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PVPUSD Year End Results 2016 Flipbook PDF
PVPUSD Year End Results 2016
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Year End Results Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District 2014 - 2016 375 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 | www.pvpusd.net
Message From the Superintendent The best organizations in the world take the time to set strategic goals, align human and fiscal resources to support key areas of emphasis, evaluate outcomes, and identify future focus opportunities. Our organization, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, is on a journey to become a World Class organization, preparing our stu- dents for unparalleled success in a rapidly changing environment. The First Edition of our Year End Results book chronicles work completed over the past two years. While not an exhaustive compilation, the document is de- signed to memorialize some of the most impactful initiatives, highlight noteworthy accomplishments, acknowledge challenges, and foreshadow future work. Our Board of Education has set the direction through the establishment of our District Goals and the PVPUSD Road Map. Both underscore the importance of establishing a clearly articulated vision and pacing the work to maximize progress within the capacity of a system growing in complexity. The goals reflect a desire to build upon previous successes with an eye to the future to further establish the District as a premier educational institution. The Year End Results book will examine areas including Curriculum & Instruction, Facilities, Human Resources, Fiscal Resources, Special Education, Accountability, Professional Development, and Site Leadership. The review was written by numerous authors, each bringing unique perspectives and their voices to the process. In an age of increased accountability, it is our desire to align the Year End Results book, Local Control Accountabil- ity Plan, District Goals, School Site Plans, and our Road Map. Each should have definite similarities, with room for distinct opportunities to incorporate unique and purposeful differences. The combination of uniformity and autonomy will encourage sites to preserve historic character, while ensuring consistency of academic programs and opportunities for students. On behalf of our Board of Education, we hope that this additional step to share outcomes with the PVPUSD extended community becomes part of our fabric. It is our desire to set the bar high and serve as a model to others across the nation of what CAN BE when amazing students are paired with talented and dedicated adults, and supported by a giving and engaged community. We are proud to present the First Edition of our Year End Results book for the school years of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016! Sincerely, Donald B. Austin, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 2
Table of Contents Message from the Superintendent ................................................................................................ 2 Board of Education ............................................................................................................................................. 4 District Goals ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 District Roadmap .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Administrative Divisions Educational Services .......................................................................................................................... 10 Business Services .................................................................................................................................. 20 Human Resources ................................................................................................................................. 30 Technology & Support Services ......................................................................................... 40 High Schools Palos Verdes ................................................................................................................................................. 49 Peninsula ............................................................................................................................................................ 53 Rancho del Mar .......................................................................................................................................... 57 Intermediate Schools Miraleste ............................................................................................................................................................. 63 Palos Verdes ................................................................................................................................................. 67 Ridgecrest ........................................................................................................................................................ 71 Elementary Schools Cornerstone ................................................................................................................................................... 76 Dapplegray ...................................................................................................................................................... 80 Lunada Bay ..................................................................................................................................................... 84 Mira Catalina ................................................................................................................................................... 87 Montemalaga ................................................................................................................................................ 90 Point Vicente .................................................................................................................................................. 94 Rancho Vista ................................................................................................................................................. 97 Silver Spur ......................................................................................................................................................... 101 Soleado ................................................................................................................................................................ 105 Vista Grande .................................................................................................................................................. 109 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 3
Board of Education Malcolm Sharp | President Retired USC Instructor/Administrator B.B.A., University of Mississippi M.Ed., University of Memphis Anthony Collatos | Vice - President Pepperdine University Professor B.A., Loyola Marymount University Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles Linda Reid | Clerk College Admissions Guidance B.A., B.S., Stanford University M.B.A. University of Southern California Barbara Lucky | Member Retired School Law Attorney B.A., University of California, Los Angeles J.D., University of San Diego Suzanne Seymour | Member Businesswoman B.A., University of Southern California Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 4
District Goals Goal #1 Create a culture of improvement through purposeful innovation and adherence to best practices. Implement efficient and consistent professional development for all employees utilizing traditional and creative methods. Goal #2: Maximize the potential of all students by recognizing their individual strengths and talents. Create an academic program for students to best prepare for post-secondary education and careers. Goal #3: Systematically assess the strength of our programs using internal and external measurements. Goal #4: Promote safe, healthy and affective environments for students, emphasizing social and emotional well-being, kindness, digital citizenship, and honesty. Goal #5: Utilize multi-year financial plans to guide and influence decisions. Goal #6: Enhance communication and collaboration between and among District staff, students, parents, Board of Education and community. Goal #7: Produce fiscally responsible long term strategic plans to enhance facilities, technology, and support services. Goal #8: Attract and retain students and families to the District. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 5
Road Map Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Road Map 2016-2018 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 6
Road Map (page 1 of 2) 2015‐2016 2016‐2017 2017‐2018 Recruit, hire, train, Establish District-wide Profession- Identify creative incentives for Refine evaluation proce- and retain the top al Development Plan to set employees. dures for all employees. talent for every direction and align resources for Implement systematic and regular Implement Instructional position. three years. employee recognition programs. Rounds protocols. Sponsor District-wide Classified Recruit and select top-quality Professional Development Day. employees in the spring and early Evaluate and revise policies, regu- summer to enhance transition lations and procedures to process to District. improve efficiency and outcomes. Build capacity utilizing the concept of “leadership from every seat.” Ensure facilities Address pressing safety con- Prioritize facilities and classroom Identify revenue streams match the World cerns. needs. to support long-term Class experience Reduce water and electrical de- Identify methods of multi-funding facilities needs. our students mands and usage. projects and programs to lever- Strategically address deserve. Conduct robust Facilities Needs age existing resources. facilities needs with input Assessment. Bring funding options to the Board from experts, staff, and of Education for consideration. community. Support and Implement mathematics text- Pilot English Language Arts adop- Pilot English Language enhance an books for grades K-8. tion for grades 6-8. Arts adoption in grades Innovative, Pilot mathematics textbooks Alge- Review English Language Arts K-5. consistent, bra I, Geometry and Algebra II. materials for grades K-5. Expand use of mathe- rigorous, and matics and Algebra I measurable Revise common summative math Implement District-wide mathe- common assessments curriculum for all assessments for grades 5-8. matics common assessments for in grades 6-8. students. Review ELA materials for grades grades 3-5. 6-12. Introduce Professional Develop- Pilot intermediate AVID ment Summer Institute. programs. Implement Next Genera- Introduce Next Generation Sci- ence Standards (NGSS) instruc- tion Science Standards tional strategy shift. (NGSS) and related pro- fessional development. Establish intermediate AVID in- structional team. Build capacity to use data to influ- ence instructional practices. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 7
Road Map (page 2 of 2) 2015‐2016 2016‐2017 2017‐2018 Establish a Upgrade District-wide Wi-Fi net- Establish baseline technology Upgrade and modernize reliable and works to handle increased de- levels at all sites/classrooms. infrastructure. strategic mand. Align services to fully support Create innovative learn- technology Evaluate and prioritize equipment developing technology initiatives. ing spaces and experi- system to handle needed to support STEM ences for students. current and fu- program at all levels. ture demands. Provide Introduce live streaming and on- Unify elementary and intermedi- Establish common tools enhanced demand access of Board of Edu- ate schools on a standard web- and protocols for the communication cation meetings and PVPUSD site platform. consistent reporting of experiences for events. Streamline communication re- student academic pro- staff, students, Expand stakeholder input to help sources for teachers, students, gress. and community guide LCAP revisions. and parents. Host Palos Verdes Pen- members to insula USD State of the interact with and Celebrate and share accomplish- District event in the fall. enhance the ments with all stakeholders. PVPUSD brand. Create Identification and publication of Launch first distance and blended Expand distance and an innovative approved software applications -learning program for students. blended learning pro- instructional and instructional resources. Prepare sample lessons and in- gram. technology Identify distance and blended- class Professional Development Align approved software professional learning models. for instructional technology. applications, instructional development and resources and approved delivery model. Implementation of Technology Establish a strategic plan to fully Scope and Sequence for grades support and implement instruc- curriculum and interven- K-5. tional technology professional tion programs. development. Development of Technology Scope and Sequence for grades 6-8. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 8
District Administrative Divisions Educational Services Business Services Human Resources Technology and Support Services Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 9
Educational Services Joanne Culverhouse, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 10
Educational Services participated in the first administration of the end-of- The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District second-trimester summative assessments aligned to has a history of exceptional student achievement, mathematics instruction. The results of these dynamic teaching, and unparalleled community support. assessments were part of the criteria used to The District is committed to maintaining its reputation determine 2015-16 math placement. These for producing exemplary students with the skills assessments, which were developed by PVPUSD necessary to compete in an evolving and competitive teachers, provided essential data for program review environment. Our teachers and administrators are and evaluation. In Fall 2015, the same teachers met to sensitive to the needs of the community and the review and revise the assessments for administration students we serve. As a result, the staff is committed to in Spring 2016. A summative assessment was also infusing instructional strategies that engage students in created and administered for students in the Palos opportunities to further develop critical thinking, Verdes Core Math 8 classes. creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. Creating a culture of continuous improvement in Assessment and Reporting teaching and learning is vital to the future success of Beginning in June 2014, elementary teachers met to any organization. The rigorous expectations set forth in revise the existing report card to align with the the new California State Standards have provided us expectations of the new California State Standards. an opportunity to improve the educational program Throughout the 2014-15 school year and continuing into across the District, generate consistency of Summer 2015, the report card committee, inclusive of instructional practice, and increase student teachers, administrators and parent representatives, achievement in preparation for the transition to college refined the content and developed a teacher and and career opportunities. parent guide to support the new assessment and reporting practices. The new report card was successfully implemented at the end of the first ASSESSMENT trimester reporting period in November 2015. CAASPP Administration and Results All PVPUSD school sites participated in the California Universal Screening for Gifted And Talented Education Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (GATE) administered in Spring 2015 to students in grades 3-8 In Fall 2015, all students in grades 4, 6, 7, and 8 had the and 11. Seventy-six percent of all students met or opportunity to participate in the administration of the exceeded the standards in English Language Arts/ Otis-Lennon School Ability Test 8th Edition (OLSAT) as Literacy, while seventy-two percent met or exceeded part of a universal screening for GATE identification. the standards in Mathematics. Results were utilized at Sixteen percent of students who participated received the District and site level to identify student successes a School Ability Index (SAI) score of 130 or above, and and needs, as well as to inform program decisions. forty-three percent received an SAI score of 120 or above. A score of 100 is considered an average score, and students who score 130 or above generally fall in Math Summative Assessments the top 2-3% of the population. The data from this In Spring 2015, students in grades 5, 6, and 7 assessment provides valuable information impacting Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 11
