President Victoria M. Castro called the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m.

The following Members were present: Mrs. Barbara M. Boudreaux, Ms. Valerie Fields, Mr. George Kiriyama, and President Victoria M. Castro. Mr. Jeff Horton arrived at 4:08 p.m., Ms. Julie
Korenstein arrived at 3:07 p.m., and Mr. David Tokofsky arrived at 3:03 p.m.`

Student Members Candace Bush of Carson High School, and Gayle Green of Washington Preparatory High School were present.

Superintendent Ruben Zacarias was present.

The President led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein and Mr. Tokofsky recorded aye votes on the report.

Mrs. Fields abstained on Section (3) and voted no on Items C & E in Section (5) and on Section (8).

Ms. Korenstein voted no on Section (3).

Mr. Tokofsky abstained from voting on Agreement Nos. 981232 and 981600 in Section (5) and No. 970398 in Section (8) of Board of Education Report No. 2 for reasons previously recorded in the

President Castro abstained from voting on Agreement No. 9900596 in Section (5) and No. 9900746
of Section (6) of Board of Education Report No. 2 for reasons previously recorded in the Minutes,
regular meeting, February 20, 1996, and voted aye on the balance of the report.

Mr. Horton was absent.

Ms. Judy Burton, Assistant Superintendent of the School Reform LEARN Office, and representatives for the petitioners presented their proposal and responded to questions from Board Members.

Mr. Richard Slawson representing the Building Trades Council

Mr. Howard O. Watts, who also spoke to other items

John Hall representing Plumbers Local 78

Hank Springer representing the Apprenticeship Program

Angela Diaz

Fletcher Hicklen

Nareshimah Osei representing Community Watch

Mr. Horton moved:

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;

That, The proposed agreement will be posted for at least 72 hours prior to the expected Board receipt
of the Board report expected on March 9; and

That, The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed agreement contained in the
Board report when it is received and prior to action which is expected on March 23, 1999.

Mr. Kiriyama seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted.

Ms. Burton presented the proposal for the new Charter and responded to questions by Board Members.

Office of the Superintendent No. 2 - Chanda Smith Consent Decree Implementation Plan No. 7: Staff
Development and Training: Assigned to Regular Calendar

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 Eduction 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.

With the approval of the Board, Mr. David Koff, representing Local 11, was given the opportunity to speak to Mr. Horton's motion regarding New Schools‹Safe Schools.

Mr. Horton moved a waiver of Board Rule 72 to allow action on the following motion. Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mrs. Boudreaux was absent.

Mr. Horton moved:

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont High School project have led to a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and to modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Information has been released which suggests that an earlier environmental assessment of the Belmont High School project did not meet the School District's internal standards, and that state guidelines governing the school project may or may not have been properly followed; and

Whereas, The events at Belmont as well as Jefferson Middle School have raised concerns about regulatory oversight of school sites and the multiple local and state agencies involved in monitoring environmental assessment and remediation of school projects; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles adopt as its official policy a requirement that the State Department of Toxic Substances Control give final approval to all land intended for use as a school prior to student occupancy, including the new Belmont High School site; and be

Resolved, That the Board of Education instruct the Los Angeles Unified School District's Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations, who reports to the Board's Audit Committee, to begin an immediate investigation into the sale, acquisition, environmental assessment and remediation of all land located within the Belmont High School project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education support the Superintendent's request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee commission an official state audit by the State's Auditor General into the processes and procedures surrounding the recent environmental disclosures at the Belmont High School project, including the purchase and sale of all properties within the proposed school site; and be it

Resolved, That, should the state audit be commissioned, the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will work in concert with the California Auditor General on the investigation and, on an as needed basis, with the Los Angeles County Office of the District Attorney; and be it

Resolved, further, That the Superintendent report to the Board of Education regarding the possibility of seeking or supporting legislation which would enlarge and fund the State of California's role in the following areas: (1) Land acquisition and preparation, including clean-up of contaminated school sites; (2) Replacing any housing units taken to build schools; and (3) Facilitating multiple uses of land by school districts and other public and private entities.

