7-20-06 SLUSD Board Meeting Notes

By Mike Katz-Lacabe

In its meeting on Thursday, July 20, 2006, the San Leandro School Board voted 5-0 to appoint Judith Cameron as the Director of Curriculum and Professional Development during a brief closed session. Cameron was previously the principal at Roosevelt Elementary. Board President Pauline Cutter was absent and Board Vice-President Stephen Cassidy was late to the meeting and missed the vote.

During the open session, Mike Katz made some suggestions on the Intra-District Transfer request form and the rules regarding intra-district transfers.

Trustee Louis Heystek asked for the consent calendar item concerning intra-district transfers to be pulled. The only other consent item, approval of the extension of the Community Outreach Specialist position from Dec. 2006 to June 2007, was approved 6-0.

In response to a question from Trustee Heystek, Assistant Superintendent Cindy Cathey explained that it was unusual to specify specific criteria. Cassidy was concerned about the possibility of arbitrary decisions and asked about the criteria for denial of an ongoing intra-district transfer. Cathey explained that very few ongoing intra-district transfers are denied. In cases where students are tardy six to 10 times, parents would be notified of district concerns before an ongoing transfer was denied. In most cases, there were multiple issues (late or unexcused absences, academic performance, and discipline).

The School Board voted 6-0 to approve the form with a slight modification and to indicate that IEP stood for individual educational program in AR 5116.2

AR 5116.2 governs intra-district transfers and sets the following as priorities for intra-district transfers:

1. Students residing in the school's attendance area.

2. Students diverted from their resident attendance area (Involuntary transfers).

3. Siblings of students diverted from their resident attendance area.

4. Students requesting transfers based on dangerous or harmful special circumstances, including threats of bodily harm. A finding of dangerous or harmful special circumstance shall be based upon a written statement from a law enforcement official or properly licensed professional, or a court order.

5. Siblings of special education students whose IEP [individual education program] has placed them at a specific school.

6. Siblings of students already in attendance at the school.

7. Students whose parent or legal guardian is assigned to that school as his or her primary place of employment pursuant to California Education Code section 35160.5(b)(3)(D). 8. Student placements requesting transfers from Title I schools identified for program improvement as outlined in No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

All other transfers, including academic needs, hardship cases, etc., will be subject to space available at the requested school and assignments will be determined by a lottery.