finalist curriculums gave presentations. The curriculum materials were then made available to the public for review from March 2 through April 4, 2022. Notification of the review was publicized through the Superintendent's Newsletter and on elementary school websites. Copies were also made available to the Board Trustees from March 2 through April 4, 2022. The public was invited to give feedback via a feedback form from March 2 through April 1, 2022.
Based on the outcome of the pilot process, the TK adoption committee is recommending The Creative Curriculum for PreK (Teaching Strategies, 2020). This was determined to be the best solution for Fremont's students based on the modular design, flexible teaching order, included SEL component, hands-on kits, and online teaching resources.
The Board unanimously approved the recommended textbook for Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
16.5 Appointed Fremont Unified School District Technology Advisory Committee Members
The Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) is a designated committee of the Fremont Unified School District Board of Trustees. The charge of the Committee is to develop a comprehensive technology assessment of district and site capabilities.
Membership consists of eight community members and eight employee organization members. TAC members serve a two-year term. Per the TAC bylaws, all community members serve as "at-large" and do not represent any specific attendance area. 2022-2023 TAC Roster
The TAC bylaws state that eight employee representatives shall be appointed by the Superintendent. TAC bylaws include one student representative appointed by SURFBoardE and up to two Board Members to serve as liaisons.
The TAC currently has four Parent/Guardian/Community member vacancies and five applications have been received to fill these vacancies, all are included on a ballot for the Board's use.
The Board voted to appoint the following members to the TAC: Changhui (Chris) Dong, SivaRamya Kumarasamy, Linda Licari, Prasanth Pala.
16.6 Heard a Presentation of Measure E Bond Program Group 1 Elementary School Scope Development Review
On June 3, 2014, the voters of Fremont approved the $650 million Measure E General Obligation Bond initiative, under the requirements of Proposition 39 (2000) the School Facilities Local Vote Act. The scope of the bond work includes upgrading and repairing neighborhood schools by updating technology and aging classrooms; upgrading electrical wiring to current safety codes; fixing or replacing leaky roofs, aging plumbing and restrooms; removing asbestos; and repairing, constructing and acquiring equipment, classrooms, sites, and facilities.
Director of Facilities Kelle' Lynch McMahon and consultants presented on the status of the Measure E Bond Program Group 1 elementary school projects to discuss proposed improvements that are included in the scope of work, with a review of historical actions and a review of expenditures to date.
Group 1 elementary sites include:
- Brookvale ES
- Harvey Green ES
- Mattos ES
- Mission San Jose ES
- Vallejo Mill ES
Scope of work for the elementary schools includes the following:
- Minor HVAC modifications
- Roofing modifications
- Upgraded lighting in specific areas
- Update of clock bell and phones in remainder of the campus that was not cover in previous project
- Landscape that is part of path of travel modification
Upon approval and direction, Group 1 projects will move forward to design development and construction documentation. The overall schedule will be reviewed and staff will return to the Board with an update once that phase is completed and the bid phase will begin.
The Board unanimously approved the Measure E Bond group 1 elementary schools scope of work developed and directed staff to proceed with the construction documentation phase of the project.
16.7 Authorized Staff to Enter into an Agreement with The Hume Center to Offer School-Based Services to all Secondary School Sites for the 2022-23 Academic Year
The Fremont Unified School District is committed to supporting mental health services for our students.
The HUME Center proposes to provide the following for the 2022-2023 school year:
- STAFFING
- Three (3) Mental Health Clinician/Consultants (holding a minimum of a Masters degree)
- Two (2) full-time equivalent positions
- One (1) half-time equivalent position
- One (1) quarter-time Licensed Clinical Supervisor
- EXPANSION OF EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
- Currently, American High School and Washington High School receive services from The Hume Center. They propose to expand services for the 2022-2023 school year to include a total of ten (10) school days per week of individual on-site services for all six (6) senior high schools.
- IN-KIND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS: The Hume Center will continue to support the following services through the South Asian Community Health Promotion Services contract as follows:
- Irvington High School (1 provider, 1 day per week)
- Mission San Jose High School (1 provider, 1 day per week)
- PREVENTION SERVICES/SUPPORT FOR TEACHING FACULTY
- 1) Offer District-wide bi-weekly or monthly support/healing circles for teachers experiencing burn-out and/or to help prevent staff burn-out.
