Announcement of site visits and meetings open to the public for School District Facilities Master Planning:

The Piedmont Unified School District is in the process of developing a Facilities Master Plan.  The facilities master planning process takes into account all of the information on the District’s facilities, the needs and desires of faculty, staff and the community and projections about future District needs and creates a comprehensive plan for each campus that addresses these issues.

We invite you to participate in our upcoming Site Planning Meetings.  Site Planning Meetings are hosted at individual school sites to facilitate discussions about the facility needs of each respective school.  Participants include educators, students, families, and community members.  The Site Planning Meetings have recently been scheduled on the following dates/times:

Piedmont High School:                 October 26th              3:45pm-5:15pm  Completed
Piedmont Middle School:              November 2nd           3:30pm-5:00pm     Completed
Millennium High School:               November 5th            3:30pm-5:00pm
Havens Elementary School:         November 12th         3:30pm-5:00pm
Wildwood Elementary School:     November 19th         3:30pm-5:00pm
Beach Elementary School:           November 30th         3:30pm-5:00pm
Piedmont High/Millennium High:  December 1st           3:30pm-5:00pm

The facilities master planning process takes into account all of the information on the District’s facilities, the needs and desires of faculty, staff and the community and projections about future District needs and creates a comprehensive plan for each campus that addresses these issues. The plan looks at issues holistically and creatively to find unique and inventive solutions that fit the specific needs of each campus and community. The final Facilities Master Plan document provides a clear narrative and graphic summary of the proposed facilities improvements for each campus and also provides the detailed information necessary to successfully plan and implement the improvements.

Our goals for the Facilities Master Plan document are as follows:
– Support the District’s Educational Specifications for expanding and enhancing 21st century learning environments.
– Create a long-term vision for the facilities of each school campus that aligns with the Educational Program.
– Provide a detailed, prioritized list of facilities needs for each site with cost information.
– Provide a clear Implementation Plan that prioritizes and identifies how the improvements could be funded and constructed.
– Provide clear documentation of the Master Plan and the process of developing it.
– Clearly document and illustrate facilities needs to support and guide a bond measure.
Additional Community Outreach
In order to provide context to the many conversations regarding the adequacy of PUSD Secondary facilities to support current and future educational programs, the District is hosting public tours of various buildings at Piedmont High School, Millennium High School, and Piedmont Middle School.  All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The PUSD Site Tours – Secondary Campuses:
(Meet at the Piedmont High School flagpole in front of campus)
Tuesday, November 3, 2015               3:30pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2015       3:30pm – 4:30pm

While the community can participate in the facilities master planning process via the Site Planning Meetings, PUSD will also host two Community Outreach Meetings for to solicit additional input.  These meetings will occur on:

January 12th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm, and
January 19th  – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

A location has yet to be determined for our Community Outreach Meetings.

The final PUSD Facilities Master Plan is scheduled to be presented at the February 10, 2016 Board of Education Meeting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Pete Palmer, Director of Facilities at PPalmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us  or me at RBooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us.

Sincerely,

Randall Booker
Superintendent

Report on the School Board Meeting – October 14, 2015

 by Piedmont High School student Maret Sotkiewicz

On the 14th of October, 2015, I attended a School Board meeting at City Hall.  These board meetings are held so that its members can discuss different issues and situations related to the Piedmont Unified School District.  There are five permanent members of the Board plus a student representative, Cerina Smit, who is Vice President of Associated Student Body (ASB) at Millennium High School (MHS).  Citizens of the community are welcome to attend the meeting and provide input on various issues, or simply share opinions related to the agenda, or bring up new points all together.  Mainly, this board serves as a forum for citizens and officials of Piedmont to come together and have a discussion on ways to make the District better.  The School Board meets on average one to two times a month, always at seven o’clock on Wednesdays at City Hall located  in the center of Piedmont.

There was one major issue presented at this meeting, and a supplementary presentation, with a few audience member appearances.  The main topic of the meeting was the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) instructional calendar, and the various four circulating versions. The argument was presented by Piedmont High School (PHS) teacher, Gaby Kashani, who wanted to clarify the various calendar options.   Additionally, Pam Gelman and Carrie Rodriguez presented a slideshow on the preschool held at Piedmont Community Church that is geared towards both developmentally and mentally disabled kids.  They did not have an issue to discuss, but were brought to the meeting by Superintendent Randall Booker who wanted them to present information on the program.  The other topics brought up included a lack of parking at Witter Field, a desire to help out at the preschool, a plea for Finals to be held before Winter Break, and a thank you to the Piedmont education system from former PHS student, TJ Korotzer.

