San Leandro Bytes

Drawings of the New Ninth Grade Campus Unveiled

New drawings of the Ninth Grade Campus were unveiled at a recent school board meeting. Construction of the Ninth Grade Campus will be funded by Measure B, the school bond passed by voters in November 2006. The campus will occupy a lot at the intersection of 138th and East 14th Street.

Corner view of the 9th Grade Campus

Exterior elevations of the 9th Grade Campus

Perspective view of the 9th Grade Campus

San Leandro Schools Receive $8 Million in State Grants

According to a press release issued March 27, 2008, by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, San Leandro High School projects funded under Measure B will receive an additional $8 million in funding from state grants under Proposition 1D. Proposition 1D was passed by California voters in November 2006 at the same time that Measure B was passed by San Leandro voters.

The grants are for new construction or modernization of career technical education facilities. The San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) submitted five career and technical education grant applications to the California Department of Education through the Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEFP). The $8 million in grants represents the total amount for which SLUSD submitted applications.

The grants are summarized below.

Community Open House at San Leandro High School

San Leandro High School will hold a Community Open House starting at 6pm on February 7, 2008. The open house will feature updates on projects funded by the $109 million Measure B Bond, including the ninth grade campus, arts education center, library expansion, and career technical education improvements in the library. Artwork by students in the Art Department and exhibits will be displayed in the cafeteria.

San Leandro High School is located at 2200 Bancroft Avenue. Click here for a map of the campus.

San Leandro Teacher Achieves National Board Certification

Erika Johnson, a teacher at Jefferson Elementary, recently received National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The accomplishment was highlighted in a December 10, 2007, press release from the California Department of Education.

In order to achieve board certification, a teacher must undertake intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. Certification takes between one and three years to complete. According to National Board for Professional Teaching Standards President and CEO Joseph A. Aguerrebere, "Research demonstrates that National Board Certified Teachers consistently outperform their peers in knowledge of subject matter and ability to create challenging and engaging lessons."

The other board-certified teachers are Karla Ball, a teacher at McKinley Elementary who was certified in 2003 and Ruby Smart, a teacher at San Leandro High School, who was certified in 2006. Ball and Smart were presented with Certificates of Commendation at a June 2007 meeting of the San Leandro School Board.

School Board Consider Designs for Arts Education Center

The San Leandro School Board reviewed three possible designs for the front of a new arts education center at San Leandro High School at its December 4, 2007. The designs were presented by Leo Ray Lynch of WLC Architects based on ideas from a committee of community members, teachers, adminstrators, and students.

The drawings are still subject to change and the final design will be approved by the San Leandro School Board at its December 13, 2007, meeting.

San Leandro Arts Education Center - Option G6

San Leandro Arts Education Center - Option H

San Leandro Arts Education Center - Option I

One Way to Help Local Schools

During the holidays and throughout the year, you can help local schools by donating to specific projects at DonorsChoose.org. Started by a group of New York teachers in 2000, DonorsChoose.org connects "classrooms in need with individuals who want to help." Projects in San Leandro include Circle Time, What's an English Learner to Do?, and Wanted: Mayan Myths and Lakota Legends at Jefferson Elementary School and Whiteboards to Brighten Young Minds at Wilson Elementary School.

There are six projects in San Lorenzo and DonorsChoose.org supports public schools all over the United States.

With the California Legislative Analyst predicting a $10 billion budget shortfall in the next two years, this is one way that teachers can obtain funding for projects that are important to their students.

Donations can be made at DonorsChoose.org using a credit card or check.

Drawing of Arts Education Center at San Leandro High School

Nearly a month after the first drawings of the ninth grade campus were presented and less than a year after passage of a $109 million bond, drawings of the proposed arts education center were shown at the October 16, 2007, meeting of the San Leandro School Board.

Note that the drawings are subject to change. The full presentation to the School Board, which inlcludes changes to the design over time, is available here. The full presentation also includes drawings of the library expansion and career technology center.

San Leandro's Teacher of the Year Honored at Annual Event

Chuck Leming, a math teacher at John Muir Middle School, was honored as San Leandro's Teacher of the Year at an annual event held on October 11, 2007, at CSU East Bay. Leming was one of 17 teachers honored at Alameda County Office of Education's 18th Annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony.

Leming, the AVID Coordinator at John Muir Middle School, was also honored at the June 19, 2007, meeting of the San Leandro School Board. Leming has been teaching since 1984.

Not every kid gets that education is important to him or her today in anticipation of a lifetime of learning and achieving. If I can foster a love of learning by packaging it with loving to be in my classroom one hour a day, with letting them be a part of my life and my being part of their lives, I have truly fulfilled my role as a teacher. --Chuck Leming

All honorees received a cash award of $380, a commemorative crystal bowl engraved with their name, $70 of school supplies from Office Depot, a $25 gift certificate to Lakeshore Learning Materials and a family membership to the East Bay Regional Park District.

Linda Lamoureux of Livermore High School and Juliana Eileen Jones of Montera Middle School in Oakland were selected as the Alameda County Teachers of the Year and will compete to be selected as California Teacher of the Year.

Free Festival at Washington Elementary on Saturday October 13, 2007

The Kids Save the Planet/Los Niños Salvan el Planeta festival will take place on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Washington Elementary School. The bilingual festival will include fun and educational festival for families of all ages. Community education booths will include live animals from Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Crab Cove, and Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs and reusable grocery bags will be given away. Entertainment will include latin dance music, Hawaiian singing and dancing, traditional Aztec dancers and more. Complete all four education stations and register to win a kids Raleigh bike valued at more than $250. For kids five and younger, there will be a tot-lot. There will also be a special visit from California State Senator and former San Leandro Mayor Ellen Corbett. The festival highlights Washington Elementary's recent adoption of a Green School Initiative.

The festival is free and will take place from 11am until 3pm. Washington Elementary is located at 250 Dutton Avenue in San Leandro. For directions and more information, visit www.KidsSaveThePlanet.org or call Morgan at 510.589.8056.

Drawings of the Ninth Grade Campus

Less than a year after passage of a $109 million bond, drawings of the proposed ninth grade campus were presented at the September 5, 2007, meeting of the San Leandro School Board. The design phase of the ninth grade campus was accelerated in order for the school district to have the greatest chance of obtaining nearly $11.5 million in grants available from the state.

The drawings are subject to change, but the Design Review Committee unanimously selected this design, so any changes are likely to be relatively minor. The full presentation to the School Board is available here.