Educational Services (continued) decisions to support not only GATE identified students, resources were purchased for social science, visual but all learners. In future years, this universal screening and performing arts, and world language teachers. will be administered in the Fall to all fourth and sixth These resources have provided the opportunity to grade students. increase literacy skills across the curriculum at the secondary level. In order to support the transition to the new California INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS English Language Arts Standards at the elementary level, prior to a formal adoption, teachers met to review NGSS Strategic Plan for Implementation and evaluate available resources to ensure instruction Throughout the 2014-15 school year, K-12 science was aligned to the new English Language Arts literacy teachers met regularly to review and discuss the Next standards and expectations. Resources were Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teacher purchased and subsequently implemented at all sites leaders attended local, state, and national science and in all grade levels. Professional development and conferences and shared information with all science ongoing support continues to be provided. teachers on designated District professional development days. Science teachers began to implement instructional practices and align content Music and Arts Education informally at the sites. In Winter 2015-16, a K-12 Science Partnerships with PVPUSD PTA, the Palos Verdes Arts Committee was convened to develop a three-year Center, and the Peninsula Education Foundation have strategic plan for the implementation of NGSS K-12 by provided elementary students the opportunity to 2018-19. The immediate challenge facing the District is participate in arts education programs which extend reaching consensus on which model, the preferred beyond the general education classroom. The Art-at- integrated model or the discipline-specific model, to Your-Fingertips program, facilitated by PTA in implement at the intermediate level. The strategic plan collaboration with the PV Art Center, provides every has identified a process to reach consensus at the student with five fine arts lessons throughout the intermediate level by December 2016. The elementary school year. The Arts-for-All grant awarded by the Los and high school plans for implementation include Angeles County Arts Commission has provided professional development and curriculum alignment for students in grades 2 and 4 the opportunity to all grades over the course of the next two years. experience arts education aligned to a grade level curriculum focus. Music education has been provided to students throughout elementary school through the Transitional Resources - Literacy support of the PEF and engages students in choral The California State Standards require shifts in music in grades TK-3, playing the recorder in Grade 3, instruction with an emphasis on literacy skills across all and the opportunity to participate in instrumental music disciplines. Beginning in 2013, teacher leaders from all in grades 4 and 5. Over 85% of PV students elect to secondary sites met in content-based committees to learn an instrument through this program. gain knowledge and skills to transition to the expectations of the new literacy standards in their respective disciplines. The committees reviewed and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) evaluated available resources to support the alignment Expansion of their programs to these expectations. As a result, In the 2014-15 school year, the PVPUSD STEM Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 12
Educational Services (continued) program was expanded to the elementary level to Over the past two years, the Special Education include 4th and 5th grade. STEM lead teachers Department has established learning centers at all 10 received training in Project Lead the Way, and students elementary sites to ensure that students with mild to participated in two STEM modules at each grade level. moderate disabilities receive services through the learning center model with the goal of maximizing students’ time in the general education environment. Technology Matrix Additionally, the implementation of evidence-based In order to align with the technology expectations of the curriculum, aligned with the new California State California State Standards, a technology committee Standards, in all Special Day Classrooms (SDC) was met in Spring 2015 to begin the process of developing a accomplished through the purchase of the Unique K-12 technology matrix of skills for classroom Learning Systems and News2You curricula, thus implementation. Phase I concluded in June 2015, with ensuring that students with more severe disabilities the completion of the K-5 Skills Matrix. Phase II will have full access to quality instruction. At the secondary occur in Spring 2016 as the committee will meet to level, the special education program specialists partner develop the 6-8 Skills Matrix. Professional with school teams to provide robust support to Development and support for the implementation enhance co-teaching practices. Most important, began in Summer 2015 and is ongoing. through increased collaboration with Educational Services, the alignment of interventions and RtI practices has resulted in increased support for all types STUDENT SUPPORT of learners. Special Education The purchase of laptops for all designated special The Special Education Department assists schools education support providers, who often work at district-wide to ensure that students’ unique needs are multiple sites, has allowed staff to better monitor addressed in order to maximize their potential within student progress, as well as access resources needed the least restrictive environment. PVPUSD has roughly to be efficient and productive in their daily work. 950 students identified with special needs, over 400 Providing iPads in each of the Special Day Classrooms with Section 504 Plans, and about 600 students who has guaranteed that all students can access the participate in the Response to Intervention (RtI) Unique Learning Systems and News2You curricula. program. Further, the special education department Additionally, each speech and language pathologist supervises approximately 400 certificated and daily utilizes an iPad with state-of-the-art applications classified staff, including special education assistants, that support students with language needs and, in behavior interventionists, occupational therapists, some cases, actually help students find their voices. speech and language pathologists, adaptive physical education teachers, school psychologists, and special The significant increase in collaboration with the education teachers. The goal of the special education Technology Department has led to the alignment of department is to provide support and guidance to Section 504 Plans, Student Success Team decision- administration and staff to ensure instruction capitalizes making processes, and CASSPP/California Alternative on students’ strengths and best prepares all students Assessment accommodations under the AERIES for post-secondary education and careers. system. By making technology tools more accessible to teachers, the Special Education Department is better able to effectively monitor instructional practices Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 13
Educational Services (continued) and learning outcomes for students. placed on social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development. The goal is to teach all children The opening of the Palos Verdes Life Skills Center at the skills that will enable them to become life-long Palos Verdes High School has created the opportunity learners. The program fosters a strong partnership for high school students and transition students between home and school. involved in the skills for independence program to acquire competencies necessary to achieve lifelong independence. These students have access to English Language Development (ELD) functional academic resources as well as laundry English Learners (ELs) are first identified when they facilities and a fully stocked kitchen with a stove, enter the District based on the Home Language Survey refrigerator, and dishwasher. The Life Skills Center has and then tested on the California English Language greatly enhanced the District’s capacity to educate our Development Test (CELDT). This test determines the most impacted students within their own neighborhood proficiency of the student in the specific English skills of without having to place them in programs outside listening, speaking, reading and writing. When students District boundaries. are determined to be at an Intermediate level of proficiency or below, they are placed in a Structured English Immersion (SEI) or English Language Early Childhood Learning Centers Mainstream (ELM) program. The PVPUSD has The Early Childhood Centers began the 2014-15 school approximately 900 identified EL’s who attend our year with a goal to enhance and align the instructional schools. Both of the above mentioned programs, SEI program in each classroom. All teachers of three year and ELM, take into consideration the developing English old and four year old classes were trained on the skills of the students, using Specially Designed “Handwriting without Tears” curriculum. This curriculum Academic Instruction in English strategies and ELD- emphasizes the use of developmentally appropriate trained Instructional Aides. Primary language support is activities to strengthen hand grasp in young children. In provided when possible. Teachers and Instructional the 2015-16 school year, the curriculum alignment Aides receive Professional Development throughout continued with the addition of “Zoo-Phonics” and the year. Topics included are: ELD/English Language “Touch Math” in the four year old classes. To ensure Arts Standards, Academic Vocabulary development, that all children develop creatively, weekly art, music, and use of websites and other digital technology to and garden classes were implemented during the enhance the acquisition of English skills. instructional day. The art and music classes are taught by music and art vendors and the lessons are fun and The program’s main goal is to have students become developmentally appropriate for young children. proficient in English and to master the new California State Standards for academic achievement as rapidly Early Childhood Centers, Miraleste Early Learning as possible. Students who meet the Reclassification Academy (MELA) and Valmonte Early Learning Criteria are monitored for three years to be certain that Academy (VELA), are committed to a quality early they are “on track” to graduate. There is a 100% childhood experience. MELA, VELA, and the Sunrise expected graduation rate for students in the ELD programs provide quality preschool and/or childcare to program. approximately 377 children. The staff provides a nurturing and emotionally secure environment to help children develop to their full potential. Emphasis is Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 14
Educational Services (continued) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 9-12 High School Advancement Via Individual The evaluation of support services provided to Determination (AVID) students examines the best use of resources, The existing AVID program at Palos Verdes Peninsula instructional strategies, and program implementation to and Palos Verdes High Schools continues to provide maximize student achievement. Currently under review, students with a successful pathway to high the RtI programs at all elementary sites are being achievement. Increased student participation in the evaluated and aligned to best practices with the goal of program has resulted in increased enrollment in AP integrating Tier II strategies into the general education courses as well as college acceptance at four year classroom. Secondary sites will be evaluating their colleges. The success of AVID at the high school level existing RtI models and making adjustments to align to a has led to the decision to bring the program to the consistent model of implementation. This effort will intermediate level for implementation in 2017-18. continue over Summer 2016 and into the 2016-17 school year. MATHEMATICS ALIGNMENT GATE Plan Revision Math Pathways and Opportunities During the 2014-15 school year, the PVPUSD 2008 PVPUSD recognizes that opportunities for students to GATE plan was revisited by the GATE Advisory enroll in advanced mathematics courses are valued by Committee consisting of teachers, administrators, and the community and should remain in place for our parents. The plan was updated to reflect an increased students. Math teachers worked diligently to align math focus on support for identified GATE students at the instruction and curriculum with our new California State elementary and intermediate levels. GATE Coaches Standards focusing on cultivating deeper have been identified at each elementary site and will understandings of essential concepts. Options were receive training through the University of Irvine, created to support the unique needs of our students beginning in Spring 2016. and the desire of teachers to maximize potential for all students. As a result, newly-established course sequencing and identified criteria were established to Social-Emotional Wellness provide opportunities for all students to be successful An important focus for our schools is to promote a and reach high levels of mathematics in high school. positive and healthy environment to enhance the social Collaborative efforts and teamwork between teachers and emotional well-being of our students. Through the and Educational Services resulted in successful K-8 California Healthy Kids and Local Control and Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 textbook adoptions. Accountability Plan surveys, students indicate any increase in stress-related behaviors. Information and training are provided to counselors and teachers to K-8 Math Adoption support students and parents. Many of our schools are In January 2015, elementary teachers evaluated a piloting Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support variety of textbook options from the California State (PBIS) which will assist schools in developing strategies Board of Education’s approval list and selected to reinforce prevention. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Math in Focus: Singapore Math and Pearson's enVisionMATH for piloting. Intermediate Palos Verdes Core Math (PVCM) teachers identified Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Big Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 15