For the calendar issue, Ms. Kashani clarified the different options, alongside a slideshow from Mr. Booker with statistics from a recent District wide survey of parents, teachers and students regarding the different calendars. For example, Calendar B has the school year start in early August, which would allow Finals to be held before Winter Break.  Calendar C provided a start time mid-August (how it is now), with Finals also before Winter Break – except that this option would limit the number of breaks in the Fall Semester.  Calendar D provided a start in late August, yet this calendar was created mostly because the teacher contract said there needed to be four different calendars presented.

Board members Sarah Pearson and Amal Smith stressed how important it seemed to students to have Finals before Winter Break, and promised to do as much as they could to make it happen.  Student Gianna Massullo also spoke from the audience on this issue, and declared she was losing time with family, friends and pets over Winter Break because she spent so much time studying for the looming Finals.  This is an opinion held by many students, as backed up by the 82% of responding students from both PHS and MHS on the calendar survey.  I agree with this, especially because I often travel for Winter Break and having finals in two weeks really detracts from the “break”.  I would much rather start earlier in August, as Calendar B presented, and have finals before break, rather than to continue with the normal schedule.  However, this issue will not affect me because I will be in college next year.  I hope a new calendar is implemented for the upcoming classes of students.

Piedmont High School student Drew Collins inquired about the lack of parking at Witter Field in the early evening. Superintendent Mr. Booker said that the change was due to the safety of community members on PE Hill at all hours.

I interviewed the preschool teacher Pam Gelman, who was pleased to discuss her job and her reasons for being at the meeting.  Unlike many who attend the meeting, Ms. Gelman had been asked by the Superintendent to attend the meeting, after he had “sat in on a class and was very impressed.”  She wanted to spread the word about the preschool program for developmentally and mentally disabled kids and all the incredible aspects of the Inclusion Program, as it has existed in Piedmont for three years without any publicity.  They are eager to have volunteers and support from the Board members.

I spoke to the Preschool Program.  I walked up to the podium and inquired if it could potentially be a possibility to TA or intern at the preschool on late start Fridays or with a morning free period (as classes are only 8:30-1 at the preschool).  I was nervous attending the meeting with the added weight of speaking, but the board was incredibly enthusiastic about this idea and Mr. Booker said he would immediately follow up with counselors at the High School about making this a TA opportunity.  Ms. Gelman and Ms. Rodriguez were also ecstatic about the idea, and said that the kids always love volunteers, and that it would be a great opportunity for all those involved.  In the end, I was very pleased with how my point came across and the ongoing action that will be taken to make it a possibility.

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author.

In order to provide context to the many conversations regarding the adequacy of Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) Secondary facilities to support current and future educational programs, the District will host public tours of various buildings at Piedmont High School, Millennium High School, and Piedmont Middle School.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The PUSD Site Tours at Secondary Campuses:
(Meet at the Piedmont High School flagpole in front of campus)
Tuesday, October 13, 2015                3:30pm  – 4:30pm
Wednesday, October 21, 2015           3:30pm –  4:30pm
Tuesday, November 3, 2015               3:30pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2015       3:30pm – 4:30pm

Site Planning Meetings
The District will also host public meetings at each school site to discuss the Educational Specifications and facility needs of each respective school. Educators, students, families, and community members are encouraged to participate. The site meetings are as follows:

Piedmont High School:                          October 26th               3:45pm-5:15pm
Piedmont Middle School:                     November 2nd              3:30pm-5:00pm
Millennium High School:                       November 5th              3:30pm-5:00pm
Havens Elementary School:                November 12th             3:30pm-5:00pm
Wildwood Elementary School:            November 19th           3:30pm-5:00pm
Beach Elementary School:                 November 30th           3:30pm-5:00pm
Piedmont High/Millennium High:        December 1st             3:30pm-5:00pm

On Saturday morning, September 26, the annual FallFest 5K run/walk will be held on the streets of Piedmont, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. For runner safety, several roads in Piedmont will be closed to vehicles from 8:15-9:45 a.m. with limited, intermittent access. Sections of the course are posted “No Parking” and vehicles may be towed for violation of the posted signs. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

For an hour and a half beginning at 8:15 a.m., traffic will be rerouted from or delayed on Craig, Crocker, Farragut, Highland, Hillside, King, Magnolia, Mountain, Parkway, Sea View, and Wildwood Avenues and cross streets including Oakland Avenue. 

