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  • April 2, 2020 Board Meeting Highlights

    Board Meeting Highlights April 2, 2020 Board of Trustees Remote Regular Meeting To view attachments related to the presentations summarized below, please view the  board meeting agenda . Consent Item: Revision to 2020-21 and 2021-22 School Calendars Revisions to the 2020-21  and 2021-22 board approved school calendars were approved to reflect the incorporation of contingency days in the event of Public Safely Power Shut-offs (PSPS). If the contingency plan is not required, the calendar will revert to professional development days (PD) as indicated in January and March of each calendar year. October PD days are moved to January for 2020-21 and 2021-22. January 15, 2021 Contingency Day in lieu of scheduled Non Student Day January 14, 2022 Contingency Day in lieu of scheduled Non Student Day March 19, 2021 Contingency Day in lieu of scheduled Non Student Day March 11, 2022 Contingency Day  in lieu of scheduled Non Student Day Resolution #17-19/20: Regarding Emergency Actions by the Superintendent - COVID-19 The board granted Dr. Kimberly Berman authority to act on the best interests of the District during the COVID-19 emergency. The board ratified the decision of the Superintendent to close schools on March 16, 2020 through May 1, 2020 due to COVID-19. FEMA Designation of Applicants Agent Resolution #18-19/20 The board granted Dr. Kimberly Berman authority to apply for grants from FEMA for reimbursable expenses caused by the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Day of the Employee - May 6, 2020 Each year, the Board of Trustees designates a day to celebrate all Mill Valley School District staff. This year's date is May 6. Second Reading of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation BP/AR 0460 - Local Control and Accountability Plan The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is a comprehensive plan that must include annual goals and actions aligned with eight state priorities and the district budget to improve outcomes for all students. This is the second reading of the Board Policy (BP) and Administrative Regulation (AR) for the LCAP. The BP provides information about the plan development and monitoring of the LCAP and the AR provides information about the required content of the LCAP. The Board approved the second reading of the BP and the AR that govern the LCAP. First Readings - BP4033 & BP5146 Board policies on Lactation Accommodation and Married/Pregnant/Parenting Students were presented for a first reading, based on state policy templates. The Lactation policy will be brought back for an additional first reading after edits are made. Bond Feasibility Discussion Dr. Kimberly Berman and the Board of Trustees continued the discussion of the feasibility of a school improvement bond measure for the Mill Valley School District. While we are currently in remote learning status, we continue to have significant facility needs. If the Board decides to move forward with considering the feasibility of a bond measure, next steps include an additional community survey to poll for sentiment, then a vote by the board would be needed to move forward before the August deadline to file for the November election. It will also be necessary to reach out to community leaders and organizations, but in a creative way due to the shelter-in-home order. Approval of Level 1 Developer Fee Study The Developer Fee Justification Study (Level 1 Fee) meets the legal requirement of the Government Codes 65995 et seq. and 66001 and Education Code 17620 which incorporates the requirements of Senate Bill 50, also known as the Leroy Greene School Facilities Act of 1998. The Fee Study was discussed, followed by an open public hearing, during which no public comment took place. Resolution #15-19/20: Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Mill Valley School District Regarding the Levy and Collection of Level I School Facilities Fees In January 2020, the State Allocation Board established fees of $4.08 per square foot for residential construction and $0.66 per square foot for commercial/industrial construction. This is an increase from the District's current developer fees of $3.79 per square foot of residential construction and $0.61 per square foot of commercial/industrial construction. It should be noted that the developer fees are shared with the Tamalpais Union High School District of 30% less 3% of total developer fees for administrative costs. These funds are held outside of the general operating budget and are specifically for facility expenses. The Board approved the fees established by the State Allocation Board. The next Developer Fee Study for a justification study is January 2022. Resolution Adopting Informal Bidding Procedures Pursuant to the Uniform Public Construction Cost Account Act  The Mill Valley School District requests the Board of Trustees adopt uniform construction cost accounting procedures and informal bidding procedures. Public agencies that elect to become subject to the Act must adopt informal bidding procedures to govern the selection of contractors to perform public projects pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22032. This will allow the district to streamline the bidding process for purchases above $217K. Resolution #16 - 19/20 was approved. Tam Valley Elementary School Roofing Project The bid for roofing is awarded to Pioneer Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $388,330.00 to replace the roofs on all portable classrooms and coat areas of the main building of Tamalpais Valley Elementary School. The project is considered essential construction and would occur over the summer.  Strawberry Point Elementary School Roofing Project The bid for roofing is awarded to State Roofing Systems, Inc., in the amount of $542,888.00 to replace the roofs on all portable classrooms and coat areas of the main building of Strawberry Point Elementary School. This project will utilize Fund 40 dollars. This project was approved by the Board of Trustees. Board meeting dates and agendas .  Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | communications@mvschools.org | mvschools.org 

