1Call to Order1min
1.10:05Roll 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
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Public Comment Links: English: https://forms.gle/UAa3pgPrdt6CuXCL8 Spanish: https://forms.gle/HGDxeXhXgMakgH6Y7 §
3Closed Session – 6:00 p.m. (50 min)
3.1Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code: § 54957) Title: Superintendent
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40:16Reconvene to Regular Session at Approximately 7:00 p.m.2min
4.10:05Roll CallProcedural
4.20:16Report Out on Closed Session from May 14, 2025Information
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50:16Welcome1min
5.1Welcome by the School Board President, Mike WellsProcedural
62:20Changes to the Agenda1min
6.1Additions, Deletions, or Modifications to the AgendaDiscussion
72:21Approval of Agenda1min
7.1Approval of the AgendaAction
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82:28Oral Communication
Amika Guillaume (3min) — As COO of Peninsula Bridge, she celebrated the organization's 35-year partnership with RCSD, highlighting college access and career outcomes for low-income first-generation students from Redwood City.
Maya (1min) — A Kennedy-bound student expressed gratitude to the board for approving advanced English classes at Kennedy Middle School.
Saoirse Rafferty (1min) — A student from Orion's Mandarin Immersion program thanked the board for implementing advanced ELA at Kennedy, saying it would help students achieve their dreams.
Nia (1min) — A student expressed deep appreciation for the board's work for RCSD students and excitement about advanced ELA classes at Kennedy.
Finbar (0min) — A student briefly thanked the board for the advanced ELA program at Kennedy.
Megan O'Reilly-Green (1min) — A parent seconded the students' comments, expressed appreciation for the board's careful consideration of the advanced classes issue, and brought small gifts for board members who read her emails and petitions.
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/8wfBvdVJV1VgXwYL7 Spanish: https://forms.gle/gjzX5cK8ACG9fdtE9 §
99:17Approval of Bond Program Consent Items1min
9.19:17Approval of Classroom Climate Control Window Treatment Project ProposalsAction (Consent)
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Rationale: At the August 28, 2024, Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, staff provided an update on the Facilities Master Plan and initiated discussions on improving classroom environmental conditions, including the potential installation of window treatments and tinting. At the September 11, 2024, BOT meeting, staff presented various options, timelines, and implementation processes for upgrading climate control across school sites. At the November 6, 2024, BOT meeting, the Board approved HVAC upgrade design services for the following schools scheduled for 2025: Adelante Selby School, Hoover School, Roosevelt School, and Taft School. Additionally, staff outlined "quick start" climate control measures, such as window treatments and tinting. Staff has secured pricing from Creative Window Interiors to address immediate cooling needs using the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) bidding guidelines. Financial Impact: School Site Quantity Total Clifford 152 $40,950.00 McKinley 179 $48,520.00 Hoover 157 $53,570.00 Taft 41 $24,630.00 North Star 76 $28,380.00 Kennedy 35 $15,380.00 Roosevelt 74 $25,270.00 Ford 77 $25,980.00 Garfield 49 $16,456.00 TOTAL 840 $279,136.00 $279,136.00 will be paid out of Measure S Funds. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Nick Olsen, Bond Program Manager, VPCS; Martin Cervantes, Interim Bond Director Reviewed 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. §
9.29:17Approval of Division of State Architect Certified Inspector of Record for the HVAC Projects - Summer 2025Action (Consent)
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Rationale: The Redwood City School District is preparing for HVAC upgrades at multiple school sites during the summer of 2025. Project plans and specifications have been submitted to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and are currently under review. As part of DSA requirements, a certified Inspector of Record (IOR) must be contracted to provide continuous inspection services once approval is granted and construction begins. Staff recommends entering into a contract with MWC Associated to ensure the District is positioned to proceed without delay upon DSA approval. Financial Impact: $75,000 (Measure S Funds) Submission for Approval Prepared by: Nick Olsen, Bond Program Manager, VPCS; Martin Cervantes, Interim Bond Director; 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. §
9.39:17Approval of HVAC Replacement Project at Roy Cloud School Multi-use BuildingAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Rooftop Unit (RTU) #1 and RTU #2 on the Multi-use Building (MUB) at Roy Cloud School are now twenty-four (24) years old, significantly exceeding the typical useful life expectancy as defined by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards. According to ASHRAE, the expected service life for rooftop units typically ranges between 15 and 20 years, depending on maintenance and operational conditions. It has been determined that both units are no longer operationally reliable. Our in-house technician performed maintenance on both units approximately one year ago, addressing several issues. However, both units have experienced failed compressor circuits, rendering them inoperative. Given the age and current condition of RTU1 and RTU2, as well as the failed compressor circuits, it is technically and financially impractical to continue investing in repairs. The ongoing maintenance costs and the potential for additional failures make replacement the most prudent option. Upgrading to new, energy-efficient units will not only restore reliable HVAC functionality but also result in operational cost savings and improved energy efficiency, aligning with our long-term facility management goals. Since this is a replacement that is "like-kind" and no increased weight or structural upgrades are anticipated, this project does not require Division of State Architect (DSA) approval. The total of these two proposals is within the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) bid threshold for 2025 of $75,000. Financial Impact: Replace RTU #1 $36,808.00 Replace RTU #2 $35,249.00 TOTAL $72,057.00 This will be paid from Measure S Funds. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Nick Olsen, Bond Program Manager, VPCS; Martin Cervantes, Interim Bond Director Reviewed 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. §
