Washoe County School District public meetings in 2020
52 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Board of Trustees met to review routine consent agenda items, including annual audit reports and fiscal updates. The meeting focused on administrative oversight of the Internal Audit Department and recording budget changes.
- Acceptance of the Chief Auditor's Annual Independence Statement
- Acceptance of the Internal Audit Department's Annual Risk-Based Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2021
- Authorization of budget transfers totaling $7,158.53 for October 2020
Safe and Healthy Schools Commission Meeting
The Safe and Healthy Schools Commission will meet remotely to discuss and possibly act on merging the proposed Trauma-Informed Care Conference and Safety Forum for Spring 2021, and to determine their content and logistics. They will also hear an update on school reopening efforts related to COVID-19 and consider a budget transfer for website ADA compliance. Public comment is via email only due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Budget transfer from Safe and Healthy Schools account to Communications for Ally license to upgrade district website and maintain ADA compliance
- Discussion and possible action to merge Trauma-Informed Care Conference and Safety Forum in Spring 2021
- Discussion and possible action on content, logistics, and marketing of 2021 Safety Forum and/or Trauma-Informed Care Conference
- Update on school reopening efforts related to COVID-19 since November 2, 2020
- Approval of minutes from November 2, 2020 meeting
Capital Funding Protection Committee
The Capital Funding Protection Committee will consider recommending the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees approve $82,700,000 for the 2020/2021 'B' Major Projects Program. They will also review the 2020 Capital Improvement Program Annual Evaluation Report, discuss the draft Strategic Technology Master Plan, and hear updates on the Debbie Smith Career & Technical Education Academy and William O'Brien Middle School Replacement Project. Public comment is via email only due to COVID-19.
- Recommend approval of $82,700,000 allocation to 2020/2021 'B' Major Projects Program
- Recommend acceptance of 2020 Capital Improvement Program Annual Evaluation Report
- Discuss draft Strategic Technology Master Plan
- Update on Debbie Smith Career & Technical Education Academy schedule and budget
- Update on William O'Brien Middle School Replacement Project schedule and budget
Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors Meeting
The Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors met remotely on November 30, 2020, to review its annual financial documents and strategic updates. The board considered approving the 2019-20 financial statements and the 2020-21 budget. Additionally, the board discussed the organization's structure, a distance learning laptop drive, and a white paper on Nevada's educational rankings.
- Approval of the 2019-20 Education Alliance Financial Statements (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020)
- Approval of the 2020-21 Education Alliance Budget
- Approval of the dissemination of the P-16 Advocacy Council White Paper titled 'Understanding Nevada's Educational Ranking: How WCSD Can Address Its Biggest Demographic Challenge'
- Update on the Distance Learning Laptop Drive, including technology, fundraising, and sponsors
- Introduction of Phil Kaiser, incoming Washoe Education Association president, and Kathleen Newman, new Education Alliance secretary
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on November 24, 2020, at Procter R. Hug High School. The board approved the consent agenda (items 2.03 through 2.31) and a separate item to install a memorial plaque at Jerry Whitehead Elementary School in honor of the late Judge Jerry Whitehead. The meeting was conducted under COVID-19 restrictions, with limited in-person attendance and public comments accepted via email.
