Friday, May 27, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 122 ~ May 27, 2005
Thanks to Ann Hodgdon for this report on the May 25 board meeting. Sounds like the "parental notification" issue is hotting up, as well it should. Also budget cuts and what to do with some empty classrooms. And at the bottom, some letters about parental notification and other stuff.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The meeting got off to a late start (7:30), evidently the closed session went on longer than planned. It was unfortunate because it was a loooong meeting. The highlights were the public comments but there was also news about District budget cuts and plans to utilize the classrooms at CELC. All Board members were present except for Betty Sanford.
The meeting started with the student rep report. She was smart and after sharing some brief news, headed for the door. The only thing I caught was something about a dress code meeting coming up at the high school next week and graduation ceremony at MHS on June 16th at 7 p.m.
The Board then gave a report on the closed session and voted to expel three unknown students from the district.
Public comment for items on the agenda came next. Most spoke about the proposed change to the attendance policy that would allow children to leave school for "confidential medical appointments" without the notice or consent of their parents. The first woman who spoke was the only person to speak in favor of the possible change to the attendance policy. She seemed to think that not notifying parents of confidential medical appointments would somehow save confused teens from destroying their lives. Afterward, six people spoke in opposition to the change, including a teacher from Clifton (thank you!). Other speakers included three individuals speaking against the proposed budget cuts, and one who thanked the Monrovia families for helping the family whose house was burnt down.
Later on Dr. Taylor made some comments as to why the Board was even addressing the attendance policy. She stated it was because the District had received "numerous notices" from legal firms that said the Attorney General opinion was binding and must be taken as law. She also thanked those who spoke on the topic and said the Board is exploring all options and will take time to consider both sides of the argument. She stated that the first charge of school counselors is to encourage students to share concerns with parents. The Board did not share any thoughts or opinions tonight on the topic, but evidently the discussion will continue at least for the Board Meetings in June - SO PARENTS PLEASE ATTEND A MEETING AND SPEAK ON THIS ISSUE.
Also, a major point of discussion was the budget cuts. All parents received a letter home on Thursday from Louise Taylor outlining the proposed cuts. For 2005/06 the major areas of concern seem to be eliminating or charging for bus transportation and reducing health personnel hours and services for sites (evidently nurses would be shared between schools). I should also mention that two of the speakers during public comment, who spoke about the budget, said that if the teachers did not receive a proposed salary increase (not yet approved) that no cuts would have to be made in the District (I'm not sure how accurate this is but they seemed quite sure). Also of concern for the 2006/07 school year is the possibility of eliminating K-3 class size reduction, which allows only 20 students per class.
Another point of interest at the meeting was the discussion about the empty classrooms at CELC. The Board was presented with a variety of options as to how to use the rooms and possibly create revenue for the district. I have to say that about this time I was getting quite tired and was starting to zone out. One thing I did hear was that there was a possibility that some special ed kids who are bussed to other districts might be able to return to Monrovia and save the district money to boot. The other most popular option seemed to be adding preschool classes, either Universal Preschool or possibly fee-based preschool.
The Board Reports were actually pretty short and mostly commended Monrovia High drama students for their recent performance of The Sound of Music. Bruce Carter shared info from two conferences in Sacramento. He stated that California is 44th of the 50 states in spending per child and that CA has the fewest libraries and counselors of any state.
Other Interesting Tidbits of Information
* Shelly Mc Reynolds was introduced as the new Assistant Principal at MHS.
* Mr. Pagano V.P. at Clifton has a new job as principal at a school in Fontana.
* Clifton staff and students were honored and recognized for receiving the Distinguished School Award.
* Dr. Shawn shared that regarding the high school exit exam, 66% of our 10th graders have passed both sections and 90% of our 11th graders have passed both sections.
* Ann McIntosh thanked Clare Chesley for attending the last COMPASS meeting and informing parents about the new attendance policy. For more on COMPASS go to www.monroviacompass.org
* A new course entitled Contemporary Journalism will begin at MHS in the fall.
LETTER: ON CAMPUS ~ Seems to me there has to be a way to satisfy both personal rights and school curfew/truancy rules. If our school system is so eager to offer these services to our kids without our knowledge, they should provide assistance ON CAMPUS. While we'd all like to think that our kids would come to us for critical medical issues, in reality - some won't - so I can understand the premise behind the measure. This however does not negate the responsibility of the schools to ensure us that our kids are where they are supposed to be.
The repercussions of allowing our teens to exit school without parents permission is a set up for disaster within the community, it's dangerous for our kids, and it's a HUGE safety liability for the schools. Even our non-straight A students are way too smart for this claus and could easily skip school for an infinite number of non-personal/medical reasons. This is a measure that cannot ensure the safety of our kids and cannot be properly monitored - it needs to go down for the count.
The real issue should be how to offer these "personal/confidential" services to those that truly need them in the safety of the school environment. While still controversial - because obviously every parent wants to think that they are in control and "in the know" regarding their kids - Providing support for those kids who don't have an open relationship with thieir parents would be a real service. Offering up this kind of effort under the supervision of certified/district employed counselors might be a way to find middle ground?? Bottom line is that some identifiable and qualified adult - must take on the responsibility for services - especially where a procedure or prescription is indicated. This could, in fact, be included in disclaimers and school policy documents that we are all required to sign each year and still maintain students' privacy.
Maya Smith
LETTER: WHERE WERE THEY? ~ How is it that the very people that complained that the "angry mob" from Mayflower should not question the authority of the school board that represents us, but instead trust them and their judgment when it comes to decisions that affect my children, are now up in arms about the "parental consent" issue! Where were they when we were questioning the decision of firing Jill Selak? Where were they when we were asking the school board to be accountable for their actions, and to give us answers to our questions? I know exactly where they were... they were out there accusing us, Mayflower parents, of being irresponsible, and of trying to tear apart our school, and even our district! They were out there telling anyone that would listen that we had no business questioning the authority of Ms.Taylor and her board, because surely they would only make the right decisions when it came to MY children! Well, my how the tables have turned! Maybe now these people that have been so judgmental towards those of us who believe that it is not only o.k., but our duty as a parent to question those who have been put in charge of something as important as our children's future and well being, will work together with us instead of against us!
Meg Walker
LETTER: PRINCIPAL AND PARENTAL CONSENT ~ Several dozen parents at Mayflower formed a group, COMPASS, following the forced resignation of the principal at Mayflower. We joined together to get information. Information on the process of how a Principal's contract is renewed, how boards get their information, how Superintendents' pass along information to their Board and the parents their District serves. The Board and District knew the uproar that would come of their action and with some sort of risk analysis deemed the action was still worth pursuing. Mayflower parents' showing up in droves at meetings, to protest this decision, was not a surprise to anyone. What was a surprise was how other parents reacted to Mayflower parents questioning the Board's decision. These parents commented at meetings and in letters to the Star News that these were our elected officials and we should trust what they were doing. That we were taking up their time while more important issues regarding the budget were waiting to be discussed. Looks like something more important did come up...
Board Member Clare Chesley took time from her schedule to come to our last COMPASS meeting. She did a superb job giving us an objective rundown on the upcoming "Parental Consent" issue. (To be honest - I had my doubts, not everyone can be objective about something they are truly passionate about - and she did a good job). She gave us all the information she thought parents would be interested in: how we will the district/school verify children are with a medical professional, who assumes liability when that child is in transit, are there other provisions in the Ed Code to deal with emergencies and abuse, what have other local districts done, what are the risks for implementing the new language into our Policy, what are the risks if we chose to leave our current Policy "as-is", and a host of other questions (she stayed over an hour and we all really appreciated her taking the time to come)...unfortunately, most of these questions haven't been answered by the Board or District, but Clare was candid with the uncertainty that surrounds this issue and encouraged us (parents/COMPASS) to ask the Board and District as well.
Two things struck me during that meeting and after reading your newsletter today. First, Mayflower parents went to the Board and District a few months ago and commented repeatedly about our situation and nobody ever met with us, none of our suggestions were used, and ultimately it didn't do us a lot of good. At the COMPASS meeting, I asked Clare this question and was told in other districts (West Covina specifically) - parent's comments regarding parental consent did make a difference on this issue and they shelved the new language. And then just last month, parents in South Pasadena protested several Principals reassignments and demotions and that decision was reversed. Maybe other Districts listen to their parents on topics of Principals and issues like Parental Consent - but I am losing faith this District does. And second, the letters in today's newsletter from parents that are upset at the proposed changes being introduced by the District and which is supported by several Board Members are from some of the same parents that told us not to question our Board Members and trust what they are doing... which strikes me as hypocritical.
I am grateful to Clare for coming to educate us, inform us - on what is currently going on with this issue. But I am also grateful that the "angry mob" of parents of Mayflower united together and formed COMPASS so something like this (and whatever else is coming down the pipes with these budget cuts) couldn't slip through the cracks.
Alex Zucco
www.monroviacompass.org
(1) comments
Thanks to Ann Hodgdon for this report on the May 25 board meeting. Sounds like the "parental notification" issue is hotting up, as well it should. Also budget cuts and what to do with some empty classrooms. And at the bottom, some letters about parental notification and other stuff.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
The meeting got off to a late start (7:30), evidently the closed session went on longer than planned. It was unfortunate because it was a loooong meeting. The highlights were the public comments but there was also news about District budget cuts and plans to utilize the classrooms at CELC. All Board members were present except for Betty Sanford.
The meeting started with the student rep report. She was smart and after sharing some brief news, headed for the door. The only thing I caught was something about a dress code meeting coming up at the high school next week and graduation ceremony at MHS on June 16th at 7 p.m.
The Board then gave a report on the closed session and voted to expel three unknown students from the district.
Public comment for items on the agenda came next. Most spoke about the proposed change to the attendance policy that would allow children to leave school for "confidential medical appointments" without the notice or consent of their parents. The first woman who spoke was the only person to speak in favor of the possible change to the attendance policy. She seemed to think that not notifying parents of confidential medical appointments would somehow save confused teens from destroying their lives. Afterward, six people spoke in opposition to the change, including a teacher from Clifton (thank you!). Other speakers included three individuals speaking against the proposed budget cuts, and one who thanked the Monrovia families for helping the family whose house was burnt down.
Later on Dr. Taylor made some comments as to why the Board was even addressing the attendance policy. She stated it was because the District had received "numerous notices" from legal firms that said the Attorney General opinion was binding and must be taken as law. She also thanked those who spoke on the topic and said the Board is exploring all options and will take time to consider both sides of the argument. She stated that the first charge of school counselors is to encourage students to share concerns with parents. The Board did not share any thoughts or opinions tonight on the topic, but evidently the discussion will continue at least for the Board Meetings in June - SO PARENTS PLEASE ATTEND A MEETING AND SPEAK ON THIS ISSUE.
Also, a major point of discussion was the budget cuts. All parents received a letter home on Thursday from Louise Taylor outlining the proposed cuts. For 2005/06 the major areas of concern seem to be eliminating or charging for bus transportation and reducing health personnel hours and services for sites (evidently nurses would be shared between schools). I should also mention that two of the speakers during public comment, who spoke about the budget, said that if the teachers did not receive a proposed salary increase (not yet approved) that no cuts would have to be made in the District (I'm not sure how accurate this is but they seemed quite sure). Also of concern for the 2006/07 school year is the possibility of eliminating K-3 class size reduction, which allows only 20 students per class.
Another point of interest at the meeting was the discussion about the empty classrooms at CELC. The Board was presented with a variety of options as to how to use the rooms and possibly create revenue for the district. I have to say that about this time I was getting quite tired and was starting to zone out. One thing I did hear was that there was a possibility that some special ed kids who are bussed to other districts might be able to return to Monrovia and save the district money to boot. The other most popular option seemed to be adding preschool classes, either Universal Preschool or possibly fee-based preschool.
The Board Reports were actually pretty short and mostly commended Monrovia High drama students for their recent performance of The Sound of Music. Bruce Carter shared info from two conferences in Sacramento. He stated that California is 44th of the 50 states in spending per child and that CA has the fewest libraries and counselors of any state.
Other Interesting Tidbits of Information
* Shelly Mc Reynolds was introduced as the new Assistant Principal at MHS.
* Mr. Pagano V.P. at Clifton has a new job as principal at a school in Fontana.
* Clifton staff and students were honored and recognized for receiving the Distinguished School Award.
* Dr. Shawn shared that regarding the high school exit exam, 66% of our 10th graders have passed both sections and 90% of our 11th graders have passed both sections.
* Ann McIntosh thanked Clare Chesley for attending the last COMPASS meeting and informing parents about the new attendance policy. For more on COMPASS go to www.monroviacompass.org
* A new course entitled Contemporary Journalism will begin at MHS in the fall.
LETTER: ON CAMPUS ~ Seems to me there has to be a way to satisfy both personal rights and school curfew/truancy rules. If our school system is so eager to offer these services to our kids without our knowledge, they should provide assistance ON CAMPUS. While we'd all like to think that our kids would come to us for critical medical issues, in reality - some won't - so I can understand the premise behind the measure. This however does not negate the responsibility of the schools to ensure us that our kids are where they are supposed to be.
