12-9-14 Regular School Board Meeting & Public Hearing

SIMI VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING December 9, 2014

CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by OPEN SESSION Trustee Collins at 5:29 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers located at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley.

PRESENT Board Members: Scott Blough, Rob Collins, Bill Daniels, Debbie Sandland and Dan White Staff Members: Dr. Jason Peplinski, Interim-Superintendent Dan Houghton, Assistant Superintendent Ron Todo, Assistant Superintendent

PUBLIC COMMENTS There were two blue comment cards submitted regarding closed item #3.7., by Bonnie Humphrey and Tim Gourley.

CLOSED SESSION The Board adjourned to closed session at 5:40 p.m. to conduct the following: 3.1. Student Discipline: Discuss Recommendation of Waiver of Student Expulsion Hearing Case #12 3.2. Student Discipline: Discuss Recommendation of Waiver of Student Expulsion Hearing Case #13 3.3. CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT MATTERS: The Board will meet in closed session to discuss confidential student matters protected by state and federal law, including, but not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), California Education Code 49060 et.seq., 49073 et.seq., and California Constitution Article 1 section 1 to consider special education Settlement Agreement No. A15.147 3.4. The Board of Education will meet in closed session for SEA Negotiations (as per the Rodda Act). Dan Houghton, District Negotiator 3.5. The Board of Education will meet in closed session for CSEA Negotiations (as per the Rodda Act). Dan Houghton, District Negotiator 3.6. The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with provisions in Government Code Section 54957, Public Employment Matters – Consider an appointment of an Assistant Principal 3.7. The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with Provisions in Government Code Section 54957, Public Employment Matters - Discipline, Dismissal, Release 3.8. The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with provisions in Government Code Section 54957, Public Employment Matters - Consideration of appointment or employment of Superintendent

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT MSCU, White/Daniels (5/0) adjourned the closed session at 6:20 p.m. Motion #448 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

RECONVENE OPEN SESSION The Board reconvened in City Hall Chambers at 6:25 p.m. for open session. Board President Collins reported the following action(s) taken in closed session:

FLAG SALUTE The Flag salute was let by Trustee Collins.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE MSCU, Sandland/Daniels (5/0), the Board of Education approved a stipulated expulsion agreement and waiver of hearing expelling but suspending the order. The student (#12) will be placed at Sinaloa Middle School. Motion #449 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

STUDENT DISCIPLINE MSCU, White/Blough (5/0), the Board of Education approved a stipulated expulsion agreement and waiver of hearing, expelling the student. The student (#13) will be placed at GATEWAY. Motion #450 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT MATTERS MSCU, Daniels/Sandland (5/0), the Board of Education approved Special Education Settlement Agreement A15.147 Motion #451 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

SEA No Action CSEA No Action

EMPLOYEE MATTERS MSCU, Sandland/White (5/0), the Board of Education approved the appointment of an Assistant Principal, Brad Torti at Santa Susana High School Motion #452 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

EMPLOYEE MATTERS MSCU, Sandland/Daniels, (5/0), the Board of Education approved the Release of Simi Valley High School employee Motion #453-1 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Sandland, Collins Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

EMPLOYEE MATTERS MSC, White/Blough, (4/1), the Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Jason Peplinski as Superintendent, pending the contract approval Motion #453-2 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Collins Noes: Sandland Absent: None Abstained: None

ADJOURN RECESS, CONVENE ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING The Board reconvened in City Hall Chambers at 6:52 p.m. for the annual organizational meeting. (Time 6:00 p.m. City Hall Chambers) The Oath of Office was administered and the new Trustees were officially sworn in at 3:15 p.m. at the District Offices.

OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED Bill Daniels and Scott Blough were publically sworn in by Dr. Jason Peplinski.

ELECTION OF BOARD PRESIDENT MSC, Daniels/Blough, (4/1), the Board of Education approved the election of Trustee Dan White to serve as Board President from December 2014-December 2015. Motion #454 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, White, Collins Noes: Sandland Absent: None Abstained: None Trustee Sandland nominated Trustee Collins to serve again as President, there were no seconds. Trustee White changed seats with Trustee Collins.