- Approved creation and installation of a memorial plaque at Jerry Whitehead Elementary School in honor of Judge Jerry Whitehead (no cost to district, donated by family)
- Final approval of revisions to Board Policy 9050 (Board of Trustees' Governing Mission) to clarify policy and purpose
- Final approval of revisions to Board Policy 9051 (Board Conduct, Ethics, and Operational Protocols) to clarify policy and purpose
- Approval of minutes from the August 25, 2020 regular meeting
- Meeting held at Procter R. Hug High School, 2880 Sutro Street, Reno, with COVID-19 capacity limits and email public comments
Zoning Advisory Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District Zoning Advisory Committee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly act on agenda items, including approving minutes from prior meetings. The main item is an information and discussion session on elementary, middle, and high school zoning boundaries in the Panther Valley and Sun Valley areas, with proposed changes affecting several schools. Public comment is via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Discussion of zoning boundaries for Alice Smith Elementary, William O'Brien Middle, North Valleys High, Esther Bennett Elementary, Lois Allen Elementary, Desert Skies Middle, and new Proctor R. Hug High at Wildcreek
- Possible approval of minutes from September 17 and October 15, 2020 meetings
- Public comment accepted via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
- Meeting held remotely via YouTube live stream
Board Policy Committee
The Washoe County School District Board Policy Committee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly recommend revisions to four board policies: 9060 (annual goals and evaluation), 9062 (trustee orientation and education), 9065 (trustee compensation and expenses), and 9075 (district initiatives). The revisions aim to remove unnecessary wording and clarify each policy's purpose. The committee may forward the proposed changes to the full Board of Trustees for preliminary approval. Public comment is accepted via email only due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Discussion and possible action on Board Policy 9060, Annual Goals, Objectives and Evaluation of the Board of Trustees
- Discussion and possible action on Board Policy 9062, Orientation and Continuous Education of the Board of Trustees
- Discussion and possible action on Board Policy 9065, Board of Trustees' Compensation and Expenses
- Discussion and possible action on Board Policy 9075, District Initiatives, Programs, and Services
- Public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Student Attendance Advisory Committee Meeting
The Student Attendance Advisory Committee will meet remotely to discuss chronic absenteeism data, review outcomes from the 2019/20 Attendance Review Board, and hear community partner perspectives on attendance successes and barriers. The committee will also consider approving minutes from its March 6, 2020 meeting. Public comment is accepted via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approval of minutes from March 6, 2020 meeting
- Presentation of most current chronic absenteeism data (discussion only)
- Presentation on 2019/20 Student Attendance Review Board outcomes (discussion only)
- Discussion on successes and barriers in supporting attendance from community partner perspective
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including the creation of a new fund for property tax capital projects. The board will also accept public comments via email and in person, with COVID-19 restrictions in place.
- Adopt Resolution 20-014 to create Fund 39 for property tax capital projects, funded by excess debt rate revenues ($0.3885 per $100 assessed valuation)
- Approve minutes from July 28 and August 11, 2020 board meetings
- Accept donations from Sierra Nevada Corporation totaling $100,000 or more for fiscal year 2020-21
Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) Advisory Committee
The Washoe County School District's Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (SHARE) Advisory Committee will meet remotely to consider and possibly recommend adoption of a revised 7th grade curriculum, including lessons on healthy relationships and reproductive health. They will also review and potentially revise the district's definition of abstinence. Public comment is accepted via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Review and possible action on 7th grade Healthy Relationships lesson, including videos 'Teen Voices: Friendships and Boundaries' and 'What Makes a Relationship Healthy'
- Review and possible action on 7th grade Reproduction and Sexual Health lesson, including videos 'Sex Education for Middle School-Body Basics' and 'Human Journey in the Womb'
- Discussion and possible action on revising the WCSD definition of abstinence
- Approval of October 12, 2020 meeting minutes
Safe and Healthy Schools Commission Meeting
The Safe and Healthy Schools Commission will meet remotely to discuss and possibly act on several items, including approving minutes from previous meetings, receiving a presentation on school safety audits and the Safety Advocacy Counsel contract, and discussing school reopening efforts amid COVID-19. The agenda also includes presentations on National School Psychology Week and staff wellness, as well as a discussion on setting goals for the remainder of the school year. Public comment will be accepted via email only.
- Approval of minutes from Feb 3, Mar 2, and Oct 12, 2020 meetings
- Presentation on School Safety Audits and Safety Advocacy Counsel contract
- Update on COVID-19 school reopening efforts and lessons learned
- Discussion of goals and objectives for 2020-2021, including annual Safety Forum
- Public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trustees Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District's Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trustees Committee will meet remotely to approve the annual transfer of up to $5,990,019 from the OPEB Trust Fund, review financial reports, and consider recommending an expansion of the committee from 3 to 5 members with longer terms. Public comment is by email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approval of annual transfer/expense from OPEB Trust Fund not to exceed $5,990,019
- Discussion of FY 2020 4th quarter financial statements for the OPEB Trust Fund
- Discussion of quarterly PERS Retirement Benefits Investment Fund report for June 30, 2020
- Possible action to recommend increasing OPEB committee membership from 3 to 5 and terms from 2 to 4 years
- Approval of minutes from June 25, 2020 meeting
Group Insurance Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District Group Insurance Committee is meeting to review September 2020 financial and claims reports, wellness program updates, and a Virgin Pulse annual review. The only action item is a possible vote to exclude retirees from the ComPsych/Guidance Resources counseling benefit. The meeting is held remotely due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted via email only.
