Rescue Union School District

Educating for the Future, Together

Board Of Trustees Meeting Highlights - January 22, 2019 

 

We continue our efforts to communicate effectively and in a timely fashion with our families and staffs. We know not every parent, teacher, or staff member can attend our Board meetings, so we will provide a brief update after each Board meeting, sharing highlights and actions taken by the Board. As always, please let us know how to better serve and communicate with you! We want to be partners with you in the educational journey of the children entrusted to us.

DISTRICT RECOGNITIONS:
 
Principal Bruce Peters provided an overview of activities at Lake Forest Elementary School. Currently Lake Forest has an enrollment of 425 students with 17 general education classes. The average class size for TK-3rd grade is 23.8. This year they have experienced an increase in socioeconomically disadvantaged students as well as students with learning disabilities.
Mr. Peters reported on the 2018 SBAC results. The number of students at or above grade level in math was 64% with 35% of students exceeding standard. The number of students at or above grade level in English Language Arts was 69% with 41% of students exceeding standard.
 
Lake Forest is focusing on math and they are continuing to structure the school day to allow for daily leveled math groups in grades 4 and 5. Additional intervention groups have been established for identified students in upper grades both during and outside of school hours. Enrichment in math has also been added to challenge high achieving students. Mr. Peters proudly noted that 13 students qualified for advanced math pathways at Marina Village Middle School, which is their highest number yet. They are also continuing to look for ways to involve and educate parents in the CA State Standards in math.
 
Lake Forest also highlighted their Project LEAD (Legal Enrichment and Decision Making) program for 5th graders. Three students who participated in the program provided a presentation. This is a one hour per week class taught by El Dorado County attorneys and investigators. The goal of the Project LEAD is to teach children that the choices they make today can affect their lives forever. The classes end with a mock trial at the El Dorado County Courthouse. County District Attorney Vern Pierson and his team organize proceedings as students reach a verdict. Students act in all roles needed for a real court case.
 
Difference Makers: Lake Forest presented the Difference Maker award to Lisa Doig, Teacher and Kathy Caleca, RSP Paraeducator. Together they have over 50 years of service to the district.
 
UPDATES:
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Olson shared that the dedication of the Marina Village/Lake Forest field went very well. There was a wonderful turnout and the family and friends of Erin Hauge were deeply touched. She thanked Board members Stephanie Kent and Kim White for being able to attend. She also thanked John Johnson, Janice Araujo, Levi Cambridge, Sean Martin and Dave Scroggins for helping with the event.
 
She also reported that we had a community member provide us with an amazing gift this past month. A man brought in a check for over $1300 to pay off meal debts for families. This is a very tangible way for families to see we have a very caring community that is willing to reach out and help.
 
The third training day for Positive Behavior Interventions Supports (PBIS) was scheduled this past week. Each team brought with them what they have accomplished so far this year. It is really amazing how much they have done already. They shared their plans, slogans, videos, skits and other things they have done. Our trainers commented several times how impressed they were with our teams and schools.
 
Mrs. Olson reported that our enrollment is currently at 3691. We are up 6 students from last January and up 19 students since the last day of school.
 
Superintendent Olson was pleased to report that two of our amazing leaders have been nominated for Region 2 recognition by ACSA. Larry Garcia and Dave Scroggins will be honored in their job alike categories in March as nominees for Region 2 Administrator of the Year.
 
January is Board Recognition Month and Superintendent Olson, thanked the RUSD Board for the many hours they give to our district and their dedication to our students, families and staff.
 
Transportation Report
Director of Transportation, Patrick Cahill provided an update on our electric busses. Currently we have one electric bus with 4 more coming from the Rural School Bus Pilot Project. Additionally, we will be receiving 2 more from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, bringing the total to 7 busses. It will take a while to get them all delivered, (there is not a specified date) however; the paperwork is in process. Hopefully we will have them by the start of school next year. We have also applied for busses through the California Energy Commission Grant (CEC). They have published their ranking list and we are 165th. Potentially we could still be considered but it will depend on how many busses are awarded.
 
Mr. Cahill went on to discuss the infrastructure related to the electric busses. We currently have charging stations to accommodate 2 busses. We will then need to bring in electricity for any additional busses. Mr. Cahill reported that he has been talking with PG&E and they may be able to fund the cost (PG&E will be doing this through grant funds as well). We may also be able to capitalize on the CEC grant that will provide approximately $60,000 for infrastructure, should we receive the award. Mr. Cahill stated the best part of this is with the reduction in diesel fumes, and particulates; it can’t help but be good for kids and the community.
 
ACTION ITEMS:
  • The Board approved Board policy revision
    • AR 3230 Federal Grant Funds
    • BP/AR 3551 Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund
    • BP/AR 3552 Summer Meals Program
    • BP/AR 5022 Student and Family Privacy Rights
    • AR 5141.32 Health Screening for School Entry
    • BP/E 5145.6 Parental Notifications
    • BP/AR 6145 Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities
    • BP 6162.5 Student Assessment
    • BP/AR 6171 Title I Program
    • BR/AR 6174 Education for English Learners
  • The Board approved the PTC sponsored mural project for Rescue Elementary School
  • The Board approved the temporary additional hours for consulting services
  • The Board approved the 2018-2019 Tentative Agreement with CSEA
  • The Board approved Openers for 2019-2020 RUFT Negotiations to be placed on the February 12, 2019 Regular Board meeting agenda for public comment
  • The Board approved Openers for the 2019-2020 CSEA Negotiations to be placed on the February 12, 2019 Regular Board meeting agenda for public comment
  • The Board approved AB1200 Compliance for 2018-2019 classified staff
  • The Board approved the auditor’s report financial statements for 2017-2018
  • The Board approved Resolution #19-01 Electric School Bus Incentive Program
  • The Board approved the school plans for Marina Village, Pleasant Grove and Rescue Schools
  • The Board approved the Schoolwide Title I plans for Green Valley Elementary School and Rescue Elementary School
  • The Board approved:
    • December 11, 2018 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
    • January 8, 2019 Board Study Session Minutes
    • District Expenditure Warrants and Purchase Orders
    • Williams Quarterly Report
    • Personnel Actions
    • P-1 Attendance Report
    • Nonpublic School/Agency Master Contracts: Aldar Academy and American River Speech, Inc.
    • Individualized Service Agreement for Nonpublic School/Agency: Aldar Academy
    • AB181 White Paper Response – Sienna Ridge Estates
    • Revised Investment Portfolio (ending June 30, 2018)
     
    NEXT MEETING: Regular Board Meeting, February 12, 2019.