Marianne Ramos, Vice Principal of Mira Costa High School, recently resigned to accept a position in the Oxnard Union High School District.  This resignation created an opening for the position of MCHS Vice Principal.   

The Mira Costa Vice Principal position was advertised on June 29, 2015, and closed on July 6, 2015. From sixteen total applicants, three were selected to be interviewed by a team of administrators, classified staff, certificated staff, and a parent representative. After follow-up interviews and reference checks, the top candidate for the position was Ms. Kristin Wolberg.   

Staff enthusiastically recommends that the Board approve the hiring of Kristin Wolberg as Vice Principal of Mira Costa High School, effective immediately. 

Approval is recommended.

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District has worked with DLR Group to develop a Long Range Facility Master Plan (FMP). The resulting document describes MBUSD's vision for its classrooms and buildings, defining its dreams and needs, and guiding its planning and improvements for the future.  

Previously, a series of community outreach efforts have taken place, including site committee meetings, community forums, staff, student, and community surveys, two Board workshops, and the presentation of a draft master plan.  Through this process, a great deal of collaborative input was provided which shaped the plans as they continued to evolve, particularly with regards to the master plans for Manhattan Beach Middle School.

Since the last Board workshop, held on June 3, 2015, and as a result of ongoing discussion among parents, employees, students, City officials, neighbors of Polliwog Park and MBMS, and community members, plans for that site have continued to be developed in order to meet the needs of both the school and the surrounding community and to take into consideration the fact that Manhattan Beach Middle School was designed to accommodate approximately 1,100 students but currently enrolls about 1,525 students.  The current plan addresses the acute need for additional permanent classroom and science lab space, as well as the outdated and undersized multipurpose room and performing arts classrooms, while also considering the important characteristics and functions of Polliwog Park.  Some of the features of the current plan include:

• New permanent classroom and science labs which will be added to existing buildings as well as a new, larger multi-purpose room at the south east edge of the existing campus. 

• The removal of all relocatable classroom buildings. 

• A design that involves no loss of park space as a result of the new proposed buildings; the campus fence line will be expanded at the southeast corner for the new building but will contract at the southwest corner by the same amount in order to maintain all current park space.

• Reconfigured parking within the existing main parking lot as well as expanded parking to the west of Polliwog Park to meet existing City and school needs and provide for better school drop off and pick up access.  

• A new, larger pool (164 feet x 82 feet) to replace the outdated Begg Pool.  This pool will be sized to meet City program needs and to continue to support the school’s physical education program.  (The need for a larger pool has been identified as a need by the City and has been a part of the City’s planning discussions for some time.)  Funding for this part of the plan and all of the parts involving improvements to Polliwog Park will be contingent on contributions from the City.

• The reconfiguration and upgrading of the existing Maintenance Yard to include both maintenance facilities and a central kitchen to support the District’s school lunch and food service program.

• The use of “pervious paving” in the new parking area to allow water to filter into the water table and reduce the burden of storm water run-off on the storm water system as well as the incorporation of a storm water retention system within the Manhattan Beach Middle School campus to capture rain water for irrigation.

• Minimal impact to the existing trees, foliage and wildlife habitat in Polliwog Park, and no reconfiguration or expansion of existing play fields in the park or on the school campus.

• The relocation and expansion of the dog park will to provide more park space while also limiting student proximity to this area by separating it further from the pool.

The Long Range Facility Master Plan is intended to define general concepts for future facilities development.  It is not an approved construction plan.  Approval of the plan will complete a first step in a multi-step process during which the District will continue to work with its schools and the Manhattan Beach community to ensure that building and implementation plans meet both student and community needs.

Note (added 7/14/2015) - in the the final revisions to the Facilities Master Plan, the dimensions of the new pool to replace Begg Pool have not been specified.  The new pool will replace the existing pool and will be sized to meet the City's program needs as well as to support the District's physical education program; its exact size will be defined through future design processes.

Approval of the 2015 Long Range Facility Master Plan is recommended.

The District recently conducted a bid and advertisement process for Lighting Material under Bid Number 201415-02.  Two bids were received on June 22, 2015.  It is recommended that the Board waive this irregularity and award the bid to the apparent low bidder, Walters Wholesale Electric Company of Brea, California.