- Possible action to exclude retirees from ComPsych/Guidance Resources services
- Presentation of Internal Service Fund as of September 2020
- Claims experience report for September 2020
- Hometown Health and Anthem claims activity and turnaround reports
- Wellness program report and Virgin Pulse annual review
Council on Family Resource Centers Meeting
The Washoe County School District Council on Family Resource Centers met remotely on October 21, 2020, to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on clients and services. The agenda included informational presentations on the strategic planning process, current grant funding, and year-to-date client data. The only item marked for possible action was the approval of minutes from the February 26, 2020 meeting.
- Approval of minutes from the February 26, 2020 meeting
- Discussion of COVID-19 impacts on Family Resource Center clients and services
- Review of the Family Resource Centers Strategic Planning Process and year-to-date progress
- Discussion of current Family Resource Centers grants and funding status
- Review of year-to-date data on clients served and outreach events
Board Policy Committee
The Washoe County School District Board Policy Committee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly act on revisions to several Board Policies in the 9000 series, as part of an audit directed by the Board of Trustees. The committee will consider forwarding proposed revisions for policies 9050, 9051, and 9052 to the full Board for preliminary approval, and will also consider making no revisions to policies 9075, 9080, 9082, 9085, and 9100. Public comment will be accepted via email only due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Possible action to forward revised Board Policy 9050 (Board of Trustees' Governing Mission) to the Board
- Possible action to forward revised Board Policy 9051 (Board Conduct, Ethics, and Operational Protocols) to the Board
- Possible action to forward revised Board Policy 9052 (Communication Protocols for the Board of Trustees) to the Board
- Possible action to make no revisions to Board Policies 9075, 9080, 9082, 9085, and 9100
- Public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a work session to discuss and approve the 'Bridge Plan,' a continuation of the strategic plan for the 2020-21 school year, including key targets and milestones. The board also discussed and approved the process and criteria for evaluating the superintendent for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, including a three-point scoring scale. The agenda included procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and public comment.
- Approved the Bridge Plan with modifications to goals and objectives, including deleting certain objectives and adjusting response times.
- Approved the superintendent evaluation standards and a three-point scoring scale (meets, exceeds, does not meet expectations).
- Approved the timeline and tools for the 2020-21 superintendent evaluation.
- Public comment accepted via email and in person with COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including contracts for school performance support services, a warehouse delivery truck, and fire alarm upgrades. The board also adopts the agenda and handles procedural opening items. Public comments are accepted via email due to COVID-19 capacity limits.
- Award $175,000 contract to Catapult Learning West, LLC for Title 1 School Performance Support Services
- Award $107,766.85 to Silver State International for a warehouse delivery truck
- Award $132,200 to Triumph Electric, Inc. for fire alarm upgrades at Sarah Winnemucca Elementary School
- Approve minutes of July 7, 2020 regular meeting
Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) Advisory Committee
The Washoe County School District S.H.A.R.E. Advisory Committee met remotely on October 12, 2020, to review proposed changes to the Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education curriculum. The agenda focused on replacing existing video libraries for grades 4 through 7 and reviewing draft lesson plans for 7th grade topics including abstinence, contraception, and reproduction. Public comment was restricted to email submissions due to the state of emergency. The committee considered recommending adoption of these materials to the Board of Trustees or sending them back for further revision.
- Proposed replacement of 4th grade curriculum videos with three new titles including 'Always Changing and Growing Up' and 'Making Tough Choices with Kid President'
- Proposed replacement of 5th grade curriculum videos with five new titles including 'Puberty in Boys' and 'Bill Nye: Germs'
- Proposed replacement of 6th grade curriculum videos with two new titles including 'Sex Education for MS-Puberty' and 'Understanding HIV/AIDS'
- Review of draft 7th grade lesson plans for 'Abstinence, Contraceptives and Sexually Transmitted Infections' and 'Reproduction and Sexual Health'
- Approval of minutes from the March 9, 2020 meeting
Safe and Healthy Schools Commission Meeting
The Washoe County School District Safe and Healthy Schools Commission will select a chair and vice-chair for the 2020-21 committee year. The body will also discuss the district's re-opening activities for the 2020-21 school year regarding student and staff safety. Additionally, the commission will receive a presentation on federal Title IX changes and state bullying legislation. Due to the state of emergency, public comment is accepted via email only.