109:38Bond Program Action Items40min
10.19:38Adoption of Resolution No. 24, Lease-Leaseback Agreement with Blach Construction for HVAC Projects at Adelante Selby School, Hoover School, Roosevelt School, and Taft SchoolAction
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Rationale: At the November 6, 2024, Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, the Board approved HVAC upgrade design services for the following schools scheduled for 2025: Adelante Selby School, Hoover School, Roosevelt School, and Taft School. In accordance with Education Code Section 17406 and Board Policy 3311 (Bids), the District is authorized to use the Lease-Leaseback (LLB) delivery method for school construction and modernization projects. This method allows the District to select a contractor based on a best value determination considering qualifications, experience, and cost to initiate the Summer 2025 HVAC Upgrades Project process. On March 6, 2025, Redwood City School District released Request for Qualification and Proposal (RFQ/P) #S25-001, Lease-Leaseback (LLB) Construction Services for the HVAC Projects at Adelante Selby School, Hoover School, Roosevelt School, and Taft School. On March 26, 2025, the District received three (3) proposals from qualified general contractors. Each proposal was evaluated by the Bond Program Team and Design Team based on a predetermined set of criteria: Technical Expertise Price Point (General Condition and Fee) Management and Staffing Approach History of meeting project schedules Claims and Litigation History Interview performance On April 7, 2025, the District interviewed all three (3) contractors that submitted proposals. Following interviews and scoring, Blach Construction was determined to be the best value for this project based on their qualifications, proposal, and interview performance, with a composite score of 281 out of 300 total possible points. The Bond Program Team recommends that the School Board of Trustees approve the Lease-Leaseback Agreement with Blach Construction for the HVAC Projects. Upon approval, the following steps are to immediately order the long lead items, included in this agreement, for electrical equipment and controls, and complete the bidding process for subcontractors. The Bond Program Team will return to the Board in June with a proposed approval on a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the installation scope of work. Financial Impact: This Lease-Leaseback A greement includes pre-construction services totaling $416,859 to help ensure the schedule for the Summer 2025 HVAC upgrade projects. The pre-construction services include: Early procurement of Electrical Panels and Switchgear Early procurement of District standard HVAC controls and energy management system Equipment to receive and securely store the HVAC Mechanical Equipment already purchased by the District (Approved by the BOT on March 12, 2025) Submission for Approval Prepared by: Nick Olsen, Bond Program Manager, VPCS; Martin Cervantes, Interim Bond Director Reviewed by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
10.215:37Approval of Agreement for Purchase of Mobile Air Conditioning Units for Charter School SitesAction
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Rationale: At the August 28, 2024, Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, staff provided an update on the Facilities Master Plan and initiated discussions on improving classroom environmental conditions, including the potential installation of air conditioning at school campuses. At the September 11, 2024, BOT meeting, staff presented various options, timelines, and implementation processes for upgrading HVAC systems across school sites. At the November 6, 2024, BOT meeting, the Board approved HVAC upgrade design services for the following schools scheduled for 2025: Adelante Selby School, Hoover School, Roosevelt School, and Taft School. Additionally, staff outlined temporary cooling measures, such as mobile air conditioning units, to be used until the permanent HVAC upgrades are completed. At the February 5, 2025, BOT Meeting, the Board approved the purchase of mobile air conditioner units to address immediate cooling needs across the District Schools. Staff has secured pricing for additional mobile air conditioner units for the Charter School sites from Spot Cooler, using the same piggyback procurement method through Omnia Partners contract #159051. Financial Impact: $209,933.75 will be paid out of Measure S Funds. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Nick Olsen, Bond Program Manager, VPCS; Martin Cervantes, Interim Bond Director Reviewed by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
1117:34Approval of Consent Items1min
11.117:34Approval of the April 16 Board Meeting MinutesAction (Consent)
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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. §
11.217:34Approval of the April 23 Board Meeting MinutesAction (Consent)
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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. §