ELECTION OF BOARD CLERK MSCU, Daniels/Collins, (5/0), the Board of Education approved the election of Scott Blough to serve as Clerk of the Board from December 2014-December 2015. Motion #455 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Blough, Collins, Sandland, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

DESIGNATE BOARD OF EDUCATION REPRESENTATIVES MSCU, Daniels/Blough, (5/0), the Board of Education approved the designation of the Board of Education Representatives from December 2014-December 2015 Motion #456 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Sandland, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

RESOLUTION NO. 34-14/15 VERIFIED AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES MSCU, Daniels/Blough, (5/0), the Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 34-14/15, Certification of Verified Authorized Signatures of the Members of the Governing Board and Employees Authorized to Sign Orders Drawn on the funds of the Simi Valley Unified School District. Motion #457 Dr. Peplinski read the resolution. Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Sandland, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ADJOURNMENT MSCU, Sandland/Collins (5/0) adjourned the annual organizational meeting at 7:16 p.m. Motion #458 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Sandland, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

RECONVENE OPEN SESSION APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Board reconvened in City Hall Chambers at 7:25 p.m. for open session. The Board approved the agenda. Motion #459 MSC, Daniels/Sandland, (5/0), the Board approved the agenda Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Sandland, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

MINUTES 11-17-14 MSCU, Sandland/Blough, (5/0), the Board approved the Minutes of the Special Board – Interviews Meeting of November 17, 2014 as presented. Motion #460 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Sandland, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: None

MINUTES 11-18-14 MSC, Daniels/Blough, (5/0), the Board approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of November 18, 2014, with the correction of the spelling of Ms. Litster (Public Speaker) Motion #461 Vote: Ayes: Daniels, Collins, Blough, White Noes: None Absent: None Abstained: Sandland

PUBLIC COMMENTS Clerk of the Board Blough reported that (4) Blue cards (individuals requesting to speak to the Board; (3) cards in opposition to closing Abraham Lincoln and (1) in regards to appointing a Superintendent) were received. Forty-Nine Yellow cards Yellow cards (individuals stating their opinion and not wanting to speak to the Board) in opposition to school closure (Abraham Lincoln) were received. (Note: 53 were incorrectly reported due to a miscount by staff) At this point in the meeting visitors and employee organizations may address items that are NOT on the agenda)

Blue Cards: • Mary Lawrence (Re: Superintendent) – no longer wished to speak • Dylan Mesa, student – He is a student at Abraham Lincoln; he loves his school and asked the Board to (please) not close the school. Ms. Perryman is a very good Principal. • Brynn Crisp, Abraham Lincoln Elementary Office Manager – Proposed dual-purposing of Abraham Lincoln Elementary. Using the facility during the day as the elementary school, and then setting up afterschool programs as a school community resource complex. She stated that other districts have seen charters taking over closed schools; it would be fiscally responsible to dual-purpose schools with low attendance. In closing, Ms. Crisp stated that staff and teachers are happy on the Abraham Lincoln campus and request a chance to flourish. • Pablo Mesa, 6th grade student – He stated his concern that it is an injustice to new students to close the school; sad to lose favorite teachers; all the new computers are going to waste, This school should not close; it’s the second oldest school in Simi Valley. He asked the Board Members (please) not close Abraham Lincoln.

Yellow Cards were submitted by: Maverick Sidway, Vanessa Sidway, Autumn #20, Marina Llamas, Maritza Llamas, Bella Llamas, Ami Meza, Dennis Wi, Kathy Duda, Agustin Villasenar, Cecily Coco, Pilar Rodriguez, Sebastian, Robert Loop, Richard Folster, Judy Folster, Stephanie Sumenski, Maria Solis, Leslie Prisk, Yesenia Lopez, Diana Meuller, Terri Field, Maydelina S., Michael Beavers, Carmella Giles, Virginia Reyes, Rick Pruett, Teresa Grant, Barbara Viramontel, Karen Hernandez, Maria Flores, Thomas Rittenburg, Jenny Rittenburg, Mereida Peralta, Xezenia Zacarias, Wendy Melgarejo, Carol DiRaimondo, Angel Meza, Paola Magana, Ashley Magana, Joshua Melgarejota, Frank Flores, Lulu Means, Andres Paz, Mark Merryman, Deborah Merryman, Brynn Crisp (duplicate), Dylan Meza (duplicate), Pablo Meza (duplicate)