- Selection of committee chair for the 2020-21 Committee Year
- Selection of committee vice-chair for the 2020-21 Committee Year
- Approval of minutes from the March 2, 2020 meeting
- Discussion of Washoe County School District Re-opening Activities for the 2020-21 School Year
- Presentation on changes to federal Title IX requirements and state bullying legislation
Zoning Advisory Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District Zoning Advisory Committee is meeting remotely to select a chair and vice-chair, approve prior minutes, and receive training on Nevada's Open Meeting Law. They will also discuss guiding principles for school zoning, the district's 2020-2039 facilities plan, and the timeline for potential high school rezoning during the 2020-21 school year. Public comment is accepted via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Selection of chair and vice-chair for terms ending June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 respectively
- Approval of minutes from March 12, 2020 meeting
- Presentation on Nevada Open Meeting Law (NRS 241) requirements
- Discussion of guiding principles for zoning: student safety, equity, achievement, minimizing disruption
- Discussion of 2020-2039 facilities plan and potential high school rezoning timeline
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met on August 25, 2020, and approved the consent agenda (items 2.02–2.14) in one motion. The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes, a dual-credit technical education MOU with Truckee Meadows Community College, and a school site dedication agreement for the Daybreak development. The meeting also included procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and pledge of allegiance.
- Approved MOU with Truckee Meadows Community College for dual credit technical courses at AACT High School and TMCC use of technical classrooms for 2020-21
- Approved dedication agreement with NPLC BV Investment Company, LLC for two school sites (one elementary, one high school) within Daybreak development
- Approved minutes of May 12 and May 26, 2020 regular meetings
- Meeting held at Damonte Ranch High School Theater, 10500 Rio Wrangler Parkway, Reno, NV
- Public attendance limited to 50 people per Governor's Directive 021, with email comments accepted
Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors Meeting
The Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors met remotely on August 24, 2020, due to Governor's Directive 021. The board voted to approve the 2020-21 bylaws, which increase the number of board members to 17 and update terms for officers. The meeting also included informational updates on the Distance Learning Laptop Drive and the P-16 Advocacy Council.
- Approval of 2020-21 Bylaws, including an increase in board membership to 17
- Informational update on the Distance Learning Laptop Drive and fundraising efforts
- Informational update on the structure and working groups for the 2020-21 school year
- Approval of minutes from the June 22, 2020 meeting
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including final approval of a revised student attendance policy that removes the 10% absence promotion/credit rule and adds protections against retention or course failure due to attendance. The board will also acknowledge emergency boiler replacement at E. Otis Vaughn Middle School for $500,000 and approve a $23,490 change order for testing services at Marce Herz Middle School.
- Final approval of Board Policy 5400 changes removing 10% absence rule for promotion/credit
- Acknowledge $500,000 emergency boiler replacement at E. Otis Vaughn Middle School
- Approve $23,490 change order for CME testing services at Marce Herz Middle School
- Public comments accepted via email due to 50-person gathering limit
Capital Funding Protection Committee
The Capital Funding Protection Committee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly act on several items, including selecting a chair and vice-chair, approving June minutes, and receiving updates on construction audits, the capital projects budget, and specific school projects. The most significant action item is a recommendation to allocate $16,000,000 to the 2020/2021 'A' Major Projects Program. Public comment will be accepted via email only due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Recommend $16,000,000 allocation to 2020/2021 'A' Major Projects Program
- Select Committee Chair and Vice-Chair for 2020-21 year
- Update on COVID-19 impacts to Capital Projects Budget
- Update on Debbie Smith Career and Technical Academy design costs
- Presentation on William O'Brien Middle School Replacement Project
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on July 28, 2020, conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency. The board approved a consent agenda that included a $100,000 contract renewal with the School Safety Advocacy Council for school safety services, as well as appointments to the Audit Committee. Public comment was accepted via email only.
- Approved $100,000 contract with School Safety Advocacy Council for school safety services (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021)
- Approved $200,000 independent contractor agreement with Ardor Health Solutions for occupational therapist services
- Approved appointments to the Audit Committee: Ben Barteau, Ronald Ellis, Jennifer Thomas, and Todd Shipley (terms ending June 30, 2022)
- Meeting held remotely with public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees cancelled its scheduled work session for July 24, 2020. Consequently, the agenda items, which included the approval of the 'Bridge Plan' and the superintendent's performance evaluation process, were not acted upon. The meeting was designated as procedural and cancelled in its entirety.
- Cancellation of the July 24, 2020 Work Session
- Unacted item: Approval of the 'Bridge Plan' strategic plan continuation
- Unacted item: Superintendent performance evaluation criteria for 2019-20 and 2020-21
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a work session where they adopted a bridge evaluation for the superintendent covering July 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020, and approved a reporting format for the strategic plan. They also discussed the 'Profile of a Graduate' design and its connection to the strategic plan. The meeting included procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and public comment periods.