Educational Services (continued) Ideas MATH program to pilot. pilot in Fall 2015. After a thorough pilot process, which concluded at the end of the first semester, After the conclusion of a thorough pilot process, mathematics teachers reached consensus and elementary teachers reached consensus that Math in recommended Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Big Ideas Focus: Singapore Math presented the strongest MATH to the Board of Education for adoption and program most aligned with the expectations of implementation in 2016-17. Professional development is PVPUSD teachers, students, and community. The planned to support a successful implementation. intermediate math teachers recommended Big Ideas MATH as the PVCM 6-7-8 program for adoption. CGI and Singapore Math On May 7, 2015, the Board of Education approved the During the 2014-15 school year, 90% of the elementary adoption of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Math in Focus: school teachers received training in Cognitively Guided Singapore Math program for use in all K-5 classrooms Instruction (CGI). CGI is a professional development and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Big Ideas MATH in all program that increases proficiency and knowledge for grade 6-7-8 Palos Verdes Core Math (PVCM) classes. students in the area of mathematics. The strategies Implementation of both programs began in the 2015-16 allow students to connect mathematical concepts and school year, supported with ongoing District and site- promote understanding with numbers and formal based professional development. operations. In order to align the instructional practices between the elementary and intermediate math programs, all intermediate teachers will be trained in Summer Bridge to Algebra 1 Class CGI by 2016-17. The Palos Verdes Core Math Bridge to Algebra 1 summer class was developed to add an additional acceleration point to Algebra for students exiting Palos Verdes Core Math 7 (PVCM 7). The content of this ONLINE COURSES summer bridge class is the additional content that is taught in PVCM 7/8 Accelerated and is not covered in Beginning in the 2015-16 school year, online courses PVCM 7. The class is offered at no cost to families and were developed, and a pilot program will be is instructed by PVPUSD mathematics teachers. implemented in Summer 2016 and Fall of the 2016-17 Offered for the first time in Summer 2015, the students school year. The year-long process involved a who attended the Palos Verdes Core Math Bridge to committee comprised of 18 teachers, 15 counselors Algebra 1 course have demonstrated success in grade and administrators from all three high school sites, 8 Algebra 1 placement, with 78% earning an average along with parents and District administrators. The grade of B or better at the end of the first trimester. committee vetted several vendors and rated them with a specified rubric to ensure accurate evaluation. The initial course offerings will consist of World History, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 Adoption United States History, Government, and Economics. In Spring 2015, secondary teachers of mathematics Certificated PVPUSD teachers are selected through reviewed math programs from the California State an established hiring process and utilized as the Board of Education's textbook approved list and instructional staff for the online program. A identified Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Big Ideas MATH Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed and McGraw-Hill Glencoe Math as the two programs to between the District and the collective bargaining unit Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 16
Educational Services (continued) to establish the governing practices for the online PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT program. Parent information nights and student AND EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS orientations were held to provide accurate information to all stakeholders. FUND (EEF) PLAN Beginning in 2013, professional development has LOCAL CONTROL focused on fostering a collaborative, creative, and ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN (LCAP) systemic approach to improve instructional practice and increase student achievement in all classrooms throughout the District. On March 23, 2016, the Board of The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) put in place Education approved the Educators’ Effectiveness by Governor Brown led to the beginning of the Local Funds (EEF) Plan which is a component of the PVPUSD Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) in the 2013-14 Professional Development Plan and provides the academic school year. During the 2014-15 academic District with one-time funds to enhance the school year, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School effectiveness of certificated teachers. The District (PVPUSD) aligned the LCAP goals with the eight Professional Development Plan describes and outlines state priorities and PVPUSD Board Goals. In the fall of a vision of continual improvement to enhance the the 2015-16 academic school year, site administrators instructional environment and increase student were provided a detailed template so that all Single achievement. Eight professional development goals Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) were aligned have been identified and are in alignment with the goals, with the goals of the LCAP. The LCAP Committee initiatives, and strategic purpose outlined in the District's devised a survey for all students in grades 3-12, Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), PVPUSD certificated and classified employees, and parents. Board Goals, and the District Road Map. Students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11, staff, and parents also participated in the California Healthy Kids Survey PVPUSD professional development focuses on (CHKS). There were a total of 3,365 respondents to the curricular alignment, professional collaboration, CHKS survey and 1,943 respondents to the LCAP articulation across all grade levels, and effective survey. Between these community outreach surveys instructional practices. Through the use of instructional and a District-wide needs assessment, the District coaches, teacher leaders, and assessment Superintendent introduced the Palos Verdes Peninsula committees, professional development opportunities Unified School District’s “Road Map” 2016-18 in Spring have been provided for all teachers in the following 2016 which is now integrated into the revised LCAP for areas: 2016-19, thus aligning and coordinating all District efforts in a strategic plan. This is a continuum of efforts from Training in close reading. the community, students, staff, and District leadership. Depth of knowledge. Standards of mathematical practice. College and career readiness skills. Text complexity and selection. Evidenced-based reading and writing. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 17
Educational Services (continued) Formative and summative assessment strategies. Requirements, all preschool staff participated in on-site Effective feedback. CPR and First-Aid training. The State developed a new assessment tool for preschoolers with special needs Cognitively guided instruction. and the Sunrise preschool teachers were trained on Effective learning environments. the 2015 Desired Results Developmental Profile Assessment. A new assessment tool was selected to Student engagement and collaboration. assess preschoolers for special education and the Academic vocabulary. preschool Psychologist conducted a training for the Sunrise teachers to help with the administration of the Fostering student discourse. Brigance Assessment. This assessment is a Gradual release. standardized tool and will assist our professional staff Differentiated instruction. to provide a more accurate description of the child’s ability levels. Additionally, Sunrise teacher assistants Framework reviews. were trained by BASIS Program Lead and Site Lead on Performance-based learning. how to work with students with behavioral needs. Finally, all staff were trained on Title 22 Licensing Singapore approach to mathematics. Requirements in the area of Care and Supervision by Standards of mathematical practice. the Licensing Program Analyst. Professional development is an area in which the A summer institute is being planned for June 2016, Special Education Department has significantly which will offer teachers an opportunity to participate in enhanced its efforts to provide targeted and customized professional development spanning a meaningful training opportunities for the department’s variety of relevant topics to increase teacher diverse staff members. The introduction of two full days knowledge and skills. of training annually for elementary and secondary special education teachers has allowed the leadership team within special education to support both the RECOGNITIONS, RANKINGS, AND learning center and co-teacher instructional programs. AWARDS Designated support providers (psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and adaptive physical education teachers) attended at Advanced Placement (AP) Pass Rate least one annual conference in their specific field to PVPUSD High Schools have an AP pass rate above 75%, far exceeding the national average. remain current in best practices. Finally, the Special Education Department provides classified staff with California School Board Golden Bell Award strategies and tools to implement at their school sites A prestigious award that promotes excellence and with a variety of students, further enhancing program delivery across the District in a coordinated manner. highlights best practices in education in all areas of operation, instruction, and support services was awarded to Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Professional Development for our Early Childhood Learning Centers has been consistent and ongoing. 2016 for its Service Learning Leadership Program. Staff participated in a variety of professional California Gold Ribbon Schools Program development activities. To fulfill Title 22 Licensing In recognition for outstanding educational programs Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 18
Educational Services (continued) and practices, five of our ten elementary schools were Increase on-site coaching support for teachers recognized for the 2016 school year and two of our through the addition of instructional coaches. secondary schools were recognized in 2015. Implement Instructional Rounds as a regular part of District of Distinction program review and improvement. A national recognition program created to honor school districts that are leading the way with innovative Develop common assessments in math (K-8) over programs that yield quantifiable benefits that can be the next two years. replicated by other Districts, recognized PVPUSD for our outstanding STEM Program. We remain the model Continue to expand and improve the online course of excellence at the elementary, middle and high school program. level. Introduce AVID at the Intermediate level in 2017-18. Local, State, and National Rankings PVPUSD Schools consistently rank in the top Ensure access to the necessary tools and categories in recognition of their standard-based resources for differentiated instruction in ELA and activities, best practice strategies, high achievement, Math. and a dedicated faculty focused on student learning. Expand assistive technology and augmentative Special Education communication devices within the District to better The Southwest Special Education Local Plan Area meet the unique needs of students. (SELPA) recognized 12 employees from PVPUSD for their outstanding work with students with special Continue training for the co-teaching model with needs. PVPUSD had more nominations than special education and general education. surrounding districts that comprise the Southwest SELPA. The 12 award winners were a mix of classified, Fully implement an electronic sign-in/out procedure certificated, and administrative employees, for parents at our Early Learning Centers. demonstrating PVPUSD’s broad-based commitment to embrace and educate all students. Continue compliance training with classified employees, certificated employees, and administration to ensure adherence to state and FUTURE FOCUS federal regulations in the Early Childhood Learning Centers. Review materials, pilot, and adopt K-8 ELA/ELD materials over the next two years. Support teachers in the newly adopted Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 program. Develop a three year strategic plan to implement the NGSS K-12. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 19
Business Services Lydia Cano Deputy Superintendent Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 20
Business Services involving many stakeholders including site The 2014/15 and 2015/16 school years continue with administrators, the Local Control and Accountability the implementation of the Local Control Funding Plan (LCAP) Committee, the Director of Fiscal Services, Formula (LCFF). The LCFF consists of base grants that the Deputy Superintendent, the Superintendent and the are grade span specific plus supplemental and Board of Education. concentration grants that reflect student demographic factors. Full funding for LCFF is expected in the 2020/21 school year, however, the gap between School Services Budget Meetings current funding and full funding has decreased much Each year School Services of California (SSC) holds faster than anticipated. In 2014/15 LCFF funding closed meetings throughout the state of California to discuss the gap between the initial 2013/14 funding level and the the Governor’s January Budget, May Revise, and Final LCFF funding target by 28% and in 2015/16 by 53%. State Budget. For many years, the only staff who would This translates to an increase in LCFF funding of $6.1 attend these meetings were the Superintendent, million in 2014/15 and $7.8 million in 2015/16. Deputy Superintendent, Director of Fiscal Services and Director of Human Resources. In 2014, the District In addition to ongoing funding over this same two-year added one member from each bargaining unit and period, there were several sources of one-time funding. invited Board Members to attend. In response, we had In 2014/15 the One-Time Mandate Backlog generated the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Director of $760,000, while in 2015/16 the One-Time Discretionary Fiscal Services, Assistant Superintendent of Human Funds generated $5.97 million and Educator Resources, and the presidents from each bargaining Effectiveness Funds generated $862,000. Overall, the unit attend the SSC Budget meetings. Since 2015, the District received $21.4 million in new monies. total number of attendees has grown to twelve, which included all of those mentioned above as well as Board Members, additional staff and additional union FISCAL SERVICES members. In early 2014, the ability to hire a new Director of Fiscal In order to prepare both the District’s negotiation team Services provided an opportunity to make changes in and the unions’ negotiating teams, Ron Bennett from the way District Budgets were developed and School Services of California came to the District and managed. This new approach provided the Board of held a special training in August 2015, which provided Education with the ability to make informed decisions in the opportunity to meet together as a full District/Union a proactive rather than reactive manner. With new team, as well as on an individual basis. The District, budgeting methodology and procedures in place to PVFA and CSEA teams each had one-on-one time monitor expenditures, Fiscal Services is now producing with Ron Bennett to speak about issues that were of a resource management tool that is timely, efficient and concern. transparent. Site Budget Meetings have become a part of the Budget Development begins each year in January with budget development process. Meetings are held with the release of the Governor’s Budget and continues site/department administrators each spring to review through June with the adoption of the budget by the their current site budgets, discuss staffing and present Board of Education. The District-wide budget the upcoming year’s budget allocations. The Business development process is a collaborative process Division implemented these budget meetings in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 21
