James Jordan Middle School Board of Trustees

Minutes

BOARD MEETING

Date and Time

Thursday May 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM

This Board Meeting is open to the public.IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDERS FROM GOVERNOR NEWSOM, THIS BOARD MEETING WILL BE ONLINE.  James Jordan Middle School ("School") welcomes your participation at the School's Board meetings. 


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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 no 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 no 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), M. Flores (remote), N. Mondragon (remote), P. Lambros (remote), R. Edelen (remote), S. Belle (remote)

Trustees Absent

H. Blunt

Guests Present

E. Hodes (remote), G. Lara (remote), Iris Cruz (remote), Jesica Green (remote), M. Marsh (remote), P. Reyes-Guerrero (remote), Rebecca Saltoon (remote), S. Griego (remote), V. Albores (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 May 20, 2021 at 7:05 PM.
B. Smith made a motion to call the meeting to order at 7:05.
M. Flores seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
B. Smith
Aye
R. Edelen
Aye
M. Flores
Aye
N. Mondragon
Aye
A. Bierman
Aye
P. Lambros
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent
S. Belle
Abstain

C.

approve minutes

B. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board meeting to determine a vaccine policy for JJMS on 04-29-21.
A. Bierman seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Belle
Abstain
A. Bierman
Aye
P. Lambros
Aye
B. Smith
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent
N. Mondragon
Aye
M. Flores
Aye
R. Edelen
Aye

D.

Public comment: NON AGENDA ITEMS

Ms. Smith- Any public comment?
Ms. Griego- IReady Rally- 115 6th Graders, 85 8th Graders, and 85 7th Graders 
JJMS will host a vaccination June and August 
8th Grade Culmination June 10th and 11th 10 am and 6 pm on both days 
 

II. Financials

A.

March Financial Report

N. Mondragon made a motion to approve the March financials report including check register, cash flow, and balance sheet.
R. Edelen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
S. Belle
Abstain
P. Lambros
Aye
B. Smith
Aye
M. Flores
Aye
N. Mondragon
Aye
R. Edelen
Aye
A. Bierman
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent

III. Governance

A.

LCAP public hearing

Local Control Accountability Plan
  • (High Needs/At-Risk) Foster, Homeless, ELLS= Suppplemenatal Funds
  • Every year JJMS must account for the expenditures. 
  • 3 year set of goals 
    • 7 areas that should be addresses
      • Academic Achievement 
      • School Climate 
    • Each goal has action steps with cost to achieve 
  • Updates- 
    • General Information in 2019-20 JJMS is served-change to serve. 

B.

Expanded Learning Opportunities Grant Plan

M. Flores made a motion to approve the Extended Learning Plan for the expenditure of state funds set aside for this purpose.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
Extra money is focused on students and families. 
Parent engagement will go beyond general parent meetings and provide mental health meetings. 

 
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
H. Blunt
Absent
S. Belle
Aye
N. Mondragon
Aye
M. Flores
Aye
R. Edelen
Aye
B. Smith
Aye
P. Lambros
Aye
A. Bierman
Aye

C.

Development of a vaccine policy for JJMS staff for the 2021-22 school year

P. Lambros made a motion to direct the YMC attorneys to draft a policy that will include the following points: JJMS will not mandate a COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Each employee is responsible for presenting JJMS with a negative test results every 7 calendar days. If legal, the board prefers that employees be required to test outside of work hours. Vaccinated employees can request a waiver from all testing. The board will review this policy within 15 business days when any COVID-19 vaccine receives a non-emergency use FDA approval. Masks will be worn in compliance with the Los Angeles County of Public Health order.
M. Flores seconded the motion.
Ponti: Staff should get the vaccine when they are comfortable. Now that majority is vaccinated, we are in a good position. As JJMS will offer the vaccine, it's showing its efforts to do everything that can be done. Would vote No to a mandated policy. Testing needs to get done every week.  Does not agree that it's necessary at this time. 
Dr. Marsh: Waiver to stop testing for staff who is fully vaccinated.
Edelen: We will require contact tracing for staff and for kids. 
Dr. Marsh: We contact trace our teachers, visitors, and staff. 
Edelen: In favor of mandated vaccine
Flores: She does not think it should be mandated. Additional resources to provide the vaccine. Giving it a bit more time. Establish a goal. Showcase the percentage of staff who are vaccinated for the public. Agrees with increased testing. 
Belle: Vaccine should not be mandatory. Those that do get vaccinated should not get test more frequently. 
Bierman: Agress with Lambros, Flores and Belle. 
Mondragon: Agrees with Edelen, mandated. 
Saltoon: Can unvaccinated staff be mandated to continue to wear a mask? 
Dr. Marsh: Yes. We can add that to the policy. 
Smith: Voting for a mandated policy. We have to set a precedence to protect staff and kids. 




