Anonymous- As the new school year begins. I think it's important to emphasize the teachers are people too and that they're trying their best. As people they deserve boundaries and breaks, as well as compensation and clear and cohesive instructions. It seems that the teachers in a relatively difficult place. When one is to examine the pressures coming from both students and admin as teachers become more stressed students are on the receiving end of these emotions, creating an environment that rotates with negativity. As a student, I hear my peers complain about things teachers do and insult their teaching skills. When those actions are caused by miscommunications and an effective decision making by people. People higher up in the Palisades high school authority. So as we have a new beginning, I urge the board to be mindful of how you treat the faculty because confusion and chaos caused an inherently negative environment that is fun for nobody.

Michael Brent IV - Good evening, I'm reading today to discuss the issue of graduation credits and the lack of seniors in the class of 2021 that will be able or are having difficulty with fulfilling the 230 credits needed to graduate from Pali. Out of 720 seniors in the class of 2021 130 seniors are vulnerable and have not graduating, that is 18% of the class of 2021.  Well, many factors account for these high numbers, including job loss of parents the online learning environment and more discussions made within a board Task Force concerning this crisis. Yes crisis. We're looking over some solutions would be the core classes would be hit and tackled SO THESE SENIORS can get credit from those courses math English. There was a discussion about cutting the graduation credit requirement for all pali grades nine through 12.  The requirements are at 230 and the number we would cut to would be to 10.  At the time of this task force meeting a different grading scale. I'm sorry, close to 1000 Pali students were failing one or more courses. These numbers are outrageous last summer semester. Many other members of ASP had discussions with admin and also made public comments here. Asking for a different grading scale and also advocating for less work. I'd like to thank Mr Suarez was amazing work with credit recovery helping seniors and other grades get courses done I'd also like to thank Dr. Lee for his work along with our counseling team for their work. This crisis is tearing our school down in the class of 2021 we need to find better solutions to the issue of mass fails and no credits. It's as simple as that. The issue cannot be one third of the campus wasn't equipped last summer or last semester.  The issue is simply to adhere to the issues that faces students and all students passing or failing. We cannot go forward with the system, it doesn't work for all students. This semester we cannot have this happen again.

UTLA no general comments

Anonymous - Currently 130+ students are at risk of graduation because kids were not passing classes in distance learning.  These are not reflective of the academic achievement of the PCHS students and community.

 

Leslie made motion
Andy seconded motion

Public Comment:  Pali High tech department is instrumental in the function of Pali High and supports most stakeholder groups: classified staff and administration as well as helping parents families board members and all board committees as needed.  The info tech component of the technology initiative was designed and initially, approved by the board in 2014 included five to six positions in the info tech department, the director supervisor and three to four technicians. During these very technical technology pendant and challenging times of the pandemic, the technology department has been more crucial to police functioning than ever before. We currently do not have a person in the supervisor role and it's been very challenging this entire school year, and particularly difficult in the tech department store has had to shoulder the burden of both the directors role. PCH is is looking to fill that position at this time and we hope to have the board support to fill this position to help support the students and faculty staff to the full extent possible.

No public comment made
B Clarke made 2 public comments regarding 2 pending issues before the Board.  Friday schedule and graduation requirements with regards to the Task Force and the status of the work they are going to address this..

Anonymous - Public comment was made in support of the technology position being submitted to the Board for approval.

Izzy reported that Seniors gear purchases are due today as well as Senior quotes.  She also reiterated public comments re: 2021 Graduation rates.

Jewlz reported that parents are concerns about rumors re: LAUSD teachers Union not going back to school until all teachers are vaccinated based upon union demands.  Parents are also concerned that the students won't be returning in the fall.  Parents are concerned if the school is committed to a hybrid in the spring semester if allowed.  Many are frustrated with eLearning and want to know changes in Friday schedule.  There seems to be disagreements among parents about whether they like it or not.  They are also looking for Friday office hours for teachers and counsellors.  There are questions about sports returning if there is no in person instruction.  They are also looking for answers regarding ACTs and SATs.  Will it happen and where.  Parents are also stressing concerns re: student mental health.