PUBLIC HEARING Recommendation to Close and Repurpose School Sites by the 7-11 District Advisory Committee (7-11 DAC) and District staff Trustee White opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m. for comment. There were no additional comments and Trustee White adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:36 p.m.

EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION SEA None

EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION CSEA Jim Jarrard, CSEA President, greeted President White, Clerk of the Board Blough, Trustees and Superintendent Peplinski and read the following: Congratulations to Clerk Blough and Trustee Daniels, Welcome to the Board! Also, congratulations to “President” White on your new position. Our district is changing. While we strive to be fiscally responsible and remain focused on positive ideas to improve our schools, we must also be honest with ourselves that there are challenges ahead. Furlough days, potential school closures and the lack of wage increases for both classified and certificated employees are still realities. Despite these conditions, our students, teachers, staff and parents, are all dedicated to making SVUSD a stronger and better district. Change can be good. It can spark creativity and help focus attention on new ideas. Now is the time for new thinking in our district. Superintendent Peplinski has already implemented open door policies and posted informational goals that will benefit our district. I am hopeful that Clerk Blough and Trustee Daniels’ unique backgrounds and areas of expertise will supplement the goals of the Board and increase transparent communication within our community. Our students benefit from new opportunities that must continue to be enhanced. SVUSD has expanded programs in technology, academics, sports and the arts. Researching and implementing medical and safety devices, along with increasing opportunities for all students, is making our district more diverse and stronger each year. I ask this new Board to work creatively together while being compassionate and capable of making the hard decisions necessary to expand opportunities for our students, staff, teachers and community

