CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION
DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
May 11, 2010
In Attendance
Chris Habecker (Acacia)
K Sager (Weathersfield)
Joan O’Byrne (Aspen)
Karen Magon (Westlake/DAC Member-at-Lg)
Vikki Zagari (Banyan)
Michele Wexler (Westlake Hills)
Karen Ishikawa (Colina)
Kathleen Woodward (WHS & DAC Secretary)
Laura McIntyre (Conejo/DAC Member-at-Lg)
Lilly Dollenmayer (DAC Chairperson)
Eilene Green (CV Adult Ed)
Laurie Lam (DAC Vice-Chairperson)
Dawn Stone (Cypress)
Sue Wells (DAC Parliamentarian)
Patty Holguin (EARTHS/DAC Memb-at-Lg)
Mark Cohen (DAC Member-at-Large)
Rocky Capobianco (Ladera)
Silas Nesheiwat (DAC Member-at-Large)
Denise Reader (Lang Ranch)
Pat Phelps (Board of Education)
Mike Soules (Los Cerritos)
Janet Cosaro (Assistant Superintendent)
Stephanie Farris (Maple)
Cindy Goldberg (Conejo Schools Foundation)
Jane Luper (NPHS)
Colleen Briner-Schmidt (UACT)
Rochelle Nitka (Redwood)
Nina Brandt (CSEA)
Cathy Wuesthoff (Sequoia)
Gail Ginell (TOHS SSC Chairperson)
Anagha D’Souza (Sycamore)
Cindy Mayling (Open Classroom Leadership)
Amy Neveu (TOHS)
DAC Webpage:
http://www.conejo.k12.ca.us/StudentsParents/DistrictAdvisoryCouncilDAC/tabid/1641/Default.aspx
SIGN-IN, WELCOME, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lilly Dollenmayer, DAC Chairperson, announced that this is the last meeting of the year and kids &
parents are counting down the days until the end of the school year. Rochelle Nitka, DAC
Representative on the Technology Committee, is unable to attend the June meeting. Please email Lilly
if you are interested in attending. Lilly announced that next year she wants to give everyone an
opportunity to participate on District committees.
DAC EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTION
Sue Wells, Parliamentarian, read the slate of candidates for the DAC Executive Board 2010/2011.
Lilly Dollenmayer asked for nominations from the floor, but there were none. The following were
unanimously elected to the DAC Executive Board 2010/2011:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Parliamentarian
Members-at-Large
Lilly Dollenmayer
Laurie Lam
Kathleen Woodward
Sue Wells
Mark Cohen
Karen Magon
Silas Nesheiwat
Mike Soules
Dawn Stone
Denise Reader
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TESTING
Carol Boyan-Held, Director of Curriculum and Assessment, and Josh Eby, NPHS Assistant Principal,
provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding AP testing. AP Testing is run by the College Board.
Tests are now being conducted. Approximately 3900 will be given this year and the number
consistently increases each year. CVUSD students take 30% of the AP exams in Ventura County.
They are graded on a scale of 1 to 5.
Questions:
Is the increased number of test takers due to increased number of teachers, or more kids wanting to
participate?
Both. More teachers want to teach it, and more kids/parents realize the value and want to participate.
Kids/parents realize this looks good on their transcript. It is a great value to pay $89 for a test that can
earn the student 3 to 5 college credits.
Is there an adverse affect if the student doesn’t pass?
No, there is not a negative impact.
It seems AP tests are becoming an entrance exam.
In calculus and chemistry, some universities may give just elective credit. Some universities will give
elective credit for a score of 3, or other credits for a score of 4 or 5.
Kids are taking 7 or 8 AP classes and colleges are not going to give credit for all of those classes.
Parents should realize that.
AP exams are about preparing for the rigor of college. Our graduates say they were well-prepared for
college.
English H at TOHS is in 9th and 10th grade, but kids must do AP in 11th and 12th grade. Why?
College will not consider honors if an AP class is available.
CP kids can and do get into college.
There are AP and IB classes.
AP and IB are national classes, are audited, and must be approved in order for us to give credit. There
are specific criteria for AP and IB classes.
Are there multiple AP courses in English?
There are AP Language and AP Literature.
My nephew got 48 credits at entrance due to AP test results.
You can ask colleges how many AP credits they will accept at entrance.
CVUSD’s high scores are a testament to our students and teachers.
If one teacher’s students don’t score well, do administrators compare and review that?
