On Tuesday night the Fillmore Unified School Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting to another full house. Items before the Board included naming more classified employees that will receive lay off notices pending further state budget information, as well as a consideration before the Board for changing graduation requirements specifically whether or not to keep Health as a required class.

First during public comment the Board heard from Fillmore High School Junior Class President Taelor Burhoe and Vice President Taylor DeZavala regarding the upcoming Junior Prom on May 14th, 2011. The theme is “City and Color” and the event will take place at the Museum of Ventura County on Main Street in downtown Ventura. “It is the first time anyone has had a prom at this location, we are very lucky… it is a really cool venue.” Burhoe reported. They also reported that a slideshow regarding the dress code for the event has been shown to all students and is posted on the high school web site. They want to make sure that no one is turned away from prom due to violating the dress code.

The Board then heard from this reporter who spoke at the request of and on behalf of Fillmore resident Scott Duckett who had prepared a statement for the Board but was unable to attend the meeting. In the statement Duckett proposed a solution to the budget situation that should be considered because “Not one service to one student will be lost…Not a single district employee will lose their job… It’s fair to all district employees.” The proposal was an across the district pay cut. “From the Superintendent on down [each employee] takes an equal percentage salary cut.” Duckett suggested that the Board request Assistant Superintendent Director of Business Services Mike Bush to calculate the savings for different percentage cuts in salaries. “If salaries and benefits make up roughly 90% of the districts $30 million budget…if everyone…took a 3% salary cut, the district would save $810,000… a 5% cut would save $1.3 million.” The statement concluded with “I believe going through another round of budget cuts business as usual will only result in the painful process we’ve all witnessed over the past few years [all options should be considered.]” Board Member Tony Prado indicated he thought this proposal was “interesting” and later in the agenda the Board discussed it and directed Bush to calculate the actual savings from a 1% cut across the district. Board President Virginia De La Piedra stated that an action such as this would need to be negotiated with the unions and “We [the Board] do not negotiate, they do.” indicating the District staff members on the collective bargaining team. Contrary to De La Piedra’s statement FUSD Board policy 4143 states, “The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to represent the public's interests in the collective bargaining process. In negotiating agreements on employee contracts, the Board shall balance the needs of staff and the priorities of the district in order to provide students with a high-quality instructional program based on a sound, realistic budget.” While the policy does state “The Board shall establish a bargaining team to assist in analyzing contract provisions and conducting contract negotiations.” The following portion of this policy clearly retains the oversight and power of the Board to direct the negotiating process, “The Board and Superintendent shall provide its negotiator(s) with expected outcomes and clear parameters for acceptable contract provisions which promote the realization of district goals and priorities.” In addition Board policy 9000 titled “Role of the Board” states “The Board of Education has been elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district. The Board shall ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community.” Should the Board want to move forward in exploring and/or implementing such a proposal they need only request the information from the appropriate staff members, and then direct their bargaining team to move in that direction with the two unions they negotiate with. Early response to the ‘Duckett Proposal’ from CSEA members in attendance is positive. At print deadline CSEA had a scheduled meeting for Wednesday, April 20, 2011 to discuss ideas and options to bring to their negotiations with the District.

