Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District
District Board Room
12623 Avenue 416
Orosi, CA 93647
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Regular
Type of Meeting
5:00 p.m.
Time
Thursday
Day
January 15, 2015
Date
ROSTER OF ATTENDANCE
Trustees Present
Mary Helen Espino, President
Sandra Williams, Vice President
Lloyd McClard, Clerk
Edwardo Valero, Trustee
Rebecca Jimenez, Trustee
Sarah Herrera, Trustee
Trustees Absent
Marisol Rubalcaba, Trustee
District Staff
Yolanda Valdez
Craig Drennan
Tanya Goosev
Melissa Calvero
Raffi Soghomonian
Gabriela Guzmán
Micaela Macareno
Administrative Staff
Leticia Trevino
Martha Calderon
Michelle Kettle
Roel Alvarado
CALL TO ORDER
Board President Mary Helen Espino called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Trustee Eddie Valero.
Others Present
Jodie Thomas, Donna Hall, Kelsey Lewis, Sunsea Suarez, Guadalupe Barton, Thomas
Price, Chris Young, Jenny Eams, Scott Faeth, Leanne Cerda, Gloria Huerta
Public Comments
No public comments were presented.
Superintendents Report
• El Monte Middle School
Achievement Awards
Superintendent Valdez introduced El Monte Middle School Principal Michelle Kettle.
Ms. Kettle presented awards to the following teachers at El Monte Middle School:
• Krystal Poloka
• Chris Young
In addition to the Employee Recognition, Ms. Kettle recognized the following parent
for her help with volunteering at El Monte Middle School in support of her three
children. Ms. Kettle shared letters of appreciation from the parents children.
• Erica Quevedo
Ms. Kettle and El Monte Middle Teacher presented achievement awards to the
following students:
• Alexandre Widman
• Fatima Candelario
• Luis David Loera Lua
• Jovanah Quintero
• Pedro Mendez
• Marissa Quezada
•
Facilities Report
Superintendent Valdez introduced Maintenance, Operation and Transportation
director Raffi Soghomonian. Mr. Soghomonian provided a presentation to the Board
regarding past, current and upcoming facilities improvement projects throughout the
school sites in the district.
Trustee Eddie Valero asked if the additional classrooms at Orosi High School would
be remodels or if new building would be put in.
Mr. Soghomonian stated they were currently looking at moving the CDS portables to
the old District Office area to create a new science wing.
Superintendent Valdez stated district staff had recently visited Curathers school
district science buildings to get ideas of what can be done to improve facilities. She
stated they will be presenting different options to the Board as they gathered
information.
Mr. Soghomonian stated they were working with the teachers and administrators to
figure out what was needed for science classrooms. He stated that the equipment
needed was very expensive. He stated the labs may need gas lines, water lines and
other things that were all very expensive. He stated they were looking into ways to
minimize the cost of the projects. He stated that in addition to a science wing the
music room was also something that needed much improvement. He stated they were
gathering all the details. He stated they do not want to get into a project without
knowing all of the details and expenses required.
Superintendent Valdez stated they were looking into future projects. For example, the
possibility of sports complex. She stated they were considering the 14 acre property
owned by the district which is currently leased for farming. She stated that currently
they were working on the district wellness policy and in an effort to tie in a healthy
lifestyle for students and community members a sports complex would offer the
community options for exercise facilities.
Trustee Valero stated the gym was in need of major improvements. He asked if it was
possible to tear down the gym and build one from the ground up.
Mr. Soghomonian stated it would be less costly to keep the old gym and build a new
gym and possibly keep the old gym for practicing.
Trustee Valero stated he was concerned about the aesthetics of the campus. He stated
he did not want to start building throughout the property and negatively affect the
flow of the campus and the traffic.
Mr. Soghomonian sated they were considering all of this in the planning for future
projects.
Trustee Valero asked why a second fence was placed near the parking lot.
Mr. Soghomonian stated they placed a fence to keep students in a closed gated
campus while delivery trucks entered and exited the campus.
Board President Espino asked about the new dugouts at the baseball field. She asked
if dugouts were also built for the girls.
Mr. Soghomonian stated dugouts were built for both the boys and the girls.
Board President Espino stated she has noticed that many schools are now beginning
to use solar panels.
Mr. Soghomonian stated that many school have more options for the use of Bonds.
He stated other schools qualify for bond opportunities that the district cannot get. He
stated that with Prop 39 not all solar options are allowed with those funds.