Ms. Korenstein moved the following amendment:

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont Learning Complex (Belmont) project have led to considerable public concern;

Whereas, The State of California has required a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and remediation of those conditions;

Whereas, There have been and may be additional modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont High School project have led to a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and to modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Information has been released which suggests that an earlier environmental assessment of the Belmont High School project Learning Complex did not meet the School District's internal standards, and that state guidelines governing the school project may or may not have been properly followed; and

Whereas, Information has been released which indicates that current as well as former District staff were aware of deficiencies in the environmental assessment of the Belmont site but may not have shared this information with the Board of Education;

Whereas, Questions have been raised concerning the existence of conflicts of interest regarding the Belmont project; and

Whereas, The events at Belmont as well as Jefferson Middle School have raised concerns about regulatory oversight of school sites and the multiple local and state agencies involved in monitoring environmental assessment and remediation of school projects; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles adopt as its official policy a requirement that the State Department of Toxic Substances Control of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) certify as safe for student occupancy any site being considered for school use prior to acquisition by the Los Angeles Unified School District give final approval to all land intended for use as a school prior to student occupancy, including the new Belmont High School site; and be

Resolved, In the case of sites already acquired by the District that this same state agency certify said sites as safe for student occupancy prior to any construction on the sites or prior to student occupancy in the case of the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education instruct the Los Angeles Unified School District's Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations, who reports to the Board's Audit Committee, to begin an immediate investigation into the Belmont project, including, but not limited to the sale, acquisition, environmental assessment and remediation of all land associated with the project; an audit of all contracts and payments to outside consultants and attorneys engaged in the Belmont project; the alleged existence of conflicts of interest; an audit of any account(s) controlled by the former Bond and Asset Management/Planning and Development offices; and the selection, negotiation and contracting process for the development and construction of the project located within the Belmont High School project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorize the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations to recommend for the Board's approval outside, independent professional assistance when necessary regarding the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the environmental safety team shall bring status reports on all safety and environmental issues to the Board of Education every thirty (30) days on the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education support the Superintendent's request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee commission an official state audit by the State's Auditor General into the processes and procedures surrounding the District's representations to State agencies, including but not limited to the Office of Public School Construction and the State Allocation Board, regarding the land transactions, environmental conditions and assessment, and use of State funds in connection with the proposed school site recent environmental disclosures at the Belmont High School project, including the purchase and sale of all properties within the proposed school site; and be it

Resolved, That, should the state audit be commissioned, the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will work in concert with the California Auditor General on the investigation and, on an as needed basis, with the Los Angeles County Office of the District Attorney; and be it

Resolved further, That the Superintendent report to the Board of Education regarding the possibility of seeking or supporting legislation which would enlarge and fund the State of California's role in the following areas: (1) Land acquisition and preparation, including clean-up of contaminated school sites; (2) Replacing any housing units taken to build schools; and (3) Facilitating innovative programs designed to offset the escalating costs of school construction multiple uses of land by school districts and other public and private entities.

During discussion and for further clarification, President Castro suggested that the first resolve read as follows:

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles adopt as its official policy a requirement that the State Department of Toxic Substances Control of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) determine any site could be made safe for student occupancy prior to acquisition by the Los Angeles Unified School District; and be it

The President directed that staff meet with Ms. Korenstein to provide the necessary changes to the motion to address the concerns of both the Board and staff.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein provided the following amendment to the motion:

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont Learning Complex (Belmont) project have led to considerable public concern;

Whereas, The State of California has required a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and remediation of those conditions;

Whereas, There have been and may be additional modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont High School project have led to a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and to modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Information has been released which suggests that an earlier environmental assessment of the Belmont High School project Learning Complex did not meet the School District's internal standards, and that state guidelines governing the school project may or may not have been properly followed; and

Whereas, Information has been released which indicates that current as well as former District staff were aware of deficiencies in the environmental assessment of the Belmont site but may not have shared this information with the Board of Education;

Whereas, Questions have been raised concerning the existence of conflicts of interest regarding the Belmont project; and

Whereas, The events at Belmont as well as Jefferson Middle School have raised concerns about regulatory oversight of school sites and the multiple local and state agencies involved in monitoring environmental assessment and remediation of school projects; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles adopt as its official policy a requirement that District's staff consult with the State Department of Toxic Substances Control of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) at all steps in the environmental processes leading to acquisition of a site and further that DTSC certify all sites as safe prior to student occupancy including the new Belmont High School site and any other school site under construction; give final approval to all land intended for use as a school prior to student occupancy, including the new Belmont High School site; and be

