Dec. 14th Board Meeting Preview

December 13, 2011

In Board Watch Blog

Wednesday's Board of Education meeting (agenda) will be begin at 5 p.m. and will discuss a wide variety of items, including mutual matching, grade level changes, the district's theory of action, attendance boundaries, and current and future budget issues.

Supt.'s Report - Mutual Matching
Superintendent Smith will update the Board on the state of a current proposal to create a mutual matching process for teachers this spring. Mutual matching means that both teachers and school communities would have a say in a teacher's placement.

Theory of Action
At last week's study session, the Board discussed a Theory of Action document that was developed to co-exist with the District's strategic plan and guide Board and District policies.

For more on last week's study session, check out GO's Board summary here.

Grade Level Change - Greenleaf and Sankofa Elementary Schools
The Board will hear a resolution that would change Greenleaf Elementary and Sankofa Elementary Schools from a K-5 to K-8 schools.  The grade level expansions are part of the District's restructuring plan that resulted in five elementary schools closing.

If passed by the Board, Greenleaf and Sankofa will add one grade level per year, starting in the Fall of 2012, until each reach PreK-8 school by 2014-15.

Budget Priorities
The Board will also hear a resolution stemming from a November 28 study session centered around budget priorities.  Out of that meeting came a resolution that directs the Superintendent to achieve the following in the 2012-13 budget:

1. Establish McClymonds High School as a high-performing anchor public education institution in West Oakland, as demonstrated by increased student enrollment (600 by the start of the 2015-2016 school year); increased student retention from year-to-year; increased graduation rate; and full offering of A-G and Advanced Placement courses; and
2. Maintain stable certificated and classified staffing levels at all schools; and
3. Establish strategic and operational performance objectives tied to proposed Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget allocations for Central Office departments and divisions, commencing with Leadership, Curriculum, & Instruction, Human Resources, Police Services, and Financial Services.

First Interim Financial Report
Vernon Hal will present the First Interim Financial Report for authorization for submission to the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools.  According to presentation, the District is projected to have a fund balance of $33 million, down from $45 million at the time of budget adoption.   The General Fund unrestricted revenues decreased by $6.2 million because of (a) $7.1 million in revenue sources ($6.1 million due to mid-year state cuts), (b) loss of other revenue sources accounting for $1.7 million and (c) a $2.6 million increase in the transfers from Adult Ed for the early retirement program.

Establishing a School-Based Management and Budgeting Committee
The Finance and Human Resources Committee has put forth a motion that would establishing a Special Committee on School-Based Management and Budgeting.  The committee would present a policy recommendation by the second board meeting in March 2012.

Attendance Boundaries
Wednesday night there will be a public hearing regarding the proposed attendance boundary changes stemming from closure of five elementary schools.  District staff will present three options that have been proposed.  To date the District has held 5 community outreach meetings to present the options and hear public input.  The Board is expected to vote on boundary changes at the January 11, 2012 meeting.   

Charter Petitions
The Board is expected to vote on the renewals of the following charter petitions:

• Civicorps Corpsmember Academy
• Kipp Bridge Charter School

Additionally, the Board will hold a public hearing for the renewal of:

• Oakland Unity High School

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Tags: Budget, Charter Schools, Results Based Budgeting, school portfolio management, theory of action