2018-10-16-minutes.txt

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YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT #7
Board Business Meeting
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Central Services Conference Rooms A & B
104 North 4th Avenue, Yakima, Washington
  Members present
Donald Davis, Jr., Martha Rice, Raymond Navarro, Jr., and Berenice Ponce.  Graciela Villanueva was excused from the meeting.
  A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was advertised in accordance with law. President Rice called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Javier Vela announced interpretation services in Spanish.  President Rice announced the meeting is being recorded for rebroadcast on cable channel 191 and vBrick on the district's webpage.
  B. REPORTS
1. Members of the Board
Mr. Davis, Jr. reported on his and Ms. Ponce's attendance at the CUBE conference and Equity Symposium in Las Vegas. He was invited to sit in on an American Indian/Alaska Native and National Black Council and Hispanic Council discussing CRA, which is $12,000,000 for community work, which is a package that NSBA rolling out to all members for funding, which will have a few webinars for training. The three councils are working together to fight and enhance the quality of education for our students. There were innovative school tours in Las Vegas high-poverty areas.  Ms. Ponce appreciated the opportunity to attend this conference. Many of the speakers noted that many districts are focusing on racial equity, of which I am excited to bring back to share. The opportunities the students have in the low poverty schools are opportunities that can be implemented here. There's a lot of technology implemented in elementaries there that isn’t being done here and I am looking forward to working on that.  The elementaries and trade schools we attended had similarities to YVTech, had a DECA program with kids who were at tables sharing their life stories. There was a kid who was involved in gangs who now has a 4-year scholarship to Harvard University. Their CTE program was outstanding, with kids cooking food that was five-star.  Ms. Ponce shared that the five stages of racial identity racialidentitytools.org will help you build empathy and understand and accept their differences.  Mr. Davis, Jr. noted that PCG consultants has been hired by OSPI to put together a racial equity program that is top-notch.  Ms. Ponce also shared a donor website: donorschoose.org.
  The WSSDA Legislative Assembly was 2 weeks ago in Spokane, with the purpose to establish a prioritized list of proposals from school board members for potential legislative action. It was a good weekend, with a safety panel of students, a past president of WSSDA, two legislators, OSPI employees, and all had great information. Through that process, WSSDA will develop the legislative platform for this year, so we can share what's important to school directors.
  Mr. Davis, Jr. mentioned the Davis High School choir who went to Carnegie Hall and sang, ending on Amazing Grace, with two soloist who had not a dry eye in the audience. Fiona Mahoney and Jocelyn Munez did an excellent job.
  2. Superintendent Update
Mrs. Mahre gave an enrollment update in Dr. Irion’s absence.  Enrollment is up, compared to last year.  We have 7,141 elementary students, 3,566 middle school students, 5,057 high school students, for a total of 15,764.
  3. YEA Presentation - Status of YSD
Mr. Steve McKenna, YEA president, spoke regarding the status of YSD, mentioned the Yakima Schools Foundation for funding, heard numerous comments how the district doesn't have money due to the YEA settlement. The district is given money from the state, which $14.9 million over the previous year should be remaining for classified employees’ salaries. I would ask the district to invest in all education employees. There is also $1.879 million for administrative staff and $10.75 million for class size that isn't be used for reduction, due to room. The district will end with $20 million in addition to these dollars. For the district to portray this is incorrect. They need to be educated if the district is insolvent in 4 years. There were 80 new members hired this year for YEA. There are more admin to YEA than teachers to students. Barriers to support include buildings providing statistics. The good old boy system is still in place. Paper is being rationed. Buildings should be given what they need first, not last. I want to make clear that the money should be used as intended. The cataclysm between the buildings and T&L is still an issue. ECRI has now been mandated. A teacher commented that ECRI was negligent in requiring 4th graders to read 2nd grade passages, losing advanced readers. They're failing in sounding out words. Credence must be given to the whole word philosophy. Isolated words on a chart are more difficult to the context. Fifteen-minute lessons here and there are difficult. Teachers thought rigor and relevance were important, however 45 minutes on ECRI is a waste of time that should be spent on higher level thinking skills. Mr. McKenna provided SBA scores, stating they were a crime. ECRI research is based for K-2 only. T&L is curbing teaching time. The district never surveys teachers, they control the teaching process, blame the teachers and the scores aren't favorable. Working with staff will go farther than working at staff. Invest in all educational employees.
  C. BOARD POLICY ACTIVITY
1. Second Reading of Policy 1000.2.2
That the Board of Directors approve the changes to the attached policy 1000.2.2 as presented.
