Torrance Unified School District public meetings in 2020
22 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is meeting to conduct its annual organizational meeting, including electing officers for 2021 and appointing board representatives to various committees. The board will also hold a public hearing on school facility fees and consider approving a positive certification of the 2020-2021 First Interim Report, which notes the district is about $7 million below the state-required reserve level by 2022-2023. The meeting is held via teleconference due to COVID-19.
- Election of 2021 Board officers (President, Vice President, Clerk) and appointment of Superintendent as Secretary
- Public hearing on statutory school facility fees report for FY 2019-2020
- Appointment of Board representatives to committees including SoCal ROC, Joint Committee, LACSTA, Budget Committee, and others
- Approval of positive certification of First Interim Report for 2020-2021, with commitment to address $7 million reserve shortfall
- Closed session items include pupil re-admissions, public employment, discipline, and labor negotiations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Public Facilities Corporation is meeting to elect officers for its 2021 Board of Directors. The board approved a slate of officers, including Betty Lieu as President, James Han as Vice President, Dr. Tim Stowe as Secretary, and Dr. Keith Butler as Treasurer. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Elected 2021 officers: President Betty Lieu, Vice President James Han, Secretary Dr. Tim Stowe, Treasurer Dr. Keith Butler
- Corporation provides alternative financing for acquisition and construction of District facilities
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is holding a special closed-session meeting via teleconference. The only substantive item is a closed-session discussion of the superintendent's evaluation, as permitted by law. The meeting is being conducted under the governor's COVID-19 executive order, with public comment accepted via email.
- Closed session: Superintendent's evaluation (Government Code section 54957)
- Meeting conducted via teleconference per Executive Order N-25-20
- Public comment via email to Superintendent's Office, read aloud at meeting
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is meeting to discuss reopening schools, including returning high-needs students and the TK-2 waiver process, and to consider additional facilities projects funded by Measure T, Measure Z, and state matching funds. The board will also vote on updates to board bylaws and policies, and handle routine consent items. The meeting is held via teleconference due to COVID-19.
- Discussion on reopening schools: high-needs students returning and TK-2 waiver application
- Discussion on additional facilities projects funded by Measure T, Measure Z, and state matching funds
- Approval of updates to Board Bylaws 9220-9400 (second reading)
- Approval of Board Policies update - July 2020 revisions (second reading)
- Approval of virtual elementary assemblies and guest speakers for 2020-21
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education met via teleconference on October 19, 2020, to conduct routine business. The board approved a resolution to issue 2020-2021 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes through the county's Cash Reserve Program, and also approved updates to board bylaws and policies. The agenda included a presentation on social-emotional supports and mental health services, and the board elected a member to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.
- Adopted Resolution #AS-04-20/21 requesting issuance of 2020-2021 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes
- Approved second reading of Board Bylaws 9000-9200 revisions
- Closed first reading of Board Bylaws 9220-9400 revisions
- Closed first reading of July 2020 Board Policies updates
- Directed voting delegate to elect Donald LaPlante to County Committee
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2020-2021 Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan, which outlines how the district will operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board will also receive public input on draft maps for new trustee area boundaries and consider approving the final map and election sequence. Additionally, the board will vote on the unaudited actual financial statements for fiscal year 2019-2020 and approve school sites as polling places for the November 2020 election.
- Public hearing on 2020-2021 Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan
- Public hearing on draft trustee area maps and election sequence
- Approve unaudited actual financial statements for FY 2019-2020
- Approve school sites as polling places for 2020 Presidential General Election
- Approve consent agenda including minutes, amendments, and conference attendance
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is meeting by teleconference due to COVID-19. The board will hold a public hearing on trustee area boundaries, consider a revised wellness policy, and vote on a resolution for ongoing COVID-19 response actions. The board also approved the consent agenda, including fundraisers and meeting minutes.
- Approved resolution for ongoing COVID-19 response actions through 2020-21
- Public hearing on trustee area boundaries for school board elections
- Revised District Wellness Policy and Resource Guide
- Approved elementary and secondary school fundraisers for 2020-21
- Closed session on anticipated litigation, liability claims, and labor negotiations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is holding a special closed-session meeting via teleconference. The board will discuss the superintendent's evaluation in closed session, as permitted by the Brown Act. The agenda was adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
- Closed session discussion of Superintendent's Evaluation (Government Code section 54957)
- Meeting conducted via teleconference per Governor's Executive Order N-25-20
- Public comment accepted via email to the Superintendent's Office
- Agenda adopted as presented
- Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education held a special teleconference workshop to discuss school reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year, scheduled to begin August 26, 2020. Staff presented recommendations and the board discussed them, with public comment allowed. The board also adopted the agenda and adjourned.