Comment from Ruston Kharazi- Parents want a second BTS night so that teachers and parents can be introduced or reintroduced.

Andy reported 1st day of new classes and classified employees are happy to be back.

Paula Anderson said that it was great to see them on campus and thanked them for all that they do for our students and the school.

As submitted

Wondering about the Friday schedule and whether the report was submitted to the regulators with our Board questions.

A Nguyen clarified that at the bottom of the report there is the position "tech team lead" is the same as it team supervisor. Otherwise, report stands as submitted.

Stands as submitted.  D Parcell highlighted the need for B&F Committee and Board begin addressing bussing scholarships.  D Parcell also reviewed the results of the Technology Survey which were very positive overall.  Results:  The functioning of those devices had ratings of 93% were satisfied or better with how their tech device was functioning for them. How does it suit your day to day needs?  89% were satisfied or better and 76% said that device was good or very good. If we had unlimited funds would you want a different device and almost 90% said that they were fine with what they had and how it was working was all fine and the other 10% were people that had Windows devices that wanted to have Mac devices. 

Stands as submitted.  M Rawson highlighted a Special Education restricted donation and a $5000 grant for the aquatics center and a $2000 grant for science and a $5000 grant for PD.  Additional to note is the donations received since the last Board meeting.  He also highlighted the donations made specifically for faculty which can be used to help teachers with any out of pocket expenses that they may have incurred during eLearning.  He also highlighted the PD donation monies to address issues where teachers have expressed concerns.

M Rawson also clarified that Donor Brick costs were higher because there were additional donors resulting in 2 rounds of installation vs. 1.

Stands as submitted.  The CDE audit of the cafeteria has been changed to 2/1/2021.

Dr. Magee welcomed everyone back and report stands as submitted.  She commended the teachers for everything that they have done to transition to eLearning and new content.  They have done so with great ambition and taken this to heart to be as supportive as possible for the students in both academics and mental health.  Administration is continuing to work on Friday schedule and should have more information to report out in the coming weeks.  PD regarding grading equity will now be held at staff PD Feb. 8, 2021 meeting with hopes for a small committee to review grading policies.  Communication re: parent Board members will be going out to parent community shortly.  Waiting on final revisions.

 

B&F meet on 1/11/21 and therefore no report was submitted.  Nothing additional to report.

Juan Pablo reviewed report and reports (including actuarial report) stands as submitted.  He clarified that this does not include any potential investment returns as the monies isn't currently invested in anything aside from Treasuries.  S Margiotta asked J Herrera about a note of eligible employees as of 2019.  He clarified that this is an error and not calculated into the actuarial report.  There were several concerns expressed regarding the lack of investment in the Lifetime Health Benefits monies.  Juan Pablo Herrera stated that he would bring governance regarding investment accountability of this money to help address member concerns.
 

UTLA - no comment

B King made a motion to postpone discussion about Resolution to Revise Grade Appeal Process.  Adam seconded motion.

Public comment made to address perception of parents on zoom and suggested that Board should be mindful and to be respectful to everyone.

Juan Pablo Herrera reviewed 2020-2021 Budget to Actuals and it stands as submitted.

Juan Pablo Herrera presented the Learning Loss Mitigation Funds and report stands as submitted.

Discussion occurred.  Juan Pablo clarified that the shift from tutoring monies to consultants to pay for Sat School and additional counselling and and does not effect the amount of tutoring that students will receive.

Juan Pablo Herrera discussed 2021/2022 Budget Development Calendar.  Report stands as submitted.

Amy Nguyen presented the additional IT and Counselor positions.  Presentation stands as submitted.

Heather Shun public comment:  

Amy Nguyen presented presentation for an additional Counselor position.  Report stands as submitted.

Conflict of Interest Code and Panel Memo reviewed and stands as submitted.  

John disagrees with sequencing of process but withdrawls motion

Next meeting Feb. 9th at 5:00 pm

Jim stated Brooke was running meeting well.  Because of polarized politics currently it might be helpful to have a civic's component incorporated into our classrooms.  And to be mindful to be considerate of students who have polarizing thoughts or family opinions.

Financial Presentation to be held on Feb. 2, 2021 and Brooke stressed the importance of attending this meeting.