Motion by Donald Davis, Jr.  Motion failed for lack of second.
  In reviewing this policy, Ms. Ponce would like to include more wording on this policy in respect for staff and getting input on policies or changes, including programs implemented.
  Will be up for discussion at next Friday meeting, with second reading at November business meeting.
  2. Comments from the Public on Agenda Items
Kim Olson, transportation employee of 13 years, drivers as well as all employees are asking you to invest in them. We have lost three drivers in recent weeks. It is not easy to drive. Some children are out of control. Drivers have a split shift. I wake at 4:30 and don't get home until 6:00. It is hard to find a part time job from 10-2. We are requested to be on duty when needed. We are asked to be paid with dignity. As of October 4, we were told that school buses are a luxury that parents can get their kids to school on their own. If you want the kids here, the district will have to transport them. Another solution was to get rid of CDLs for bus drivers, training drivers and getting them to drive the bus for us. The messaging is if we don't like the wages, then follow our destiny, which will lead to another district with higher wages. One of the bargaining team members stated that they know what it's like to drive a bus, as they drive a car and can imagine what it's like to have 80 screaming kids behind them. Jack Irion has a $277,830 salary and benefits package, which is 18.5 times what a school bus driver makes. Scott Izutsu has a $203,907 salary and benefits package, which is 15.9 times what a school bus driver makes. We make an average of $15,000 annually, which puts us in a poverty class with the children you talk about. The district was given $24.9 million, teachers received $10 million, which leaves $14.9 million. Is it being misappropriated? Contingency fund? Let's look at that. This earmarked by the state for school employee salaries. Children are in poverty, we have mechanics driving, our assistant director driving. I was sick last week and three drivers had to cover my route. It is like supply and demand. We have a high demand and have to help attract these people and we have to offer more money. We have very difficult children and we must deal with them. Teachers have 30 students, yet we have 80 and we're supposed to drive. 75% of a driver's driving is looking in the mirror. Please invest in all school employees.
  Murray Campbell, president of YABS and custodian at Davis, congratulated YEA on successful bargaining. The best salary increase in history. It has been 138 days since YABS sat down at the table. $24.9 million in payroll allocation over last year, teachers were awarded $10 million, leaving $14.9 million for the rest. 16.9% was the teachers’ settlement, which 413% increase over what we were offered as classified. It isn't the classified person who comes to mind when people think of education. We number 600 more, our jobs are important and we want the YSD to be prideful of us as well. Behind every great man, there's a great woman and behind every teacher is a great classified employee making sure every student gets the education they deserve. YSD needs bus drivers, para-eds, food services providing much needed food, maintenance people working fields for friday night lights, custodian cleaning up aisle 5. The superintendent wanted YSD to be the highest paid in the area. We are lagging behind. West Valley is averaging 18-24% this year. We are all the face of public education. It is time for you to do what the state has mandated. SB6032 section 504 identifies allocated money for compensation to increasing employee salary allocations.
  Candy Stubblefield, YEOP leader for 12 years, employee of YSD for 23 years, is frustrated, angry and saddened we have to fight for what we should have been given. The funding is part of the McCleary decision and district needs to honor it. District is trying to put a wedge between classified and YEA. They have been told the teachers have taken it all. We are asking that we be given what is fair. That constitutes we aren’t broke. When is the last time y'all were in a school, visiting a classroom, seeing what was happening in the class, in the office, with special education kids who vomit on demand, who break glasses, who see the dysfunctional families? You sit in the ivory tower. Do you talk to people who do the work? Who do you think writes the paycheck, cleans the vomit, drives the bus. I think we need to be respected, not dismissed as secondary employees. YEA fought hard and we are fighting hard.
  Kate Lara, office assistant at Nob Hill Elementary, believes all school employees work as a team. Teachers fought hard for their well-deserved raise, but we also work hard to support them. Schools could not run without classified staff. I love my job of five years and go above and beyond. Security, mom, counselor, nurse, are skills I do daily. I don’t feel valued by school leadership. Disrespects us by offering much less than the legislature allocated.
  Carrie Nelson, protech at Garfield Elementary, does the state testing and wants to share about the moment she had. She appreciates the board reading over the documents you have in front of you and that you care enough to read the document for us. We do appreciate your service and the things you do. I am not from Yakima, but have a background of educators--dad coach and teacher and construction business, children educators, husband was college dean at YVC. Have seen and experienced the importance of the support staff who are the indians to run the village. They are the fundamental background for us to work. There are many with bachelors and masters who work as paras and protechs to be of service. Not everyone is meant to be a teacher or administrator. Equality with race, equality with work. Trash, sewer lines and vomit are important. We should make a wage to feed our families, ourselves, and show up to work and have eaten breakfast. Employees also struggle every day as they also don't have their needs met.
