Board Briefs

Highlights from Board of Education Meetings

Regular Board Meeting: May 11, 2022

Showcase: Members of the Merced High Family, Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) provided an overview of the group as well as this year's accomplishments. 

Reports/Discussions:

• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar, Director of Instruction Torrin Johnson and Director of Communications provided an update on the Superintendent Goals for the 2022-23 school year.

Action Items:

• The Board approved the Five Year Facilities Plan.
• The Board conducted a public hearing, adopted Resolution 14-21 approving the Development Fee Justification Study and adopted Resolution 15-21, increasing the Level 1 Developer Fees.
• The Board adopted Resolution No. 16-21, Approving the First Amendment to the Joint-Exercise of Powers Agreement Forming the East Merced County Public Facilities Financing Authority
• The Board approved the District's proposals as "sunshined" for the 2022-2023 negotiation process with MUHSDTA
• The Board adopted revisions to Board Policy 5141.21 - Dispensing Medication To Students And Monitoring Health Conditions
• The Board adopted revisions to Board Policy 4040- Employee Use of Technology
• The Board adopted revisions to Board Policy 6163.4- Student Use of Technology
• The Board adopted revisions to Board Policy 6162.7- Use of Technology in Instruction

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Regular Board Meeting: April 13, 2022

Showcase: The Livingston High Band (aka The Pride of Livingston) provided an overview of their organization as well as a preview of the school's upcoming band review.

Reports/Discussions:

• Director of Human Resources Mandy Ballenger "sunshined" the district's initial proposal prior to negotiations with the MUHSDTA 
• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar, Director of Instruction Torrin Johnson and Director of Communications provided an update on the Superintendent Goals for the 2022-23 school year.

Action Items:

• The Board adopted Resolution 11-21, Accepting The Withdrawal of Weaver Union School District from the East Merced County Public Facilities Financing Authority.
• The Board ratified the collective bargaining agreement between CSEA Chapter 252 and the MUHSD for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.
• The Board approved the added language to the 2016-2021 salary schedules based on the CalPERS compliance review.
• The Board adopted Resolution No. 12-21 declaring May 11, 2022 as California Day of the Teacher.
• The Board adopted Resolution No. 13-21, declaring May 15-21, 2022 as Classified School Employee Week.
• The Board of Trustees approve the proposed salary increase for the Merced Adult School, effective immediately.
• The Board adopted the A-G Completion Improvement Grant plan.
• The Board approved the proposed bell schedules starting with the 2022-2023 school year.
• The Board approved the Purchase of the Option to Purchase and Sale Agreement between the District and AG-K Properties, LLC of property located at 664 Railroad Avenue APN 003-160-026-000 in the City of Atwater and delegated authority to the Superintendent, or a designee, to enter into the Option Agreement, and take any action necessary to effectuate the terms of the Option Agreement.
• The Board appointed a representative for the Merced County Committee on School District Organization.

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Regular Board Meeting: March 9, 2022

Showcase: Golden Valley High Instructional Coach Allison Jones Norton provided an overview of the site's PBL project

Reports/Discussions: 

• Deputy Superintendent Ralph Calderon provided a review of meeting regarding the potential future use of the property located at Tyler Road and Gerard Avenue.
• Director of Communications Sam Yniguez provided the Board with a summary of a recent ThoughtEchange survey regarding how parents feel about the school district's current communications efforts. 
• Director of Student Services Cristi Johnson, Yosemite High Principal Nicole Rose and Counseling Support Manager Katelyn Mayo provided an overview of the Seity Health Platform which can be used to improve both student and staff wellbeing.

Action Items:

• The Board abstained from voting for a candidate to the CSBA Delegate Assembly.
• The Board approve a positive certification for the second interim budget report, adopted the proposed revisions to the General Fund Budget as submitted, adopted proposed revisions to the various other funds of the District as submitted and accepted the Criteria and Standards Summary Review.

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Special Board Meeting: February 15, 2022

Action Items:

• The Board approved the purchase of 600 Staff HP Chromebooks using the Irvine USD 19/20-01 IT Tech & Peripherals (19/20-01 IT) Cooperative Contract.
• The Board approved the proposal from Bergeman Group to provide construction management services for the El Capitan High School Defect Remediation Repair Project for the amount of $1,136,400.

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Regular Board Meeting: February 9, 2022

Showcase: Members of the El Capitan High Math Department provided an overview of their department 

Reports/Discussions:

• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar and Program Administrator Jannette McAuley provide the Board with a mid-year update to the LCAP process as well as a budget overview. 
• Director of New Teacher Induction Sheryl Garman provided the Board an overview of the Induction Program as well as the districts responses to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's preconditions. The response will be up for Board approval prior to submitting to the CTC.
• Director of Student Services Cristi Johnson provided an overview of the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) as well as the costs for staffing them at sites and alternatives. 