Check the FallFest 5K website http://piedmontfallfest5k.org/race-route-2/ for additional information, to register, and to see a map of the course. If you have questions, contact Karen Snow Hawkins at karen@snowconsulting.com.

Piedmont’s Family Oriented Zoning and Short Term Rentals will be considered on September 21 at the Council Meeting – 

Short Term  and Overnight Rentals Are Generally Not  Legal  Under Piedmont Ordinances and the City Charter. 

On September 21, 2015, the Council will consider the issue  at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611.

In May 2015, City staff reported to the City Council that although Piedmont prohibits Air BnB and VRBO type short-term rentals,  they are listed online on several sites. While many cities around the world have adopted regulations, oversight and special taxes on short-term rentals of apartments, homes, condos and second units, Piedmont has yet to respond as AirBNB type rentals continue to operate in violation of existing laws and the City Charter.  

Questions Regarding Voter Participation

The City Charter has in recent years been skirted by changing zoning uses and requirements without voter participation.  This has caused dramatic changes for Piedmont’s previously stable single family residential zoning.  The Charter states:

“SECTION 9.02 ZONING SYSTEM The City of Piedmont is primarily a residential city, and the City Council shall have power to establish a zoning system within the City as may in its judgement be most beneficial. The Council may classify and reclassify the zones established, but no existing zones shall be reduced or enlarged with respect to size or area, and no zones shall be reclassified without submitting the question to a vote at a general or special election. No zone shall be reduced or enlarged and no zones reclassified unless a majority of the voters voting upon the same shall vote in favor thereof; provided that any property which is zoned for uses other than or in addition to a singlefamily dwelling may be voluntarily rezoned by the owners thereof filing a written document executed by all of the owners thereof under penalty of perjury stating that the only use on such property shall be a single-family dwelling, and such rezoning shall not require a vote of the electors as set forth above.”

Piedmont Law Does Not Allow Customers to Come to a Piedmont Residence. 

The Municipal Code currently states:

“The occupational use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking needs beyond that normal to the district or neighborhood in which it is located. No business invitees shall be permitted to visit the premises;”

Piedmont law further states:

“No more than one room in the residence or any structure on the premises where the residence is located shall be used in connection with the home occupation, and under no circumstances shall a garage be used in any way related to such home occupation;”

Renting a room without using another room such as a bathroom or a kitchen is improbable.

 Permits Are Required Prior to Using a Home for an Occupation –

“All of the jurisdictions, like Piedmont, report that many hosts operate their short term rentals ”under the radar”. However, unlike most communities, it is relatively easy for Piedmont staff to identify illegal short term rentals because we have relatively few of them, we have active neighbors who report unpermitted activity, and matching an advertised rental with a specific property is generally not difficult for staff.” Staff report September 21, 2015

Piedmont’s current law  requires a permitting process that includes involving neighbors as well as City determinations for business use of residences. Since customers are not allowed to come to a residence, nor can there be use of the residence for publicity, short term rentals are currently not allowed.

During the discussion and consideration by the City Council on Monday, March 16, 2015, the rental of Piedmont rooms through internet companies, such as AirBnB,  the Piedmont Municipal Code requirement for use of a residence as a “Home Occupation” was not mentioned.

Piedmont’s Home Occupation ordinance states:

“There shall be no advertising, notices, publications or other written or oral means used to connect the occupation with the premises on which it is conducted and particularly there shall be no use of the address of such premises in any way connected with the occupation, provided that this shall not prohibit the use of name cards, stationery or invoices with the address of the premises.”