  Richard Salinas, Teamsers representative, came to speak on on behalf of transportation. Yellow signs in the audience state that the support is wanted for salary. Most employees probably go above and beyond. They dedicate everything to these kids. There is lots of years of service/loyalty in this crowd. They do jobs they believe in, which many wages qualify for state assistance. The goal is building community through education, but here's your community who has the common town, common goals. Initiative is shown by employees: here they are gathered. The money and investment needs to go to the employees to improve their quality of life.
  Theresa Schippers-Boler, SLP at Ridgeview read a statement from a protech: I live alone, cannot afford anything, 10th of month comes and the money is gone. I don't have funds to pay for dentist/doctor bills. Classified staff do a lot for our schools and deserve a raise. It is difficult to attract employees to the district. We cannot find people to fill the positions. We don't have subs for the absences. Do the right thing.
  Frances Guerrero, Ike teacher, read statement on behalf of protech. Made about 15k at the district and made 11k less than Mattawa.  She rented trailer, had kids, then divorced.  She always gets items on sale and barely enough money for gas and food. She earns more money at cherry picking warehouse than science warehouse. Had a car fire from a car she owned after five days, then had to sell trailer after heating went up and rented an apartment in bad neighborhood with crime. She was able to later get a house with $600 deposit and $800 rent, half her check. She bought a brand new car with the next break down. Made $21,000 a year and has a 6-year car payment. As a 15 year veteran , she is making $26,000 year with her 7th year at a cherry picking facility, having also gone to Alaska for fish cleaning work. She still qualifies for food stamps and has two herniated disks in her back. YEA also supports classified salaries.
  Raquel Cortez, para at Franklin and YAP president-elect, stated the stories of employees are all very similar.  Read a letter on behalf of YPTA: if i still had been on my own without my fiance, when having transmission issue, I couldn’t pay rent and for car troubles. I barely have enough money for food at the end of the month. Bills are a priority and I take a second job in the summer and have little money left to spend.  Raquel states she also lives paycheck-to-paycheck, spends $1,300 for bills, leaving $100 for food and gas.  I take a full-time job over breaks and summer. Covering basic necessities and school is challenging. It is depressing and affects me in many ways.  I am a cherry inspector in the summers. Her kids come first.  She has to pay her rent, which is half of her paycheck. Why should we have to do that? We should be valued. Thank you.
  Tina Randall, bus driver, states that the district thinks no one is important in this room. We are. Last year a kid came to me in the summer and stated “Miss Tina I love you”. This kid is from a gang family, mom is getting beat up, he got a job and saved for his college in apples. $5000 saved over the summer.  He’s 15 years old. Everyone in this room has touched a child and you don't think we're important? You need to pay us!
  Heidi Mann, para at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elem, chair of living wage campaign, YPA officer, stated that while I was sitting on opening sessions on equity and equality she thought to herself 'how many classified employees were behind him', my daughter was 13 and an addict and how nice it would have been to not work three jobs to be there for her during those challenging times. She works 18 hours a week as a waitress who brings home $19,000 from that job, but she’s even better at teaching. She’s been in her position 13 years and makes $1,700 a month. Another para here is at $1,600 a month after being here 5 years.  Your vision is jaded and excuses are pathetic. She is disgusted.
  Tiffany Moritz, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary para and YAP president, spoke regarding the moving stories.  She is extremely fortunate with a spouse and children grown.  She has lived in Yakima her entire life, attending Adams, Washington, Franklin, and Davis.  She is a product who loves kids. The kids at work are MY kids. It doesnt' matter if you have a certificate or not. God knows, we don't do it for the money.  The board brought up unity and community and we feel it at the school.  I am tired of seeing coworkers in tears for not being able to do what they need to do for their family. I love my job and get incredible joy, but joy will not pay my bills, buy gas for her car or buy groceries. YAP came to district regarding a pilot program. Raquel Cortez and I brought it to the district to notify district of a certificate requirement coming for paras. We want opportunities for learning and growing. The certification process realizes the skill set that is brought to the table. Why do students, parents and everyone see it, but not our employer? Funding is a slap in the face to be told there is nothing. Constantly bargaining is "respectfully decline". You can do better than that.
