President Victoria M. Castro called the meeting to order at 2:46 p.m.

The following Members were present: Mrs. Barbara M. Boudreaux, Mr. George Kiriyama, Ms. Julie Korenstein, and President Victoria M. Castro. Ms. Valerie Fields arrived at 2:52 p.m., Mr. Jeff Horton arrived at 3:42 p.m., and Mr. David Tokofsky arrived at 2:50 p.m.

Student Members Candace Bush of Carson High School and Ryan Hawk of Gardena High School were
present.

Superintendent Ruben Zacarias was present.

The President led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Superintendent Zacarias replied that the bars are installed for security reasons to protect computer labs, and that they could be opened in case of emergency.

Student Member Ryan Hawk stated two area of concerns: 1) The communication system at Gardena
High School. After taking a survey he noted that 58.5% of the classrooms lack intercom system and 67% lack phone systems; and 2) Vandalism in the restrooms; students have no respect for themselves and the restrooms. The leadership class proposed to close the restrooms and open two bathrooms only for students to use with identification cards during class hours. He also expressed concern regarding drug abuse, students who avoid class and spend time in the bathrooms, and the bungalows which were placed in the parking lot last year and which are still not fitted for use.

Superintendent Zacarias agreed with Mr. Hawk regarding the vandalism in the restrooms; the schools must decide locally what to do with the monitoring of restrooms. With regards to the lack of communication and shortage of telephones, he reported that under Proposition BB each school had the opportunity to list their needs. He hoped Gardena High School had included these items.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an abstention on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the Consent Calendar.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein, Ms. Castro and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report, with the exception of the staffing section on which Mr. Tokofsky voted no.

Ms. Fields voted aye on Sections (1), (3); Items a-c, k, l, in Section (4); and Section (7).

Mr. Tokofsky abstained from voting on Agreement No. 980643 in Section (1), Nos. 971136, 980009, 980065, 980157, 980225, 981062, and 981598 in Section (4), No. 981369 in Section (5), and No. 961203 in Section (6) of Board of Education Report No. 4 for reasons previously recorded in the Minutes, regular meeting, January 8, 1996, and voted aye on the balance of the report.

President Castro abstained from voting on Agreement No. 9900581 in Section (3) of Board of
Education Report No. 4 for reasons previously recorded in the Minutes, regular meeting,
February 20, 1996, and voted aye on the balance of the report.

Mrs. Boudreaux and Mr. Horton were absent.

Later in the meeting Mrs. Boudreaux recorded an aye vote on the report.

The final vote was 5 ayes, l no, Ms. Fields, with the exceptions as noted.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the report.

Mr. Kiriyama moved that the report be adopted. Ms. Fields seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein were absent.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the amended report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes on the report.

Later in the meeting, Mrs. Boudreaux and Ms. Korenstein recorded aye votes, with the exception of the action concerning Employee No. 525443 on which Mrs. Boudreaux voted no.

Whereas, The Board of Education has a significant responsibility as the policy making body of the Los Angeles Unified School District to be accessible to all its constituents;

Whereas, Every school in the District has been required to choose a reform plan which incorporates such elements as greater local school site autonomy and increased parent and community involvement;

Whereas, Holding meetings in the local community will better enable citizens to participate in the decision making process; now therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles plan to hold regular Board meetings in local communities by scheduling sessions in the east, west, north and south regions of the District each calendar year.

Mr. Horton moved the following amendment:

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles plan to hold regular special abbreviated Board meetings, which would include and accompany Special Committee of the Whole meetings on instructional issues, in local communities by scheduling sessions in the east, west, north and south regions of the District each calendar year.

Roll call was held open pending the return of Board Members.

The final vote was 4 ayes, 3 noes, Mrs. Boudreaux, Ms. Korenstein, and President Castro.

Cynthia Wilson Special Education Program

Dafer Dakhil Public Comment

Clinton Simmons, Concern Parents and Safety and Curriculum
Community for a Better Education

The following speakers were given an opportunity to address the Board

Michael Rocky Pelliccino, Local Union Payment of Contractors and Subcontractors
No. 108

Vrej Baghoomian, V. J. Air System Payment of Contractors and Subcontractors

President Castro suggested that these concerns be discussed at the Facilities Committee.

