Two Sites Pinpointed for Castaic High School
A high school for the Castaic area moved a step closer to fruition this week when the Governing Board selected two prospective sites for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and further studies. The Hasley/Sloan site owned by the SCV Facilities Foundation and the Romero Canyon site owned by developer Larry Rasmussen made the final list of preferred sites, and studies will be conducted simultaneously on both to avoid further delays should one site prove unacceptable. According to consultant reports at the Governing Board meeting, the Hasley/Sloan site would cost an estimated $16.7 million to develop and the Romero Canyon site would cost an estimated $28 million. EIRs and further soils, civil and utility studies could cost about $1 million. If no unexpected delays are encountered, the District expects that a high school could be opened with core facilities for a ninth grade class only in August 2013, and fully completed by the following year.
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Co-Curricular Time Commitments Discussed
Coordinator Greg Lee presented results of a survey he conducted among athletic and co-curricular advisors regarding the number of hours required for practice/rehearsal and whether those requirements were detracting from students’ academic performance. The survey shows that most activities do not require participation during summer break, and most activities require a maximum of three hours day, including one hour of class time. Most competitions are local or within the Los Angeles-Orange County area. Board members noted that although the “average” commitments denoted in the survey are appropriate, there may be some advisors who push the requirements beyond acceptable limits. Student Board Member Taylor Arnone also reported the results of his own student survey, which indicated that students are willing to make the commitment to win. Lee noted that when he receives reports of excesses, he works with school administrators and the advisors to remedy the situation.
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Tentative Classified Contract Approved
The Governing Board gave tentative approval to a new contract with the California School Employees Association for a contract covering 2009-2012. The negotiation re-openers included non-financial issues and primarily updated contract language for the District’s classified (non-teaching) employees.
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Contract Awarded for Gym Acoustics Projects
G.C. Chaney Company, Inc. has been selected as the contractor to complete acoustics projects in the gymnasiums at Golden Valley and West Ranch high schools. Three contractor submitted bids for the project, all under the $150,000 budget originally approved by the Governing Board. The projects will include installation of sound-deadening materials in the gymnasium ceilings and walls to improve sound quality in the facilities. The District’s costs will be reimbursed by the SCV Facilities Foundation.
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Learning Post to Follow COC Calendar
The Board approved a site-based decision by Learning Post to allow the school to celebrate Veteran’s Day in conjunction with College of the Canyons rather than according to the District calendar. Since the school is now housed on the COC campus, all facilities would be closed to students when COC is on holiday schedule.
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Board Spotlight
Bowman High School: Principal Robin Geissler noted that a record 305 students graduated last year, more than half of the student enrolled. She also noted that 80 percent of Bowman seniors have passed the California High School Exit Exam. The school offers before and after school and Saturday intervention programs to help struggling students, and has achieved record rates of voluntary student participation. A Math Wednesday program is helping to integrate math across the curriculum, and the school has just completed a very successful student film festival. Parents will be attending school with their students on Parent Involvement Day Nov. 19, encouraging them to become more involved in their students’ education.
Sequoia Charter: Principal Kathy Hunter reported that her school’s operation is a natural collaborative effort between the Hart District and the Child & Family Center. Sequoia students are reaching out to the community with service projects, and the school is collaborating with other schools in the district to involve Sequoia students in social activities and athletic programs. She noted that the school’s Academic Performance Index increased by 102 points last year, and Sequoia is working with the North Valley Occupational Center to provide career-technical education for students who are not considering college. Efforts are focused on making Sequoia graduates productive members of society.
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Personnel Matters
Congratulations and welcome to the following staff members:
November 18, 2009 Regular Governing Board Meeting
Classified - Position Site
James Biehahn - Campus Supervisor, Rio Norte
Diana Atlas (change of status) - Bilingual Inst. Asst II, La Mesa
Travis Hodge (change of status) - Campus Supervisor, Bowman
Jon Vang (change of status) - Bus Asst, Admin Center