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the award of bid number 201415-02 to Walters Wholesale Electric Company of Brea, California.

At Grand View Elementary School, there is a large cement area southwest of the Kindergarten play structure near the Kindergarten classrooms.  This area currently has no shade and receives all day sun.  Grand View applied for and won a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology which provides $8,000 towards the purchase and installation of a shade structure and would like to utilize these funds to provide shade to the area described above.  The Grand View PTA has generously committed funds to cover the remainder of the costs for the project.

If approved, USA Shade will provide and install a 14' x 14' single-post shade structure.  William Burch Architects will serve as the Architect of Record, and inspection and other services and soft costs will be provided as appropriate.  Construction costs are estimated at just over $13,000, and the total project cost is estimated at approximately $23,500.

Approval is recommended.

Fixtures and service platforms related to the stadium lights at Waller Field are aging and need to be replaced.  

Per Public Contract Code § 20118, the governing board of a school district may, without advertising for bids, if the board has determined it to be in the best interests of the district, authorize by contract, lease, requisition or purchase order, any public corporation or agency to lease data-processing equipment, purchase materials, supplies, equipment, automotive vehicles, tractors and other personal property for the district. 

Per Public Contract Code §§ 10298 and 10299, the state can consolidate the needs of multiple state agencies for information technology, goods and services, and establish contracts, master agreements, multiple award schedules, cooperative agreements, including agreements with entities outside the state, and other types of agreements that leverage the state's buying power, for certain types of acquisitions. State agencies and local agencies, including any school district empowered to expend public funds, may contract with suppliers awarded the contracts without further competitive bidding.

The National Joint Powers Alliance is a national public service agency that provides nationally leveraged and competetively bid purchasing contracts.  NJPA cooperative contracts are developed with the intent that they may be used by government, education, and non-profit entities in any state. Under NJPA Contract # 082114-MSL, sporting lighting solutions may be purchased from Musco Lighting.  It is recommended that the Board authorize the purchase and installation of a SportsCluster Green 50 Footcandles System at a cost of $168,000, pending satisfactory analysis of piggyback terms and conditions.

Approval is recommended.

The Director of Data, Assessment, and Professional Development will be responsible for guiding and overseeing the District’s comprehensive assessment plan and providing professional development under the direction of the Executive Director of Educational Services. The Director of Data, Assessment, and Professional Development will lead research; work with staff on state and local assessments, data collection, analysis, and presentation; engage staff in inquiry regarding assessment data; and provide professional development regarding assessments.

Examples of the required duties for this position include the following:

• Coordinate the District-wide assessment program for grades K-12.
• Assume responsibility for the development of the philosophy, goals, objectives, and evaluation of the District assessment programs.
• Assume responsibility for reviewing, evaluating, and reporting the results of District-wide assessment programs, and other evaluative measures used by teachers.
• Serve as liaison for assessment communication and maintain accurate/accessible records. 
• Prepare and present annual reports to the Board of Trustees documenting District assessment results, cause/effect, and next steps.
• Provide data-based evaluations for District programs.
• Participate in state and regional assessment meetings.
• Attend and provide professional development at District technology meetings and other District meetings to align practice with District vision for 21st century learning.
• Oversee District staff to ensure the timely transfer of electronic student files and data. Analyze student data from state and national assessments.
• Assist the Executive Director, Educational Services in working with site administrators to analyze their school data and provide required information for state and local reports.
• Work with site administrators, counselors, and teachers to coordinate the continuity and articulation of the District’s various assessment measures.
• Assist site administrators to analyze their school data to identify low-achieving students, design effective remediation, and provide required information for state and local reports.
• Provide professional development for certificated and classified employees on the Student Information System (SIS) and assessments.
• Monitor the database for accuracy and data integrity.
• Coordinates with vendors of School Information Systems (SIS) and assessment.  

It is recommended the Board of Trustees review and approve staff's recommendation to create the position of Director of Data, Assessment, and Professional Development at an annual salary range of $108,160 to $121,735 and approve the job description for this position.  