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney brought a proposal by Fillmore High School Principal John Wilbur to implement the use of admittance tickets to watch the fast approaching graduation ceremony on June 2, 2011. According to Sweeney the proposal is an attempt to address some “issues we’ve had in the past specific to overcrowding [in the stadium and bleachers].” The plan guarantees each graduating senior a minimum of seven tickets, with the ability to apply for more. Wilbur was on hand to explain that using tickets for graduation admittance is used around the country and is common in Ventura County. De La Piedra shared her support for the proposal sharing “it is difficult when the parents themselves… are not able [to find a seat].” Responding to concerns brought by parents following the meeting that it is too late to implement for this year because some families have already purchased graduation invitations and made travel plans, Wilbur stated “I regret this didn’t get out earlier, and I take full responsibility…[but] this is the way to go.” The intention is to make the event one that “families can enjoy” and to keep it safe. In years past many people come who are not family members, and want to watch and support the students and the high school during this exciting time, but when there are large crowds’ safety becomes an issue. Wilbur commented that the success of the 100th game with Santa Paula confirmed that when dealing with large crowds in the stadium tickets are the best way to ensure all those attending have a comfortable seat, enjoy the event and are safe. Upon approval by the Board information will be sent home to parents in the graduation packets. A letter will inform families about the ticket process and how to apply for more tickets. It is expected that some families will not need all seven tickets, which will make more tickets available for other families. Even if all families take the seven, which are available, there are still about 300 tickets that families can apply for if they feel they need more. While Wilbur knows communication with families and the community will be vital, he is “Confident [that this] will work out” and in the end make the event more enjoyable for the families of graduating seniors. Several Board members expressed their support for the plan, and decided to put it on the agenda next week to discuss, hear from parents and take action.
During discussion on a motion to adopt Resolution #10-11-18 for Approval of Layoff of Classified Employees, a near 30 year district employee Jack Moralis addressed the Board speaking on behalf of those affected by the Resolution “for clarification purposes.” Moralis is not currently affected by layoffs. First he requested confirmation that a negotiation meeting is scheduled for May 4 between the management of the local California School Employee Association (CSEA) chapter, the union that represents classified employees, and the Districts bargaining team. Director of Human Resources Todd Schiefferle confirmed that. Moralis went on to express his support of Duckett’s earlier presented proposal, and informed the Board that CSEA will be meeting Wednesday April 20th to discuss options and ideas regarding the current situation in order to direct their management for the upcoming negotiation meetings with the District in an effort to find a solution to “hopefully between now and when the school year ends we [will be able] to rescind these Resolutions.” In addition Moralis inquired as to why there is “[such a] long” period of time between these Resolutions being passed and the negotiation meetings taking place. “Was there a conflict in getting [CSEA management and the District negotiating team] together?” Schiefferle responded “yes, there was a delay, back in January we invited CSEA to bring openers forward… at that time [it was stated that] CSEA didn’t need to move forward until May. We disagreed…CSEA did bring openers forward and we’ve sun-shined those… a couple months ago I brought forward a layoff plan which involved cabinet administrators, certificated personnel, classified [employees], the purpose of that plan, [is to meet certain legal deadlines for layoff notification].” Further discussion took place about the CSEA needing to clarify with its members why they requested the delay, and the Board clarified that the Resolution on the table was simply to allow the District to meet legal deadlines for noticing employees pursuant to the layoff plan prepared by Schiefferle. Board Vice President John Garnica reminded the Board that the resolution does not pertain to any issues regarding any delays in negotiations. Board members agreed that this meeting was not the venue to discuss any issues with the negotiation process that the CSEA may have. Garnica encouraged “union [members] and staff… to get together” and have that discussion if needed. De La Piedra stated, “We are bound to do this” and took Garnica’s position as well. Rangel and Wilde inquired as to whether the Resolutions they’ve seen include classified employees in the District office. Sweeney reminded the Board that they are awaiting the May revise from the State and further recommendations including other positions may be brought before the Board. The Resolution was passed unanimously.

Following a vigorous conversation and four rescinded motions, the Board voted 2 (in favor: Rangel, Prado) to 3 (opposed; Garnica, Wilde, De La Piedra) and did not approve a motion that would have made freshman take Health. Currently Health class is a graduation requirement and is geared toward freshman, but students can take it any time before they graduate. The result of the vote is that there is no change to the current requirements regarding Health class. The original proposal that had been brought by staff suggested the Board remove Health as a graduation requirement and weave the State mandated curriculum into other required classes such as PE. In order for the District to get any budget savings however, the Board would also have to reduce the number of credits required for graduation and notify some students who reach that threshold that they are “done” and not able to take more classes. Director of Educational Services Katy Hadley, High School Counselor Karen Ashim, and High School Principal John Wilbur all were opposed to removing Health as a graduation requirement. The original proposal was made as a way to provide more flexibility to students. Upon receiving word of the Board decision, Fillmore High School Health Education teacher Theresa Marvel, who has a Masters degree in Public Health and is a Life Time Health Credentialed Teacher stated “I agree with the Board keeping Health Education as a graduation requirement. It is the best step towards creating health literate students and following state mandates. Way to go School Board.”

In the facilities update the Board heard from Bush that construction on the new school, Rio Vista is slightly delayed but is now underway. “Heavy equipment is regrading as we speak.” reported Director of Construction and Facilities Robert Sube. Bush reported the $18 million project is slated to be complete in August of 2012. Garnica asked Bush to clarify funding for construction. Bush clarified “No District general fund money [is used to construction new facilities.] Facility funds have nothing to do with operating funds.” According to Bush if the project were delayed Hearthstone, the development company responsible for the mitigation project would lose roughly $5 million and “[they] see the upside of building now [as a way to] reignite sales of the homes.”
The budget update consisted of Bush presenting the Board with the information they requested last time regarding costs of various areas, expenses, positions and programs in the district. Some information presented included the total cost of the Athletic Budget with came in at $362,323, including stipends ($180,878) and the cost of the sixth period PE class ($52,536). The Board received information on legal fees over the past three years. 2008-09 $80,119; 2009-10 $255,734; 2010-11 $122,449. These fees only include the fees paid to attorneys. It does not include hearing costs such as the recent hearing regarding lay offs. Last school year saw high legal fees primarily due to the Districts response to the charter petition ($118,868) as well as an outside negotiator coming to work with FUTA and other personnel and labor issues ($70,755). The Board saw information on the impact of furlough days, the cost of the School Resource Officer and various other positions in the district. Surprising to the Board was the low cost of the 39 cell phones used in the District. The cost to the District is $316 per month.

All Action Consent items were approved. All Action Items, other than item K-12 (Graduation Requirements ; Health), were approved. The Board adjourned to closed session and future meetings set for April 26, May 3, May 17.