The repercussions of allowing our teens to exit school without parents permission is a set up for disaster within the community, it's dangerous for our kids, and it's a HUGE safety liability for the schools. Even our non-straight A students are way too smart for this claus and could easily skip school for an infinite number of non-personal/medical reasons. This is a measure that cannot ensure the safety of our kids and cannot be properly monitored - it needs to go down for the count.
The real issue should be how to offer these "personal/confidential" services to those that truly need them in the safety of the school environment. While still controversial - because obviously every parent wants to think that they are in control and "in the know" regarding their kids - Providing support for those kids who don't have an open relationship with thieir parents would be a real service. Offering up this kind of effort under the supervision of certified/district employed counselors might be a way to find middle ground?? Bottom line is that some identifiable and qualified adult - must take on the responsibility for services - especially where a procedure or prescription is indicated. This could, in fact, be included in disclaimers and school policy documents that we are all required to sign each year and still maintain students' privacy.
Maya Smith
LETTER: WHERE WERE THEY? ~ How is it that the very people that complained that the "angry mob" from Mayflower should not question the authority of the school board that represents us, but instead trust them and their judgment when it comes to decisions that affect my children, are now up in arms about the "parental consent" issue! Where were they when we were questioning the decision of firing Jill Selak? Where were they when we were asking the school board to be accountable for their actions, and to give us answers to our questions? I know exactly where they were... they were out there accusing us, Mayflower parents, of being irresponsible, and of trying to tear apart our school, and even our district! They were out there telling anyone that would listen that we had no business questioning the authority of Ms.Taylor and her board, because surely they would only make the right decisions when it came to MY children! Well, my how the tables have turned! Maybe now these people that have been so judgmental towards those of us who believe that it is not only o.k., but our duty as a parent to question those who have been put in charge of something as important as our children's future and well being, will work together with us instead of against us!
Meg Walker
LETTER: PRINCIPAL AND PARENTAL CONSENT ~ Several dozen parents at Mayflower formed a group, COMPASS, following the forced resignation of the principal at Mayflower. We joined together to get information. Information on the process of how a Principal's contract is renewed, how boards get their information, how Superintendents' pass along information to their Board and the parents their District serves. The Board and District knew the uproar that would come of their action and with some sort of risk analysis deemed the action was still worth pursuing. Mayflower parents' showing up in droves at meetings, to protest this decision, was not a surprise to anyone. What was a surprise was how other parents reacted to Mayflower parents questioning the Board's decision. These parents commented at meetings and in letters to the Star News that these were our elected officials and we should trust what they were doing. That we were taking up their time while more important issues regarding the budget were waiting to be discussed. Looks like something more important did come up...
Board Member Clare Chesley took time from her schedule to come to our last COMPASS meeting. She did a superb job giving us an objective rundown on the upcoming "Parental Consent" issue. (To be honest - I had my doubts, not everyone can be objective about something they are truly passionate about - and she did a good job). She gave us all the information she thought parents would be interested in: how we will the district/school verify children are with a medical professional, who assumes liability when that child is in transit, are there other provisions in the Ed Code to deal with emergencies and abuse, what have other local districts done, what are the risks for implementing the new language into our Policy, what are the risks if we chose to leave our current Policy "as-is", and a host of other questions (she stayed over an hour and we all really appreciated her taking the time to come)...unfortunately, most of these questions haven't been answered by the Board or District, but Clare was candid with the uncertainty that surrounds this issue and encouraged us (parents/COMPASS) to ask the Board and District as well.
Two things struck me during that meeting and after reading your newsletter today. First, Mayflower parents went to the Board and District a few months ago and commented repeatedly about our situation and nobody ever met with us, none of our suggestions were used, and ultimately it didn't do us a lot of good. At the COMPASS meeting, I asked Clare this question and was told in other districts (West Covina specifically) - parent's comments regarding parental consent did make a difference on this issue and they shelved the new language. And then just last month, parents in South Pasadena protested several Principals reassignments and demotions and that decision was reversed. Maybe other Districts listen to their parents on topics of Principals and issues like Parental Consent - but I am losing faith this District does. And second, the letters in today's newsletter from parents that are upset at the proposed changes being introduced by the District and which is supported by several Board Members are from some of the same parents that told us not to question our Board Members and trust what they are doing... which strikes me as hypocritical.
I am grateful to Clare for coming to educate us, inform us - on what is currently going on with this issue. But I am also grateful that the "angry mob" of parents of Mayflower united together and formed COMPASS so something like this (and whatever else is coming down the pipes with these budget cuts) couldn't slip through the cracks.
Alex Zucco
www.monroviacompass.org
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 121 ~ May 22, 2005
Highlights of the May 25 School Board meeting: the Superintendent will give a report on the proposed policy of letting kids out of school for medical reasons without their parents' knowledge or permission; and a list of proposed cuts for the board to consider. Also, regarding that first item, there are a couple letters below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
There will be a closed session at 6 p.m. to consider what appears to be some unpleasant business, the possible explusion of three Santa Fe Middle School students and to consider "Public Employee Complaint regarding District employees."
At the regular meeting, at 7 p.m., it looks as if there will be two hot items on the agenda.
The first, (item 4.5) is a report from Superintendent Louise Taylor titled "Status report: Confidential Medical Release
discussion (Attendance Policy)." This is clearly the "let your kid out of school for medical treatment without your knowledge or permission" discussion that has already begun. (And thank you, school district, for labeling this agenda item so it is comprehensible.) So, if you have something to say about this proposed policy, here's an opportunity to let the board know what you think.
By the way, regarding this issue. I think that if you are angry about it (I am) most of your anger should be aimed at our state attorney general, who issued the opinion that is prompting the school board to consider this measure. However, it seems the board is considering going along with his opinion (hopefully not, but it kinda seemed that way), and this seems rather blameworthy to me. I'm not a legal expert, but there are lawyers and there are lawyers and they all have different opinions. Just because the attorney general has a legal opinion doesn't say to me that the schools need to kowtow to him. If neither the Legislature or the state Supreme Court has validated the AG's opinion, I'd say it's still a very open question. I think the district should chat with other districts that have refused to be browbeaten and try to work together against this usurpation of parental authority.
Sorry, just had to get that out.
The other hot item (item 7.5) is to receive budget reduction recommendations for the 2005-06 school year. I guess this is where the board gets a list of possible things to cut. This sort of thing is never pleasant.
Also on the agenda, the board will honor the staff of Clifton Middle School on the school's recent designation as a California Distinguished School. Congratulations, Clifton! You've come a long way.
The board will also consider approving a new high school course called "contemporary journalism" (Maybe we could send the graduates to straighten out Newsweek) and will receive a report on options for using vacant classroom space at Canyon Early Learning Center.
A GREAT LOSS ~ My 12-year-old son, 6th grade, isn't allowed to ride his bike around the block without me knowing - The ACLU has caused so much damage to our society when it makes people afraid that they will be sued if they use common sense in raising their own children - I agree with Clare -the schools are for ACADEMIC reasons - I try now to schedule any appointments during after school hours, so that my children do not miss classes. If this is allowed to pass, I am sure there will be a great loss of students from the public school system - greater than already happens when they get to these ages! If West Covina could stand up with common sense, let us hope that Monrovia can as well!
AND AN OPEN LETTER ~ Dear MUSD Board Members,
As a parent of four children whose ages range between 6-16 years of age, I am asking you to review and reconsider the stand you are about to take regardng Attendance Policy #5113.
I drop my children off at three different schools every day between the hours of 7:45-8:15 AM. I pick up at three different schools every day between the hours of 11:30 AM-3:10 PM. And this is where I trust they stay! I expect them to be there and stay there, under that school's care, every single school day - for one thing and one thing only - to be educated! That, thank you, is the school's ONLY JOB! MY JOB is to parent these children! If any one of my children, for whatever reason, needs to leave school grounds - I'll be there for them to pick-up, and take to whatever, whenever, wherever it is they need to go! This is MY JOB, duty, and responsibility as their parent.
After reviewing your proposed attendance policy - seems to me that you are somewhat overstepping certain parental boundaries that ought not concern YOU the SCHOOL, but rather concern ME the PARENT. Again, I ask you to carefully review the proposed policy and to reconsider the possible consequences and ramifications of implementing such a policy. Please reserve parental rights for parents over their children - do not turn this over to the schools - they're there to teach - not to parent. Thank you for your consideration. -- Maria Gray
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
(1) comments
Highlights of the May 25 School Board meeting: the Superintendent will give a report on the proposed policy of letting kids out of school for medical reasons without their parents' knowledge or permission; and a list of proposed cuts for the board to consider. Also, regarding that first item, there are a couple letters below.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
There will be a closed session at 6 p.m. to consider what appears to be some unpleasant business, the possible explusion of three Santa Fe Middle School students and to consider "Public Employee Complaint regarding District employees."
At the regular meeting, at 7 p.m., it looks as if there will be two hot items on the agenda.
The first, (item 4.5) is a report from Superintendent Louise Taylor titled "Status report: Confidential Medical Release
discussion (Attendance Policy)." This is clearly the "let your kid out of school for medical treatment without your knowledge or permission" discussion that has already begun. (And thank you, school district, for labeling this agenda item so it is comprehensible.) So, if you have something to say about this proposed policy, here's an opportunity to let the board know what you think.
By the way, regarding this issue. I think that if you are angry about it (I am) most of your anger should be aimed at our state attorney general, who issued the opinion that is prompting the school board to consider this measure. However, it seems the board is considering going along with his opinion (hopefully not, but it kinda seemed that way), and this seems rather blameworthy to me. I'm not a legal expert, but there are lawyers and there are lawyers and they all have different opinions. Just because the attorney general has a legal opinion doesn't say to me that the schools need to kowtow to him. If neither the Legislature or the state Supreme Court has validated the AG's opinion, I'd say it's still a very open question. I think the district should chat with other districts that have refused to be browbeaten and try to work together against this usurpation of parental authority.
Sorry, just had to get that out.
The other hot item (item 7.5) is to receive budget reduction recommendations for the 2005-06 school year. I guess this is where the board gets a list of possible things to cut. This sort of thing is never pleasant.
Also on the agenda, the board will honor the staff of Clifton Middle School on the school's recent designation as a California Distinguished School. Congratulations, Clifton! You've come a long way.
The board will also consider approving a new high school course called "contemporary journalism" (Maybe we could send the graduates to straighten out Newsweek) and will receive a report on options for using vacant classroom space at Canyon Early Learning Center.
A GREAT LOSS ~ My 12-year-old son, 6th grade, isn't allowed to ride his bike around the block without me knowing - The ACLU has caused so much damage to our society when it makes people afraid that they will be sued if they use common sense in raising their own children - I agree with Clare -the schools are for ACADEMIC reasons - I try now to schedule any appointments during after school hours, so that my children do not miss classes. If this is allowed to pass, I am sure there will be a great loss of students from the public school system - greater than already happens when they get to these ages! If West Covina could stand up with common sense, let us hope that Monrovia can as well!
AND AN OPEN LETTER ~ Dear MUSD Board Members,
As a parent of four children whose ages range between 6-16 years of age, I am asking you to review and reconsider the stand you are about to take regardng Attendance Policy #5113.
I drop my children off at three different schools every day between the hours of 7:45-8:15 AM. I pick up at three different schools every day between the hours of 11:30 AM-3:10 PM. And this is where I trust they stay! I expect them to be there and stay there, under that school's care, every single school day - for one thing and one thing only - to be educated! That, thank you, is the school's ONLY JOB! MY JOB is to parent these children! If any one of my children, for whatever reason, needs to leave school grounds - I'll be there for them to pick-up, and take to whatever, whenever, wherever it is they need to go! This is MY JOB, duty, and responsibility as their parent.
After reviewing your proposed attendance policy - seems to me that you are somewhat overstepping certain parental boundaries that ought not concern YOU the SCHOOL, but rather concern ME the PARENT. Again, I ask you to carefully review the proposed policy and to reconsider the possible consequences and ramifications of implementing such a policy. Please reserve parental rights for parents over their children - do not turn this over to the schools - they're there to teach - not to parent. Thank you for your consideration. -- Maria Gray
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Friday, May 13, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 120 ~ May 13, 2005
Thanks to Sigrid Caldera for this informative and passionate report. I'd like to comment on a couple things before we get started: When I sent out the addendum to the last newsletter complaining that board agendas are suppoed to inform, not hide, I got a note almost immediately from Board Member Clare Chesley saying my criticism was valid and adding this note:
"Since this issue is so critical to parental rights, I've asked that we address it during our general meetings (no special study sessions) and that we wait to vote on it until the fall so that more parents can be communicated to over the summer and that they understand the import of the possible change in policy before we vote on any change to our attendance policy."
Also, she sent me the Attorney General's opinion that initiated this issue, which I've added to the bottom of this newsletter.
