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Board Meeting — March 26, 2025

2h 6m · YouTube · BoardDocs

Board renewed the Connect Community Charter School for another term after a public hearing. Approved the Second Interim Budget Report and the 2024 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs). Second readings for sale of district property, transportation, and chronic absence/truancy policies. Approved new combi ovens for the school nutrition program. Clifford School presented.

AI-generated summary — may contain errors. Not an official record.

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1Call to Order1min
1.1Roll CallProcedural
2Oral Communication on Closed Session Items Only
2.1If you have public comment related to a Closed Session item, please post it on the links under Public Content prior to the Closed Session Meeting or immediately upon the meeting opening.Information
Item details
Public Comment Links: English: https://forms.gle/Q48okYcGWZVGRGPcA Spanish: https://forms.gle/uAUmsu9wgfJotpQLA §
3Closed Session – 6:05 - 6:45 p.m.40min
3.1RCTA Negotiations UpdateInformation
Item details
§
3.2CSEA Negotiations UpdateInformation
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§
40:04Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00 p.m.2min
4.10:05Roll CallProcedural
4.20:25Report Out on Closed Session from March 26, 2025Information
Item details
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50:36Welcome1min
5.1Welcome by the School Board President, Mike WellsProcedural
61:46Changes to the Agenda1min
6.1Additions, Deletions, or Modifications to the AgendaDiscussion
71:49Approval of Agenda1min
7.1Approval of AgendaAction
81:58Oral Communication
Jose Talavera (1min) — Thanked the district for clarifying that KIPP Excellencia will be included in the facility master plan and expressed gratitude for a process that prioritizes parent participation.
Demnlus Johnson (1min) — Brought greetings from Rocketship Redwood City, expressed appreciation for the partnership with the district and staff members, and invited trustees and Dr. Baker to tour the school at 909 Roosevelt Ave.
8.1If you have public comment related to a Regular Board Meeting item, please post it on the links available under Public Content prior to the Regular Board Meeting or immediately upon the meeting opening.Information
Item details
Public Comment Links: English: https://forms.gle/VcQL7eVoPBn2ptSP9 Spanish: https://forms.gle/5wwZWBqfYp6u4Bqk7 §
94:11School/Community Reports45min
9.14:11Clifford School Presentation for the 2024-2025 School YearInformation
Item details
Rationale: Clifford will present school data focusing on the alignment of site-level performance with the goals set out in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that align with the SPSA goals. The Presentations will identify areas of success as well as address challenges. The school will present site-specific actions that support district and site priorities and align with district initiatives. 1. Attendance and Suspension 2. English Learners 3. Academic areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics Financial Impact: None at this time. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Anna Herrera, Assistant Superintendent Ed. Services Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
101:16:02Consent Items1min
10.11:16:02Approval of Consent ItemsAction
Item details
§
10.21:16:02Approval of the March 12 Board Meeting MinutesAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: The board minutes have been reviewed by the Clerk, the Superintendent, and Administration. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Evelyn Campos, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.31:16:02Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 3280: Sale Or Lease Of District-Owned Real PropertyAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This policy and regulation were discussed at the March 12th, 2025 board meeting. Financial Impact: No financial impact to the District at this time. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Wendy Kelly, Deputy Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.41:16:02Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy 3540: TransportationAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This policy was discussed at the March 12th, 2025 board meeting. Financial Impact: No financial impact to the District at this time. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Wendy Kelly, Deputy Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.51:16:02Second Reading and Approval of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5113.1: Chronic Absence And TruancyAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: This policy was discussed at the March 12th, 2025 board meeting. A change was made in the last paragraph since the March 12th meeting. The sentence originally read during the First Reading on March 12, 2025: " The Superintendent, attendance supervisor, or designee shall periodically report to the Board regarding student attendance patterns in the district, including rates of chronic absence and truancy districtwide and for each school, grade level, and numerically significant student subgroup as defined in Education Code 52052." The updated sentence states: "The Superintendent, attendance supervisor, or designee shall at least annually report to the Board regarding student attendance patterns in the district, including rates of chronic absence and truancy districtwide and for each school, grade level, and numerically significant student subgroup as defined in Education Code 52052." Financial Impact: No financial impact to the District at this time. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Wendy Kelly, Deputy Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.61:16:02Approval of Amendment No. 2 of the Joint Use Facilities Agreement between the Redwood City School District and the City of Redwood CityAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: The Redwood City School District and the City of Redwood City have cultivated a strong, long-standing partnership focused on maximizing the shared use of community facilities. This collaboration has expanded access to after-school sports programs and enrichment activities, which take place on school fields and within school facilities. Managed by the Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) department, these programs are thoughtfully scheduled to meet the diverse needs of the community. With the addition of Hoover Gymnasium, this amendment further strengthens the partnership between the School District and the City. By optimizing the use of both school and city facilities, this collaboration continues to enhance community well-being—creating more opportunities for education, recreation, and meaningful engagement for residents of all ages. Financial Impact: The financial impact on the Redwood City School District is minimal, as costs are limited and may be offset by shared resources. This agreement further strengthens the positive partnership between the District and the City, enhancing community access to valuable recreational and educational spaces. Please refer to the attached Joint Use Facilities Agreement Amendment #2 Submission for Approval Prepared by: Martin Cervantes, Director of Facilities Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.71:16:02Approval of Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement between Redwood City School District and One Life Counseling Center for the 2024-2025 School YearAction (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: O n August 29, 2024, the original contract was created in the amount of $686,983 for One Life Counseling to provide contracted counseling services for seven school sites. The contract was amended on October 9, 2024, to add counseling services to McKinley Institute of Technology, Orion, Taft, and Roosevelt, increasing the contract amount to $745,733. On December 11, 2024, the second amendment decreased counseling services at Taft, increased services at Garfield, and increased the substitute cost at Roosevelt, which increased the contract to $749,833. Upon board approval, this third amendment would increase counseling services at Taft, thus increasing the cost of the contract to $762,083. Financial Impact: The financial impact of this contract is an increase of $12,250, which will come out of Taft's Title 1 fund. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Patrinia Redd, Director of Health and Wellness Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.81:16:02Approval of the 2024 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: The Redwood City School District (RCSD) School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for 2024 have been successfully completed for each of the 12 RCSD schools. The SARCs were originally scheduled for approval at the January Board meeting, but were pulled from the agenda due to language that caused confusion between “class” and “course.” While the data is accurate, the terminology used in the SARCs led to misinterpretation. The term “class size” in the report refers to the number of students enrolled in a specific course or receiving particular services, not the number of students physically present in a classroom at the same time, which is how our organization defines class size. To clarify this distinction, the language has been updated from “class” to “course” throughout the SARCs. For RCSD, the correct term should be “class courses” rather than “class size.” We requested that DTS, our data service provider for SARCs, implement this change, and they have now completed the revision. The updated SARCs reflect this corrected language, ensuring greater clarity for our families and community. The SARCs are published annually to provide families and the community with essential information about each school within RCSD. These comprehensive reports include details on curriculum and instruction, fiscal data, teacher and staff information, class courses, school safety plans, and demographics. The SARCs primarily focus on the previous academic year but may include information from other past school years. These reports help keep our community well-informed about the offerings and performance of each school within our district. Following the Board of Trustees' approval, the SARCs will be posted on the district and school websites, and we will notify all district families that the SARCs for 2024 are available. Families and community members also have the option to request a paper copy of the SARC from any school office or the District Office. It is important to note that SARCs are required by state and federal law, and parents have the right to request a hard copy of these reports. The SARCs for all 12 RCSD schools are attached. Financial Impact: None at this time Submission for Approval Prepared by: Jorge Quintana, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
10.91:16:02Approval of the Application for Exemption from Required Classroom Teachers’ Salary Expenditures (Education Code 41372)Action (Consent)
Item details
Rationale: Education Code 41372 mandates that local educational agencies allocate a minimum percentage of their budget toward classroom teacher compensation. For elementary school districts, this threshold is set at 60% of the District's current Expense of Education, covering both classroom teachers and instructional aides. At the close of the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Redwood City School District (RCSD) allocated only 54.80% toward classroom compensation—falling 5.20% short, equating to a deficit of approximately $6.6 million, as reflected in Form CEA. RCSD's inability to meet the required percentage is largely attributed to: Program and Service Expenditures Outside Teacher Salaries A significant portion of resources is allocated to programs and services delivered by staff who do not meet the statutory definition of "teacher" under Education Code 41011. One-Time Revenue Funds The District received substantial one-time funding, which is typically reserved for temporary initiatives rather than ongoing compensation obligations. Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Constraints A large portion of the District’s funding comes from Supplemental & Concentration (S&C) Grants, which, under state law, must be directed toward services that primarily support unduplicated pupils—low-income students, English learners, and foster youth. Given RCSD’s high percentage of unduplicated pupils compared to other districts in San Mateo County, a significant share of funds is dedicated to non-personnel expenditures aligned with Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP). Request for Waiver In accordance with EC 41372, RCSD formally requests an exemption from the County Superintendent of Schools for Fiscal Year 2023-24 due to serious financial hardship. As detailed in the attached multi-year projections, enforcing the $6.6 million deficiency would prevent RCSD from maintaining the state-mandated 3% reserve for economic uncertainties in Fiscal Year 2024-25. We urge the San Mateo County Office of Education to grant this exemption to ensure financial stability while continuing to provide high-quality education and support services to our students. Financial Impact: None at this moment. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert’s Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member. §
11Action Items1hr
11.11:16:23Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 21 Approving the Petition for Renewal of the Charter for Connect Community Charter SchoolAction
Item details
Rationale: The existing Charter for the Connect Community Charter School (“Connect”) expires on June 30, 2025. The petition submitted to the District seeks renewal of the Charter for a five-year term commencing July 1, 2025. Charter renewals are governed by the standards and criteria in Education Code sections 47605, 47607, and 47607.2, and renewal petitions shall include a reasonably comprehensive description of any new requirements of charter schools enacted into law since the charter was last renewed. A public hearing regarding the petition was held on January 15, 2025, pursuant to Education Code Section 47605, at which time the Board considered the level of support for the renewal petition by teachers and other employees of the District and parents/guardians. As part of its comprehensive review of the Connect renewal petition, District staff, in consultation with legal counsel, identified multiple items where clarification and/or revisions to the petition were needed. Connect worked cooperatively with the District to provide clarification and implement revisions to the renewal petition to address the identified items. The revised renewal petition is enclosed with this agenda item. District staff has determined that Connect has met the applicable legal standards for renewal, and recommends that the Board approve the renewal of Connect’s Charter as it has been revised. In conjunction with the renewal petition process, the parties will be working to finalize an updated oversight and obligations Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) outlining the parties’ respective fiscal and administrative responsibilities, and legal relationship regarding Connect’s operations. This MOU will be brought to the Board for ratification at a future meeting. Financial Impact: None at this time. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
11.21:24:31Approval for the Purchase and Installation of New Combi Ovens and Braising Pans for the CNS ProgramAction
Jessica Shade (1min) — Expressed excitement about the combi ovens, appreciated Richie Wilim's grant-seeking efforts for kitchen infrastructure, and praised his strategic approach to piecing together funds to support district kitchen needs.
Item details
Rationale: The Redwood City School District (RCSD) Child Nutrition Services (CNS) Department sought multiple quotes for its kitchen equipment upgrade—both independently and through cooperative purchasing agreements with Sourcewell and Omnia. During this process, one restaurant supplier had the opportunity to submit quotes both independently and via a co-op agreement. This not only enhanced competition and increased the number of quotes received, but it also enabled a local restaurant supplier—whose independent quote was initially higher—to secure the project at the lowest price through Sourcewell’s co-op pricing. The bidding process attracted six companies, including four local and two out-of-state suppliers. Additionally, RCSD Facilities played a key role by gathering multiple quotes for plumbing work required outside of the department’s scope. Shoreway Plumbing was ultimately selected for its competitive pricing and its commitment to refinishing the concrete floors upon completion of its work. Cost Savings and Competitive Pricing Chefs’ Toys, an initial bidder, submitted a quote nearly $80,000 higher when bidding independently. However, the competitive nature of the process—allowing additional suppliers to participate—led them to lower their quote, making them more competitive. This approach resulted in significant cost savings while ensuring the business remained local, where RCSD could receive the best support. Addressing Kitchen Limitations with Modern Equipment One of the biggest challenges affecting food variety in RCSD kitchens is the lack of proper equipment and infrastructure. The district’s kitchens are small and poorly equipped, making it essential to maximize space with versatile, high-efficiency appliances. The new equipment includes Convotherm combi ovens, which function as steamers, convection ovens, or a combination of both, and iVario braising pans, which serve multiple purposes. These braising pans can be used as a flat top for cooking pancakes or grilled cheese, as well as for boiling pasta and making soups. With these upgrades, CNS will introduce new technology and capabilities previously unavailable in its kitchens. These modern appliances also improve safety. Unlike standard ovens or GE stoves from Home Depot, the new equipment is better insulated, reducing heat exposure for staff. Additionally, the advanced programming features allow precise temperature control, ensuring food is cooked safely while maintaining its quality and integrity. Long-Term Impact and Financial Plan Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, RCSD’s CNS department will operate as a fully self-managed (self-op) program, handling all aspects of meal