By John Crowder

At the March 11, 2015 meeting of the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education, the trustees approved sending four staff members to the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative. They also heard from a teacher at Marsh Elementary who was concerned about projectors not working, received a report from the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) regarding Measure B and Measure C expenditures, and pulled from the consent calendar an addendum to the REACH Project Vendor Agreement.

Stanford Education Leadership Initiative

In a March 2, 2015 letter from the Co-Directors of the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, Dr. Donald Gill, AUSD Superintendent of Education, and three of his staff were invited to attend the one-year Executive Program for Education Leaders (EPEL). According to a report submitted to the board by Gill, the program, “includes a mix of on-campus and distance learning sessions incorporating case-study and research-based presentations, discussions, and exercises led by…faculty” from both the Graduate School of Education and Graduate School of Business.

Also according to Gill, the $84,000 cost of four administrators attending the program will be paid for by two grants, one from EPEL for $76,000, and the other from the James Irvine Foundation for $8,000.

After some questions from the trustees concerning the source of funds and choice of administrators attending, the trustees approved the request on a 5-0 vote. Attending the program will be Gill, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Stephanie Anello, Coordinator, Community Outreach and Engagement, Cheryl Domenichelli, and Director of Educational Services, Jason Murphy.

Broken Projectors

During public comments only one speaker came forward, a teacher from Marsh Elementary School. She said that projectors at the school were, “going out,” and, without them, teachers were unable to implement the curriculum as intended. Following her statement, board member Debra Vinson stressed the importance of having the projectors working, and Tim Forrester, Associate Superintendent, Business and Operations, said he would follow up on the matter.

Bond Measure Reports

The board received a report from the Dale Hudson, chairman of the seven-member CBOC regarding the expenditure of funds for Measure B and Measure C. The CBOC, established in accordance with the voter-approved Proposition 39, which lowered the voter approval requirement from 2/3rds to 55% for school district bond measures that meet certain conditions, is charged, along with other things, of ensuring that, “bond funds are used for legally authorized purposes.”

Measure B is a $56.5 million school bond, passed on November 6, 2012, for the purpose of renovating and modernizing Antioch High School buildings and classrooms, including the athletic stadium.

Measure C is a $61.6 million school bond, passed in June, 2008, “to address critical renovation and modernization needs at schools that have served Antioch for more than forty years.” Among other items, it provided funding to replace roofs, plumbing, heating and air conditioning units and upgrade the district-wide technology infrastructure.

According to Hudson, all requirements of Proposition 39 are currently being met with respect to the two bond measures.

REACH Program

After considerable discussion, the trustees decided to pull an item from the consent calendar, an addendum to the REACH Project Vendor Agreement on behalf of Marsh Elementary.

An affirmative vote from the trustees would have added another $15,541 to the contract, revising the total not to exceed amount to $199,716. Money spent on the program comes from “site restricted categorical state funds (Title 1),” and have, “no impact to the unrestricted general fund,” according to a staff report submitted to the board.

Trustee Walter Ruehlig was the first of the board members to address the item when it was brought forward. Noting that fellow Trustee Barbara Cowan, had in previous meetings questioned how the program was being measured, he asked staff, “Where are we with metrics?”

Vinson also questioned how the program was being measured.

“There is no way to know what they’re doing,” she said.

Following her statement, Ruehlig said, “I agree wholeheartedly.”

Cowan addressed not only REACH, but other service providers in her comments.

“The only thing REACH does is very vague,” she said. “I would really like to see some required metrics for all vendors that serve students directly.”

Board President Claire Smith then followed up on Cowan’s comments, saying, “My problem with REACH is exactly that. I have never seen a measurable outcome in twenty years. I don’t see any proof in the pudding.”