- Adopted bridge evaluation for Superintendent for July 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020, with ratings of meets, exceeds, or does not meet expectations
- Approved proposed reporting format and tool for strategic plan, with staff to review metrics and bring final bridge document to future work session
- Discussed 'Profile of a Graduate' design, process, and communication work in relation to strategic plan
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per item per Board Policy 9115
Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trustees Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District's Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trustees Committee will meet remotely to consider approving a transfer of up to $5,990,019 from the OPEB Trust Fund and accepting the FY2021 OPEB budget. They will also review financial statements and investment reports, and affirm that investment income will fund future benefits. Public comment is by email only due to COVID-19.
- Approval of transfer/expense of up to $5,990,019 from OPEB Trust Fund (NAC 287.792)
- Acceptance of FY2021 OPEB budget as approved by the Board of Trustees
- Review of FY2020 first, second, and third quarter financial statements
- Review of PERS Retirement Benefits Investment Fund reports for periods ending Sept 30, Dec 31, 2019, and Mar 31, 2020
- Approval of annual affirmation that investment income will be used for future benefits
Group Insurance Committee Meeting
The Group Insurance Committee will review and possibly approve the 2021 health insurance rates, with a proposed 0% rate increase and no benefit changes. The committee will also discuss the internal service fund, claims experience, and wellness program reports as of May 2020. Public comment is via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Approval of 2021 health insurance rates with 0% increase and no benefit changes
- Presentation on Group Insurance Internal Service Fund as of May 2020
- Claims experience report for May 2020
- Hometown Health and Anthem claims activity and turnaround reports
- Wellness program report covering Virgin Pulse enrollment and annual mailer
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met remotely on June 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 emergency, with public comment accepted only via email. The board approved a consent agenda that included a $720,000 contract with T-Mobile for 3,000 student hotspots, a $250,000 DreamBox math software renewal, and a $157,986 grant application for family stability programs. The board also pulled item 2.22 from the consent agenda and approved the rest as revised.
- Approved $720,000 T-Mobile contract for 3,000 student hotspots
- Approved $250,000 DreamBox math software renewal
- Approved $157,986 grant application for Promoting Safe and Stable Families
- Pulled consent agenda item 2.22 for separate discussion
- Meeting held remotely; public comment via email only
Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors Meeting
The Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors will meet remotely on June 22, 2020, to consider routine governance items including approval of minutes, a slate of officers for 2020-21, and appointment of a new board member. They will also discuss the financial report, a budget request to increase secretary hours, and possible alternatives for the 2020 Run for Education due to COVID-19. Public comment is by email only.
- Approval of 2020-21 officer slate: Eric Scheetz (President), Dave Bianchi (Past-President), Melissa Deadmond (Vice-President), Lauren Garfinkel (Secretary), Chris Morgan (Treasurer)
- Appointment of Kristine Brown to fill Ann Silver's term ending June 30, 2024
- Discussion and acceptance of financial report for July 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
- Budget request to increase secretary hours to 30 per week, funded by the Education Alliance
- Discussion and possible action on 2020 Run for Education alternatives, such as postponement
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees will meet remotely due to COVID-19, with public comment accepted via email only. The board will consider consent agenda items including awarding two construction contracts for relocating portable classrooms to Katherine Dunn Elementary and Sky Ranch Middle School, and will also hear a report on the district's reopening plan.
- Award Bid #20-84-B-04-AA to Simerson Construction LLC for $248,150 to relocate a portable classroom to Katherine Dunn Elementary School
- Award Bid #20-85-B-04-AA to Simerson Construction LLC for $262,690 to relocate a portable classroom to Sky Ranch Middle School
- Approve minutes from the March 10, 2020 regular meeting
- Adopt the agenda as revised (removing item 4.01 and moving item 6.02 before consent agenda)
Oversight Panel for School Facilities
The Washoe County School District Oversight Panel for School Facilities is meeting remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency. The panel will consider approving a draft letter to the Legislative Counsel Bureau with recommendations for financing school construction, design, maintenance, and repair costs. It will also approve minutes from the June 2019 meeting and introduce the new superintendent and panel members. Public comment is accepted via email only.