 “~  SEC. 17B.3 REGULATIONS ~

a. In order to conduct a home occupation on any premises located in Zones A, B, C, and E in the City of Piedmont, an application must be made by the resident proposing such an occupational use upon a form and in the manner prescribed by the City Clerk.

b. In addition to the application form the applicant must submit a rendering of the floor plan of the house showing which room or portion of a room will be used for the home occupation. This drawing should be accurate in its representation of the premises but need not be an architectural rendering.

c. The fee for a home occupation permit shall be non-refundable as set forth from time to time by resolution of the City Council.

d. The applicant or applicant’s representative shall mail to all adjacent residences (as defined in Sec. 17.2) a notice of intent to conduct business, the form of which shall be prescribed by the City Clerk. Said notice will set forth (1) The applicant’s name (2) The address of the proposed home occupation (3) The type of business to be conducted (4) A fifteen (15) day period during which comments on the home a fifteen (15) day period during which comments on the home occupation may be directed to the City Clerk.

e. The applicant or applicant’s representative shall provide an affidavit of service to the City Clerk as proof of satisfaction of Sec. 17B.3(d) above.

f. No home occupation permit shall be issued during the 15 day notification period.

g. Upon completion of the notification period, the application and any

g. Upon completion of the notification period, the application and any comments received shall be reviewed by the Public Works Director and City 17B-3 Home Occupations 17B-4 Administrator who shall determine if a home occupation should be granted under this section based upon the fact that none of the restrictions of Section 17B.2 have been violated or will be violated due to the proposed nature or conduct of the home occupation.

h. All persons receiving a home occupation permit shall be required to have a valid city business license. Lapse of six (6) months or more in a business license shall constitute grounds for cancellation of the home occupation permit.

i. Home occupation permits shall be valid so long as there is no change in the location or nature of the business and a valid city business license is on file in the City Clerk’s office and none of the restrictions of Section 17B.2 have been violated. (Ord. No. 349 N.S., §3; Ord. No. 388 N.S., §3, Ord No. 532 N.S §3, Ord. 709 N.S. §2)” 

Read Piedmont’s Home Occupation ordinance. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Unintended Consequence of Promoting Second Units in Piedmont –

To provide affordable and low income housing in Piedmont, City policies have promoted second units, granting variances and retroactively allowing apartments in homes. The City has sought and gained awards for this approach to providing for low income and affordable housing. However, rather than becoming rental housing for full time lower income families, these new units have proved ideal for AirBNB rentals. As online short-term rental services have mushroomed, these housing options have opened Piedmont to a commercialization never seen before and according to staff, in most cases without payment of Piedmont’s rental income tax to the City.

From the City’s view, although the one-time weekend renter does not occupy any seats in Piedmont schools or request city documents, the second units are not providing affordable or low income housing for permanent residents, as intended by City policy. Meeting goals for housing units are defeated by the transfer of housing to short-term rentals as a hotel or bed and breakfast.

As Piedmonters commercialized their properties, Piedmont’s desire for low income and affordable housing has been partially undercut by some property owners’ desire for increased income by converting their house or second unit to short time rentals.

Staff states in their September 21 report:

“Piedmont does not have the tourist draw of beaches, shopping or entertainment venues the cities with the largest problems have. In fact, based on reading reviews left by people who have rented Airbnb listings in Piedmont, they tend to be in town for local social events such as weddings and anniversaries, or regional events at UC Berkeley.”

In the staff report there is no assessment of safe, convenient, lodging near Piedmont.  For those residing in Piedmont, it is generally known that finding safe, nearby lodging can be challenging, making Piedmont homes and second units desirable and potentially in high demand for short term lodging.

Full time Landlord Duties May Be More Onerous than Occasional Weekends –

Piedmonters with second units often consider being a year-round 24- hours-a-day landlord too great a nuisance. Some have opted to rent for few days only when it is convenient through online services instead, knowing that parents bringing their students to Berkeley or Mills College won’t be doing much cooking, complaining in the middle of the night, withhold rent, or exercise the right to “repair and deduct” and they will be gone in a couple of days. AirBnB vets the renters and collects the payment for the hosts.

Express your opinions and ideas. Alternatively, you may watch the City Council hearing on KCOM, cable 27 or by logging on to the city’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us: on the right hand side of the homepage under the “City Council” heading, click on the “Online Video” link, then click on the “September 21, 2015” heading, click on the “Video” or “In Progress” link, and start watching!

Written comments may be sent to the City Council, c/o Piedmont City Clerk, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611 or by email to: jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us. Correspondence received by the City Clerk is considered part of the public record.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Additionally, as a means of reaching as many Piedmont residents as possible, staff was directed to continue to work with the press to make sure that there was high level coverage, and to continue to send direct notices and reports to the email list of people wishing to participate in the discussions.” Staff report dated September 21, 2015.

Read the entire staff report here.

Editors’ Note:  PCA is on record requesting all City public notifications, press releases, agendas and agenda staff reports, thereby allowing PCA to inform our hundreds of readers of City news. PCA was not included on the recent notification list regarding short term rentals as were some other media outlets. 