STUDENT BOARD REPORT The December 9th Student Board Report was presented by Emily Shapiro, Student Board Representative of Apollo High School. Emily read the following report: “Good evening President of the Board, Clerk of the Board, Trustees and Dr. Peplinski” Apollo High School hopes you all had a nice Thanksgiving break and got plenty of rest for the busy month ahead. Yesterday, 10 students, along with our two counselors and principal, went to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum for a special tour aimed at providing mentors for at-risk youth. Students toured the museum, spent time in the Discovery Center, and were treated to lunch compliments of the library. Last month, we collected over 200 items for our Care and Share canned food drive and donated it all to the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley for the holidays. On Thursday, November 20th, Apollo also held a Red Cross blood drive, collecting over 100% of the blood unit goal. This is the season of giving and at Apollo; students like to send their peers and favorite faculty members Santa Grams. They are $0.50 each and include a candy cane and a personalized note from their friends. We wish the school board members, district office staff, and all of the other high schools a safe and festive holiday season, and will see you next year. D.J. Marston reports that Monte Vista School will have its first “Gingerbread House” event on Friday, December 12th from 9:30 to 11:30. All students are invited to participate in creating a gingerbread house as well as gain some geometry skills. We are expecting a lot of good things to take place at this event! Monte Vista is looking forward to another “Dine Out Night.” They are planning to dine at the “Mission Burrito” in the two locations found in Simi Valley: at the Simi Town Center and on Tapo Street. This event is taking place tonight, December 9th between 4:00 and 9:00 pm. We are extending an invitation to all those who would like good food and fun. Just stop by Monte Vista School to pick up a flyer and join us! As the winter break approaches, the Monte Vista School family would like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday and hope that the New Year brings health and happiness to all. Shelby Davis reports that Royal High School has had a very successful month! November kicked off with a wonderful fiesta themed senior dinner planned by the leadership class. Royal’s basketball, wrestling, water polo, and soccer seasons have begun and the Highlanders have been bringing their all. The first home soccer game was played on the new turf and Royal is extremely thankful to have such a nice, new field. The leadership class also hosted a canned food drive for those in need in the community and collected an abundance of food. Royal is ending the semester in an amazing way and wishes everyone a happy holiday season! Nikol Spaho reports that the Santa Susana Troubadours are happy to be back to finish off the semester strong. The week began with exciting news from the school’s mock trial team, who won first place at the international competition in San Francisco and two individual attorney awards. Meanwhile, an activity day is in store for the students, ticket sales for formal have begun, and senior merchandise is on sale. Additionally, students are being encouraged to showcase their talents in the Tremendous Troubadour contest, in which the winner will be awarded an IPad. Finally, the semester will conclude with a week of finals followed by a relaxing winter break. The Troubadours wish everyone a happy holiday season! Andi Leon reports that the Simi Valley High School Pioneers recently had a groovy 70’s themed Renaissance Rally, which celebrated all of the outstanding students with a 3.0 or higher. Simi Valley High School is gearing up for all of their Winter sports, and for their finals week! The Pioneers are also having a book drive this month along with a Giving Tree, participation from the students is flying through the roof. In other news, the seniors at Simi Valley High School had the chance to pick up their prepaid senior sweatshirts/ t-shirts. The Leadership class is preparing for their 40’s themed Winter Formal dance and rally, along with Simi vs. Royal round two coming up in January. The Pioneers wish everyone a legendary Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS Dr. Peplinski greeted everyone. He stated the following: It is an honor and privilege to work with Administrators who are so committed to this district; know we are going to continue to work together, and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent. I will work very hard for you. I appreciate all of the comments made about the potential school closures and as I said last month, the district and the Board are committed to supporting the staff, students, and parents through the school closure process if the board ultimately decides to close schools. We know this will be a difficult situation and is not ideal, but unfortunately, we simply to do not have the luxury of operating as many schools as we currently do. Our enrollment simply does not support it any longer. There are many reasons why small schools are good, but also reasons why such small schools are not instructionally sound either. Again, we are committed to supporting these school communities through the closure process if the board ultimately needs to close schools in order to right-size our district. I have been to both Abraham Lincoln and Justin Elementary schools 3 or 4 times over the past couple of months and will continue to visit them to talk with staff and answer any questions they may have. Mrs. Roth, Director of Elementary Education, has also been to these schools multiple times as well. There are scheduled public hearings in January for both Justin and Lincoln and a board meeting January 13th where an ultimate vote to close schools would happen. If schools are ultimately closed, on January 13th, this would allow parents the opportunity to participate in the school of choice month of February. On a more positive note, we had several presentations this evening that highlight some recent successes at our school sites. We also have a special treat for you this evening with a preview of the SSHS musical, which opens this Friday Dec. 12th. Staying true to his word, Mr. White will be attending with me! Please help spread the word that SVUSD has a new Facebook page for Alumni called Simi Valley Public Schools Graduates. We would like as many alumni to like the page and tell us their history with the district and where they are now in life. We are going to begin featuring these stories in the media as a way to promote the successes of our graduates. This week, many schools participated in the Hour of Code. This was a great opportunity for teachers and students to learn the basics of computer programming. I would like to thank Mr. Collins for joining me last Thursday as we visited several schools sites. We saw some great teaching at Royal High School, Justin Elementary, and Hillside middle school. While at Royal, we saw Mr. Dennert’s class using the schoology app in is AP Human Geography class. This is just one example of the creative and inventive ways our teachers are using technology in their instruction. We also met with Col. Husteadt and toured the Jr. ROTC Air Force facilities. We are so honored to have this program in our district. We also were able to visit Mrs. Roy at Hillside and toured her beautiful dance facility. Mrs. Garner, Vocal Music teacher at Hillside had her students sing a holiday number and it was great! Mrs. Tomimitsu, the art teacher at Hillside shared some amazing art work and ceramics that her students had recently completed. It was very impressive. While at Justin, we visited several classrooms I had not seen a more calm and on task group of first graders as I did in Mrs. Lalonde’s room. The students in Mrs. Lawrence’s room were presenting figures they crafted that represented cultural and historical figures. The students asked very good questions of their classmates and I loved how respectful the students were to each of their peers as they presented. I have been very impressed by the turnout at our Secondary School Information nights. The meetings continue through next week, but in case you missed any of them, all of the schools will be hosting parent nights again towards the end of January or in February. Last week the district office was visited by the choir at SVHS. They sounded great and helped to usher in the holiday seasons by singing some classic holiday tunes. Thank you to those students as well as their director Kelly Caswell, who shared their talent with us. The choirs at SSHS and RHS will also be visiting this week and we look forward to hearing them too! Last week, Mrs. Salgado, Director of Secondary Education, and I met with Steve Sojka from the Simi Valley Hospital to discuss our current partnerships with the hospital, (the voluntary drug testing program and the city championship football game.) We took a tour of the beautiful new facility. The city should certainly be proud to have this facility in our community. It looks like an upscale hotel with state of the art patient rooms. I would like to recognize our classified employees this evening as unsung heroes. As a principal, I knew that the work that I was doing or the teachers at my site, would not be possible without the classified staff. These employees often go unnoticed, but are integral to the success of our district. I know our certificated staff join me in thanking and recognizing the hard work of our classified employees. Finally, as we approach the final days before we leave for our winter break, I wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe and restful break and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2015. I have a very good outlook for the New Year and think it will be filled with many district accomplishments and innovative changes.