Board Vice President Diane Gibson-Gray, though, supported approving the addendum. Not wishing to deny Marsh Elementary the use of REACH when so many other schools were using their services, and concerned that the rules were being changed for one school mid-year, she suggested she would make a motion to approve. As it became clear, however, that at least three of the board members would vote to table the item, she decided not to follow through. The item was then tabled for a future meeting, and the board went on to pass the rest of the consent calendar on a 5-0 vote.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the AUSD Board of Education will take place on March 25. Meetings are held at the school district office at 510 G Street, and begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch is proud to present artworks from students from Antioch Middle, Black Diamond and Dallas Ranch Middle Schools beginning March 11th and continuing through March 28th. There will be an opening reception on March 11th from 4-6 PM. There are many talented students in Antioch and this an opportunity to showcase their art like a professional artist in a local gallery.

The Arts4Schools Program is sponsored by the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch, the City of Antioch and Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund and Cal Pine Grants from Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover.

In addition to sponsoring the gallery exhibit, Supervisor Glover through the Keller Canyon Mitigation Grant, provides $500 to each participating school to be used for art and cultural supplies and educational endeavors. For more information about each exhibit call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897 or email Diane@Art4Antioch.org. The Lynn House Gallery is located in the Rivertown District at 809 W. 1st Street, Antioch (across from the AMTRAK Train Station) and is open from 1 – 4 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays during exhibits and admission is free.

By John Crowder

At the February 25, 2015, meeting of the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education, a resolution was adopted for the closure of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School (DLMHS) Dependent Charter School, bringing to an end the protracted battle that took place last year between DLMHS teachers and AUSD administrative staff over whether or not to convert the school to a charter school. In addition to this action, representatives of the Black Diamond Middle School (BDMS) Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) outlined their plans for the remainder of the school year, and board member Walter Ruehlig announced the first in a series of meetings he has planned to speak with members of the community about their questions and concerns regarding the school district.

Dozier-Libbey dependent charter petition surrendered

The action taken to close the DLMHS Dependent Charter School, which has long been expected, passed on a 5-0 vote. With this action, the board has taken one of the final steps it had committed to under a Memorandum of Understanding reached with DLMHS teachers that essentially maintains the governance of the school under district control.

“The board took action to surrender the dependent charter petition pursuant to a settlement agreement reached between the conversion charter petitioners and the District which allows Dozier-Libbey to continue in its current form,” stated district Superintendent Dr. Donald Gill. “The District is pleased to have reached a resolution of this matter with the petitioners and remains committed to the continued success of Dozier-Libbey.”

Black Diamond Middle PTSO announces events

Frances Spijker, President of the BDMS PTSO, along with Vice President Frank DeLuna, addressed the board and members of the public attending the meeting, announcing their plans for various events for and in support of the school for the remainder of the school year. The first event on the calendar is a science fair, which will be open to the public on Friday, March 6, from 5-8 p.m., and again on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event will take place in the school’s gymnasium. Other upcoming events include:

• BDMS golf tournament/banquet fund raiser scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at the

  Lone Tree Golf and Event Center

• BDMS ‘Fun Day,’ which takes place on Friday, April 17, during the school day on the

  campus field

• BDMS High Achievers Gala, tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 11

• BDMS Talent Show, ‘The Road To Hollywood,’ tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 28.

Anyone wanting more information on any of these events, or to learn more about the BDMS PTSO, can contact Frances Spijker at (925) 642-2796, or by email at francesjs1030@aol.com. Their website, with additional information, is www.bdms-pts.org,

Ruehlig Announces Coffee Chats

At the conclusion of the meeting, board member Walter Ruehlig announced the first in a series of informal coffee chats he is scheduling in order to receive input from the public regarding AUSD schools, and to provide parents with an informal opportunity to speak with a board member. The first of the meetings is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bluerock Starbucks, 4045 Lone Tree Way, Suite G. Ruehlig also plans to have a guest speaker at each coffee chat. He will be joined by Contra Costa Community College District Trustee Greg Enholm at the March 5 meeting, who will be speaking about dual high school/college credit.