Absolutely. Plus administrators and teachers receive results for each of the students.
Do teachers prepare kids for the AP tests?
Yes, some even stay late at night to help kids prepare.
What do we do for those kids that don’t pass?
The tests are rigorous; they are not written for 90% to pass.
EARLY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (EAP) TEST
Carol Boyan-Held, Director of Curriculum and Assessment, and Josh Eby, NPHS Assistant Principal,
provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Early Assessment Program testing. All juniors take
this test.
Questions:
How does it compare to CAHSEE?
They’re very different. CAHSEE is a minimal requirement.
Where are the scores?
They are on the STAR results info.
Why didn’t my kid take this test?
The kids might not have been aware that they were taking it.
Are parents not told about this test?
At NPHS, we did an all-call the night before the test. This year, we are making a stronger push to
emphasize the EAP’s importance.
We need to get information out to parents regarding EAP. If it is said that the test is optional, kids
won’t take it.
The idea behind the EAP test was if kids did not do well, then they would be scheduled for a remedial
course in 12th grade. But in our District, we are placing kids in remedial programs beginning in 9th
grade, as necessary. The test is an optional part of the STAR.
How can it be optional?
There is information in the test booklet that the kids are instructed to read. We need to do a better job
of instilling the importance/advantages of taking the test.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD) ADOPTION
Carol Boyan-Held, Director of Curriculum and Assessment, and Lisa Dritz, Associate Director of
Pupil Services, discussed the ELD adoption. Language Census Day occurs each year at the end of
February or beginning of March. Every year the number of English Language Learners (ELL) has
increased, except this year there is a slight dip. The number of ELLs reclassified to fluent has
increased too.
In reviewing the program, we found that materials and instruction of ELLs was inconsistent districtwide. We have been working to improve consistency throughout the District.
Intervention classes are held for kids that are 2 grade levels below (per State guidelines). We formed a
committee, received publishers’ materials, piloted materials in classrooms, surveyed, and the
committee evaluated the results. The committee made recommendations to the Board. The approved
materials will improve resources for all students that are 2 grade levels below. There are other
interventions used for students that are less than 2 years below grade level.
Questions:
Will Title I funds pay for this?
English Learner funds will pay for most expenses (Title 3 and EIA funds). Secondary will use State
Instructional Materials funds.
GRANT WRITING FOR SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS
Jennifer Boone, EARTHS Magnet School Principal, reported that like pirates we have to look for
grants. There are grants everywhere. EARTHS looks for release time, outdoor education,
environment and recycling focuses. You will need to:
 Identify what your goal is.
 Tell people you’re looking for grants.
 Document school statistics and performance data. Many grants target at-risk students.
 For larger grants, you will be asked for a Literature Review. Look for literature that supports
what you need.
 Have a 3 to 5 year plan with a catchy name.
 Have research-based methodology. You will need 1 to 5 people who will do research for you
and email the links to you.
 Develop a spreadsheet of available grants, amount, description, deadlines, notes, assignments.
The Principal’s job has morphed into a public relations job. There are funds everywhere: Target, City
of Thousand Oaks, U.S. Fish and Game, Amgen, etc. Look for what meets your focus and timeline.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Mike Soules, DAC Legislative Reporter, discussed the following:
Federal Update:
 Stimulus funds were used to cover teacher cuts last year.
 SB3206, Keep Our Educators Working Grant
o 300,000 teachers in country got pink slips and probably 100,000 will lose their jobs
o Legislators are trying to pass this quickly
State Update:
 California Free Digital Textbook Initiative (CLRN.org)
 SB955 is finishing its third review and if passed would change the way teachers are terminated.
It will move the deadline for pink slipping teachers from March 15th to May 1st.
 June 8th – Go vote!
SITE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, AND SUCCESSES
Janet Cosaro, Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services
Announcement: We are applying for an i3 Grant (Investing in Innovation Grant). Jennifer Boone is
absolutely correct that we need to be able to replicate and sustain grants. Dr. Paula Willebrands, Park
Oaks Elementary School Principal, and her staff have worked on a $3m grant for English Language
Learners at their school. The focus is on-line and hybrid learning. The blueprint is 41 pages.
Announcement: Thank you to all of the DAC members for giving up their Tuesday mornings each
month to attend the DAC Meeting! We have accomplished a great deal this year.
