CitySLzUSD Liaison Highlights 2011 0223

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City and San Lorenzo Unified School District Liaison Committee February 23, 2011 Page 2 agrees to furlough days. Dr. Byas stated that the student athletes hold fundraisers to pay for the athletic - related costs, and may also pay a $50 donation. 2. Update of School Programs Including Small Learning Communities/Academies Director of Secondary Education, Melanie Spears provided an overview of the eight small learning communities /academies. They had been established by a federal grant, available for five years. They are now self - sustaining. There has been significant API increases in both high schools. Dr. Byas stated that upgrading the facilities has helped to increase pride by the students. He commented on the new federal program "Race to the Top" with revised regulations and standards. Ms. Spears also commented on the NASA science grant, the STEMS integrated middle school grant which partners with Cal State East Bay and the Tech Museum, Tech Bridge — an outreach science program for girls, and the CPR class for the 7 grade. Councilmember Starosciak asked about any plans for future bonds or parcel taxes for the district. Dr. Byas stated that it was not being planned at this time. Mr. Hollister commented on the next round of COPS funding for regional -based school safety programs and the potential for schools and public safety for San Leandro. 3. Discussion Regarding Crossing Guard Funding Clarification for FY 2011 -12 The City staff stated that the 2011 -12 Budget would include funding for crossing guards at the same level as the current year (a shared -cost formula to pay for half and the district pay for half). The district staff agreed to the cost - sharing formula. Mayor Cassidy stated that he was supportive of the City paying for more in the future. Councilmember Starosciak mentioned that there may be county funding available in the future to pay for crossing guards. 4. Update on School Facilities At the March 15` School Board meeting, more projects are scheduled to be approved. There is a large solar carport project; athletic field renovations; new science labs; digital studio; and traffic improvements at Grant Elementary and Washington Manor Middle Schools. Staff announced that there is a meeting regarding the traffic at Washington Manor Middle School on March 3` at 6 p.m. 5. Discussion Regarding a Joint Work Session In the past several years the City Council and San Leandro Unified Board Members have held a joint meeting together. Mayor Cassidy asked for feedback if there was interest by the San Lorenzo Board to do the same. Dr. Byas said that he would bring the concept to the full board for consideration and then get back to the City. It was suggested that if a joint meeting of both full boards was not logistically possible, perhaps a joint Liaison Committee meeting with the City and both district boards represented.