Trustee Valero stated Dinuba recently received major funds for modernization. He
asked if Cutler-Orosi was tapping into the same funding opportunity for repairs.
Mr. Soghomonian stated modernization fund become available for permanent
building every 25 years and every 10 years for portable building.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
2
Assistant Superintendent Craig Drennan stated this was one of the major funding
options for the districts projects in the previous years.
Community member Chad Widman addressed the Board and stated Dinuba had
recently increased the amount of students therefore more funds were coming in. He
stated they had to increase capacity for the students.
No further comments and or questions were presented.
Student Board Representative’s Report
No Student Board Representative Report was provided.
Adjourn to Recess:
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Rebecca
Jimenez to adjourn for recess at 5:30 p.m. The motion was approved with a vote of 6
to 0. Trustees Marisol Rubalcaba was absent. The meeting reconvened to Open
Session at 5:35 p.m.
Consent Item:
1
Minutes of the Regular and
Annual Organizational Meeting
Dated December 11, 2014
2
Accounts Payable Total Payments
Report Dated December 1st –
December 23rd 2014
3
Budget Revision #4
4
December Cash Flow Report
5
Memorandum of Understanding
with Central Valley Cadet Corps
6
Ratification of Memorandum of
Understanding with Girl Scouts
of Central California South
7
Ratify Nature Bridge Field
Science Program
8
After School Education and
Safety, Before and After School
Late and Early Release Policy
9
Interdistrict Transfer Requests
10
Quarterly Williams Uniform
Complaint Report for October –
December 2014
Superintendent Valdez informed the Board she’d received questions regarding the
Girl Scouts program and the Nature Bridge program. In response to the questions she
stated the Girl Scouts program was free to the district. She stated the program was
managed by the afterschool program however the district did not have to pay for the
program in the district. She also stated the Nature Bridge was a request for the
program to cover 75% of the cost for the trip and the district would cover the
remaining cost.
Trustee Eddie Valero asked if the Central Valley Cadet Corps program was only
costing the district $3000. Superintendent Valdez stated this was the fee for the
program and stated it was very reasonable.
No further information was presented and/or requested.
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Eddie Valero to
approve Consent Items 1-10 The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to 0. Trustee
Marisol Rubalcaba was absent.
Curriculum/ Instruction:
11
Curriculum/ Instruction Report
Assistant Superintendent Tanya Goosev presented the Curriculum/ Instruction Report.
She stated staff had recently returned from a 3 week winter break. She stated 45
teachers gave up a week of their vacation to attend Keagan train offered by the
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3
district. She asked Palm Elementary School teacher Leticia Trevino to offer a brief
report.
Mrs. Trevino addressed the Board and quoted the following Benjamin Franklin
Quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” She
stated as a child she remembers being bored at school and does not want this for her
students. She stated she wants students to be irresistibly engaged. She stated the
program followed a PIES cooperative learning structure which included the
following:
P – Positive Interdependent
I – Individual Accountability
E – Equal Participation
S – Simultaneous Interaction
She stated that discipline improved when students are engaged. There is no time for
mischief and distraction. She stated the program went hand in hand with the common
core and 21st century learning. She stated the program also aligns with the district
graduate outcomes. She informed the board the teachers were very pleased with the
program and stated one teacher was using the program to help her with discipline
problems in the classroom.
Assistant Superintendent Tanya Goosev thanked El Monte Middle School Principal
Michelle Kettle for hosting the training at her site. She stated they will be having
other trainings coming up for teachers. She informed the Board the curriculum
department will be presenting the midyear data next month. She stated the district is
making excellent growth.
A motion was made by Trustee Eddie Valero, seconded by Trustee Lloyd McClard to
accept Item #11: Curriculum/ Instruction Report. The motion was approved with a
vote of 6 to 0.
12
New Courses for Orosi High
School
Assistant Superintendent Tanya Goosev stated Orosi High School was preparing for
pre-registrations in February. She stated the following courses were being presented
to be added to the current course offerings:
• Computer Science Applications
• Human Body Systems
• Folklorico Dance
• Men’s Chorale
• Women’s Chorale
• Math 3
Trustee Eddie Valero asked if current teachers would teach the classes or if the
District would be hiring new teachers for each of the courses.
Ms. Goosev stated they would be filling the spots with current teachers.
Trustee Valero then asked why a separate Men’s Chorale was being offered instead of
offering only one course for both boys and girls.
Superintendent Valdez stated they created the option in an effort to have more boys
participate.