Resolved, That the Board of Education instruct the Los Angeles Unified School District's Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations, who reports to the Board's Audit Committee, to begin an immediate investigation into the Belmont project, including, but not limited to the sale, acquisition, environmental assessment and remediation of all land associated with the project; an audit of all contracts and payments to outside consultants and attorneys engaged for the Belmont project; the alleged existence of conflicts of interest; an audit of any account(s) controlled by the former Bond and Asset Management/Planning and Development offices; and the selection, negotiation and contracting process for the development and construction of the project located within the Belmont High School project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorize the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations to recommend for the Board's approval outside, independent professional assistance when necessary regarding the audit of the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the environmental safety team shall bring status reports on all safety and environmental issues to the Board of Education every thirty (30) days on the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education support the Superintendent's request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee commission an official state audit by the State's Auditor General into the processes and procedures surrounding the District's representations to State agencies, including but not limited to the Office of Public School Construction and the State Allocation Board, regarding the land transactions, environmental conditions and assessment, and use of State funds in connection with the proposed school site recent environmental disclosures at the Belmont High School project, including the purchase and sale of all properties within the proposed school site; and be it

Resolved, That, should the state audit be commissioned, the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will work in concert with the California Auditor General on the investigation and, on an as needed basis, with the Los Angeles County Office of the District Attorney; and be

Resolved further, That the Superintendent report to the Board of Education regarding the possibility of seeking or supporting legislation which would enlarge and fund the State of California's role in the following areas: (1) Land acquisition and preparation, including clean-up of contaminated school sites; (2) Replacing any housing units taken to build schools; and (3) Facilitating innovative programs designed to offset the escalating costs of school construction multiple uses of land by school districts and other public and private entities.

Resolved, That the environmental safety team shall bring status reports on all health, safety and, environmental, and regulatory issues to the Board of Education every thirty (30) days on the Belmont project; and be it

Mr. Tokofsky moved that the fifth to the last resolve be amended as follows:

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorize the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations to recommend for the Board's approval outside, independent professional assistance when necessary regarding the audit of the Belmont project that includes, but is not limited to enforcement of the District's rights and remedies with respect to construction claims and change orders; and be it

Later in the meeting Mr. Tokofsky moved that the following be added to the fifth to the last resolve:

Resolved, That the Board of Education and its Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will pursue all legal rights and remedies including restitution in the event of any wrongdoing; and be it

The motion as adopted reads as follows:

Whereas, Recent disclosures at the Belmont Learning Complex (Belmont) project have led to considerable public concern;

Whereas, The State of California has required a comprehensive assessment of the site's environmental conditions and remediation of those conditions;

Whereas, There have been and may be additional modifications in the project's construction schedule, resulting in increased costs and possible delays;

Whereas, Information has been released which suggests that an earlier environmental assessment of the Belmont Learning Complex did not meet the School District's internal standards, and that state guidelines governing the school project may or may not have been properly followed;

Whereas, Information has been released which indicates that current as well as former District staff were aware of deficiencies in the environmental assessment of the Belmont site but may not have shared this information with the Board of Education;

Whereas, Questions have been raised concerning the existence of conflicts of interest regarding the Belmont project; and

Whereas, The events at Belmont as well as Jefferson Middle School have raised concerns about regulatory oversight of school sites and the multiple local and state agencies involved in monitoring environmental assessment and remediation of school projects; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles adopt as its official policy a requirement that District's staff consult with the State Department of Toxic Substances Control of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA) at all steps in the environmental processes leading to acquisition of a site and further that DTSC certify all sites as safe prior to student occupancy including the new Belmont High School site and any other school site under construction; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education instruct the Los Angeles Unified School District's Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations, who reports to the Board's Audit Committee, to begin an immediate investigation into the Belmont project, including, but not limited to the acquisition, environmental assessment and remediation of all land associated with the project; an audit of all contracts and payments to outside consultants and attorneys engaged for the Belmont project; the alleged existence of conflicts of interest; an audit of any account(s) controlled by the former Bond and Asset Management/Planning and Development offices; and the selection, negotiation and contracting process for the development and construction of the project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorize the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations to recommend for the Board's approval outside, independent professional assistance when necessary regarding the audit of the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education and its Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will pursue all legal rights and remedies including restitution in the event of any wrongdoing; and be it