Business Services (continued) spring of 2013, and they have proven to be an effective The District is required to start offering affordable communication tool, which has resulted in more coverage to 'substantially all' full-time employees and understanding, transparency and greater involvement their dependents with the beginning of the District’s for all stakeholders. insurance plan year of October 1, 2015, or face a potential penalty. The District must also report 2015 AB1522, The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act calendar year data to the IRS and provide statements of 2014, requires employers to provide mandatory paid to individual employees. These 2015 IRS returns are sick leave for specific eligible employees who work for due in early 2016. 30 or more days in a year. Under AB1522, eligible employees, including part-time and temporary Fiscal Services staff have successfully begun employees, are entitled to accrue paid sick leave at a implementing the use of the Worxtime software to do rate of one (1) hour per 30 hours worked, up to a the following: maximum of three (3) days or 24 hours in a 12 month period. The new law does not provide additional sick Monitor employee hours in real time. days to employees who already receive paid sick leave, such as those covered by a collective bargaining Calculate whether variable hour employees will be agreement. considered full-time under the law. In addition to providing paid sick leave to these newly Project probability of part-time employees moving eligible employees, employers must maintain records to full-time status. documenting the hours worked and paid sick leave accrued and used by employees. Employers must Monitor the percentage of full-time employees who maintain these records for three (3) years and make need to be offered coverage. them available for inspection by the Labor Commissioner. Employers must also report each Provide affordability testing, rate of pay safe harbor employee’s sick leave balance on their payroll warrant testing and a penalty calculator. each time they are paid. Capture information that will need to be reported to Fiscal Services staff have successfully implemented the IRS. processes to accrue, track and report employee sick leave, and we are one of the few districts in the area Perform IRS reporting functions. that is following the reporting requirements of AB1522. CalPERS Benefits Audit of 2014 required that Districts ACA Reporting requires that employees who work have an outside independent auditor verify the eligibility more than 30 hours per week be offered affordable of each dependent on District sponsored medical and/ health insurance to avoid potential penalties to the or dental/vision plans by December 2014. CalPERS employer. Additionally, the ACA added Internal wanted to insure that its health benefits plans were Revenue Code sections 6055 and 6056 requiring compliant with State law, competitive and cost- employers to report detailed information about their effective. The purpose of the audit was to provide workforce and coverage offerings. The determination accurate enrollment of eligible dependents. of who is eligible for coverage and what constitutes affordable is complex and changes as the law is We learned that American Fidelity Assurance (AFA), interpreted or modified by new laws. the District’s Section 125 provider, was a CalPERS Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 22
Business Services (continued) approved third party vendor authorized to perform the The results of these year-end audits have indicated dependent audit. American Fidelity created the that the District’s financial statements have been packages that went out to each employee and then presented fairly and accurately. No material performed the audit, which was successfully weaknesses or instances of noncompliance were completed by October 1, 2014. found in any District procedures related to financial reporting. Negotiations As part of the District’s negotiating team, Business CalSTRS Services presents financial information through a In July 2015, CalSTRS Audit Services conducted an simplified snapshot that provides an overview of the audit of the District’s membership and compensation District’s financial position. By using the interactive multi- reporting procedures for the period of July 1, 2012 year spreadsheet developed by the Deputy through June 30, 2014. The purpose of the audit was to Superintendent, we were able to see how different determine the District’s compliance with the Teachers’ scenarios impacted the District’s reserve levels. Retirement Law (Education Code Section 22000 et Through successful negotiations, the following total seq.) regarding eligible membership and creditable compensation increases were achieved: compensation reported to CalSTRS. 2014/15 4.8%. Upon completion of the audit, CalSTRS Audit Services determined that the District procedures resulted in no 2015/16 5.5%. material misreporting of employee membership and creditable compensation during the audit period. Retroactive Pay The Payroll Department successfully issued Bond Refinance retroactive paychecks for over 1,200 employees in In March of 2014, the District refinanced the first phase December 2014 and over 1,400 employees in of eligible bonds in the amount of $20,980,000, which December 2015. This work was completed in a very resulted in a savings to taxpayers in the amount of short window based on the Los Angeles County Office $1,205,434. In August of 2015, the District refinanced the of Education timelines available to issue paychecks second phase of eligible bonds in the amount of before the Winter Holiday. $8,380,000, which resulted in savings to the taxpayers in the amount of $1,169,461. We are now ready to begin the refinancing process for phase three (3) in March District Financial Audits 2016 of eligible bonds of approximately $15,550,000, Annual year-end audits of the District’s financial which will result in a savings to taxpayers in the amount statements are required in accordance with auditing of $1,443,652. The District has maintained Aa1 with standards set forth in Government Auditing Standards Moody’s Investors Service, the highest rating given to a and the Guide for Annual Audits of K-12 Local school district. Education Agencies and State Compliance Reporting. These standards require that the audit be conducted in a manner such that the auditor can obtain reasonable assurance that the District’s financial statements are free from material misstatements. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 23
Business Services FOOD SERVICES Certification and Benefit Issuance (Free & Reduced Applications). Over the last three years the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Verification Requirements. Program has seen the most change since the program’s inception right after World War II. It has Menu Compliance. affected all school districts across the country, including our own. The first changes included Meal Counting and Claiming procedures. implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (implemented in 2012) and the addition of Smart Financial Resource Management. Snacks in July 2014. These new federal nutrition standards also brought school meals in line with the Civil Rights. Dietary Guidelines for Americans while providing students with the nutrition they need to succeed in Local School Wellness Policy. school. Site Visit Reviews and Smart Snacks. These new guidelines set in place requirements to serve 100% whole grain rich bread products and to Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District has increase the amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables been selected for an Account Review in March 2016. served each day to students at each grade level. The new guidelines mandated reductions for the amounts of fat, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, calories, and the PURCHASING elimination of trans-fats served per meal item. Additional regulations to the snacks we serve require Xerox Lease Agreement that these items are 100% whole grain rich, reducing A new copier lease agreement was negotiated with sugar, fat and calories for each item. Parameters were Xerox Corporation in December 2014, which will established to regulate the sugars and calories in the produce annual savings of $84,473, and a total five- drinks we serve, eliminating most electrolyte drinks or year savings of $417,364. A committee of District and serving a downsized alternative. Elementary and School Site personnel was formed to identify needs at intermediate school sites can only serve 100% juices, the individual sites. The committee visited both the (intermediate schools can serve some carbonated Xerox and Ricoh facilities before a decision was made 100% juices) water and milk. High school restrictions to select the new vendor. include the same as elementary and intermediate schools, but must offer the lower calorie electrolyte drinks. FACILITIES Under the new rules and regulations came new Many facilities projects were completed over the past compliance audits, or Account Reviews that are eighteen-month period. These projects include routine scheduled for every three (3) years. The audits include summer roofing projects based on the Roofing 12 comprehensive areas, which are the critical parts of Assessment of 2013, ongoing asphalt repairs, various the child nutrition programs daily operations. flooring projects and most recently water reduction Compliance areas include some of the following: due to drought restrictions and preparations for El Nino. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 24
Business Services (continued) In addition, there were many Booster, PTA and private donor funded projects at many of our schools. Booster/PTA/ASB/Private and Scout Projects The following projects have been completed at many of our school sites by Booster Clubs, PTA’s, ASB’s, private donations, and either Eagle or Girl Scouts. SCHOOL PROJECT SOURCE Cornerstone .......................................................... Small pergola over staff patio ................................................................................................ Eagle Scouts Cornerstone .......................................................... Replace roof on container shed ......................................................................................... Eagle Scouts Cornerstone .......................................................... Replace flooring in Kinder playhouse .......................................................................... Eagle Scouts Mira Catalina .......................................................... 50th Anniversary Plaza ................................................................................................................. PTA Miraleste Int. ............................................................ Marquee ............................................................................................................................................................. ASB Miraleste Int. ............................................................ Demo of baseball stadium seating area ................................................................... Eagle Scouts Create new seating area with small block wall with aluminum blanks Montemalaga ....................................................... Outdoor amphitheater .................................................................................................................... Private Donor Palos Verdes Int. ............................................... Benches behind 600 and 700 buildings ................................................................... Eagle Scouts to create outdoor classroom. Palos Verdes Int. ............................................... Drought tolerant garden ................................................................................................................ Girl Scouts Palos Verdes Int. ............................................... Lockers in 800 building ................................................................................................................... Boosters Palos Verdes High ......................................... Outdoor basketball courts ......................................................................................................... Boosters PV Peninsula High ........................................... Teen Court ...................................................................................................................................................... Private Donors PV Peninsula High ........................................... Library update ............................................................................................................................................ PTA PV Peninsula High ........................................... Replace bulletin boards .................................................................................................................. Eagle Scouts PV Peninsula High ........................................... Landscaping outside “T” building ........................................................................................ Eagle Scouts Rancho Vista ......................................................... Outdoor stage ............................................................................................................................................ Eagle Scouts Ridgecrest Int. ...................................................... 8th grade park ........................................................................................................................................... Boosters Silver Spur ................................................................ Small paved patio in front of room 17 ............................................................................ Eagle Scouts Soleado ........................................................................ Install shed and add seating area ...................................................................................... Eagle Scouts Valmonte .................................................................... Small amphitheater in garden for ....................................................................................... Eagle Scouts Transition to Independence Students Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 25