    Saturday, Apr 04 2020

  • Board Meeting Highlights - March 12, 2020

    Board Meeting Highlights March 12, 2020 Board of Trustees Workshop and Regular Meeting To view attachments related to the presentations summarized below, please view the  board meeting agenda . Edna Maguire Elementary School 3rd-5th Grade Student Learner Profile Recognition Edna Maguire Elementary School 3rd-5th grade students were selected by their teachers to be honored based on an attribute(s) of the Mill Valley Learner Profile .  Congratulations to these incredible students [see photo above]. Edna Maguire Elementary School Presentation School Counselor, Jen Ferrer, introduced a group of students representing the Peaceful Playgrounds group . Students demonstrated the use of a "peace path" for conflict resolution by performing skits. MVMS Overview - Alcohol and Drug Education Mark Nelson, Assistant Principal of the Mill Valley Middle School, provided an overview of drug and alcohol education and prevention programs along with support provided to students. COVID-19 Update Dr. Berman shared an update on the status of COVID-19 and our district's Continuity of Learning Plans. You can read up-to-date information about current school closure status and more on our website . Resolution #11-19/20 Authorizing The Issuance and Sale of 2020 Refunding General Obligation Bonds (Federally Taxable) in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Not-To-Exceed $35,000,000 to Refinance Election of 2009, Series B General Obligation Bonds, and Approving Related Documents and Actions The District identified a local funding source for school facility improvement projects when voters in 2009 approved a general obligation bond measure for facilities projects. The District issued a series of said bonds in 2012 for voter-approved facilities projects. When the 2012 Bonds were issued, an early redemption provision was included, which allows the District to refinance the outstanding bonds when interest rates reflecting current market conditions will result in savings for the District and its property taxpayers. The District has been advised that current conditions in the bond market will result in significant interest savings to District property taxpayers by undertaking a refinancing of some of the maturities of the 2012 Bonds. As provided by law, Refunding Bonds can only be issued if savings are realized, and the final maturity date of the Refunding Bonds is not extended beyond final maturity date of the original bonds to be refinanced. The Resolution for Board consideration sets forth all of the terms and conditions of the issuance of 2020 Refunding Bonds to achieve interest rate savings currently available in the bond markets. The Refunding Bonds are proposed to be issued as traditional, current interest bonds (no capital appreciation bonds) pursuant to the terms of the California Government Code. The Refunding Bonds will be issued in accordance with all legal requirements, including the requirement that they be issued on a federally taxable basis because the refunding escrow  will extend for a term beyond 90 days. Current expectations regarding the costs of the Refunding Bonds as required by Senate Bill 450 are set forth in Appendix B to the Resolution. The Resolution authorizes the sale of the bonds by negotiation to the investment banking firm of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., which will underwrite all of the bonds and have the responsibility of placing them with investors. The Resolution authorizes the Superintendent and staff, working with its financing professionals, to finalize documentation relating to the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, including the Official Statement, which is the disclosure document to be provided to potential bond purchasers, which under securities laws standards must contain all material information to make an informed investment decision, and no material misstatements or omissions. Edits to and refinement of the Official Statement can continue to be made by staff working with the financing team, until it is released to investors, which is expected following Board approval and following receipt of bond rating assignments by the rating agencies of Moody’s and S&P. Bond Purchase Agreement Preliminary Official Statement 2020 CSBA Delegate Assembly Election  As members of California School Boards Association Sub-region 3D (Marin County), the Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees has been asked to vote in the upcoming 2020 CSBA Delegate election. The Board as a whole may vote for up to the number of vacancies in the sub-region as indicated on the ballot, which for Marin County is one vacancy. The Board may cast no more than one vote for any one candidate, although the ballot also contains a provision for write-in candidates. Candidate: Greg Knell (San Rafael City Schools Board of Trustees) is on the ballot to serve as the CSBA Delegate for Marin County. The Board of Trustees voted for this candidate. Election results will be available no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2020. If there is a tie vote, a run-off election will be held. All re-elected and newly elected delegates will serve two-year terms beginning April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2022. Re-elected and newly elected delegates will be eligible to attend the next meeting of the Delegate Assembly on Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento. First Reading of Board Policy and Administrative Regulation BP/AR 0460 - Local Control and Accountability Plan  Wendy Holmes, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, presented a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Board Policy (BP0460) and Administrative Regulation (AR0460)  to the Board for a first reading. The BP provides information about plan development and monitoring of the LCAP and the AR provides information about the required content of the LCAP. These items will be brought back to the Board for a second reading and approval at a future meeting. The LCAP is a comprehensive plan that must include annual goals and actions aligned with eight state priorities and the district budget to improve outcomes for all students. Local Control and Accountability Plan Template Overview  Wendy Holmes, Director of Curriculum & Instruction provided an overview of changes to the LCAP template for the 2020-2021 LCAP. School districts are required to use the state template and follow all requirements specified in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) statues and regulations in its development of the annual LCAP. The new template includes detailed instructions and changes to existing sections. Global Studies Presentation   Rod Septka, Global Studies Teacher on Special Assignment, highlighted district accomplishments this year related to teaching for global competence. Global studies is one of the key initiatives of the Mill Valley School District, highlighted in our Strategic Plan. Mr. Septka highlighted the ways teachers are addressing the four domains of global competency. Budget Revision and 2019-20 Second Interim Financial Reports - Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS) Forms  Michele Rollins, Director of Business Services, presented a budget revision and the 2019-20 Second Interim Financial Reports . Education Code requires public school districts to submit a Second Interim Financial Report, which covers their financial and budgetary status as of January 31, 2020. Resolution #12-19/20: Resolution Adopting California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures (CUPCAA) John Binchi, Director of Maintenance & Operations, requested  the Board of Trustees to adopt uniform construction cost accounting procedures and informal bidding procedures . This was approved. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution #14-19/20, to Reduce or Eliminate Particular Kinds of Service Performed by Certificated Employees and to Provide Notice to Affected Employees of the Reduction in Services  Earlier this school year, the District was projecting a reduction of 2.0 FTE. After assessing and designing schedules for next year to achieve the best possible instructional program, the District is recommending not to reduce at 2.0 FTE but to proportionally align staffing with a decrease of 0.4 FTE in one position . Board meeting dates and agendas .  Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | communications@mvschools.org | mvschools.org 