Beer Festival & Washoes Tournament Fundraiser for Roosevelt Elementary

On Saturday, July 14, 2007, Drake's Brewing Company will hold its second annual Beer Festival and Washoes (horseshoes) Tournament. The event will benefit the teachers of San Leandro's Roosevelt Elementary School. Musical groups The No Cover Band, The Shuffle King, and The Doormats are scheduled to perform. A similar event in 2006 benefited San Leandro's Jefferson Elementary School.

Attendees can join professional judges in rating the same hop Bravo IPA from twenty micro-breweries:

• The Beach Chalet
• Blue Frog Grog
• Devil's Canyon
• Triple Rock Brewery
• Valley Brewing Co.
• Marin Brewing Co.
• 21st Amendment Brewery
• Sacramento Brewing Co
• Sonoma Chicken Coop
• Half Moon Bay Brewing Co
• Magnolia Pub and Brewery
• Russian River Brewing Co
• E.J. Phair Brewing Co
• Seabright Brewing Co
• Rubicon Brewing Co
• Bison Brewing
• Firehouse Grill
• Thirsty Bear

The event will take place from noon until 6pm at Drake's Brewery located at 1933 Davis St., Suite 177, in San Leandro. For a $35 donation, you get unlimited tastings, a souvenir sample glass, T-shirt, beer, and music. For more information, call 510-562-0866 or email drinkdrakes@drinkdrakes.com.

According to its web site, Drake's Brewery was "founded in 1989 as one of the Bay Area's first microbreweries, Drake's Brewing Company is a small, family-owned business dedicated to the art and science of craft brewing." Drake's is one of numerous companies owned by the Rogers Family, which also owns San Francisco Bay Coffee, The Organic Coffee Co., Fairwinds Coffee, Audobon Coffee, Cafe Jerusalem, and East India Tea Co.

Click here for Daily Review coverage.

Bancroft Teacher Jim Sorensen Sets Masters Track Records

Local teacher Jim Sorensen won the men's masters exhibition mile at the 2007 AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships held from June 20 to 24, 2007, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sorensen finished the mile with a time of 4 minutes, 13.21 seconds. The masters record for the mile is held by David Moorcroft, who ran the mile in 4 minutes, 2.53 seconds in 1993.

On June 3, 2007, Sorensen set the world masters record in the 1,500 meter race with a time of 3 minutes, 44.06 seconds at the Jim Bush Invitational/USATF West Regional Track & Field Championship at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Sorensen's was just 0.18 seconds slower than the time he set when he finished second while attempting to qualify for the 1996 Olympics at age 29. The previous masters record for 1,500 meters was 3 minutes, 44.89 seconds set by Luis Jose Gonsalvez in 1999.

Two days after Sorensen turned 40, he set the American masters record for 800 meters with a time of 1 minute 51.57 seconds at the Occidental Invitational on May 12, 2007. The previous record of 1 minute 52.42 seconds was held by Olympian Johnny Gray.

Update: At the American Milers Club meet at Indiana University in Bloomington, on Saturday, June 30, 2007, Sorensen set the world masters record for 800 meters with a time of 1 minute, 50.34 seconds, besting the previous world record set in 2000 by Ireland's Colm Rothery by 0.35 seconds.

Sorensen teaches physical education at Bancroft Middle School in San Leandro, California.

Text of interview from Masters Track Blog in May 2007

Click here for a summary of Sorensen's running career.

Video of a mile race at Stanford.

Video of interview with Sorensen.

Video from 1986 800 meter at Cerritos College

San Leandro Teachers Association Awards Scholarships

On Friday, June 1, 2007, the San Leandro Teachers Association (SLTA) awarded more than $6,000 in scholarship to 25 students. The annual scholarship tea took place at the Marina Community Center where teachers, parents, and family gathered to recognize the accomplishments of local students. Each student was able to invite teachers that inspired them during their school years to share the stage as each student's college plans, activities, and GPA were shared with the audience. Students planned to attend Harvard University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and other schools and were planning careers from medicine to aeronautical engineering.

The scholarship recipients are:

• Beatrice Tesorero
• Sharon Cheung
• Jennifer Lau
• Chris Quintanilla
• Paulina Maldonado
• Kya Webb
• Angie Tu
• Megan Potsmesil
• Alex Lucchesi
• Chelsea Barackman
• Michelle Lee
• Hoi Sing Mok
• Damiya Jones
• Enarosa Villareal
• Daniel Olsen
• Amelia Forney
• Tiffany Kuang
• Betsy Cheng
• Lacey Morris
• Justin Mason
• Chrissie Ng
• Eden Buenavista
• Wilson Yu
• Walter Mendoza
• Nicole Labayog

Kindergarten Registration for 2007-2008 in San Leandro

If you're in the San Leandro Unified School District, registration for Kindergarten begins soon. On Monday, March 19, 2007, there is a Kindergarten Parent / Child Reception and Orientation at the SLUSD District Office from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Participants will be able meet your child's principal, the Superintendent and the District Team, and learn what to expect. Child care, refreshments and translation (Espanol) will be provided.

Registration for Kindergarten begins as follows:

• Garfield - March 21, 3 to 5pm
• McKinley - March 28, 1 to 3pm
• Roosevelt - April 3, 1 to 4pm
• Madison - April 18, 3:30 to 6pm
• Washington - April 19, 9 to 12pm
• Wilson - April 25, 2 to 4pm
• Monroe - May 2, 2 to 4pm
• Jefferson - May 9, 2 to 4pm

Note that these times are the start of registration. You can register your child after these dates and times.

SLUSD Board of Education Announces Measure B Citizens Oversight Committee Appointments

From a February 2, 2007, press release from SLUSD:

[San Leandro, CA] The San Leandro Unified School Board of Education, at a Special Board Meeting on February 1, 2007, appointed 10 seats on the Measure B Citizens Oversight Committee. The purpose of the Citizens Oversight Committee is to “actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money for school construction” on the Measure B Bond projects. Measure B is the $109 million school facilities bond approved by voters in the November 7, 2006, election.

“We had very strong candidates apply,” said the SLUSD Superintendent Christine Lim, “and the District and Board feel very fortunate to have so many talented and qualified individuals apply.”

By law, a citizens oversight committee must have no less than seven members, five required to hold very specific roles:

• 1 person who is a student who is involved in student government;
• 1 person who is active in a business organization;
• 1 person who is active in a foundation which supports the District
• 1 person who is active in a senior citizens organization; and
• 1 person who is active in a bona fide taxpayers organization.