Resolved, That the environmental safety team shall bring status reports on all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory issues to the Board of Education every thirty (30) days on the Belmont project; and be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education support the Superintendent's request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee commission an official state audit by the State's Auditor General into the processes and procedures surrounding the District's representations to State agencies, including but not limited to the Office of Public School Construction and the State Allocation Board, regarding the land transactions, environmental conditions and assessment, and use of State funds in connection with the proposed school site; and be it

Resolved, That, should the state audit be commissioned, the Director of Internal Audits and Special Investigations will work in concert with the California Auditor General on the investigation and, on an as needed basis, with the Los Angeles County Office of the District Attorney; and be

Resolved further, That the Superintendent report to the Board of Education regarding the possibility of seeking or supporting legislation which would enlarge and fund the State of California's role in the following areas: (1) Land acquisition and preparation, including clean-up of contaminated school sites; (2) Replacing any housing units taken to build schools; and (3) Facilitating innovative programs designed to offset the escalating costs of school construction.

Clinton Simmons representing Concerned Parents Safety and Curriculum
and Community for a Better Education

Ernest Smith Curriculum

Jeff Garcia Hilger Opportunity Transfer Program and Lunch Tickets

Darrell Anderson Policy on School Lunches

David Billett representing Gage Middle Xerox EIM Project
School Faculty

Bill Higbee Xerox EIM Project

Geddes Green representing Geo-Green Electric Lack of Payment/Mismanagement of Contractors

Lorena Jaramillo representing the District Accountability
Bilingual/Bicultural Advisory Committee
(DBBAC)

Aureliano Cortes representing the District Accountability
Bilingual/Bicultural Advisory Committee
(DBBAC)

Gerardo Guzman Public Comment

Mr. Jefferson Crain, Executive Officer of the Board announced:

References made to Section (5) of Board of Education Report No. 1, dated January 12, 1999, wherein the Board adopted a resolution of intention to dedicate to the State of California a portion of the Newman Nutrition Center by Grant Deed, with consideration, a permanent easement and temporary construction easement for seismic retrofitting of bridge columns and freeway overcrossings.

The Board has fixed this meeting as the time and place for a public hearing upon the question of such dedication.

An opportunity is now given to anyone present to file with the Board petitions protesting the proposed dedication, signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors of the District, as shown by the affidavits of one of the petitioners.

Ms. Korenstein moved that the following resolution be adopted with reference to the above matter to wit:

RESOLVED: That the Board of Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District of Los Angeles County, in pursuance of the provisions of Sections 17556 through 17561, inclusive, of the Education Code of the State of California, does hereby declare its intention to dedicate a permanent easement and temporary construction easement for seismic retrofitting of bridge columns and freeway overcrossings to the State of California, its successors, assigns, lessees and agents, hereinafter referred to as "Grantee(s)," the following described property in the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, State of California described as follows:

PARCEL 1 (75395-1)

That portion of Lot 24, Block 7 of Amended Map of Florence Terrace, as per map recorded in Book 30, page 19, of Miscellaneous Records in the Office of the County Recorder of said county, described as follows:

Commencing at a point on the Northwesterly line of said lot, distant thereon N 27š32'13" E, 35.00 feet from the Southwesterly corner of said lot as shown on said amended map; thence

S 62š22'59" E, 23.00 feet along a line parallel to the Southwesterly line of said lot to the Point of Beginning; thence continuing S 62š22'59" E, 17.00 feet; thence N 27š37'01" E, 8.00 feet; thence N 62š22'59" W, 17.00 feet; thence S 27š37'01", 8.00 feet to the Point of Beginning.

PARCEL 2 (75395-2)

A temporary construction easement for purposes incidental to the construction of bridge abutment retrofit being a portion of said Lot 24, described as follows:

Beginning at a point on the Northwesterly line of said lot, distant thereon N 27š32'13" E, 35.00 feet from the Southwesterly corner of said lot as shown on said amended map; thence

N 27š32'13" E, 25.00 feet along said Northwesterly line; thence S 62š22'59" E, 45.05 feet along a line parallel to the Southwesterly line of said lot; thence S 27š37'01" W, 27.00 feet; thence

N 62š22'59" W, 5.05 feet; thence N 27š37'01" E, 2.00 feet; thence N 62š22'59" W, 40.00 feet to the point of Beginning.