- Discussion of school reopening plans for 2020-2021
- Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker, 30 minutes total per topic)
- Adoption of the July 8, 2020 Board Workshop agenda
- Meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is holding a special teleconference meeting to discuss the 2020-21 state budget agreement and an update on reopening schools. The board will also hold a closed session for legal, personnel, and labor negotiations. Public comment is accepted via email or phone.
- Discussion of 2020-21 State Budget Agreement Update
- TUSD Reopening of Schools Status Update
- Closed session: legal case I.K. v. Torrance USD, Chief Business Officer employment, labor negotiations with Torrance Teachers Association, CSEA, SEIU Local 99, Superintendent's evaluation
- Adoption of the meeting agenda
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education held a limited meeting via teleconference, as permitted by Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-25-20 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The board adopted the agenda and recognized eight retirees from April through June 2020, including Superintendent Dr. George Mannon. It also honored numerous student achievements, including athletic, academic, and robotics team finalists and champions. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
- Adopted the June 1, 2020 limited meeting agenda
- Recognized 8 retirees, including Superintendent Dr. George Mannon
- Recognized West High School student for SCVA Honor Choir
- Recognized South High School student as Sports Medicine Finalist
- Recognized multiple teams: Academic Decathlon, Robotics, Wrestling, Soccer, and FCCLA state finalists
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education met by teleconference on May 4, 2020, under Governor Newsom's COVID-19 executive order. The board approved a provisional internship permit for one teacher and an annual declaration of need for emergency credentials. It also extended the use of locally raised funds by schools through 2021-22, with a split vote.
- Approved Provisional Internship Permit for Cheree Chavis, assigned to Wood Elementary School (Special Day, Moderate/Severe).
- Approved Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators: 4 CLAD/English Learner Authorization emergency permits, 1 Teacher Librarian Services limited assignment permit, 4 Special Education limited assignment permits.
- Extended procedures for schools' use of locally raised funds through 2021-22; motion carried 3-2 (Ragins, Lee, Lieu aye; Han, Gerson no).
- Adopted resolution proclaiming May 17-23, 2020 as Classified School Employees Week.
- Approved new high school course outlines for Biology Honors: The Living Earth and Honors Chemistry of the Earth.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education met in a special closed-session teleconference on April 20, 2020, to discuss the appointment of a Superintendent. The board adopted the agenda and adjourned at 6:54 p.m. The meeting was held remotely under Governor Newsom's COVID-19 executive order.
- Closed session discussion of Public Employee Appointment for Superintendent position (Government Code Section 54957)
- Agenda adopted unanimously by the board
- Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
- Teleconference meeting held under Executive Order N-25-20 due to COVID-19
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education met via teleconference on April 20, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The board approved an employment agreement for Dr. Timothy H. Stowe as Interim Superintendent for two years, and adopted a resolution to increase developer fees on new construction projects. The board also authorized participation in a program to borrow funds for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
- Approved a two-year employment agreement for Dr. Timothy H. Stowe as Interim Superintendent, effective July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.
- Adopted Resolution #AS-08-19/20 to increase developer fees on new residential projects to $4.08 per square foot and commercial/industrial projects to $0.66 per square foot, effective June 19, 2020.
- Adopted Resolution #AS-10-19/20 to authorize borrowing funds for fiscal year 2020-2021 through Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) and participation in the California School Cash Reserve Program.
- Held public hearings on the developer fee increase and the initial proposal to the Torrance Teachers Association for 2019-2020.
- Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the March 16 and March 25, 2020 board meetings.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education held a special closed session on March 31, 2020, conducted via teleconference due to Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-25-20 regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The board adopted the agenda and met in closed session to discuss the appointment of the Superintendent under Government Code Section 54957. The meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m. with no other public agenda items listed.
- Closed session discussion regarding the appointment of the Superintendent (Government Code Section 54957)
- Meeting conducted as a teleconference pursuant to Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-25-20
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education held a special teleconference on March 25, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The board unanimously approved a resolution to extend the closure of district schools and facilities. The meeting was conducted via telephone call-in pursuant to Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-25-20, which suspended certain in-person meeting requirements.