DAC Representatives - Conejo, Maple, Sycamore, Redwood MS, Sequoia MS, and TOHS
Success: Several terrific events were reported at the schools.
Nina Brandt, CSEA Representative
Announcement: I have been here 9-10 years, but my job at Thousand Oaks High School has been
eliminated at the end of the school year. This job elimination has prompted me to retire. Kathy
Swindle will be the new CSEA representative to DAC next year.
REPORTS
1.
Approval of DAC Minutes
The DAC Minutes for April 13, 2010, were approved as written.
2.
Board of Education Meetings
Laurie Lam attended the Board Meeting on behalf of DAC and reported as follows:
 Preschool overviews were provided regarding Adult Education’s Parent Participation
Preschool, Neighborhood for Learning, and Wonder. Parents provided testimonials for
each program.
 Day of the Teacher
 Classified Employee Day
 Kim Stephenson was appointed to Assistant Principal at Colina Middle School
3.
District Committees:
PTA Report
Randi Dennen, Conejo Council PTA President, provided the following report:
Last night Conejo Council PTA held our end of year dinner. There were 126 PTA board
members, volunteers, principals, and district personnel and others present. Each year we honor
exceptional volunteers in the community. Last night we honored The Conejo Schools
Foundation and its Executive Director, Cindy Goldberg, the education division of the Conejo
Valley Chamber of Commerce, and our Superintendent Mario Contini for their never ending
commitment to kids and education in the Conejo Valley.
On April 19th, we had a meeting with all the PTA and PFA presidents and principals. We broke
into 5 groups and discussed ways to recruit parent volunteers and find new ways to use them.
Each group was also asked to come up with one highlight of the year resulting from a parent and
school collaborative venture. These questions generated a lot of great conversation and sharing
of ideas.
A couple of weeks ago the California State PTA Convention took place in Sacramento. Thirtyone delegates from many different schools throughout the CVUSD attended the convention
including 2 students from TOHS and 3 principals. The principals who attended were Dr. Jon
Sand of Sycamore Canyon, Luis Lichtl of Thousand Oaks High School, and Dr. Eleanor Love of
Los Cerritos. They attended classes, general meetings, got great information in the exhibit halls,
and did quite a bit of networking. Los Cerritos received a Family Involvement Award from the
California State PTA. The state board of managers approved the charter for our newest PTA unit
at Acacia Elementary School. We are very excited that Acacia has joined the other PTAs in our
council.
My term as President is just about over. It has been a privilege to report to you and attend your
meetings over the last 2 years. Next year, Denise Reader will report to you as Conejo Council
PTA Vice President.
Budget Committee (No report)
For details, visit the Budget Committee website at:
http://www.conejo.k12.ca.us/DepartmentsAN/BusinessServices/BudgetCommittee/tabid/1531/Default.aspx
Child Care DAC (No report)
Coordinated School Health Advisory Community (No report)
District English Learners Advisory Council (DELAC)
Dr. Margaret Saleh, attended the last meeting regarding EL and Title 2. There is confusion
regarding EL and Special Education needs. Each year EL parents are surveyed. Next year we
will begin surveying EL students, too.
Family Life Committee (No report)
Gifted and Talented Education DAC (GATE DAC)
The next GATE DAC meeting will be at the end of May.
Instructional Goals Committee #1 (No report)
Facilities Goals Committee #2
The committee met May 6th. Most of the Bond funds have been spent. Very little
Redevelopment funding remains; the balance will be used for repairs. A Facilities Master Plan
will be done to prepare for a new bond. It will be publicized how the last bond was spent. The
Planning Office will work on this.
Governance and Funding Committee #3 (No report)
Neighborhood for Learning (NfL) (No report)
Special Education DAC (SEDAC) (No report)
Surplus Property (No report)
Technology Committee
Lilly Dollenmayer is meeting with Jerome Staszewski this week regarding technology. Parents
support donation of computers, but are concerned about computer prices. Technology
requirements are nebulous. Standardization is great, but won’t work if there is not buy-in. The
District still hasn’t found a competitive supplier. The goal is procedures, standards, and pricing
by September 2010.
Conejo Schools Foundation (CSF)
Cindy Goldberg, Executive Director of Conejo Schools Foundation,:
 Thank you to all of you!