Such dedication is proposed to be made by Grant Deed for seismic retrofitting of bridge columns and freeway overcrossings, with consideration, under the following conditions:

In the event Grantee ceases to use said real property for the purpose described herein, then all rights of grantee herein shall cease and the above described property shall revert to Grantor free and clear of the easement or estate hereby granted, and Grantor may reenter and retake full possession of said premises; it being an essential part of the consideration hereof that use by Grantee of said premises for the purposes described herein is a condition for the continuing of Grantee's easement or estate hereunder.

Grantee shall be responsible for damage caused intentionally or by any negligent act or omission of Grantee, its agent or employees while exercising the rights granted herein.

And that the President of the Board of Education and Deputy Director of Real Estate and Asset Management be authorized to sign the Deed on behalf of the Board, granting said property to the State of California upon the terms and conditions set forth in the resolution.

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

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the report.

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.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Korenstein recorded an aye vote on the motion.

Mr. Kiriyama moved the following motion regarding Expansion of Children's Centers:

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.

Mr. Kiriyama moved a waiver of Board Rule 72 to allow action on the following motion regarding National School Breakfast Week and Lunch Programs. Ms. Korenstein seconded the motion, which by general consent was adopted. Mrs. Boudreaux, Ms. Fields, and Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

Ms. Korenstein moved:

Whereas, National School Breakfast Week is observed in March each year and its theme for 1999 is "Jump Start Your Day with School Breakfast;"

Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District provides a school breakfast program in every school and child care program in the District and serves more than 216,000 breakfast meals daily, constituting the largest school breakfast program in the United States; and

Whereas, The District's Breakfast Program is highly nutritious as menus served meet the United States Dietary Guidelines which reference total fat content and emphasize greater use of complex carbohydrates;

Whereas, Numerous studies have shown that children who eat breakfast perform better in school, are more creative than those who skip the morning meal, and are able to work faster and make fewer mistakes than students who do not eat breakfast; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles join other school districts throughout the Nation to observe the week of March 1-5, 1999, as National School Breakfast Week; and be it

Resolved further, That the Board of Education continue its support of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and nutrition education for the District's students.

Budget Services Financial Planning Division No. 1 - 1999-2000 Budget Development Calendar:
Assigned to Consent Calendar

Business Services Division No. 1- Ratification of Agreements and Amendments, Professional Services
Agreements $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,
Amendments to Personal/Professional Services Agreements, 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, Cancellation of
Architectural Agreements, and Rejection of Bids: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Personnel Division No 1 - Credential Waiver Authorizations: Assigned to Consent Calendar

Personnel Division No. 1 - Credential Waiver Authorizations: Assigned to Consent Calendar

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

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

Whereas, Islam put forth the pioneering values of protecting women's human rights, and put forth a Muslim woman's birthrights to education, expression of opinion and thought and to inheritance;

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 Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles 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 all outside powers to stop funding the Taliban Militia.

That a Special Board meeting be called on March 16, 1999, in Room H-160 (Board Room), at 3:00 p.m., to take action on the memorandum of understanding with United Teachers Los Angeles regarding implementation of a 1998-99 compensation bonus and accountability for individual bargaining unit member quality and other items requiring Board action.

President Castro suggested that Superintendent Zacarias ring all school bells to give a "good luck" send
off to the six Academic Decathlon teams participating in the State Finals. President Castro commented that the District was honored to co-host with the County Office of Education the annual conference of California Association Bilingual Educators (CABE), which was held on February 18-20; approximately 7,000 people were in attendance. She thanked the Language Acquisition Division, who played a very important role in seeing that our parents, teachers, principals, cluster leaders understood the different programs that exist statewide.

Mr. Horton, who was one of the speakers, echoed President Castro's comments and added that it was very heartening to see the groups so committed to meet the needs of English language learners, thereby strengthening the programs for everyone. President Castro also noted that Second Street School has, with the assistance of staff and students, created a community garden by a freeway which has brought back 14 species of butterflies to the neighborhood. She suggested that Board Members take time to see the wonderful creation and to encourage other schools to get involved. She complimented the staff and the community for their outstanding contribution.

Ms. Korenstein moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Kiriyama seconded the motion, which by
general consent adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Mrs. Boudreaux, Ms. Fields and Mr. Tokofsky were absent.

APPROVED BY BOARD:______________________

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