The Board of Education increased the size of the committee in order to provide greater accountability to the community. Applications were paper screened by District staff and then given to the Board of Education Facilities Committee to review, who then interviewed potential candidates over a two day period before making its recommendations to the Board. Interest in the student position was so high, that the Board agreed that the position would be co-shared by San Leandro High School students Abir Salamy and Briana Toney. Both are juniors and active in student leadership at the high school.

The other newly appointed committee members are:

Mary Beth Barloga—History Museum and Art Gallery Education Director, City of San Leandro; member, California Retired Teachers’ Association.

Robert Brannan—General Manager, Lloyd A. Wise/Marina MediaVision; board member, Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro; Recreation and Parks Commissioner, City of San Leandro; President, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce.

Deborah Cox—President, Estudillo Homeowners’ Association; member, PACE; Board Vice President, California Conservatory Theater; Steering Committee, San Leandro Leadership; Roosevelt School Site Council; served as the co-chair on the Measure B Campaign.

Charles Gilcrest—Consultant, Gilcrest Management; Board member, Halcyon-Foothill Homeowners Association; Executive Board, Business Association of South San Leandro; Board member, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce; and chair, Joint Project Area Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

Juan Gonzalez III—Principal, KPMG, LLP’s Investigative Practice; member, Bancroft Middle School PTA.

Tom Guarino—Government Relations Manager, Pacific Gas & Electric; serving on behalf of the Alameda County Taxpayers Association.

Gerald Shovlin—Teacher, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Oakland; serves on Bancroft Middle school Site Council, GATE Advisory Committee, and the Superintencent’s Parent Leaders Council.

James Moher—Attorney, Bullivant Houser Bailey PC; member of the Broadmoor Homeowners Association; active support of Building Futures with Women & Children.

Andrew Kopp—Attorney; active in Big Brother; has served as a voting precinct inspector; acted as a Judge Pro Tem for the Alameda County Superior Court.

In addition to having such talent on the new Oversight Committee, the District recently received news of a continuing A+ Standard and Poor’s rating, which further demonstrates how committed the District is to its fiscal health.

“An A+ Standards & Poor’s rating is the equivalent of a high 700’s credit rating score for an individual,” said Superintendent Chris Lim. “This means lower interest rates and lower taxes for the citizens of San Leandro.”

“The school district is working diligently to ensure all Measure B funds are spent wisely,” said Rick Richards, Board President.

Video of Jill Synnott, San Leandro Unified School District's Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007

Here's a short video of Jill Synnott, San Leandro Unified School District's Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007 from the Alameda County Office of Education.

New Trustees Sworn in; Richards is new Board President

The December 5, 2006, meeting of the San Leandro School Board started late as the reception for outgoing Trustee Louis Heystek ran a little bit late. Heystek was feted by his fellow Board Members, San Leandro Mayor-Elect Tony Santos, and Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker.

After newly elected and re-elected Board Members Mike Katz-Lacabe, Lisa Hague and Pauline Cutter were sworn in by Alice Lai-Bitker, California State Assemblywoman and Assistant Majority Whip Mary Hayashi said a few words and that she looked forward to working with the new Board.

Student Martin Pena was presented with a Certificate of Commendation for being selected Student of the Month in the Eden Area Regional Occupational Program. Principal Amy Furtado accepted a Certification of Commendation for Juan Lara-Diaz, who was also named Student of the Month.

Certificates of Commendation were presented by San Leandro Adult School Principal Susanne Wong to custodians Darryl Shields, Monroe/Muir; Alberto Lara, Garfield/Muir; Valentin Reyes, Head Custodian, Monroe; Don Biladeau, Glazier; Greg Dyer, Maintenance and Operations Supervisor; and Billy Campbell, Lead Custodian for their quick after-hours work to get the Adult School ready for its official opening in October.

Certificates of Commendation were also presented to John Muir Middle School Principal
Belen Magers, who was not present, and AVID Coordinator Charles Leming, and San Leandro High School Principal Amy Furtado and AVID coordinator Karl Debro, because John Muir Middle School and San Leandro High School were recently selected as AVID Demonstration Sites.

David Lorden, Director of Student Support Services, presented information on suspensions and expulsions, and school site safety plans. Before school started this year, uniform disciplinary procedures were implemented at the middle schools. Lorden noted that suspensions have decreased at John Muir and Bancroft Middle Schools, but have increased at San Leandro High School, compared to the same time last year.

Because of a 30% increase in health insurance, the School District looked for an alternative insurance plan and the Board unanimously approved enrolled in CalPERS Health Plan Program.

The Board also unanimously approved installation of artificial turf for the Bancroft playing field and a Director position to oversee projects funded by Measure B, the $109 million bond approved in November 2006.

The last agenda items of the night were the selection of Board President, Vice President, and Clerk. Rick RIchards was selected as Board President by a vote of 4-3, Stephen Cassidy was selected as Vice President by a vote of 5-2 and Linda Perry was selected as Clerk by a vote of 4-3.

School Board Meeting Notes for November 7, 2006

San Leandro School Board president Pauline Cutter reported that no action was taken during its closed session on November 7, 2006. After approval of the agenda and a report from student representative Tiffany Corpuz, Dean Koenig reported that the date for the Cherry Festival is June 2, 2007, and it will be a one-day event. He also reported that there will be a dedication at the new Aquatic Center in Washington Manor at 10am on December 2, 2006.

Mary Camezon, a School Assistance and Intervention Team (SAIT) consultant who has worked with Washington Elementary School for the past two years, reported on progress made during that time. According to Camezon, teachers learned to react and adapt quickly to data indicating where additional work was needed. The Academic Performance Index (API) score at Washington has grown by 59 points in the past two years, enough to exit the SAIT program. Camezon said that the next steps are to continue to focus and be a "data-driven" school and support teachers with coaching and training. She congratulated the teachers and said that Principal Elvia Teixeira's leadership made these improvements possible. Superintendent Christine Lim noted that the staff of Washington Elementary had nominated Teixeira for Administrator of the Year.

During public comments, Pam Richards noted that John Muir Middle School was having a '50s Dance Fundraiser on November 17, 2006, and invited everyone to attend.

Gerald Shovlin reported that he attended a California Associated for the Gifted Parent Institute with 40 other parents in late October. Shovlin requested that a meeting of the GATE Committee be convened and that gifted education not be neglected.

Head Custodian Billy Campbell congratulated his staff for their performance in getting the new adult school ready in time for the dedication on October 26.