Finally, I want to say - as someone who loves newspapers and loved the time I spent reporting - that my former profession is in wretched shape and doesn't even seem to care. What Sigrid is reporting here is clearly a statewide story with all sorts of local angles, and something that the media - were its practitioners to get off their slovenly butts and do some work - should have been reporting on since November, when, Clare tells me, the Attorney General issued his opinion. No wonder newspaper circulation has been dropping like a rock. I looked on Google and was only able to find one major media story on this, a brief and ancient article in the Sacramento Union. Well, if newspapers aren't going to do their job, thank goodness there's the Internet.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
MUSD Board meeting on Wednesday May 11, 2005
By Sigrid Caldera
(I literally needed a day to collect my thoughts on this rather heated meeting. As a note taker I feel I should give a neutral account on the meeting, however, in this case I can't. The issue is too crucial. Also, given this fact, I took the liberty and of moving the very last item on the meeting agenda to the very front of this report due to its importance.) [Comment from Brad: Moving the important stuff to the top is the essence of news writing. I highly encourage it!]
Item9.5: Receive for first reading revisions to Board Policy 5113 and accompanying Administrative Regulation relating to school attendance.
Donna MacLeod gave a detailed description of this new, legal interpretation of the Ed Code, which basically gives our middle or high school kids the right to leave the campuses at any time for any private medical reason that needs to not be disclosed to their parents, i.e. STDs, mental health issues, birth control, and abortion. The schools will be obligated to let them go - of course the details of how this would be even possible without assuring the safety of the student has not been worked out at all. Due to the risk of being sued over this matter by, I assume, an organization like the ACLU, all present members of the board except Clare Chesley happily agreed to adopt this measure in one of the future meetings but not later than July. Mrs. Chesley was the only one giving an educational background on this matter and declared, visibly angry, that she will never vote for something like this that would completely strip parents of rights and influence over their children. She clearly stated that the Attorney General, who advised to implement this measure, errs in this case and we cannot stand by and allow this to happen. According to the Ed Code the statement issued said that school districts "may," not "must" allow students to leave campus for privacy issues.(Emphasis on "may.") Under the emancipation statutes a child has the right to privacy, which the Attorney General suggests we allow to be applied here during school hours as well. Clare clearly stated that school should be for academics only and not to take care of private medical issues. Another good point she brought up was that this completely conflicts with the curfew laws we have in Monrovia.
So, which way is it going to be? We the parents stand by and let the schools take the liberty and authority to decide if your child gets to go and be treated for a sexual disease instead of being in school, where you dropped him off that morning and where you expect he will be all day?! They are going to decide if you the parent are not fit enough to know about your child's well-being and they are going to decide for you what is best for your child. If you allow this to happen this will not be the end of these kinds of laws, I am convinced. Of course you could do something about it and speak up loudly to insist on your rights as parents and for the schools to do their business only, and that is to educate our children and to leave the parenting to us. [e-mail me if you are one of those parents, so we can discuss this further, xxxxx at altrio.com]. There were some parents there speaking against this issue already. One brought up the fact that some school districts chose to not adopt this issue, West Covina being of them.
Now to the regular meeting items:
- Adult School Counselor Bruce Langdyke and Santa Fe Middle School Counselor Laura Christopher were honored.
- Santa Fe Avid did it again!! They produced another award winning essay writer, Rebecca Amagrande, as a Silver Medalist in the Los Angeles County Avid "Write-Off" essay competition.
- Lots of high school students were recognized for their recent achievement at the Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America Competitions and the Regional Occupation Program competition. Some of those students thanked their teacher for their exceptional hard work in getting them to succeed. (That was special, we never can give teachers enough praise)
- "Employer of the Year" was awarded to Ron Erickson, Director of Dietary Services at Royal Oaks Manor for allowing ROP special needs kids to work there.
Board reports:
- Chesley: Encouraged people to attend "Sound of Music" at the high school.
- Wong: nothing
- Sandford: Attended policy agenda committee meeting; van program funding is ending soon and we need to fundraise; also attended the recent counselor meeting where some of our local school counselors were honored and two were speakers at the conference.
- Carter: Attended (or will attend, I didn't get that right) a board of directors meeting to get together with legislators
- Diaz: absent.
- Student representative Blackshere: The Hollywood-themed prom was very nice, teachers acted as paparazzi; administrators at MHS will hold a forum to address the dress-code; "powder puff football" by girls to be held on Friday ... the boys will be the cheer leaders.
Another innocent sounding agenda item got an interesting discussion going.
6:11 receive a report on the potential uses of the vacant class rooms at Canyon Early Learning Center.
There are going to be six unused rooms at the CELC due to kindergarten classes being moved back to Monroe and Wildrose. Suggested uses for the rooms included special education, ESL classes, bring back a sub-contracted preschool from Citrus College, or - the big emphasis - was to adopt the universal or free preschool program from first-fifth. Apparently, if the district applies for first-fifth funds now there might be a chance of receiving those funds for the 2006-7 school year. Brian Wong raised some questions as to whether other revenue-producing ideas had been explored. He and Clare also were seriously concerned about the funding issue, because right now we are facing serious budgetary problems statewide. The literacy van in Monrovia has run out of funds and they are trying to raise money for that. (We hardly have enough funds to use for K-12 education, and what are we going to do if the funds for this universal preschool should run out?) As Clare stated correctly, "Nothing is free." She would rather see a program that benefits the existing K-12 schools. Louise Taylor admitted that she instructed the principal at CELC to create this report and that next meeting she will present the board with ideas about the usage for CELC, along with the direct and indirect costs.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL LOCKYER'S LEGAL OPINION
No. 04-112
November 29, 2004
[ 04-112]
THE HONORABLE DENNIS BUNTING, COUNTY COUNSEL, COUNTY OF SOLANO, has requested an opinion on the following questions:
1. May a school district require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services?
2. May a school district adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to receive confidential medical services?
CONCLUSIONS
1. A school district may not require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services.
2. A school district may not adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to obtain confidential medical services.
ANALYSIS
Generally speaking, parental consent is required for a minor's medical treatment. (American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren (1997) 16 Cal.4th 307, 314-315; Ballard v. Anderson (1971) 4 Cal.3d 873, 878.) There are, however, exceptions, such as when the public interest in preserving the health of a minor takes precedence over the parent's interest in custody and control of the minor. (Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) 406 U.S. 205, 233-234; In re Roger S. (1977) 19 Cal.3d 921, 930, 935.) In addition, a number of "medical emancipation" statutes allow minors to consent to medical treatment without parental knowledge, approval, or consent.
Medical emancipation statutes may be separated into two categories. First, they may authorize minors to consent to their own health care treatment because of a particular status. (See American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 315-316.) A minor who has become emancipated by reason of a court order, marriage, or active duty in the United States armed forces is considered an adult for purposes of consenting to health care services. (Fam. Code, §§ 7002; 7050, subd. (e)(1).) In addition, minors who are "self-sufficient" (minors who are 15 or older, living away from home, and managing their own financial affairs regardless of the source of their income) may consent to their own medical care. (Fam. Code, § 6922.)
Second, they may authorize minors to consent to what are considered to be particularly sensitive medical services. (See Fam. Code , §§ 6920-6929; American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal. 4th at pp. 316-317.) A minor of any age may consent to care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy. (Fam. Code, § 6925.)[ 1 This statute does not authorize a minor to be sterilized without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6925, subd. (b)(1).) A provision of this statute requiring parental consent for an abortion was struck down as violating the constitutional right to privacy (Cal. Const., art. I, § 1) in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th 307. (See Fam. Code, § 6925, subd. (b)(2); Health & Saf. Code, § 123450.)]1 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to treatment of an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease (Fam. Code, § 6926) or to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of rape (Fam. Code, § 6927). A minor of any age may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of sexual assault. (Fam. Code, § 6928.)[ 2 The health care professional providing treatment under this statute must attempt to contact the minor's parent or guardian, unless he or she reasonably believes that the parent or guardian committed the assault. (Fam. Code, § 6928, subd. (c).)]2 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of drug-related or alcohol-related problems. (Fam. Code, 6929.)[ 3 This statute does not authorize a minor to receive replacement narcotic treatment without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6929, subd. (e).) It requires a treating health care professional to contact a parent or guardian and give him or her an opportunity to participate in treatment, unless the professional believes such involvement would be inappropriate. (Fam. Code, § 6929, subd. (c).) ]3 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to mental health treatment, counseling, or residential shelter services if (1) the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently, in the opinion of the health care provider, and (2) the minor is either a danger to himself or herself or others without the treatment, or is the alleged victim of incest or child abuse. (Fam. Code , § 6924.)[ 4 This statute does not authorize a minor to receive convulsive therapy, psychosurgery, or psychotropic medication without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6924, subd. (f).) A provider of residential services must attempt to notify a parent or guardian of the provision of services. Other health care professionals must contact and involve parents in the treatment plan, unless the professional believes such involvement would be inappropriate. (Fam. Code , § 6924, subds. (c), (d).)]4 A minor of any age may consent to HIV testing. (Health & Saf. Code, § 121020.) Further, the records of these medical services are kept confidential from the minor's parent or guardian, unless the minor consents to such disclosure. (Health & Saf. Code, § 123115, subd. (a)(1); Civ. Code, § 56.11, subd. (c); see Health & Saf. Code, § 123110, subd. (a); Civ. Code, § 56.10.)
The two questions presented for resolution concern " confidential medical services" provided to school students. For our purposes, such services refer to the second category of medical emancipation statutes -- services which, by statute, a minor is authorized to obtain without the consent of or disclosure to a parent or guardian.
1. Requiring Parental Consent
The first question concerns whether a school district may require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services. We conclude that it may not.
School districts have broad powers to adopt policies in furtherance of their educational purposes, provided they do not act in a manner "in conflict with or inconsistent with, or preempted by, any law ." (Ed. Code, § 35160; see Cal. Const., art. IX, § 14; Hartzell v. Connell (1984) 35 Cal.3d 899, 915.) A policy requiring the prior written consent of a parent to release a student for confidential medical services would conflict with state law.
The Legislature has established a system of compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 18. (Ed. Code, §§ 42800- 48341.) Attendance at school is excused, however, under specified circumstances. Education Code section 48205, subdivision (a), provides in relevant part:
"Notwithstanding Section 48200 [requiring compulsory full-time education], a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:
". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"(3) For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"(7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion,
attendance at religious retreats, or attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board." (Italics added.)
On its face, subdivision (a)(3) of section 48205 does not require parental consent for an excused medical absence. In contrast is subdivision (a)(7) of the statute, which does require parental consent for certain excused
absences. We construe this difference in language as signifying a legislative intent not to require parental consent in order to excuse a student for the purpose of obtaining medical services.
In so construing the language of Education Code section 48205, we apply well established rules of statutory construction. " 'Where a statute, with reference to one subject contains a given provision, the omission of such provision from a similar statute concerning a related subject . . . is significant to show that a different intention existed.' [ Citation.] We
presume a different legislative intent, not an oversight, from the fact that words used in [one provision] are missing from [another]." (People v. Duran (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 923, 941; accord, People v. Trevino (2001) 26 Cal.4th 237, 242; People v. Drake (1977) 19 Cal.3d 749, 755.) The phrase " when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian" cannot be added to subdivision (a)(3) of the statute in the guise of statutory interpretation. "This court has no power to rewrite the statute so as to make it conform to a presumed intention which is not expressed. [Citations.]" (California Teachers Assn. v. Governing Bd. of Rialto Unified School Dist. (1997) 14 Cal.4th 627, 633.) "[A] statute ' . . . is to be interpreted by the language in which it is written, and courts are no more at liberty to add provisions to what is therein declared in definite language than they are to disregard any of its express provisions.' [Citations.]" (Wells Fargo Bank v. Superior Court ( 1991) 53 Cal.3d 1082, 1097.)
We reject the suggestion that Education Code section 46010.1 grants school districts discretion to require parental consent before releasing a student for confidential medical services, notwithstanding the language of Education Code section 48205. Education Code section 46010.1 states:
"Commencing in the fall of the 1986-87 academic year, the governing board of each school district shall each academic year notify pupils in grades 7-12 inclusive and the parents or guardians of all pupils enrolled in the district, that school authorities may excuse any pupil from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil's parent or guardian. The notice required pursuant to this section may be included with any other notice given pursuant to this code."
We view this provision as requiring school districts to notify both students and their parents that students are allowed to be excused from school for confidential medical appointments without parental consent.
If a school district could require parental consent under the terms of Education Code section 46010.1, the statute would no longer concern "confidential medical services." By definition, such services are kept confidential from the parent or guardian of the pupil. The legislative history of the statute makes clear that the Legislature intended only to ensure that parents of adolescent schoolchildren understand the requirements of the law with respect to medical services that are made "confidential" by statute.
Most importantly, a school district policy requiring prior written consent of a parent for a student's confidential medical services would undermine the purposes and intent of the medical emancipation statutes. In American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th 307, the Supreme Court observed:
". . . [O]ver the past four decades the Legislature has recognized that, in a variety of specific contexts, the protection of the health of minors may best be served by permitting a minor to obtain medical care without parental consent. These statutes do not
reflect a legislative determination that a minor who, for example, has been raped or has contracted a sexually transmitted disease would not benefit from the consultation and advice of a supportive parent. Indeed, as noted, a few of the statutes specifically call upon the treating physician or health care provider to notify and attempt to involve the minor's parents in the treatment process, so long as the circumstances suggest to the health care provider that such
involvement will not be detrimental to the health or interests of the minor. [Citation.] Nor do these statutes imply that a minor who, for example, has been sexually assaulted or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem is more mature or knowledgeable than other minors of similar age; a minor who may obtain medical care for such conditions must still obtain parental consent before she or he may obtain, for example, an appendectomy.