    Friday, Mar 13 2020

  • Temporary School Closure

    Dear Mill Valley School District Community, At this time, schools will be fully closed starting Monday, March 16 through March 27th. Please see information below regarding the Continuity of Learning plan for the elementary and middle school levels as well as more relevant information. Today is a regularly scheduled non-student day for staff development. Staff are finalizing their plans for continuity of learning to help your children to remain engaged throughout the closure and should remain available via email. Additionally, administrative staff will remain available and all staff will be paid throughout the closure. As you know, the arrival of COVID-19 in the Bay Area has created a dynamic situation for all of us. The Mill Valley School District (MVSD) administration, staff, and Board of Trustees have worked together to monitor the situation and determine the most effective steps to ensure the health and well-being of every member of our community while following State and County regulations. We continue to partner with the Marin County Office of Education and Marin County Department of Health and Human Services. Both organizations have worked in partnership with MVSD and all other public school systems to keep students and staff safe. We have decided to temporarily close school beginning Monday March 16th. We will provide district information to families daily by 5 pm via ParentSquare. This action is being taken in accordance with social distancing recommendations in order to protect students and staff and stem the spread of the virus. We would like to emphasize that there are no known or suspected cases of COVID-19 among MVSD staff or students at this time. During this temporary closure, all school and district events will either be cancelled or postponed. All school-related events or facility rentals during the temporary closure are cancelled or postponed. Our schools will be closed to all staff, students, and community members for deep cleaning by an outside service. Playgrounds are being sanitized today. They will then be sanitized again immediately prior to reopening our schools. Doors will remain closed at all sites until reopening to prevent exposure.The Superintendent’s office will continue to communicate the status of closures in daily updates. Campus Closure and Continuity of Learning The district has developed continuity of learning plans for both the elementary and middle school level to maintain learning for our students while they are not able to receive regular instruction. The resources and lessons prepared by teachers, and provided to students, each day will be focused on reviewing previous curriculum and deepening core knowledge and skills. We suggest that you set up a consistent “classroom space” in your home for students to engage in their work if they are at home all day. Find a space where there isn’t anything distracting for them as they engage in this work. If students do not have a device that they can use to access teacher assignments, they should email ipadsupport@mvschools.org . Elementary Schools At the elementary level, teachers will send daily messages to families via Parent Square with the students’ assignments for the day. Students will receive assignments related to independent reading, math, science/social studies, writing totaling 60 min/day for grades K-1, 65-70 min for grades 2-3, and 90 min for grades 4-5. There will be additional assignments each week related to art, music, PE, library, social-emotional learning, and Spanish (grades K-1). The intention is to practice prior learning, maintain skills, or deepen their learning through a variety of resources on a topic studied in class. If parents/guardians foresee any issues accessing the Internet, devices, or lunch program meals, please reach out to your site principal, who will make themself available, and will work to personally address needs on a case-by-case basis. Middle School In the event that school is closed, the Mill Valley Middle School will move to a Continuity of (Remote) Learning utilizing Google Classroom. Teachers have been working on creating Continuity of (Remote) Learning activities for students during the school closure, and they will be posted in each teacher's Google Classroom. Teachers are meeting this morning and further details will be shared directly from this school this afternoon. In preparation, it is recommended that students: Ensure that 1:1 MVSD iPads are at home each night and are properly charged (contact school if iPad is in office) Keep journals, independent reading books, textbooks, or other class folders in a safe space and ensure you have access to them Set aside any materials such as paper, pens, calculators, rulers, or anything you will need in the event of a school closure Create a space in your home to allow for a Continuity of (Remote) Learning such as a desk in common area, kitchen table, dining room table, office, etc. or any place that is free of distractions Complete all activities as assigned by the teacher and as directed in Google Classroom (either submit in Google Classroom, write in journal, etc.) Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities will have equal access to the same educational opportunities as the general student population. Further Communication We will continue to communicate with families on the status of the closure. Thank you for your support, patience, and guidance as we navigate this unique situation. Finally, please find a recap of all communications related to COVID-19 on our website . [Friday, Mar 13 at 11:34 AM] Technology: Middle school students should all have an iPad. Only those elementary students who have no device to use at home should contact their school site to see if there are devices that can be borrowed during the closure. All families who need to borrow equipment will be responsible for turning it back in to the school when we reopen in the same condition, and will need to sign the 1:1 Program agreement form which specifies responsibilities and expectations for use of district technology. Middle School students with tech support needs should email iPadSupport@mvschools.org. During the break, the Technology Department will be working remotely to try to respond to as many requests as possible.

    Friday, Mar 13 2020

  • Mill Valley School District Newsletter - Coronavirus...