Business Services (continued) Peninsula High School Weight Room/Classroom Solar Project Buildings On November 18, 2015, the Board of Education The Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Weight Adopted a resolution approving a Purchase Power Room/Classroom Building project began as a simple Agreement for energy conservation services with six classroom building, but was transformed into the PFMG Solar, LLC. for the installation of solar panels. SMERT facility, where academic classes meet the real The benefits of the solar project has a positive impact world. The SMERT facility has also been furnished with to the District’s General Fund, with a savings of $6.7 21st Century classroom furniture to meet the needs of million over a 25-year period. There is an opportunity the collaborative learning environment. In addition, the for educational enrichment programs at the school weight room houses new state of the art weight sites using curriculum with solar as the centerpiece. training equipment. Solar panels will provide shade for our students, cars and the community. In addition to the benefits of the solar panels, Point Vicente Elementary, Rancho Vista High School Track Projects Elementary and Ridgecrest Intermediate Schools will The track at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School is 14 benefit from significant electrical work. The HVAC years old. It was installed in 2002 and had a five-year Feasibility Study performed by PBWS Architects warranty. Over the last 10 years it has been re- showed that the cost of these three projects would be surfaced, repaired and re-striped numerous times. The up to $4 million. condition of the track surface has reached a point where it is necessary to completely replace. Through the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) we Water Conservation were able to find the vendor that is preferred by both of This past summer, a meeting was held with the our high schools. With Board approval, we have representative from California Water Service to entered into a purchasing agreement to install a new all- discuss the need to reduce water usage throughout weather track surface at Palos Verdes Peninsula High the District. Also discussed were the rebate programs School. This new all-weather track surface has a five- for replacement of water-efficient sprinkler heads and year warranty and with proper maintenance a useful smart irrigation control systems. Grounds staff at all life of ten to twelve years. sites have been working on reducing the amount of time the field space and landscaping is watered. While the track engineer was in the District inspecting Discussions were held with Athletic Directors and all the track surface at Palos Verdes Peninsula High outside community groups to limit field rehabilitation and School, he also evaluated the track surface at Palos to use a specific new product. Coolterra Biochar is the Verdes High School. The inspection showed that there product we chose to pilot, which helps retain soil were certain areas of the track that needed to be moisture that in turn helps reduce water use. Our fields patched and that all lane lines need to be re-striped. responded well to this approach. These minor repairs would extend the life of the track surface by two-to-three years. Therefore, the project was presented to the Board of Education for approval El Nino Preparations and will move forward in early March 2016. The District began El Nino preparations early in the summer of 2015 with many tree removals. Many of the trees throughout the District have been infested with Bark Beetle and as a result the trees have died. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 26
Business Services (continued) trees affected were identified and removed before any Hydration Stations were also installed at Ridgecrest storms could cause them to fall down and cause Intermediate School and Point Vicente Elementary damage to buildings or harm to students, staff and School. community. In addition to tree removal, maintenance crews have worked on cleaning out storm drains and rainspouts and continue to inspect them on a regular Palos Verdes Life Skills Center basis. Sand bags have been placed at many school The Palos Verdes Life Skills Center (PVLSC) at Palos sites where there was a threat of flooding. Verdes High School is an expansion of the current program at Peninsula High School, which supports our skills for independence population at the secondary Master Facilities Plan level. This new center was a result of many parents It has been eleven years since a review of the District’s voicing their concerns about the lack of appropriate facilities has been conducted. The last Master Facilities facilities to meet the unique needs of their children. The Plan is from 2005. With Board Approval on February program at Peninsula High School was not only 24, 2016, we will begin to develop a Request for overcrowded, but lacked the space for occupational Proposal (RFP) to select a firm to develop a new therapy, physical therapy and multiple wheelchairs. Master Facilities Plan. The purpose of the Master With no comparable facility or program within the Facilities Plan is to identify and prioritize a facilities SELPA, the PVLSC has become a model program needs assessment for the District, as we examine how visited by numerous school districts throughout we move from the previous plan to an agreed upon Southern California. future vision of an educational environment that is aligned with the District’s goals. Valmonte Playground A new, age appropriate, ADA compliant playground Proposition 39 was installed at the Valmonte campus for the Valmonte The District entered into an agreement with Willdan Early Learning Academy (VELA). The structure is for Energy Solutions to provide energy planning and students that range from ages 2 to 4 and include our auditing services as well as the completion of the steps Special Education Pre-School Program. This required by the California Energy Commission to playground structure is now adequate to house the ensure compliance with the Proposition 39 guidelines. growing increased enrollment in VELA of Projects for year one and year two of funding have approximately 200 students. been identified and submitted for approval. The District has been notified that the projects have been approved totaling $743,200. Playground Replacement Pilot Project Based on the condition of the playground surfacing at all ten elementary school sites, a decision was made to Excessive Heat Conditions select a few sites to pilot artificial turf as an alternative To address excessive heat conditions, air conditioning to the standard rubberized material. Vista Grande, units were installed over the summer of 2015 at Rancho Silver Spur and Point Vicente were selected to receive Vista Elementary School and Ridgecrest Intermediate the new artificial turf at one playground per site. In School in the Multi-purpose rooms to create cooling addition to the new surfacing, repairs were made to zones when temperatures become unbearable. Water playground equipment which made the playground Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 27
Business Services (continued) look entirely new, a great surprise for students and enforcement agencies, fire, all four cities on the parents when they returned from Winter Break. Peninsula, county agencies, PV Transit and utility companies. Discussions range from El Nino, active shooter, natural disasters, shelters, and emergency COMMUNITY SERVICES/USE OF responses. This task force is a working group that is open to all discussions and will add and/or invite others FACILITIES depending on the topic. Meetings are currently held every other Tuesday. Working closely with a Board Sub-committee on Use of Facilities, the Board Policy and Administrative regulations governing the use of school facilities has RISK MANAGEMENT been revised and a new Fee Schedule based on the language of SB1404 has been completed. The work with the sub-committee took over two years to ASCIP Loss Control Pays Award complete and as a result more fees have been The District was selected as a recipient of the ASCIP received by the District, which has allowed us to hire “Loss Control Pays” incentive award in the amount of two new custodians who work directly with our $1,500.00. This award recognizes members that have community groups using our facilities. The Community actively utilized ASCIP’s loss control services. The Services Department works closely with our selection for this award represents our significant community groups to insure that all facilities are used effort, achievement and ongoing commitment to according to Board Policy and all fees are paid in a making Palos Verdes Peninsula USD a safe place for timely manner. students, staff and the public. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/ ASCIP Risk Management Loss Control Pays Award The District is a recipient of ASCIP’s “Risk Management SAFETY Pays” incentive award in the amount of $4,000.00. This award recognizes members that have actively utilized Emergency Checklist Flipchart ASCIP’s risk management services during the fiscal In conjunction with the PTA 4th Vice Presidents year 2014/15. The award highlights the importance of responsible for emergency preparedness, we have sound risk management and the significant worked on revising the Emergency Checklist Flipchart, contributions that our District has made towards which is now complete. Existing sections were revised reducing the cost of risk. During the past fiscal year, the and new sections have been added. The new flipcharts District completed safety and security assessments, will be located in every classroom and office on every attended risk management and loss control school site and District campus. educational programs, and utilized the ASCIP on-line training platform to train employees. Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Taskforce The Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Taskforce Return-to-Work Program (PEPT) has been formed to work with all agencies on As an Executive Board member with ASCIP, the the peninsula in order to coordinate emergency efforts. Deputy Superintendent took advantage of the The task force consists of the school district, law opportunity to be a pilot district for the ASCIP Return-to Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 28
Business Services (continued) -Work Program. One of the issues that many districts face is how to help injured employees return to work sooner. ASCIP provides a Worker’s Compensation Cost Control and Injury Management Program. Our pilot program began in January 2015 and we are returning employees to work who would not have returned to work otherwise. FUTURE FOCUS Continue to provide a financial resource management tool that is timely, efficient and transparent to allow the Board of Education the ability to make informed decisions in a proactive rather than reactive manner. Continue with implementation of the solar projects and monitor savings in order to communicate the effectiveness and the benefits of the program. Develop a Facilities Master Plan to ensure the facilities match the World Class experience our students deserve. Provide professional development and support for District Business Division Directors to ensure the District retains the top talent for every position. Continue to engage with community partners in the use of District facilities and the best methods to support District programs. Continue to work collaboratively with all sites and divisions in order to meet budgetary, facility and technology needs that will enhance the learning environment for all students. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 29
Human Resources John Bowes, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 30
Human Resources all recommended a variety of revisions to different People are the most important part of any policies and regulations. After an initial review at a Policy organization. The Human Resources department is Workshop, policies and regulations are reviewed and committed to providing excellent customer service and approved at two consecutive Board meetings. supporting the people who make PVPUSD a World Class district — our teachers, administrators, and classified staff as well as our parents and the broader Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) community. Each year, the Human Resources office provides an overview of staffing and enrollment at the Bond Our work in the Human Resources office is aligned with Oversight Committee (BOC). The meetings are open to our District vision and Roadmap to ensure that the the public and help ensure that the BOC has current District will continue to develop the whole child to thrive data available to assist in them in its oversight work. in a globally competitive age and enhance student achievement by providing a dynamic learning community in a rigorous academic environment. Classified Reduction in Force In an effort to streamline services, increase efficiencies We are committed to recruiting, hiring and training top and reduce costs, a classified reduction in force for talent educators and support staff who are committed special education assistants took place at the June 26, to our District vision and providing an exceptional 2014 Board meeting. In sum, we reduced in force, five educational experience for our students. 30 hour positions, two 27.5 hour positions, and three 19.5 hour positions. By closely monitoring resignations, The future of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the retirements and other personnel actions, we were able world, is in our schools – the Human Resources offices to close out vacant positions rather than lay off existing are committed to actively searching for those employees. interested in being part of a World Class team! Certificated and Classified Professional Development Board Policy Workshops Day School districts should regularly update their Board A professional development day for all PVFA and Policies and Administrative Regulations. PVPUSD CSEA-represented employees took place on January utilizes a service provided by the California School 29, 2016. Over 87% of certificated staff attended the Board Association (CSBA) for guidance. In order to event. An enthused classified staff was excited to take catch up on a backlog of updates, the Human part in this event which was a first for them. A similar Resources office streamlined the process for the day is being planned for the 2016-17 school year. revision of Board Policies, Administrative Regulations and Exhibits. Our goal is to ensure that over the course of the 2015-16 school year our policy bank is up to date. Dependent Eligibility Benefits Audit These Board meetings are open to the public and Due to CalPERS requirements, it became necessary in generally held once per month. the 2014-15 school year to determine if we were paying the benefits for ineligible dependents. The District The Human Resources office has coordinated with the conducted a Dependent Verification Review in the Business Services, Educational Services and summer of 2014 by arranging for American Fidelity Technology and Support Services offices which have Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 31