  Ashleigh Rice, Whitney para, introduced her interpreter and is proud to have worked at Whitney.  She asked "Do you all sign?" You don't know how it feels to be deaf, not trying to be rude. The children at Whitney have no rights. The deaf children have to learn how to communicate without an interpreter. We have to teach 1:1 until they learn. I love these kids. Don't think it's fair they come to school hungry, every day I bring a coffee and I don't eat because of no money.  I work hard for these kids for no money. How can you help me? I live in the hearing world and the deaf world, teaching the kids, am positive, educate them on their rights.  It is important they understand that and I don't know how if we didn't have parapros how are these kids going to learn? Especially deaf parapros, I don't want to be rude, but want kids to understand what it's like to understand. That's my story.
      D. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Consent Agenda
That the Board of Directors approves the Consent Agenda as submitted.
Motion by Berenice Ponce, second by Raymond Navarro, Jr.  Motion carried 4/0.
   Approval of Minutes of September 10, 14, and 18, 2018
 Resolution 03.18.19 Approval of Cancellation of Outstanding Warrants
 Approval of Personnel Actions
 Notification of Approval of Warrants for September 2018
  Warrant Numbers:
Fund:
Accumulated Totals:
Wt. #31246 – 31255
ASB
$16,602.90
Wt. #252567 – 252761
General Fund
$1,544,957.85
Wt. #252762 – 253008
General Fund
$2,217,063.69
Wt. #6236 – 6240
Capital Projects
$182,607.60
Wt. #31256 – 31261
ASB
$22,330.16
Wt. #253009 – 253156
General Fund
$3,167,273.81
Wt. #253157 – 253242
General Fund
$2,472,257.99
Electronic Transfer 09/28/18
Payroll
$11,294,894.18
  E. ACTION/OTHER ITEMS
1. Approval of Resolution 01.18.19 Equitable and Inclusive Environment
Edits suggested in the retreat were missing from the draft.  The resolution will be updated and discussed at the next meeting for approval at the November 13 business meeting.
  2. Approval of Resolution 02.18.19 Safe & Secure Resolution
Mr. Navarro, Jr. stated for the record that current policy covers this already.
That the Board of Directors Approve Resolution 02.18.19 Safe & Secure Schools.
Motion by Berenice Ponce, second by Donald Davis, Jr.  Motion carried 4/0.
  YAKIMA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7
RESOLUTION NO. 02.18.19
AFFIRMING THE PROVISION OF SAFE, WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS FOR ALL STUDENTS
A RESOLUTION of the Board of Directors of Yakima Public Schools, Yakima, Washington affirming the provision of safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools for all students without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, income level, disability, national origin, or immigration/citizenship status.
WHEREAS, the School Board recognizes that our nation’s and district’s diversity is our greatest strength and we celebrate 36 countries of birth and 20 languages and dialects spoken among our more than 16,000 students; and
WHEREAS, the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Plyler v. Doe ensures all children are legally entitled to equal access to a free public education regardless of immigration status; and
WHEREAS, the School Board recognizes their statutory authority and responsibility to set policies for the operation of the district in conformance with the provision of Title 28A RCW; and
WHEREAS, RCW 28A.225.010 requires compulsory attendance for all students between the ages of eight and eighteen and the Washington State Constitution Article IX, preamble states “It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex” (emphasis added); and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that, absent a lawful exception, enforcement actions will not occur at nor are focused on schools, which are considered sensitive locations; and
WHEREAS, the presence of ICE or other immigration enforcement officials in schools would cause extreme disruption to the learning and teaching environment for students, staff, and families; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of and strongly held belief of Yakima Public Schools that all schools must be safe and free from the targeting, discrimination, harassment, or bullying of students based on race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, income level, disability, immigration status, or any other factor;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of Yakima Public Schools as follows:
The District will not request U.S. citizenship information with the purpose or result of denying access to a public education; and
The District calls on ICE and related federal agencies to continue the policy of not conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools; and
If an ICE agent or similar official requests information about a student or access to school building or district property, staff will not have authority to approve the request and will refer the agent/official to the Superintendent’s Office for a formal review of their credentials and written authority for such request; and
Any such agent/official shall not be allowed access to any records, school, or other district facility except to the extent specifically required by law and only upon written consent from the Superintendent; and
The District encourages families to have up-to-date emergency contact information on file with the District, in the event a student’s primary caregiver is detained due to immigration status; and
Under this resolution, Yakima Public Schools reaffirms our commitment to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student without regard to their race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, income level, disability, immigration status, or any other factor.
APPROVED by the Board of Directors of Yakima Public Schools, No. 7, Yakima County, Washington, in a regular meeting thereof held on the 16th day of October, 2018.