    Coronavirus Cleaning Procedures and Other Information As we continue to receive information regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we will update our website headline page .  Cleaning This past weekend, the district began what will now be a weekly cleaning process to fully sanitize all of our school sites in each classroom and space. The cleaning agents used are probiotic-based multi-task cleaners. This product is completely safe and has been previously used in district classrooms. All cleaning products used by the district are green seal products that are not only safe for students and staff but also for the environment.   In addition to this weekly cleaning, custodians have been instructed to spray wipe all surfaces daily until further notice. This includes doors, door handles, hand railings, water fountains, windows, sinks and faucets, tables, chairs, counters, desks, and computers and keyboards if powered off.   Please continue to wash hands regularly! Spring Break With spring break and possible family vacations approaching, you should also be aware that coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to other countries and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new travel warnings with increased concern for Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Italy. Travel warnings for mainland China have not changed. Additional details about these travel warnings can be found on the CDC travel page .  Marin County Department of Health and Human Services Updates We will continue to receive our information from the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services. They launched a COVID-19 Information Line at (415) 473-7191 and you can subscribe for updates related to the coronavirus   on their website . The  most recent news release as of March 9, 2020, states: "The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, whether the flu or COVID-19, is to practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available; Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of your elbow (not your hands). If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands afterward; Avoid touching your face; Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are feeling sick; Avoid close contact with people who are sick; Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe; Get your flu shot to protect against flu. Residents are encouraged to seek factual information about COVID-19 and not fall prey to rumors circulating on social media. Local coronavirus updates can be found on the Marin County COVID-19 webpage and sign-up to receive updates by email. In addition, individuals can contact Marin HHS with non-medical COVID-19 questions by calling a dedicated   information call center at 415-473-7191 or by email . While Marin HHS is not issuing cancellations of large gatherings at this time, the department continues to carefully monitor the COVID-19 situation both locally and regionally to guide any potential event cancellations. A community meeting about COVID-19 is taking place at 6 p.m. March 9 at the Marin County Office of Education in San Rafael, and residents are encouraged to watch the meeting live on Facebook . Willis will be included on the panel of experts." Board of Trustees Meetings We invite you to join us at our Board Meetings. The next board meeting is Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 4:30 pm in the Edna Maguire Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room.  You may view the full board meeting calendar on our website . Please access board meeting agendas on Agenda Online . Middle School Facility Needs Video - John Binchi, Director of Maintenance & Operations In the second video in the #MVSDFacilityNeeds series, John Binchi, Director of Maintenance and Operations with the Mill Valley School District, discussed the two most significant and expensive needs - the HVAC and the roof.  Additionally, please share your thoughts on our school facilities by taking the Facility Needs Survey . Too Much Email? How To Change Your ParentSquare Settings Do you feel like you're receiving too many emails from the district and schools? ParentSquare allows users to select their preferred delivery method for post notifications . When a message is posted, users have the option to receive an instant email or a digest email that is delivered at 6;00 pm with all the posts from that day. Please note that this is for post notifications only, and emergency alerts will still come through immediately. To update notifications: 1. On the home page select the down arrow next to your name. This will be in the upper right-hand corner of the page. 2. Click on My Account. 3. Select "Change this" under Post Notification Setting. 4. Select your preferred Post Notification Settings and click Save.   Yellow School Bus Pilot Program Parents, you can still make your daily schedule easier by getting your student at MVMS, Strawberry Point, or Edna Maguire a bus pass! When you purchase an annual pass during the month of January, you will receive a 60% discount using the code MARCH 2020 . This discount will apply to purchases paid in full, and monthly payment purchases will be prorated by having one less payment for the year.   Single-ride pass booklets (10 passes for $50) are available for the spring semester! Maybe it's time to change your routines for transportation to after-school programs. There are several bus stops for each route, and you probably have something convenient near you! Please visit the bus pass website to purchase a pass or for more information on bus stops. Upcoming Events We will regularly provide upcoming district or community event information that is relevant to parents of elementary and middle school students. Reminder: Staff Development Day - Non-Student Day March 13, 2020 Dedication to Special Education Parent Ed Night: Inclusion in our Schools March 12, 2020, 7-8:30 pm Marin County Office of Education 1111 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael, CA Parent Ed Event: Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress March 25, 2020, 7-8:15 pm - Edna Maguire Multipurpose Room Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee Meetings Our district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan ( LCAP )   planning is well underway. This aligns with our   Strategic Plan to drive district-wide initiatives at school sites. A key part of the LCAP ’s development is gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our parent community. The LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is an open forum for a diverse group of parents and community members to share ideas for the LCAP about how we can continue to offer an exceptional education in Mill Valley and best serve our students.  All meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend even if you are not a formal committee member. We are looking forward to engaging in these discussions and hearing your ideas for making sure all students thrive in our schools! The committee will hold meetings on the following dates to discuss our two LCAP goals, Balanced Learners and Supported Staff: - May 20 (9-10:30 am) Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | contact@mvschools.org | mvschools.org Follow us on social media!       

    Monday, Mar 09 2020

  • Coronavirus Information - Hygiene, Communications, etc.