PlanetBravo representative Creighton Drescher provided instructional technology professional development and support to Manhattan Beach Middle School teachers during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years.  Staff asks for Board approval of an amount not-to-exceed $67,000 to encompass Planet Bravo's continued support during the 2015-2016 school year.

An agreement is needed between the District and Durham School Services, L.P., to provide home to school transportation services, as mandated by Individualized Education Plan (IEP), from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

The Board Goals that are approved by the MBUSD Board of Trustees are an essential tool for the Superintendent and the District.  These goals guide the District throughout the year and determine the focus of improvement efforts each and every year.

The advent of the LCAP process means that goals must be developed earlier in the year.  The full LCAP is attached. In June, the Board adopted the following LCAP Goals:

• Improving student achievement through the implementation of research-based teaching and learning strategies.
• Improve student achievement by targeting students not meeting standards
• Maximize safety and school connectedness for all students and employees
• Improve student achievement through high quality professional development for employees.
• MBUSD will address the needs of the "whole child" through excellence and accessibility in physical education, the arts, and career technical education.
• Students will maintain strong results in key indicators of student success. (Many of these indicators are LCAP requirements in areas where MBUSD is traditionally incredibly strong - such as attendance, graduations rates, reducing suspensions and expulsions)

In the 2014-15 school year, the Board of Trustees adopted the following goals (the full version of the goals is attached):

1. Continuous Improvement of Secondary Schools
2. Focus on Career Development and Continuous Learning for all Staff
3. Focus on Successful Academic Strategies
4. Maintain a Sound Budget Focused on Maximizing Student Achievement

At 7:00 a.m. on July 15, 2015, the Board met to discuss the goals for the upcoming school year.  Dr. Matthews and the Board will discuss progress towards the development of goal for the 2015-16 school year.

On January 21, 2015 the Board of Trustees approved Senior Seminar, Philosophy in Literature as a new course to be offered during the 2015-16 school year.  Based on student interest, MCHS will offer two to three sections of this new course.  Approval is requested for the following texts to be used for this course. These books were available for community review for a 10 business day period per Board Policy. 

Historical Introduction to Philosophy
Edition: Fifth, paperback
Publication Date: 2005
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN: 978-0131900059
Author(s): Hakim, Albert B.

Out of the Silent Planet
Edition: paperback
Publication Date: 2003
Publisher: Scribner
ISBN: 978-0743234900
Author(s): Lewis, C.S.

Heart of Darkness and the Secret Sharer (previously Board approved)
Edition: paperback
Publication Date: 2013
Publisher: Stonewel Press
ISBN: 978-1627300179
Author(s): Conrad, Joseph

The Stranger (previously Board approved)
Edition: hardback
Publication Date: 1989
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 978-0812416695
Author(s): Camus, Albert

Point Counter Point

Edition: paperback
Publication Date: 1996
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
ISBN: 978-156781314
Author(s): Huxley, Aldous

Approval is recommended.

On January 21, 2015, the Board of Trustees approved a Biotechnology course to be offered beginning in the 2015-16 school year.  The following texts are recommended for approval to be used in the course.  These textbooks were available for community review for a 10 business day period per Board Policy. 

Student Lab Notebook – ISBN: 978-1-930882-50-8 (consumable – cannot reuse from year to year)

Biotechnology. Science for the New Millennium. Ellyn Daugherty. ISBN: 978-0-76384-284-0 (for checkout in the library)

Biotechnology. A Laboratory Skills Course. J. Kirk Brown. ISBN: 978-0-9832396-0-4 (for checkout in the library)

Approval is recommended.

It is requested to ratify the following students with physical fitness exemptions for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years as they meet the criteria outlined above.  

Student numbers: XXXXX8582; XXXXX1795; and XXXXX1711

Approval is recommended.

Project Lead The Way is the nation's leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Through world-class K-12 curriculum, high-quality teacher professional development, and outstanding partnerships, PLTW is helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in the global economy.  

It is recommended to approve the receipt of the following grants from Project Lead the Way to support the K-8 training and implementation of this program:

Manhattan Beach Middle School: $12,000 awarded

Elementary Schools: $25,000 awarded ($5,000 per school)

Education Code Section 60852.3, exempts an eligible student with a disability (SWD) from meeting the CAHSEE requirement as a condition of graduation. EC Section 60852.3 states that this exemption shall last until the California State Board of Education (SBE) makes a determination that alternative means are not feasible or that alternative means are implemented.

