Robert Rene was not present at the opening of the meeting.

No public comments

Taylor Torgerson reported AP Testing is underway.  Prom is scheduled for May 19th at  Casa Vertigo
Other senior events : May 25th picnic, June 1 - Senior Carnival and June 7th- graduation

Deanna Hamilton reported parent volunteers, sponsors and donations are needed to fund the Senior Carnival. 

Andy provided accolades to Emilie Larew for 3 1/2 years as Chair of the Board and job well done.

David Carini read notes from Faculty Members.  Teachers would like to see more details from the fundraising efforts and grant writing 
More gender neutral bathrooms are needed, more counselors and more security officers instead of fencing
Could we shift Finals to Monday instead of Thursday. 

Stands as submitted. Amy mentioned she continues to attend Job Fairs

Stands as submitted

Stands as submitted
Mike Rawson discussed the Career Day Fair scheduled for May 23rd. The job fair will offer students the opportunity to learn about career opportunities that exit and how to create a pathway to success. Currently, working with teachers to allow students out of class to participate.  More exhibitors are needed for the fair. 

Stands as submitted.
 

Stands as submitted. 
Accolades to our students for bringing the change the unity has been profound. Lets keep this momentum going.

Camille Schoenberg reported the committee met yesterday and last week to finalize the Textbook and IMA budget. 

Nothing to report

Will be reviewed in the governance section for election status updates

Committee have not met.

Leslie Woolley reported surveys went out to parents via an email blast. There are two separate surveys.
We also had 1400 students who took the survey.  Faculty and Staff also completed their survey. Once the survey is finalizing the data will be made available to the board.

Nothing to Report

Gio Stewart and students presented to the Board of what has happened over this year.  How in his role as the new Unification Director he has had an impact. His goal is changing mindsets and value diversity. Academics is important but giving students a voice, shaping mindset, social emotional skills are important, also.  They have raised awareness through play, games and activities.  
 
There are 400 students part of leadership and they are in tuned to the mission and goals of PCHS.

Dakotah and Sofie discussed Justice League - Our Mission is for all the stakeholders of Palisades Charter High School to value and support cultural, social and economic diversity. We aim to solve the problem of inequity and self segregation in classrooms, and on our campus, by inspiring all the stakeholders at Palisades Charter High School to use empathy regarding one another.

Ambassadors: Amir and Mia discussed how they met their main goal  to bridge the school and community through 14 school tours, 28 community service events, supporting Open House, graduation and placement testing day. Future plans more merchandise and more diversity.  

ASB - main goal is bridging gap between students and administrators; provide the student point view at Board Mtg., Budget and Finance Committee Meetings, PTSA. Also, want to make sure students are having a good time by planning Prom, Dances, etc.

Peer Mediation - mission is to help students figure out how to solve their own problems. Mission is to create a peaceful integrated campus.
 
Link Crew - helps 9th graders integrate into Pali's community. Currently working on developing a process to help other students coming into 10th, 11tth grade and help them integrate. This was the brainchild of Taylor Torgerson the student liaison for the Board.

Dolphin Leadership is a summer program for freshman before they start their 9th grade at Pali, to help students improve their study skills and integrate into Pali.

This year P.E.E.R. -Performance + Equity = Excellent Results worked on Trust and Awareness and next year will work on Collaboration.

The current PCHS Math Placement Policy was presented with a recommendation to revise the Qualification for Honors Level Math Classes.  The Board Materials includes the Annual Review of Pupil Placement Data Report complied by Dr. Butler. along with recommendations.  There are some data trends. and some continuing discrepencies and  that will require the need to continuing improvement for next year.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES TO THE MATH PLACEMENT POLICY:
1. Recommendations throughout this report can be implemented through changes in the use of the same
multiple measures available without necessitating formal changes in the Math Placement Policy.
2. Because the SBAC does not assess the same content as the prerequisites for Geometry or higher (most
Algebra 1 content is not assessed in the 8th grade test), and data confirming a low correlation between
SBAC achievement and demonstration of Algebra 1 content knowledge on the Math Placement Test,
replace the use of the SBAC for placement into honors math classes with an opportunity to retest, possibly
with a different exam that is better aligned with the prerequisites for higher level math courses.