    Dear Mill Valley School District Community, We will continue to provide updates and information related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please see the information below regarding hygiene, district communication protocols, and more.  Health & Hygiene To be as proactive as possible in preventing the spread of germs, we will be conducting a sanitizing process on all Mill Valley School District campuses in all spaces and classrooms. This will occur during the weekend of Saturday, March 6, 2020. Additionally, we have implemented nightly procedures for extensive sanitization and cleaning. Hand sanitizers are being made available in frequently-used spaces at our school sites. Please view this   resource about handwashing and  when to wash your hands   from the   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have also shared  videos about handwashing that may be helpful for younger children. In addition to washing hands regularly, it is important to practice other preventative actions such as: Stay home when sick and remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe, such as high fever or difficulty breathing.  Use “respiratory etiquette:” Cover cough with a tissue or sleeve. Provide adequate supplies within easy reach, including tissues and no-touch trash cans Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces Separate sick students and staff from others until they can go home. Encourage flu vaccine for those who haven’t had it this season to reduce illnesses and absences. District Communication In the event of any impact on the school day related to this virus or other emergencies, we will use our communication protocol to inform you of any school disruptions. The following steps to notify our school community are followed in this order: Website alert: We post a pop-up alert on all pages of our website to ensure that all community members can access information. ParentSquare email: We send an email to all district families. ParentSquare alert: We send a text message alert, and if the text fails, a voice message is automatically generated. We will provide updates on the platforms used above as new information is received. We update social media if time allows - Twitter , Instagram ,  Facebook Following the event, we post a debrief document on our website headlines section Discrimination In Marin County, a person’s risk for the illness is based mainly on where they, or someone they have had close contact with, have traveled. There is no racial, ethnic or cultural basis for the disease. Yet, we know that bias is already surfacing. Members of the Asian community, especially the Chinese community, have been subjected to discrimination and exclusion, in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States. News media are reporting from around the world stories of hostility and discrimination toward Chinese customers and students, and insults hurled in person and on social media. This is unacceptable and harmful. This is a common and unfortunate societal response to epidemics, and we must do better. We know that racial, ethnic and cultural discrimination cause bad health outcomes. In the case of an emerging illness, stigma about the illness makes people less likely to come forward, to seek help or ask questions. That makes it harder to fight the disease and protect community health. County Guidance We will continue to share guidance from the Marin County Office of Education and the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services and we expect to have another update on Monday. They also share their resources and communications   on their website . Thank you for your cooperation during this time. We wish you health and wellness.

    Friday, Feb 28 2020

  • Mill Valley School District Newsletter - Facility Ne...

    Board of Trustees Meetings We invite you to join us at our Board Meetings. The next board meeting is Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 4:30 pm in the Edna Maguire Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room.  You may view the full board meeting calendar on our website . Please access board meeting agendas on Agenda Online . Facility Needs in the Mill Valley School District Video & Input Survey The Mill Valley School District has done extensive analysis of our school buildings and grounds and we are committed to the safety of our students and staff on our campuses. Please see the video  for more information regarding the district's facility needs projected for the next 10 years. We will share more information regarding school facilities in our Facility Needs Video Series throughout the spring.  We want to know your thoughts regarding facility needs at our school sites. Please take our  input survey  and look for us at upcoming PTA meetings at each school site this spring.  Recycle for Change Bin at Park School This winter, a donation and recycling bin for clothing and shoes was installed at Park School for use in our community. Please feel free to spread the word and drop off your next batch of decluttered items locally!  Coronavirus Message from the Marin County Office of Education and Department of Health and Human Services Please see the most recent joint statement regarding novel Coronavirus , now known as COVID-19 from the Marin County Office of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services in both English  and Spanish .  In the event of any impact on the school day related to this virus or other emergencies, we will use our communication protocol to inform you of any school disruptions. The following steps to notify our school community are followed in this order: Website alert: We post a pop-up alert on all pages of our website to ensure that all community members can access information. ParentSquare email: We send an email to all district families. ParentSquare alert: We send a text message alert, and if the text fails, a voice message is automatically generated. We will provide updates on the platforms used above as new information is received. We update social media if time allows - Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Following the event, we post a debrief document on our website headlines section Reminder: Student Services Director Position - We Want Your Input! Our Director of Student Services is retiring at the end of the current school year and the Director position is currently posted on EdJoin . We would like feedback from our community regarding attributes you would like to see in a new Director of Student Services. Please take a few moments to fill out this survey with your input.  Yellow School Bus Pilot Program Parents, you can still make your daily schedule easier by getting your student at MVMS, Strawberry Point, or Edna Maguire a bus pass! When you purchase an annual pass during the month of January, you will receive a 50% discount using the code FEBRUARY 2020 . This discount will apply to purchases paid in full, and monthly payment purchases will be prorated by having one less payment for the year.   Single-ride pass booklets (10 passes for $50) are available for the spring semester! Maybe it's time to change your routines for transportation to after-school programs. There are several bus stops for each route, and you probably have something convenient near you! Please visit the bus pass website to purchase a pass or for more information on bus stops. Upcoming Events We will regularly provide upcoming district or community event information that is relevant to parents of elementary and middle school students. Reminder: Staff Development Day - Non-Student Day March 13, 2020 A Common Sense Conversation March 4, 2020 7-8:30 pm at Mount Tamalpais School, 100 Harvard Ave., Mill Valley CA 94941 Join Common Sense Media, a partner of the Mill Valley School District, in presenting authors Dr. Cara Natterson, ( The Care and Keeping of You and Decoding Boys ) and Shafia Zaloom ( Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between ) for an engaging discussion on puberty, emergent sexuality in adolescents, and how doing the best for our boys can affect how all our children thrive in the digital age. Notes To My Middle School Self March 4, 2020 8:30-10:00 am at Marin Country Day School, 5221 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 Join Common SEnse for a moderated teen panel discussion on the good, the bad, and the realities of the social media landscape in middle and high school. Hear firsthand from teens about their experiences with social media and their hard-earned advice for parents of younger kids. Learn why kids love social media, where they can run into trouble, and how parents can help them manage. Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee Meetings Our district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan ( LCAP )   planning is well underway. This aligns with our   Strategic Plan to drive district-wide initiatives at school sites. A key part of the LCAP ’s development is gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our parent community. The LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is an open forum for a diverse group of parents and community members to share ideas for the LCAP about how we can continue to offer an exceptional education in Mill Valley and best serve our students.  All meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend even if you are not a formal committee member. We are looking forward to engaging in these discussions and hearing your ideas for making sure all students thrive in our schools! The committee will hold meetings on the following dates to discuss our two LCAP goals, Balanced Learners and Supported Staff: - March 4 (12:00-2:00 pm) - May 20 (9-10:30 am) Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | contact@mvschools.org | mvschools.org Follow us on social media!       