An eligible student, as defined in the law, is a SWD who has an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan that indicates the student has satisfied or will satisfy all other state and local requirements to receive a high school diploma on or after July 1, 2009. However, eligible SWDs are required to take the CAHSEE in grade ten for purposes of fulfilling the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

On July 14, 2010, the SBE determined that alternative means to the CAHSEE for eligible SWDs are feasible and directed staff to prepare regulations that would extend the date for implementation of alternate means to the CAHSEE from January 1, 2013, to July 1, 2012. The exemption from meeting the CAHSEE requirement remains in place until July 1, 2012, or until alternative means are implemented.

Having been reviewed by the Special Education staff of Mira Costa High School, one student meets the eligibility criteria for an exemption for the CAHSEE.

An amendment to the agreement between the District and Greg Allen, Ph.D., LMFT, dba Freedom4U to provide educational counseling consultation services, from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

The original agreement was approved by the Board on June 16, 2015.

An amendment to the agreement is needed between the District and Sonia Dickson-Bracks, Autism Specialist, to accommodate the added days for staff training.  The period of the contract is from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

As a result of Final Settlement and Release Agreement, Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Case No. 2015040929, finalized June 30, 2015, it was agreed to reimburse parents for educational fees and costs.

As a result of Final Settlement and Release Agreement, Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Case No. 2015040929, finalized June 30, 2015, it was agreed to pay Rosa K. Hirji, Attorney at Law, for attorney's fees and costs.

Ratify payment for attorney's fees and costs.

An agreement between District and Dana Chidekel, Ph.D., is needed to provide educational assessment consultation services in accordance with the District's Independent Evaluation Policy.

Ratify Student Services Special Employment Agreement for 2015/16 School Year with Dana Chidekel, Ph.D., ABPdN, and California Certified.

An agreement is needed between the District and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, as a result of Final Settlement and Release Agreement, Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Case No. 2015040929, finalized on June 30, 2015.  Services will be provided July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

An agreement is needed between the District and OT 4 Kids, A Professional Corporation, to provide Occupational Therapy assessment consultation services accordance with the District's Independent Evaluation Policy, from June 29, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

Ratify Student Services Special Employment Agreement with OT 4 Kids, a Professional Corporation.

An agreement between District and Ann Simun, Psy D., dba Neuropsychology Partners, Inc., is needed to provide educational assessment consultation services in accordance with the District's Independent Evaluation Policy.

Approve Student Services Special Employment Agreement for 2015/16 School Year with Ann Simun, Psy D., dba Neuropsychology Partners, Inc.

An agreement is needed between the District and Pawar Transportation Services, L.L.C., to provide home to school transportation services, as mandated by Individualized Education Plan (IEP), from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

Ratify Independent Contractor Agreement with Pawar Transportation, L.L.C.

There is a new law that allows staff with prior negative TB results to undergo a TB risk assessment questionnaire administered/completed by a physician or registered nurse. If the results of this questionnaire show no evidence of exposure to TB, the employee will have completed proof he/she is tuberculin free, and the questionnaire will be due again in 4 years. The few staff members whose past TB test results were positive or whose questionnaire results reveal potential exposure to TB will undergo the intradermal testing or chest x-ray as in the past and be reimbursed by the District.

California Education Code requires school districts to reimburse employees for the cost of tuberculosis screening.  Each intradermal test costs approximately $56.  Because the Registered Nurse can administer the risk assessment questionnaire to a minimum of 35 employees during a two-hour time span, providing this service at the District Office is highly cost effective and more convenient for employees than the traditional intradermal method of screening required in the past.  

Approval is recommended.

Ms. Patricia Jaffe is the retired (June 2012) Superintendent of the Culver City Unified School District. Prior to serving as CCUSD's top administrator, Ms. Jaffe served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Ms. Jaffe also served as a site principal and classroom teacher. In short, Ms. Jaffe brings with her a deep and thorough knowledge of the human resources function. 