"Instead, each of these statutory provisions embodies a legislative recognition that, particularly in matters concerning sexual conduct, minors frequently are reluctant, either because of embarrassment or fear, to inform their parents of medical conditions relating to such conduct, and consequently that there is a considerable risk that minors will postpone or avoid seeking needed medical care if they are required to obtain parental consent before receiving medical care for such conditions. To protect their health in these particular circumstances, the statutes authorize minors to receive medical care for these designated conditions without parental consent." (Id. at pp. 317- 318.)
We are directed to construe the provisions of Education Code sections 35160, 46010.1, and 48205 in light of the relevant provisions of the Family Code and the Health and Safety Code relating to confidential medical services. "[W]e interpret a statute in context, examining other legislation on the same subject, to determine the Legislature's probable intent. [Citations.]" (California Teachers Assn. v. Governing Bd. of Rialto Unified School Dist., supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 642.) " ' "[P] rovisions relating to the same subject matter must be harmonized to the extent possible." ' " (Cooley v. Superior Court (2002) 29 Cal.4th 220, 248.) "Where . . . two codes are to be construed, they 'must be regarded as blending into each other and forming a single statute.' [Citation.]" (Tripp v. Swoap (1976) 17 Cal.3d 671, 679, overruled on other grounds in Frink v. Prod (1982) 31 Cal.3d 166, 180; see also Building Material & Construction Teamsters' Union v. Farrell (1986) 41 Cal. 3d 651, 665.) Accordingly, the relevant Education Code statutes may not be interpreted in a manner that eviscerates the requirements of the Family Code and Health and Safety Code.
We conclude that a school district may not require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services.
2. Notifying the Parent
The second question presented is whether a school district may adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to obtain confidential medical services. We conclude that such a policy would violate state law.
Notice is not the same as consent, and while the medical emancipation statutes expressly address consent, they do not directly address giving notice. However, we are dealing here with "confidential" medical services. Just like requiring parental consent, a district's notification of a parent regarding a student's absence to receive confidential medical services would destroy the confidentiality of the medical services -- contrary to the intent and purposes of the medical emancipating statutes.
Not only may minors seek sensitive medical treatment without parental consent, they have the right to keep the existence of such
medical services confidential, even from their parents. (Health & Saf. Code, § 123115, subd. (a)(1); Civ. Code, § 56.11, subd. (c); see Health & Saf. Code, § 123110, subd. (a); Civ. Code, § 56.10.) These confidentiality statutes evince a clear legislative intent to shield minors, not just from the possibility that parental consent might be withheld for certain medical services, but also from the necessity of revealing that the minor has resorted to those services at all.
Statutes protecting the privacy of medical information are based on the Legislature's awareness that the threat of disclosure might deter persons needing treatment from seeking it. (See In re Lifschutz ( 1970) 2 Cal.3d 415, 431; Pettus v. Cole (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 402, 433-434; Simek v. Superior Court (1981) 117 Cal.App.3d 169, 177.) A policy that requires parental notice when a student seeks such services would be inconsistent with the legislative intent to encourage minors to receive medical treatment by protecting the confidentiality of their medical information.
Our conclusion is not inconsistent with the provisions in some of the medical emancipation statutes that require health care professionals to notify the parent or guardian in certain situations. Unlike school officials, health care professionals are qualified to evaluate a minor's capacity to understand his or her treatment options on a case-by-case basis. (See American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 355.) Furthermore, the statutes give health care professionals the discretion to bypass parental notification when notification would be contrary to the minor patient's welfare. (Fam. Code , §§ 6924, subd. (d); 6928, subd. (c); 6929, subd. (c).) This is the kind of safeguard that has been a consistent feature of the parental consent and notification statutes upheld by the United States Supreme Court. (See Lambert v. Wicklund (1997) 520 U.S. 292, 298, 300; Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health (1990) 497 U.S. 502, 510-512.) A policy pursuant to which a school would notify a parent whenever a student left school to obtain confidential medical services would afford no such recognized safeguard.
Nor is our conclusion inconsistent with statutes giving parents access to certain information bearing on their children's education, including access to their children's school records. (Ed. Code, §§ 49061; 51101, subd. (a)(10).)[ 5 Nothing in this opinion is intended to curtail a parent's right to be informed when his or her child has been absent from school without excuse. (Ed. Code, § 51101, subd. (a)(4).)]5 While providing parental access to this information, the Legislature has protected students' rights to informational privacy, specifically regarding confidential medical services (e.g., Ed. Code, § 49091.12, subd. ( b)) and disclosure of personal information to school counselors (Ed. Code , § 49602).
We conclude that a school district may not adopt a policy pursuant to which the school will notify a parent when a student leaves school to receive confidential medical services.[ 6 Because of the conclusions reached with respect to the two questions presented, each of which is based upon statutory grounds, we need not address constitutional issues such as the right of privacy (Cal. Const., art. I, § 1; see American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren supra, 16 Cal.4th 307; Hill v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn. (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1).]6
(0) comments
Thanks to Sigrid Caldera for this informative and passionate report. I'd like to comment on a couple things before we get started: When I sent out the addendum to the last newsletter complaining that board agendas are suppoed to inform, not hide, I got a note almost immediately from Board Member Clare Chesley saying my criticism was valid and adding this note:
"Since this issue is so critical to parental rights, I've asked that we address it during our general meetings (no special study sessions) and that we wait to vote on it until the fall so that more parents can be communicated to over the summer and that they understand the import of the possible change in policy before we vote on any change to our attendance policy."
Also, she sent me the Attorney General's opinion that initiated this issue, which I've added to the bottom of this newsletter.
Finally, I want to say - as someone who loves newspapers and loved the time I spent reporting - that my former profession is in wretched shape and doesn't even seem to care. What Sigrid is reporting here is clearly a statewide story with all sorts of local angles, and something that the media - were its practitioners to get off their slovenly butts and do some work - should have been reporting on since November, when, Clare tells me, the Attorney General issued his opinion. No wonder newspaper circulation has been dropping like a rock. I looked on Google and was only able to find one major media story on this, a brief and ancient article in the Sacramento Union. Well, if newspapers aren't going to do their job, thank goodness there's the Internet.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
MUSD Board meeting on Wednesday May 11, 2005
By Sigrid Caldera
(I literally needed a day to collect my thoughts on this rather heated meeting. As a note taker I feel I should give a neutral account on the meeting, however, in this case I can't. The issue is too crucial. Also, given this fact, I took the liberty and of moving the very last item on the meeting agenda to the very front of this report due to its importance.) [Comment from Brad: Moving the important stuff to the top is the essence of news writing. I highly encourage it!]
Item9.5: Receive for first reading revisions to Board Policy 5113 and accompanying Administrative Regulation relating to school attendance.
Donna MacLeod gave a detailed description of this new, legal interpretation of the Ed Code, which basically gives our middle or high school kids the right to leave the campuses at any time for any private medical reason that needs to not be disclosed to their parents, i.e. STDs, mental health issues, birth control, and abortion. The schools will be obligated to let them go - of course the details of how this would be even possible without assuring the safety of the student has not been worked out at all. Due to the risk of being sued over this matter by, I assume, an organization like the ACLU, all present members of the board except Clare Chesley happily agreed to adopt this measure in one of the future meetings but not later than July. Mrs. Chesley was the only one giving an educational background on this matter and declared, visibly angry, that she will never vote for something like this that would completely strip parents of rights and influence over their children. She clearly stated that the Attorney General, who advised to implement this measure, errs in this case and we cannot stand by and allow this to happen. According to the Ed Code the statement issued said that school districts "may," not "must" allow students to leave campus for privacy issues.(Emphasis on "may.") Under the emancipation statutes a child has the right to privacy, which the Attorney General suggests we allow to be applied here during school hours as well. Clare clearly stated that school should be for academics only and not to take care of private medical issues. Another good point she brought up was that this completely conflicts with the curfew laws we have in Monrovia.
So, which way is it going to be? We the parents stand by and let the schools take the liberty and authority to decide if your child gets to go and be treated for a sexual disease instead of being in school, where you dropped him off that morning and where you expect he will be all day?! They are going to decide if you the parent are not fit enough to know about your child's well-being and they are going to decide for you what is best for your child. If you allow this to happen this will not be the end of these kinds of laws, I am convinced. Of course you could do something about it and speak up loudly to insist on your rights as parents and for the schools to do their business only, and that is to educate our children and to leave the parenting to us. [e-mail me if you are one of those parents, so we can discuss this further, xxxxx at altrio.com]. There were some parents there speaking against this issue already. One brought up the fact that some school districts chose to not adopt this issue, West Covina being of them.
Now to the regular meeting items:
- Adult School Counselor Bruce Langdyke and Santa Fe Middle School Counselor Laura Christopher were honored.
- Santa Fe Avid did it again!! They produced another award winning essay writer, Rebecca Amagrande, as a Silver Medalist in the Los Angeles County Avid "Write-Off" essay competition.
- Lots of high school students were recognized for their recent achievement at the Vocational and Industrial Clubs of America Competitions and the Regional Occupation Program competition. Some of those students thanked their teacher for their exceptional hard work in getting them to succeed. (That was special, we never can give teachers enough praise)
- "Employer of the Year" was awarded to Ron Erickson, Director of Dietary Services at Royal Oaks Manor for allowing ROP special needs kids to work there.
Board reports:
- Chesley: Encouraged people to attend "Sound of Music" at the high school.
- Wong: nothing
- Sandford: Attended policy agenda committee meeting; van program funding is ending soon and we need to fundraise; also attended the recent counselor meeting where some of our local school counselors were honored and two were speakers at the conference.
- Carter: Attended (or will attend, I didn't get that right) a board of directors meeting to get together with legislators
- Diaz: absent.
- Student representative Blackshere: The Hollywood-themed prom was very nice, teachers acted as paparazzi; administrators at MHS will hold a forum to address the dress-code; "powder puff football" by girls to be held on Friday ... the boys will be the cheer leaders.
Another innocent sounding agenda item got an interesting discussion going.
6:11 receive a report on the potential uses of the vacant class rooms at Canyon Early Learning Center.
There are going to be six unused rooms at the CELC due to kindergarten classes being moved back to Monroe and Wildrose. Suggested uses for the rooms included special education, ESL classes, bring back a sub-contracted preschool from Citrus College, or - the big emphasis - was to adopt the universal or free preschool program from first-fifth. Apparently, if the district applies for first-fifth funds now there might be a chance of receiving those funds for the 2006-7 school year. Brian Wong raised some questions as to whether other revenue-producing ideas had been explored. He and Clare also were seriously concerned about the funding issue, because right now we are facing serious budgetary problems statewide. The literacy van in Monrovia has run out of funds and they are trying to raise money for that. (We hardly have enough funds to use for K-12 education, and what are we going to do if the funds for this universal preschool should run out?) As Clare stated correctly, "Nothing is free." She would rather see a program that benefits the existing K-12 schools. Louise Taylor admitted that she instructed the principal at CELC to create this report and that next meeting she will present the board with ideas about the usage for CELC, along with the direct and indirect costs.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL LOCKYER'S LEGAL OPINION
No. 04-112
November 29, 2004
[ 04-112]
THE HONORABLE DENNIS BUNTING, COUNTY COUNSEL, COUNTY OF SOLANO, has requested an opinion on the following questions:
1. May a school district require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services?
2. May a school district adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to receive confidential medical services?
CONCLUSIONS
1. A school district may not require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services.
2. A school district may not adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to obtain confidential medical services.
ANALYSIS
Generally speaking, parental consent is required for a minor's medical treatment. (American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren (1997) 16 Cal.4th 307, 314-315; Ballard v. Anderson (1971) 4 Cal.3d 873, 878.) There are, however, exceptions, such as when the public interest in preserving the health of a minor takes precedence over the parent's interest in custody and control of the minor. (Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) 406 U.S. 205, 233-234; In re Roger S. (1977) 19 Cal.3d 921, 930, 935.) In addition, a number of "medical emancipation" statutes allow minors to consent to medical treatment without parental knowledge, approval, or consent.
Medical emancipation statutes may be separated into two categories. First, they may authorize minors to consent to their own health care treatment because of a particular status. (See American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 315-316.) A minor who has become emancipated by reason of a court order, marriage, or active duty in the United States armed forces is considered an adult for purposes of consenting to health care services. (Fam. Code, §§ 7002; 7050, subd. (e)(1).) In addition, minors who are "self-sufficient" (minors who are 15 or older, living away from home, and managing their own financial affairs regardless of the source of their income) may consent to their own medical care. (Fam. Code, § 6922.)