planning and preparation. Investing in advanced kitchen equipment will help the program remain sustainable and continue to provide high-quality meals to students in the years ahead. Financial Impact Total Project Cost: $1,041,283.52 Funding Source: 2022 KIT Funds Deadline for Fund Utilization: June 30, 2025 The majority of the 2022 KIT Funds balance will be used for this project. KIT Funds are a unique grant allocated to school food programs, allowing expenses for utility upgrades that would otherwise be covered by the district’s general fund. This project will be fully funded by CNS department KIT Funds, requiring no financial contribution from Fund 13 or the general fund. By leveraging cooperative purchasing agreements and securing modern, multi-functional kitchen equipment, RCSD is making a strategic investment that enhances food quality, improves kitchen efficiency, and ensures long-term program sustainability—all while keeping costs as low as possible. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Richie Wilim, Director, Child Nutrition Services Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
11.31:35:44Approval of the 2024-25 Second Interim Budget Report for RCSDAction
Item details
Rationale: Education Code Section 42130 requires that each school district superintendent submit two financial reports to the governing board during the fiscal year. These reports provide an update on the district’s financial and budgetary status at two key points: First Interim Report – Covers financial activity through October 31 Second Interim Report – Covers financial activity through January 31 Both reports must be reviewed and approved by the governing board within 45 days of the respective reporting period’s close. The format and content of these reports follow the standards and criteria for fiscal stability set by the State Board of Education, as prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction under Education Code Section 33127. Additionally, all reports and supporting documentation are maintained by the district and made available for public review. On December 17, 2024, the governing board approved the First Interim Budget Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The attached Second Interim Budget Report reflects all adjustments to revenues, expenditures, and fund balances as of January 31, 2025. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the district’s financial position and ensures continued transparency and fiscal responsibility. Financial Impact: In the second interim, total General Fund revenues of approximately $143 million and expenditures of $155 million are projected. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
121:52:15Board and Superintendent Reports10min
12.1Report from Board Members and SuperintendentReports
Item details
Rationale: The School Board and Superintendent Baker will report out on meetings, attended events, upcoming events, school site visits, etc. Financial Impact: None at this moment. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Evelyn Campos, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent
132:02:33Information5min
13.1Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund - February 2025Information
Item details
Rationale: Education Code Sections 41001 and 41002 mandate that all funds received or apportioned to a school district must be deposited into the county treasury and credited to the appropriate district fund. Under California Education Code Section 41015, the District has the authority to invest funds deposited in a Special Reserve Fund or any surplus monies not immediately needed for district operations. These investments must align with the options specified in California Government Code Sections 16430 or 53601. Traditionally, school districts in San Mateo County have deposited all their funds into the county treasury. Investment decisions for these funds have historically been managed by the County Treasurer, a common practice across the state. School district funds, along with deposits from other local agencies, are pooled into a County Investment Fund. Profits and losses from these investments are then distributed proportionally among all participants based on their investment amounts. Financial Impact: Gross pool earnings for February 2025: 3.900% The current average maturity of the portfolio is 2.30 years, with an average duration of 2.06 years. The portfolio continues to hold no derivative products. Please click the link below to view the investment report for February 2025: https://www.smcgov.org/media/153264/download?inline= Please click the link below to view the copies of the Investment Reports and the Compliance Reports: https://www.smcgov.org/treasurer/investment-information Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
142:02:42Correspondence1min
14.1CorrespondenceInformation
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§
152:04:29Other Business/Suggested Items For Future Agenda1min
15.1Possible Other Business/Suggested Items for Future AgendaInformation
Item details
Rationale: The following Schedule of Agenda Items for the 2024-25 School Board meetings (attached hereto) has been revised by the administration. This schedule of board agenda items will be routinely updated, as needed. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Evelyn Campos, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
162:06:20Board Meetings Calendar1min
16.1Changes to the Board Meetings CalendarInformation
Item details
Rationale: The following School Board Meetings Calendar for 2024-25 (attached hereto) has been revised by the administration. This calendar of school board meetings will be routinely updated, as needed. Changes made: 3/26/2025 - Closed Session - 6:05 - 6:45 PM 4/02/2025 - Closed Session - 6:15 – 6:45 PM Upcoming Regular Board Meetings: 4/02/2025 - 7:00 PM 4/16/2025 - 7:00 PM 5/14/2025 - 7:00 PM Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Evelyn Campos, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
172:06:36Adjournment1min
17.1Adjourn the MeetingAction

Minutes approved at the April 16, 2025 meeting.

2025.03.26 Minutes DRAFT - Regular.pdf
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