PRESENTATION SIMI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM Dr. Peplinski welcomed Coach Taggart and the Simi Valley High School Football Team. Coach Taggart thanked his players and listed the following accomplishments: • 1st League Championship since 1985 • 1st trip to the Playoffs since 1992 • 1st time ever to the Semi-Finals • 2nd all-time in wins for a season • Davis Pinkston - Canyon League Co-MVP • Drew Moore - Canyon League Back of the Year • Kyle Murphy - Canyon League Offensive Lineman of the Year Principal Dr. Peitrolungo stood up and congratulated Coach Taggart and the coaching staff. Trustee White thanked all the coaches for making sure the athletes kept up with their academics. He thanked all the parents who support the team, and he specifically mentioned the Pinkston family for their involvement and support. Trustee Collins stated that the student athletes have made everyone proud of Simi Valley! Trustee Sandland stated her son played football for Simi Valley High School. She congratulated Coach Taggart and the coaching staff.

PRESENTATION SIMI VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HOSA PROGRAM Dr. Peplinski welcomed Tami Harter and the Simi Valley High School HOSA Program students, presenting them with recognition by Assemblyman Wilkes. Ms. Harter shared the following: • Received a commendation by Senator Fran Pavley. • Received an Outstanding Chapter Award by the State HOSA Association (top 10%) • Simi Valley High School has a classroom based HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter. That means that HOSA is integrated into our CTE (Career Technical Education) courses such as "Health Careers", "Medical Terminology Integrated" and "Medical Health Careers Exploratory Internships" course. • Since HOSA is a Career Technical Service Organization, our CTE classes have common core built into them. • All of our Medical Health Careers academy students are HOSA members. And therefore, they all have access to the resources available to them by the national organization of health professionals and future health professionals. • Our career exploration program includes both work-based and work-place learning provided by over 40 health care facilities in both Ventura County as well as Los Angeles County

PRESENTATION SANTA SUSANA MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM Dr. Peplinski welcomed the Santa Susana High School Mock Trial Team. Santa Susana High School’s Mock Trial team competed at the Empire Invitational during fall break in San Francisco. During the competition they competed with both international and out-of-state schools. After months of practice with Matt Long, teacher; Jeff Harkavy, Jeff Wohlner, and Andy Steiker, Attorney Coaches, Santa Susana’s Empire Team walked away as the only school with two Best Attorney awards and first place. “Mock trial is about learning to master a complex set of legal procedures and rules and then applying them to the facts of a particular case,” Long said. “It requires critical thinking and mental agility to react in real time to the unexpected.” Winners included: (* best attorney) • Megan Jones* 12, Team Captain • Vivian Han 12 • Punita Patel 12 • Nikol Spaho* 12 • Michael Sarkisian 12 • Daniel Cauffiel 12 • Chanal Nualsumlee 11 • EmilyJo Wharry 11 • Jennifer Jones 11 • Riley Shapiro 9 Trustee Collins praised the Mock Trial team for all their hard work. Dr. Peplinski and Trustee Collins will buy them dinner if they beat Loreina High School.

