The Food Services Program previously initially purchased Point of Service (POS) units from NutriKids (now owned by Heartland School Solutions) in 2008, and the units have functioned well and have exceeded their anticipated lifespan. POS systems are now a USDA/CDE requirement for food services programs, and the MBUSD units need to be replaced.  Heartland is a CDE – NSD (Nutrition Services Division) approved vendor, and the POS units are on the CDE - NSD purchase approval list.  

The proposal from Heartland includes 22 all-in-one touch screen integrated workstations for use at all school sites, along with 15 pin-pads for use at secondary sites.

The Mira Costa High School theater currently operates under the supervision of a classified Building Trades Specialist, who oversees the maintenance, operations, scheduling, use and rental of the theater space. The duties and responsibilities of this position have grown over time, particularly in view of the extensive utilization of the theater by student drama, music and dance programs as well as non-district groups who rent the facility for various events and/or productions. In addition, the construction of an second mini-theater on the MCHS campus, as part of the Measure BB Construction Project, will dramatically increase the need for professional management and supervision of these facilities. 

As a result, staff is recommending creation of a new classified management position: Coordinator of Theater Operations and Facility Permits. This position will be considered by the MBUSD Personnel Commission for approval on February 3, 2015. Pending approval by the Personnel Commission and the Board of Trustees and contingent upon sufficient funding to support the position, it is anticipated the District would be able to fill the position by or before the start of the 2015-2016 school year. It should also be noted that if this position is ultimately approved and filled, the current position of Building Trades Specialist would no longer be needed in conjunction with MCHS theater operations.

The Building Trades Specialist—Stage Manager job description is not reflective of the essential duties and responsibilities of the current position. The Building Trades Specialist—Stage Manager is not a journeyman position, and therefore, a new job description for a Theater Technician position under Professional Administrative & Related Classes has been written.  The essential duties and responsibilities of this position reflect the requirements of the position.  The Theater Technician would report to the Coordinator of Theater Operations and Facility Permits.

The Theater Technician Assistant—Limited Term is a new job description.  During the school year there are productions and special events that require additional assistance.  This position will enable the Coordinator of Theater Operations and Facility Permits to hire additional qualified personnel to assist with these events.

Dr. Lisa Santora from Beach Cities Health District will provide information to the Board on how Beach Cities Health District is working with MBUSD and MBUSD schools to maximize the physical, mental and emotional health of our students.   This will be the Board’s first opportunity to discuss the K-5 Mind Up health program that is being used in other local schools, and will be brought to MBUSD in the 2015-16 school year, with teacher training occuring later this year.

One of the new areas for exploration in MBUSD and in schools around the nation is Maker Space.  Staff will present information on Maker Space activities in the district, where students are using materials to collaborate, create, invent, explore and build.  Maker Space is one innovative way to implement STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) into the schools.  It is only in its beginning and exploratory stages, but it is very popular with many in the MBUSD community.

• How to identify behaviors that could lead to a crisis.
• How to most effectively respond to each behavior to prevent the situation from escalating.
• How to use verbal and nonverbal techniques to defuse hostile behavior and resolve a crisis before it becomes violent.
• How to cope with your own fear and anxiety.
• How to use CPI's Principles of Personal Safety to avoid injury if behavior becomes physical.

On March 16, 2015, Classified Professional Development day, CSEA will be providing training to our Classified Employees in the form of two classes called "Group Dynamics" and "Get it Done: Managing Your Work." These are two hour classes that accommodate 10 people in each class and will be held at Mira Costa High School.

1. Group Dynamics – Learn how you emotional intelligence can help improve group dynamics and help to maintain a high professional standard in the work place.
2. Get It Done: How to manage your work – Learn to prioritize work in order to focus on critical tasks – accomplish more.

One of the 2014-15 MBUSD Board Goals is to determine district policy on high school summer school classes that will be accepted for credit.  Clearly, the Board has no jurisdiction over outside educational institutions, but the Board does have control over what courses will be accepted for credit by MCHS.  The attached recommended policy 6146.31, provides guidance on what may and may not be accepted for credit.

Staff believes that this policy will support students, clarify expectations for summer schools and other programs, and limit such courses in a way that provides continuity for staff.  This is the fourth time this policy has been discussed by the board.  It was discussed at the July 16, 2014 and November 5, 2014 board meetings, and at the January 14 Board Workshop.  The major change to the policy since the last draft is the restriction of online courses to courses approved by both the Superintendent and the high school Principal.