Residents have expressed concerns about the influx of short-term rentals. The City Council will consider the matter including adding new laws and enforcing existing laws on September 21.

Council and Staff Encourage Second Units as a Technique for Meeting  State Housing Goals.

Adding second units on single family parcels has been heartily embraced by the City Council and staff as a method to meet State goals for more housing, particularly for low income /affordable units. Piedmont frequently allows, through variances, low income housing units with no off-street parking, even where on-street parking is difficult for neighborhood residents’ guests and service providers.

Recently, when an affordable second unit built without permits was brought to the City Council on the basis of inadequate parking, the Council held to the policy of encouraging and approving second units, despite a failure of the property owner to provide required parking in the heavily impacted neighborhood.

Issues of safety, privacy, noise, and parking from short term rentals – 

The May 16, 2015 Council meeting record states:

“Alicia Kalamas, and John Mittan each spoke against short term rentals, citing negative effects on the community, the possibility of criminal behavior, and lack of connection of the renters to the community. Tom Ferguson expressed a recommendation that there be tight regulations if they are allowed. Steve Wubbens expressed concern that affordable long term second units like his will be replaced by more lucrative short term rentals, making it difficult for divorced people like him to live in town close to his children.” 

“Mayor Fujioka explained that the issue of short term rentals was brought to the Council’s attention because of neighbor complaints, and that this is the beginning of a long discussion on the topic.”

Further negatives for short-term rentals are: ever changing transient populations, potential increased fire and police demands, parking and noise problems, administrative costs, and failure to tax the commercialized properties.  Neighborhood cohesiveness has been noted as a concern. These problems have been brought up if homes are turned into businesses generating vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Many credit Piedmont’s desirability as a residential city to heavily supported schools and excellent infrastructure largely based on stable zoning, quiet, safe neighborhoods, and general concern for the well being of the community.

While Piedmont neighbors complain of noise, parking problems, loss of privacy and uneasy feelings as a result of short term rentals, Piedmont’s long standing law, “Home Occupation, Chapter 17B.2.” has not been enforced in response to the recent flurry of short-term rentals.

In prior years, when a  Piedmont home was identified in publications as a “bed and breakfast,” the City was prompt in sending legal notice to the owners to cease and desist the illegal use. The notices referred to limitations on “Home Occupation” under which “bed and breakfast,” use of residences in Piedmont was not allowed.

Piedmont Lacks Staffing to Oversee Current Rentals – Affordable or Short Term.

Piedmont currently has no system or staffing dedicated to verifying whether or not City approved affordable units permitted to meet State housing goals and receiving City tax exemptions and parking variances are maintained during the required time period, as an affordable unit. Additionally, once the required time period lapses for affordability, the parking variances and second units remain available to be rented at market rates or, depending on Council actions, as a short term rental.

Awards for the innovative manner Piedmont provides affordable housing by permitting rent restricted second units can, in the long term, be used for short term rentals, negating genuine long term provision of affordable housing.

San Francisco unions, land owners, affordable housing advocates and neighborhood groups unhappy with the adopted ordinance have placed an initiative on the ballot that is being heavily opposed by AirBNB and other online services. (See Related article on Prop F) No ballot measure by initiative or Council action has been mentioned in Piedmont as an option with the exception of not wanting to place a tax before the voters due to the cost of the election.  

 Taxes An Issue

Single family parcel owners are taxed per parcel rather than per residence for School Taxes.  The previous progressive school parcel tax recently changed to a flat parcel tax approved by voters requires a one-bedroom cottage on a tiny lot to pay the same school tax as a 20-room mansion on several acres. And contrary to the recently approved School Tax ballot language, people who own two parcels with one residence have been taxed as though the property is only one parcel.  Further, properties with a second (2) legal dwelling unit on a single parcel pay the same amount as properties with only one residence on the parcel.

Read the full staff report here.

You are encouraged to attend the September 21, Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. and express your opinions and ideas. Alternatively, you may watch the City Council hearing on KCOM, cable 27 or for a live webcast by logging on to the city’s website at www.ci.piedmont.ca.us: on the right hand side of the homepage under the “City Council” heading, click on the “Online Video” link, then click on the “September 21, 2015” heading, click on the “Video” or “In Progress” link, and start watching!