PRESENTATION SANTA SUSANA HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA DEPT. PROGRAM Dr. Peplinski asked the audience to please welcome Sara Gilbert and Antonia Vivino singing The World Goes Round from the musical, And the World Goes Round. This weekend Santa Susana High School’s award winning musical theater program will sing, dance, and act with our live orchestra in Simi Valley’s only the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center. This collection of Kander and Ebb’s work, based on the novel Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, opened in 1943 and features the best in musical theater such as Chicago, Cabaret, and New York, New York. "And the World Goes Round" will be performed this Friday, December 12 at 7PM and Saturday, December 13th at 2PM and 7PM. Santa Susana High School’s musical theater program director Melissa Albertson is a 2015 Education Foundation Lew Roth Winner while the program has won best actress and staging at the Jerry Herman Awards from the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

ICOC REPORT COMMENTS The outgoing chair of the ICOC, Matt Nestor, greeted the Board and congratulated, Dr. Peplinski. Mr. Nestor introduced, Jennifer Jones, Vice Chair and reported Clay McCarter would be the new Chair of the ICOC. Mr. Nestor provided the Board with a brief update. The ICOC was formed to review how the Bond funds were spent, according to specific criteria, regulations and bylaws. It’s been ten (10) years since the C-4 Bond issuance for $145million. Pedro Avila, in Facilities, was able to parlay an additional $50m in matching funds. Kudos to the Bond Staff, it is a tedious process to get schools certified. He thanked Ron Todo, Tony Joseph and Jeff Kipp. He stated it has been good to work with Trustee Collins and congratulated Trustee (President) White. Mr. Nestor term of four years expires this January. There will be an annual report brought forward to the Board in January. Mr. Nestor’s term expires this January. He is concerned that currently there are only five members, and seven to twelve members (7 for a quorum) are needed. Mr. Nestor stated its bee a long four years; he appreciates the support and communication he has experienced. Jennifer Jones congratulated Dr. Peplinski and President White. She is excited to work with the committee. Trustee White thanked Matt Nestor for his work and hopes the role of the ICOC remains as the Board starts to look at our strategic planning in the future. Trustee White invited Mr. Nestor to join in discussion in future planning committees.