For her Superintendent's Report, Lim noted that there was a staff day on October 23 and that a free and reduced breakfast program opened at Roosevelt Elementary. A Day of Remembrance for victims of domestic violence was held at San Leandro High School on October 27 on the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of SLHS student Nayanci Gonzalez. San Leandro Unified School District Teacher of the Year Jill Synnott was honored at an event at Chabot College on October 25, 2006, that featured an inspirational video of Synnott in action. Lim also noted that the California School Board Association conference would be held in San Francisco from November 30 to December 2.

Trustee Stephen Cassidy asked if the video of Synnott could be shown at a future school board meeting.

The report from the Facility Committee noted that the proposal for security cameras at the high school was ongoing and that the Bancroft playing field is undergoing a cost analysis as to what surface should be installed. A project management request for qualifications is being prepared in anticipation of the passage of Measure B, the school facilities bond.

Trustee Rick Richards reported that the Eden Area ROP met on November 2, 2006, and two San Leandro students were honored as students of the month in marketing and welding.

The School Board cancelled the meeting normally scheduled for November 21, 2006, so the next meeting of the School Board is December 5, 2006.

Editor's Note: I left the meeting early, so these notes are incomplete.

50s Dance Party Fundraiser at John Muir Middle School

A '50s Dance Party Fundraiser will be held at John Muir Middle School on Friday, November 17, 2006, from 7pm to 11pm in the John Muir gym. If you buy tickets in advance, they are $10 per person and $15 per couple or $5 per person and $7.50 per couple for San Leandro High School students. Tickets at the door are $15 per adult and $7.50 per student.

Money raised will be used for:

• Performing Arts


• College scholarship for JMMS alumni graduating from SLHS


• Assembly chairs


• School mural

John Muir Middle School is located at 1444 Williams Street in San Leandro.

Click here to download a flyer.

To pay for advance tickets, send a check to Elizabeth Cardoso at 14735 Juniper Street, San Leandro CA 94579 or call (510) 667-3520.

Jill Synnott, SLUSD Teacher of the Year Honored at Annual Event

Jill Synnott, San Leandro Unified School District Teacher of the Year for 2005-2006, was honored at an annual ceremony held on October 25, 2006, at the Chabot College Performing Arts Theater. Synnott was one of 15 teachers in Alameda County honored by their school district and each received an award of $200 and a $25 gift card to Gray Wolf Books in San Leandro.

Synnott has taught English at San Leandro High School for six years and was recognized as San Leandro Unified School District Teacher of the Year at the June 6, 2006, meeting of the School Board.

Brian Ladd of Amador Valley High and Charles Reynes of the Castro Valley school district were selected as the Alameda County Teachers of the Year and now are eligible to be selected as California Teacher of the Year.

Daily Review Endorses Measure B

In an op-ed published on October 20, 2006, the Daily Review endorsed Measure B, the $109 million school facilities bond that appears on the November ballot.

From the op-ed:

It's true that money can't solve every problem, but it's the only answer to this one. Most San Leandro school buildings are between 50 and 90 years old and they simply must be upgraded or replaced. Meanwhile, state law forbids lottery funds from being used for school construction.

It doesn't make sense to punish future students for the perceived past sins of the district.

Reception for Mike Katz

Tony Santos, Surlene Grant, Stephen Cassidy, Louis Heystek, Linda Perry, Peggy Combs, Brian Copeland, Gordon Galvan, Tim Holmes, Mitch Huitema, Charles Lowder, Morgan Mack-Rose, Michael Pretto, Jim Prola, Diana Prola,
Roxanne Ansolabehere
Head Librarian, San Leandro High School
and 2002-03 San Leandro Unified School District Teacher of the Year
and
Sabrina Ramirez
Teacher, McKinley Elementary School and
President, San Leandro Teachers Association

Invite you to a reception for Mike Katz, candidate for the San Leandro School Board, District 4.

Thursday, October 12th
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Zocalo Coffeehouse
645 Bancroft Ave. (at Dutton)

Mike Katz has a personal stake in the success of our local schools. He and his wife Margarita are the parents to two young girls that will soon be entering public school. Mike Katz has already shown his dedication to the children of San Leandro by volunteering on the Measure A and B campaigns.

Mike Katz possesses a strong background in science and technology that will be a real asset to our school district.

Committee to Elect Mike Katz • 46 Estabrook Street • San Leandro, CA 94577-5908
www.electmikekatz.com • mike@electmikekatz.com
FPPC No. 1289674

Contributions to Mike Katz’s campaign are welcome but not required.

The first $100 raised will be donated to the Yes on Measure B campaign.

Test Results and Residency Verification Data Presented at Sep. 6, 2006, School Board Meeting

At the start of its September 6, 2006, meeting, the San Leandro School Board announced that it had hired Bradley Frazier as the Adult School Vice Principal during closed session.

All members of the School Board were present and two members of the public were present.

During a public hearing on the sufficiency of instructional materials for 2006-2007, there were no public comments.

The student report by an SLHS student resulted in feedback that the SLHS students want to know why the new fence has been installed. According to the student, there are rumors floating around as to why the fence was installed.

David Lorden, Director of Student Support Services, presented information on the residency verification program at the high school, middle school, kindergarten, and all students new to the district. Three documents that prove residency are required and home visits are conducted if the documents are not available. So far, 140 home visits have been conducted, resulting in 36 students not being enrolled. Of those 36, 10 home visits did not verify the student's residency, 22 home visits verified the student's residency but there was none of the required documentation, and four home visits where falsified information was discovered.

At the start of its September 6, 2006, meeting, the San Leandro School Board announced that it had hired Bradley Frazier as the Adult School Vice Principal during closed session.

All members of the School Board were present and two members of the public were present.

During a public hearing on the sufficiency of instructional materials for 2006-2007, there were no public comments.

The student report by an SLHS student resulted in feedback that the SLHS students want to know why the new fence has been installed. According to the student, there are rumors floating around as to why the fence was installed.

David Lorden, Director of Student Support Services, presented information on the residency verification program at the high school, middle school, kindergarten, and all students new to the district. Three documents that prove residency are required and home visits are conducted if the documents are not available. So far, 140 home visits have been conducted, resulting in 36 students not being enrolled. Of those 36, 10 home visits did not verify the student's residency, 22 home visits verified the student's residency but there was none of the required documentation, and four home visits where falsified information was discovered.

Trustee Ray Davis asked how the residency verification program dealt with the issue of electronic bill payment, in which required documentation may not be available. Lorden responded that companies usually have a way to produce the required documentation but agreed that this was an issue in some cases.