11.317:34Approval of the Facilities Use Agreement between Redwood City School District and Rocketship Redwood City Prep Charter School ("Rocketship"), for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 School YearsAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Proposition 39 and its implementing regulations (Education Code § 47614; Title 5, California Code of Regulations § 11969.1 et seq.) govern how charter schools request access to reasonably equivalent District facilities based on the projected Average Daily Attendance (ADA) of District-resident students. Rocketship Public Schools currently operates at the former Hawes Elementary School site under a Proposition 39 agreement. The school’s charter is valid through June 30, 2027. For the 2025–26 school year, the District and Rocketship mutually agreed to forgo the formal Proposition 39 request and response process. This decision was based on the stability of enrollment, continued availability of the current site, and the shared interest in minimizing administrative burden. A two-year Facilities Use Agreement (FUA) has been executed, extending Rocketship’s access to the Hawes site through the end of its current charter term on June 30, 2027. Under the terms of the agreement, Rocketship will continue to pay its proportionate share of facilities costs (pro rata share), as calculated pursuant to Proposition 39 regulations. Financial Impact: Rocketship will reimburse the District for facilities use (pro rata share) as follows: 2025–26 School Year: $25,650.99 2026–27 School Year: $29,124.59 Total (Two-Year Agreement): $54,775.58 Submission for Approval Prepared by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., 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. §
11.417:34Approval of the Amendments to the Agreements between the Redwood City School District and Aequor Health Services, LLC ("Aequor") for the 2024-2025 School YearAction (Consent)
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Rationale: The following three (3) agreements with Aequor, who have been providing essential support to students in the classroom, need to be amended. Due to the positive impact of their services and the exhaustion of the current funds, we propose an increase in funding to ensure the continuation of this valuable assistance. The amendments are being presented to the School Board after services began due to prolonged negotiations. Financial Impact: Agreement 1 of 3 for Roy Cloud School - The original agreement in the amount of $54,600.00 will be amended to provide additional paraprofessional services for an additional amount not to exceed $11,000.00, which makes this amendment agreement a maximum agreement of $65,600.00. Agreement 2 of 3 for Roosevelt School- The original agreement in the amount of $54,600.00 will be amended to provide additional paraprofessional services for an additional amount not to exceed $15,000.00, which makes this amendment agreement a maximum agreement of $69,600.00. Agreement 3 of 3 for Taft Community School - The original agreement in the amount of $56,880.00 will be amended to provide additional paraprofessional services for an additional amount not to exceed $8,500.00, which makes this amendment agreement a maximum agreement of $65,380.00. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Maeve Mulholland, Director of Special Education 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. §
11.517:34Approval of the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Casa Circulo Cultural Inc. for Summer 2025Action (Consent)
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Rationale: This agreement is made between the Redwood City School District and Casa Circulo Cultural Inc. to provide an inter-session Summer Camp for 60 RCSD unduplicated students. The program will be held at Casa Circulo Cultural's main location at 3090 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063. The term for this agreement is from June 16, 2025, to July 26, 2025, aligning with the Community Schools Department grants and payment cycles. Financial Impact: The contract amount is not to exceed $80,179.00. The funding will come directly from the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program with no financial impact on RCSD general or concentrated funds. The school district is the fiscal agent for the grant(s). Submission for Approval Prepared by: Michelle Griffith, Director of Community Schools and Partnerships, and Enrique Calderon, Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Grant Manager 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. §
11.617:34Approval of the Agreement between the Redwood City School District and Catalyst Family Inc. for the 2025-2026 School Year and Summer 2025Action (Consent)
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Rationale: This agreement is made between the Redwood City School District and Catalyst Family Inc. to provide expanded learning enrichment programming at Henry Ford, Roosevelt, Orion, and Roy Cloud. This includes a total of 4 school sites, 180 school days, and 30 intersession days. The term for this agreement is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, to reflect and align with the Community Schools Department grants and payment cycles. Financial Impact: The contract amount is not to exceed $838,599.00. The funding will come directly from the Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant with no financial impact on RCSD general or concentrated funds. The school district is the fiscal agent for the grant(s). Submission for Approval Prepared by: Michelle Griffith, Director of Community Schools and Partnerships, and Enrique Calderon, Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Grant Manager 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. §