Whereas, Every year in California, 75,000 minors smoke their first cigarette. Each day, 100 underage youth in Los Angeles begin smoking with 71% of them becoming long-term addicted smokers;

Whereas, Environmental Tobacco Smoke and secondhand smoke can be hazardous to children and adults who have asthma, lung disease, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, lupus, or hypersensitivity to tobacco smoke;

Whereas, Asthmatic children are especially at risk to tobacco smoke and the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 asthmatic children have their conditions made worse by exposure to secondhand smoke;

Whereas, According to the American Lung Association, the estimated annual cost of treating asthma for those under the age of 18 years of age is $1.9 billion;

Whereas, The American Lung Association estimates that asthma accounts for 10 million lost school days annually and it is the leading cause of school absenteeism attributed to chronic health conditions;

Whereas, According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15;

Whereas, According to the Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke is a serious health risk especially to infants and children;

Whereas, All organizations that provide services to children, including the Los Angeles Zoo, should guarantee them a smoke-free environment at all facilities and events;

Whereas, The Los Angeles Zoo serves thousands of students from the Los Angeles Unified School District; and

Whereas, The City Council of Los Angeles has adopted a smoke-free policy for all city buildings and facilities; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles requests the Los Angeles Zoo adopt a no smoking policy that includes all nonenclosed buildings and facilities areas; and be it

Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Horton and
Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Tokofsky recorded an aye vote on the motion.

Mr. Kiriyama moved the following motion to Oppose Mandatory Participation of Teachers, Part-Time and Substitute Employees, and Other Affected Employees in the Social Security System:

Whereas, The United States government is proposing the mandatory participation of teacher, part time and substitute employees, and other affected employees in the Social Security system;

Whereas, It would affect the new teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District by imposing a 6.2% Social Security employee tax on their earnings;

Whereas, This mandatory Social Security tax would equally affect the District by requiring a 6.2% Social Security employer tax match for each new teacher hired, in addition to current pension costs to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS);

Whereas, This mandatory participation in the Social Security System would also preclude certificated and classified part-time and substitute employees from the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS), presently an alternative to the Social Security System at about 60% of the cost to these employees and to the District;

Whereas, According to a STRS actuarial study, the additional average costs for a new hire would be at least $1,600 that the District would be required to incur;

Whereas, It would place a strain on the District by creating a dual system that requires only new teachers to participate in the Social Security system;

Whereas, Funding the required 6.2% Social Security employer tax match would create financial hardship for the District under the current fiscal structures;

Whereas, School district administrators have already indicated to STRS that a reduction in services, including decreases in employer-provided benefits for current teachers (such as health care premium payments), would be necessary to address the increased costs of mandatory Social Security coverage;

Whereas, Unless additional state revenues are found, newly hired teachers would not receive the same level of benefits as teachers already in the STRS;

Whereas, This would undermine the equity principle that all teachers within each District should receive comparable benefits for the same service and pay;

Whereas, Upon the definition of "new hire" used, currently employed teachers who change jobs and begin working for another district could be affected, and school districts might find it more difficult to recruit teachers from another district;

Whereas, A STRS actuarial study show the current STRS plan produces a much greater benefit that a plan coordinated with Social Security for the same level of contribution; and

Whereas, This proposal for mandatory coverage of teachers under Social Security does not benefit teachers, taxpayers, or students; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles strongly opposes the mandatory coverage of teachers and part-time and substitute employees under Social Security as proposed by the United States government; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles directs the Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs to communicate its opposition to this policy to the Hon. Diane Feinstein and Hon. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senators, and the California Congressional delegation.

Ms. Korenstein moved:

Whereas, The safety of students and school staff are of paramount importance to the District and the Board of Education;

Whereas, Crimes motivated by hate and intolerance cannot be endured under any circumstances;

Whereas, Children should be spared from witnessing acts of violence, especially those occurring on what is usually an oasis of safety ‹ a school campus;

Whereas, Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to Principal Norman Bernstein for the pain and suffering caused him in an attack on his person;

Whereas, As so aptly phrased by one of the school staff members, we are all appalled, shocked, dismayed and frightened by this heinous act of violence; and

Whereas, The District is authorized by law to offer a reward under these circumstances; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles offer and pay a reward in the amount of $25,000 for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the attack on Principal Norman Bernstein.

