James Jordan Middle School Board of Trustees
Minutes
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING regarding LCAP for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date and Time
Thursday September 24, 2020 at 7:00 PM
This Board Meeting is open to the public.IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDERS FROM GOVERNOR NEWSOME, THIS BOARD MEETING WILL BE ONLINE. James Jordan Middle School ("School") welcomes your participation at the School's Board meetings.
zoom.us/j/96140272136?pwd=YkxDcU... (ID: 96140272136, password: 437390)
Join by phone(US) +1 301-715-8592
Password: 437390
The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Trustees ("Board") is to conduct the affairs of the School in public. We are pleased that you are in attendance and hope that you will visit these meetings often. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our School.
To assist you in the ease of speaking/participating in our meetings, the following guidelines are provided:
1. Agendas are available to all audience members on the home page of www.jamesjordanms.com.
2. ONLINE Board meetings will still have time reserved for PUBLIC COMMENT. If you wish to make a public comment, expect to be limited to 3 minutes. To speak, send an email to bsmith@jamesjordanms.com with a Subject of PUBLIC COMMENT.
a. Non-agenda items: any person may address the Board concerning any item not on the agenda provided that no individual presentation shall be for more than 3 minutes (or 6 minutes with translation) and the total time for this purpose shall not exceed 20 minutes (provided that the President may grant additional time if circumstances permit). Ordinarily, Board members will not respond to such presentations and no action can be taken as the Board is allowed to take action only on items on the agenda. However, the Board may give direction to staff following a presentation or calendar the issue for further discussion. Individuals may also request that a topic related to school business be placed on a future agenda and once such an item is properly agendized and publicly noticed, the Board can discuss, respond, and possibly act upon such an item.
b. Agenda Items:The presentation to the Board shall be made at the time a specific item is under discussion. Any person may address the Board concerning any item on the agenda provided that no individual presentation shall be for more than 3 minutes (6 minutes with translation) and the total time for this purpose shall not exceed 30 minutes (provided that the Board Chair may grant additional time if circumstances permit). Speakers are requested to state their name and address and adhere to the time limits set forth herein. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes in English and 6 minutes with translation. Spanish translation will be provided by the school at every board meeting. If you need translation for another language, please contact the school 48 hours in advance to allow us to find a translator.
4. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, the School may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modification of the agenda in order to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact the Principal (lara@jamesjordanms.com, 818-882-2496)
zoom.us/j/96140272136?pwd=YkxDcU... (ID: 96140272136, password: 437390)
Join by phone(US) +1 301-715-8592
Password: 437390
The purpose of a public meeting of the Board of Trustees ("Board") is to conduct the affairs of the School in public. We are pleased that you are in attendance and hope that you will visit these meetings often. Your participation assures us of continuing community interest in our School.
To assist you in the ease of speaking/participating in our meetings, the following guidelines are provided:
1. Agendas are available to all audience members on the home page of www.jamesjordanms.com.
2. ONLINE Board meetings will still have time reserved for PUBLIC COMMENT. If you wish to make a public comment, expect to be limited to 3 minutes. To speak, send an email to bsmith@jamesjordanms.com with a Subject of PUBLIC COMMENT.
a. Non-agenda items: any person may address the Board concerning any item not on the agenda provided that no individual presentation shall be for more than 3 minutes (or 6 minutes with translation) and the total time for this purpose shall not exceed 20 minutes (provided that the President may grant additional time if circumstances permit). Ordinarily, Board members will not respond to such presentations and no action can be taken as the Board is allowed to take action only on items on the agenda. However, the Board may give direction to staff following a presentation or calendar the issue for further discussion. Individuals may also request that a topic related to school business be placed on a future agenda and once such an item is properly agendized and publicly noticed, the Board can discuss, respond, and possibly act upon such an item.
b. Agenda Items:The presentation to the Board shall be made at the time a specific item is under discussion. Any person may address the Board concerning any item on the agenda provided that no individual presentation shall be for more than 3 minutes (6 minutes with translation) and the total time for this purpose shall not exceed 30 minutes (provided that the Board Chair may grant additional time if circumstances permit). Speakers are requested to state their name and address and adhere to the time limits set forth herein. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes in English and 6 minutes with translation. Spanish translation will be provided by the school at every board meeting. If you need translation for another language, please contact the school 48 hours in advance to allow us to find a translator.
4. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, the School may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modification of the agenda in order to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact the Principal (lara@jamesjordanms.com, 818-882-2496)
Trustees Present
A. Bierman (remote), B. Smith (remote), H. Blunt (remote), I. Farrior (remote), N. Mondragon (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Pineda (remote), Aaron Lemus (remote), Angel Carmona (remote), Ashley Franco (remote), Bianca Orozco (remote), Brinkley Ruggiero (remote), Cecilia Dominguez (remote), Chastin Pierman (remote), G. Lara (remote), J. Green (remote), Kristine Minter (remote), M. Marsh (remote), Margarita Maldonado (remote), Maria Alcantara (remote), Marisela Acuapan (remote), Nagelly Candelaria (remote), P. Reyes-Guerrero (remote), Samantha Griego (remote), Scott Stewart (remote), V. Albores (remote), Veronica Amador (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
B. Smith called a meeting of the board of trustees of James Jordan Middle School Board of Trustees to order on Thursday Sep 24, 2020 at 7:11 PM.
