Governing Board

Board Tackles Eight Closed-Session Items Spanning Litigation and Labor

The board identified eight closed-session items covering special education litigation, employee discipline, labor negotiations with three bargaining units, and a facilities director appointment.

Why it matters: Multiple anticipated-litigation items on special education and simultaneous negotiations with all employee groups suggest the district faces significant legal and labor pressures heading into spring.

Measure E/I Bond Implementation and School Modernization

Facilities consultant Vince provided the quarterly bond implementation update. The OIS 30s wing has been approved by DSA and is in pre-construction pricing with contractor Rodan. Approximately $3.6 million remains in available bond funding (excluding the 30s wing cost). Summer 2026 plans include new roofs at Sleepy Hollow (with spring break pilot of one roof), modernization at Wagner Ranch (expected to be straightforward), and 30s wing demolition at OIS (noisy work planned for spring break). Contingency spending is projected at only 30% for the first phase of Del Rey, Glorietta, and OIS work, with optimism for the second summer. The board discussed timeline for identifying remaining funds for additional projects after 30s wing pricing is finalized.

Comprehensive School Safety Plans

The superintendent presented the annual comprehensive school safety plans for all four school sites, required to be adopted before March 1. The plans were developed through site councils with teachers, classified staff, and parents, and reviewed in consultation with MOFD and Orinda Police Department. Four continuing goals address: (1) emergency preparedness including revised emergency plans, standardized maps/signage, coordination with first responders, and purchasing standardized emergency supplies; (2) physical safety including campus fencing improvements at Wagner Ranch and Sleepy Hollow to guide visitors to central entrances, security cameras, lighting, and shade structures; (3) health and wellness through multi-tiered support systems, aligned counseling services, and implementation of 'See Something, Say Something'; and (4) positive student behavior through a comprehensive behavior matrix. A new state requirement for instructional continuity plans (distance learning contingency) was also incorporated. A public commenter raised concerns about wildfire evacuation protocols for grandparents/caregivers. Board discussion focused on substitute teacher emergency training and thoughtful fencing that doesn't impede evacuation.

OEA Tentative Agreement Ratification

HR staff Brian presented the tentative agreement between the district and the Orinda Education Association (OEA), signed January 15 and ratified by OEA on January 27 after six collaborative negotiation sessions. The agreement includes a 2.75% ongoing salary increase for teachers and counselors, approximately $112 increase in the medical/dental/vision cap, and agreements on stipends, evaluation support for special education providers, gray weeks, combination class support, and WIN time. As part of the agreement, OEA withdrew its grievance and arbitration request regarding OIS class size. The Contra Costa County Office of Education reviewed the AB 1200 disclosure and confirmed the district can afford the increase.

Resolution 26-14: Black History Month Recognition

The board unanimously adopted Resolution 26-14 recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. Staff described updated grade-level resources (TK-8) developed by Orinda teachers highlighting contributions of African American figures across diverse fields. Board members read the resolution aloud and noted that teachers go beyond the district-provided lessons throughout the month, and that the district also recognizes other cultural celebrations in February including Lunar New Year and Ash Wednesday.

District Financial Audit Report FY 2024-25

Elena Moa from Christy White Associates presented the annual audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The district received unmodified (clean) opinions on financial statements, internal controls, and federal compliance. One state compliance finding was noted (2025-001) regarding the Expanded Learning and Opportunity Program (ELOP): the district did not offer the required 30 non-school day program and lacked documentation of communication to unduplicated families. The calculated cost of approximately $124,000 equaled what the revenue would have been. An audit adjustment of approximately $655,000 related to revenue recognition increased the fund balance. The board approved the audit report unanimously.

Governor's Proposed State Budget and Local Fiscal Implications

The superintendent presented the governor's January budget proposal, highlighting strong state revenues driven by AI sector and tax receipts, with $21.7 billion in unanticipated revenue for TK-12 over three years. Key concerns include the Proposition 98 'settle up' mechanism where the governor proposes withholding $5.6 billion from schools, up from $1.9 billion previously. CSBA and ACSA are fighting this. The budget includes a 2.41% COLA, record per-pupil funding of ~$20,000 statewide, though Orinda receives approximately $11,000 per ADA due to its low 5% unduplicated student count. Local implications include a $188,000 ongoing decrease in LCFF revenue due to lower COLA, potential $1.3 million in one-time discretionary block grant funds over four years, and exploration of the ELOP expanded learning program to potentially capture additional funding. A proposed governance reform would move CDE oversight under the State Board of Education.

LCAP Mid-Year Update and 2026-27 Development Process

The superintendent presented the required mid-year LCAP update covering four goals: student learning (standards-aligned curriculum, improving test scores, grading policy revision, new reading assessments), community of belonging (chronic absenteeism improvement, expanded counseling, low suspension rates), highly qualified staff (100% certificated positions filled, increased full credentials, professional development), and responsible resource management (first interim budget improvement, John Muir Land Trust nature area sale, draft facility master plan coming in March). Focus areas going forward include phonics/social studies/math adoptions, PLC work, homework policy (April), school day schedule review (May), and grading practices. The 2026-27 LCAP will be the third year of a three-year cycle and will be developed through surveys, coordinating council input, student surveys, staff input, and focus groups as needed, with a public hearing and adoption in June.