11.717:34Approval of Agreement for Participation in the 2025-2026 Outdoor Education Program between the Redwood City School District and the San Mateo County Office of EducationAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Each year fifth grade students throughout the County have an opportunity to attend a week-long educational program with classes on outdoor science, conservation, and the environment held at Camp Jones Gulch near La Honda. Science is the primary focus of the Outdoor Education program and specific California Science standards are addressed. Students learn about the land, the sea, the forest, animals, habitats and interrelationships. The week also provides students with firsthand experiences, skills, and knowledge in many subjects including social studies, mathematics, language arts, performing arts and physical education. The San Mateo Outdoor Education Program staff consists of one site director, fifteen naturalists and classroom teachers who lead educational activities. The Redwood City School District provides one teacher per thirty students and substitutes for the teachers who attend the program. The Outdoor Education coordinator recruits high school students as cabin leaders at a ratio of one to ten and oversees the program, works with principals, and arranges the transportation. The term of the agreement shall be from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Financial Impact: The cost of the program is $555.00 per student, $530.00 for students who qualify for the national school breakfast and lunch program (for a five day program); $480.00 per student fee, $455.00 for students who qualify for the national school breakfast and lunch program (for a four day program); and $250.00 per each teacher in attendance from the district. Although teachers and students conduct numerous fundraisers to supplement the cost, n o student is denied the opportunity to participate due to financial hardship. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Antonio Perez, Director of Student Services 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. §
11.817:34Approval of the Agreement to Provide Meals at KIPP and Connect for the 2025-2026 School YearAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Approval of this agreement will allow Redwood City School District Child Nutrition Services (CNS) staff to provide meal service to the charter schools under the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP), ensuring students receive nutritious meals that meet federal program standards. Financial Impact: This agreement is financially beneficial to RCSD, as it allows the District to claim meal counts under the Universal Meals program. By including both schools, the District will serve an additional 800 students with healthy, compliant meals, expanding access while maximizing state reimbursement. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Richie Wilim, Director of Child Nutrition Services 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. §
11.917:34Ratification of Warrant Registers, April 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025Action (Consent)
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Rationale: Education Code Section 42631 states that all payments from funds of a school district shall be made by written order of the governing board of the district. The attached report consists of expenditures from various funds of $8,480,432.39 from April 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025. Financial Impact: The total disbursement from the San Mateo County Treasurer's Office amounts to $8,480,432.39 and represents actual expenditures for all funds. 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. §
11.1017:34Declaration of Obsolete TextbooksAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Each year, the California Department of Education adopts new instructional materials in history-social science, science, visual and performing arts, reading/language arts, and mathematics. This cycle also can include minor adoptions in English language arts, physical education, and other subjects. Materials that are no longer relevant to the District’s instructional programs (e.g., new State-content standards and frameworks, revised District courses of study, new State-adopted textbooks) are determined to be obsolete. These materials are first offered to students and community members at sites. Remaining materials are then offered to non-profit agencies, and finally, remaining materials are recycled. Core Connections, Course 1, Hardbound Student Book 9781603280778 Core Connections, Course 2, Hardbound Student Book 9781603280846 Core Connections, Course 3, Hardbound Student Book 9781603280914 Core Connections, Algebra, Hardbound Student Book 9781603281010 Core Connections, Geometry, Hardbound Student Book 9781603281089 Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Carla Malattia, IMC Project Administrator 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. §
1217:51Action Items - 1 hr 25 min
12.117:51Approval of Pilot of Benchmark 2022 English/Spanish Language Arts Curriculum at Taft and Garfield Elementary Schools for the 2025-2026 School YearAction (Consent)
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Rationale: Benchmark Advance and Adelante is the current RCSD core language arts adopted program, since their adoption in 2017. The current ELA licences and contract will expire in June 2025. The next adoption is 2028 and we are currently in the process of renewing the license for Benchmark Advance and Adelante from the 2017 adoption. The 2022 version of Benchmark Education curriculum is aligned with the Science of Reading. The updated Benchmark Advance framework reflects a comprehensive view of current and confirmed research into how children learn to read: the Science of Reading 360°. Scientific evidence from a spectrum of academic disciplines has informed the foundation of Benchmark Advance , as has the priority we place on integrated instruction and success for all learners. Upon School Board approval, RCSD will pilot the new Benchmark 2022 Curriculum at Taft And Garfield Elementary school for the 2025-2026 school year. The pilot will inform the district if we should adopt the new 2022 version or keep the 2017 version. Benchmark Advance ©2022 incorporates changes that were recommended due to customer feedback as well as the latest science of reading research, state laws, and best instructional practices. The overall structure, format, and goals of the program remain the same, making the transition to ©2022 easy. 2017 version Stayed the same in both versions 2022 Version Changes made Vertical Alignment K-6 of 10 Knowledge Strands (Science, Social Studies, and Literary Topics) – knowledge builds year after year ● Write-in consumable student books ● Spiraling skills and strategies (all tested standards covered by Unit 7) ● Comprehensive literacy approach – reading, writing, phonics, speaking/listening ● Text Sets organized around a unit topic – whole group texts, small group texts, read-aloud texts, reader’s theater, phonics decodables ● Parallel, equitable Spanish program Text (decodable, knowledge building, read aloud..) Knowledge Building & Comprehension Writing Phonics ( 3-5 new additions) Vocabulary Biliteracy On-demand Professional Development Technology Recommendations from teachers to enhance 2017 version Changes made in 2022 version due to recommendations More authentic and contemporary titles with better representation of diversity Changed approx. 55-60% of Whole Group texts Author and illustrator diversity with added author features – All new Small Group texts (550 titles K-5) which include titles we commissioned from well-known and diverse trade authors. These texts reflect diverse cultures, traditions, dialects, gender, ability, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. – New supplementary Trade Book libraries available that are more contemporary with more diversity – Author and illustrator diversity with added author features – Ranked highest on a first-of-its-kind diversity rubric from Palm Beach, FL (won adoption) Texts for Social and Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Perspectives – Each Whole Group text has opportunities to connect it to SEL and Culturally Responsive Perspectives – Every Small Group text has SEL, iELD woven into the Teacher’s Guide. Guides are more teacher-friendly and easier to pick up, scan, and use right away – Exploring Perspectives component available as a way to expand teaching and learning through texts Poetry – Every unit includes poetry – Poetry Out Loud features a celebrity reading/interpretation of the poem Include a balance self-selected writing in addition to text-based writing – Two types of process writing units: Writing to Text-Based Prompt & Self-Selected Writing – Still explores three text types – Narrative, Opinion, and Informative/Explanatory – Text-Based writing uses Texts for Close Reading as a source as well as other sources – Self-Selected writing uses Texts for Close Reading as writing mentor texts to learn characteristics of the genre, but then provides students with choice for writing within the genre focus – Students still complete many response-to-reading tasks throughout the unit using text evidence Provide opportunities for students to write to demonstrate their knowledge using evidence from texts and multiple resources – New Culminating Tasks provide students with opportunities each unit to demonstrate the knowledge they’ve built through Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing – Research and Inquiry Projects build in complexity within and across grades and connect to grade-level expectations around writing, research, and presentation skills Continue to infuse grammar into writing instruction – In Grades K-1, conventions/grammar are taught daily in the context of the writing lessons – In Grades 2-6, conventions/grammar are taught in the context of reading as well as writing lessons Provide more support for early stages of writing development – In Kindergarten, students engage in shared writing experiences that includes explicit instruction for the 5 pre- writing strokes which provides the foundation for letter formation as well as the foundation for drawing shapes to create a picture to share a message in response to text – Instruction builds gradually as students add labels to pictures and then to sentences – In K-1, instruction is also building stamina for process writing, moving from 5-day, to 10-day, to 15-day process writing experiences Provide a digital writing space for students – Writer’s Universe is an interactive, digital process writing tool that takes students through each step of the process to digitally publishing their self-selected writing More opportunities for meaningful practice and application with decoding and encoding. New Student Consumable added for both Kinder and Grade 1: My Reading and Writing. – Write-in student book – much more robust than My Shared Reading – Gradual release format: We Read, We Write, I Read, I Write – Decoding and encoding application and practice – Includes new and previously taught phonics skills, high- frequency words, as well as unit content vocabulary Aligned to Science of Reading research base – Systematic scope and sequence, progressing from the known to the new and simple to complex with adequate review and repetition built in. Developed with phonics expert, Wiley Blevins. – Explicit instruction with consistent modeling routines and the bulk of instructional time devoted to students’ authentic practice and application – A gradual-release pathway each week in which new skills are modeled and practiced first in isolation before moving to connected, controlled decodable text reading – Lessons begin with Phonological Awareness – Read-spell-write routine used for teaching high-frequency words which help with orthographic mapping – Meaningful practice in decodable, connected text – Meaningful encoding practice More differentiation, language transfer support, and support for students with dyslexia – Multisensory support through senses beyond hearing and sight, helping students with conditions such as dyslexia – Small-group instruction each day to reinforce whole-group instruction