Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

2 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Fremont Unified School District Education Center Board Room 4210 Technology Drive, Fremont CA 94538 January 8, 2025 Closed Session, 4:30 PM - Regular Meeting, 6:00 PM ------ PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: The Board meeting will be held in person, and the public will be allowed to observe the Board meeting via Live Stream or view the Board Meeting via Fremont Comcast Cable, channel 26 (and 1084). The public live-stream link is on this page and will be posted online at https://fremontunified.org/about/board/board-meeting-live-stream-video/. PUBLIC COMMENT: Written public comments will be accepted in advance of the meeting, from those attending in person and from individuals participating remotely during the live meeting. Public Comments during Closed Sessions, Open Communication, and Agendized Items will be accepted during the live Board meeting. If you wish to provide public comment, please complete a speaker card at the entrance of the meeting room. Speaker cards for public comment on any agendized item will be accepted before the item is called by the Board President. Although the Board President may seek additional information, participation in debate on any item before the Board shall be limited to the Board and staff. For additional information on providing public comment from a remote location, please see Guidelines for Public Comment during Closed Session and Agendized Items under the Library tab. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, Fremont Unified School District may furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require appropriate alternative modification of the agenda to participate in Board meetings are invited to contact Patty Sandoval at (510) 659-2542 by noon on the Monday preceding the scheduled board meeting. 1. OPENING ACTIVITIES- 4:30 P.M. Subject 1.1 Call Meeting to Order Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 1. OPENING ACTIVITIES- 4:30 P.M. Type Procedural Guidelines for Public Comment during Open Communication, Closed Session and Agendized Items for Board Meetings. BOARD FOCUS GOALS Goal 1: Reduce the achievement gap Goal 2: Ensure Measure E is implemented as planned and develop a Facilities Master Plan Goal 3: Support personnel development to assist student learning Goal 4: Improve communications across the district Goal 5: Demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship Goal 6: Develop Government Handbook BOARD COMMITMENTS Start meetings on-time and keep breaks on-time; Scheduling items for effective flow; Complete research, preparation and reading before the meeting; Keep comments and questions succinct; Have board president offer thanks (to presenters) for the entire board; Give presenters a set amount of time to speak, remind them and enforce respectful limits. File Attachments 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Subject 2.1 Approval of the Board Agenda for January 8, 2025 Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Type Action/Vote Recommended Action Approve the Board of Education Agenda. File Attachments Motion & Voting Approve the Board of Education Agenda. Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Sharon Coco. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 3. OPEN COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS LISTED FOR CLOSED SESSION Subject 3.1 Open Communications for Closed Session Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 3. OPEN COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS LISTED FOR CLOSED SESSION Type Information Guidelines for Public Comment during Open Communication, Closed Session and Agendized Items for Board Meetings. File Attachments 4. CLOSED SESSION - 4:30 P.M. Subject 4.1 Closed Session Agenda Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 4. CLOSED SESSION - 4:30 P.M. Type The Board of Education will meet in Closed Session prior to the regular meeting to consider items listed in this agenda. If a Second Closed Session is necessary, the Board will adjourn following the open meeting. Any action taken in the Second Closed Session will be reported at the end of the Second Closed Session. 4.1.A Discuss and Give Direction to Labor Negotiator, Erik Burmeister, et. al regarding FUDTA, SEIU, FSMA, CSEA 4.1.B Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent, (Government Code Section 54957) File Attachments 5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - 6:00 P.M. Subject 5.1 Pledge of Allegiance Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - 6:00 P.M. Type Procedural File Attachments Subject 5.2 Roll Call - Board Trustees Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - 6:00 P.M. Type Procedural Roll Call: Trustee Sweeney, President Trustee Jones, Vice President Trustee Coco, Clerk Trustee Prasad, Member Trustee Nair, Member Student Member Sriya Neti File Attachments Subject 5.3 Introduction of Staff Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - 6:00 P.M. Type Procedural Administrative Staff Erik Burmeister, Superintendent TBD, Associate Superintendent Leticia Salinas, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction Zack Larsen, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Michael Milliken, Interim Executive Director of Special & Inclusive Education Services Patty Sandoval, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education File Attachments 6. REPORT OUT CLOSED SESSION Subject 6.1 Report on Action taken in Closed Session Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 6. REPORT OUT CLOSED SESSION Type File Attachments 7. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Subject 7.1 Superintendent Report Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 7. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Type Information File Attachments Subject 7.2 Student Member Report Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 7. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Type Information File Attachments 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Subject 8.1 Consent Calendar Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Take action to approve the Consent Calendar These items are generally considered to be routine and appropriate for consent. If there are any questions about an item, that item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered at the end of the agenda under "Items Pulled From Consent Calendar". Consent Items are considered Action items unless otherwise stated. File Attachments Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 9. CONSENT CALENDAR - BOARD OF EDUCATION Subject 9.1 Minutes of the December 18, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 9. CONSENT CALENDAR - BOARD OF EDUCATION Type Action (Consent), Minutes Recommended Action Approve the Minutes of the December 18, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. File Attachments Subject 9.2 Approve the Quarterly Williams Uniform Complaint Report Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 9. CONSENT CALENDAR - BOARD OF EDUCATION Type Action (Consent), Information Recommended Action Approve the Second Quarter (October 1, 2024 - December 30, 2024) for 2024-2025 Williams Uniform Complaint Report. Background California Education Code Section 35186 requires that the Superintendent of Schools provide a quarterly report to the Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools summarizing the nature and resolution of complaints filed under the Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures. Current Status The quarterly report is provided pursuant to legal mandate and must include the number of complaints by the general subject area and the number of resolved complaints. It must also be publicly presented at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education. During the second quarter of October 1, 2024 - December 30, 2024, no complaints were filed with any district school during the quarter indicated. Policy Implications This information is consistent with existing Board of Education Policy 1312.4 Prepared by: Erik Burmeister, Superintendent File Attachments FUSD Second Quarter_ UCP Qtrly Rpt_2024_1.8.25.pdf (177 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 10. CONSENT CALENDAR - STUDENT LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT Subject 10.1 Authorize Staff to Approve Additional Funding for Non-Public Schools / Non-Public Agencies for 2024-2025 School Year Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 10. CONSENT CALENDAR - STUDENT LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Absolute Date Jan 08, 2025 Fiscal Impact Yes Dollar Amount $586,365.00 Budgeted Yes Budget Source Non-Public Agencies / Non-Public Schools Recommended Action Authorize staff to approve additional funding for Non-Public Schools / Non-Public Agencies for 2024-2025 school year. Background At the July 31, 2024 Board Meeting Special Education requested authorization to enter into agreements with Non-Public Schools (NPS) and Non-Public Agencies (NPA). We also stated that we would return to the Board to request authorization for increases in prior contracts or for new contracts if the need for service support providers increases and/or additional Non-Public School placements are agreed upon through the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Current Status FUSD currently needs to contract out for additional services through Non-Public Agencies/Consultants despite efforts to employ district staff. At this time, Special Education is requesting an authorization to enter into an agreement with the two NPAs listed on the attached reports to hire two contracted Speech Language Pathologists. Funding was previously approved at the June 26, 2024 Board Meeting. Additionally, Special Education is requesting authorization to enter into agreements with two Non-Public Schools, Creative Learning Center (CLC) and Rising Star. For CLC, we have one new FUSD student attending the school, and three existing FUSD students at CLC for whom we are revising the Individual Service Agreement. For Rising Star, we have two new students attending the school, and the amount reflects the cost of the program through the end of the 2024-25 school year. As a point of reference and perspective, the chart below shows the estimated totals. For NPA/NPSs this year, the following budgeting information is provided. Adopted Budget Estimated Revised Budget / Fall 2024 Encumbrances Expenditures Requested 1/8/2025 Balance $17,059,253.00 $16,587,438.00 $10,131,217.99 $4,509,987.66 $586,365 $1,359,867.35 Policy Implications The proposed action is consistent with Board Policy 6170. Prepared by: Fran English, Director of Special Education File Attachments