USD Board Meeting Highlights

The Board and Dr. Andrews recognized individuals for their commitment to students and families in their many years of service in the Union School District. Each spring, USD will honor years of service awardees at our annual Employee Recognition event but was unable to do so in-person last year. Congratulations to this group of service award recipients for their dedication to our students, families and community at large!

From left to right: Michelle Douglas (honored for 35 years of service), Leslie Long, Mary Caddell and Kathy Hudson (honored for 25 years of service), Superintendent Dr. Carrie Andrews; Other awardees: Kim Cecconi and Maria Nunes (honored for 25 years of service.)

Principal Randy Martino shared the impacts the last two years of the pandemic have had on teaching and learning. Through different modes of instruction during distance learning, Mr. Martino explained how many students may have struggled not just academically but also socially in that it was difficult to interact with the teacher and their peers. Harnessing technology tools and services, teachers increased engagement during the physical separation and have continued to use these tools this year during in-person learning.

Mr. Martino introduced Simon Fletcher, math teacher at Dartmouth, and his students who spoke to the strategies they are using to not only be more successful during learning but also to foster a love of learning and a growth mindset.

Mr. Fletcher explained how teachers seek to meet students where they are at, and when faced with differentiated needs within a class, he uses several instructional strategies to be able actively engage all students in math instruction. He explained how helping students develop a growth mindset is critical to build students’ confidence which in turn enables the learning. Citing several technology tools including Nearpod and GoFormative, Mr. Fletcher explained that he’s used what he’s learned during distance learning and brought it to the forefront of teaching in his classroom now, which allows him to provide immediate feedback individually.

The student presenters all shared how these tools have helped them tremendously as it allows students to receive direct and frequent feedback from the teacher. Jordyn shared that her confidence in math has grown as Mr. Fletcher is able to help her individually as she works on math problems. Farida highlighted how Nearpod and GoFormative are valuable “pedagogical methods” used in class. She explained how the class uses a group, collaborative process to learn, leading into self-paced classwork where students get feedback through the program as well as from the teacher. Youssef shared that his first year at Dartmouth has been going well and that he appreciates the instant feedback the programs give students directly.

Mr. Fletcher also shared how the tools also support students to actively participate and ask questions where they might not feel comfortable doing so publicly. Thank you Mr. Fletcher and students for sharing a look into teaching and learning math at Dartmouth!

Dr. Timothy McLarney from True North Research, Inc. presented the results of the bond feasibility study authorized by the Board of Trustees as the District considers the possibility of a Bond Measure in the future. The results of the study suggest that if structured appropriately, kept affordable, and combined with an effective public outreach/education effort and a solid independent campaign, the proposed bond measure has a good chance of passage if placed on the November 22 ballot.

Click here to view the full Bond Feasibility Survey Report.

Click here to view the full presentation.

CliffordMoss, an election consulting group presented on potential strategic assessment, communications and planning services related to determining electoral feasibility for and preparing for a successful November 2022 local school bond. The Board approved the services agreement with CliffordMoss to begin working with the District and present next steps for the district to consider with the exploration of a General Obligation Bond in November. Click here to view the full presentation.

Director of Learning and Innovation Annie Murphy presented an overview of the expansion of our transitional kindergarten (TK) program in Union School District. The overview included recent state expansion mandates, projected enrollments, facilities requirements and estimated expenditures, as well as how we will expand the program offering to more students within USD. Click here to view the full presentation.

As Director Murphy shared, TK is expanding over the next five years. In 2022-23, TK is expanding to children who turn 5 years of age September 2nd through February 2nd. Eligibility will continue to expand until the 2025-26 school year, when all children who turn 4 years of age by September 1st will be eligible to attend TK.

In the 2022-23 school year, USD is offering TK at all elementary school sites and TK will follow an extended day schedule like kindergarten. Our current TK teachers and students welcomed us into their classrooms and shared a direct view into their classrooms and what makes TK such a valuable early start to a student’s education journey. You can watch a special video about Transitional Kindergarten at USD here.

CBOC Chairman Mark Little presented the CBOC’s annual report to the Board of Trustees and the community. Bond Measure J was approved by the voters on June 3, 2014. As required by Education Code 15278, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of an independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) to perform the following duties; inform the public, review expenditure reports and present a written report annually to the Board of Trustees.

When the CBOC met on January 26, 2022, they reviewed the performance and financial audit report which was presented by Chavan & Associates, LLP. Chairman Little presented an overview of Measure J issuance schedule and past and current projects. He shared that the Bond Oversight Committee has reviewed, analyzed, and accepted the financial and performance audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and upon filling BOC duties and responsibilities concludes that the District is in compliance.

Click here to view the full CBOC annual presentation.

Rita Sohal, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services presented the second interim report. The Second Interim Report is a status of the District’s actual financial picture through January 31, 2022 and revised projections for the remainder of the year as of June 30, 2021:

• Total General Fund Revenue (Local Control Funding Formula, Federal, State and local) $68,064,571

• Total Expenditures Expenditures (Salaries, Benefits, Supplies, Services, Utilities, and Equipment) $73,886,314

• To cover the current year expenditures and to maintain the 3% state required reserve, the District must rely on additional revenue resources such as Lease revenue from our 7 closed schools sites (Current year $4,408,230) and in addition to our USD Extended Care Program ($1,000,000)
  
  

The Board approved the Second Interim Report with a positive certification meaning the District can meet its financial obligation for the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years (2021-24) maintaining a minimum of a 3% reserve for uncertainties.

In addition, a USD has reflected the second interim information in the updated Budget Information At a Glance infographic resource below. The Budget at a Glance resource is a helpful tool to understand the fiscal condition of the district. We hope this resource is helpful as we work together to support our students, staff and District as a whole.

Click here to view the full presentation.

On March 3, 2022, the Union District Educators Association bargaining unit and the Board's representatives reached Tentative Agreement on a reopener to negotiate Article 9.1 Compensation and Article 9.3 Health and Welfare Benefits for the 2021-22 school year. This written agreement is subject to ratification by the bargaining unit members and pending approval by the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

The Board of Trustees held a public hearing, approved the 2021-22 Employment Agreement with the Union District Educators Association (UDEA) and approved AB 1200 Public Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement with Union District Association (UDEA).

The Board of Trustees approved the revised Board Policies. One of the roles of the Governing Board is to ensure District Board policies are reviewed, added, removed and kept up to date in order to keep the District legally compliant.

Click here to review USD’s Policy 5116.1: Intradistrict Open Enrollment.

Click here to review USD’s Policy 5117: Interdistrict Attendance.

Please join us for our next regular Board of Trustees Meeting on April 11, 2022. The meeting will be held at the USD District Office Board Room at 5175 Union Ave. Visit the Board of Trustees page for virtual meeting access and information on future meetings.