Staff recommends contracting with Ms. Jaffe at the same daily rate assigned to the current Executive Director of Human Resources at an amount not-to-exceed $5,000.  This contract is a reduction from the $10,000 contract with Ms. Jaffe for the 2014-2015 school year. It is anticipated Ms. Jaffe will provide services under this contract from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. 

There are a considerable number of job descriptions that need to be updated. The majority of the MBUSD job descriptions were last updated in 1995 or earlier.

It is recommended the Board of Trustees ratify a contract with Ms. Patricia Jaffe to update job descriptions.

Effective with the 2014-2015 school year, any annual increase in the Superintendent’s compensation shall be limited to not more than any percentage increase in compensation received by certificated bargaining unit employees of the District, including any increase received for the 2014-2015 school year.  Any such increase shall be approved by the Board at its regular meeting.  

Per the negotiated agreement with MBUTA, certificated staff with fifteen or more years of experience in the District received an increase in compensation of 5% retroactive to July 1, 2014.  Certificated staff with fewer than fifteen years with MBUSD received an increase in compensation of 3% retroactive to July 1, 2014.  

Dr. Matthews recently received a satisfactory evaluation by the Board.  Based on that evaluation and the language in his contract, it is recommended that he receive a 3% increase in compensation retroactive to July 1, 2014.  

Ratification is recommended.  

The Assistant Superintendent's employment contract states, "The Board hereby employs the Assistant Superintendent for a two (2) year period beginning October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2016; however, upon a satisfactory evaluation of the Assistant Superintendent after eight (8) months of service under this contract, the contract term will be extended through June 30, 2017. In the first year, the Assistant Superintendent shall be reviewed in January 2015 and April 2015."  Because the Assistant Superintendent received satisfactory evaluations, it is recommended that the term of her contract be extended to June 30, 2017, commensurate with the contract language.    

Ratification is recommended.

Lynn McIver worked as an elementary teacher for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District until she retired in June 2007. As a consultant, she provides services to the Reading Club and Written Expression Club for fourth grade students at Robinson Elementary School.

The funding for Ms. McIver's consultant contract for the 2015-2016 school year has been budgeted by the Robinson PTSA.

Ms. Lauren Melton has been selected by the Mira Costa High School Science Department to teach Earth Space Science for the 2015-2016 school year. Ms. Melton, a graduate of MCHS, is applying to participate in an internship program through California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). CSUDH's Single Subject Intern Program is an alternative preliminary credential pathway that allows candidates to work in P-12 public schools as the classroom teacher of record while they complete university coursework necessary to become credentialed teachers. CSUDH University Intern Programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). 

To approve Ms. Melton's internship, CSUDH needs confirmation of the District's intent to hire Ms. Melton as a full time science teacher for the 2015-2016 school year.  

Approval is recommended.

Both California Teacher of the Year Maggie Mabery and Manhattan Beach Unified School District Teacher of the Year Michael Hernandez have been invited to participate in the Apple Distinguished Educators Program in Miami, Florida, from July 10-13, 2015.  Apple covers the cost of housing and meals for participants but not the cost of travel.  Round trip airfare from LAX to Miami is approximately $500 per person. Ms. Mabery and Mr. Hernandez have both presented numerous technology related professional development sessions for MBUSD staff in recent years and have represented MBUSD by presenting at national conferences.  

Ratification is recommended.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has partnered with the Council of Chief State School Officers for 24 years to enable the State Teachers of the Year to participate in the internationally known program, Space Academy for Educators, in Huntsville, Alabama. This year's program is scheduled from July 17-24, 2015. California's Teacher of the Year, Maggie Mabery, was informed by a representative of State Superintendent Tom Torlakson's office that the California Department of Education cannot cover the cost of Space Camp. 

This professional development program uses the format of astronaut training to convey new ways of teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts to the world’s future workforce. The hands-on learning activities are designed to be easily replicated in the classroom.

The Teachers of the Year meet and share best practices with master teachers from up to 20 countries in sessions that present current research and technological developments in space-related subjects such as:

• International Space Station
• Living and working in microgravity
• Rocketry
• Propulsion
• Astronomy
  
• Astrophysics
  

Mrs. Mabery will be able to use the ideas gleaned during Space Camp with her seventh and eighth grade science students.