NPA_NPS Total Contracted for 2024_2025 School Year.pdf (95 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair Subject 10.2 Approve Study Trips Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 10. CONSENT CALENDAR - STUDENT LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Absolute Date Jan 08, 2025 Recommended Action Approve study trips as listed. Background Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 6153 define these study trips requiring Board approval. Overnight trips comply with all Alameda County and State of California requirements put in place to ensure protections from COVID-19. Current Status There are ten (10) study trips currently needing Board approval. American High School (1) Irvington High School (3) Mission San Jose High School (1) Washington High School (2) Forest Park Elementary School (1) Gomes Elementary School (1) Mattos Elementary School (1) Staff recommends approval of the study trips. Policy Implications This proposed action is consistent with Board Policy 6153. Prepared by: Leslie Heller, Director of Secondary Education File Attachments 2024-2025 Study Trips for Board Approval - Jan 8, 2025.pdf (53 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 11. CONSENT CALENDAR - FINANCE/FACILITIES Subject 11.1 Consideration of Approval of Contracts and Purchases Over $25,360 Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 11. CONSENT CALENDAR - FINANCE/FACILITIES Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Absolute Date Jan 08, 2025 Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted No Budget Source Multiple Budget Sources Recommended Action Authorize staff to execute contracts and purchases over $25,360. Background All contracts and purchases over $25,360 are routinely brought to the Board for approval. Copies of the contracts are available to the Board and public upon request. Current Status The below list consists of contracts and purchases over $25,360. Vendor Description Contract/Quote Amount Funding Source Business Services Silicon Valley Lighting Light bulb purchase for 3-4 years to cover needs until new fixtures can be installed. As of January 1, 2025, some light bulbs at various sites will be phased out in CA and no longer available for purchase. Quote Not to Exceed $47,500 General Fund Follett Content Solutions LLC (Follett Software) Follet Destiny Resource Manager Renewal Quote Not to Exceed $56,500 General Fund Peterson Power Systems Increase open PO for 24/25 SY for vehicle supplies and off-site repairs Not to exceed $50,000 General fund CDW Amplified Support for Google Contract $30,000 General fund Microsoft Enterprise Services Renewal Contract $51,195 General fund Howard District Wide Tech Equipment Quote $196,928.55 General Fund Crown Worldwide Additional Move Services at Kennedy HS Modernization Project Amendment #4 CTC $39,139.45 Fund 21 Bluum Additional Costs for Taxes on Projector and Installation at Horner MS Amendment #1 CTC $3,814.81 Fund 21 Millennium Consulting Survey and Laboratory Analysis and Reporting at Green ES, Mattos ES, Mission San Jose ES and Vallejo Mill ES Amendment #3 CTC - Green CTC - Mattos CTC - Vallejo Mill CTC - MSJES $6,000.00 ($1,500 /per site) Fund 21 Instructional Services City of Fremont MOU for ELO Program eligible students to attend the Summer Camp programs from the City of Fremont's Parks & Recreation Department MOU draft City of Fremont Recreation Parks & Recreation Classes website Not to exceed $500,000 ELO-P funding Summit K12 Approval of Summit K12 for Multilingual Learners for the term of January 2025 through June 2026. Summit K12 Contract Terms and Quote $192,139.40 Title III 60,957 & LCAP 131,182.40 Policy Implications This proposed action is consistent with existing Board of Education Policy 3300 Prepared by: Robert Pascual, Director, Accounting File Attachments Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair Subject 11.2 Approval of New and Closed Positions Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 11. CONSENT CALENDAR - FINANCE/FACILITIES Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted No Budget Source General Fund Recommended Action Staff recommends the board to approve of the new and closed positions. Background Staff frequently analyzes and assesses the staffing needs across the district. As a result, position changes are requested to meet the requirements of existing programs. Position changes are first brought forth to the Executive Cabinet for review and approval, and then to the Board for review and approval. Current Status Mid-Year Staffing Changes: Fund 01 - General Fund Notes Job Classification Action FTE Unrestricted - Estimated Budget (including Statutory Benefits) Restricted - Estimated Budget (including Statutory Benefits) Wellness Coach - Student Support Services New 6.000 $493,078 Hire 6 Wellness Coaches with ACOE Grant SEA2 Special Education Para - Brookvale ES New 1.000 $3,501 Convert a vacant SEA1 into a SEA2 Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Leitch ES Close -0.250 -$20,560.17 Position no longer needed Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Niles ES Close -0.250 -$20,560.17 Position was only for two years Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Durham ES Close -0.750 -$61,680.52 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Azevada ES Close -0.250 -$20,560.17 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Mattos ES Close -0.500 -$41,120.35 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year School Secretary - Glankler New 1.000 $104,121 We need a secretary to handle the office administrative functions of the Preschool Inclusion Grant money. Will have additional duties related to managing child find/SST/COST process for preschool. Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Mission Valley ES Close -0.625 -$51,400.43 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Millard ES Close -0.250 -$20,560.17 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Brier ES Close -0.500 -$41,120.35 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Maloney ES Close -0.375 -$30,840.26 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Cabrillo ES Close -0.125 -$10,280.09 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year Kindergarten Instructional Para Educator - Patterson ES Close -0.375 -$30,840.26 K para position was limited term position due to MOU and ends this year SEA2 Special Education Para - Vallejo Mill ES Close -0.750 -$64,306 Close position Total Projected Cost -$349,523 $536,394 Staff recommends that the Board approve the new and closed positions as requested by the sites. Policy Implication The agenda item follows our internal policy and procedures of receiving board approval on all new and closed FTEs. Prepared by: James Arcala, Director of Budget File Attachments Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair Subject 11.3 Approve the Budget Development Calendar for the 2025-26 School Year Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 11. CONSENT CALENDAR - FINANCE/FACILITIES Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Recommended Action Staff recommends the board approves the 2025-26 budget development calendar. Background One of the steps in a school district’s annual budget preparation process includes the development of the District's Budget Calendar. The Budget Calendar identifies key tasks and dates that support the budget development process. Board Policy 3112 states “ The budget calendar and budget development procedures shall be developed and submitted annually to the Board of Education for approval. The budget calendar and budget development procedures shall be constructed so as to insure that all schools, departments, and organizations have ample opportunity to review and submit budget recommendations .” Once the Governor announces the State budget proposal for the next fiscal year, the District develops a financial forecast, solicits input from key stakeholders, and provides regular budget development updates to the Board of Education and community. The Board is required to conduct a public hearing about the District's proposed budget and to adopt the proposed budget before July 1. This budget adoption typically occurs at the last Board meeting in June. The State legislature and the Governor enact the final State budget around end of June, which is similar to the District’s budget adoption. There is not enough time to incorporate the impact of the final State Budget to the District's proposed budget. Therefore, the District's adopted budget is tentative, pending State budget decisions impacting schools. Once the Governor signs the State Budget Act, districts have 45-days to make available for public review any revisions in revenues and expenditures that it has made to its budget to reflect the funding made available by that Budget Act. Current Status Staff has prepared the Budget Development Calendar for fiscal year 2025-26 for Board of Education approval. The timing of each activity may change depending on new information from the State or other regulatory agencies. Policy Implications Board Policy 3112, Budget Calendar and Procedures Prepared by: James Arcala, Director of Budget File Attachments 2025-26 Budget Development Calendar.pdf (429 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 12. CONSENT CALENDAR - HUMAN RESOURCES/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Subject 12.1 Approve Certificated Personnel Actions Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 12. CONSENT CALENDAR - HUMAN RESOURCES/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Approve certificated personnel actions. Background All personnel activities including new hires, resignations, Assistant Superintendent approved leaves, and retirements are routinely submitted for Board approval. Current Status The activities summarized on the attached worksheet reflects recommended action on certificated personnel actions. Policy Implications All assignments, or changed assignments, and actions conform with Board Policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Prepared by: Robin Sehrt, Director, Certificated Personnel File Attachments Certificated Personnel Actions_ 01.08.25.pdf (14 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair Subject 12.2 Approve Classified Personnel Actions Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 12. CONSENT CALENDAR - HUMAN RESOURCES/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Approve classified personnel actions. INTRODUCED BY ASSISTANT SUPRITENDENT : ZACK LARSEN Background The Board of Education has delegated authority to the District staff to take certain actions on its behalf related to Classified Personnel activities such as appointments, change of status, resignations, requests for leaves and retirement. All