Second, they may authorize minors to consent to what are considered to be particularly sensitive medical services. (See Fam. Code , §§ 6920-6929; American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal. 4th at pp. 316-317.) A minor of any age may consent to care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy. (Fam. Code, § 6925.)[ 1 This statute does not authorize a minor to be sterilized without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6925, subd. (b)(1).) A provision of this statute requiring parental consent for an abortion was struck down as violating the constitutional right to privacy (Cal. Const., art. I, § 1) in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th 307. (See Fam. Code, § 6925, subd. (b)(2); Health & Saf. Code, § 123450.)]1 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to treatment of an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease (Fam. Code, § 6926) or to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of rape (Fam. Code, § 6927). A minor of any age may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of sexual assault. (Fam. Code, § 6928.)[ 2 The health care professional providing treatment under this statute must attempt to contact the minor's parent or guardian, unless he or she reasonably believes that the parent or guardian committed the assault. (Fam. Code, § 6928, subd. (c).)]2 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to care related to the diagnosis or treatment of drug-related or alcohol-related problems. (Fam. Code, 6929.)[ 3 This statute does not authorize a minor to receive replacement narcotic treatment without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6929, subd. (e).) It requires a treating health care professional to contact a parent or guardian and give him or her an opportunity to participate in treatment, unless the professional believes such involvement would be inappropriate. (Fam. Code, § 6929, subd. (c).) ]3 A minor of age 12 or older may consent to mental health treatment, counseling, or residential shelter services if (1) the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently, in the opinion of the health care provider, and (2) the minor is either a danger to himself or herself or others without the treatment, or is the alleged victim of incest or child abuse. (Fam. Code , § 6924.)[ 4 This statute does not authorize a minor to receive convulsive therapy, psychosurgery, or psychotropic medication without the consent of a parent or guardian. (Fam. Code, § 6924, subd. (f).) A provider of residential services must attempt to notify a parent or guardian of the provision of services. Other health care professionals must contact and involve parents in the treatment plan, unless the professional believes such involvement would be inappropriate. (Fam. Code , § 6924, subds. (c), (d).)]4 A minor of any age may consent to HIV testing. (Health & Saf. Code, § 121020.) Further, the records of these medical services are kept confidential from the minor's parent or guardian, unless the minor consents to such disclosure. (Health & Saf. Code, § 123115, subd. (a)(1); Civ. Code, § 56.11, subd. (c); see Health & Saf. Code, § 123110, subd. (a); Civ. Code, § 56.10.)
The two questions presented for resolution concern " confidential medical services" provided to school students. For our purposes, such services refer to the second category of medical emancipation statutes -- services which, by statute, a minor is authorized to obtain without the consent of or disclosure to a parent or guardian.
1. Requiring Parental Consent
The first question concerns whether a school district may require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services. We conclude that it may not.
School districts have broad powers to adopt policies in furtherance of their educational purposes, provided they do not act in a manner "in conflict with or inconsistent with, or preempted by, any law ." (Ed. Code, § 35160; see Cal. Const., art. IX, § 14; Hartzell v. Connell (1984) 35 Cal.3d 899, 915.) A policy requiring the prior written consent of a parent to release a student for confidential medical services would conflict with state law.
The Legislature has established a system of compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 18. (Ed. Code, §§ 42800- 48341.) Attendance at school is excused, however, under specified circumstances. Education Code section 48205, subdivision (a), provides in relevant part:
"Notwithstanding Section 48200 [requiring compulsory full-time education], a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:
". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"(3) For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"(7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion,
attendance at religious retreats, or attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board." (Italics added.)
On its face, subdivision (a)(3) of section 48205 does not require parental consent for an excused medical absence. In contrast is subdivision (a)(7) of the statute, which does require parental consent for certain excused
absences. We construe this difference in language as signifying a legislative intent not to require parental consent in order to excuse a student for the purpose of obtaining medical services.
In so construing the language of Education Code section 48205, we apply well established rules of statutory construction. " 'Where a statute, with reference to one subject contains a given provision, the omission of such provision from a similar statute concerning a related subject . . . is significant to show that a different intention existed.' [ Citation.] We
presume a different legislative intent, not an oversight, from the fact that words used in [one provision] are missing from [another]." (People v. Duran (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 923, 941; accord, People v. Trevino (2001) 26 Cal.4th 237, 242; People v. Drake (1977) 19 Cal.3d 749, 755.) The phrase " when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian" cannot be added to subdivision (a)(3) of the statute in the guise of statutory interpretation. "This court has no power to rewrite the statute so as to make it conform to a presumed intention which is not expressed. [Citations.]" (California Teachers Assn. v. Governing Bd. of Rialto Unified School Dist. (1997) 14 Cal.4th 627, 633.) "[A] statute ' . . . is to be interpreted by the language in which it is written, and courts are no more at liberty to add provisions to what is therein declared in definite language than they are to disregard any of its express provisions.' [Citations.]" (Wells Fargo Bank v. Superior Court ( 1991) 53 Cal.3d 1082, 1097.)
We reject the suggestion that Education Code section 46010.1 grants school districts discretion to require parental consent before releasing a student for confidential medical services, notwithstanding the language of Education Code section 48205. Education Code section 46010.1 states:
"Commencing in the fall of the 1986-87 academic year, the governing board of each school district shall each academic year notify pupils in grades 7-12 inclusive and the parents or guardians of all pupils enrolled in the district, that school authorities may excuse any pupil from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil's parent or guardian. The notice required pursuant to this section may be included with any other notice given pursuant to this code."
We view this provision as requiring school districts to notify both students and their parents that students are allowed to be excused from school for confidential medical appointments without parental consent.
If a school district could require parental consent under the terms of Education Code section 46010.1, the statute would no longer concern "confidential medical services." By definition, such services are kept confidential from the parent or guardian of the pupil. The legislative history of the statute makes clear that the Legislature intended only to ensure that parents of adolescent schoolchildren understand the requirements of the law with respect to medical services that are made "confidential" by statute.
Most importantly, a school district policy requiring prior written consent of a parent for a student's confidential medical services would undermine the purposes and intent of the medical emancipation statutes. In American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th 307, the Supreme Court observed:
". . . [O]ver the past four decades the Legislature has recognized that, in a variety of specific contexts, the protection of the health of minors may best be served by permitting a minor to obtain medical care without parental consent. These statutes do not
reflect a legislative determination that a minor who, for example, has been raped or has contracted a sexually transmitted disease would not benefit from the consultation and advice of a supportive parent. Indeed, as noted, a few of the statutes specifically call upon the treating physician or health care provider to notify and attempt to involve the minor's parents in the treatment process, so long as the circumstances suggest to the health care provider that such
involvement will not be detrimental to the health or interests of the minor. [Citation.] Nor do these statutes imply that a minor who, for example, has been sexually assaulted or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem is more mature or knowledgeable than other minors of similar age; a minor who may obtain medical care for such conditions must still obtain parental consent before she or he may obtain, for example, an appendectomy.
"Instead, each of these statutory provisions embodies a legislative recognition that, particularly in matters concerning sexual conduct, minors frequently are reluctant, either because of embarrassment or fear, to inform their parents of medical conditions relating to such conduct, and consequently that there is a considerable risk that minors will postpone or avoid seeking needed medical care if they are required to obtain parental consent before receiving medical care for such conditions. To protect their health in these particular circumstances, the statutes authorize minors to receive medical care for these designated conditions without parental consent." (Id. at pp. 317- 318.)
We are directed to construe the provisions of Education Code sections 35160, 46010.1, and 48205 in light of the relevant provisions of the Family Code and the Health and Safety Code relating to confidential medical services. "[W]e interpret a statute in context, examining other legislation on the same subject, to determine the Legislature's probable intent. [Citations.]" (California Teachers Assn. v. Governing Bd. of Rialto Unified School Dist., supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 642.) " ' "[P] rovisions relating to the same subject matter must be harmonized to the extent possible." ' " (Cooley v. Superior Court (2002) 29 Cal.4th 220, 248.) "Where . . . two codes are to be construed, they 'must be regarded as blending into each other and forming a single statute.' [Citation.]" (Tripp v. Swoap (1976) 17 Cal.3d 671, 679, overruled on other grounds in Frink v. Prod (1982) 31 Cal.3d 166, 180; see also Building Material & Construction Teamsters' Union v. Farrell (1986) 41 Cal. 3d 651, 665.) Accordingly, the relevant Education Code statutes may not be interpreted in a manner that eviscerates the requirements of the Family Code and Health and Safety Code.
We conclude that a school district may not require that a student obtain written parental consent prior to releasing the student from school to receive confidential medical services.
2. Notifying the Parent
The second question presented is whether a school district may adopt a policy pursuant to which the district will notify a parent when a student leaves school to obtain confidential medical services. We conclude that such a policy would violate state law.
Notice is not the same as consent, and while the medical emancipation statutes expressly address consent, they do not directly address giving notice. However, we are dealing here with "confidential" medical services. Just like requiring parental consent, a district's notification of a parent regarding a student's absence to receive confidential medical services would destroy the confidentiality of the medical services -- contrary to the intent and purposes of the medical emancipating statutes.
Not only may minors seek sensitive medical treatment without parental consent, they have the right to keep the existence of such
medical services confidential, even from their parents. (Health & Saf. Code, § 123115, subd. (a)(1); Civ. Code, § 56.11, subd. (c); see Health & Saf. Code, § 123110, subd. (a); Civ. Code, § 56.10.) These confidentiality statutes evince a clear legislative intent to shield minors, not just from the possibility that parental consent might be withheld for certain medical services, but also from the necessity of revealing that the minor has resorted to those services at all.
Statutes protecting the privacy of medical information are based on the Legislature's awareness that the threat of disclosure might deter persons needing treatment from seeking it. (See In re Lifschutz ( 1970) 2 Cal.3d 415, 431; Pettus v. Cole (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 402, 433-434; Simek v. Superior Court (1981) 117 Cal.App.3d 169, 177.) A policy that requires parental notice when a student seeks such services would be inconsistent with the legislative intent to encourage minors to receive medical treatment by protecting the confidentiality of their medical information.
Our conclusion is not inconsistent with the provisions in some of the medical emancipation statutes that require health care professionals to notify the parent or guardian in certain situations. Unlike school officials, health care professionals are qualified to evaluate a minor's capacity to understand his or her treatment options on a case-by-case basis. (See American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 355.) Furthermore, the statutes give health care professionals the discretion to bypass parental notification when notification would be contrary to the minor patient's welfare. (Fam. Code , §§ 6924, subd. (d); 6928, subd. (c); 6929, subd. (c).) This is the kind of safeguard that has been a consistent feature of the parental consent and notification statutes upheld by the United States Supreme Court. (See Lambert v. Wicklund (1997) 520 U.S. 292, 298, 300; Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health (1990) 497 U.S. 502, 510-512.) A policy pursuant to which a school would notify a parent whenever a student left school to obtain confidential medical services would afford no such recognized safeguard.
Nor is our conclusion inconsistent with statutes giving parents access to certain information bearing on their children's education, including access to their children's school records. (Ed. Code, §§ 49061; 51101, subd. (a)(10).)[ 5 Nothing in this opinion is intended to curtail a parent's right to be informed when his or her child has been absent from school without excuse. (Ed. Code, § 51101, subd. (a)(4).)]5 While providing parental access to this information, the Legislature has protected students' rights to informational privacy, specifically regarding confidential medical services (e.g., Ed. Code, § 49091.12, subd. ( b)) and disclosure of personal information to school counselors (Ed. Code , § 49602).
We conclude that a school district may not adopt a policy pursuant to which the school will notify a parent when a student leaves school to receive confidential medical services.[ 6 Because of the conclusions reached with respect to the two questions presented, each of which is based upon statutory grounds, we need not address constitutional issues such as the right of privacy (Cal. Const., art. I, § 1; see American Academy of Pediatrics v. Lungren supra, 16 Cal.4th 307; Hill v. National Collegiate Athletic Assn. (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1).]6
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 119 ~ May 8, 2005
Thanks to Maria Gray for this detailed write-up of the April 27 Board of Education meeting. In this issue we have the report on the last meeting, a preview of what's coming up at the next meeting, and the text of a couple comments that were recently presented to the board. First, the April 27 meeting; a few things caught my eye: Dennis Jones wanted to know more about the MUSD Financing Corporation; now that he's brought it up, I wanna know too. And - fast answer - Business Boss Linda Dempsey will have a report on that at the upcoming meeting. Again, congrats to Ed Gilliland and the Big M Boosters on the snack bar/restroom groundbreaking at MHS. And here's a snip from Maria's report on Item 7.9: "The Board, Linda Dempsey warned, "will be faced with many budget reductions." Tough decisions coming.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
April 27 meeting called to order at 7:13 pm
Roll Call: All Board members in attendance. Tanya Pan, MHS Student Rep.
Item 2.4: Close Session Report -- During Close Session Board heard information and reports on the following: Bargaining Process, Negotiations w/Teacher's Association, and Public Employees' Assignments. No actions taken by Board during Close Session.
Item 2.5: Approval of March 23rd Regular Board Meeting Minutes and Approval of March 24th. Special Board Meeting Minutes. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 2.6: Public Comment/Open Session (Items on the Agenda) -- There were none.
Item 2.7: Order of Business -- Per Dr. Taylor's request-Due to the large number of public speakers, Item 9.3 (Proposed Revisions to Board Policy) will follow Item 3.0. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 3.0: Consent Agenda -- Has been reviewed by both staff and board. No items have been pulled. Item 8.1 is as is; Item 8.2 is as amended; Item 7.7 is as amended. All in favor to approve Consent Agenda as amended, motion carried.