- Discussion and possible action on draft letter to Legislative Counsel Bureau regarding school facilities financing (NRS 393.097)
- Approval of minutes from June 6, 2019 meeting
- Introduction of Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill
- Introduction of new Oversight Panel members
- Public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Capital Funding Protection Committee
The Capital Funding Protection Committee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly recommend approval of a $25.5 million allocation to the 2019/2020 'E' Major Projects Program and the Fiscal Year 2021-2025 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. They will also review the FY 2021 Capital Renewal Program, updated design costs for Debbie Smith Career & Technical Academy, and updates on William O'Brien Middle School replacement and the 2020-2039 Facilities Plan. Public comment is via email only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Possible action to recommend $25,500,000 allocation to 2019/2020 'E' Major Projects Program
- Possible action to recommend FY 2021-2025 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Presentation and discussion on FY 2021 Capital Renewal Program projects and costs
- Update on timeline and budget for William O'Brien Middle School replacement
- Update on 2020-2039 Facilities Plan conformance with TMRPA Regional Plan
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a remote work session, taking action on three items: authorizing the Board President to change regular meeting start times to 2:00 p.m. for June and July 2020, and directing the superintendent to forward proposed revisions to three board policies (9080, 9085, 9088) related to superintendent employment, delegation, and trustee-superintendent relations to a future meeting for preliminary approval. The meeting was conducted under COVID-19 emergency provisions, with public comment accepted only via email.
- Authorized Board President to change regular meeting start time from 4:00 PM to 2:00 PM for June and July 2020
- Directed forwarding revised Board Policy 9080 (Employment and Duties of Superintendent Performance) to future meeting
- Directed forwarding revised Board Policy 9085 (Delegation to the Superintendent) to future meeting
- Directed forwarding revised Board Policy 9088 (Trustee/Superintendent Relations) to future meeting
- Public comment accepted via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency, with public comment by email only. The board approved the consent agenda, including a $736,168 grant application for Incline Village High School's competency-based learning program and a three-year wellness screening contract. Items 5.01 through 5.05 were pulled for a future meeting.
- Approved $736,168 grant application to Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation for Incline Village High School Competency-Based Learning Program for 2020-2021
- Approved three-year agreement with Vaccination Services of America, Inc. (TotalWellness) for wellness screenings at $45/$44/$43 per participant, estimated total $432,940
- Approved consent agenda items 2.02 through 2.07
- Pulled agenda items 5.01 through 5.05 for consideration at a future meeting
- Meeting held remotely with public comment via email only due to COVID-19 emergency
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency, with public comment accepted only via email. The board approved the consent agenda, which included renewing contracts for Blackboard Inc. ($209,849.10) and Infinite Campus Inc. ($528,164.35) for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Approved renewal of Blackboard Inc. service agreement for $209,849.10 for Connect, website, and mobile services.
- Approved renewal of Infinite Campus Inc. student information system agreement for $528,164.35.
- Approved minutes of the February 25, 2020 regular meeting.
- Meeting held remotely with public comment via email only due to COVID-19.
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a remote meeting due to the COVID-19 emergency, with public comment accepted only via email. The board approved the consent agenda, including a revised communications policy (Board Policy 1160) and a 10-year charter renewal for ACE Charter High School, among other routine items.
- Approved revision of Board Policy 1160 on communications and community engagement, adding language on community input and initiating a 13-day public comment period
- Approved renewal of the charter agreement for Academy for Career Education (ACE) Charter High School for 10 years
- Declared surplus vehicles and equipment as surplus property for disposal per NRS 332.185
- Approved minutes of the January 28, 2020 regular meeting
- Meeting held remotely with public comment via email only due to COVID-19
Zoning Advisory Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District Zoning Advisory Committee will meet on March 12, 2020, at Cold Springs Middle School to discuss and possibly approve zoning changes tied to a new elementary school in Cold Springs. The agenda includes adopting the meeting agenda, approving the February 20, 2020 minutes, and two action items on potential boundary changes affecting multiple schools. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.
- Discussion and possible action on zoning changes affecting Gomes Elementary School due to a new Cold Springs elementary school
- Discussion and possible action on zoning changes affecting Desert Heights, Lemmon Valley, Silver Lake, Stead, Cold Springs Middle, and O'Brien Middle schools
- Approval of minutes from the February 20, 2020 meeting
- Adoption of the meeting agenda
- Next regular meeting scheduled for April 16, 2020
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met to finalize the draft contract template for the Superintendent of Schools, including specific revisions to term length, bonuses, and termination clauses. The Board also reviewed applications from nine candidates and selected finalists to be invited for in-person interviews in April 2020. This work session continued the executive search process initiated in late 2019 with the consulting firm JG Consulting.