BOARD COMMUNICATION Trustee Sandland congratulated new Board Members Trustees Blough and Daniels. She stated Trustee Rob Collins served our Board very well as Board President for the past year. Regretfully she did not get to say good bye to Trustees Davis and Kidd. Trustee Sandland, reflecting on the student presentations, stated that there are so many programs we have to be proud of in our school district. Trustee Sandland also wanted to explain why she did not vote when selecting Dr. Peplinski as Superintendent. She would have preferred the Board taken more time and let the new trustees go through the interview process. In closing she hopes Dr. Peplinski is successful and wished everyone a happy and safe break. Trustee Collins congratulated and welcomed new Board members, willing to roll up our sleeves and work together. Congratulations to President White and Superintendent Peplinski. He enjoyed the wonderful presentations by students and staff from Simi Valley High School and Santa Susana High School. Trustee Collins shared some other program highlights: Coastal Canyon League Sports Championship; Simi Valley High School girl’s tennis, Simi Valley High School Cross Country; Royal High School Water Polo; Simi Valley High School Girls golf; all League Champions. Trustee Collins enjoyed visiting schools with Dr. Peplinski; they were able to see the new ROTC program, the new track field at Royal High School, and visiting Mr. Dennert’s AP Geography class (really impressive). He thanked all those Hillside Middle School Choral, Art, Dance and Orchestra teachers they met and talked to during their prep times. Trustee Collins also visited a very good Suicide Prevention presentation by the Simi Valley Police Department at Hillside Middle School and thanked Mr. Goldman for creating the flyer/information card. for the Suicide Prevention Program. Trustee Collins encouraged new Board Members attend the VCOE Open Board Meeting Workshop on January 10 8:45 to Noon. In closing, Trustee Collins announced he will be attending the CSBAaec/Delegate Assembly in San Francisco and wished everyone happy holidays. (Added: Trustee Collins thanked Stacy Walker and the teachers at Justin Elementary for the tour he was given and to the teachers at Abraham Lincoln Elementary he stated its going to be a tough year and he will be visiting the site next week.) Trustee Blough is happy to be attending the first meeting, is humbled and energetic to be on the dais. He congratulated Dr. Peplinski. Trustee Blough thanked his wife, Stephanie and children, Matthew, Hailey and Hunter, as well as his parents Jim and Shirley Blough. He also thanked his campaign supporter (in the audience) Kristen Rice, Tracy Spoor, John Bonesteel, Alan Barkwell, Josh Gray, Christie Oliver and Margaret Acosta. Trustee Blough went on to congratulate Trustee Daniels and expressed thanks to Trustees Kidd and Davis for their silent service over the past years. He congratulated Tami Harter and the Simi Valley High School HOSA students, Simi Valley High School Coach Taggart and student football athletes (appreciated the Simi Valley spirit shown at the games), the Santa Susana High School Mock Trial students and teacher, and the Santa Susana High School student who sang were wonderful. The presentations really showcase our schools. Trustee Blough shared his calendar of events attended and thankful acknowledgements this past month: • Simi Valley High School Tech Committee • Chair of the Workforce Education Coalition/career readiness, lots of effort • VCOE Insurance and Risk Management Workshop • Arroyo Elementary PTA Membership Celebration (Principal Calcagno being taped to the wall was great fun.) • Garden Grove Elementary Talent Show • Santa Susana High School Musical • Apollo Thanksgiving event • Katherine Elementary Music Program (thanked Principal Snodgrass and staff) • Township Elementary Special Persons’ Day (observed parents/guardians working with students – great idea, thanked the PTA for making him feel welcomed.) • Hollow Hills Fundamental was acknowledged in the Ventura County Star, thanked Principal Sean Rumble, staff and students for collecting more than 10,000 items with their food drive. • Played in the Simi Valley High School Alumni Basketball game. • Thanked the City Council members for the $67,500 donated to the Simi Valley Education Foundation (from the waste management fund). • The City Youth Council – Youth Summit – Bullying Prevention • Chamber of Commerce update, economy is still a challenge • Royal High School Band performance at the Simi Valley Town Center • Mountain View Elementary garage sale (spoke with Principal Goldman) • Simi Valley Police Department – Touch a Truck event Trustee Daniels stated he is glad to be at the meeting and is excited to start a four year term working as a School Board Trustee; it is a new beginning for the school district. He congratulated Dr. Peplinski. Trustee Daniels stated that at first he felt it was important to look outside of the district to have a Superintendent that was new, but after spending time with Dr. Peplinski and it is clear that he understands the culture and the things that needed to change and look forward for the district; he is happy for Dr. Peplinski and wishes him success in the future. Trustee Daniels stated why he wanted to run for this office, as a 26 year veteran of the Simi Valley Police Department he wanted to make a difference, to make this district better. He thanked his wife and son for their continued support. He also thanked his good friend, Mayor Bob Huber for endorsing him, as well as Councilman Mashburn and Councilman Judge for their support. Trustee Daniels stated he is focused on three areas: 1.) to provide safe environment, fiscal sustainability, transparency and trust. He looks forward to working with fellow board members. In closing he shared some of the events he was able to attend: • Thanksgiving lunch at Apollo; met faculty and students • Thanked the Board for letting him sit in during the initial interviews for Superintendent • Simi Valley High School Basketball Boosters Annual Golf Tournament, • Simi Valley High School Basketball Alumni Game (did not play) • Brought his family to the Simi Valley High School Playoff football game against Ventura • Site visit at Justin Elementary; impressed that Principal Walker knew every child’s name that came up to them (Would like to come out and meet the staff, at Abraham Lincoln Elementary in the near future) • Mountain View Elementary garage sale; brief conversation with Principal Goldman. Trustee Daniels is looking forward to going out to all schools, and working for the next four years, making things happen, and for the district to make great strides. In closing, he thanked everyone again. Trustee White stated there is so much to cover and so many congratulations said, this evening that he would like to talk about the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is something he is very impressed with and how certain teachers have taken this on. Kristen Rice, and other teachers at Vista Fundamental and Wood Ranch Elementary have taken lessons from Code.com. Trustee White learned how to write code when he was eleven. Bill Gates, Will I Am and even Chris Bosh write software. Trustee White’s 4th grade daughter is writing code to write software. He stated if you think about modern technology, this is the basis of the highest paying careers. Trustee White hopes as people become more aware, someday we will require all students learn to write code: he is very enthusiastic about this program. Trustee White is happy to see the success of the extra-curricular activities, where students make memories. He would like to see more arts and extra-curricular activities as well as more stringent academic requirements in order to participate. He stated he is so impressed with the new Board members, their level of energy, the effort made to attend events, the ability to dig through contracts, and to ask questions (keep the energy level up). In closing, Trustee White congratulated Dr. Peplinski; he will be a transformational leader.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE Clerk of the Board Blough reported there was no Board Correspondence (Note: The Superintendent or her designee will respond to the correspondence when appropriate.) – (none)

