[Editor’s Note: Here is an amplification of a story the newspaper reported two days ago.]
During last week’s School Board meeting, Board member Laura Chardiet introduced a revision to Board Policy 1240 – Volunteer Assistance to address her concerns about the School District’s adjunct and parent-funded volunteer programs at several campuses, but pointedly El Marino Language School.
Although Board Policy 1240 was not agendized, the amendments to this Board policy were presented under Board Business. Several members of the School Board had not seen the proposed revisions to the policy before it was introduced.
Board Bylaw 9310 establishes a “policy development process” with clearly delineated steps. Under Board Bylaw 9310, the School Board must identify the need for adoption or revision of a policy.
After the Board has determined a need, then the Superintendent or her designee “shall gather fiscal and other data, staff and public input, related district policies, sample policies from other organization or agencies, and other useful information to fully inform the Board about the issue.”
Once these steps have been taken, the School Board can proceed to amend an existing policy based on how the proposed policy works under existing state and federal laws, California Education Code, liability and how it “may affect student learning, community expectations, staff recommendations, fiscal impact, as well as the policy’s impact on governance and operational efficiency.”
“The Board realizes that Board Policy 1240—Volunteer Assistance is important to the community,” said Supt. Patti Jaffe. “But we all want to ensure that Board Bylaws are followed and that the Board has all of the necessary information it needs to make decisions regarding Board policy that addresses the needs of all stakeholders.”
Ms. Jaffe said that Board members will confirm a proposed date of Tuesday, April 10 – Election Day – to hold a Special Board Workshop Study Session to review and discuss Board Bylaw 9310 as it pertains to Board Policies.
“I can assure parents that this is not something that is going away,” Ms. Jaffe said. “We just need to deal with any changes to Board policy in the correct way and ensure that CCUSD policies and by-laws are followed.”
Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com