Human Resources (continued) Assurance (AFA), the District’s Section 125 provider, to addresses have been generated for employees as a conduct this verification. Every benefit-eligible result of this project. employee met with benefit counselors from American Fidelity Assurance (AFA) to review dependent coverage on medical, dental and vision plans. Health Benefits Committee The Health Benefits Committee was formed to Educator of the Year Awards address the following concerns: For 35 years, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club sponsors and presents the annual Educator of the Understand the macro view of health benefits and Year Awards Program. The event honors the great how they applies to PVPUSD’s situation. work that is going on in the classrooms of schools in our District as well as in surrounding communities. Identify feasible alternatives to migrate from the current CalPERS program. The PVPUSD recipients of the award for 2014-15 were Kindergarten through Second Grades, Beth Ann Berry Offer members similar benefits to those currently from Cornerstone Elementary; Third through Fifth accessed through CalPERS. Grades, Jonolyn Larson from Dapplegray Elementary; Intermediate Grades, Scot Oschman from Ridgecrest Capture bargaining units’ own group-specific data Intermediate, and High School Grades, Glen Van Enk so that they can better understand their risk profile, from Peninsula High School. identify opportunities to manage risk, and develop long-term strategies; ensure access to quality The PVPUSD recipients of the award for 2015-16 were providers; and better manage costs. Kindergarten through Second Grades, Cathy Rodriguez from Rancho Vista Elementary; Third The meetings are facilitated by a Senior Health & through Fifth Grades, Kathryn Chin from Rancho Vista Welfare Benefit Plan Consultant from American Fidelity Elementary; Intermediate Grades, Chauntelle Administrative Services. Stakeholders representing O’Loughlin from Palos Verdes Intermediate, and High the Palos Verdes Faculty Association (PVFA), the School Grades, Louis Harley from Palos Verdes High California School Employees Association (CSEA), School. confidential employees and District administrative divisions also attended. The committee is continuing its work through the spring of 2016 and is planning to make Email Addresses recommendations about next steps in the summer. A long-term project to provide a system that can easily manage the creation and deletion of email addresses for all employees was completed in the summer of Student Teaching and Intern Agreements 2014 in conjunction with the office of Technology and We have almost doubled the number of student Support Services. Ensuring all employees have a teacher and intern contracts established with District-issued email address will facilitate our universities and colleges. Aside from providing distribution of District communications, allow for mentoring opportunities for our veteran teachers and transition to online professional development for annual providing college students the opportunity to clear their mandated trainings (e.g., child abuse prevention), and credentials, student teaching and intern opportunities will be of great utility in emergency situations when we provide us a unique and extended opportunity to need to quickly contact all employees. Over 300 email Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 32
Human Resources (continued) evaluate each student teacher’s or intern’s potential as Certificated a future employee. Our interview process for certificated positions involves the use of interview teams that included parents, teachers and classified staff led by principals or other certificated management staff. In the last two INTERVIEW AND SELECTION (2) years, we have interviewed and selected PROCESS candidates for elementary and secondary teachers, counselors; psychologists; program specialists; resource specialists; special education teachers, and We have prioritized much of the Human Resources speech therapists. efforts the last two (2) years around improving our interview and selection process in order to hire the world-class employees our students deserve. Our Classified Management work has focused on classified, certificated, classified This selection process involves interview committees management, and certificated management led by management staff. In the last two (2) years, we employees. recruited and employed individuals in the positions of Assistant Director Fiscal Services; Director, Fiscal Services; Pre-School Supervisors; and Director, Classified Maintenance and Operations. The use of the Cooperative Organization for the Development of Employee Selection Procedures (CODESP) and its test creation service has proved to Certificated Management be an effective tool in identifying candidates to advance We have utilized an Appreciative Inquiry interview to the interview process for our different open model in order to ensure that stakeholders were positions. While it is time intensive work, we are thoroughly involved in the vetting process and that identifying better-qualified candidates with the utilization substantive responses were elicited from the of a systematic recruitment process. CODESP was candidates when filling certificated management formed over thirty-five years ago to provide a more positions. A key aspect of the Appreciative Inquiry effective and efficient central resource to develop test model is the involvement of multiple stakeholders on materials needed to hire public employees. two types of committees. We have had parents, classified staff, teachers and administrators serving on By utilizing CODESP services, agencies improve their both Technical and Interpersonal interview committees selection procedures so that they can develop valid for each position for which we were interviewing. employee test instruments to meet Federal and State employment regulations. We have provided testing for A uniform interview process is used for all candidates Administrative Aide II, Carpenter; Clerk Typist; applying for a particular position. A candidate begins by Computer Aides; High School Secretary; HVAC; High checking in at the HR office and spending thirty minutes School Custodian; Intermediate Secretary; Library completing a writing prompt related to the position. A Aides; Office Manager; P.E. Aide; Purchasing Assistant; candidate would then spend 30 to 45 minutes with the and Registrar. Interview teams are led by Principals or Interpersonal interview panel and another 30 to 45 other management leaders and include teachers, staff, minutes with the Technical interview panel. Each panel CSEA-represented employees, and/or parents. asks a series of questions designed to gauge each Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 33
Human Resources (continued) candidate's ability to successfully communicate their two bargaining units. Certificated employees are experience, skill, and potential to the committees. represented by the Palos Verdes Faculty Association (PVFA) and classified employees are represented by After all of the interviews are completed, the Human the California School Employees’ Association, Chapter Resources office facilitates a debriefing session with all 123 (CSEA). members from both committees in the same room. The debriefing session is designed to elicit from the In order to ensure that voices of school site committee members their perceptions of each administrators are part of our collective bargaining candidate’s strengths, areas for improvement, record process, we have included elementary, intermediate salient quotes that resonated during the interviews, and and high school administrators on both bargaining develop questions that should be asked by the teams. This opportunity provides valuable experience Executive Cabinet during second round interviews. to our participating school leaders as they develop their expertise and professional skill set. At the same time, Over the last two (2) years, we have used the we are cognizant of the many demands and Appreciative Inquiry model in the interview and responsibilities our school site administrators handle on selection of Assistant Superintendent, Educational a day-to-day basis. With that in mind, and knowing we Services; Lunada Bay Elementary Principal; will be in reopener, successor and MOU negotiations Administrative Director, Educational Services; Miraleste with both of our bargaining units we have included Intermediate Assistant Principal; Miraleste Intermediate different school site administrators from each school Principal; Ridgecrest Intermediate Principal, and Silver level as part of the District’s PVFA and CSEA Spur Elementary Principal. bargaining teams. As part of the 2015-16 restructuring process, In preparation for our 2015-16 successor negotiations appointments were made for incumbents for the with both bargaining units, the District invited Ron Director Special Education; Coordinator, Human Bennett from School Services to provide an overview Resources, and Coordinator, Assessment and of California and PVPUSD finances. After meeting with Accountability positions. the District, PVFA and CSEA together, Ron met with each group in separate break-out sessions. The The 2016-17 restructuring process involved the exercise was of great utility in helping to frame the state elimination of the Coordinator, Assessment and of PVPUSD finances. District and Association Accountability position and the Operations Supervisor leadership also attended different budget-related position. The creation of the Director of Information School Services workshops. Systems position (classified management) and the Systems Administrator (CSEA-represented) position were important changes to support our programs. California School Employees’ Association, (CSEA) Chapter 123 2014-15 Reopener Negotiations – These negotiations focused on compensation, health benefits, the NEGOTIATIONS grievance process, and the addition of early release minimum days and the extension of the probationary The Human Resources office has led a series of process. Following a 2% salary increase in 2013-14, the successful collective bargaining negotiations with our 2014-15 negotiations resulted in a 4.5% wage increase Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 34
Human Resources (continued) for CSEA-represented employees. A 6% increase to CSEA Job Descriptions Update the District contribution towards medical benefits took The District and CSEA have worked collaboratively to effect January 1, 2015. Total compensation totaled update all of the more than 90 job descriptions. This 4.8%. project helped set clear expectations for job duties and also helped to improve our recruitment and selection Conforming the handling of the grievance process to process. past practice provided clear direction for that work. Expanding the length of the probationary period provides significant value to both parties, as new Negotiations: Palos Verdes Faculty Association (PVFA) employees have more opportunities to develop their 2014-15 Reopener Negotiations – These negotiations skills and the District has more time to make important focused on compensation, health benefits, the decisions about granting permanent status. grievance process and hours of employment and staff development. Following a 2% salary increase in 2013-14, the 2014-15 negotiations resulted in a 4.25% wage CSEA 2015-16 Successor Negotiations increase and 0.25% in other compensation for PVFA- These negotiations took place during the summer of represented employees. A 6% increase to the District 2015 and were characterized by efficient and contribution toward medical benefits took effect productive negotiation sessions. A 5% salary increase January 1, 2015. Total compensation totaled 4.8%. and a 7% increase to the District contribution towards medical benefits took effect January 1, 2016. Total Paralleling the work achieved with the classified unit, compensation totaled 5.5%, for a three-year aggregate conforming the handling of the grievance process to increase in total compensation of 12.3%. The past practice provided clear direction for that work. negotiations also focused on employee and Providing first, second, and third grade teachers a day association rights, job classifications, leaves and for report card preparation and a second day for fourth employee evaluations. and fifth grade report card preparation was an enhancement to working conditions both parties agreed was critical. The addition of teacher preparation CSEA Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERI) time as a use for Monday early release meetings One of the goals of the District is to produce fiscally spoke to mutual concerns both parties had about responsible long-term strategic plans to enhance providing purposeful collaboration time for teachers. facilities, technology, and support services that ensure the effective and efficient operation of the District in the delivery of a world-class instructional program. In PVFA 2015-16 Successor Negotiations support of this goal, the District and CSEA offered an These negotiations took place during the summer of Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) program for eligible 2015 and were characterized by efficient and employees for the 2015-16 school year only. The productive negotiation sessions. A 4.75% salary program will also reduce payroll costs while providing increase, a 0.25% increase in other types of an incentive for eligible employees to retire. To date, six compensation and a 7% to the District contribution (6) employees retired as of December 31, 2015, and toward medical benefits took effect January 1, 2016. eleven are slated to retire by June 30, 2016. Total compensation totaled 5.5%, for a three-year aggregate increase in total compensation of 12.3%. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 35
Human Resources (continued) The negotiations also focused on the establishment of beginning in August 2014. The newsletter is published work calendars for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school ten times per year, and each month recognizes our years, leaves, grievance procedures, professional world-class employees, highlights programs of development days, class size ratios, transfers, site- distinction, and transmits a variety of important based decision making, increased compensation for employee-related information. combination class teachers, increases to teacher professional hourly rates, adjustments to the District salary schedule with an increase in salary for longevity, and additional compensation for elementary teachers PROBATIONARY CONTRACTS who participate in outdoor education. In California, it takes the successful completion of two (2) consecutive years in “probationary” status in the PVFA Preparation Time Memorandum of Understanding same school district to receive “permanent” status, (MOU) sometimes referred to as “tenure.” Many of the Following the filing of three (3) separate grievances certificated employees hired or rehired for 2014-15 and related to preparation time for elementary school 2015-16 were issued “temporary” contracts to start the teachers, the District and PVFA worked together to year. develop and sponsor the establishment of a pilot program at PVPUSD elementary schools to address The Education Code requires a district to balance the both parties’ concerns regarding the physical number of “Temporary” contracts issued with the education program and teacher preparation time. This number of “Permanent” employees on leave of negotiated one-year Memorandum of Understanding absence who have a right to return to a position. The seeks to improve the physical education experience Human Resources Office has reviewed the status of all and to provide enhanced physical education “Temporary” status teachers and each year sends opportunities for elementary school students in grades notice to those affected by a change in contract status K–5. because they are in an open (vacant) position. When this change in status occurs it is retroactive to the Through this program, the parties also seek to ensure beginning of the school year and, if the employee that elementary school students in grades 1–5 are served in the previous year with a “Temporary” provided at least 200 minutes of physical education contract, that previous year is also deemed to be time every ten (10) days. The staff development “Probationary” as well. program is meant to provide time for staff meetings, collaboration time and/or site or District professional The impact of this action is that some employees will be development. The parties agree to meet before May 1, issued a new contract as Probationary (Year 2) and 2016, in order to evaluate the experience of this pilot thus be eligible for “Permanent” (tenure) status at the program. end of this year (assuming the receipt of a positive evaluation for 2015-16). These probationary contracts are then placed on the agendas for approval. We are PERSONNEL MATTERS happy to grant permanent status to these probationary employees and welcome them to the PVPUSD family. An expanded version of the Human Resources publication, Personnel Matters, reached employees Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 36