The current qualification for honors level math classes for 2017-2018 school year:  An incoming 9th grade student may only qualify for honors math classes by demonstrating advance levels of achievement on all the assessed Algebra 1 Essential Standards and Skills on their first attempt on the placement exam OR by earning a B or better in a UCOP approved Algebra 1AB-equivalent course AND Exceeds Standards on Grade 8 Math SBAC Test.

The recommended qualification for honors level math classes for 2018-2019 school years: An incoming 9th grade student may only qualify for honors math classes by demonstrating advance levels of achievement on all the assessed Algebra 1 Essential Standards and Skills on the PCHS Placement Exam OR the PCHS Re-Test.
 

Dr. Magee included in the Board Materials a reflection on the progress made to meet the five school wide goals this school year. We will continue to focus on improving the school wide goals. The 2017-18 school year could be characterized as highly focused on reflection on progress made over the past six years and the development of a comprehensive action plan to guide the
school for the next six years. PCHS actively engaged in the WASC Six-Year Self-Study (receiving the highest score possible) and developed the PCHS WASC Action Plan for Equity.  The Equity Task Force is developing an implementation timeline for the 2018-19 school year.  We have been focusing on Mental Health and Wellness; Meditation & Mindfulness. Changes in culture and climate are improving academics and relationships and mental wellness.

Dr. Magee reported today was the second day of visits and thanked Chris Humphrey for attending. The oversite visit went very well. We should expect a final report later.

Amy Ngugen discussed the PCHS employment process including classifications and evaluations. PCHS has three main staff classifications: Union Employees (UTLA and PESPU) and At-Will-Employees (Administrators, Mid-Level Managers, Salaried Professions like coaches).

The evaluations used for UTLA and PESPU are included in the Board Materials.  The evaluations are rigoruous and comprehensive review for each teacher.  The evaluation process is an opportunity to honor teachers and staff members and also address concerns.

There is a due process in place: Verbal Warnings, which is counseling, Letter of Warning, which is not considered discipline and Letter of Reprimand, which is discipline.  Letters of Reprimand can be grieved if employee is part of a Union.  Suspension Process is a possible next step for Union Members: Notice of Unsatisfactory Service or Notice of Unprofessional Conduct; Pre-disciplinary meeting to communicate concerns with employee; Administrative Review (Skelly Hearing); Board Action.  At-Will employees can be terminated after the Letter of Reprimand if there is no improvement. 



 

No bid available.  Bid will be brought back to the Board at a later date.
 

Rocky Montz reviewed the election results and a few Election Committee recommendations to the Board.
Election Winners:                                                                            
Community Seat - Leslie Woolley
Parent Seat- Reeve Chudd                                                                             
Parent Seat (Traveling Student)- Dara Williams
Faculty Seat- Larry Weiner                                                                    
Administration/Management Seat-Brooke King
Faculty Seat (Student Elected)- Susan Ackerman

Recommendations: (1). Have a Board without interested members-employees and parents. (2) Consider reducing the number of Board Members and how they are elected. Having appointed  Board Members for a longer term maybe more effective.  

 

Emilie briefly refreshed the Board's memory regarding the purpose of Recusal Policy. Section B.iii-would provide an exception for Administrative Employee Board Members' participation in open or closed session discussions.

Emilie discussed the 2018-2019 Board Meeting schedule. Improving attendance at the Board Meeting was considered when developing the schedule.  During a previous Board Meeting Saturday meetings or more frequent but shorter meetings were discussed. 
Greg Wood would move the June meeting just in case last minute budget approval is needed.  The schedule will be revisited during the first Board Meeting of 2018-2019 and presented to the newly elected Board Members.

Dr. Magee reviewed the existing PCHS Communications Policy included in the Board Materials and includes proposed communication guidelines which should be reviewed  and feedback should be provided.  The finalized policy will be updated in our Student/Parent Handbook.  David Carini raised concerns about only authorized employees engaging with the Press/Media. The proposed communication guidelines would require all communication with members of the Press and Media to be approved beforehand by the Communications Coordinator and the Executive Director.  The Communication Coordinator is Morgan Taylor.