Written comments may be sent to the City Council, c/o Piedmont City Clerk, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611 or by email to: jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us. Correspondence received by the City Clerk is considered part of the public record.

District Facilities Master Planning Process, District Assistance with Litter in Main Park, Civic Center Parking Issues, City Facilities Planning – Space Analysis for the Recreation Building and Study of Options for Possible New Aquatic Facility,  Police Department Training “Response to Mass Casualty,” Holiday Book Drive, and Landscaping Issues are on the agenda for discussion. 

The School Board/City Council Liaison meeting will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room.  The meeting is open to the public for participation and comments. Because of construction work, participants must enter City Hall through the entrance to the Fire Department.  The meeting will not be broadcast.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015  4:00 p.m. 

City Hall Conference Room, City Hall,

120 Vista Avenue,

The agenda is below.

Open Forum: Public participants may speak to items not on the agenda – overall time limit – 10 minutes.

Public participants may address the following items as they come up on the agenda.

1. Briefing by District on Progress with the Facilities Master Planning Process

2. Discussion of Littering in Main Park and Opportunities for District to Assist with Control

3. Discussion of Civic Center Parking Issues

4. Discussion on City Facilities Planning:

(a) Space Analysis for the Recreation Building

(b) Study of Options for Possible New Aquatic Facility

5. Briefing on Police Department “Response to Mass Casualty” Training

6. Discussion of Landscaping Issues

7. Discussion of the Annual City/School Holiday Book Drive

8. Schedule of Future Meetings

(a) November, 17, 2015

(b) February 9, 2016

(c) April 26, 2016

-May 27th School Board Meeting Report by Piedmont High School Student Tatum Burnett-

On May 27, 2015, I went to the Board of Education meeting from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Board, which meets twice a month uses these meetings to discuss the School District’s budget, expenditures, events, visions, and goals. During the meeting on the 27th, three main topics were discussed.

First, Stephanie Griffon gave a presentation on the Connected Learning Initiative, which included all the technological advances the School District has made in the last 5 years. She described the progress the schools have made since 2010 when the teachers were all given Gmail accounts, to 2015 when 5th, 6th,9th and 11th graders were all given Chromebooks.

After her presentation, which also described how the technology has helped both teachers and students with efficiency and engagement, the Board discussed and questioned some aspects of the program. They wondered if the students would take the computers home over the summer, which the answer was, no. The question of when and how much would it cost to replace the Chromebooks, which last about two years, was brought up, however the Board agreed that with the low cost of the computers and the technological advances they brought, they were worth it.

I also questioned if Chromebooks were the most logical of devices to use, because they don’t last very long, however I agree that because of their price, and the amount of good they have done this year, they seem like a better option than buying expensive laptops for students.

Secondly, Beach Elementary School Principal Michael Corritone presented on behalf of the other two elementary school principals, the Tri-School Instructional Program Design, a program they had been working on all year. He described the purpose of the program was to prepare the students to be 21st century learners, and to make sure that the school was using it’s time most efficiently. The program includes committees of staff and parents, and conducts interviews and research to find out how they can make collaboration easier for the teachers and the students. According to Corritone, the program is only in its first stage, and will continue to gain speed in the years to come. The Board had little to say about the program except that they were pleased with the work, and look forward to the future of it.

Finally, the board discussed the Goals and Action Items that were mandated by the State of California in the LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan). The goals included making sure that teachers were qualified, students had access to a broad study and to common core classes, facilities were repaired or improved, students were provided with courses that provided emotional and social support, and finally to increase parent involvement and support. They also discussed their budget, which they all agreed that the community had a wrong idea about. They thought it was important that the community understood that even though the budget seems large now, there are many different areas that money goes into that people don’t realize.

“The issue with what is coming is that people think that there is a lot of money coming through.” said Board Member Amal Smith, “However, there is a lot of money to balance. The LCAP comes with a budget that we have to plan on.”

I additionally shared my admiration for allowing Piedmont Hight School to take a day for the Service Learning projects, sharing my experiences at St. Vincent DePaul, when the board was speaking about recent events. I shared how I thought that the service day was a huge success, and that I hope in the future, classes could participate in service with their chosen programs throughout the year rather than just one day towards the end. The Board agreed, and stated that they were too looking forward to the future of the Service Learning Program.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

May 13th School Board Meeting Report by Piedmont High School student Derek Cheung –

On Wednesday, May 13th, I went to the School Board meeting at Piedmont City Hall.  By 7:05 p.m., I took a seat in the back row and waited for the meeting to get underway.  Within five minutes, the room filled up rapidly, as all seats were filled and some people had to sit on the stairs.  The meeting started at 7:15 p.m., and begun with the Pledge of Allegiance.  School Board President Andrea Swenson opened the meeting, stating that the School Board met in closed session at 6:00 p.m. and no action was taken.