and support the needs of a range of learners – Language transfer support embedded into instruction helps teachers scaffold student learning from other languages to English Want an acceleration plan for Kindergarten – Acceleration plan for Kindergarten added to the scope and sequence – Small Group instruction includes acceleration options – Practice/application section of each lesson includes challenge words for students needing to move more quickly Want more support for how to implement Benchmark Advance and Benchmark Adelante as a biliteracy solution – Biliteracy Guide supports educators through making decisions around the implementation of a biliteracy program. It includes theoretical /pedagogical information as well as practical application using Benchmark Advance and Benchmark Adelante – Includes Biliteracy Weekly Planners that clearly indicate transferable skills, skills to be taught explicitly in each language, and cross-linguistic transfer opportuniti
12.225:39Approval of the School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs) for Adelante Selby, Roosevelt, and CliffordAction
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Rationale: State accountability initiatives require districts to write a three-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that is developed with stakeholders to establish goals, actions, and services for the students in their district. Aligned with the LCAP goals, each school site writes/updates yearly School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) that operationalize how each goal is met and how related actions and services are funded at each site. RCSD 2024-2027 LCAP goals are: 1. By June of 2027, every student in the RCSD will receive appropriate social-emotional support designed to meet their needs in an inclusive and supportive environment through the implementation of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. By June of 2027, the LEA aims to reduce Chronic Absenteeism by 3% each year in all student groups across the LEA, specifically the African American Students and student groups at English learners at Clifford, Henry Ford. Improve the Attendance rate by 2% each year in all groups. Reduce suspensions by 0.5% for district and other subgroups: SED, ELs, Homeless, each year, and by 1% annually for African Americans, and Students with Disabilities, subgroup of English Learners LTELs. 2. By June of 2027, 55% of 2nd-8th grade English Learner (EL) students will progress by a minimum of one level on the ELPAC each school year as measured by the Summative ELPAC Assessment. Increase our reclassification rate to 20%. Decrease our Long Term English Learner to 10% 3. By June of 2027, all RCSD students will increase at least 4% annually in ELA and Math on iReady, the district's local assessment program. English learner students in grades 3-8 will increase in meeting or exceeding the standard in ELA to 20% and in Math to 16% on the CAASPP, the state assessment program. Components of the SPSA: There are some basic requirements of each site that has been designated as a Schoolwide Program for Title I funding: Information on the academic achievement of students A description of the strategies designed to: provide opportunities for all students, including meeting state standards strengthening the academic program address the needs of all students, particularly those at risk of not meeting state standards For all district sites, the SPSA serves as a tool for schoolwide planning, with input and approval from the School Site Council (SSC). Metrics have been aligned with the LCAP and targets have been set by each site for improvement in the areas of suspension, chronic absenteeism, reclassification of English Learners, and achievement in reading and mathematics. Financial Impact: Described in each site budget. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Anna Herrera, Assistant Superintendent, Ed. Services Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
12.327:05Approval of Orion Growth Plan: A Sustainable Roadmap for Unity and ExcellenceAction
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Rationale: Over the course of the past year, the Orion Growth Plan Committee—comprising dedicated parents, staff, and school leaders—engaged in a comprehensive process to study, discuss, and imagine the future of Orion Alternative Elementary School. This memo outlines my final recommendation based on ideas that surged as part of this process. The Orion Growth Plan process began in response to steady enrollment growth in the Mandarin Immersion (MI) program and increased community demand for both programs housed at Orion Alternative School--Mandarin Immersion and Parent Co-Op. As families continued to express interest in Orion Alternative, it became clear that we needed a long-term plan to ensure the school could accommodate this growth while remaining fiscally responsible and programmatically strong. In the spring of 2024, the Orion Growth Plan Committee came together to explore how to best support the continued success and sustainability of both the Parent Co-Op and MI programs on the Avenue del Ora campus. Following is the committee’s charge: The objective of the Orion Growth Plan Committee is to develop a strategic plan for the 2025-26 school year that addresses the future functioning of Orion Alternative Elementary School. The committee will explore various aspects, including enrollment history, facility needs, potential costs to the district, and community engagement to ensure the school continues to provide high-quality education through its unique Parent Co-Op and Mandarin Immersion programs. The committee evaluated space constraints, enrollment trends, and possible future configurations through a series of structured meetings that included data review and community input. To inform their work, the committee launched a survey for the Orion Alternative community and analyzed responses. Committee members also requested and examined