  3. Second Opportunity for Comments from the Public - All Other
Jessica Magana, Davis Dance Team supporter, spoke of the Davis Dance team and got into lots of trouble when she was young.  She stated that sometimes kids are put in a position where you are kicked off or suspended and bullied in their own way. Everyone should be treated the same way. Special treatment is creating this environment. The girls are great and just want to dance. Drama shouldn't have their opportunities taken away. This is their only positive to keep them out of trouble. Their families work in the fields and warehouses and it is very expensive for the girls to participate. Her niece has been on team 4 years and has worked hard, but is hurting because she was kicked off the team and doesn't know when she can return. All should be treated the same and punished/reprimanded as needed. We need to work towards them getting back on the team. A few competitions have been cancelled because not everyone was ready due to the special treatment. An opportunity to get back on the team would be appreciated.
  Daniel Islas, spoke regarding the dance team practicing and being all together every day. There's only one student causing all the problems. We really don’t know what this student is doing.  We try to connect with the principals for the students who are expelled for bullying or for racism, we don't know what happened.
  Jose Cortez stated he would be speaking Spanish for the parents. My daughter Genesis is a first year at Davis High School. As a father, I am proud she made the team. I am also really mad how this situation has been manipulated. I also signed a contract which said because of this result they have the opportunity to meet with the coach first, it's been 8 days or so they've been suspended.  I have talked to Mr. Stanley and he stated Friday he would have an answer, but never did. Because of all this, my daughter is stressing out a lot and you are the professionals who should look into this. Like I said, it's been 8 days, and as a father, I don't know whether to seek guidance from an attorney.  I encourage you to look at the contract we signed.  Look at it, or don't have us sign a contract at all.  It's a very difficult age group for our kids, but it is for everybody. Thank you very much. Mr. Stanley stated the suspension was for cyberbullying on social media, which in group chat/text, he says doesn't qualify. Mr. Stanley reacts good with her, and I have the messages personally to show you, for you do decide. Can I show it to you?
President Rice stated that we aren't set up to view the messages. We need to be careful/private here so we aren't causing harm to anyone regarding the conversation. There is next step with Mr. McDaniel after meeting with Mr. Stanley, then on to Mrs. Mahre, then Dr. Irion. I apologize for the difficulty, but this is the first I've heard. I'm not sure about students or performance suspensions, but district staff must be given an opportunity to investigate before the board is involved.
  Steve McKenna has worked with the dance coach. The team is harassed by one person, but that person can do no wrong. There was one thing, but states 8 days is harsh. I know she is being represented by an attorney.
  JT Statler, para at Davis for 22-23 years, showed support for his bargaining team and last week went with daughter to JA Biztown with Whitney 5th graders, thought it was great that the kids got that experience. While there, he heard no more field trips were being allowed for YSD and thought it was upsetting as a parent. To hear there would be no more, it was scary. It is pretty sad that a school district has this as a case. For quite a while, it was just my income in my household. After 8 months in my wife's position after returning to the work force, she made a few hundred less than me, then doubled our household income in a few years. We still struggle and still live tight. Some of us don't want to go somewhere else.
  Lisette Pimental, Kendra Cerda's aunt, wanted her to be treated fair and equal and parents are here to support their students and is not fair others are having special treatment. Another thing is their dance got suspended last Friday.  The girls worked hard, then they learned that day it was suspended. We have tried talking to principal, schools, and there is a language barrier for parents who speak Spanish . We are here to support them. They practice daily from 2:30-5:00 and they work hard every day.
  Griselda Hernandez, parent of suspended student, stated that Mr. Stanley let me know they were going to investigate, but doesn’t know what happened. She alleged that Mr. Stanley gave more credibility to other person than students. She hopes the district has a solution for this, as families invested a lot of money for this.
  F. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Move to Executive Session
In accordance with RCW 42.30.110, there is a need for executive session for 30 minutes for complaints/charges against a public officer or employee.  The board entered executive session at 9:10 p.m. on motion by Donald Davis, Jr., seconded by Raymond Navarro, Jr.  Motion carried 4/0.
  2. Adjourn from Executive Session
The board moved out of Executive Session at 10:07 p.m. on motion by Donald Davis, Jr., seconded by Raymond Navarro, Jr.  Motion carried 4/0.
  G. ADJOURNMENT
1. Adjournment
There being no further board business, the meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
                    Signature on file                                                                      Signature on file                     
Martha Rice, President                                                           Dr. Jack Irion, Secretary to the Board