The meeting started off with community announcements.  First, a brief discussion took place about Association of Piedmont Teachers (APT).  Swenson recognized Gabrielle Kashani as president of APT, and she stated that teachers who work outside of the classroom will be getting extra pay.

Swenson asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to speak on an item not listed on the agenda.  A Piedmont man, Rick Schiller, had a hand written speech that was prepared beforehand, and he talked about school taxes on parcels.  He made statements about how our school’s taxes are one of the most expensive in the state, and how Piedmont taxes are financially difficult to afford and pay.

Senior Miles von Hermann stood up and stated that the textbooks at Piedmont High School are outdated, as many of them were published in the 90s. Von Hermann said today’s issues are not included in the curriculum, and there is writing on the pages. Von Hermann concluded that new textbooks would benefit students.  Swenson jokingly added that Assistant Superintendent Randy Booker is already taking note of his complaint.

By 7:20 p.m., Swenson talked about speeding cars driving by schools.  She stated that the City will get speed monitors, similar to the ones on Oakland Avenue. Swensen warned the community that officers will be issuing more tickets, and to watch your speed while driving by school streets.

Less than minute later, a presentation was delivered by Superintendent Connie Hubbard.  She recognized Piedmont resident and photographer Jennifer Fox as recipient of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award.  When speaking at the podium, Fox said she was asked to attend the AP Art Show at Piedmont High, and chose a piece of art as the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year. There was one art piece that stood out to Fox.  It was by senior Ying Zhou and represented “beauty is in our lives.”  Fox and Zhou took photos together with the art piece.

By 7:30 p.m., Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced the Youth Educators (YEds).  Booker introduced adviser John Hayden and three of the Youth Educators and asked them to step to the podium.  Hayden gave a brief background of Youth Educators, stating that YEds is a social and emotional welfare program for 8th graders, and that with the help of 21 YEds, 8th graders will feel safer in high school.  Hayden stepped aside, allowing Tom Jara, Chloe Lee Rowlands, and Nate Pedan to speak to the School Board and community.  The three YEds mentioned that being in this program made them a better people, and that they loved spending time with the 8th graders.

By 7:40 p.m, Swenson introduced review items on the agenda.  First up, Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced a request that the Board approve the naming of the Learnscape at Piedmont High School (PHS) to memorialize beloved science teacher Eileen Rohmer.  Booker introduced Piedmont High School history teacher Courtney Goen to the podium, to add more details about the Learnscape. Goen described the development of Learnscape as a community effort, and thanked the Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) and the Parent Club for their support.  Ms. Goen added that with the help of Ms. Bailey’s AP Art class, they are proposing to put up a mural designed by Dominic Frost in honor of Ms. Rohmer.

After Ms. Goen’s presentation, the Board asked me to step forward, as I had filled out a speaker card beforehand on this topic.  I went up to the podium and said: “I am a recent Eagle Scout and for my project I built signage for the Piedmont Middle School (PMS) Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at the Middle School has tables and benches for students to hang out at lunch, after school, or some teachers even bring their students down there on a nice day. Back when I was in Middle School, that space where the Learnscape is now, used to be a parking lot.  The students should be grateful and lucky to have an area like Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at PHS is not going to be as large a space as PMS, but will there be benches and tables for students to utilize?”

Ms. Goen responded that benches and tables will be installed.  Goen added that $5,400 in donations have been collected so far, and the smallest donation was $7 for Learnscape.  The Board was in favor, and the Learnscape project passed.

I think having the PHS Learnscape will be a popular place for students to hang out during lunch or before/after school.  It is a great idea to add this unique place to the PHS campus, honoring Ms. Rohmer, who was a beloved science teacher and inspired many students.  The fact that benches and tables are going to be installed at Learnscape will encourage and welcome students to eat lunch or hang out on campus.  Plus, the Learnscape will be a great way to remember Ms. Rohmer who will never be forgotten in the PHS community.