Trustee Eddie Valero suggesting creating clubs to build interest from the students
prior to hiring teachers and setting up a class. He stated they should consider getting
enough students interested then establishing a class.
Community Member Chad Widman asked if there was currently vocational program
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
4
in place at the high school.
Superintendent Valdez stated they currently have several academies that branch out
into vocation opportunities.
Ms. Goosev stated they have academies in Ag Mechanics, Health Science,
Engineering, Business to name a few. She stated some programs such as Health
Science offer a CNA certification that can be used to obtain jobs by students as well
as the Business program which offers a certification in Microsoft Office.
Mr. Widman stated he was inquiring about skills more like carpentry skills and more
hands on vocational training.
Superintendent Valdez stated the Ag Mechanics program offered hands on skill
training for students. Electrical and welding skills were included as part of this
program.
Trustee Eddie Valero stated they were offering courses based on the interest of the
students.
Mr. Widman stated everyone was going out getting degrees and there was no longer
people doing manual labor. He stated he was inquiring about more hands on trade
options.
A motion was made by Trustee Sandra Williams, seconded by Trustee Lloyd
McClard to approve Item # 12: New Courses for Orosi High School. The motion was
approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
13
Orosi High School Course of
Study Guidebook
Ms. Goosev presented Item #13: Orosi High School Course Study Guidebook. She
informed the Board the guide books would be given to students and parents for
review in preparation for February pre-registration.
Trustee Valero suggested they move the principal’s name to the top of the page.
A motion was made by Trustee Sarah Herrera, seconded by Trustee Eddie Valero to
approve Item # 13: Orosi High School Course Study Guidebook. The motion was
approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
14
Single Plan for Student
Achievement for Each School
Site
Superintendent Valdez introduced Item #13: Single Plan for Student Achievement for
Each School Site. She informant the Board site plans were presented to school site
councils for approval then presented to the Board for final approval. She stated the
plans were all very similar because they followed the same template.
Superintendent Valdez stated the district was working on an upward trend. She
informed the Board they would be seeing new plans from each school when the new
template was provided.
Trustee Valero noted page 197 and asked if there were any incentives for teachers to
want to further their education.
Assistant Superintendent Craig Drennan stated teacher would receive increase in pay
by receiving step and year increased as they gained more education and years of
experience.
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Sarah Herrera to
approve Item # 14: Single Plan for Student Achievement. The motion was approved
with a vote of 6 to 0.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
5
Administrative/ Organizational:
15
2015-2016 District Calendar
Superintendent Valdez presented Item #15: 2015-2016 District Calendar. Trustee
Eddie Valero stated he was hesitant to approve the calendar presented because of the
3 week winter break. He suggested moving the days to when classes are already
winding down at the end of the year. He requested that winter break be reduced from
3 weeks to 2 ½ weeks.
Superintendent Valdez stated that the calendar had already been presented to the
associations and both had accepted to the suggested calendar.
Trustee Valero requested the calendar be revisited with the associations for
suggestions then brought back to the Board for approval.
Board president Espino agreed with the suggestions and asked other Board members
for input.
Trustee Sarah Herrera stated she agreed the calendar should be revisited and
resubmitted after additional review.
Trustee Rebecca Jimenez stated she was ok with the calendar as presented.
Board Clerk Lloyd McClard stated he was ok with the Calendar as presented.
Board Vice President Sandra Williams stated she would be ok with the Calendar as
presented however suggested maybe extending the thanksgiving week so that the
winter break can be reduced.
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Sarah Herrera to
Table Item #15: 2015-2016 District Calendar pending further review. The motion was
approved with a vote of 5 to 1 with Board President Mary Helen Espino voting no.
16
Resolution No. 14-15-05 Re:
Local Reserves Cap
Board president Espino stated she did not agree with the long winter break. She stated
she felt it would cause students to forget things they’d already learned and in turn
cause teachers to start over with what they have already taught.
Superintendent Valdez presented item #16: Resolution No. 14-15-05: Re: Local
Reserve Cap. She informed the Board the California School Board Association
(CSBA) was urging school district to approve the resolution in an effort to repeal the
Local Reserve Cap down to almost 6%. She stated this would put the district and
other districts in fiscal danger.