such actions must conform to the Rules and Regulations of the Classified Services as established by the Fremont Unified School District Personnel Commission. Current Status The activities summarized on the attached page(s) reflect recommended action on classified personnel activities. Policy Implications All assignments and changes conform to Board Policy and Personnel Commission Rules. Prepared by: Angela Bianchini, Executive Director, Human Resources File Attachments Classified_Personnel_Actions_01.08.25.pdf (28 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair Subject 12.3 Approve Athletic Coaches Winter 2024 Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 12. CONSENT CALENDAR - HUMAN RESOURCES/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Approve recommended Athletic Coaches for Winter 2024 Background All personnel activities, including new hires to various athletic coaching positions, are routinely submitted to the Board of Education for approval. Current Status The activities summarized on the attached spreadsheets reflect recommended actions on winter athletic coach personnel hires. The summary is derived from the "District Paid Coaches Name Confirmation" memo, submitted and approved by site Principals for Board approval. Policy Implications All assignments, or changed assignments, conform with Board of Education Policy and are consistent with requirements of our Collective Bargaining Agreements. Prepared by: Robin Sehrt, Director, Certificated Personnel File Attachments Athletic Coaches_Winter_01.08.25.pdf (7 KB) Motion & Voting Take action to approve the Consent Calendar Motion by Dianne Jones, second by Vivek Prasad. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 13. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 14. OPEN COMMUNICATIONS Subject 14.1 Open Communications begins at approximately 7:00-7:30 p.m. Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 14. OPEN COMMUNICATIONS Type Information Guidelines for Public Comment during Open Communication, Closed Session and Agendized Items for Board Meetings. File Attachments 15. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS Subject 15.1 Balanced Budget for Fiscal Sustainability Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 15. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS Type Action/Vote, Discussion, Information, Presentation Recommended Action Staff recommends the board take action on the Budget Reductions and other Budget Solutions as presented by staff. INTRODUCED BY SUPERINTENDENT ERIK BURMEISTER Background The Fremont Unified School District Governing Board is committed to ensuring the district's continuing fiscal viability and solvency. During past budgetary uncertainty, the district took several actions, including employee layoffs and furlough days. During the Great Recession, the district worked closely with employee groups and the community to implement reduction measures and solicit buy-in. The district again faced difficult choices during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, exacerbated by the global pandemic's economic impact. The pandemic enormously impacted national and state economies, passed on to K-12 school districts. In addition to the pandemic, the district continued to experience the effects of declining enrollment, over-projections, and increased pensions and special education costs. The district is once again confronting challenging financial decisions, exacerbated by declining enrollment and the "fiscal cliff" resulting from the conclusion of pandemic-related funding. In addition to the pandemic's lingering effects, the district grapples with rising operational costs that outpace revenue growth. Fremont Unified School District is projecting a deficit of $30.3 million in the Unrestricted General Fund for the subsequent year. As a result, the district must identify $20 million in ongoing reductions to meet the 3% reserves requirement in the two subsequent years or $34 million in reductions to eliminate deficit spending and balance the books. On September 18, 2024 , the Board held its first of several engagements with the community to gather input and provide initial direction on addressing the financial challenges. The district must reduce its budget by approximately $34 million to prevent continued deficit spending. The Board is expected to take final action on these reductions at the January 8, 2025, Board Meeting. At it's November 20, 2024 Board Meeting, the Board was provided an initial review of draft budget reduction scenarios. They were p resented with potential areas for reductions, innovative restructuring ideas, redefinitions of core elements, and possible funding opportunities. The Board was invited to clarify proposed scenarios and give direction on any additional scenarios they wanted to prepare for further discussion at the Special Meeting on December 2. On December 2, 2024 the Board convened to seek clarification, deliberate, and provide initial recommendations on the proposed budget cuts presented by staff. At their December 18, 2024, Board Meeting, trustees continued their discussion, sought clarification, deliberated, and provided their recommendation on the proposed budget cuts for the final presentation, which will take place during the January 8, 2025, Board Meeting. Current Status At its January 8, 2025 Board Meeting, the Board will review and consider