Oakdale City Council Chambers held more residents than usual on Monday night, as the Oakdale Joint Unified School District conducted its second board meeting for the 2014-15 school year.
Once the meeting was called to order the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fair Oaks students Hannah Rupp, grade 4; Aiden Rodrigues, grade 5; and Jordan Jablonski, grade 6. Recognition of Oakdale FFA Stanislaus County and State Fair Awards were also acknowledged by the board.
District Superintendent Marc Malone commended the students and Agriculture Instructors Ed Hartzell, Rebecca Mendonca and newest member Isaac Robles for a job well done, acknowledging the years of effort and care it takes to raise prize winning livestock.
Approval of the prior year ‘unaudited actual’ financial report was reviewed and approved by the board. The power point presentation indicated the largest part of expenditure was in the area of Instruction at 64 percent, the bottom two expenses were General Administration with 5 percent and ‘Other’ at 3 percent. The reserve has been maintained at 5 percent.
Assistant Superintendent, Pupil Services and Facilities, Larry Mendonca presented renderings of the proposed multi-purpose rooms to be constructed at Fair Oaks and Cloverland elementary schools. Discussion of timeline and expense per facility were addressed. It is proposed that each building will be completed at a maximum cost of $1.4 million per building.
Trustee Mike Tozzi noted that construction of both facilities will be funded through developer fees available through the State of California. Mendonca confirmed that fact for the board.
“Who besides you reviews the contracts?” Tozzi asked of the voluminous packets given to the board for review in consideration of the Lease/Leaseback agreement.
“Legal counsel reviews all contracts as well,” Mendonca said, “to make sure we are well served from both sides.”
Superintendent Malone commended all involved for the efficiency of their efforts thus far. Groundbreaking for both school sites is expected by October.
A review of the recently updated District 2014-2019 Operational Plan was highlighted for the group by Superintendent Malone. The goal is to ensure that the Operational Plan is in alignment with the approved Strategic Plan and Local Control Accountability Plan.
Items highlighted in the review included: quality school facilities, safe/healthy learning environment, comprehensive curriculum and technology, administration and personnel leadership and financial stability and accountability.
Of the many topics covered, Malone highlighted the addition of 30 new Chrome Books and lab time to increase the time students have with computers.
“We need to increase the amount of seat time for our students,” he said, noting that in a five- to 10-year span it is the goal of the district to have a one to one ratio of students to Chrome books.
In light of this Malone recognized this will bring with it additional personnel needs, noting the district currently employs two persons for tech support.
“We will need to be as efficient as we can be in order to have staff,” he said. “We will need ample technology support.”
“There was a time when this District didn’t have a Strategic plan,” Trustee Tozzi stated. “It is important to have a living document.”
Upcoming District events include: Ag Day at Fair Oaks Elementary School, Sept. 26; Oakdale Education Foundation Dinner/Dance, Sept. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Oakdale Golf and Country Club; OHS Powder Puff Oct. 1, 7 p.m. at the Corral; Homecoming week Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, parade to be held Friday from 1:45 p.m. to 2:05 p.m., game times 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Elementary Schools Annual Jog-a-Thon Oct. 10; OHS Drama presents Mulan Oct. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
The next board meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. at Oakdale City Council Chambers. For additional information visit www.oakdale.k12.ca.us.com.