Special Recognition: California Adult School Student Award -- Elizabeth Tapia along with the Board helped honor Ulises Gutierrez for his hard work and dedication noting him worthy of the prestigious award. Congratulations, Ulises!
Item 9.3: Proposed Revisions to Board Policy 51.27 (High School Regulation Requirements) -- Joel Shawn introduced the first reading of proposed revision regarding the holding of a higher GPA for an MHS diploma attainment. It was explained that the State has its State Education Code, but will allow the district to establish its own. Tracey Gholar (V.P. @ MHS) along with Jim Tarouilly (Principal @ Canyon Oaks) discussed the preliminary strategies for the implementation of the raised 2.0 requirement. The campus academic senate and various leadership groups are highly in favor of "upping" the GPA requirement as a recommended revision to the H.S. graduation requirements. The Board agreed it was an excellent proposal, and would like to move it along, but would like further information as to cost implementation. Dr. Taylor and Monina Diaz suggested bringing item back for a second reading at the next board meeting. All agreed.
Item 4.2: Public Comments for Items Not on the Agenda --
Joel Mechison (sp.?) of Mayflower Elementary expressed his frustration at the Board's acceptance of Jill Selak's resignation but encouraged all to move on. Joel questioned as to when the new principal will be on board. Dr. Taylor said it will take about 8 weeks.
John Watson from the Monrovia Leadership Academy has launched a program which reaches out to teenagers at the high school in hopes of encouraging them to become active members of the community. Students will be meeting with community leaders and the Academy is looking for them to establish "student representation" in committees, councils and boards. John will be meeting with Mr. Zepeda at the high school in hopes of bringing the program directly into the school. Dr. Taylor commended John for the excellent program he runs.
Joann Spring of Monrovia Reads will be hosting a fundraiser Monday, April 2nd at the Krikorian Theater and is inviting everyone to come out and support this pro-active safety net program that promotes literacy programs throughout the city.
Dennis Jones would like more information on the MUSD Financing Corporation and its relation to the Board. Dennis stated that public records show the status of this corporation as "suspended for failure to meeting filing requirements." Linda Dempsey will look into Mr. Jones' request and provide further information concerning this organization.
Mary Fahey expressed concern, as a member of the community, over the havoc that has been created at Mayflower Elementary. Mary is encouraging parents to stop the anger and to continue moving forward in a peaceful manner and to please let our elected officials do their job.
Ann McIntosh expressed concern over the possibility that there may be a problem plaguing the school district -- due to the fact that two popular principals' contracts were not renewed. Ann introduced a new grassroots organization that has come together in order to create a "better means of communication" between the board and the community. "COMPASS" is committed to being a source of information and representation for district families and is looking to closely monitor the practices of district administrators, endorsing of candidates who adhere to their beliefs and principles, is looking to actively get politically involved as an educational lobbyist, and promises to be independent of the school district. Ann stated COMPASS is ready to listen to the community and is looking for long-term solutions and focusing on the future. You can obtain further information on this new organization by logging on to www.monroviacompass.org.
Maria Gray of Mayflower Elementary asked for the Mayflower community to once again come together as one and to focus on restoring harmony at the school for the sake of the children.
Item 4.3: Board Member Reports -- Bruce Carter visited Clifton as it celebrated its recent Distinguished School Award and commended the school for the upbeat, positive image they project! He said they had much to be proud of! Bruce also thanked the district and community for the wonderful flowers, cards, and good wishes he received during his recent surgery.
Bryan Wong thanked all those who spoke tonight for their meaningful, well thought-out expression of words. Bryan said the Board appreciates knowing where the community focus is and that the input is greatly appreciated.
Clare Chesley attended Open House at the high school and was very impressed with the creative "700 Campaign" program that is taking place right now. Clare credited Oscar Ibarra and Samarah Hirsh at the high school for creating the STAR testing campaign with its slogan: "Be a Star -- Raise the Bar." The program was created to help instill pride in students' testing abilities and to try to achieve a testing score of over "700". Clare commended the school for the creative way it thought to motivate its students during this very important period of testing.
Betty Sanford followed up on Joann Spring's Monrovia Reads' Fundraiser. She praised Joann for all her hard work and dedication to the children of Monrovia and reminded everyone that this program is at no cost to the district. She encouraged everyone to go out and help support the May 2nd fundraiser at the Krikorian between the hours of 5-8 p.m.
Monina Diaz attended the Monrovia/Duarte Founders Day Celebration on Monday. She felt the evening was very positive and upbeat, where all schools were able to reflect upon their accomplishments and their goals for the future. She said it was very uplifting for the Board to see all the great parents, teachers, and staff that help make our schools special places for all of our children! Monina also attended a meeting of the Monrovia/ Duarte Black Alumni Association. This group would like to lend support by becoming involved in programs such as "Adopt-A-School" or by promoting and supporting things such as parental involvement or advocacy. Monina will continue to work with this organization and encourage it in its efforts to help our schools.
Item 4.4: MHS Student Rep. Report -- Tanya Pan, Student Representative commended the "STAR Testing 700 Campaign" and stressed the importance of students doing their very best. Tanya went over the MHS May Calendar of Events.
Item 4.5: Superintendent's Report -- Dr. Taylor also applauded Clifton on its recent Distinguished School Award! Dr. Taylor noted that they have a goal of having ALL Monrovia schools be "Distinguished" school recipients some day! "We're already 50% there," she commented! Dr. Taylor congratulated the MHS Vocational Club for receiving special awards/recognitions at both local and state level. And, three students will be competing at the national level as well! Two of our counseling programs have been recognized by the State Counseling Association for meeting such high standards: The Adult School and Santa Fe Middle School. Congratulations to Ed Gilliland and the Big M Boosters for the ground breaking ceremony of both the football field snack bar and restrooms. Ed has done an excellent job of bringing the special project on to the high school, but he still needs help -- money is still being accepted to help completion of the project. Dr. Taylor congratulated all of our schools and all PTA recipients at this year's Founders Day Awards Banquet. She said she was proud to have been part of such a wonderful night. PTA presidents have been meeting with Louise on a monthly basis, and she hopes to continue these luncheons next school year because they help connect her to these individuals and the schools they serve. She attended Open House at the various schools and was most impressed by the number of parent involvement and appreciated the quality of students' work on display.
Item 6.9: Approval of a New Course at MHS -- Joel Shawn is looking for the Board's approval in bringing an Honor's Physics in Automotive Engineering class to the high school this fall. The class will be at no cost to the school because it will not require a new instructor or new materials. It will be built into the existing staff. Motion was made to approve the new course at MHS. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 6.10: 2004 Summer Intervention Program Report -- Susan Hirsh gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview and a summary on this past summer's programs. The report reviewed the following: Enrollment, Intervention, Enrichment, Special Education, and CELDT programs both at the middle and high school. Ms. Hirsh also gave a preview of the 2005 summer program at the various sites. They are looking into "enrichment academies" for the elementary and middle schools. Joel Shawn thanked Ms. Hirsh for all her hard work in implementing the summer school programs throughout the district.
Item 7.9: 2005/2006 Preliminary Budget Projections -- Linda Dempsey, gave an overview of the preliminary budget's components. (Most items have been presented at previous meetings.) She highlighted the Revenue and Expenditure Comparison of the current year and highlighted the Ending Balance Analysis and the Revenue Limit. (Copy of report was distributed.) Report includes adjusting of staff for a declining student enrollment. Dr. Taylor noted that this is still only in the preliminary stages and that the Board will be faced with many budget reductions and that this is all still in the discussion stages and that cutbacks and recommendations will be brought to the Board for review at the end of May. Monina Diaz agreed and noted that the budget report will be brought up for further discussion at the end of May. Board agreed.
Item 8.4: Setting a Salary for New Staff Assistant in the After School Program -- Debby Collins reported that the position had been reviewed and approved back on March 23rd. The additional clerical position is "categorically" funded and has no impact on the general budget. Motion was made to approve the new staff position. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 8.5: Adopt Resolution in Honor of Staff Appreciation Day and Day of the Teacher and Classified Employee of the Week -- Motion was made to approve all noted days of recognition. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 9.2: Second Reading on Board Policy 11-60 (Political Advocacy) -- Board was asked to review packet and asked if they had any questions. Betty Sanford asked for more information as to the role the Board plays on advocacy. Dr. Taylor explained that the California School Boards Association policy reads that "a board member can advocate but only as a individual citizen, the board cannot urge the public to lobby the legislature on behalf of the district." Betty stated it is because of district funding reasons that this is so. Louise has yet to hear from CSBA as to "why" this is so, but as soon as she receives information, she will inform the board. Clare Chesley is encouraging the board to "team up" with other school districts -- so to have a stronger voice and create a larger impact. Bruce Carter reminded the board that there is a legislative conference coming up in two weeks and that he will attend. Dr. Taylor noted that there should be specific reference made regarding the teaming up with other districts under the advocacy paragraph in the coalition of the district policy. Monina Diaz stated that she wants to make sure the advocacy policy continues to stay strong amongst the board and that all advocacy messages get on the agenda on a quarterly basis.
Dr. Taylor asked if the board had looked at the "State Non-Federal Budget Statements" and if the board's needs and interests were met, then they should be adopted and worked on later so to share them with legislatures in the future. A board consensus agreed to bring the "State Non-Federal Budget Statements" back to the board for a third reading and adoption.
Item 9.4: First Reading for Proposed Revision of Group Policy 135.4 (Food Service/Child Nutrition Program) -- Linda Dempsey reported this policy will now separate child nutrition from the "operations" of the cafeteria program and from the operation in regards to the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. This new policy will allow the district to access application data and use it to provide accurate information when evaluating school programs. Board agreed to bring the policy back for future review.
Item 9.5: First Reading for Proposed Board Policy (Sales of District Owned Real Property) -- Linda Dempsey noted that this policy allows the Board to address declining enrollment. The primary intent of the legislature was that leases of school sites will involve the community and the staff. This will outline the structure of the advisory committee and the committee's responsibility to analyze facility capacity and to make recommendations to the Board on leasing, selling or closing a facility. Dr. Taylor asked to bring this proposal back for adoption on consent at the next meeting. Board agreed. Also, due to time constraints, Dr. Taylor asked that Linda Dempsey's report on Plan for Monitoring Declining Enrollment be placed on the Superintendent's Report portion of next meeting's agenda. Dr. Taylor also requested that the report Jenny Jenesly (sp.?) and Donna McCloud were to present on "What is Being Proposed for the Canyon/CELC Facility" also put on the May agenda. Board agreed.
Item 9.6: Amending the 2005/2006 Agenda -- The October 12, 2006 Board meeting conflicts with Yon Kippur. This meeting will be eliminated. Motion made to eliminate the October 12th meeting. All in favor, motion carried.
Old Business - There are two more Board meetings left (one in May and one in June). Personnel Commission will meet on May 19th. Board visits Plymouth on May 12th and visits MHS on June 2nd.
New Business -- None.
Adjournment -- Monina Diaz adjourned the meeting at 10:01 pm in memory of retired Plymouth Principal, Grace McClaren, who recently passed away (four months shy of 100 years old.)
PREVIEW ~ Okay. Brad talking now: The May 11 Board Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Well, actually there'll be a 6:30 p.m. closed session, but you weren't invited so I didn't want to tell you for fear of hurting your feelings. BUT, I can tell you that in the closed session, the board is going to discuss its negotiations with the Monrovia Teachers Association, and is going to do a performance evaluation for Superintendent Louise Taylor.
At the regular meeting, the board will honor a schoolbusload of people, including counselors, students and even a local employer. Then, a little later, Chief Business Officer Linda Dempsey will report on declining enrollment and will answer questions about the MUSD Financing Corporation (apparently prompted by Dennis Jones' question at the last meeting). The board will also hear a report on the possible uses of the vacant classrooms at Canyon Early Learning Center. And then after that they're going to do some other stuff, some of which I can't decipher and some of which appears to be just routine.
LOVE AND TRUST ~ Well, okay, this is not exactly a letter. This is a statement Mary Fahey delivered to the board and which she sent me (which is what qualifies it as a letter) to reprint. So here it goes:
My name is Mary Fahey. I have had children in Mayflower since 1989 and have seen a lot of changes at that school. My youngest daughter graduated to Clifton in 2003 and finally ended my elementary school days.
From history we learn that to stand by idly allows the few to rule without opposition.
At Mayflower, this is what is happening. It is sad that Jill Selak has decided to not speak herself, but has allowed a few to create havoc and an environment that does not really allow freedom to occur. The situation at Mayflower is not good for the education of our children and Ms. Selak should not allow the politicalization of the campus for her own defense whether she has been wronged or not.
Our goal should be the education of every child to the best of their ability. This cannot happen in a fearful or politically charged environ. We need to evaluate what we are doing. Children generally follow adults and mimic their parents, sometimes to our great embarrassment. We are all their teachers. If we are small and mean toward others, they learn this. If we feel that our viewpoint is the only correct one and other opinions should be persecuted, they will learn and imitate this. From these attitudes, they learn prejudice and hatred. I do not want this to be taught in the Monrovia Schools.