- Approval of Resolution Approving Additional Closure of District Schools and Facilities
- Meeting conducted as a teleconference due to Governor's Executive Order N-25-20
- Closed session held to discuss potential litigation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is holding a regular meeting with a closed session for personnel and labor negotiations, followed by an open session. The board will hear presentations on the Madrona Marsh, the Torrance Education Foundation, and a proposed girls softball field at Torrance High School, and will receive the annual reports on bond oversight committees. The board will also consider the initial contract proposals from the Torrance Teachers Association and the district for the 2019-2020 school year.
- Closed session to discuss employee discipline/dismissal/release, labor negotiations with Torrance Teachers Association, CSEA, SEIU Local 99, and superintendent's evaluation
- Presentation on proposed Torrance High School Girls Softball Field
- Annual reports from Independent Citizens' Oversight Committees for Proposition 39 bonds (Measures Y/Z and T/U)
- Initial proposals for 2019-2020 from Torrance Teachers Association and district
- Approval of new/revised Torrance Adult School courses including Farsi, Social Media Marketing, and Hatha Yoga
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education approved the positive certification of the 2019-2020 Second Interim Report for submission to the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The board also adopted the 2020 Legislative Platform and approved a revision to the meeting schedule, canceling the June 29, 2020 regular meeting in favor of a June 16, 2020 special meeting. Additionally, the board approved a consent agenda including secondary school study trips and a traumatic stress program for alternative education schools.
- Approved positive certification of the 2019-2020 Second Interim Report for General Fund.
- Approved the 2020 Legislative Platform for the district.
- Approved revision to 2019-2020 meeting schedule: cancel June 29, 2020 regular meeting; schedule June 16, 2020 special meeting.
- Approved participation in Torrance Refinery Youth Development Program with estimated cost of $6,000 funded by Torrance Refining Company.
- Approved participation in a Traumatic Stress program provided by USC for Kurt T. Shery Continuation High School and Gene Drevno Community Day School at no cost to the district.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is deciding on the adoption of new science textbooks and materials for elementary, middle, and high school, costing up to $2.8 million. The board also discusses a closed session on litigation, expulsion, and labor negotiations, and considers routine consent items like meeting minutes and board policy updates.
- Approval of science textbook adoptions (STEMscopes CA NGSS 3D, Miller & Levine Biology) not to exceed $2,800,000
- Closed session on existing litigation (LASC Case No. BC678789), pupil expulsion, and labor negotiations with teacher and staff unions
- First reading of proposed Board Policies updates based on CSBA December 2019 recommendations
- Vote on 2020 CSBA Delegate Assembly election ballot for Region 24
- Approval of consent agenda including minutes from multiple meetings and amendments to previously approved items
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the superintendent search process. The board met with Leadership Associates search firm advisors to cover the search overview, protocols, timeline, desired qualities, and input sessions. No action was taken on the search; it was discussion only.
- Closed session to discuss appointment of Superintendent (Gov. Code 54957)
- Discussion with Leadership Associates on superintendent search process
- Board input on desired qualities and characteristics of new superintendent
- Discussion of online survey for community and staff input
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education met on February 3, 2020, in a limited session dedicated solely to recognitions. The board adopted the agenda and honored district retirees, a principal, and numerous student teams and individuals for athletic and academic achievements. No policy decisions or financial actions were taken.
- Adopted the February 3, 2020 meeting agenda (motion by Betty Lieu, second by Jeremy Gerson, carried unanimously)
- Recognized 7 retirees from June–September 2019, including Edna Schumacher (Principal, Hickory Elementary) and Lisa Jones (Assistant Principal, Jefferson Middle)
- Recognized Jayne Okazaki, Edison Elementary Principal, as December 2019 Lakers Educator of the Month
- Recognized South High School Varsity Football Team as CIF-SS Division XIV Champions, CIF Southern California Champions, and CIF State Finalists
- Recognized West High School Science Olympiad Team and California All State Honor Choir students
BoardDocs Imported Meetings
The Torrance Unified School District Board of Education is holding a special meeting to discuss and take action on hiring a search firm for the superintendent's employment search. The agenda includes instructions for public speakers and standard procedural items. The meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2020, at 12:00 p.m.
- Discussion/action to hire a search firm for the superintendent's employment search
- Public input limited to 3 minutes per speaker, 30 minutes per topic
- Meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m. (motion carried unanimously)