 
The motion did not carry.
Roll Call
R. Edelen
No
M. Flores
No
N. Mondragon
No
B. Smith
No
A. Bierman
Aye
S. Belle
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent
P. Lambros
Aye
R. Edelen made a motion to approve a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
M. Flores
Aye
A. Bierman
No
H. Blunt
Absent
N. Mondragon
Aye
P. Lambros
No
B. Smith
Aye
S. Belle
No
R. Edelen
Aye
Continued discussion of Vaccine Policy
The board is discussing additional addendums to the YMC policy shared at the previous board meeting. 
-Under scope
-Policy 
  • First paragraph last sentence
    • Smith- remove "unavailable vaccine". Remove the paragraph under "Policy" 
  • The paragraph at the sentence "Employees who refuse to comply..."
    • Smith- add additional details 

James Jordan Middle School
Covid-19 Employee Vaccination Policy
Purpose
Consistent with James Jordan Middle School’s (“JJMS” or the “School”) legal duty to maintain a safe and healthy workplace and to limit the spread of COVID-19, the School shall enforce this COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Policy (“Policy”). The purpose of this Policy is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all School employees, students, families, and stakeholders to the maximum extent possible, and to facilitate a safe and meaningful return to in-person instruction. At the time of adoption of this Policy, the COVID-19 vaccination is not available for most students (based upon student age). This Policy shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with current federal, state, and local law, as well as applicable public health guidance, including that from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”).
Scope
This Policy applies to all School employees who enter campus for any period, or have contact with any employees, students, or other School stakeholders, however brief. This Policy applies to COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available to School employees under Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) Emergency Use Authorization, as well as those that may later become available under FDA Emergency Use Authorization. Should any COVID-19 vaccine receive FDA non-emergency use authorization, this Policy will apply to such vaccines as well. Additionally, should any COVID-19 vaccine require two (2) doses for complete inoculation, compliance with this Policy requires both doses.
Policy
It is the policy of the School to mandate that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine., once available. The School recognizes the possible operational realities of COVID-19 vaccine distribution issues, and that COVID-19 vaccines may not be available for all employees at the same time. However, once any vaccine opportunities become available, all School employees must inoculate for COVID-19.  The School will provide employees with information regarding the operational logistics of such vaccination opportunities (e.g., opportunities to schedule vaccinations during the workday, reimbursement for mileage, etc.).  As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, the School reserves the right to revise this Policy and mandate all employees vaccinate by a date certain.
As of August 1, 2021, employees who refuse to comply with this Policy and who are not otherwise eligible for an accommodation consistent with applicable legal requirements as further detailed below will be placed on unpaid/inactive status until they comply. Employees who refuse to vaccinate for COVID-19 and who are not otherwise entitled to an accommodation will be excluded from campus/the workplace pending compliance with this Policy.  Continued absences from work as a result of noncompliance with this Policy may be deemed unexcused, and result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment. New hires must show proof of the COVID-19 vaccination as part of the application process.
Consistent with applicable law, the School will pay all nonexempt employees for time spent receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, assuming the vaccine cannot be obtained during working hours. The School will also reimburse all employees for the cost of the vaccine (if any), as well as reasonable and necessary mileage (if applicable). All reimbursements require appropriate supporting documentation.
Proof of Vaccination
Once School employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine, either when directed to do so or when available, they must provide the School with written proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Written proof of COVID-19 vaccination currently means a vaccination card disbursed to COVID-19 recipients, post inoculation. Failure to provide the School with written proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon request by the School constitutes noncompliance with this Policy. The School further reserves the right to request proof of both the first and second vaccination doses for COVID-19, if applicable.
When providing proof of vaccination, employees must not provide any medical or genetic information to the School. It is an employee’s responsibility to ensure their proof of vaccination is free from medical and genetic information.
The School shall strictly maintain confidentiality of all employee COVID-19 vaccination data and related medical information, other than reporting the results to federal, state, and local health departments or agencies, only where required by law. The School will store all medical information about any employee separately from the employee’s personnel file in order to limit access to this confidential information. The School will have a separate confidential medical file for each employee where the School stores employee medical information. Medical information includes COVID-19 vaccination data.
Continued Health and Safety Protocol
Consistent with the School’s health and safety protocol, including its COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy and COVID-19 Injury and Illness Prevention Plan Addendum[CPH1] , and until guidance from federal, state, and local public health agencies is revised, all employees must continue to abide by all COVID-19 health and safety protocols, regardless of vaccination status. This includes but is not limited to continued use of facial coverings and social distancing practices.
Requests for Accommodations
Employees who are unable to comply with this Policy due to a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance as defined by applicable law may be entitled to an accommodation from the School’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Once the School is on notice that an employee may be unable to comply with the Policy due to a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, the School will engage in an interactive process with the employee, and work to identify any possible accommodations. As part of the interactive process, the School reserves the right to request supporting documentation or a medical certification which documents the basis for the requested accommodation. The School may not be required to provide employees with an accommodation should the accommodation result in a direct threat to health and safety at the School or to the employee, or if the accommodation will cause an undue hardship for the School. Employees who believe they may be entitled to a legally valid accommodation consistent with this Policy should contact the School [CPH2] as outlined below to address this matter further.
Non-Discrimination
The School will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, refusing to receive to the COVID-19 vaccine, or for requesting a lawfully-recognized accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccination Policy.
                                         
 

 


 

D.

CLOSED SESSION: Evaluation of the Executive Director

B. Smith made a motion to table the closed session: Evaluation of Executive Director until the June 17, 2021 Board meeting.
M. Flores seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
N. Mondragon
Aye
P. Lambros
Aye
B. Smith
Aye
A. Bierman
Aye
S. Belle
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent
R. Edelen
Aye
M. Flores
Aye

IV. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

M. Flores made a motion to to adjourn the meeting at 10:31pm.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Bierman
Aye
S. Belle
Aye
R. Edelen
Aye
N. Mondragon
Aye
B. Smith
Aye
P. Lambros
Aye
M. Flores
Aye
H. Blunt
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:31 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
G. Lara
Documents used during the meeting
  • 03.2021 JJMS Board Package.pdf
  • JJMS_LCAP_2021_PubHearing.pdf
  • James Jordan LCAP Annual Update2021.docx
  • JJMS _lcap2021.pdf
  • ELO plan May 2021.pdf