James Jordan Middle School Board of Trustees
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday September 16, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Location
7911 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka CA 91306
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.
Monthly on the third Thursday
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82812876563?pwd=b2NuOFNYVllsbm5CQXFwUTVybjEwUT09
ID: 82812876563
Passcode: Ufp8Sw6P
(US) +1 346-248-7799
Passcode: 15807870
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)
Monthly on the third Thursday
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82812876563?pwd=b2NuOFNYVllsbm5CQXFwUTVybjEwUT09
ID: 82812876563
Passcode: Ufp8Sw6P
(US) +1 346-248-7799
Passcode: 15807870
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
B. Smith (remote), N. Mondragon (remote), P. Lambros (remote), R. Edelen (remote), S. Belle (remote)
Trustees Absent
A. Bierman, H. Blunt, M. Flores
Guests Present
Armando Garcia (remote), Claudia Martinez (remote), Dr. Palisoc (remote), E. Hodes (remote), G. Lara (remote), Iris Feldman (remote), J. Green (remote), Jeymi Garcia (remote), Loren Gonzalez (remote), Lynn Tidwell (remote), M. Antone (remote), M. Marsh (remote), MAntone (remote), Maria Plasencia (remote), Maria Rios (remote), Mario Rojas (remote), Mr. Roberson (remote), Nagelly Candelaria (remote), P. Reyes-Guerrero (remote), Rebekah Todd (remote), S. Griego (remote), V. Albores (remote), Veronica Ramos (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 16, 2021 at 7:19 PM.
C.
approve minutes
B. Smith made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 08-19-21.
R. Edelen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Bierman |
Absent
|
| P. Lambros |
Aye
|
| S. Belle |
Aye
|
| R. Edelen |
Aye
|
| H. Blunt |
Absent
|
| B. Smith |
Aye
|
| N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
| M. Flores |
Absent
|
D.
Public comment: NON AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment -3 minutes
- Antone- Shout out to admin and coordinators for the smooth quarantine process
- Maria Gonzalez- Would like to thank the JJMS team. She had a student here before. She is very happy with the school
- Maria Palencia- Thank you for managing the way we have been handling the COVID protocols.
- Griego- Coming to the board with a heavy heart, feeling that the administration is not being as transparent, and being protective of me as a staff member. Due to events, the board should know, feels the workplace is very hostile and she feels there is little communication. Not getting the transparency from administrations. Asking questions and responses are not clear. Specific policies for unvaccinated employees. Not given the clarity that is needed.
- Smith- It is our responsibility to keep everyone safe and make sure the vaccinated and unvaccinated follow the policy. This is not the forum for individual employee issues.
- Parent Lopez- What are the demerits?
E.
Lead Teacher Report
Antone- Teachers were asked a survey. Teachers feel tired and fatigued. Having difficulty with transitioning. Leads met with admin and it was agreed to share slides to allow more time for teacher independent time. Collaborating, grading, and planning.
II. Financials
A.
Unaudited Actuals
B. Smith made a motion to approve the Unaudited Actuals for submission to LAUSD.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
Unaudited Actuals- Previously approved and submitted to LAUSD.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
- This includes all the funds. With all numbers to explain how we are spending the money in each bucket.
- Audit is not due until December.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Flores |
Absent
|
| S. Belle |
Aye
|
| P. Lambros |
Aye
|
| A. Bierman |
Absent
|
| R. Edelen |
Aye
|
| N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
| B. Smith |
Aye
|
| H. Blunt |
Absent
|
B.
Additional consideration of PR and marketing budget
B. Smith made a motion to approve an $8000 for the Niche platform and $70,000 for a PR marketing budget.
R. Edelen seconded the motion.
- Drop in enrollment in all of CA
- Next year we are expecting to move and fill up to 450 seats
- Previously the board approved PR funds to be used
- Dr. Marsh is very concerned about the need for more students
- Next year we will need to have a very rigorous campaign
- Digital marketing
- Niche platform $8,000 for one year
- Relational marketing
- Digital marketing
- Dr. Marsh is asking for the budget to increase to $78,000 for this project. Enrolling 5.2 kids.
- Previously authorized $45,000
- Dr. Palisoc asked if part of the strategy was to send postcards. In his experience, having opened 3 schools to fill seats they used this strategy.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Flores |
Absent
|
| A. Bierman |
Absent
|
| S. Belle |
Aye
|
| R. Edelen |
Aye
|
| B. Smith |
Aye
|
| N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
| H. Blunt |
Absent
|
| P. Lambros |
Aye
|
III. Academic Achievement
A.
Impact of COVID-19 on instruction during 2021-22
During the week of 9/7, all students and staff were tested on campus for COVID-19. The results were zero 6th grade students tested positive. One 7th grade student tested positive and three 8th grade students tested positive. This represents a positivity rate of .008%, which is far less than the LA county rate of 1.87% for the same week. The safety measures at JJMS are clearly working to reduce the risk of transmission. Vaccinated students and staff who were exposed tested and returned to campus. Unvaccinated staff and students will quarantine for 10 days and will participate in regular class schedule via zoom.
- State 4.5% Positivity rate
- LA County 1.87%
- JJMS 0.008%
IV. Governance
A.
Consideration of a vaccine mandate for JJMS students
- Smith- As a parent think of the possibility of approving a similar LAUSD student vaccination mandate
- LAUSD is not accepting religious beliefs/personal belief
- Asking the board to consider mandating a vaccine policy for all students
- Maria Plasencia- Yes, I agree. All my kids are vaccinated.
- Mondragon- Yes. Students should be vaccinated.
- Belle- Agrees with Ms. Mondragon. It's imperative that the students are vaccinated.
- Lambros- Agrees.
- Edelen- Agrees and we should adopt a vaccination schedule similar to LAUSD.
- 30 days after the 12th birthdate. Everyone must be vaccinated by January 10th, 2022.
- Antone- Some parents may oppose the mandate. Concern that we are dealing with a lot of parent communication about COVID. Maybe JJMS can create a new timeline.
B. Smith made a motion to create a JJMS student mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine that matches the terms of the LAUSD board-approved vaccine mandate on 9/9/2021.
N. Mondragon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| H. Blunt |
Absent
|
| A. Bierman |
Absent
|
| P. Lambros |
Aye
|
| B. Smith |
Aye
|
| R. Edelen |
Aye
|
| S. Belle |
Aye
|
| N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
| M. Flores |
Absent
|
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
B. Smith made a motion to adjourned at 8:56pm.
P. Lambros seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| P. Lambros |
Aye
|
| A. Bierman |
Absent
|
| H. Blunt |
Absent
|
| R. Edelen |
Aye
|
| B. Smith |
Aye
|
| N. Mondragon |
Aye
|
| S. Belle |
Aye
|
| M. Flores |
Absent
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
G. Lara
Documents used during the meeting
- JJMS 20.21 UAR Form 62.pdf