Ratification is recommended.

Ms. Susan Curtis served as part time Interim Executive Director of Student Services from January 1 to June 30, 2015.  This contract provides ten additional days of service during the 2015-2016 school year for Ms. Curtis to support the transition to the new Executive Director of Student Services, Ms. Megan Atkins.  

Ratification is recommended.

Mr. Philip Cott served as Interim Director of Student Services part time from December 11, 2014, through June 30, 2015. While serving in this capacity, Mr. Cott was responsible for coordinating training for MBUSD elementary teachers on the MindUP curriculum with Beach Cities Health District.

MindUP teaches students social and emotional learning skills that link cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindful awareness training utilizing a brain centric approach. MindUp is composed of 15 lessons based in neuroscience. Students learn to self-regulate behavior and mindfully engage in focused concentration required for academic success. MindUP lessons align with all state standards including Common Core and support improved academic performance while enhancing perspective taking, empathy, and kindness as well as fostering complex problem solving skills. MindUP has been proven to reduce stress, improve academic performance, strengthen abilities for concentration, and help children and educators thrive in a setting that becomes a community of learners.

To support implementation of the Mind Up curriculum during the 2015- 2016 school year, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is providing a $10,000 grant.  It is recommended that the District contract with Mr. Cott to continue the work that he initiated.  

Ratification is recommended.  

The District Bickmore to update the District's Actuarial Valuation of OPEB Liabilities.  Bickmore has completed its analysis and provided an Actuarial Valuation as of July 1, 2014.  The report finds that the District's total Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefits is $6,061,764, and that the annual required contribution on a pay-as-you-go basis is $403,872 as of 6/30/2015.

Acceptance is recommended.

Beach Cities Learning Center has been leasing District facilities and wishes to continue doing so for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Approval is recommended.

Rock Covenant Church has been leasing District facilities and wishes to continue doing so for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

Approval is recommended.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Connections to an Expanded Advocacy Network

Opportunities include being looped in to NSBA Call to Action activities designed to connect with your representatives on important national issues that impact the students you serve. The groups have also formed strong connections and partnerships with many other national organizations committed to serving students within ethnic and racial demographics. 

Learning Opportunities and Networking

Membership enables you to converse with other school board members who share your interests in effective school board leadership, high student achievement, and equity for all students in our public education system. Programs during Annual Conference and webinars throughout the year provide access to thought leaders, as well as information about cutting edge efforts to improve outcomes for minority students across the country. 

Timely Information on National Issues

Publications such as the quarterly Caucus Newsletter and email-blast information help members stay abreast of issues and be stronger leaders and advocates for students. Members also are provided with special reports and notified of other meetings and events that address the challenges faced by students from ethic and racial minorities.

The Governing Board recognizes its critical responsibility for adopting a sound budget for each fiscal year that is aligned with the district's vision, goals, priorities, local control and accountability plan (LCAP), and other comprehensive plans. The district budget shall guide decisions and actions throughout the year and shall serve as a tool for monitoring the fiscal health of the district.

AB 2585 (Ch. 309, Statutes of 2014) amended Education Code 42127 to eliminate the "dual budget" adoption process, whereby the Governing Board could elect to hold a second public hearing and adopt a September 8 budget that would formally replace its July 1 adopted budget. Thus, district budgets for 2015-16 and beyond must be developed in accordance with the "single budget" adoption process.  In addition, Education Code 42127 requires the district to file the adopted budget with the County Superintendent of Schools no later than five days after the Board adopts the budget.  If the district fails to submit a budget by July 1, the County Superintendent will, at district expense, develop a budget by September 15 and transmit that budget to the Board.

Further, pursuant to Education Code 42127, on or before August 15, the County Superintendent must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the district's adopted budget. Education Code 42127, as amended by SB 858 (Ch. 32, Statutes of 2014), requires that this determination be based on a consideration of whether the district's adopted budget complies with state standards and criteria, will allow the district to meet its current and future financial obligations, satisfies all conditions established by the County Superintendent in the case of a conditionally approved budget, will enable the district to satisfy its multiyear financial commitments, includes the expenditures necessary to implement the LCAP or the annual update to the LCAP, and, when applicable, complies with the requirements pertaining to ending fund balances that exceed the state minimum recommended reserve. Education Code 42127 also requires the County Superintendent to consider other studies, reports, evaluations, or audits that may indicate that the district is in fiscal distress; see the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team's Fiscal Oversight Guide and BP 3460 - Financial Reports and Accountability.

