Lance Bidnick

The English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting addressed several mandated legal requirements and training topics, including the promotion of regular school attendance and input on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Discussions included the need for parents to watch for the upcoming Needs Assessment survey to provide suggestions for program improvement. Presentations were given regarding electives for the upcoming school year, test dates, and test-taking tips. The committee also received a report from the District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC), which covered LCAP information, preschool and special education topics, and a presentation from the sheriff's department on fentanyl and Narcan use.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, committee reports from the Secretary presenting 2024/2025 budget items related to Title 1, Title 1 PI, LCFF Concentrated Support, and LCFF Engagement. Legal requirements covered involved a safety plan review and a Title 1 Parent review. New business items primarily focused on financial transfers from the Travel & Conference budget for field trips, including science activities, external planners, genius hour extra duty pay, and AVID Tutors. The Principal provided an update.

The key discussions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda as amended. The commission ratified several vacancy announcements for positions such as Bus Driver Trainee, Nutrition Services Supervisor, College Guidance Specialist, Occupational Therapist, and Instructional Assistant -- Special Education SUBSTITUTE. Furthermore, the commission approved the certification of new eligibility lists for Instructional Assistant -- Special Education, Job Developer, and Welder/Machine Technician. A significant action was the approval of a new job classification for Autism Specialist within the Special Education Department, assigned to Classified Salary Schedule Range 61. The Personnel Director provided an update on upcoming retirement celebrations for key NMUSD personnel.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda for July 18, 2024. The Commission proceeded to ratify several vacancy announcements across various classifications, ranging from warehouse workers to instructional assistants and preschool teachers. Furthermore, the Commission certified new eligibility lists for several positions, including Instructional Assistant-Early Learning and District Translator. A classification modification for Warehouse Worker II was approved, primarily renaming the role to Warehouse Worker II/Delivery Driver without a pay allocation change, with clarifications provided regarding food service certification requirements. The Personnel Director provided updates on staffing for summer programs, noting 348 classified employees were hired, and provided metrics on recent job offers and personnel actions. The Commissioners also agreed on a process for reviewing the Personnel Commission Rules, focusing initially on conflicts with current laws or policies.

The meeting included the adoption of the current agenda and the ratification of several vacancy announcements for positions such as School/Community Facilitator, Office Assistant III, and Technology Support Technician. Furthermore, the Commission certified several new eligibility lists for various roles including Student Supervision Assistant and Instructional Assistant. The Personnel Director provided updates regarding COVID-19 related leaves, noting that the District is continuing CARES Act leaves through March 31, 2021, with 136 employees approved for Emergency Paid Sick Leave and 27 for Expanded Family Medical Leave. Updates were also given on voluntary surveillance testing, response testing for close contacts, the COVID-19 reporting system, and the process for determining employee return-to-work dates based on CDC guidelines. Information regarding new COVID-19 vaccination site establishment and eligibility criteria for employees was also shared.