A motion was made by Trustee Eddie Valero, seconded by Trustee Lloyd McClard to
approve Item #16: Resolution No. 14-15-05 Re: Local Reserve Cap. The motion was
approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
17
Annual Audit Report as of June
30, 2014
Superintendent Valdez introduced Scott Faeth CPA at Borchardt, Corona and Faeth
Accountancy Corporation. Mr. Faith informed thanked Frank Jerome, Faith Price,
Craig Drennan, Melissa Calvero and Raffi Soghomonian for all of the their help in
completing the audit. He stated the district was able to complete and submit their
audit on time and filed by the December 15 deadline.
He informed the Board the district the district total assets were greater than their
liabilities which was positive for the districts. He informed the board some finding
were found however management was already taking care and correcting the
problems found.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
6
Board president Mary Helen Espino asked why there was an increase from 13.83% to
16.65% in the available reserves. Mr. Faith informed that increase was due to the
funds that have now been made available for the facilities improvements.
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Eddie Valero to
approve Item #17: Annual Audit Report. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to
0.
18
Amendment to California State
Preschool Contract, CSPP-4610
Superintendent Valdez presented Item #18: Amendment to California State Preschool
Contract, CSPP4610. She informed the Board more funds were made available
therefore the contract needed to be resubmitted to reflect the new amount.
A motion was made by Board Vice President Sandra Williams, seconded by Trustee
Lloyd McClard to approve Item #18: Amendment to California State Preschool
Contract, CSPP-4610. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
19
Resolution No. 14-15-06 Re:
Contract CSPP -4610
Certification of Acceptance and
Authorization of Designated
Personnel to Sign Contract
Documents for Fiscal Year 20142015
Board President Espino presented Item #19: Resolution No. 14-15-06 Re: Contract
CSPP -4610 Certification of Acceptance and Authorization of Designated Personnel
to Sign Contract Documents for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.
Superintendent Valdez informed the Board the Resolution was to be adopted as part
of the previous contract.
A motion was made by Board Vice President Sandra Williams, seconded by Trustee
Lloyd McClard to approve Item #19: Resolution No. 14-15-06 Re: Contract CSPP4610 Certification of Acceptance and Authorization of Designated Personnel to Sign
Contract Documents for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The motion was approved with a
vote of 6 to 0.
20
Position Modification and New
Positions
Superintendent Valdez informed the Board a company had come in to audit how the
district is serving students in the Special Ed. Program. She stated the company found
there is a need for additional psychologists in the district. She stated there were two
psychologists and currently one of them also served as the Director of Special
Education. She informed the Board that in the previous month an elementary
counselor had resigned and the district was proposing to fill that counseling position
with a psychologist instead of another counselor. She stated the psychologist would
be based at Golden Valley and paid for by the counseling grant and through LCAP
funding.
She also informed the Board the district was proposing a Speech Therapist be added.
She stated that unfortunately, the position would be a hard one to fill. She informed
the district currently only had one applicant. She stated in addition to the position
modification from counselor to psychologist, they were requesting another
psychologist be hired in order to meet the needs of all students.
Psychologist and Director of Special Education Gary Sanchez clarified to the Board
that both the counselor and psychologist can provide counseling services to the
students, but only the psychologist can provide testing for 504 and special education.
He informed the Board that in addition to this, testing and or services provided to
students by psychologist can be reimbursed to the district at a higher rate.
He informed the Board that in effort to support the districts motto of Literacy is King,
they need to help students be able to properly speak. He stated that before a child
learns to read they need to have the ability to speak well. He stated that many times
students have issues with reading because of their speech problems.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
7
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Eddie Valero to
approve Item #20: Position Modification and New Positions. The motion was
approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
Public Comments on Closed Session
Items:
No public comments were presented on Closed Session Items.
Closing Activities:
Trustee Sarah Herrera thanked everyone for attending and stated she was pleased with
Mr. Young’s inspiring story and was very pleased to see all of the El Monte Middle
Scholl Recognitions.
Trustee Rebecca Jimenez thanked everyone for attending. She stated everyone was
doing a great job. She also thanked Superintendent Valdez for translating for the
parents of students being recognized. She thanked Palm School Principal Leticia
Trevino for involving the site preschools. She stated she came from a preschool
background so this was important to her.
Trustee Eddie Valero thanked all for attending. He thanked Mr. Soghomonian for the
report on the updates being done to facilities. He congratulated the girls’ basketball
team and also congratulated the boy’s team.
Trustee Lloyd McClard stated he was very impressed with the awards ceremony and
the emotion the students shared and thanked the 3 employees recognized for their
services to the students.
Board Vice President Sandra Williams thanked everyone for attending and stated she
agreed with all the positive comments from the other Board members. She thanked
Ms. Kettle for a great awards presentation.