Trustee Louis Heystek asked who was conducting the home visits and Lorden responded that they were being conducted by an SLHS campus supervisor, a substitute teacher, a secretary and other. Lorden acknowledged that this left him short-staffed at times. Heystek also expressed concern about ongoing residency verification and Lorden stated that there were some students whose families were in crisis, which meant that required documentation couldn't be produced, but the students were legitimately enrolled.

Trustee Lisa Hague suggested that addresses and names found to fail residency verification be kept on some sort of list so that that future residency verification would pay close attention when they were seen again.

Trustee Stephen Cassidy asked about the numbers involved in verifying residency and Lorden said that approximately 50 students weren't verified at Bancroft on the first day, but that number dropped to 15 by the second day. Cassidy also asked how hard it would be to fake the information and Lorden acknowledged it could be done. Superintendent Christine Lim pointed out that the district already has a policy of red-flagging any mail sent to parents that is returned.

The second presentation was a set of PowerPoint slides by Wendy Ponder, Assistant Director of Categorical Programs, Judith Cameron, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Daniel Chaja, Assistant Director of Research and Program Evaluation, highlighting state and federal testing results. The information included California Standards Test (CST) results in English Language Arts, Math and Science; state Academic Performance Index (API) results; and federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results; and Program Improvement status for several schools. The information presented showed that San Leandro school and the district as a whole have shown improvement in test scores over the past three to four years, but that improvement has been at a slower rate than other school systems in Alameda County.

Trustee Linda Perry noted that the mobility rate for students in the district has always been high and that San Leandro schools have greater diversity than most other districts in Alameda County. When asked by Heystek about the data collection, Chaja said that they were using a new database and that they didn't have to go through file folders of paper any more.

Cassidy observed that San Leandro had the lowest aggregate API growth in Alameda County compared to similar districts and that we were "struggling at the middle school and high school levels" while doing better at the elementary level. Cassidy noted that Latinos were the only group with lower test scores at the middle and high schools, which has a large impact, because Latinos comprise 40% of the district's students. He also observed that SLHS had some of the lowest API scores for Latinos as a group compared to other Alameda County high schools.

Cameron agreed with Cassidy's assessment and Cassidy went on to note a recent study that suggested that there needs to be more focus on student expectations and confidence than on teacher expectations.

During public testimony, a man pursuing a discrimination complaint against the school district received clarification for the next step of his appeal after he returned from Ghana.

Head Custodian Billy Campbell spoke about a recent two-day training seminar for all custodians and said he was impressed by the camaraderie and the outstanding job done by the custodians and Waxie Sanitary representative Armando Soto. He also said that there would be an article appearing the San Leandro Times and that he was very proud of how the floor looked at Bancroft Gym.

Cassidy pulled one item off of the consent calendar concerning Heystek's request for a resolution certifying that his absence from the August 24, 2006, School Board meeting was due to hardship. Cassidy noted that a vacation should not be considered a hardship. Heystek responded that the meeting was called on such short notice that there is no way he could change his plans. Board President Pauline Cutter noted that the policy committee should take this up, as has been suggested at a previous board meeting.

The consent calendar, with the exception of Heystek's hardship resolution, was approved unanimously. The hardship resolution was approved six to one, with Cassidy voting against its approval.

The board also unanimously approved the job description and position to support the After School Education Safety Grant and the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Grant. Assistant Superintendent Cindy Cathey said that she worked with the Davis Street Family Resource Center, Building Futures with Women and Children, and the Alameda County Office of Education in order to secure the $100,000 grant.

During comments from the Board, Cassidy once again cited the Science Magazine article and also discussed the attempt by the Los Angeles mayor to take over control of the Los Angeles school system.

Hague, Heystek, and Trustee Rick Richards commended the staff while Perry noted that she attended the teacher orientation and observed that the information packet was excellent. Perry also noted that the next meeting with parents at Jefferson was scheduled for 6pm September 13, 2006, at the Jefferson library.

Davis stated that the district should recognize the $2,000 contribution of the metal workers to the metal shop and also reminded the superintendent to notify the City Council and Mayor of the date for the adult school opening.

Cutter said it was good that Lorden had the students' interests at heart and that a letter to Soto's employer or some sort of recognition should be given to him.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Phone Bank for Measure B: McKinley Nights

If your kids go (or will go) to McKinley Elementary (or even if they don't) be sure to come to the Phone Bank for Measure B (the School Bond measure) and help us pass the bond! McKinley Phone Bank nights are Monday September 25th, Wednesday October 11th and Wednesday November 1st, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Phone banking is at 14895 East 14th Street at Hesperian, Suite #270.

A website and a blog

Measure B, the school bond measure, which would raise $109M to build a new 9th grade academy, a performing arts center and provide much needed repairs and upgrading for all San Leandro schools, has a website now. You can find it at:

http://www.aboutmeasureb.com/

It's still incomplete, but the basics about the measure are there. Keep checking the website for more information.

Also, Mike Katz now has a campaign blog that you can visit at http://www.electmikekatz.com/campaign. His website of course, is at http://www.electmikekatz.com/. Mike is running for School Board; visit his site to find out more about his campaign.

McKinley PTO Meeting shows great things to come

Last night was the first meeting of McKinley's elementary PTO for the year. In recent years the PTO had suffered for a lack of participation but it seems parents are showing more enthusiasm and commitment to the school. About 30 parents crowded the small library room where the meeting was held. They included people from all ethnic backgrounds and the whole socio-economic spectrum, including several non-English speakers. There was much enthusiasm for participating in the fundraisers planned for the year, and new fundraisers that were proposed.

Fundraisers for this year will include a Bookfair, a BBQ Night, a "Gift Tree" and a greeting card fundraiser. A Halloween Party and a Night Under the Stars/Pizza Night with an Astronomer are among the activities planned.

The McKinley PTO also voted to endorse Measure B, the School Bond measure that will build a 9th grade academy, a performing's art center and provide much needed repairs for all the schools in San Leandro.

The next PTO meeting will be on Oct. 4th.

Go McKinley!

California High School Exit Exam Results Look Good for San Leandro's Sophomores

California High School Exit Exam Results for San Leandro showed that more sophomores passed the test on their first try last year.

According to the Daily Review:

"We want them to pass the first time around, that's for sure," said San Leandro High School Principal Amy Furtado.

This year, many more black and Latino 10th-graders at San Leandro and San Lorenzo high schools did just that. At San Leandro High School, 71 percent of black 10th-graders passed math, up from 54 percent the year before. At San Lorenzo High School, the gains of black sophomores were almost as dramatic: 12 percent more passed the math section (68 percent), and 11 percent more passed the English section (69 percent).