budget reductions and other proposed solutions presented by staff. The Board will be asked to approve reductions from the listed scenarios, which staff will calculate and present for board action at their February 12, 2025 meeting. For your reference, a hyperlink to the Balanced Budget Process is provided, offering access to all Board meeting materials and presentations from the start of the process on September 11, 2024. The presentation for January 8, 2025 has ben posted for the Board's consideration. Policy Implications This proposed action is consistent with existing Board of Education Policy 3110. Prepared by: Erik Burmeister, Superintendent File Attachments January 8 Reduction Deck.pdf (291 KB) January 8 Reduction Deck_Updated 1.8.25.pdf (746 KB) Subject 15.2 Adoption of Resolution No. 025-2425 Regarding Accounting of Developer Fees for Fiscal Year 2023-24 Pursuant to Government Code Sections 66001(d) and 66006(b) Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 15. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS Type Action/Vote Preferred Date Jan 08, 2025 Absolute Date Jan 08, 2025 Recommended Action Consider and adopt Resolution No. 025-2425 Regarding Accounting of Developer Fees for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Pursuant to Government Code Sections 66001(d) and 66006(b), as presented. Introduction by Director: Robert Pascual Background Government Code sections 66001(d) and 66006(b) require that within 180 days of the close of each fiscal year, school districts that collect school facilities fees (“developer fees”) make available to the public certain information regarding the collection and expenditure of developer fees collected under Education Code section 17620 et seq. and Government Code section 65995 et seq. In accordance with Government Code section 66006(a), the District deposits developer fees (including interest earned) into its Fund 25, Capital Facilities Fund (“Fund”). Each year the Board is required to review certain requisite information regarding the Fund contained in the District's Annual and Five-Year Findings (together, the “Fee Report and Findings”). Current Status The District’s fee consultant, Koppel & Gruber, prepared the Fee Report and Findings for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 based on information provided by District staff and in accordance with the statutory requirements of Government Code sections 66001 and 66006. The Fee Report and Findings must be reviewed by the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting, at least 15 days after the Fee Report was made available to the public. The proposed Fee Report and Findings was made public on December 17, 2024, and notice of the meeting was posted on the District's website and mailed to those parties who requested such information. There are no direct fiscal impacts for the adoption of the Resolution. However, the District will be responsible for any independent audits requested by the public if the Board does not prepare and adopt the Annual Developer Fees Report for three consecutive years, pursuant to Government Code section 66023. Additionally, if the District does not adopt the Five-Year Findings in accordance with legal requirements, the District will be statutorily mandated to refund the monies in Fund 25. Staff respectfully requests and recommends that the Board review and adopt the Resolution, as presented. Policy Implications Government Code Sections 66001 and 66006 Board Policy 7210, Facilities Financing Prepared by: Robert Pascual, Director of Accounting Services File Attachments Resolution 025-2425_Accounting of Dev Fees for FY2023-24_12172024.pdf (191 KB) Fremont-USD_Annual-and-Five-Year-Report_FY2023-2024_FINAL_2024-12-17.pdf (587 KB) Motion & Voting Consider and adopt Resolution No. 025-2425 Regarding Accounting of Developer Fees for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Pursuant to Government Code Sections 66001(d) and 66006(b), as presented. Student Board Member Neti, votes in Motion by Vivek Prasad, second by Dianne Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Larry Sweeney, Dianne Jones, Sharon Coco, Vivek Prasad, Rinu Nair 16. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR - AFTER REGULAR AGENDA 17. GOVERNMENT PLANNING Subject 17.1 G1 Board Reports Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 17. GOVERNMENT PLANNING Type Information File Attachments Subject 17.2 G2 Calendar Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 17. GOVERNMENT PLANNING Type Information All Board Public Meetings to start at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 2023-2024 Board Meeting Dates File Attachments Subject 17.3 G3 Meeting Evaluation Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 17. GOVERNMENT PLANNING Type Information File Attachments 18. ADJOURNMENT Subject 18.1 Adjourn Meeting Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 18. ADJOURNMENT Type Procedural File Attachments Subject 18.2 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Meeting Jan 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Education Category 18. ADJOURNMENT Type Information In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and upon request, Fremont Unified School District 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 Patty Sandoval at (510) 659-2542 by noon on the Monday preceding the schedule board meeting. File Attachments