    Thursday, Feb 27 2020

  • February 13, 2020 Board Workshop and Board Meeting H...

    Board Meeting Highlights February 13, 2020 Board of Trustees Workshop and Regular Meeting To view attachments related to the presentations summarized below, please view the  board meeting agenda . Board Workshop During the Special Meeting Board Workshop at 3:00 pm on February 13, 2020, the Board met with Greg Isom of Isom Advisors to consider the feasibility of a school improvement bond measure for the Mill Valley School District. Mr. Isom shared information regarding Mill Valley School District bond and assessed value history, voter demographics, next steps, and refunding analysis. Mr. Isom has worked on bond programs at several other districts in Marin County and his role is to serve as a fiduciary to the district and to set up a potential bond program regarding how to obtain funds. Mr. Isom told the board that the Mill Valley School District has had fantastic tax base growth at 5.3% over a 16-year average. Additionally, our community has been favorable to previous bonds, all of which passed with over 65% voter support. Our combined tax rate is $31.90 per $100,000 of assessed valuation and our bonding capacity, a term from the state that means the maximum amount of debt your community can have, is currently $93.9 million. If Prop 13 passes in the March election, our bonding capacity goes up to $186 million. Mr. Isom stated that he thinks the Mill Valley School District can generate between $111.5 and $146.6 million in a local bond, and provided several options for how to set up bonding amounts, including bonds in multiple phases. Voter demographics in our community trend toward a more mature age range and toward Democrat affiliation. Mr. Isom stated that voters are more likely to turn out during a presidential general election than a primary or gubernatorial election, and the Mill Valley School District potential bond measure could fall during the November 2020 presidential election. Some next steps to move forward on the bond measure include conducting a tracking poll survey in May as a follow up to the polling that occurred this past fall and presenting results at a board meeting in May or June, informing the public of district facility needs through speaking with elected officials, large taxpayers, community service groups, and district parents, finalizing capital and financing plans based on community outreach and preparing a resolution for calling election in June, adopting the resolution in July, and forming a campaign committee and running the campaign from August to November 2020. Jessica Newman, Old Mill School parent and current PTA president, was announced as a parent interested in serving as campaign chair should the district decide to proceed with a November bond. A further next step includes possible refinancing of our bond rates from 2012. This could lead to district taxpayer savings of over $2.0 million, and refunding outstanding debt does not add additional years to the existing term. Current bonding rates are at an all-time-low, making this an ideal time to move forward with refinancing. Regular Meeting Strawberry Point School 3rd-5th Grade Student Learner Profile Recognition Strawberry Point School 3rd-5th grade students were selected by their teachers to be honored based on an attribute(s) of the Mill Valley Learner Profile .  Congratulations to these incredible students [see photo above]. Strawberry Point Elementary School Presentation Kimberley Russell, Strawberry Point Principal, introduced teachers Danny Gasparini and Lulu Monti, as well as several students from the school's Green Team. The students shared that they won a gold recognition from Zero Waste Marin last year, that they reduced plastic cup use at the PTA Mad Dash fundraiser, and that they have reduced trash volume from lunches from 7 pounds to 4.47 pounds over the last several years. They also implemented TerraCycle boxes for granola bar and chip wrappers with help from the PTA. Their next initiative is to look at how typical lunch items are manufactured and work toward more sustainable lunch choices. Way to go, green team! Resolution #10 - 19/20 - Support for the Schools and Communities Funding Act The Schools and Communities Funding Act will increase school funding and bring equity and fairness to the state's property tax system. This measure closes a loophole in Proposition 13 to ensure that big corporations pay their fair share of property taxes to support public education and local community services. The Board of Trustees voted to approve the resolution . Approval of Budget Revision 2019-20 Michele Rollins, Director of Business Services, brought forward a revision  to the 2019-20 budget, which represents the settlement agreement for salary and benefits with the California School Employees Association, Chapter 360. The additional expenditure for this year is $350,000, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Board meeting dates and agendas .  Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | communications@mvschools.org | mvschools.org 

    Friday, Feb 14 2020

  • Mill Valley School District Newsletter - Global Scho...