What I want for the children of the Monrovia Schools is that they learn to listen and respect opinions of others without vindictiveness or hatred. I want them to learn tolerance and love for their fellow man regardless of his appearance or opinion or religious beliefs. I want them to learn laughter and the joys of life and learning
I know that I sometimes fail in tolerance and acceptance of others, but I do try to teach my children that there is more than one way to do anything and that just because someone else does it differently does not make it wrong or bad, just different.
It is time to let go of the anger and vitriol surrounding the resignation of Jill Selak and move forward teaching our children that in life we don't need to have the reasons for everything, or agree with decisions but we need to learn to trust the officials that we have elected and hired to do their jobs to the best of their abilities and make the difficult decisions that can affect us all.
We need to teach our children, more than anything, to love and trust each other. We also need to teach them to be vigilant against hatred and blind prejudice that destroys without regard for the future.
Thank you all for listening.
RESTORE THE HARMONY ~ And the second letter, also a statement to the board:
My name is Maria Gray. My husband Henry and I have four children (two at Monrovia High, one at Clifton Middle School and a little one at Mayflower Elementary). Two years ago, I had to cast a vote. I tried so hard to make a good choice! In good faith, and in good conscious, I looked for basic good qualities for those I elected to represent me, my children and our schools - to the best of their abilities - when undertaking decisions and actions.
Collectively, and as a group, you willed a response to a proposed decision regarding Mayflower's principal, Mrs. Jill Selak, giving it your full approval. I know you knew that executing your judgment call would have an enourmous impact on the Mayflower community - and probably on your personal lives, and the life of this board. - still, you again, as a collective group, went ahead with your decision. I look at you, and can only begin to imagine the difficult task each and every one of you undertake in the managing, supervising and administering of all our schools! The challenges that come before you, especially in sensitive personnel-related matters, must be horrendous!
You have stated that for legal reasons - and for confidentiality purposes, personnel related issues are not and cannot be disclosed in public. And I do understand that.
During this past year, I have gotten to know most all of you. I don't think that any of you enjoy creating controversy, havoc, or chaos. I believe that most of us here have a heart, have a conscience, and that in our every day lives we truly strive to do what is decent and civil! We may not always succeed, but at least we try! - We try to be moral, right and just people!
I know you could have predicted that Mayflower would be crushed and devastated by the decision you made! And you know that Mayflower is still today - hurting! But for reasons known to you alone, you are still together holding to that decision! What can I say, I have to respect that! Still, Mayflower is loosing its principal! When we find ourselves lost and confused, when we don't have all the answers, when the pieces of the puzzle don't come together, when we can't fully comprehend why it is some things have come to be ... we become frustrated - we get angry - and our emotions run wild! - and rightly so! There is so much information and misinformation out there! Much of it based on assumption, on feelings, with little evidence - and even less reason...and all of us know that little will be accomplished by trying to make sense of this misappropriated knowledge and information that may not have full substance and that we cannot whole-heartedly and dignifiedly verify and compute as yet.
The children are facing a loss - please parents, let's not make it any more difficult on them by putting them in the middle of this. One of the saddest things that I have heard throughout this entire ordeal is that a child said to a teacher, (quote) - "My mommy says you had something to do with our principal leaving!" Please parents, let's not involve the children!
And the teachers ... Some of our teachers have been with us for many many years! The legacy of Mayflower School does not reflect solely upon the present! Indeed, it has to reflect on its past history as well! ... A history full of hard-working, dedicated teachers and staff, who, like Jill Selak, also had a passion and a vision for their beloved Mayflower! Let's not forget, please, that for today and for all of our days, that we are only as strong as our weakest link! Mayflower has been fortunate throughout its years to have been blessed with wonderful teachers! These dedicated and devoted custodials have been the responsible trustees of our children day in and day out! For me, and my family, it has been a privilege to have encountered such exceptional educators! And to those of you whom we've had the honor of your teachings, may I say thank you for instilling in me such confidence - that I, with joy and pleasure, give to you my children on a daily basis!
Parents: I know that we wish we knew where to put blame... somewhere, anywhere - where the pain of loosing the very beloved Mrs. Selak may fit! Anywhere, anyone to whom we can project our pain, our loss onto! But the negativity and the tension that we have created amongst our parents and our teachers is wrong! They are the heart of the school! They are the ones serving the needs of our children! Please - let's not lose sight of that!
Mrs. Selak is leaving - the loss so great that it will undoubtedly take a long time to heal such deep-felt sorrow and mend such broken spirits. But for the sake of the children, we need to begin to restore the harmony that was once such a part of our Mayflower community. Mayflower is worthy and deserving of at least that much! We need to again come together and continue to support each other and begin to work as one for the good of the many! Mayflower has such a wonderful array of hard-working, dedicated, conscientious, fair and reasonable people. And I am asking of all of us here today to begin working in unity again, and to carry on to promote in good faith, a better, stronger Mayflower School! I thank you.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 119 (Addendum)
I just got this note from a parent:
"I was told that somewhere on the new agenda that the Board will discuss something about attendance. My understanding is that this is actually a discussion about parental notification regarding students leaving the school for 'confidential medical appointments.' Evidently the Board is trying to clear up this policy and trying to decide if they are in fact going to allow students to leave during school hours without notifying parents."
Evidentially, my correspondent is referring to this item on the agenda:
9.5 RECEIVE FOR FIRST READING PROPOSED REVISIONS TO BOARD POLICY 5113, AND ACCOMPANYING ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION. Action: receive for first reading revisions to Board Policy 5113 and accompanying Administrative Regulation relating to school attendance.
If, in fact, this item is about clarifying a policy about whether to allow students to leave school for medical appointments without notifying parents, then this is highly annoying. The agenda is supposed to *inform* people about what is going on, not hide it. Dear School Board: Can we please cut the bureaucratese and just tell people what’s going on!
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Thanks to Maria Gray for this detailed write-up of the April 27 Board of Education meeting. In this issue we have the report on the last meeting, a preview of what's coming up at the next meeting, and the text of a couple comments that were recently presented to the board. First, the April 27 meeting; a few things caught my eye: Dennis Jones wanted to know more about the MUSD Financing Corporation; now that he's brought it up, I wanna know too. And - fast answer - Business Boss Linda Dempsey will have a report on that at the upcoming meeting. Again, congrats to Ed Gilliland and the Big M Boosters on the snack bar/restroom groundbreaking at MHS. And here's a snip from Maria's report on Item 7.9: "The Board, Linda Dempsey warned, "will be faced with many budget reductions." Tough decisions coming.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
April 27 meeting called to order at 7:13 pm
Roll Call: All Board members in attendance. Tanya Pan, MHS Student Rep.
Item 2.4: Close Session Report -- During Close Session Board heard information and reports on the following: Bargaining Process, Negotiations w/Teacher's Association, and Public Employees' Assignments. No actions taken by Board during Close Session.
Item 2.5: Approval of March 23rd Regular Board Meeting Minutes and Approval of March 24th. Special Board Meeting Minutes. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 2.6: Public Comment/Open Session (Items on the Agenda) -- There were none.
Item 2.7: Order of Business -- Per Dr. Taylor's request-Due to the large number of public speakers, Item 9.3 (Proposed Revisions to Board Policy) will follow Item 3.0. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 3.0: Consent Agenda -- Has been reviewed by both staff and board. No items have been pulled. Item 8.1 is as is; Item 8.2 is as amended; Item 7.7 is as amended. All in favor to approve Consent Agenda as amended, motion carried.
Special Recognition: California Adult School Student Award -- Elizabeth Tapia along with the Board helped honor Ulises Gutierrez for his hard work and dedication noting him worthy of the prestigious award. Congratulations, Ulises!
Item 9.3: Proposed Revisions to Board Policy 51.27 (High School Regulation Requirements) -- Joel Shawn introduced the first reading of proposed revision regarding the holding of a higher GPA for an MHS diploma attainment. It was explained that the State has its State Education Code, but will allow the district to establish its own. Tracey Gholar (V.P. @ MHS) along with Jim Tarouilly (Principal @ Canyon Oaks) discussed the preliminary strategies for the implementation of the raised 2.0 requirement. The campus academic senate and various leadership groups are highly in favor of "upping" the GPA requirement as a recommended revision to the H.S. graduation requirements. The Board agreed it was an excellent proposal, and would like to move it along, but would like further information as to cost implementation. Dr. Taylor and Monina Diaz suggested bringing item back for a second reading at the next board meeting. All agreed.
Item 4.2: Public Comments for Items Not on the Agenda --
Joel Mechison (sp.?) of Mayflower Elementary expressed his frustration at the Board's acceptance of Jill Selak's resignation but encouraged all to move on. Joel questioned as to when the new principal will be on board. Dr. Taylor said it will take about 8 weeks.
John Watson from the Monrovia Leadership Academy has launched a program which reaches out to teenagers at the high school in hopes of encouraging them to become active members of the community. Students will be meeting with community leaders and the Academy is looking for them to establish "student representation" in committees, councils and boards. John will be meeting with Mr. Zepeda at the high school in hopes of bringing the program directly into the school. Dr. Taylor commended John for the excellent program he runs.
Joann Spring of Monrovia Reads will be hosting a fundraiser Monday, April 2nd at the Krikorian Theater and is inviting everyone to come out and support this pro-active safety net program that promotes literacy programs throughout the city.
Dennis Jones would like more information on the MUSD Financing Corporation and its relation to the Board. Dennis stated that public records show the status of this corporation as "suspended for failure to meeting filing requirements." Linda Dempsey will look into Mr. Jones' request and provide further information concerning this organization.
Mary Fahey expressed concern, as a member of the community, over the havoc that has been created at Mayflower Elementary. Mary is encouraging parents to stop the anger and to continue moving forward in a peaceful manner and to please let our elected officials do their job.
Ann McIntosh expressed concern over the possibility that there may be a problem plaguing the school district -- due to the fact that two popular principals' contracts were not renewed. Ann introduced a new grassroots organization that has come together in order to create a "better means of communication" between the board and the community. "COMPASS" is committed to being a source of information and representation for district families and is looking to closely monitor the practices of district administrators, endorsing of candidates who adhere to their beliefs and principles, is looking to actively get politically involved as an educational lobbyist, and promises to be independent of the school district. Ann stated COMPASS is ready to listen to the community and is looking for long-term solutions and focusing on the future. You can obtain further information on this new organization by logging on to www.monroviacompass.org.
Maria Gray of Mayflower Elementary asked for the Mayflower community to once again come together as one and to focus on restoring harmony at the school for the sake of the children.
Item 4.3: Board Member Reports -- Bruce Carter visited Clifton as it celebrated its recent Distinguished School Award and commended the school for the upbeat, positive image they project! He said they had much to be proud of! Bruce also thanked the district and community for the wonderful flowers, cards, and good wishes he received during his recent surgery.
Bryan Wong thanked all those who spoke tonight for their meaningful, well thought-out expression of words. Bryan said the Board appreciates knowing where the community focus is and that the input is greatly appreciated.
Clare Chesley attended Open House at the high school and was very impressed with the creative "700 Campaign" program that is taking place right now. Clare credited Oscar Ibarra and Samarah Hirsh at the high school for creating the STAR testing campaign with its slogan: "Be a Star -- Raise the Bar." The program was created to help instill pride in students' testing abilities and to try to achieve a testing score of over "700". Clare commended the school for the creative way it thought to motivate its students during this very important period of testing.
Betty Sanford followed up on Joann Spring's Monrovia Reads' Fundraiser. She praised Joann for all her hard work and dedication to the children of Monrovia and reminded everyone that this program is at no cost to the district. She encouraged everyone to go out and help support the May 2nd fundraiser at the Krikorian between the hours of 5-8 p.m.
Monina Diaz attended the Monrovia/Duarte Founders Day Celebration on Monday. She felt the evening was very positive and upbeat, where all schools were able to reflect upon their accomplishments and their goals for the future. She said it was very uplifting for the Board to see all the great parents, teachers, and staff that help make our schools special places for all of our children! Monina also attended a meeting of the Monrovia/ Duarte Black Alumni Association. This group would like to lend support by becoming involved in programs such as "Adopt-A-School" or by promoting and supporting things such as parental involvement or advocacy. Monina will continue to work with this organization and encourage it in its efforts to help our schools.
Item 4.4: MHS Student Rep. Report -- Tanya Pan, Student Representative commended the "STAR Testing 700 Campaign" and stressed the importance of students doing their very best. Tanya went over the MHS May Calendar of Events.
Item 4.5: Superintendent's Report -- Dr. Taylor also applauded Clifton on its recent Distinguished School Award! Dr. Taylor noted that they have a goal of having ALL Monrovia schools be "Distinguished" school recipients some day! "We're already 50% there," she commented! Dr. Taylor congratulated the MHS Vocational Club for receiving special awards/recognitions at both local and state level. And, three students will be competing at the national level as well! Two of our counseling programs have been recognized by the State Counseling Association for meeting such high standards: The Adult School and Santa Fe Middle School. Congratulations to Ed Gilliland and the Big M Boosters for the ground breaking ceremony of both the football field snack bar and restrooms. Ed has done an excellent job of bringing the special project on to the high school, but he still needs help -- money is still being accepted to help completion of the project. Dr. Taylor congratulated all of our schools and all PTA recipients at this year's Founders Day Awards Banquet. She said she was proud to have been part of such a wonderful night. PTA presidents have been meeting with Louise on a monthly basis, and she hopes to continue these luncheons next school year because they help connect her to these individuals and the schools they serve. She attended Open House at the various schools and was most impressed by the number of parent involvement and appreciated the quality of students' work on display.