Pursuant to Education Code 42126, the district budget must be in a format prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI). The SPI has established a requirement that districts use the Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS). SACS ensures that districts meet state and federal reporting guidelines and comply with generally accepted accounting principles prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Of particular importance to this revision, is the provision in the updated policy that relates to district reserves.  Although state standards and criteria for district budgets establish a minimum recommended reserve for economic uncertainties based on the district’s average daily attendance (ADA), SB 858 (Ch. 32), the education budget trailer bill, limits the maximum amount of funds that may be held in district reserves and ending balances. These provisions of SB 858 were contingent upon the passage of Proposition 2 in November 2014, which was approved by voters. The limit would only apply in a fiscal year immediately following a fiscal year in which the state makes a deposit of any amount into the state’s Public School System Stabilization Account (the Proposition 98 reserve that was created by Proposition 2).

In such a case, a district with an ADA of 400,000 or less would be limited to two times the minimum recommended reserve specified in 5 CCR 15450. A county superintendent of schools may grant an exemption of this requirement for up to two consecutive fiscal years within a three-year period to any district that documents extraordinary fiscal circumstances that substantiate the need for a reserve in excess of the limit. The California School Boards Association (CSBA) and a number of education groups opposed the caps on the grounds that governing boards should be allowed to determine appropriate reserve levels and funding balances to address local priorities, future expenditures, and economic downturns. CSBA is continuing efforts to repeal provisions of SB 858 related to these limits.

MBUSD Board Policy 3100 has been updated to reflect new law (AB 2585) that eliminates the option to develop the district budget using the "dual budget" process and to include material that addresses board responsibilities related to budget adoption and review. The section on "Budget Criteria and Standards" has been revised to reflect new Title 5 regulations (Register 2015, No. 2) which address the calculation of "increased and improved services" for LCFF expenditures and to reflect new law (SB 858) which limits the maximum amount of funds that may be held in district reserves and ending balances under certain conditions.

The new Administrative Regulation 3100 is the administrative roadmap for implementing board policy and legal citations related to the district budget.  Included in the regulation is reference to new law (AB 2585) which eliminates the option to develop the district budget using the "dual budget" process, specifies information that must be provided for the public hearing if the budget proposes to have an ending fund balance in excess of the minimum recommended reserve, and requires submission of information to the county superintendent regarding any ending fund balance in excess of the minimum recommended reserve.

It is recommended that the Board adopt revised Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board Policy 3100, Budget, and review new Manhattan Beach Unified School District Administrative Regulation 3100, Budget.

The Governing Board recognizes the health hazards associated with smoking and the use of tobacco products are inconsistent with its goal to provide a healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors using district facilities and grounds. 

Therefore, the Board prohibits the use of tobacco products at any time in district-owned or leased buildings, on district property, and in district vehicles as authorized by Health and Safety Code 104420; Labor Code 6404.5 and 20 USC 6083.  This prohibition applies to all students, employees, and visitors at any school-sponsored instructional program, activity, or athletic event held on or off district property.

Mandated MBUSD Board Policy 3513.3 is updated to expand the list of prohibited tobacco products to include electronic hookahs and other vapor-emitting devices, with or without nicotine content, that mimic the use of tobacco products.