Board President Mary Helen Espino stated she was moved by the emotion of the kids
receiving awards especially the young boy who was brought to tears by his award.
She wished everyone a happy new year and thanked everyone for attending.
No further comments were presented.
Adjourn to Closed Session:
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Eddie Valero to
adjourn to Closed Session at 7:10 p.m. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to
0.
Reconvene to Open Session:
A motion was made by Trustee Sarah Herrera, seconded by Trustee Lloyd McClard to
reconvene to Open Session at 8:03 p.m. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to
0.
Reporting of Closed Session Items:
During closed session the Board reviewed the Personnel Items presented and took
action on the following items:
Item A – Personnel - Public Employee
Appointment/ Employment for the
Position(s) of:
EMPLOYMENT/ADDITIONAL POSITIONS/HOURS:
1. Eliana Banuelos, 9-12 Social Science Teacher, Orosi High School, effective
December 19, 2014. This is one semester temporary appointment (JanuaryJune 2015).
2. Matthew Casado, 7-8 Opportunities Teacher, El Monte Middle School,
effective date pending Fingerprint and TB clearances.
3. Sandra Garcia, 3 Hour/10 Month R & E Aides, Community Services, effective
date pending Fingerprint and TB clearances.
4. Jose Rodriguez, 8 Hours/12 Month Custodian/Bus Driver, Lovell Alternative
High School, effective date pending Fingerprint and TB clearances.
5. Martin Aguinaga, 8 Hours/12 Month Custodian/Bus Driver, Orosi High
School, effective date pending clearances.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
8
PROMOTIONS/TRANSFERS:
1. Carolina Moreno, from 5 Hour/10 Month English Instructional Aide, Golden
Valley School, to 7.5 Hour/10 Month English Special Education Instructional
Aide, Golden Valley School, effective January 12, 2015.
2. Jonathan Barragan, from 5.5 Hour/10 Month Campus Security, Orosi High
School, to 8 Hour/12 Month Custodian/Bus Driver, El Monte Middle School,
effective date pending having filled his current position.
SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS – EXISTING EMPLOYEES/COACHES:
1. Ramiro Gonzalez, Varsity Baseball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15 Spring
Season.
2. Idoel Gonzalez, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
3. Troy Gonzalez, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
4. Brian Aldape, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
5. Johnny Barragan, Junior Varsity Baseball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
6. Arturo Cabada, Junior Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach, Orosi High School,
2014-15 Spring Season.
7. Manuel Villegas, Varsity Softball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15 Spring
Season.
8. Victor Contreras, Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, Orosi High School, 201415 Spring Season.
9. Ramiro Gonzalez, Assistant Varsity Softball Coach, Orosi High School, 201415 Spring Season.
10. Billy Durham, Junior Varsity Softball Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
11. Tom Aubin, Varsity Tennis Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15 Spring Season.
12. Nick Cabatutan, Assistant Varsity Tennis Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15
Spring Season.
13. Varsity Track Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15 Spring Season.
14. Ken Sawatzky, Varsity Golf Coach, Orosi High School, 2014-15 Spring
Season.
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
1. Bryan Ruiz, Varsity Football Coach, Orosi High School, effective November 24,
2014.
2. David Jansson, 9-12 English Teacher, Orosi High School, effective June 5, 2015
(end of 2014-15 school year).
3. Lorena Leon, Counselor, Golden Valley School, effective December 31, 2014.
4. 9-12 Spanish Teacher, Orosi High School, resigning for retirement purposes,
effective June 6, 2015.
5. Paula Wilson, Academic Coach, Palm School, resigning for retirement purposes,
effective the end of the 2014-15 school year.
A motion was made by Trustee Lloyd McClard, seconded by Trustee Sarah Herrera to
approve the Personnel Letter with the deletion of Item #13 of the Supplemental
Contracts – Existing Employees/ Coaches section of the letter and Item #4 of the
Resignation/ Retirements section of the letter. The motion was approved with a vote
of 6-0.
Item B: Discipline Dismissal Release:
No action was taken on Item B: Public Employee Discipline Dismissal Release.
Item C: Conference with Labor
Negotiators
No action was taken on Item C: Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
9
Closing Activities:
No additional comments were presented.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Trustee Sarah Herrera, seconded by Trustee Lloyd McClard to
adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The motion was approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
Respectfully Submitted
Yolanda Valdez Superintendent
(mm)
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on January 15, 2015
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