    Board of Trustees Meetings We invite you to join us at our Board Meetings. The next board workshop is today, Thursday, February 13th  at 3:00 pm and our regular meeting is also today,  Thursday, February 13th at 4:30 pm  in the Strawberry Point School Multi-Purpose Room.  You may view the full board meeting calendar on our website . Please access board meeting agendas on Agenda Online . Have a Nice Presidents' Day & February Recess! Presidents' Day and February Recess are here next week! Whether you're having a ski week or a staycation, we hope everyone has a wonderful break and we'll see students back in school on Monday, February 24th. Global School Play Day On February 5th, Old Mill School, Park School, and Kindergarten at Strawberry Point School participated in Global School Play Day , a day where children partake in unstructured play across the globe. We saw students playing board games, card games, sports, and musical instruments, doing arts and crafts, reading, and more! Thanks for Reading Our Newsletters! Thank you for being a part of our Mill Valley School District Community and staying connected by reading our newsletters. The stats below show what an engaged community we are. Emergency Alerts Communications Process We want to share our process with you for how you receive messages during events and incidents such as a shelter-in-place or a lockdown on our school campuses. When incidents happen in our community, we collaborate with our local law enforcement partners. We update you as soon as we are able to safely do so. The following steps to notify our school community are followed in this order: Website alert: We post a pop-up alert on all pages of our website to ensure that all community members can access information. ParentSquare email: We send an email to all district families. ParentSquare alert: We send a text message alert, and if the text fails, a voice message is automatically generated. We will provide updates on the platforms used above as new information is received. We update social media if time allows - Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Following the event, we post a debrief document on our website headlines section The safety of students and staff is our primary focus during any incident in our community. Here is some  information from the California Department of Education regarding gun safety   and here is a letter regarding gun safety signed by Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Lori Frugoli, Marin County District Attorney, and Robert Doyle, Marin County Sherrif. Additionally, here are links to our debriefs of the recent Mill Valley Middle School shelter-in-place and the Edna Maguire Elementary School lockdown .  New Science Test in CA for 5th & 8th Grade Students Last spring, all CA students in 5th grade and 8th grade took the new CA Science Test (CAST). This challenging new assessment measures students’ understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These new science standards include cross-cutting science concepts, practices in science and engineering, and core ideas in life sciences, physical sciences, and earth and space sciences. We are proud of our students’ results from last spring. The Mill Valley School District had the highest scores in Marin County, with 66% of our 5th and 8th graders meeting or exceeding standards on the test. Comparatively, 46% of students county-wide and 30% of students statewide met or exceeded standards on the CA Science Test. Score reports for last year’s 8th grade students were sent home via mail and current 6th graders will receive their results through the Parent Portal by the first week of March. Looking ahead to this year’s testing, 5th and 8th grade students will take the CA Science Test in May along with the Smarter Balanced Assessment, which measures student progress in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Student Services Director Position - We Want Your Input! Our Director of Student Services of 9 years, Andee Abramson, announced her retirement last Spring. Ms. Abramson will retire at the end of the current school year, and the Director position is currently posted on EdJoin . We would like feedback from our community regarding attributes you would like to see in a new Director of Student Services. Please take a few moments to fill out this survey with your input.  Yellow School Bus Pilot Program Parents, you can still make your daily schedule easier by getting your student at MVMS, Strawberry Point, or Edna Maguire a bus pass! When you purchase an annual pass during the month of January, you will receive a 50% discount using the code FEBRUARY 2020 . This discount will apply to purchases paid in full, and monthly payment purchases will be prorated by having one less payment for the year.   Single-ride pass booklets (10 passes for $50) are available for the spring semester! Maybe it's time to change your routines for transportation to after-school programs. There are several bus stops for each route, and you probably have something convenient near you! Please visit the bus pass website to purchase a pass or for more information on bus stops. Upcoming Events We will regularly provide upcoming district or community event information that is relevant to parents of elementary and middle school students. Presidents' Day and February Recess Days February 17-21, 2020 A Common Sense Conversation March 4, 2020 7-8:30 pm at Mount Tamalpais School, 100 Harvard Ave., Mill Valley CA 94941 Join Common Sense Media, a partner of the Mill Valley School District, in presenting authors Dr. Cara Natterson, ( The Care and Keeping of You and Decoding Boys ) and Shafia Zaloom ( Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between ) for an engaging discussion on puberty, emergent sexuality in adolescents, and how doing the best for our boys can affect how all our children thrive in the digital age. Staff Development Day - Non-Student Day March 13, 2020 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee Meetings Our district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan ( LCAP )   planning is well underway. This aligns with our   Strategic Plan to drive district-wide initiatives at school sites. A key part of the LCAP ’s development is gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our parent community. The LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is an open forum for a diverse group of parents and community members to share ideas for the LCAP about how we can continue to offer an exceptional education in Mill Valley and best serve our students.  All meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend even if you are not a formal committee member. We are looking forward to engaging in these discussions and hearing your ideas for making sure all students thrive in our schools! The committee will hold meetings on the following dates to discuss our two LCAP goals, Balanced Learners and Supported Staff: - March 4 (12:00-2:00 pm) - May 20 (9-10:30 am) Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | contact@mvschools.org | mvschools.org Follow us on social media!       

    Thursday, Feb 13 2020

  • Mill Valley School District Board Meeting Highlights...