Furtado said she believed improvements in algebra instruction helped spur gains in 10th-grade math passing rates (overall, 78 percent passed the first time, up from 72 percent). Ninth-grade algebra, which is usually relegated to newer teachers, was shared last year by nearly all of the mathteachers at San Leandro High School -- a practice that will continue this year.

SLUSD Hires New Maintenance & Construction Supervisor at August 15 Meeting

The August 15, 2006, meeting of the San Leandro School Board began with an announcement that Gregory Dyer was hired as the Maintenance & Construction Supervisor during closed session.

Trustee Lisa Hague reported correspondence from Kathy Goodall, Maria Pena, Heidi Finberg, and Deborah Cox.

Superintendent Christine Lim reported that the middle school principals met regarding the district's resident verification program. Lim also noted that it was the first day of registration for freshman students. On August 28, 2006, there will be a BBQ at the high school for the entire school staff and Lim invited the school board.

Trustee Rick Richards reported that the Edea Area Regional Occupational Program met on August 11, 2006, and said that transportation would be provided to and from the high school. Board President Pauline Cutter asked about the cost and Richards reported that the cost was the same as it was for special ed.

Trustee Ray Davis reported that the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce Community Partners Committee did not meet this month.

With the approval of all but four of the consent calendar items, the San Leandro School Board unanimously approved the contract with Kelly, Northcross & Norbriga to be the school district's financial adviser. The board also approved an increase of .007% from the original contract sum of Calstate Construction's bid for the John Muir Adult School Phase I Site Work Project and an increase of .006 % from the original Design Building Systems' contract for the John Muir Adult School Phase II Site Work Project.

President Cutter requested a change in the minutes from the July 18, 2006, meeting to reflect the board's concensus on the amount of $40 per $100,000 of assessed value for the proposed bond. The board unanimously voted to table this item until the minutes were revised.

Trustee Linda Perry requested changes to three items involving student expulsions, which were unanimously approved by the board.

During the time for board member comments, Trustee Louis Heystek noted that Linda Birky was stepping down from the San Leandro Collaborative.

Trustee Stephen Cassidy noted that the state released results from standardized tests today and expressed hope that Washington Elementary's results will lift it out of the state program. Cassidy reported that scores for every class at Wilson Elementary went up in 2006 - the only school that did so. Cassidy also said that he researched the sale of Pacific High and found that it was sold in May 1989. President Cutter added that Pacific High was originally to be sold to Home Depot.

President Cutter noted that the school bond kickoff was a success, with all members of the Board and some members of the City Council were present at the event on Monday, August 14, 2006.

School bond measure off to flying start

The kickoff for the school bond brought out a host of local elected officials and candidates to Zocalo Coffeehouse on Monday night, August 14, 2006.

All of the School Board Trustees, and City Council members OB Badger, Tony Santos, and Joyce Starosciak, joined Superintendent Christine Lim, and Assistant Superintendents Cindy Cathey and Michael Martinez in getting the bond campaign off to a running start. County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan and County Board of Education Trustee Felix Elizalde were on hand as the county educational representatives.

Among the crowd were those running for office, including Dennis Hayashi, a candidate for Alameda County Superior Court Judge, School Board candidates Pauline Cutter, Mike Katz, and Peter Lismer, City Council candidate Diana Souza, and member-elect to the City Council Michael Gregory.

After nearly an hour,, Leroy Smith, co-chair of the school bond campaign, gave a stirring speech that had the crowd responding with chants of "Now" to his question of "When do we want it [improved schools]?" Co-chair Deborah Cox followed Smith's speech with brief remarks noting what a difference six month makes, praising those who had already volunteered and asking for volunteers for phone banking and precinct walking.

If the enthusiastic crowd is any indication, the bond measure looks set for passage in November.

School Bond Campaign Kickoff Event Tonight

The kickoff for the campaign to fund the school facilities bond will be held tonight, Monday, August 14, 2006, at Zocalo Coffeehouse from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Deborah Cox and Leroy Smith will be leading the campaign.

The school facilities bond will provide $109 million in funding to reduce overcrowding at San Leandro High School by building a Freshman Campus across the street. It will also fund construction of a performing arts center with a 450-seat theater, purchase of the PG&E lot at SLHS, SLHS Library Expansion, purchase of a parking lot at Bancroft and Callan, and landscaping in front of the new arts center. The bond will also fund modernization, including ADA, Fire Life Safety, replacing roofs, installing package heating, replacing restrooms, painting, data networking improvements for three schools, voice over internet protocol installation, lighting modifications and improvements, and industrial arts building improvements.

The board and the district hope to take advantage of matching funds from a state facilities bond scheduled to be on the November ballot. In 1997, the school district was able to obtain $34 million in matching state funds after a $54 million bond measure was approved. Projects from the 1997 bond were completed on budget and six years ahead of schedule.

The school facilities bond will appear on the November 7, 2006, ballot.

Zocalo Coffeehouse is located at 645 Bancroft Avenue, near the intersection of Dutton and Bancroft.

School Bond Increased to $109 Million with a Smaller Tax Rate

The August 1, 2006, meeting of the San Leandro School Board began with the announcement that Robin Michelle had been hired as the Communication Outreach Specialist during closed session and will start on August 14, 2006. She replaces Barbara Reynolds, who had been appointed on December 6, 2005. The position was advertised on Craigslist the District's web site.

All members of the board were present.

After unanimously approving the agenda, Wendy Ponder, Assistant Director of Categorical Programs, ran through a PowerPoint presentation entitled "EL Program Update" about the English Learners Master Plan which will be piloted at Jefferson, Washington, and Wilson schools next year for K-3. The exact scope of the program was unclear, but it appeared that the goal was to have the students literate in Spanish and English by the third grade. One of the slides read, "When 15% or more of the student population at the school site speak a single primary language other than English, all notices, reports, statements, or records sent to the parent or guardian of any such pupil by the school or school district are, in addition to being written in English, written in the primary language(s). [Ed Code 48985]" Accordng to Ms. Ponder, for San Leandro, that language is Spanish. The goal is to eventually extend the program to 4th and 5th grade as well.

After Ms. Ponder's presentation, Trustee Stephen Cassidy asked about documentation of its effectiveness and Ponder responded that she would get some more information to the Board. Trustee Linda Perry noted that Ponder had done a great job and she invited other Board members to attend District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meetings.