- 2) Offer behavioral health consultation groups for teachers, staff and administrators, focusing on students and their families.
- 3) Provide weekly or semi-monthly (two times per month) training workshops on different mental health topics open to staff and/or CE courses to school counselors.
- OUTREACH & EDUCATION SERVICES
- 1) Provide weekly or bi-monthly (every two months) workshops on different mental health topics open to students and parents.
- 2) Engage in prevention-focused activities across campuses addressing the unique challenges that impact the mental health of youth, such as:
- stress management
- importance of routines
- time management
- navigating dating
- sexuality & gender
- communication with parents/guardians
The HUME Center is able to provide services to districts in collaboration with other grants they secure to meet the needs of students in their community and to offer services at this cost to districts.
The Board unanimously authorized the agreement with The Hume Center to offer school-based services to all secondary school sites for the 2022-2023 academic year.
16.8 Heard Information on Elementary Independent Study
Assistant Superintendent Leticia Salinas and Director of Elementary Education Robin Sehrt presented on Elementary Independent Study.
During the 2021-2022 school year Fremont Unified School District provided elementary students with a virtual academy in order to adhere to AB130. This optional program was for one year.
The provisions of the Elementary Virtual Academy Independent Study have expired. In order to provide an optional program for families who want to continue in an independent study model, FUSD is providing an independent study program for the 2022-23 school year. This program will be the compliment program to the secondary Vista Independent Study program. This program, like Vista, will have in-person check-in meetings with the teacher and will allow students to work independently on weekly assignments.
This agenda item was an opportunity for the Board and the community to learn more about this optional program for elementary students for the upcoming year.
16.9 Held a Public Hearing and Present Sunshine Proposals from Fremont Unified School District
The July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022 FUSD/CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as Government Code, Chapter 10.7 sections 3540-3549 provide for the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 204 and the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) to submit mutually agreed upon articles.
FUSD will reopen the following Articles:
- Article 9: Salary
- Article 11: Layoffs
- Article 12: Transfers
The Fremont Unified School District is presenting sunshine proposals as a reopener on specific Articles during the 2021-2022 school year for negotiations to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). If Articles are agreed upon they will be voted and ratified by the California School Employees Associations and approved by the school board.
The District reserves its right to introduce new subjects of negotiations during the course of bargaining in conformance with the notice requirements of Government Code section 3547(d).
16.10 Approved an Employment Agreement for an Interim Associate Superintendent and Adopted the Classified Management Salary Schedule
FUSD employs four senior management employees: Superintendent of Schools, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Senior management employees serve on limited-term contracts that are approved by the Board of Education.
FUSD is in need of an Interim Associate Superintendent for the duration of this year. One of the primary responsibilities of the Associate Superintendent is complete oversight for the fiscal and operations functions of the district and reports directly to the Superintendent, to direct and coordinate the activities of the Business Services Division; to act as the District’s disbursing officer; and to perform other job related duties as required.
Staff consulted with Bruce Colby to provide direct support for FUSD through a contract for services until the position can be filled. The proposed employment contract for the Interim Associate Superintendent will cover the period from May 12, 2022 and shall remain in full force until a permanent Associate Superintendent is hired and commence employment, or September 30, 2022, whichever is earlier, at a daily rate of $961.52 per day. This amount is equitable to the total compensation provided to the current position of Associate Superintendent.
FUSD, in compliance with California Code of Regulations 570.5 (a), must adopt a salary schedule for any classified management position. The attached salary schedule will be effective upon approval by the Board.
The Board unanimously approved the Employment Agreement for an Interim Associate Superintendent and adopted the Classified Interim Associate Superintendent Salary Schedule.
16.11 Entered Into Agreement with Silicon Valley Paving for Play Structure and Site Work at Mattos Elementary
The intermediate play structure at Mattos Elementary is one of the oldest play structures in the District and many repairs have been made to keep this Mattos structure in compliance. However, further repairs are no longer cost effective and will compromise the safety of the structure. Parts of the play structure are broken, rusty, cracked, etc., and the unavailability of spare parts have caused removal of some primary components.
Staff recommends that the Board of Education approve the allocation of $205,104 from the RRMA budget for Ross Recreation to replace a play structure at Mattos Elementary and to enter into agreement with Silicon Valley Paving for play structure site work at Mattos Elementary.
The Board unanimously approved the agreement.
The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2022 at 6:30pm (time subject to change)