Business Services Division No. 1 - Ratification of Agreements and Amendments Personnel/Professional
Services - Year 2000 Agreements, Professional Services Agreement $50,000 and Over, Personal/
Professional Services Agreements $50,000 and Over, Personal/Professional Services Agreement Aggregating $50,000 and Over Requested by Schools/Clusters and Offices, Amendment to Personal/
Professional Services Agreement, Amendments to Personal/Professional Services Agreements Aggregating $50,000 and Over Requested by Schools/Clusters and Offices: Assigned to Regular Calendar

Facilities Services Division No. 1 - Award of Advertised and Unadvertised Contracts, Rejection of Bids,
and Approval of Change Orders: Assigned to Regular Calendar

2:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, April 1, 1996
2:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, August 5, 1996
1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, September 3, 1996
1:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, October 13, 1998
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, January 26, 1999
9:30 a.m., Closed Session, February 2, 1999

Mr. Tokofsky seconded the motion. Roll call was held open pending the return of Board Members.

The final vote was 5 ayes, with Mrs. Fields abstaining on Minutes of meetings held prior to June, 1997.
Mr. Horton and Ms. Castro were absent.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the Report of Correspondence.

The final vote was 5 ayes. Mr. Horton and Ms. Castro were absent.

Whereas, The City of Los Angeles has adopted ordinances to restrict alcohol and tobacco billboards and storefront signs to a distance of 1,000 feet from all residential areas, schools, parks, recreation centers, places of worship, and child care centers;

Whereas, The Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles has an abiding interest in safeguarding its minor students from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products; and

Whereas, The ordinances adopted by the City of Los Angeles clearly document the serious problem of underage consumption of alcohol and tobacco products; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that Board of Education instructs the Superintendent to inform staff of these ordinances, to develop and to distribute curriculum to support teaching the issues in the ordinance to students and to have the appropriate staff meet with the Los Angeles Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Policy Coalition to develop the aforementioned for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Whereas, Studies, research and empirical data indicate that early childhood development opportunities help children succeed academically, particularly in the area of reading;

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District has made improving student reading scores and helping children read at grade level a critical priority;

Whereas, The Governor, recognizing the importance of early childhood development opportunities, has set aside over $100 million in his 1998-99 State budget for this purpose;

Whereas, The California Department of Education has committed to issuing over $1 billion in grants to help fund operational and building costs associated with children centers and early childhood activities, including designating grant funding for modular buildings;

Whereas, Tobacco-tax revenue from the recently-passed Proposition 10 is designated to fund early childhood development opportunities;

Whereas, Our existing children centers, which house and educate two through five year olds, are filled to capacity, with over 20,000 children currently on waiting lists; and

Whereas, Excess space exists on existing children centers and elementary schools, creating the opportunity to add bungalow classrooms to already-owned District land; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the District explore the availability of grant and Proposition 10 funding as well as the issuance of Certificates of Participation for the purpose of establishing and expanding children centers on existing elementary and children center sites; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent direct staff to identify which existing children centers and elementary schools have excess space and to prepare a cost analysis of adding 100 children center classrooms Districtwide and operating them on an annual basis.

THAT, The Superintendent bring forward a Board Report allowing for the approval of the latest proposal from the Building Trades Council for a project labor agreement.

Whereas, The maintenance of a safe, clean and pollution-free environment for staff and students is essential to learning and is a goal of the Los Angeles Unified School District;

Whereas, In keeping with the above-stated goal, the District has established educational programs for students, staff, parents and the community; has incorporated a variety of maintenance plans including those that assure the appropriate ventilation and design parameters as recommended by the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration Engineers; and has convened safety-related committees comprised of health experts, teachers, parents, community members and District staff to establish standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of all students and staff;

Whereas, The District not only encourages activities that elevate the awareness of environmentally related health concerns in schools, but has implemented training programs; initiated mentor programs; and participated in Environment Protection Agency studies; and has partnered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association to provide "Tools for Schools," an information program that keeps school personnel abreast of indoor air quality issues; and

Whereas, The District believes that other agencies and organizations, both public and private, should also make the appropriate contributions to ensure compliance with strict pollution standards as well as mitigation of other environmental hazards in areas near District schools and facilities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles transmit this resolution and other evidence of the District's ongoing efforts to ensure safe environments for students and staff to the appropriate agencies; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board encourages those environmental regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing the activities of other public and private organizations operating near schools to routinely inform them of their policies and practices for the purpose of monitoring compliance and efficiency.