Action Items:

• The Board approved the Provisional Internship Permit as submitted for the 2021-22 school year.
• The Board adopted Resolution #7-21, authorizing the Closing of Fund 53.
• The Board approved the proposed 2023-24 and 2024-25 school calendars and adopted Resolution Nos. 08-21 and 09-21, Holiday Observance, which will allow the District to observe Lincoln's Day and President's Day on an alternative day for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
• The Board adopted the new Superintendent Goals for 2022-2023
• The Board approved the Purchase and Sale of Real Property between the District and Ag K Properties, LLC and Lane Clark & Cathleen Clark at 288 Business Parkway APN 056-330-043 in the City of Atwater and delegated authority to the Superintendent, or a designee, to take any action necessary to effectuate the terms of the Purchase Agreement. 

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Regular Board Meeting: January 12, 2022

Showcase: Merced Adult School Principal Steve Hobbs gave an overview of the new Early Childhood Education course being offered as well as a video presentation. 

Reports/Discussions:

• Director Torrin Johnson provided the Board an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and the efforts being made to bolster Tier 1 at MUHSD.
• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar provided the Board an update on the restructuring of counseling services offered at MUHSD.
• Dr. Aguilar provided the Board an update on efforts to align the district's curriculum with the new California mathematics framework. 
• Deputy Superintendent Ralph Calderon, Yosemite/Independence High Principal Nicole Rose and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dr. Scott Weimer provided the Board an update on planning for next school year regarding COVID prevention, Independent Studies and enrollment. 
• Mr. Calderon informed the Board about beginning initial discussions with the City of Merced and other organizations regarding future plans for the property owned by MUHSD located on Tyler Road and Gerard Avenue. 

Action Items:

• The Board approved the purchase and sale of vacant land agreement between the District and Joe Valdez and Albert Cisneros located at APN 056-330-040 in the City of Atwater.
• The Board approved the revisions to the Purchase of the Option to Purchase and Sale Agreement between the District and Uncle Bucks Blazin BBQ & Catering, LLC and Valdez Company, LLC of property located at 208 Business Parkway in the City of Atwater.
• the Board approve the revisions to the Purchase of the Option to Purchase and Sale Agreement between the District and Uncle Bucks Blazin BBQ & Catering, LLC and Valdez Company, LLC of property located at 268 Business Parkway in the City of Atwater.

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Regular Board Meeting: December 15, 2021

Election of Officers: The Board elected Tiffany Pickle President, Erin Hamm Vice President and Richard Lopez Clerk. 

Showcase: Buhach Colony High Thunder Band Director Chad Humpal and several band and color guard members provided a presentation about their award-winning 2021 Fall campaign. 

Reports/Discussions:

• Measure M Oversight Committee Chairman Carden Kalcevich provided the Board the committee's annual report.
• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar provided the Board with an overview of the state's College and Career indicator, where MUHSD stands and how it compares to other similar school districts.
• Director Sheryl Garman provided the Board the results from a parent/family survey related to students' COVID-19 vaccination status and the implications for enrollment and registration options for next school year

Action Items:

• The Board approved a positive certification and adopted the proposed revisions to the General Fund Budget. The Board also adopted proposed revisions to the various other funds of the District and accepted the Criteria and Standards Summary Review.
• The Board approved the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant Plan. 
• The Board selected Board Clerk Richard Lopez to serve as its representative on the MCSBA Executive Board. 

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Regular Board Meeting: November 10, 2021

Presentation: Member of the El Capitan High FFA's National Championship Plan Team provided a recap of their trip to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention.

Showcase: Atwater High Principal Bret Theodozio provide a video spotlighting the AHS's SkillsUSA program and accolades. 

Reports/Discussions:

• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar and Director of Student Services Cristi Johnson provided the Board an overview of the counseling services that the district offered to MUHSD students and families.
• Dr. Aguilar provided the Board a presentation about the district's math curriculum that included the new California math framework, the district's partnership with Carnegie Learning and an update on the collaboration with feeder schools
• IT Director Sheryl Garman provided the Board with an update on Independence High School and preparations for scaling up IHS's virtual campus
• Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dr. Scott Wiemer provided the Board the plan for the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant.

Action Items:

• The Board approved the 2022 Board of Trustee meeting dates as proposed
• The Board approved the Donation Agreement for Supplemental Stadium Funding between MUHSD and the Pazin Family
• The Board approved the revisions to Board Policy 4216 - Probationary/Permanent Status
• The Board adopted the calendar for the 2022 Summer School session

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Regular Board Meeting: October 13, 2021

Oath of Office: 

Superintendent Peterson administered the Oath of Office to new Board Member Amalee Jayasinghe

Showcase:

Merced High Principal Marcus Knott provided a video presentation about the site's Vison For Readiness. 