Mary Bush reviewed the purpose, benefits and structure of the LAUSD SELPA, Charter Operated Programs. The SELPA allows districts to pool and share special education money and act as watch dogs for one another to ensure compliance.

We currently stay with the LAUSD SELPA to receive higher funding.  LAUSD approved a reorganization of their SELPA, so there are two programs the District Operated Program and the Charter Operated Program.  .

1. Special Ed Funds
2. 10%f LAUSD Administrative Costs
3. 10% COP Administarive Cost

COP Benefits include:
Liaison between charter & district
Professional development and programs support
Opporutnities to recover special education funding through:

• Grants-  (2017-2018) -$141K (just to PCHS)
• Request for assistance/money- Requested $170K +
• Programs (extended school year)- $5,000.00

Purpose for exit letter
Charter Operated Programs Division exists at the discretion of the district
District can opt to discontinue at any time
PCHS and other members of the Charter Operated Programs collective submit a letter reserving the right to exit the LAUSD/SELPA.  The letter which is effective July 1, 2018 is included in the Board Materials Exit Letter.  Reason for the exit letter:

• Provide Charters with options should LAUSD cease to support COP model
• Required annually (one year prior) to allow charter to explore membersip in other SELPAs

Don Parcell provided an update on Safety and Security.  The first phase of the fundraising campaign for security is complete; we collected $57,000 in donations. There are pending commitments.  We are soliciting support from incoming 9th grade families, applying for grants and will be requesting funding through the Budget and Finance Committee.

We continue to  work with the NESSI DHS representatives: Exhibit A (page 37) of the Operation Report includes a number of capital expense items that are recommended as additional security measures:

Priority Ranked by Brian Keith of the Dept. of Homeland Security
1. PE Tunnel Fencing
2. Parking Lot Fencing
3. Mercer/Music Fencing
4. Fence Breach Detection/Alerting System around entire perimeter fencing
5. Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for tight perimeter around buildings for when Security Guards are not on
campus overnight
6. Pali Academy Location Push-Bar Gate by Drive Gate
7. Extra Security Cameras on each New Push-Bar Gate
8. Extra Security Cameras for Perimeter Fencing Areas
9. Extra Security Cameras on Remaining Trouble Spots as identified by Campus Security & Deans
10. Fix Campus Wide PA System Issues - Some Classrooms need new speakers, some areas need speakers,
some need fixing for clarity, etc.
11. W-Building to Sunset Push-Bar Gate - Out by Left Field in the Baseball Outfield
12. El Medio Drive Gate Push-Bar Gate by the Drive Gate
13. A-Building 1st Floor Office Escapes - Window Gates/Grates to open from the Inside Out (offices only have
one exit via the door)
14. Bollards by Gilbert Hall Quad where students congregate at Nutrition, Lunch and 7th Period.

The temporary fencing ($1050.00 per month for 3 months) is now set up in various locations; this fencing will provide an idea of where a more attractive permanent fencing would be installed.  

Our PA system needs updating and it was ranked lower on the list by NESSE, Don would like this to push up the ranks for priority. 
There are three now Push Bar Gates.

Leslie Woolley expressed concerns about over doing security measures and balancing the needs to keep students safe.

tabled

tabled

Don Parcell reviewed the contract with Mission School Transportation.  This contract is for the Special Education bus; we should have the contract with ATS by the June 5th meeting.  Everyone is happy with the current service provided by Mission.  Andy Paris and Mary Bush both agreed the service is fine. There is a 6% price increase over the current contract. The cost will range from $85,000-$86,000 for one bus.

tabled

Don Parcell warned the Board the request for the IT Budget for 2018-2019 will be larger for next year. We have been postponing needed technology and we need to investing in our technology infrastructure.

tabled

tabled

tabled

table for more information

Nothing to Approve

Board Members: Emilie Larew, David Carini, Rocky Montz and Andy Paris recused themselves from the vote.

Went into closed session at 7:55pm

Returned to Open Session at 9:16pm

Reporting out for consideration of student appeal: 2018-01.  The Board voted to deny the appeal for case 2018-01 in a
5 to 3 vote.
 

Closed Session 9:17pm

Open Session: 9:37pm
There is no reportable action taken.