Human Resources (continued) PUBLIC RECORDS ACT One-fourth of PRA requests were made by parties REQUESTS who had made only one request In the state of California, the public has a fundamental right of access to information via the California Public Records Act (PRA). While the Act does provide a right RECLASSIFICATION MEETINGS of privacy for some matters and recognizes the need for efficient and effective use of government resources Each spring the District and CSEA meet to consider via a balancing test, 2004’s Proposition 59 made the reclassification requests made by CSEA-represented PRA a part of California’s Constitution and provides employees. In the spring of 2015, a long-standing area broad access for the public when requesting of contention by the three intermediate clerk/typists at identifiable documents. the Intermediate schools was resolved by creating a new class description entitled “Intermediate School Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1340 Registrar”. The new job description properly describes Access to Public Records guide our work at the their duties and provides for a more appropriate District. The District is actively responding to a number compensation level. This new job description is part of a of information requests made by our community. While long term project to revise all existing job descriptions some requests may appear relatively easy to and to create job descriptions where needed. complete, they still require an investment of time by different staff in the search for and production of documents. Many of the requests are complex, technical and/or burdensome in scope, and require a RETIREE CELEBRATION considerable amount of staff time, resources, and legal fees to complete. The District honored seven (7) retirees at our annual 2014-15 Retiree Celebration at Gaetano’s Restaurant in The District has posted two (2) charts that make a May 2015. The event was well attended, and the record of the PRA requests we have received since retirees were honored with an appreciative plaque and July 2013. One chart lists the PRA requests in some words of thanks from District staff. alphabetical order. The second chart lists the PRA requests by requesting party. The following four (4) SCHOOL SERVICES data points are of interest concerning the 174 PRA OPERATIONAL REVIEW requests contained in the charts: One-third of PRA requests were made by three (3) The District contracted with School Services to requesting parties conduct an operational review of the Business Services, Human Resources and Technology One-half of PRA requests were made by seven (7) Departments and provided a series of requesting parties recommendations to improve efficiency and productivity. The Human Resources Office has Three-fourths of PRA requests were made by completed the following recommendations: requesting parties who have made two (2) or more requests Recruit a highly qualified replacement for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 37
Human Resources (continued) Director of Human Resources our students, engendering trusting relationships, and willingness to help and assist others forms the core of a Institute a rotating process for updating job professional belief system that guides our work. descriptions Hold regular staff meetings Follow PVPUSD Human Resources Updates on Twitter In order to enhance our web presence and utilize social Use objective assessments during the hiring media to assist in attracting talent to PVPUSD, the process for all positions where practical Human Resources office tweets from PVPUSD_HR. Develop a system of accountability that ensures performance evaluations are completed appropriately and on time STAFFING AND BUDGET Provide ongoing training opportunities for MEETINGS supervisors and managers across the District on Human Resources procedures and bargaining The Human Resources and Business Services staff contract management meet each spring with each school site principal to review staffing and budget allocations for the coming Develop and implement a plan for ensuring that school year. These meetings help us establish staffing enough qualified substitutes are available to cover and recruitment needs, class size projections, and daily needs facilities usage and availability. Consider adding a Human Resources Specialist SUBSTITUTE RECRUITING SOCIAL MEDIA/ONLINE JOURNALS Districts across the Southland are experiencing the same substitute shortages as PVPUSD. In order to address the issue, a recruitment strategy was being A series of online journals helped to expand the social developed to augment our substitute pool. Our initial media presence of the Human Resources office. The finding from the data was that we were the lowest online journals appeared on the District website paying District in the area for substitute pay. Educational Insights section and focused on the use of four record albums to frame a professional belief When we cannot find substitute teachers and need to system. Those albums are Bob Dylan's 'The Times have a teacher cover classes at grades 6-12, in effect it They are A-Changin', 'The Kids Are Alright' by The Who, costs the District twice as much as a day-to-day Elvis Costello's 'Trust', and 'Help!' by the Beatles. The substitute for a five-period assignment. In December of titles of these record albums serve as touchstones on 2014, the District raised the pay for substitutes from which to continually reflect when interacting with $100 to $130 for the daily rate and from $130 to $160 students, staff and the public. Enduring beliefs about the for the long-term rate. While recruiting substitutes is an changing nature of schooling and the work ongoing effort, we are in a stronger position when environment, making decisions in the best interest of competing for substitutes with neighboring school districts. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 38
Human Resources (continued) NEW TEACHER WELCOME Refining evaluation procedures for all employees. BREAKFAST Preparing a timely, appropriate orientation for new employees to the District, including substitutes. We were excited to re-introduce a Welcome Breakfast for our certificated employees new to the District leading in to the 2015-16 school year held in the Board Room. The Superintendent, Executive Cabinet staff, PVFA President, and CSEA President all made presentations to the assembled group of new staff and their principals. We look forward to hosting this event again next year. WEB SITE We are proud to provide a variety of important information about our work on the Human Resources section of the District website. In preparation to re- launch the website in November 2015, we updated and expanded many topics made a number of improvements to existing HR content. FUTURE FOCUS Our work for the 2016-17 school year will focus on: Identifying creative incentives for employees and recruiting and selecting top-quality employees in the spring and early summer to enhance our training and transition work with new employees. Establishing an annual calendar of Human Resources activities. Expanding the use of EDJOIN for most job openings. Our work for 2017-18 will focus on: Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 39
Technology and Support Services Trent Bahadursingh Assistant Superintendent Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 40
Technology and Support Services the District, schools, principals, school based clubs and The Technology and Support Services division organizations. Every school has at least one Twitter oversees administrative and instructional technology account that provides updates, news and for the District. The integration of technology has announcements. At the District level, the @pvpschools grown in every department and on every campus and the Superintendent's @DonAustin_PVP Twitter throughout the District, which in turn has increased the accounts have been instrumental in messaging news, demands for resources, systems and infrastructure. In announcements and accomplishments of the District, addition to the traditional technology support and schools and students. services of the division, two other important areas of responsibilities are managing data systems and coordinating new student enrollment. Data gathering, Live Streaming of Board Meetings analysis and reporting have played a significant role in Board of Education meetings have always been student achievement and the success of academic recorded and broadcast after the meeting on local programs. cable television. A live streaming solution has been implemented to provide both live and on-demand viewing options. Staff has developed a cost-effective solution to provide expanded viewing options for Board COMMUNICATION RESOURCES of Education meetings. AND TOOLS Parent University District Website Parent University is a new collaborative effort between The www.pvpusd.net website is an important the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and communication tool for the District. A recent redesign of the Peninsula Education Foundation. The goal of Parent the website has improved access, navigation and the University is to provide parents with access to presentation of news, information and resources for important District and student information, educational stakeholders. The mobile ready website now includes resources, and technology training. In this first year of social media, videos, and notification features that the program, the focus was on the intermediate school provide visitors with a better viewing and navigating level to assist students and parents with the transition experience to learn about the entire District. The between elementary and high school. The goal is to website has become the primary conduit of empower parents to raise children who are successful communication. in school and in life. The integration of video resources on www.pvpusd.net Parent University was a speaker series covering topics is a valuable messaging tool for sharing the District on digital citizenship, adolescent brain development, vision and highlighting programs, projects and events. and guidance on how to raise happy, high-performing Visitors and stakeholders have improved access to students. this information at: http://www.pvpusd.net/apps/ video/ Parent University events are offered to both parents and students at day and evening events at each intermediate school campus When possible, video Social Media recordings of the presentations are posted on the The utilization of Twitter has become a valuable tool for District’s website for anyone unable to attend. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 41
Technology and Support Services (continued) Emergency Notification and Communication STUDENT PRIVACY The District has added text messaging as one of the multiple strategies used to communicate information to Legal Compliance parents during emergency situations. In addition to California has recently passed legislation to help traditional phone messaging and email options, the protect student privacy. The Palos Verdes Peninsula District's website now provides marquee and splash Unified School District takes student privacy seriously screen notifications. The use of Twitter has also been a and has implemented procedures to comply with this valuable tool that has increased the speed of sharing legislation. information with parents and the community. Applicable software contracts and license agreements must include language that complies with student INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY privacy laws. The District has also implemented procedures including Board of Education approval to Technology Scope and Sequence Matrix address these requirements. The Technology, The Educational Services division, Technology Business, and Educational Services divisions Services division and a sub-committee of the District’s collaborate on the software license review and Technology Advisory Committee have collaborated to approval process. develop and implement the K-5 Technology Scope and Sequence Matrix. This matrix is a guideline for the Staff continues to work with legal counsel to keep technology skills that students should master at each abreast of new developments and changes to the law. grade level. The next phase of this project will focus on grades 6-8 in the 2016-17 school year. The Scope and Sequence Matrix can be found at www.pvpusd.net/ Software Approval Process technology As part of legal compliance efforts, a software approval process has been developed and implemented. Prior to the purchase of software, schools are required to STEM submit forms that outline the purpose and instructional The Science Technology Engineering and Math use of the software and provide vendor information. (STEM) program has become a signature initiative in Administration uses this information to review and the District. The Technology and Support Services ensure that the license agreements are compliant with division has worked closely with the Educational student privacy laws. Upon approval, the software is Services division, site administration and instructional added to an approved list of software resources and staff to address the hardware, software and support schools are provided information as it is updated. needs of the program. Annually, the District upgrades, purchases and installs hardware and software required to run the STEM courses and auxiliary programs. As part of Future Focus goals, a SOFTWARE INVENTORY AND sustainability plan will be developed to address the ongoing and developing needs of the program at BUDGET ANALYSIS elementary, intermediate and high school campuses. In an effort to streamline resources and provide clarity of budget and funding considerations for technology resources, staff is developing a comprehensive Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 42
Technology and Support Services (continued) inventory of software and funding sources that are PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT aligned with instructional goals. Schools have utilized multiple sources of funding, gifting, and grant Microsoft Office 365 opportunities to expand instructional strategies. This Summer workshops were offered for all staff members project, along with the Software Approval Process, will to learn about Office 365 and OneNote. Over 200 staff provide clarity to the total cost of ownership attended these workshops to enhance effectiveness associated with instructional resources. It will also and productivity. enhance budget planning, improve purchasing power and streamline software support and training needs. Microsoft Training Academy DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP By hosting a regional Microsoft Training Academy, the The growth of technology in and outside of the District was able to have several teachers and classroom has changed the way teachers provide classified staff members participate at no cost. instruction in the classroom. It has also enhanced Participating staff learned how to use the tools in the learning and communication for students, parents and Microsoft Office 365 Suite including OneNote for staff. The challenges for all stakeholders continue to classroom integration and student collaboration. grow as technology becomes more prevalent and impacts school learning and working environments. The District understands the value of providing Professional Development Day Workshops information to students, parents and staff to address In response to requests for Technology training, digital citizenship. workshops were built into professional development day activities for both Certificated and Classified staff School and District sponsored activities have included: members. Safe School Counselor presentations. In order to address the needs of certificated staff, trainings involved the technology components of Internet Safety Specialist Josh Ochs curriculum, software resources and new textbook presentations. adoptions. Additionally, efforts have been made to provide skills-based training, focused on increasing the Internet Safety Specialist Lori Getz presentations. knowledge and use of technology resources related to administrative and operational duties that impact iSafe Video presentations. teaching and learning. Training for gradebooks, analytics, email and Microsoft Office are several Policy and student handbook updates. examples. WeTip anonymous reporting. For the first time in many years, a District-wide Classified Professional Development day was offered. Parent University. A portion of the compartmentalized training was focused on job specific roles in job-alike meetings. The Staff professional development workshops. agenda included general technology skills related workshops applicable to all employees. There was also Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 43