Reports/Discussions:

• Manager of Facilities planning Melissa Miller provided the Board an update on MUHSD's completed, current and future projects. 
• Assistant Superintendent of Ed Service Dr. Constantino Aguilar and Director of Instruction, Intervention and Innovation Torrin Johnson provided the Board an overview of the district's efforts to have meaningful communication with feeder schools and the plan going forward.
• Program Administrator Jannette McAuley outlined changes to the LCAP process and provided future LCAP meeting dates for the 2021-22 school year. 
• Advanced Nurtured Heart Trainer Viviana Barajas and Golden Valley High Principal Kevin Swartwood provided the Board a report on the district's efforts to implement The Nurtured Heart Approach and Character Strong. 
• IT Director Sheryl Garman and Independence High Principal Nicole Rose provided the Board on update on MUHSD's Independent Studies Program and Virtual School preparations.

Action Items:

• The Board voted to accept the Trustee Boundary Analysis and to not make any changes to the current boundaries.
• The Board voted to approve the ESSER III Expenditure Plan.
• The Board voted to approve the credential waivers as submitted for the 2021-22 school year. 

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Regular Board Meeting: September 8, 2021

Showcase

Livingston High Principal Charles Jolly provided a video presentation that was created by the advisors and students in Livingston High School's Ag Department.

Action items

• The Board approved the Credential Waivers as submitted for the 2021-22 school year
• The Board approved the Credential Provisional Internship Permits as submitted for the 2021-22 school year
• The Board approved the teachers listed being assigned to teach out of their area(s) of certification in accordance with Education Codes 44263, 44258.7 List 1 List 2
• The Board adopted Resolution 03-21 regarding the sufficiency of instructional materials
• The Board accepted and approved the report of Unaudited Actuals for fiscal year 2020-21
• The Board interviewed and appointed Amalee Jayasinghe to the Vacant Area 4 Seat

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Regular Board Meeting: August 11, 2021

Reports/Discussions

• Site Summer School leads provided the Board a review of their Summer School 2021 experience.
• Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar provided the Board an update on the Superintendent Goal regarding College and Career Readiness

Action Items

• The Board approved the contract with California Design West for the Merced High School Pool Replacement Project
• The Board approved the contract with California Design West for the Atwater High School Pool Replacement Project
• The Board adopted Resolution 01-21 which authorizes District Representatives to sign and file applications under the School Facility Program and Resolution 02-21 which acknowledges the submittal of projects without current State bonding authority.
• The Board approved the donation agreement between MUHSD and Mike and Lori Gallo of Joseph Farms Cheese for the Merced High Stadium Project scoreboard.
• The Board approved the revision to Board Policy 6145.2 regarding athletic competition.
• The Board approved the proposed revisions to the district calendars for the 2021-22 an 2022-23 school years. 
• The Board approved the remuneration increase for 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 for Local Agency Executives.
• The Board approved the seventh addendum to the employment agreement between the Merced Union High School District and Alan Peterson.

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Special Board Meeting: August 3, 2021

Reports/Discussions

• Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dr. Scott Weimer provided the Board an update on the budget and legislative changes that occurred after the district adopted its budget. 
• Dr. Weimer provided a presentation which explained Esser III Safe Return and Continuity of Service requirements. 

Action Items

The Board approved changes to Board Policy 6158 regarding Independent Studies

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Special Board Meeting: June 18, 2021

Reports/Discussions

Asst. Supt of Ed Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar provided the LCAP Local Indicators Report. 

Action Items

• The Board approved the Agreement for Option to Purchase Real Property Purchase and Sale between the District and Uncle Bucks Blazin BBQ & Catering, LLC and Valdez Company, LLC of property located at 208 Business Parkway in the City of Atwater.
• The Board approved the Agreement for Option to Purchase Real Property Purchase and Sale between the District and Uncle Bucks Blazin BBQ & Catering and Lane and Cathleen Clark, of property located at 268 Business Parkway in the City of Atwater.

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Special Board Meeting: June 16, 2021

Reports/Discussions

Staff presented a review of current board policies in relation to bullying, nondiscrimination, and hate-motivated behavior. View Board Policies

Action Items

• The Board Approved the LCAP for the 2021-22 school year. 
• The Board approved the 2021-22 budget. 
• The Board adopted Resolution 14-20 for the Education Protection Account.
• The Board ratified the collective bargaining agreement between MUHSD Teachers' Association and the Merced Union High School District, for the 2020-21 current contract and 2021-22 and 2022-23 of the new contract term.
• The Board approved the remuneration increase for 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 for Certificated and Classified Management.
• The Board approved the Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2021-22 school year.

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Regular Board Meeting: June 9, 2021

Reports/Discussions

• Asst. Supt of Business Services Dr. Scott Weimer provided a proposed budget for 2021-22 and held a public hearing. The budget will be up for adoption at the next Board meeting. 
• Asst. Supt of Ed Services Dr. Constantino Aguilar provided a proposed 2021-24 LCAP and held a public hearing. The LCAP will be up for adoption at the next Board meeting.  View proposed LCAP  View LCAP executive summary
• Dr. Aguilar provided an Ed Services Update that touched on Summer School, personal changes, challenges the district is facing in 2021-22 and how the district plans to approach teaching at the start of the school year.

Action Items

The Board adopted Resolution No. 13-20 authorizing the elimination of one (1) Maintenance & Operations Technician, two (2) Network Technicians and one (1) Health Services LVN position.

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