C.
Take public comment
D.
approve minutes
A. Bierman made a motion to approve the minutes from the board meeting on 9/17/2020.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
B. Smith |
Aye
|
N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
H. Blunt |
Aye
|
I. Farrior |
Aye
|
A. Bierman |
Aye
|
II. Governance
A.
Expert legal guidance on future obligations for student education
Ms. Ruggiero: Attorney with YMC. Recent guidance from CA Dep Health and County. Allows cohorts of groups of students on campus. ELLs, SWDs, homeless students as well as students not participating in online learning.
SB 98 imposes a duty on public schools to provide in-person instruction to the greatest extent practicable under local health orders
SWD assessment plans must now follow the legal timelines. Points to local health orders.
Dr. Marsh: Is it up to the LEA to define who is struggling?
Ms. Ruggiero: It is not specified.
Dr. Marsh: We will define what struggling students need.
Patrick: Is it possible to have a soft opening where teachers and staff are at the school and teach virtually from the classroom?
Ms. Ruggiero: Invites Ms. Pierman to respond to the question from Patrick.
In terms of in-person support services for students. Virtual services in-campus.
Dr. Marsh: The definition, some students on campus?
Ms. Ruggiero: Right. As soon as it is practical and safe to do so. 12 students in a cohort and 2 teachers. 10% of the enrollment.
Ms. Smith: 42 kids on one day
Dr. Marsh: The limit for JJMS is 10% which is 42 kids on one day.
Ms. Smith: Introduced labor and employment attorney
Ms. Pierman: We are going to do our best. Best on our safety protocols. JJMS is going above and beyond compared to other charter schools. JJMS is on the right path for reopening. K-12 is part of the critical infrastructure sector. All employees in schools are essential workers. Yes. We can bring everyone back. We have been cleared to provide assessment and in-person services. Is it necessary for the operations of the schools to bring back staff? Technically yes.
Dr. Marsh: Providing cohorts calls to divide students into small groups. We would need to 2 adults to be able to supervise the small cohorts. If it is necessary for the cohorts.
Ms. Pierman: Soft opening may not be right at this time. Yes. It would be essential to have the majority of the students.
Dr. Marsh: Having two adults will help us comply with the labor laws.
Ms. Pierman: Yes. Having two qualified adults.
Dr. Marsh: This applies to paraprofessionals.
Ms. Pierman: Yes. As part of the regular functions of the schools. We need to follow all the laws and being compliant under the COVID-19. Air purifiers, masks, temperature checks and
Schools can require employees to return to work if they are necessary to fulfill our duty under SB 98
Schools have an obligation to provide accommodations, up to telework, for employees that provide medical documentation of being at high risk
State and Federal leave policy allow employees to request additional safety measures so that they can work on campus.
Schools are not required to provide leave or accommodations for anyone who fears that the workplace is not safe.
Dr. Marsh: Addressed alternating mask colors when kids can fully return.
Ms. Griego: Students who are SWDs and ELLs , which teachers would need to come.
Dr. Marsh: We cannot limit to RSP teachers at it will violate the FAPE description of each student's IEPs and it would be a special day. Staff who are essential workers would include at minimum the credential teacher and the paraprofessional. There are other classified staff that needs to work from campus.
Mrs. Minter: Is the criteria outlined for students that do not have an IEP or ELL in this plan?
Dr. Marsh: We have elected lead teachers to work together to establish a very specific rubric what do we mean by struggling.
Mr. Beirman: Mrs. Lara how do you gauge the temperature
Ms. Ayala: Feelings of teachers. The opinion is that things felt very rushed. Last-minute communication. It's not that staff members don't want to come to campus. We had invited everyone, yet we need to have a rubric. Appreciates that admin is listening and sharing information about safety protocols. Communication has improved a lot.
Mr. Pineda: We don't have a precise number at the moment of how teachers may be feeling. But feels better as an opportunity has been created to create a rubric.
Mr. Bierman:
Mrs. Minter: My concern was more for my colleagues who may be immunocompromised. We had a co-worker that resigned and it was very difficult. Making sure our adult community is taken care of. The mood is better than it was last week. However, I noticed that staff members are still very nervous that the protocols will be implemented to the extent they are outlined.
Ms. Ayala: The mood is better as Mrs.Minter has stated I think the lack of communication with protocols and expectations made staff more nervous but the meetings gave the staff members an opportunity to share
Ms. Greigo: I agree, the mood has definitely improved because we were able to be open and honest with our questions.
Mrs. Green: I agree we didn’t get the opportunity to explain and elaborate the safety protocols prior to last weeks Board Meeting
Ms. Farrior: How are protocols currently being delineated and communicated?
Dr. Marsh: We will be sharing the protocols with all staff tomorrow.
Mrs. Lara: We will welcome feedback to improve our plan.
Ms. Pierman: We have to follow the law and not make exceptions as they may expose the organization to lawsuits.