detailed information such as: The school’s current and projected enrollment Enrollment, school of choice process, and waitlists at all RCSD schools School capacity and classroom use at all RCSD schools Additional staff coverage and budget implications Recess and lunch logistics Programmatic needs and priorities Site infrastructure Feedback from families and staff Parameters were given to the committee to ensure any future growth plan would be grounded in fiscal responsibility and our responsibility to support all RCSD students and schools. These parameters included: The Orion Alternative School will remain one unified school. Both programs will continue to share a single California Department of Education (CDE) school code. If you recall, both programs came together to share one campus starting in 2019-20 as a result of the Planning for Our Future process of 2018 with the end goal of reducing operational costs and to avoid either program from closing. During this process, the Board was adamant that sustaining all district programs was a priority. Additional costs to RCSD must be minimal. The creation of two separate schools with approximately 300–350 students each is not cost-effective or operationally sustainable. A healthy RCSD school site should serve approximately 500 students to ensure efficient staffing, programming, and financial viability. A minimum number of staff are required for a functioning RCSD school, regardless of size. Families enrolling in either program must commit to the full TK–5 grade span. Interdistrict transfers are not allowed. Since becoming a community-funded district in 2019, RCSD’s general fund revenue is primarily generated from local property taxes rather than the State’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which is based on average daily attendance (ADA). Unlike LCFF-funded districts, where state funding fluctuates with student attendance, RCSD’s overall revenue is less directly impacted by changes in daily attendance or enrollment. The committee’s work was essential in shaping the recommendation that follows. Taking into account committee ideas—particularly a combination of Ideas #1, #3, and #6—I am recommending the following phased approach (for your reference, the full committee ideas follow below the recommendation). Superintendent’s Recommendation for 2025-26 Implementation: Both programs (Parent Co-Op and Mandarin Immersion) will remain on the Avenue del Ora campus and will continue to operate as one school under one single California Department of Education (CDE) school code. The Mandarin Immersion program will expand to three Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classrooms. This decision was made in January of 2025 due to enrollment numbers when the enrollment priority window closed. The third MI TK class will be housed in the former technology lab behind the school library. The SLC (Specialized Learning Center) class will move to another RCSD campus to make room for this expansion. Additional staffing support will be added, including: Increased office assistant hours Additional custodial support More yard duty coverage The specific number of hours will depend on enrollment in August. Superintendent’s Recommendation for 2026-27 Implementation: The Mandarin Immersion program may expand to a third Kindergarten class, depending on enrollment, due to the three rising TK classes. Each TK class has a capacity of 20 students, and the class size capacity for kindergarten students is 28. All other non-Orion programs currently housed at Avenue del Ora will relocate to other RCSD campuses. This includes: Catalyst (Year Round and Extended Learning Opportunities Program) Odyssey Mandarin Immersion Preschool Child Development Center (CDC), the California State Preschool Program This phased transition allows the Avenue del Ora campus to fully accommodate the long-term growth and development of the Co-Op and MI programs while maintaining stability and service to students currently enrolled in other programs. Projected Grade Configuration for 2026–27 (based on enrollment projections and capacity for 29 classrooms) Parent Co-Op Program (11 classrooms): 2 TK classrooms 2 Kindergarten 2 1st Grade 2 2nd Grade 1 3rd Grade 1 4th Grade 1 5th Grade Mandarin Immersion Program (18 classrooms) 3 TK classrooms 3 Kindergarten 3 1st Grade 3 2nd Grade 2 3rd Grade 2 4th Grade 2 5th Grade Note: The exact number of classes will continue to depend on annual enrollment demand as demographers are projecting for RCSD enrollment to dip by approximately 1,000 students by 2033-34. The projected distribution of classrooms between the Parent Co-Op and Mandarin Immersion (MI) programs is based on current and anticipated enrollment patterns, classroom capacity at the Avenue del Ora campus (29 classrooms), and historical retention trends across grade levels. The Mandarin Immersion program has recently seen higher TK and Kindergarten demand, which is why the MI program is projected to expand to three sections per grade in the lower grades. This also aligns with California’s commitment to offering bilingual pathways and our district’s wish to meet community demand. The Parent Co-Op program, a successful program that opened in the early 1980s, continues to maintain its small and intimate community. As such, the Co-Op is projected to maintain two sections per grade through 2nd grade, then taper to one section per grade from 3rd through 5th. In developing the projected grade configuration, we carefully considered patterns of student transfers over time. While some families naturally transition out of the district or return to their neighborhood schools, the largest number of intra-district transfers occurs at third grade, with many students moving to North Star Academy. Although Board Policy 5116.1 – Intradistrict Open Enrollment – encourages families to remain in their program of choice through fifth grade, RCSD also values family choice and recognizes that some families seek environments they believe are best suited to their child’s learning style and needs. Intra-district transfers continue to be allowed when space is available,