The next regularly scheduled meetings of the Antioch School Board take place on March 11 and 25. Meetings are held at the district office, located at 510 G Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

Join Los Medanos College (LMC) in celebrating 40 years of serving the communities of East Contra Costa County. The College will be hosting an open house for all ages on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will include the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the College’s new Student Services Center, tours of the campus; music, dance and dramatic arts performances; workshops on college and career success, and the College’s support programs; the opportunity to see inside many of LMC’s academic departments; planetarium shows; arts and crafts activities; and an opportunity to meet representatives of student clubs and organizations. All ages are welcome to this free community event.

The event is free and a parking permit is not required. The campus is located at 2700 East Leland Road in Pittsburg.

Activities include:

– campus tours

– workshops on how to get started in college, career pathways,

– opportunities to learn about LMC’s academic programs and athletics

– planetarium shows

– theater performances: scenes from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

– welders in action

– chemistry experiments including gummy bear explosions and making “elephant toothpaste”

– the LMC fire truck used to train firefighters

– Mexican bark paintings and other crafts (especially for kids)

– a mock archeology dig

– dance team performances

– music performances by the faculty, the college’s jazz band, and other music students

– ceramics demonstrations

– blood pressure checks by nursing students

– a chance to make DNA bracelets

– hands-on biology activities

– physics experiments and demos

– information about the college’s Brentwood Center

– American Sign Language (ASL) demonstrations

– open labs for computer science, appliance service technology, math, graphic arts/photography, journalism, English, emergency medical services

The campus will open at 10:00 with activity booths, the library and art gallery. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Services Center will take place at 10:30 a.m. Workshops, demonstrations and open departments will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

Food will be available for purchase. Two food trucks will offer a wide variety of entrees, the college’s cafeteria will be open, and student clubs will be offering snacks and beverages.

LMC’s new Student Services Building was completed in January 2015 and is home to the many services that students need to facilitate and support their success at the college. This includes services such as Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Disabled Students Programs & Services, Career Services, Counseling, Equal Opportunity Programs & Services, CARE and CalWORKS, along with the college’s leadership and instructional administration.

Los Medanos College opened its doors in 1974 on a 120-acre site near the boundary between the cities of Pittsburg and Antioch. For 40 years, the college has served the communities of East Contra Costa County, and students from Antioch, Liberty, Mt. Diablo, and Pittsburg Unified School Districts, as well as adults of all ages. Tens of thousands of students have attended Los Medanos College during its many years of service to the community.

The name of the college derives from the 8,000-acre Rancho Los Medanos, which was one of the last land grants made by the Mexican government when California was still a territory of Mexico. Rancho Los Medanos covered almost all of Pittsburg and Antioch, including the current site of the college. Translated into English, the name of the college refers to inland sand dunes or sand hills, which may be a reference to the sandy terrain that characterizes eastern Contra Costa County with its long history of sand mining.

Today Los Medanos College, as one of 112 community colleges with the California Community College System, is a thriving center of higher education activity. The college offers courses leading to transfer credit at senior colleges and universities, general education and major coursework leading to associate degrees, and courses leading to certificates of achievement.

LMC’s educational programs provide cutting-edge, rigorous workforce and advanced education preparation. The College’s efforts are strengthened by regional business and industry support as well as collaboration with K-12, institutions of higher education and community-based organizations. As the leading force in the economic development of eastern Contra Costa County, Los Medanos College offers high-quality instruction supported by the latest technology while still maintaining the personal touch and family orientation for which the college is known. To further meet the needs of local residents and businesses in Brentwood, Discovery Bay and Oakley, the College provides an educational center in Brentwood.

More information about the college’s history and open house can be found at www.losmedanos.edu/openhouse.

Antioch residents are invited to a first School Sounding Board session with Antioch School Board Trustee Walter Ruehlig and Contra Costa Community College Board Trustee Greg Enholm from Ward 5, on Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m. to the Starbucks at Blue Rock on 4045 Lone Tree Way.

Enjoy coffee and conversation in an informal setting, and ask any questions and share any and all concerns you have about our schools.