Then it was on to discussion of the bond. Based on feedback from the July 18, 2006 meeting, Ruth Alahydoian of Kelling Northcross & Nobriga reviewed all of the previous information to come up with a revised recommendation for the bond amount. Her recommendations were for an authorization amount of $109 million, a tax rate of $39 per $100,000 of assessed value with assessed value growth of 5% from 2007 to 2020 and 4% after 2020. The bonds would be issued as follows: $27 million on March 1, 2007 at 5.25%, $25 million on August 1, 2009, at 5.50%, $25 million on August 1, 2011 at 5.75%, and $32 million on August 1, 2013 at 6%. All of the bonds would be for 25 years except the $32 million of bonds.

Based on this information, the district came up with allocating the extra $5.5 million as follows: $0.9 million to restore the original estimate of $4.8 million for painting classrooms, $1.5 million to restore the original estimate of $3 million for renovating the industrial arts building, $0.6 million to renovate and modernize the former SLAM area, and a financial safeguard of $2.5 million.

Trustee Ray Davis asked if there was any advantage to extending the first three series of bonds to 30 years and Alahydoian said that there was not. Perry commented that given how well the 1997 bond estimate went, she was comfortable with the tax rat of $39 per $100,000 of assessed value. Cassidy noted that in one year, the tax rate for the 1997 bond was actually $29, well under the original estimate.

During public comments, Dan Walters, previous president of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, said that the "Board [of the Chamber] is supportive of the process" and was unanimous in its support.

Tom Silva of the Rental Housing Owners Association of Southern Alameda County (RHO) told the Board "thank you for all your efforts" but cautioned that there was a lot of work ahead to convince those without children in the school district to vote in favor of the bond. Silva promised that the "RHO will do what it can to make this happen."

Gerald Shovlin thanked the previous speakers for their expressions of support and noted that the effort from the Board seemed much more serious this time than for Measure A.

The Board then voted unanimously to adopt the text to place on the November 7, 2006, bond, formally known as Resolution 06-33, San Leandro Unified School District Facility Improvement Bond.

During public testimony on non-agenda items, Republican candidate for State Senate Lou Filipovich spoke up even though he had not filled out a yellow speaker's card. Board President Pauline Cutter tried to silence him a number of times, but Filipovich's voice won out and he accused the Board of violating procedures by failing to close public hearing on the bond before voting on it. After a few minutes, Filipovich had said his peace and returned to his seat.

I missed approval of the consent calendar, but everything is normally approved, so the following things were probably approved:

• the personnel report
• the renewal of the Student Teaching Agreements between the District and Saint Mary’s College.
• contract award for Bid Package #06-08, Window Replacement at Madison Elementary Repair Phase II, to Coulter Construction.

It was interesting to see that the Republican candidate for State Assembly, Jill Buck, was at the meeting and offered her help to Deborah Cox and Leroy Smith in working for passage of the bond. Katy Murphy, a reporter for the Daily Review, was also present at the meeting and interviewed Cox and Smith, who are co-chairs of Citizens for San Leandro Schools.

Joint City Council and School Board Meeting

On July 31, 2006, the San Leandro City Council held a joint meeting with the Board of the San Leandro Unified School District.

After welcomes from Mayor Shelia Young and Board President Pauline Cutter, City Engineer Ken Joseph summarized two joint use projects: the Bancroft Middle School Sports Field and the Cherry Grove Park Well. Construction of the new field is expected to occur during the spring and summer of 2007 and construction of the well is expected to be completed in October 2006.

Superintendent Christine Lim summarized the process by which the bond measure received community input, the different projects considered, and the total amount of the bond and the projects it will fund.

After Lim's presentation, Council Member Surlene Grant asked about the size of the proposed arts education center (26,600 square feet) and expressed concern about isolating freshman from the high school campus. She noted that there had been problems with students cutting class to go to the Starbucks at Palma Plaza and said that a three-story building would be imposing on the half-block.

Council Member Starosciak noted that she was on the School Board when the 1997 bond measure was passed and observed that the assessed value [of property in San Leandro] had doubled in the nearly 10 years since then. After noting that she supports "this bond 100%," Starosciak expressed concern about 20 years into the future and cited demographics projecting 120,000 residents in San Leandro in 20 years. She noted that while the freshman campus will relieve overcrowding at the high school, it won't relieve traffic and pollution in the area. She suggested that the Board consider a second high school and suggested the Kaiser site, Kelloggs site, Scott, or even the Marina. Assistant Superintendent Glaster responded that they had consider sites for a second high school but none were big enough or they were contaminated. He also noted that they work with the City on demographics, which showed a relatively stable student population for the next 20 years. If 120,000 residents were reached, developer fees would help fund a new school.

Trustee Stephen Cassidy noted that now is not the time to call for a new high school the day before the Board is set to vote on the bond. He noted that San Leandro has the lowest funding per student in Alameda County and is ont of the lowest in the Bay Area.

During public comments, Morgan Mack-Rose noted that she was the parent of two kids that would graduate from San Leandro High School in 2019. She encouraged the City to work with the School District to help fund the extra $5 million needed to increase the planned arts education center from a 450-seat theater to a 650-seat theater. She also said that she would support the bond on foot and knocking on doors and encouraged all council members to support the bond.

Republican candidate for State Senate Lou Filipovich said that the city is already paying on a bond and then starting saying things that were hard to decipher.

Mike Katz echoed Morgan Mack-Rose's comments and said that it was imperative that the City Council unite to support the bond. He also noted that many older residents speak with great affection about how good San Leandro schools used to be and this bond can be an opportunity to move the schools back in that direction. Katz also urged non-parents to invest schools because better schools will mean increased equity for all homeowners and property owners.

Jeni Engler said that while she was focused on the benefits of an arts education center, she would like to see the City and School District cooperate on maintenance of the theater and the grounds since she has been impressed with the City's maintenance abilities.

Joint School Board/City Council Meeting on Monday

The Board of the San Leandro Unified School District and the City Council of San Leandro will conduct a joint meeting on Monday, July 31, 2006, in the Dave Karp room of the San Leandro Library. The meeting will begin at 7pm, but an informal gathering will begin at 6pm. After introductions by Mayor Shelia Young and School Board President Pauline Cutter, there will be an update on joint use projects and finally a presentation by the school district on the proposed school facilities bond. An old version of the presentation is available from the school district web site. For complete details about the bond amount and projects approved by the School Board on July 18, 2006, click here.