131:04:36Board and Superintendent Reports10min
13.1Report from Board Members and SuperintendentReports
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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
141:14:08Information20min
14.11:14:08Contract Update Information and Credit Card SummaryInformation
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Rationale: Attached is a list of contracts that the Administration signed from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, as well as the summary of District Office and Facilities Department credit card activities from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. At the May 8, 2019, board meeting, the Board approved a revision to Board Policy 3312, which provides guidelines for contract administration. The revised policy allows the Superintendent and the Chief Business Official to enter into all contracts up to $60,000, with some exceptions. Financial Impact: The total amount of contracts signed from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, is $867,039.55. The total expenditures using the District Office Visa credit card from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, are $6,757.46, and the Facilities Visa credit card from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, are $11,590.31. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
14.21:14:08Information on San Mateo County Investment Fund - March 2025Information
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Rationale: Pursuant to Education Code Sections 41001 and 41002, all funds received by or apportioned to a school district must be deposited into the county treasury and credited to the appropriate district fund. In accordance with Education Code Section 41015, a school district may invest all or a portion of the funds held in a Special Reserve Fund, as well as any surplus monies not immediately needed for operational purposes, in authorized investments outlined in Government Code Sections 16430 and 53601. Historically, school districts in San Mateo County, including this District, have deposited all funds with the County Treasury. The County Treasurer has managed investment decisions on behalf of the districts, a practice that is common throughout California. These district funds are pooled with those of other public agencies in the County Investment Pool, with earnings and losses distributed proportionally based on each participant’s investment share. Financial Impact: Gross pool earnings for Month ending March 31, 2025: 3.983% Quarter ending March 31, 2025: 4.007% The current average maturity of the portfolio is 2.32 years, with an average duration of 2.08 years. The portfolio continues to hold no derivative products. Please click the link below to view the investment report for March 2025: https://www.smcgov.org/media/153705/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 §
14.31:14:30RCSD Review of Connect Community Charter Second Interim Financial Report for FY 2024-25Information
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Rationale: The Redwood City School District serves as the chartering authority for Connect Community Charter School (Connect). Pursuant to Education Code Section 47604.32, the District is responsible for providing fiscal oversight and monitoring the financial health of each charter school under its jurisdiction. Attached is a letter from the District outlining the review and findings related to Connect's Second Interim Financial Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
14.41:14:30RCSD Review of KIPP Excelencia Community Prep Charter Second Interim Financial Report for FY 2024-25Information
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Rationale: The Redwood City School District serves as the chartering authority for KIPP Excelencia Community Prep Charter School (KIPP). Pursuant to Education Code Section 47604.32, the District is responsible for providing fiscal oversight and monitoring the financial health of each charter school under its jurisdiction. Attached is a letter from the District outlining the review and findings related to KIPP's Second Interim Financial Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
14.51:14:30RCSD Review of Rocketship Redwood City Prep Charter Second Interim Financial Report for FY 2024-25Information
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Rationale: The Redwood City School District serves as the chartering authority for Rocketship Redwood City Prep Charter School (Rocketship). Pursuant to Education Code Section 47604.32, the District is responsible for providing fiscal oversight and monitoring the financial health of each charter school under its jurisdiction. Attached is a letter from the District outlining the review and findings related to Rocketship's Second Interim Financial Report for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Rick Edson, Chief Business Official Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
151:15:31Correspondence1min
15.1Correspondence
161:16:24Other Business/Suggested Items For Future Agenda1min
16.1Possible Other Business/Suggested Items for Future AgendaInformation
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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 §
171:16:31Board Meetings Calendar1min
17.1Changes to the Board Meetings CalendarInformation
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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. Upcoming Board Meetings : 5/28/2025 - 7:00 PM (Regular) - 5:30 PM (Closed) 6/11/2025 - 7:00 PM (Regular) 6/18/2025 - 7:00 PM (Regular) Financial Impact: None. Submission for Approval Prepared by: Evelyn Campos, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Approved by: John R. Baker, Ed.D., Superintendent §
181:17:03Adjournment1min
18.1Adjourn the MeetingAction