Whereas, The legacy of war in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the civilian population;

Whereas, The warring factions in Afghanistan have routinely violated the rights of women and girls;

Whereas, There has been a marked increase in human rights violations against women and girls since the Taliban militia seized the City of Kabul in September 1996;

Whereas, prior to the Taliban's arrival, women in Afghanistan were educated and employed: fifty percent of the students and sixty percent of the teachers at Kabul University were women, and seventy percent of school teachers, fifty percent of civilian government workers, and forty percent of doctors in Kabul were women,

Whereas, Afghan women are now forbidden to work outside of the home. Prior to the Taliban takeover, women worked outside of the home in various professions, including employment as doctors, professors, and civil servants;

Whereas, Afghan girls and women are prohibited from attending schools and universities. Before the takeover, 50 percent of the students in Afghanistan were women;

Whereas, Afghan women are forbidden from appearing outside the home unless accompanied by a close male relative;

Whereas, Access to health care has been denied to the majority of Afghan women and girls. This is a result of prohibiting male doctors from examining women, prohibiting women physicians from practicing and limiting the health facilities available to women;

Whereas, Afghan women are required to be covered from head to toe in a shroud called the burqua with only a narrow mesh opening through which to see when they leave their homes. Likewise, they are not allowed to wear shoes that make any noise when they walk;

Whereas, Homes and other buildings in which Afghan women or girls might be present must have their windows painted so no female can be seen from outside;

Whereas, Afghan women have been whipped, shot at, beaten, and, at times, killed for not adhering to these restrictions;

Whereas, The Secretary of State of the United States, the United Nations, and the Physicians for Human Rights have reported that the Taliban's targeting of women and girls for discrimination and abuse has created a health and humanitarian disaster;

Whereas, The International Red Cross and the United Nations estimate that more than 500,000 people in the City of Kabul, approximately two-thirds of the residents of that city, depend on international aid to survive;

Whereas, Afghanistan recognizes international human rights conventions such as the Covenant on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural Rights, all of which espouse respect for basic human rights of all individuals without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, or gender;

Whereas, Denying women and girls the right to an education, employment, access to adequate health care, and direct access to humanitarian aid runs counter to international human rights conventions; and

Whereas, Peace and security in Afghanistan can only be realized with the full restoration of all human rights and fundamental freedom, the voluntary repatriation of refugees to their homeland in safety and dignity, and the reconstruction of Afghanistan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that the Los Angeles Unified School District urges the President of the United States and Congress to not recognize any government in Afghanistan that systematically violates the rights of women and girls, and urges the United States government to do everything in its power to restore women's human rights to education, work, health care and safety in Afghanistan, including pressuring Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to stop funding the Taliban Militia.

The February 18, 1999, meeting of the Audit Committee has been canceled.

Mrs. Boudreaux announced:

There will be Special Committee of the Whole meetings on Tuesday, February 16, at 3:00 p.m. to
receive the proposals for the Opportunities for Learning Charter School, and on Thursday,

February 25, at 2:00 p.m., for a report from the Superintendent's Accountability Task Force. Both meetings will be held in Room H-160.

Nazar Katbi, representing FTR Change Orders on School Projects
Construction

Robert Flores Bilingual Education

Mr. Tokofsky reported on the Wonder of Reading Program and what it has been doing for libraries throughout the District. He thanked the Wonder of Reading Program for the expansion program,
particularly at Roscoe Elementary School. He expressed his thanks to all of the people who serve on the Board, combined with the governmental efforts to improve reading in schools. Mr. Tokofsky commented on the American Institute of Architects's (AIA) meeting with the BB Oversight Committee at the Museum of Contemporary Art to talk about new designs for schools. Staff and the Oversight Committee brought together some of the most talented architects in the Los Angeles area. He extended his congratulations to the Pacoima Coordinating Council for expanding the awareness of resources available to the community in the education and social arenas. He applauded the Amateur Athletic Foundation for hosting the National Girls and Women's Day in Sports.

Mrs. Boudreaux also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Robert Condon, Youth Literacy Advocate, who started the Rolling Readers Program which has about 40,000 volunteers throughout the United States who go to schools and read to students; Thomas Campbell, who taught at Sixth Avenue School; Gayle Joanne H. Mathis, teacher at Birdielee V. Bright School; and the mother of Lucille Grinnell, a psychologist with the District.

Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mr. Horton, Mr. Tokofsky and Ms. Castro were absent.

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

APPROVED BY BOARD:______________________

_______________________________________ _____________________________________
VICTORIA M. CASTRO JEFFERSON CRAIN
PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD
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