November 16 Board of Ed Agenda Summary

November 21, 2011

In Board Watch Blog

Theory of Change
The Board discussed the first reading of the "District's Theory of Change."  Director Yee introduced the document, and called it a definition of the District's "essential values." The Theory of Change is, according to Director Yee, a framework to ensure district policy and actions are aligned. The document is a revision of a similar document approved by the Board in January of 2009 in an effort to make the document aligned with the Thriving Students strategic plan.  

The Board will make some modifications to the document and then hold a study session prior to the Dec. 14 Board Meeting.

To view the document, click here.

Click here for a video of Director Yee explaining the need for a revised Theory of Action.

LIFE Academy Grade Configuration Change
As part of the District's restructuring plan, the Board unanimously voted to expand Life Academy from a traditional 9-12 high school to a 6-12 school.  Starting next fall, Life will enroll up to 75 sixth graders and do the same for the following two years, until it is a full 6-12 grade school.  Life Academy of Health and Bioscience currently serves 260 students, and the District anticipates the expansion will grow the enrollment to approximately 400 students. 

Directors Gallo and Spearman voiced concern that the middle school expansion of Life Academy could result in an enrollment decline at United for Success Middle School, which is on the same campus as Life Academy.

Click here for a clip of Life Academy Principal Preston Thomas discussing the expansion.  Starting at 8:30 he also discusses conversations he had with United for Success' community in which they express unequivocal support for their school and principal.

2007-2008 District Audit
The Board will heard a presentation by the State Controller's Office of their audit of the District from the 2007-08 fiscal year.  The State Controller's office is next moving forward in an audit of the 2010-11 school year in an effort to provide a more timely audit (instead of doing the 2008-09 audit).

Click here to read the SCO's report.  

Click here for a clip of Director Kakishiba explaining the background for the SCO's audit of OUSD.

Click here for Clip of Director Yee explaining why OUSD is still responsible for fines incurred while under state receivership.

Resolution Supporting Parcel Tax Amendment
The Board voted unanimously in support of State Senate Constitutional Amendment 5, which, if passed by the state legislature, would trigger a statewide ballot measure that if approved by voters, would lower the threshold for school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education parcel taxes to pass from two-thirds to 55%.

Charter School Applications
Oakland Unity High School submitted an application to renew their charter.  The Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 21 at 6 p.m., at which 8 other charter school applications will be presented.  The new applications will be:

• ASCEND School (conversion)
• Learning Without Limits (conversion)
• Math, Science and Technology Bilingual Charter Academy (conversion, currently Lazear Elementary)
• 100 Black Men of the Bay Area Charter School
• Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy (renewal)
• Arise High School (renewal)
• Civicorps Corpsmember Academy (renewal)
• Kipp Bridge Charter School (renewal)

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Tags: Audit, Charter Schools, theory of action