Technology and Support Services (continued) an opportunity for staff to gain knowledge and Implementing this process at the intermediate level will understanding of the data managed in Aeries, the allow the administration immediate visibility to the District’s student information system. staffing needs. The District recognizes there is a need for more technology related professional development for all Data Analytics staff and has included it as a priority in the Future Focus Data driven decision-making is a key ingredient for section of this report. planning and success in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. The District values the need for staff to have easy access to data in order to evaluate STUDENT DATA AND programs, instructional goals and outcomes. The use of dashboards and reporting tools within the Aeries INFORMATION SYSTEMS system is a valuable resource. Staff is able to compare multiple variables and data points to make informed decisions, develop strategies and recommend policy. Workflow and Systems Integration Student grades, attendance, test scores and course In collaboration with Educational Services and school history are all examples of indicators that can be sites, staff continues to increase efficiency by analyzed and compared. maximizing features within the Aeries student information system. The 504 Plan, Student Study Team (SST) goals, state testing requirements, school lottery applications, and the 5-8th grade summative mathematics assessment processes have been SOFTWARE INTIATIVES AND simplified for teachers and staff by incorporating this INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS information directly in Aeries. Microsoft Office 365 Standards Based Elementary Report Cards The migration to the Microsoft Office 365 platform has Elementary report cards have been updated through benefited the District in many ways: the collaborative efforts of the Technology and Educational Services divisions. Teachers report marks Email and integrated calendar system upgrade. electronically through the Aeries teacher portal. The new report card is more efficient and cohesive. Office 365 accounts for all staff and students. Electronic copies are available for parents to view through the Aeries parent portal. 5 free copies of Microsoft Office for all staff and students. Online Course Requests Unlimited data storage space on Microsoft Intermediate Schools gather student course requests OneDrive. online utilizing the Aeries student information system portal, patterned after the successful process currently Online and desktop versions of Word, PowerPoint, utilized at the High Schools. Counselors meet with Excel, OneNote. students to review the selected course requests. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 44
Technology and Support Services (continued) Adobe Licensing needs for statewide testing. To address the digital media course curriculum needs, the District licensed the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite of Purchased learning apps for mobile devices. desktop applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat and Lightroom. The use of technology has also had in impact in English Language Learner classes. The acquisition of software TM This licensing model has helped streamline the process from thesys is designed to help students develop of providing current versions of software through a academic vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and more cost effective and efficient solution. speaking skills. ADDRESSING SPECIAL HARDWARE, RESOURCES AND EDUCATION AND ENGLISH INFRASTRUCTURE LANGUAGE LEARNER TECHNOLOGY NEEDS Mobile Devices Every campus has seen an increase in the number of mobile devices available for students. Chromebooks, The Student Services and Technology divisions have iPads, tablets and laptops have increased student collaborated to provide technology learning tools and access to technology in more classroom learning resources for special education staff and students. environments. The increase of mobile computing Hardware and software have been purchased to meet devices has enabled a shift and redesign of learning the individual needs of students and to support environments and service delivery models. The District programs needed for success. Tools and strategies currently has 1,737 Chromebooks, 755 iPads and 20 have also been developed to improve the management tablets. of student data. Examples include: Purchase of new laptops for special education Expansion of Active Directory Services staff to better manage their caseloads and serve Microsoft's Active Directory services manage students. computer/network account login procedures and passwords throughout District campuses and 504 plan management and tracking in the Aeries administrative offices. Unique network accounts are student information system. provided for all staff and students from grades 3-12. Expanded use of Active Directory services has Student Study Team (SST) management and improved security practices. The integration of Active tracking of interventions in the Aeries student Directory services with the management of wireless information system. network services has improved access through personal electronic devices and the District's Bring Increased the number of iPads for Special Day Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Classes (SDC), Learning Centers and Speech and Language Programs (SLP). Wi-Fi Networks & BYOD Program Developed a tool to track student accommodation Wi-Fi access is available at every campus for students Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 45
Technology and Support Services (continued) and staff. The District has implemented protocols to combined with the Palo Alto firewall has provided provide access for a secure but non-restrictive user better security solutions, while streamlining the experience. Additional access points have been added management of services. to expand coverage and bandwidth, but addressing the growing demand and needs is part of the future focus of the division. Data Center Modernization/Upgrade In conjunction with the server virtualization project, the The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program currently District’s Data Center has been modernized. Legacy has the following number of registered personal hardware and systems have been replaced and cable devices utilizing campus Wi-Fi networks: management has been re-configured. 6,500 – High School campuses. STATE TESTING 2,800 – Intermediate School campuses. In preparation for the Spring 2015 and 2016 testing 568 – Elementary School campuses. windows the District modernized computer labs, purchased Chromebooks and storage carts and On average, 4,300–4,600 devices connect increased Wi-Fi coverage. Staff was also trained to simultaneously to the District’s Wi-Fi networks. install and setup secure testing software and perform testing administrator duties. While the District was well prepared for technology Virtualization needs, staff has been able to evaluate the process and The server virtualization project has provided a more make recommendations to improve the test taking and efficient, cost effective and secure solution for administration experience. Examples include: managing resources. Staff has been able to improve services, reduce hardware resources and implement a Refine test administrator training models. “sustainability model” that is benefiting and improving data operations of the entire District. Streamline help desk and support procedures. Review practices for identifying student testing Network Security and Monitoring accommodations. The addition of network monitoring and reporting tools has allowed staff to have greater visibility of network Leverage testing hardware resources across the traffic, identify security risks and improve problem District campuses. response time. Expand communication efforts and website information. Firewall and Content Filter A reconfiguration of firewall strategies has not only improved network security but allowed for better management of user access to online resources. The implementation of the iBoss content filtering solution Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 46
Technology and Support Services (continued) ENROLLMENT Intermediate Transfer Process An Intermediate School Transfer process was Enrollment Options for Active Military Families implemented to allow students at the intermediate The passage of Assembly Bill 306 and updates to school level the opportunity to request to attend a District Board of Education Policy have provided school within the District other than the designated options for active military families to enroll in the District. school of residence. A random lottery determines the Staff has undertaken efforts to inform and educate sequence of approved students. Applicants are military families about the enrollment process. notified of the application status based on available Examples include: space at each intermediate school. Web page for military families: www.pvpusd.net/ military. FUTURE FOCUS Parent information night at Fort MacArthur. Unify school websites to a standard website Re-designed enrollment instructions for military platform. families. Streamline communication resources for teachers, Board of Education presentations. parents, students. Social media outreach. Celebrate and share accomplishments. Partnership with military’s school liaison office. Launch first distance and blended learning program for students. Online Student Enrollment Update baseline technology levels at all sites. New students enroll in Intermediate and High School through the Aeries online enrollment portal, mirroring Align services to fully support developing the successful process previously implemented at the technology initiatives. Enrollment Center for elementary students. The online enrollment process collects vital information for the Establish a strategic plan to fully support and student, ensuring the record is up to date and complete implement instructional technology professional from the first moment of the student's attendance. development. Develop single sign-on strategies for students. School Locator A new school locator search feature has been Expand and upgrade Wi-Fi network infrastructure. developed and added to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District website. Visitors can determine Increase technology support for instructional the neighborhood school of attendance based on a programs. residential address. Create a sustainability plan for STEM hardware, software and support resources Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 47
High Schools Palos Verdes High School Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Rancho del Mar High School Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 48
Palos Verdes High School 600 Cloyden Road | Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 (310) 378-8471 www.pvhigh.com Charles Park, Ed.D. | Principal Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 49
Palos Verdes High School Debate program transformed from a club to an The vision of Palos Verdes High School is to provide academic class with our students competing all students a balanced, family-like high school throughout the county and one student progressing environment with an emphasis on academic success through the competition to now compete at the state and emotional well-being. With a variety of stellar level. Our Academic Decathlon team has grown academic, athletic and extracurricular programs, PVHS tremendously over the past two years, with our team challenges every student to reach his or her maximum earning first place in Super Quiz and finishing in the top potential leading to extensive post-secondary 20 this past season. opportunities. Within our student media and publications department, we have added another award winning program to our already stellar course offerings. Open Orchards CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Productions is a one of a kind student radio podcast program that has moved from a small club to a With a continued emphasis on academic success, we broadcast journalism elective, with an impressive fifty- have increased our course offerings over the last two two national broadcasts. Students have served as years in World Language and Science. Physiology and hosts of Listen Up Los Angeles and have engaged in Anatomy Honors was added to our biological science networking and career building opportunities within the offerings. We have also reinvigorated our scientific entertainment industry. research program with a significant increase in participation, to over 80 students involved in various One of our flagship academic programs continues to research topics. Students participate in local, county be the Palos Verdes Institute of Technology, better and state level competitions, with five students known as PVIT. There have been monumental advancing last year to the state science fair and one accomplishments within this always innovative STEM student named the Overall Sweepstakes winner of the program. We have grown from 85 students just two LA County Science Fair. years ago, to an impressive 170 members this school year. To address the increasing demands from first Our World Language program also expanded with year engineering students, PVIT 101 has been Latin and Korean. Our Latin program, now being established with hands-on training in electronics, offered through the AP level, has learning activities such robotics, fabrication and programming. The United as a school wide Ides of March celebration and States Air Force recognized two of our engineering National Latin Exam. Our Korean program is also teachers as the 2014 and 2015 STEM Teachers of the thriving in the first year, with our students engaging Year. Our competition teams have grown from 7 to 13, beyond the classroom with excursions and cultural and continue to place in regional, state, national and experiences. international events, including 1st in the TEAM We have also focused on expanding our extra- competition at USC, 1st place at the Regional MATE curricular and elective offerings. The Speech and competition for the underwater ROV, and 3rd place in Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Year End Results 2014 - 2016 Page 50