http://www.svusd.santacruz.k12.ca.us/min/M101304.htm
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of Regular Meeting
October 13, 2004
CLOSED SESSION: CALLED TO ORDER AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Board President Michael L. Smith called the Closed Session to order at 5:12 PM in the Scotts Valley High School Teacher Lunch Room, 555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley. Board Members present: Carole Harris, Allison Niday, Michael L. Smith, Marshall Wolf with Tom Balch arriving at 5:20. Administration present: Stephen Fiss, Superintendent. Closed Session adjourned at 7:00
PUBLIC SESSION: CALLED TO ORDER
President Michael L. Smith at the Scotts Valley High School Student Union, 555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, called the Public Session of meeting to order at 7:10 pm. Board Members present: Carole Harris, Allison Niday, Michael L. Smith, Marshall Wolf, Tom Balch and Student Board Member Pearleen Sangha. Administration present: Stephen Fiss, Superintendent; Susan Walker, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services; Kathy Dunton, Principal Vine Hill Elementary School; and Principal Nancy Serigstad, Scotts Valley High School.
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OPEN PUBLIC DISCUSSION - Limited to 15 minutes:
Members of the audience are welcome to address the Board at this time during the meeting regarding items not listed on the agenda. The Trustees may ask questions for clarity but cannot take action on those matters, if desired, until such matters are appropriately placed on a future agenda, according to law.
The Governing Board may prohibit members of the public, who speak during the time permitted on the agenda for public expression, from commenting on matters that are not within the subject matter jurisdiction of the governing body. The Governing Board retains the discretion to adopt regulations at its meetings to limit the time for public discussion of items within its subject matter jurisdiction. Open Public Discussion at the beginning of the meeting is limited to 15 minutes. Additional time is provided at the end of the meeting for continued discussion and comment. For the record, please state your name at the beginning of your statement.
(A) Audience Input Don D’Andrea, SVHS parent, reported that in May of 2003 he had written a letter to the Board of Trustees and to then SVHS Principal, Ken Thomas and the Superintendent regarding an Ed Code violation having to do with classroom comments by teachers. Mr. D’Andrea wanted other parents to be aware and to express their opinions. Mr. D’Andrea went on to say that the Pacific Justice Institute was providing him with regular legal support. He stated that there are two issues that he has been trying to resolve with Mr. Fiss and the high school principal. One being postings that “openly gay/lesbian teachers” have in their classrooms. The other being the “Queer Youth Award” vote within the classroom. Mr. D’Andrea feels that his child is a "captive" in that classroom when this is going on. He went on to state that he had offered alternatives and all had been rejected. He asked for more balance in the postings. He stated that he was hoping that the audience would express their concerns. He felt that his moral and religious beliefs were not being responded to. Superintendent Fiss responded by stating that Mr. Thomas, Mr. D’Andrea and himself had met several times and the meetings have continued with Ms. Serigstad. He stated that Mr. D’Andrea has been very clear with his point of view. He stated that they had been able to meet some accommodations, but not all. Board President Smith asked regarding Mr. D’Andrea’s complaint stating that the first letter was by nature a parent complaint and that the District's procedure was used. He stated that the original complaint was filed in writing and was responded to in a timely manner. Superintendent Fiss stated that he did respond after reviewing the facts with Principal Thomas. He had met with Mr. D’Andrea and a Pacific Justice legal representative. Ms. Serigstad has met with Mr. D’Andrea on several occasions since beginning work at the high school this past summer. He went on to say that this has gone on longer than usual as all parties have been trying to find a mutually satisfactory resolution and had not been able to do that. He stated that Mr. D’Andrea had obtained legal council. Mr. D’Andrea stated that his original letter was not responded to and that after months had transpired Mr. Fiss gave him the formal complaint process. There was no response from any Board member. He stated that the two issues were still not resolved and that he was not at the meeting to argue, but to seek public opinion. He stated that many parents share his opinion. Student Board Member Pearleen Sangha stated that she understood what Mr. D’Andrea was saying and that she shared some of his views. She stated that she attends those classrooms with the postings. She stated that those teachers are some of the best teachers she has had and that possibly he could meet with them personally and talk about his issues. She stated that what is posted on a classroom wall doesn’t really matter much at the end of the day. Kim Busselle, SVHS teacher, added that there were also postings regarding Martin Luther King, the Holocaust, and of acceptance regardless of religion. She stated that two years ago when she started at the high school the number one cause of harassment was due to sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation. She went on to say that a new Assembly Bill was providing an umbrella of safety; that he may not like seeing things in a classroom, but it is critical in order to make a safe environment for all to learn.
Jerryne King, SVHS parent, expressed her frustration at addressing the same issues as Mr. D’Andrea and working within the system for the past four years with no satisfaction. She stated that she had met with Superintendent Fiss, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Serigstad and in those meetings there has been respect and she has been listened to; however, there has been no action taken. She asked for a change in Board members. She stated that it is important that as parents they hear what is happening in the classroom and that it seems there is room for improvement as Mr. D’Andrea has had no action for 2 1/2 to 3 years. Board Vice President Niday explained that the Board has special rules and are not in a position to respond to every complaint that comes in. If an item is brought to the Board for action then they will take action. She further stated that she has made it a point to respond to every email she receives. At this point there was an outburst by Mr. D’Andrea. Ms. Niday stated that according to the bylaws she was not able to engage in a discussion at this time as this item is not on the agenda. It must be brought to the Board first as an Information Item and then later for action. She stated that there is a process and there is significant effort being put forth by the staff.
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Audience Input: None
Board Input: None
Superintendent Input: None
GENERAL ORGANIZATION:
The next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for October 25th. Future meetings after that are November 8th and November 29th.
ADJOURNMENT:
President Michael L. Smith adjourned the meeting at 9:47 p.m.
Minutes Recorded By:
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Peggy Moran, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Minutes Approved By:
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Stephen Fiss, Secretary to the Board of Trustees