- Approved a 3-year contract term with a 1-year buyout clause for termination without cause
- Set the maximum performance bonus at 10% and approved a $250,000 life insurance death benefit
- Required the superintendent to be licensed by the Nevada Department of Education within 3 years
- Reviewed applications from 9 candidates: Dino Coronado, Alexa Cunningham, Kristen McNeill, Mark Miller, Warren Shillingburg, Marshall Tuck, Paul Vallas, Fabby Williams, and Antwan Wilson
- Directed Chief General Counsel to work with JG Consulting on candidate vetting and interview questions
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is meeting to consider routine consent agenda items, including final approval of revisions to three board policies: political activity, instructional materials selection, and English learners. The board will also approve the minutes from the January 14, 2020 meeting. All items are expected to be approved in one motion.
- Final approval of revised Board Policy 1310 on political activity, clarifying use of district resources and staff/student political activities
- Final approval of revised Board Policy 6160 on instructional materials, removing the textbook committee and aligning with state-approved materials list
- Final approval of revised Board Policy 6725 on English learners, updating federal definitions and adding school corrective action plan language
- Approval of minutes from the January 14, 2020 regular meeting
Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) Advisory Committee
The Washoe County School District's Sexuality, Health and Responsibility Education (SHARE) Advisory Committee will discuss and possibly recommend adoption of revised 8th grade curriculum lessons on reproductive health, abstinence/contraceptives/STIs, consent, and healthy relationships. The committee may recommend the Board of Trustees adopt the new lessons and delete existing curriculum, or suggest further edits. Public comment is allowed on action items.
- Recommend adoption of revised 8th grade lesson on reproductive and sexual health, including four videos and deletion of existing curriculum
- Recommend adoption of revised 8th grade lesson on abstinence, contraceptives, and STIs, including one video and deletion of existing curriculum
- Recommend adoption of revised 8th grade lesson on consent, including video 'Consent Explained' and deletion of existing curriculum
- Discuss and possibly recommend adoption of new 8th grade lesson on healthy vs. unhealthy relationships
- Approval of minutes from January 29, 2020 meeting
Safe and Healthy Schools Commission Meeting
The Safe and Healthy Schools Commission will meet to discuss and possibly act on a revised scope of work for the School Safety Advocacy Council for fiscal year 2021, provide input on a safety forum, and hear presentations on student support and attendance. The meeting includes public comment periods and procedural items.
- Revised scope of work for School Safety Advocacy Council (FY2021)
- Input on Safety Forum
- Student support efforts: behavioral, attendance, school climate
- Student Attendance Advisory Committee alignment
- Public comment periods
Group Insurance Committee Meeting
The Washoe County School District Group Insurance Committee will meet to discuss insurance claims, wellness programs, and consider recommending an increase in the WIG (hair prosthesis) benefit reimbursement from $150 to at least $300, along with a potential increase in the lifetime maximum. The committee will also elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson for one-year terms and approve minutes from the October 2019 meeting.
- Possible action to recommend increasing WIG benefit reimbursement from $150 to at least $300 and raising lifetime maximum
- Election of chairperson and vice-chairperson for terms expiring December 31, 2020
- Presentation and discussion of group insurance claims experience report as of January 2020
- Presentation and discussion of claims activity and turnaround reports as of January 2020
- Presentation and discussion of wellness program report as of January 2020
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on February 11, 2020, where they approved the consent agenda (items 2.02 through 2.07) in one motion. The consent agenda included routine items such as approval of previous meeting minutes, appointment to the OPEB Committee, corrective actions for a budget variance, and a purchase of science kits. The board also adopted the meeting agenda at the start.
- Approved $212,687.67 for Full Option Science System (FOSS) kits from Delta Education for Marce Herz Middle School and John Bohach Elementary School
- Approved corrective actions for a $698,688 negative variance in the School Administration functional budget noted in the FY2019 CAFR
- Approved appointment of Gordon Salas to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Committee for a term ending December 31, 2020
- Approved minutes from the November 1, 2019 Work Session and December 10, 2019 Regular Meeting
- Adopted the meeting agenda as presented
Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) Advisory Committee
The S.H.A.R.E. Advisory Committee will meet to consider a proposed 8th-grade curriculum on consent, including a video and lesson plans, and may recommend adoption or revisions. The agenda also includes introducing student non-voting members and routine procedural items. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.