 All-District Band Festival is May 24th to 26th at the Civic Arts Plaza

Save September 25th for the Walk for Healthy Schools (9:00 a.m.). We want 2000 people
to participate in this 5K easy walk. Wear your school spirit wear.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REMARKS
Mario Contini, Superintendent, provided a brief update regarding Race to the Top funds:
 California didn’t pass the 1st round
 The federal government has encouraged California regarding 2nd round. Six districts are
working with the state to revise the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
 It is doubtful that much will change; California probably won’t be approved.
 In about 1 week, California will ask Districts for MOU which will be due June 1st. Districts
will have little time to prepare the MOU.
Mario Contini then distributed a farewell letter to DAC, as follows:
My four years as superintendent in the Conejo Valley Unified School District have been extremely
rewarding. As my retirement looms in the near future, I need to take some time to thank you and
so many others for the personal and professional friendships we have forged, and the
accomplishments that have been achieved in large part due to your leadership on the DAC. I take
little or no credit for these accomplishments since they are the result of a collective effort. In spite
of the worst statewide fiscal storm in memory, it has been people like you that helped keep our ship
afloat and on a course of continued progress.
Shortly after being appointed by the Board, I visited every school in the district and spent many
hours speaking with employees, parents, students, and community leaders. In August of 2006, I
met with the Leadership Team and subsequently with DAC, PTA and other groups to share some
of my initial observations. Now, in these final days as superintendent, I have some parallel
observations to share within the context of those I observed four years ago. They are attached to
this letter and are labeled, “Observations Then and Now.”
CVUSD has a bright future. Its people have proven they know how to overcome monumental
challenges by working together. It is that sense of being a “unified” district that is most
impressive. I remain awed by the wonderful people that make up the CVUSD family. We have
outstanding students, a dedicated and innovative leadership team, a courageous student-centered
board that is well-connected to the community it represents, amazingly effective teachers and
support staff, and three employee associations who care deeply about kids while responsibly
representing their memberships. We are blessed with phenomenal and highly supportive parents.
We have a wonderful relationship with city and park district officials, civic organizations, and
business partners, all who see education as a community responsibility. It has truly been an honor
and privilege to work with all these fine people.
I know you are as thrilled as I that Jeff will be the new superintendent. He is the consummate
leader and a perfect fit for this role. He has gained tremendous trust and respect throughout the
District and community for his handling of some of the most difficult issues our district has ever
faced. The District will be in great hands with Jeff at the helm.
I hope that during these last four years I have contributed something of value to the cause we have
all shared. I thank you for filling my life with so much meaning and for giving me the opportunity
to work along side you. I wish you the very best for years to come.
Mr. Contini added that from the inside the District is absolutely amazing. On the outside there have
been negative forces to sink the ship, but the amazing people on the inside kept the ship afloat. What
makes this district great is that everyone wants what is best for kids. When you have a concern, share
it, and share solutions too.
BUDGET, ETC.
Jeff Baarstad, Deputy Superintendent, reported that in January it was learned that the district was
$4.7m deeper in the hole than thought; that is still thought to be the worst case scenario. Phase 1 was
already approved by the Board and pink slips were issued. The Budget Committee will meet
tomorrow to review the Phase 2 cuts; these cuts still need Board approval.
Class size has been raised in 75% of districts, but we have not. It is likely that we will reduce the
school year 5 days next year at the end of the year. There will be contingency language to bring days
back if the budget is better than expected. We’ll make the last week of school more meaningful to
kids, than in the past. We are hopeful that those 5 days will be restored within the next 3 years.
Next year, I would like to use DAC as a focus group for feedback. If the group reaches consensus on
1-2 things to focus on, then administration may work with DAC to present it to the Board.
Thank you for coming every month and for informing your SSC.
Questions:
Does the September 1st start date reflect loss of 5 days?
No. The 5 days will be taken from the end of the school year.
Is the 5-day cut the only pay cut currently?
We have discussed 5 days, additional days outside school, and salary reductions. We’re discussing
with 3 employee groups: UACT, CSEA, and CVPPA.
How much will be saved by a 5-day cut in the work year?
$2.8m savings. $550,000 per day.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.
NEXT DAC MEETING
Meeting Date/Time: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location:
District Office Board Room
Topics Include:
Sign-In, Welcome, and Announcements
DAC Member-At-Large Vacancy
Summer School On-Line Courses
Conejo Schools Foundation
Personnel Update
Facilities Update
Academic Performance Index (API)
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
Legislative Report *
Site Questions, Concerns, and Successes
Reports *
* (Before the meeting, please email your written report to dgonzales@conejo.k12.ca.us )