Item 6.9: Approval of a New Course at MHS -- Joel Shawn is looking for the Board's approval in bringing an Honor's Physics in Automotive Engineering class to the high school this fall. The class will be at no cost to the school because it will not require a new instructor or new materials. It will be built into the existing staff. Motion was made to approve the new course at MHS. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 6.10: 2004 Summer Intervention Program Report -- Susan Hirsh gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview and a summary on this past summer's programs. The report reviewed the following: Enrollment, Intervention, Enrichment, Special Education, and CELDT programs both at the middle and high school. Ms. Hirsh also gave a preview of the 2005 summer program at the various sites. They are looking into "enrichment academies" for the elementary and middle schools. Joel Shawn thanked Ms. Hirsh for all her hard work in implementing the summer school programs throughout the district.
Item 7.9: 2005/2006 Preliminary Budget Projections -- Linda Dempsey, gave an overview of the preliminary budget's components. (Most items have been presented at previous meetings.) She highlighted the Revenue and Expenditure Comparison of the current year and highlighted the Ending Balance Analysis and the Revenue Limit. (Copy of report was distributed.) Report includes adjusting of staff for a declining student enrollment. Dr. Taylor noted that this is still only in the preliminary stages and that the Board will be faced with many budget reductions and that this is all still in the discussion stages and that cutbacks and recommendations will be brought to the Board for review at the end of May. Monina Diaz agreed and noted that the budget report will be brought up for further discussion at the end of May. Board agreed.
Item 8.4: Setting a Salary for New Staff Assistant in the After School Program -- Debby Collins reported that the position had been reviewed and approved back on March 23rd. The additional clerical position is "categorically" funded and has no impact on the general budget. Motion was made to approve the new staff position. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 8.5: Adopt Resolution in Honor of Staff Appreciation Day and Day of the Teacher and Classified Employee of the Week -- Motion was made to approve all noted days of recognition. All in favor, motion carried.
Item 9.2: Second Reading on Board Policy 11-60 (Political Advocacy) -- Board was asked to review packet and asked if they had any questions. Betty Sanford asked for more information as to the role the Board plays on advocacy. Dr. Taylor explained that the California School Boards Association policy reads that "a board member can advocate but only as a individual citizen, the board cannot urge the public to lobby the legislature on behalf of the district." Betty stated it is because of district funding reasons that this is so. Louise has yet to hear from CSBA as to "why" this is so, but as soon as she receives information, she will inform the board. Clare Chesley is encouraging the board to "team up" with other school districts -- so to have a stronger voice and create a larger impact. Bruce Carter reminded the board that there is a legislative conference coming up in two weeks and that he will attend. Dr. Taylor noted that there should be specific reference made regarding the teaming up with other districts under the advocacy paragraph in the coalition of the district policy. Monina Diaz stated that she wants to make sure the advocacy policy continues to stay strong amongst the board and that all advocacy messages get on the agenda on a quarterly basis.
Dr. Taylor asked if the board had looked at the "State Non-Federal Budget Statements" and if the board's needs and interests were met, then they should be adopted and worked on later so to share them with legislatures in the future. A board consensus agreed to bring the "State Non-Federal Budget Statements" back to the board for a third reading and adoption.
Item 9.4: First Reading for Proposed Revision of Group Policy 135.4 (Food Service/Child Nutrition Program) -- Linda Dempsey reported this policy will now separate child nutrition from the "operations" of the cafeteria program and from the operation in regards to the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. This new policy will allow the district to access application data and use it to provide accurate information when evaluating school programs. Board agreed to bring the policy back for future review.
Item 9.5: First Reading for Proposed Board Policy (Sales of District Owned Real Property) -- Linda Dempsey noted that this policy allows the Board to address declining enrollment. The primary intent of the legislature was that leases of school sites will involve the community and the staff. This will outline the structure of the advisory committee and the committee's responsibility to analyze facility capacity and to make recommendations to the Board on leasing, selling or closing a facility. Dr. Taylor asked to bring this proposal back for adoption on consent at the next meeting. Board agreed. Also, due to time constraints, Dr. Taylor asked that Linda Dempsey's report on Plan for Monitoring Declining Enrollment be placed on the Superintendent's Report portion of next meeting's agenda. Dr. Taylor also requested that the report Jenny Jenesly (sp.?) and Donna McCloud were to present on "What is Being Proposed for the Canyon/CELC Facility" also put on the May agenda. Board agreed.
Item 9.6: Amending the 2005/2006 Agenda -- The October 12, 2006 Board meeting conflicts with Yon Kippur. This meeting will be eliminated. Motion made to eliminate the October 12th meeting. All in favor, motion carried.
Old Business - There are two more Board meetings left (one in May and one in June). Personnel Commission will meet on May 19th. Board visits Plymouth on May 12th and visits MHS on June 2nd.
New Business -- None.
Adjournment -- Monina Diaz adjourned the meeting at 10:01 pm in memory of retired Plymouth Principal, Grace McClaren, who recently passed away (four months shy of 100 years old.)
PREVIEW ~ Okay. Brad talking now: The May 11 Board Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Well, actually there'll be a 6:30 p.m. closed session, but you weren't invited so I didn't want to tell you for fear of hurting your feelings. BUT, I can tell you that in the closed session, the board is going to discuss its negotiations with the Monrovia Teachers Association, and is going to do a performance evaluation for Superintendent Louise Taylor.
At the regular meeting, the board will honor a schoolbusload of people, including counselors, students and even a local employer. Then, a little later, Chief Business Officer Linda Dempsey will report on declining enrollment and will answer questions about the MUSD Financing Corporation (apparently prompted by Dennis Jones' question at the last meeting). The board will also hear a report on the possible uses of the vacant classrooms at Canyon Early Learning Center. And then after that they're going to do some other stuff, some of which I can't decipher and some of which appears to be just routine.
LOVE AND TRUST ~ Well, okay, this is not exactly a letter. This is a statement Mary Fahey delivered to the board and which she sent me (which is what qualifies it as a letter) to reprint. So here it goes:
My name is Mary Fahey. I have had children in Mayflower since 1989 and have seen a lot of changes at that school. My youngest daughter graduated to Clifton in 2003 and finally ended my elementary school days.
From history we learn that to stand by idly allows the few to rule without opposition.
At Mayflower, this is what is happening. It is sad that Jill Selak has decided to not speak herself, but has allowed a few to create havoc and an environment that does not really allow freedom to occur. The situation at Mayflower is not good for the education of our children and Ms. Selak should not allow the politicalization of the campus for her own defense whether she has been wronged or not.
Our goal should be the education of every child to the best of their ability. This cannot happen in a fearful or politically charged environ. We need to evaluate what we are doing. Children generally follow adults and mimic their parents, sometimes to our great embarrassment. We are all their teachers. If we are small and mean toward others, they learn this. If we feel that our viewpoint is the only correct one and other opinions should be persecuted, they will learn and imitate this. From these attitudes, they learn prejudice and hatred. I do not want this to be taught in the Monrovia Schools.
What I want for the children of the Monrovia Schools is that they learn to listen and respect opinions of others without vindictiveness or hatred. I want them to learn tolerance and love for their fellow man regardless of his appearance or opinion or religious beliefs. I want them to learn laughter and the joys of life and learning
I know that I sometimes fail in tolerance and acceptance of others, but I do try to teach my children that there is more than one way to do anything and that just because someone else does it differently does not make it wrong or bad, just different.
It is time to let go of the anger and vitriol surrounding the resignation of Jill Selak and move forward teaching our children that in life we don't need to have the reasons for everything, or agree with decisions but we need to learn to trust the officials that we have elected and hired to do their jobs to the best of their abilities and make the difficult decisions that can affect us all.
We need to teach our children, more than anything, to love and trust each other. We also need to teach them to be vigilant against hatred and blind prejudice that destroys without regard for the future.
Thank you all for listening.
RESTORE THE HARMONY ~ And the second letter, also a statement to the board:
My name is Maria Gray. My husband Henry and I have four children (two at Monrovia High, one at Clifton Middle School and a little one at Mayflower Elementary). Two years ago, I had to cast a vote. I tried so hard to make a good choice! In good faith, and in good conscious, I looked for basic good qualities for those I elected to represent me, my children and our schools - to the best of their abilities - when undertaking decisions and actions.
Collectively, and as a group, you willed a response to a proposed decision regarding Mayflower's principal, Mrs. Jill Selak, giving it your full approval. I know you knew that executing your judgment call would have an enourmous impact on the Mayflower community - and probably on your personal lives, and the life of this board. - still, you again, as a collective group, went ahead with your decision. I look at you, and can only begin to imagine the difficult task each and every one of you undertake in the managing, supervising and administering of all our schools! The challenges that come before you, especially in sensitive personnel-related matters, must be horrendous!
You have stated that for legal reasons - and for confidentiality purposes, personnel related issues are not and cannot be disclosed in public. And I do understand that.
During this past year, I have gotten to know most all of you. I don't think that any of you enjoy creating controversy, havoc, or chaos. I believe that most of us here have a heart, have a conscience, and that in our every day lives we truly strive to do what is decent and civil! We may not always succeed, but at least we try! - We try to be moral, right and just people!
I know you could have predicted that Mayflower would be crushed and devastated by the decision you made! And you know that Mayflower is still today - hurting! But for reasons known to you alone, you are still together holding to that decision! What can I say, I have to respect that! Still, Mayflower is loosing its principal! When we find ourselves lost and confused, when we don't have all the answers, when the pieces of the puzzle don't come together, when we can't fully comprehend why it is some things have come to be ... we become frustrated - we get angry - and our emotions run wild! - and rightly so! There is so much information and misinformation out there! Much of it based on assumption, on feelings, with little evidence - and even less reason...and all of us know that little will be accomplished by trying to make sense of this misappropriated knowledge and information that may not have full substance and that we cannot whole-heartedly and dignifiedly verify and compute as yet.
The children are facing a loss - please parents, let's not make it any more difficult on them by putting them in the middle of this. One of the saddest things that I have heard throughout this entire ordeal is that a child said to a teacher, (quote) - "My mommy says you had something to do with our principal leaving!" Please parents, let's not involve the children!
And the teachers ... Some of our teachers have been with us for many many years! The legacy of Mayflower School does not reflect solely upon the present! Indeed, it has to reflect on its past history as well! ... A history full of hard-working, dedicated teachers and staff, who, like Jill Selak, also had a passion and a vision for their beloved Mayflower! Let's not forget, please, that for today and for all of our days, that we are only as strong as our weakest link! Mayflower has been fortunate throughout its years to have been blessed with wonderful teachers! These dedicated and devoted custodials have been the responsible trustees of our children day in and day out! For me, and my family, it has been a privilege to have encountered such exceptional educators! And to those of you whom we've had the honor of your teachings, may I say thank you for instilling in me such confidence - that I, with joy and pleasure, give to you my children on a daily basis!
Parents: I know that we wish we knew where to put blame... somewhere, anywhere - where the pain of loosing the very beloved Mrs. Selak may fit! Anywhere, anyone to whom we can project our pain, our loss onto! But the negativity and the tension that we have created amongst our parents and our teachers is wrong! They are the heart of the school! They are the ones serving the needs of our children! Please - let's not lose sight of that!
Mrs. Selak is leaving - the loss so great that it will undoubtedly take a long time to heal such deep-felt sorrow and mend such broken spirits. But for the sake of the children, we need to begin to restore the harmony that was once such a part of our Mayflower community. Mayflower is worthy and deserving of at least that much! We need to again come together and continue to support each other and begin to work as one for the good of the many! Mayflower has such a wonderful array of hard-working, dedicated, conscientious, fair and reasonable people. And I am asking of all of us here today to begin working in unity again, and to carry on to promote in good faith, a better, stronger Mayflower School! I thank you.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 119 (Addendum)
I just got this note from a parent:
"I was told that somewhere on the new agenda that the Board will discuss something about attendance. My understanding is that this is actually a discussion about parental notification regarding students leaving the school for 'confidential medical appointments.' Evidently the Board is trying to clear up this policy and trying to decide if they are in fact going to allow students to leave during school hours without notifying parents."
Evidentially, my correspondent is referring to this item on the agenda:
9.5 RECEIVE FOR FIRST READING PROPOSED REVISIONS TO BOARD POLICY 5113, AND ACCOMPANYING ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION. Action: receive for first reading revisions to Board Policy 5113 and accompanying Administrative Regulation relating to school attendance.
If, in fact, this item is about clarifying a policy about whether to allow students to leave school for medical appointments without notifying parents, then this is highly annoying. The agenda is supposed to *inform* people about what is going on, not hide it. Dear School Board: Can we please cut the bureaucratese and just tell people what’s going on!