    Board Meeting Highlights January 23, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting To view attachments related to the presentations summarized below, please view the  board meeting agenda . 8th Grade Student Learner Profile Recognition Mill Valley Middle School 8th Grade students were selected by their Panther Time teachers to be honored based on an attribute(s) of the Mill Valley Learner Profile .  Congratulations to these incredible students [see photo above]. Independent Audit Report, June 30, 2019 Habbas Nassar, CPA, of Stephen Roatch Accountancy Corporation presented the  Independent Audit Report ending on June 30, 2019. The Board of Trustees approved the Independent Audit Report. Recognition of the Mill Valley School District Governing Board Dr. Berman thanked the Trustees for their commitment to their role and provided certificates thanking them for their service. All of the Mill Valley School District trustees serve unpaid. Student Recognition - Pulitzer Center Education Mill Valley Middle School 7th grade student, Kika D., was selected as a  finalist in the Pulitzer Center's "Local Letters for Global Change 2019" for a letter on deforestation and climate change to Representative Kamala Harris. Kika read a portion of her essay for the board and received a certificate for her remarkable accomplishment. Approval of Student/Teacher Calendars for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 School calendars for the   2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years were approved by the Board of Trustees. AB 1200 Disclosure Document for the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 360 for July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2022, retroactive Salary Schedule effective July 1, 2019 This document must be disclosed publicly, and it represents a multi-year agreement between the Mill Valley School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) for 2019 to 2022, with re-openers in Salary and Benefits for the third year. This impacts 93 FTE of staff. 100% of employee benefits are covered for employee only and employee +1, and 90% of family coverage is covered for staff who started with the district prior to 2012 and 79% is covered for staff starting after 2012. The total cost of the agreement is approximately $1.3M, which brings the district's reserve to about 25.6%, which means we meet and exceed state reserve requirements. This agreement was approved by the board. Tentative Agreement Between the Mill Valley School District and California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 360 Eight articles were negotiated with the Classified Union, and the agreement was approved by the Board of Trustees. Board meeting dates and agendas .  Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | communications@mvschools.org | mvschools.org 

    Friday, Jan 24 2020

  • Mill Valley School District Newsletter - January 22,...

    Board of Trustees Meetings We invite you to join us at our Board Meetings. The next regular meeting is on Thursday , January 23rd  at 6 pm  in the Mill Valley Middle School Library (425 Sycamore Avenue). You may view the full board meeting calendar on our website . Please access board meeting agendas on Agenda Online . Deng Jongkuch Spoke To 4-8th Grade Students Last week, Mill Valley School District students in 4-8th grade listened to a special speaker named Deng Jongkuch, one of the Lost Boys of the Civil War in Sudan. Deng, who is committed to sharing his story to inspire young people to take positive action in the world, shared his experience as a refugee and his journey to the US where he graduated from college and founded a non-profit. We are grateful for people like Deng who share their experiences with our students, helping to grow their global competence, empathy, historical understanding, and more. Martin Luther King Jr. Day This past Monday, everyone enjoyed a day off in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Staff and students at Park School were invited to participate in community service projects. The staff members in the photo above collected trash between Park School and Mill Valley Middle School. Thank you to Park School and anyone else in Mill Valley who chose to serve our community on this important day. MVMS Students Making Global Connections This past Tuesday, Mill Valley Middle School Students in Maggie Front's Global Citizenship Class had the experience of Skyping with a group called Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics in Kabul, Afghanistan. The young women answered questions from the class about everything from women's rights to their safety during mountain climbing training and how they develop ideas for community service projects. The Global Citizenship Class plans to have several more calls with this group and build deeper global bonds. This project was made possible thanks to a Kiddo! grant that MVMS Librarian received to help the Ascend girls pay for transportation and food. They have to stay overnight in Kabul in order to Skype with the MVMS students because it is too dangerous for them to be out at night and it is a 12 1/2 hour time difference. First Round of Kindergarten Registration! Do you have a soon-to-be kindergartener?  The first round of registration is happening now! If you already have children attending school in the Mill Valley School District but will have a new kindergarten student for the 2020-2021 school year, you will still need to complete the registration process.  Kindergarten students with siblings are placed first, so if your family registers during the first round of registration (ends February 4th), your kindergarten student will likely be placed in the same school as their sibling.  You may complete registration forms for the 2020-2021 school year and sign-up for a registration appointment on the Mill Valley School District website .  Available Appointment Dates: Wednesday, January 22nd - 9-11:30 am; 1-4 pm Thursday, January 23rd - 1-7 pm Friday, January 24th - 9-11:30 am; 1-4 pm Monday, February 3rd - 9-11:30 am; 1-4 pm Tuesday, February 4th - 9-11:30 am Yellow School Bus Pilot Program Parents, you can still make your daily schedule easier by getting your student at MVMS, Strawberry Point, or Edna Maguire a bus pass! When you purchase an annual pass during the month of January, you will receive a 40% discount using the code JANUARY2020 . This discount will apply to purchases paid in full, and monthly payment purchases will be prorated by having one less payment for the year.   Single-ride pass booklets (10 passes for $50) are available for the spring semester! Maybe it's time to change your routines for transportation to after-school programs. There are several bus stops for each route, and you probably have something convenient near you! Please visit the bus pass website to purchase a pass or for more information on bus stops. Upcoming Events We will regularly provide upcoming district or community event information that is relevant to parents of elementary and middle school students. District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC) Meeting  February 6, 2020, 5-6:30 pm Strawberry Point School Library This district committee meeting is open to the public and the meeting will be focused on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).  President's Day and February Recess Days February 17-21, 2020 Staff Development Day - Non-Student Day March 13, 2020 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee Meetings Our district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan ( LCAP )   planning is well underway. This aligns with our   Strategic Plan to drive district-wide initiatives at school sites. A key part of the LCAP ’s development is gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our parent community. The LCAP Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is an open forum for a diverse group of parents and community members to share ideas for the LCAP about how we can continue to offer an exceptional education in Mill Valley and best serve our students.  All meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend even if you are not a formal committee member. We are looking forward to engaging in these discussions and hearing your ideas for making sure all students thrive in our schools! The committee will hold meetings on the following dates to discuss our two LCAP goals, Balanced Learners and Supported Staff: - March 4 (12:00-2:00 pm) - May 20 (9-10:30 am) Mill Valley School District | 415-389-7700 | contact@mvschools.org | mvschools.org Follow us on social media!       

    Wednesday, Jan 22 2020