Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Reed Union School District board unanimously approved a new contract for Chief Business Official Carlos Estrella and adopted a revised job description for special education aides at its May 16 meeting. The board also received a presentation on Del Mar Middle School's preparation to implement advanced Math 7C for all seventh-grade students next year.

Closed session and food service contract

Before the public meeting, trustees met in closed session beginning at 4:24 p.m. to discuss potential litigation, labor negotiations with the teachers' association and employee union, and a personnel matter. Board President Jacqueline Jaffee reported there was nothing to announce from the closed session when the public meeting began at 6 p.m.

During the regular meeting, Trustee Shelby Pasarell Tsai raised concerns about liability language in a contract with School Food Solutions, the district's food service administrator. The board removed the item from the consent agenda for separate discussion. After Chief Business Official Estrella explained the language matched the previous contract and agreed to have the district's legal counsel review it, trustees approved the contract with a provision allowing for a liability "carve out" if needed after legal consultation.

Math program update

Del Mar Principal Chad Stuart and Math Department Chair Amy Smith presented a detailed report on professional development completed by the math department to prepare for implementing Math 7C for all seventh-grade students in the 2023-24 school year. The presentation highlighted the many hours of training teachers have undergone.

Personnel and financial items

The board unanimously approved a new job description for special education aides, presented by Director of Student Services Brian Lynch. The position is designed to reclassify Learning Center Aides and Paraprofessionals into roles that better align with their actual responsibilities and duties.

Trustees also approved the final independent audit report for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Estrella reported no major issues were identified in the audit.

The board unanimously approved Estrella's contract as Chief Business Official. Interim Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skelly, who is serving while Superintendent Dr. Kimberly McGrath is on medical leave, praised Estrella's work, and trustees expressed their appreciation for his service.

Public comment and reports

Three speakers addressed the board during public comment: Reed Elementary teacher and teachers' association president Melissa Daymond, community member Sig-Britt Ivey, and Del Mar teacher and lead union negotiator Shea O'Brien.

Crystal Duran, Director of the Belvedere Tiburon Library, delivered the library's annual report.

PTA President Jennifer Riley reported on year-end activities, including staff appreciation gifts and outreach to incoming East Corte Madera families. The board thanked Riley for her service as she steps down from the District PTA presidency. Annie Defesche from The Foundation for Reed Schools reported their gala and fundraisers were on track to meet the foundation's annual commitment to the district.

Future business

The board conducted a first reading of revised board policies to align with California School Boards Association standards. Trustees raised questions about contracting policies, which will be researched before returning for a second reading in June.

Trustee Sherry Wangenheim requested future agenda items on the MOSAIC program previously used at Bel Aire Elementary and discussions on a district reserve policy. The board supported both requests.