P L E A S E P O S T

SIMI VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA

Date: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Closed Session: 5:30 PM

Regular Session: 6:00 PM (Annual Reorganization Meeting)

Public Hearing: 6:30 PM

Location: SIMI VALLEY CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063

NOTICE: Regular meetings of the Board of Education are held monthly in the City Hall Council Chambers during the months of August through June. The meetings are scheduled on Tuesday evenings. The Board may meet in closed session to consider items in Agenda Section A1.

The narrative agenda for regular Board meetings is posted 72 hours prior to the meeting, 24 hours prior to a special Board meeting, and ten days prior to a public hearing on the web at http://www.simivalleyusd.org at the entrance to the District Office Educational Services Center and all school sites. Individuals may contact the Superintendent's Office at 805-306-4500 X4002 or visit during business office hours to review agenda materials prior to a meeting. Forty-eight hour advance notice is required to meet special needs for individuals with disabilities and, upon written request, materials in alternative formats will be provided for public meetings.

A.

OPENING ACTIVITIES

1.

CALL TO ORDER (Time: 5:30 p.m. *Community Conference Room)

2.

PUBLIC COMMENTS on CLOSED SESSION

Note: Public comments on items not on the agenda may be given under Agenda Section D #1; or for Consent Items under Agenda section E

3.

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

3.1.

Student Discipline: Discuss Recommendation of Waiver of Student Expulsion Hearing Case #12

3.2.

Student Discipline: Discuss Recommendation of Waiver of Student Expulsion Hearing Case #13

3.3.

CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT MATTERS: The Board will meet in closed session to discuss confidential student matters protected by state and federal law, including, but not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), California Education Code 49060 et.seq.,49073 et.seq., and California Constitution Article 1 section 1 to consider special education Settlement Agreement No. A15.147

3.4.

The Board of Education will meet in closed session for SEA Negotiations (as per the Rodda Act). Dan Houghton, District Negotiator

3.5.

The Board of Education will meet in closed session for CSEA Negotiations (as per the Rodda Act). Dan Houghton, District Negotiator

3.6.

The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with provisions in Government Code Section 54957,Public Employment Matters - Consider an appointment of an Assistant Principal

3.7.

The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with Provisions in Government Code Section 54957,Public Employment Matters - Discipline, Dismissal, Release

3.8.

The Board of Education will meet in closed session in accordance with provisions in Government Code Section 54957, Public Employment Matters - Consideration of appointment or employment of Superintendent

4.

RECESS AND RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION (Time: 6:00 pm. *City Hall Chambers)

4.1.

The Board President will report any action taken in closed session.