- Proposed 8th-grade consent curriculum with lesson plans and video 'Consent Explained' (https://youtu.be/5vmsfhw-czA)
- Possible action to recommend adoption or revisions to the WCSD Board of Trustees
- Introduction of students as non-voting committee members
- Public comment period for topics not on the agenda
- Next meeting scheduled for March 9, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.
School Naming Committee
The Washoe County School District's School Naming Committee will discuss and possibly vote on naming recommendations for the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology and the new CTE Academy at Procter Hug High School. They will also consider creating a semi-finalist name list for future schools and rank community submissions for a new elementary school in the Cold Springs area.
- Recommend name for Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology (380 Edison Way): keep current name, rename Debbie Smith Academy, or Dolores Feemster Academy
- Recommend name for new CTE Academy at Procter Hug High School: Debbie Smith CTE Academy or Dolores Feemster CTE Academy
- Create automatic semi-finalist name list for future schools from unused finalists (Arrowcreek, Ann Carlson, Debbie Smith, Sessions Wheeler, Michael Landsberry, Sun Valley, Dolores Feemster)
- Rank community name submissions for new Cold Springs elementary school and create semi-finalist list of up to 10 names
- Review results from November 12 and December 10, 2019 Board of Trustees meetings on Procter Hug High School and CTE Academy
Safe and Healthy Schools Commission Meeting
The Safe and Healthy Schools Commission will meet to discuss school safety topics, including a draft policy on anaphylaxis management that would prohibit communal foods in classrooms. The commission will also hear presentations on safety audits, student-pedestrian traffic efforts, and a U.S. Secret Service report on targeted school violence. Possible actions include approving prior meeting minutes and providing input on the anaphylaxis policy and a bullying task force.
- Draft Board Policy 5630 on anaphylaxis management, including a ban on communal foods in classrooms
- Presentation on safety audits and next steps with the School Safety Advocacy Council
- Discussion on traffic student-pedestrian efforts (Safe Routes to School)
- Input on Office for Civil Rights resolution requiring a bullying task force
- Approval of minutes from September 30 and December 2, 2019 meetings
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees met on January 28, 2020, and approved the consent agenda (items 2.02 through 2.08) in a single motion. The consent agenda included routine items such as a committee appointment, a grant application, and acceptance of donation information. The meeting also included procedural opening items and adoption of the agenda.
- Approved appointment of Gordon Salas to Group Insurance Committee (retiree seat, term ending Dec 31, 2021)
- Approved grant application to Nevada Department of Education for 1/5 PERS service credit for retirement incentives, $133,634
- Accepted information on donations from EL Cord Foundation (cumulative $100,000+ in FY 2019-20) per NRS 386.390
Education Alliance of Washoe County Board of Directors Meeting
The Education Alliance Board of Directors will meet to discuss and possibly approve the 2020 Run for Education budget, along with updates on programs, events, and awards. The meeting includes public comment periods and routine consent agenda items.
- Discussion and approval of the 2020 Run for Education Budget
- Report on the 2019 Run For Education financial status and proceeds
- Update on Principal for a ½ Day Event scheduled for February 7, 2020
- Update on Partner in Education PiE Champion Award Program and nomination schedule
- Approval of minutes from November 18, 2019 meeting
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held a work session to review stakeholder feedback and the draft superintendent job profile, and to finalize the timeline for the superintendent search. The board approved Draft 2 of the profile with specific amendments and set key dates for posting the application, closing it, and interviewing candidates. The meeting also included procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and public comment periods.
- Approved superintendent search timeline: application posted Jan 15, closes Feb 14, top 10 candidates presented Mar 10, interviews Mar 30-Apr 10
- Approved Draft 2 of Superintendent Job Profile with amendments to bullets 2, 3, and 9
- Reviewed summative stakeholder feedback report from JG Consulting
- Contract with JG Consulting for search services up to $60,000 (approved previously)
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees held its annual reorganization, electing Malena Raymond as President, Angela Taylor as Vice President, and Andrew Caudill as Clerk for 2020. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as meeting minutes and a contract for body-worn cameras for school police.
- Elected Malena Raymond as President, Angela Taylor as Vice President, and Andrew Caudill as Clerk for 2020.
- Approved consent agenda items 3.02 through 3.14, including minutes from multiple meetings.
- Approved a 5-year contract with Axon for body-worn cameras for school police, totaling $188,628, as required by Senate Bill 89 of the 2019 Nevada Legislative Session.