Also addressed will be Dual Enrollment of high school students taking community college courses.

They plan on monthly meetings, so to be notified please e-mail walter.ruehlig@gmail.com.

By John Crowder

At the February 11, 2015, meeting of the Antioch School Board members heard from representatives of Kid’s Club Preschool about the importance of early childhood education. They also listened to concerns expressed by one local resident about a new testing program, aligned with the Common Core, and continued to question staff about expenditures. In addition, Board Member Barbara Cowan raised questions about school databases and Board Member Debra Vinson again requested a review of the Antioch school district’s personnel structure.

Four representatives of Kid’s Club Preschool, located at 800 Gary Avenue in Antioch, addressed the board. According to their website, the preschool, “serves children that have been identified by the State of California as being low-income/at risk.”

The speakers said that, in addition to working with up to 300 children, the school facilitates monthly parent education meetings. Each of the four speakers touted the benefits of early childhood education and invited board members to take a tour of the school.

Following the meeting, Mark Mokski, Executive Director of Kid’s Club Preschool, elaborated on the comments he and his staff made.

“Numerous nationally accepted research studies indicate that a child that has attended a high-quality preschool program is more likely to hold a job, will commit fewer crimes, and is more likely to graduate from high school,” he said. “Increased academic performance becomes evident with higher achievement on various intellectual and language tests during the early childhood years, on school achievement tests in both elementary and middle school, and on literacy tests later in life. Overall, a high-quality preschool program provides the foundation for success later in life with a return of between $7 and $16 for every dollar spent on preschool.”

Parent Julie Young, who frequently speaks against the implementation of Common Core at school board meetings, discussed her recent attendance at a “parent training night” that took place at Black Diamond Middle School. The presentation had been given by Essence Phillips, Director of Educational Services for the district, and provided parents with information about the new Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test being given to students this year.

Young complained that, among other things, the testing, mostly done on computers, may take more than eleven hours to complete, and that it is predicted that 62% of those taking the test will fail. She went on to say that the test has no reliability, will allow for no reasonable conclusions to be drawn from it, and that it will be very costly to implement. She suggested that parents opt out of the test.

As they have done in recent meetings, board members continued to question district staff regarding expenditures, in this case those listed in a Purchase Order Report. They asked for explanations about money being spent on a crossing guard study, about a penalty fee assessed by a county health agency, about expenses incurred for equipment rentals, and the number of tutoring agencies the district employs. Tim Forrester, Associate Superintendent – Business and Operations, responded to each of the questions raised by board members.

At the end of the meeting, when it came time for board members to discuss future agenda items, Cowan stated that she had been hearing concerns expressed by parents regarding school database websites. She said that parents had complained of inaccurate data on two websites utilized by the district, and wondered about the compatibility of the two systems.

Superintendent Dr. Donald Gill, told the board that he would ensure that his staff investigated the matter and that staff would provide them with information regarding their findings.

Finally, Vinson asked to take a look at the personnel structure for the district, saying it was related to the Local Control Accountability Plan.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Antioch School Board takes place on February 25. Meetings are held at the school district office, located at 510 G Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

Money Donated for Electronic Reader Board

Jack London Elementary School has received a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant for an Electronic Reader Board.

Lowe’s has awarded Jack London Elementary funding for an Electric Reader Board. Our grant application was based on the goal of improving parent and student communication at Jack London Elementary. We look forward to sharing the Reader Board with the Antioch community.

By awarding Jack London Elementary School the Toolbox for Education grant, Lowes has provided Jack London Elementary the opportunity to focus more on an important aspect of school, parent interaction. Now we can better reach out to our parents and inform them of the various events and student successes at Jack London Elementary School. We expect this project will be completed by August 2015.

“Our school and community will greatly benefit from this grant. We wish to thank our friends at Lowe’s for generously supporting this important project,” said Dolores Williams, the principal of Jack London Elementary School.

All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible for the Toolbox for Education program.  More information is available at www.ToolboxforEducation.com.