The San Leandro Library is located at 300 Estudillo Avenue, one block east of E. 14th Street.

Mike is Running for School Board

Mike Katz, the author of this blog (San Leandro Bytes) has filed papers to run for San Leandro School Board, District 4. Mike's platform is based on greater community and parental outreach and involvement, transparency and accountability at the board and district level and passing the bond so we can relieve overcrowding at the High School and repair our schools. For more information check out www.electmikekatz.com.

The present trustee for district 4 is getting out of school board politics, and rumor has it that Mike will have at least two opponents in this race. One of them, Gerald Shovlin is a teacher at Bishop O'Dowd High School, a Catholic High School in Oakland. He has children in the San Leandro school district. We don't know who the other person is yet. The filing period closes on August 18th.

School Board Approves Intra-District Transfer Policy

In its meeting on Thursday, July 20, 2006, the San Leandro School Board voted 5-0 to appoint Judith Cameron as the Director of Curriculum and Professional Development during a brief closed session. Cameron was previously the principal at Roosevelt Elementary. Board President Pauline Cutter was absent and Board Vice-President Stephen Cassidy was late to the meeting and missed the vote.

During the open session, Mike Katz made some suggestions on the Intra-District Transfer request form and the rules regarding intra-district transfers.

Trustee Louis Heystek asked for the consent calendar item concerning intra-district transfers to be pulled. The only other consent item, approval of the extension of the Community Outreach Specialist position from Dec. 2006 to June 2007, was approved 6-0.

In response to a question from Trustee Heystek, Assistant Superintendent Cindy Cathey explained that it was unusual to specify specific criteria. Cassidy was concerned about the possibility of arbitrary decisions and asked about the criteria for denial of an ongoing intra-district transfer. Cathey explained that very few ongoing intra-district transfers are denied. In cases where students are tardy six to 10 times, parents would be notified of district concerns before an ongoing transfer was denied. In most cases, there were multiple issues (late or unexcused absences, academic performance, and discipline).

The School Board voted 6-0 to approve the form with a slight modification and the intra-district transfer policy with a change to indicate that IEP stood for individual educational program in AR 5116.2

AR 5116.2 governs intra-district transfers and sets the following as priorities for intra-district transfers:

1. Students residing in the school's attendance area.
2. Students diverted from their resident attendance area (Involuntary transfers).
3. Siblings of students diverted from their resident attendance area.
4. Students requesting transfers based on dangerous or harmful special circumstances, including threats of bodily harm. A finding of dangerous or harmful special circumstance shall be based upon a written statement from a law enforcement official or properly licensed professional, or a court order.
5. Siblings of special education students whose IEP [individual education program] has placed them at a specific school.
6. Siblings of students already in attendance at the school.
7. Students whose parent or legal guardian is assigned to that school as his or her primary place of employment pursuant to California Education Code section 35160.5(b)(3)(D).
8. Student placements requesting transfers from Title I schools identified for program improvement as outlined in No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

All other transfers, including academic needs, hardship cases, etc., will be subject to space available at the requested school and assignments will be determined by a lottery.

School Board Decides on $103.5 Million Facilities Bond

After more than four hours of a nearly five-hour meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2006, the San Leandro School Board decided on an amount of $103.5 million for a facilities bond to be placed on the November 7, 2006, ballot.

The meeting started with Board President Pauline Cutter reporting that no action was taken during closed session.

A school district attorney briefly reported on his consideration of a possible conflict-of-interest for Trustee Linda Perry, who lives near one of the properties under consideration for purchase for the freshman campus. He found that there was no economic conflict-of-interest nor was there any conflict that would prevent her from fully participating in discussions or votes concerning the school bond.

Superintendent Christine Lim started a presentation entitled "Potential 2006 Facility Bond, July 18, 2006" that addressed some questions raised by board members at previous meetings. Consultant Connell Lindh spoke first about the tax rate amount for a bond that he thought would succeed at the polls. He acknowledged that previous polling in 2004 and 2005 had resulted in maximum tax rates of $25 and $30 per $100,000 of assessed value, respectively. However, he stated that efforts in support of Measure A had raised awareness of school needs to the community and groups like the Rental Housing Owners Association and the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce to such a level that he recommended that the tax rate for the facilities bond not exceed $40 per $100,000 of assessed value. According to Lindh, the school district passed a 1997 school bond of $54 million and managed to obtain $34 million in matching state funds. He also stated that projects completed as part of that bond were on budget and completed six years ahead of schedule.

After a discussion on tax rates, Leo Ray-Lynch of WLC Architects said that shop renovations for the original SLAM space would cost $600,000 and the entire industrial arts building would cost $3 million. Increasing the capacity of the freshman campus from 750 to 800 students would cost $1 million and increasing the capacity of the arts education center from 450 to 650 seats would cost $5 million.

Mike Murphy estimated annual savings from modernization of lighting at $72,844, heating and ventilation at $10,800, and telephones (voice over internet protocol/VOIP) at $116,500. Removing the portables would save $100,000 in annual leasing costs.

Assistant Superintendent Leon Glaster estimated that matching federal grants from the E-Rate program could total $466,400 for upgrading the data networks at McKinley and Wilson and about $1 million for upgrading to VOIP.

Assistant Superintendent Cindy Cathey covered additional operating costs of a freshman campus and a 7th and 8th grade opportunity school.

Trustee Ray Davis began the discussion by noting that a previous study had shown that some items polled at more than 70% support and questioned Lindh about whether the $40 tax rate was really the maximum that could be sustained. Lindh replied that polls show overwhelming support for many things until they are considered with the associated cost.

Trustee Lisa Hague asked about the operational cost difference between a 750 and 800-student freshman campus. Cathey said that there was none.

When asked by Trustee Stephen Cassidy about the costs and scope of upgrades to the industrial arts center, Glaster responded that the $600,000 estimate would cover three rooms, including equipment. Glaster also noted that matching funds may also be available.

Trustee Rick Richards asked about projected enrollment and Glaster responded that it would be flat until 2025, according to demographic projections. Glaster also answered a question about classrooms by saying that there would be 28 classrooms for 750 students and 30 classrooms for 800 students.

The school board meeting was attended by about 42 people, 29 of whom commented on the facilities bond. Everyone who spoke was in favor of the bond, but for different reasons or for different amounts. Andrew Kopp of the San Leandro Community Action Network read a letter asking the board to support a minimum tax rate of $40 per $100,000 of assessed value along with a detailed list of priorities. John Sullivan, who owns rental property in San Leandro, asked the board to stay below the $40 mark