BOE Meeting for February 24 BOE Meeting

1. Alameda Unified School District Budget Information Update

Background:  Staff made an initial presentation of the impact of the Governor's proposed budget at the January 27th Board of Education meeting. Staff made an presentation on the ongoing budget implications at the February 10th meeting along a presentation at February 11th board workshop. Staff explained the implications of the newly adopted State budget as well as provided information about categorical spending. Below is the state budget information for categorical programs for 2008/09 and 2009/10. You can learn more about the historical origins of the some categorcial funds here.

State Budget Impact on Categorical Programs

Over 50 state categorical programs are cut in 2008-09 and 2009-10, with over 40 of these programs included in increased flexibility. Following is a listing of state categorical programs and the estimated level of reduction. In addition to the reductions noted, there is also no COLA provided in 2008-09 or 2009-10.

Tier I Programs

No reduction in funding for 2008-09 and 2009-10 (remains at 2007-08 level adjusted for growth/decline).

Tier II Programs

Reduction of approximately 15.4% in 2008-09, plus additional reduction of 4.5% in 2009-10 (plus adjustment for growth/decline).

Tier III Programs

Reduction of approximately 15.4% in 2008-09, plus additional reduction of 4.5% in 2009-10 (plus adjustment for growth/decline) with flexibility to transfer funds from any of these programs to any "educational purpose" (includes unrestricted General Fund or other categorical programs) for the period from 2008-09 to 2012-13.

 * Eliminated in 2009-10

Fiscal Implications: Unknown

Superintendent Goal: Goal #2 Align the spending plan.

3.) Memorandum of Understanding between Community Learning Center Schools, Inc and Alameda Unified School District

Background: In December, 2008 the Board of Education provisionally approved the Community Learning Center Schools, Inc charter for Nea. Both parties are in agreement that the date for approval will be extended until February 24, 2009. Staff presented the draft Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides have not been able to finalized language around Special Education and as a result this item will be deferred until March 10. In a special meeting after this meeting, the Board approved the extension to March 10.

Fiscal Implications: None

Superintendent Goal: Goal #2 Align the spending plan.

4.) Alameda Unified School District Sunsihine Proposal for Alameda Education Association

Background: The District and the Alameda Education Association (AEA) have a contract that expires on June 30, 2009. Below are the District openers:

In light of their significant mandates under both state and federal law, California public school districts are currently facing an unprecedented crisis as a result of proposed funding reductions at the state level which cannot be fully addressed through local fund generating options. As a result, the Alameda Unified School District is proposing to enter into successor contract negotiations with the Alameda Education Association in an effort to negotiate necessary contractual changes so as to address the limited and inadequate funding being provided at the state level. The District also proposes to explore alternatives to current employee health and welfare benefit providers/group programs to reduce employee out-of-pocket costs for benefit premiums.

Accordingly, pursuant to Government Code § 3547, the Alameda Unified School District (hereafter “District”) hereby submits its initial proposals to the Alameda Education Association (hereafter “AEA”) for the successor Collective Bargaining Agreement – 2009-2012.

Article 3 – Association Rights

The District proposes to examine Article 3.02.03 to address costs associated with District-paid release time.

Article 8 – Teaching Hours

The District proposes to examine Article 8.03 language to consider costs associated with elementary teacher preparation time and in-lieu time for missed preparation time.

The District further proposes to bring contractual language concerning paid time in accordance with any Legislative reduction in the number of minimum instructional days, professional development and/or teacher work days for which funding will be made available and/or reduced by the state.

Article 9 – Class Size

The District proposes to examine contractual language that address class size which can enable the District to remain fiscally viable.

Article 10 – Transfer

The District proposes to implement language which would provide flexibility and/or alternative procedures to seniority unit member transfer in connection with any possible school restructuring.

Article 15 – Early Retirement Incentive Programs

The District proposes review and consideration of changes to early retirement programs.

Education Reform Collaborative Pilot Program - Side Letter

The District proposes to continue Education Reform Collaborative Pilot Program in order to address and close the achievement gap in our schools.

Memorandum of Understanding RE: Kindergarten Classes

The District proposes to examine the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Kindergarten classes to look at issues of equity.

The District reserves the right to add to, delete from, amend or modify these proposals during the meeting and negotiating process.

The Board voted 3 to 2 (Spencer and Tam) to approve the openers. 

Fiscal Implications: To be determined

Superintendent Goal: Goal #2 Align the spending plan.