It is recommended that the Board adopt mandated and revised Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board Policy 3513.3, Tobacco-Free Schools

Education Code 49550 requires all schools to provide at least one nutritionally adequate meal each school day to students who meet federal eligibility criteria for free and reduced-price meals, regardless of whether the school receives reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program (42 USC 1751-1769), School Breakfast Program (42 USC 1773), and/or State Meal Program (Education Code 49490-49494) or receives no funding support for school meals; see BP/AR 3553 - Free and Reduced Price Meals.  Education Code 49553 defines a "nutritionally adequate meal" as one that qualifies for reimbursement under federal child nutrition program regulations. 42 USC 1758 and 1773 require schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or Breakfast Program to extend meal service to all students enrolled in the school.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (42 USC 1753) required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop regulations to align meal patterns and nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These updated meal requirements are contained in 7 CFR 210.10, 220.8, and 220.23, as amended by 77 Fed. Reg. 17 pages 4088-4167.  Requirements for the National School Lunch Program (7 CFR 210.10) are effective July 1, 2012. 7 CFR 220.23 contains requirements for the School Breakfast Program which are applicable through the 2013-14 school year; these will be superseded by the requirements in 7 CFR 220.8 after the 2013-14 school year.

The alternative method of meeting the required nutrition standards in California, the menu planning option of the Shaping Health as Partners in Education (SHAPE) program, has been disallowed by the USDA.  Thus, effective July 1, 2012, all schools participating in the National School Lunch program must comply with the food-based menu planning approach and USDA standards.

Further, pursuant to 42 USC 1758, schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are required to make free drinking water available for consumption at locations where meals are served during meal service.  In addition, Education Code 38086 requires all California schools to make free drinking water available during school meal times. Pursuant to Education Code 38086, a district may be exempted from this requirement only if the Governing Board adopts a resolution, publicly noticed on at least two consecutive meeting agendas, demonstrating that the district is unable to comply due to fiscal constraints or health or safety concerns.  Education Code 38086 states that schools may satisfy this requirement by, among other means, providing water fountans, providing cups and containers of water, or soliciting or receiving donated water.  Recommendations on the California Department of Education's web site include providing chilled water, ensuring that all water fountains are clean and operational, and encouraging water consumption through marketing and advertising.

Revised Manhattan Beach Unified Board Policy 3550, Food Service/Child Nutrition Program, reflects the goals of the California Fresh Start Program formerly in the administrative regulation, revised material on food safety, and moves language on professional development to the supporting regulation.

The updated, reorganized regulation adds a new section on “Nutritional Standards for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program” pursuant to NEW LAW (SB 80). The revision further reflects NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS (77 Fed. Reg. 17) which revise the nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. It also deletes the separate item prohibiting artificial trans fat since the new federal regulations now include this prohibition, and deletes the state's Shaping Health as Partners in Education (SHAPE) menu planning option as an alternative based on U.S. Department of Agriculture action to disallow this option. The Section on nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside the reimbursable meal programs has been deleted; BP/AR 3554 - Other Food Sales addresses sales of competitive foods. Further, the Section on "Drinking Water" has been expanded to include recommendations from the CDE for satisfying the legal requirement to provide free drinking water during meal service, including water provided through water fountains.

It is recommended that the Board adopt revised Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board Policy 3550, Food Service/Child Nutrition Program and review revised Manhattan Beach Unified School District Administrative Regulation 3550, Food Service/Child Nutritional Program.

This revised policy exhibit reflects the changes voted on by the Board of Trustees at its May 20, 2015 meeting, including:

• All AP classes will be weighted on a 5.0 scale, effective beginning in the 2015-16 school year.

• Students must earn a weighted 3.0 grade or better in the prerequisite course(s).  Students who do not earn a 3.0 or better (weighted) in the prerequisite course(s) may apply for a waiver as per Board Policy 6141.5.

Manhattan Beach Unified District Board Policy 5121, Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement, is presented to the Board as a revision for first reading and adoption. The revised Regulation 5121, Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement, is included for Board review.

The updated policy includes new language on "progress reports" for grades K-3 and reflects NEW U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE in reference to report cards and transcripts for students with disabilities. It also includes new language on the Superintendent's authority to determine the methodology to be used in calculating grade point average.

The MANDATED regulation is updated to add a paragraph on high school transcripts; revises the section on "Grades for Achievement" to add grading systems for grades K-3 and for extra grade weighting for specified classes; expands the section on "Grades for Physical Education" to address grades for interscholastic athletic participation; and adds new sections on "Grades for College Courses" and "Grade Point Average."

The revised administrative regulation also reflects the policy on weighting grades for Advanced Placement at Mira Costa High School, effective beginning in the 2015-16 school year.