SB 98 imposes a duty on public schools to provide in-person instruction to the greatest extent practicable under local health orders
SWD assessment plans must now follow the legal timelines. Points to local health orders.
Dr. Marsh: Is it up to the LEA to define who is struggling?
Ms. Ruggiero: It is not specified.
Dr. Marsh: We will define what struggling students need.
Patrick: Is it possible to have a soft opening where teachers and staff are at the school and teach virtually from the classroom?
Ms. Ruggiero: Invites Ms. Pierman to respond to the question from Patrick.
In terms of in-person support services for students. Virtual services in-campus.
Dr. Marsh: The definition, some students on campus?
Ms. Ruggiero: Right. As soon as it is practical and safe to do so. 12 students in a cohort and 2 teachers. 10% of the enrollment.
Ms. Smith: 42 kids on one day
Dr. Marsh: The limit for JJMS is 10% which is 42 kids on one day.
Ms. Smith: Introduced labor and employment attorney
Ms. Pierman: We are going to do our best. Best on our safety protocols. JJMS is going above and beyond compared to other charter schools. JJMS is on the right path for reopening. K-12 is part of the critical infrastructure sector. All employees in schools are essential workers. Yes. We can bring everyone back. We have been cleared to provide assessment and in-person services. Is it necessary for the operations of the schools to bring back staff? Technically yes.
Dr. Marsh: Providing cohorts calls to divide students into small groups. We would need to 2 adults to be able to supervise the small cohorts. If it is necessary for the cohorts.
Ms. Pierman: Soft opening may not be right at this time. Yes. It would be essential to have the majority of the students.
Dr. Marsh: Having two adults will help us comply with the labor laws.
Ms. Pierman: Yes. Having two qualified adults.
Dr. Marsh: This applies to paraprofessionals.
Ms. Pierman: Yes. As part of the regular functions of the schools. We need to follow all the laws and being compliant under the COVID-19. Air purifiers, masks, temperature checks and
Schools can require employees to return to work if they are necessary to fulfill our duty under SB 98
Schools have an obligation to provide accommodations, up to telework, for employees that provide medical documentation of being at high risk
State and Federal leave policy allow employees to request additional safety measures so that they can work on campus.
Schools are not required to provide leave or accommodations for anyone who fears that the workplace is not safe.
Dr. Marsh: Addressed alternating mask colors when kids can fully return.
Ms. Griego: Students who are SWDs and ELLs , which teachers would need to come.
Dr. Marsh: We cannot limit to RSP teachers at it will violate the FAPE description of each student's IEPs and it would be a special day. Staff who are essential workers would include at minimum the credential teacher and the paraprofessional. There are other classified staff that needs to work from campus.
Mrs. Minter: Is the criteria outlined for students that do not have an IEP or ELL in this plan?
Dr. Marsh: We have elected lead teachers to work together to establish a very specific rubric what do we mean by struggling.
Mr. Beirman: Mrs. Lara how do you gauge the temperature
Ms. Ayala: Feelings of teachers. The opinion is that things felt very rushed. Last-minute communication. It's not that staff members don't want to come to campus. We had invited everyone, yet we need to have a rubric. Appreciates that admin is listening and sharing information about safety protocols. Communication has improved a lot.
Mr. Pineda: We don't have a precise number at the moment of how teachers may be feeling. But feels better as an opportunity has been created to create a rubric.
Mr. Bierman:
Mrs. Minter: My concern was more for my colleagues who may be immunocompromised. We had a co-worker that resigned and it was very difficult. Making sure our adult community is taken care of. The mood is better than it was last week. However, I noticed that staff members are still very nervous that the protocols will be implemented to the extent they are outlined.
Ms. Ayala: The mood is better as Mrs.Minter has stated I think the lack of communication with protocols and expectations made staff more nervous but the meetings gave the staff members an opportunity to share
Ms. Greigo: I agree, the mood has definitely improved because we were able to be open and honest with our questions.
Mrs. Green: I agree we didn’t get the opportunity to explain and elaborate the safety protocols prior to last weeks Board Meeting
Ms. Farrior: How are protocols currently being delineated and communicated?
Dr. Marsh: We will be sharing the protocols with all staff tomorrow.
Mrs. Lara: We will welcome feedback to improve our plan.
Ms. Pierman: We have to follow the law and not make exceptions as they may expose the organization to lawsuits.
B.
Human Resources laws and work obligations
Additional minutes in section A.
III. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
A.
Board approval of the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan
B. Smith made a motion to approve the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan as is.
I. Farrior seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
B. Smith |
Aye
|
H. Blunt |
Aye
|
A. Bierman |
Aye
|
I. Farrior |
Aye
|
IV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
B. Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm.
H. Blunt seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
A. Bierman |
Aye
|
H. Blunt |
Aye
|
I. Farrior |
Aye
|
N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
B. Smith |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
G. Lara
Documents used during the meeting
- JJMS_LearnContAttPlan BoardApproved_9.24.20(1).pdf
Mrs. Minter: 50% in section 60 wanted to come to campus. They loved the drive-thrus. Agrees that there need to be some in-person contact keeping safety in mind for kids and staff.