By 7:50 p.m., Booker introduced the elementary school principals who have worked on the selection for the elementary math curriculum.  Booker introduced Cheryl Wozniak to the podium.  Wozniak presented a series of slides in a powerpoint presentation, and joining her was resource specialist Sarah Kingston.  Wozniak added that the state of California adopted Common Core in August 2010, and it was introduced by Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) in 2014.  She also added that the proposed math curriculum is Bridges and Number Corner.  Kingston spoke afterwards stating: “This new math pathway proposal meets non-negotiable criteria by grade level and meets rigor and balance in alignment criteria”.  Kingston added that when trying out the new math pathway program with students, they loved it.

Havens Principal Anne Dolid was later introduced to talk about the communication plan.  Dolid stated that there has been Common Planning time with teachers, email communications with staff, bulletin updates and Infinite Campus messages to parents with updates on adapting the new math pathways. Dolid went on to say that all teachers who voted supported the recommendation to adopt Bridges and Number Corner, the new math curriculum. The School Board unanimously voted to adopt the new math programs for the elementary level.

By 8:30 p.m., Booker introduced a proposal to pass Integrated Math 1 and 2A for PMS/MHS/PHS.  This would replace the current math pathway as discussed by all math departments.  According to Booker, these new programs will spark student interest and concepts will click quickly.

There were a lot of concerns by the School Board about these new math programs. Board Member Doug Ireland added that students would go into the next math course by barely passing the class. Board Member Rick Raushenbush questioned whether summer school can be an option.  Sarah Pearson spoke on whether textbooks for the math curriculum look promising. Department Chair Doyle O’ Regan answered that question, stating that he looked at seven products, and that high school level textbooks are not well developed. Booker added that the department will continue looking into textbooks to use in the fall and will report back to the School Board.  O’Regan concluded that there will be five courses in Integrated Math, and that there will be about 25 students in each class. School Board Member Amal Smith added that more UC’s are looking at Integrated Math.

By 8:45 p.m., Superintendent Hubbard discussed the Co-Curricular Schedule, and approval of the contract between the District and APT.  Hubbard defined co-curricular as spending extensive time outside of the classroom by a staff member.  The Board eventually approved the new schedule, and applauded APT president Gabrielle Kashani for her leadership.  I think that teachers should earn extra pay, if they are working outside of the classroom for a significant amount of time.  The teachers deserve it as they are not required to do it, but they choose to spend their personal time organizing the curriculum and class for their students.

Next, Hubbard briefly talked about contract openers.  She added that they are looking at professional growth and salary schedule, and the classified contract is on the PUSD website.  By 8:50 p.m., Assistant Superintendents Booker and Brady spoke on the RFP Process and LCAP Budget.  By 9:00 p.m., Hubbard announced that the PMS 8th grade celebration will be held June 10th at 4 p.m. at Witter Field, MHS graduation will be on the same day at 12:45 p.m.at the Piedmont Veterans Hall.  On June 11th, PHS graduation will take place at 5 p.m. at Witter Field.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

A Report by Piedmont High School Student Josephine Ireland –

On Wednesday, May 13^th, 2015, the Piedmont Unified School District’s Board of Education met at City Hall in one of their monthly meetings.  The Board of Education recognized Jennifer Fox as the winner of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award, discussed the Learnscape project that is dedicated to Eileen Rohmer, and discussed the new math curriculums at both the elementary schools and the high schools.

The 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award this year was awarded to Jennifer Fox, who was regarded as a kind, bright photographer.  The Superintendent of Education, Constance Hubbard, allowed Fox to say a few words regarding her appreciation and the gift painting that she chose from the PHS art show.  Fox stated that as a photographer she feels gifted to be able to take photos for the Piedmont community.  As her reward, she chose a painting by high school student Ying Zou, which portrayed famous architecture around the world.  Zhou said its purpose was to illustrate how people get lost in their busy lives and should notice the beauty the world has created.

Not posted on the agenda was an appearance made by a few Youth Educators (YEds), who also have learned a lot about giving back to the community.  Tom Jara, Nate Peden and Chloe Lee Rowlands all spoke of how when they were eighth graders the impact that Youth Educators had on them was tremendous.  They shared that the transition from middle school to high school, but because of YEds this was made easier. The program creates a great support for not only the eighth graders, but also for the YEds themselves because of the community they build with each other.

After the YEds spoke, Randall Booker, the assistant superintendent, introduced the Learnscape project that was being built to honor Eileen Rohmer, a science teacher that passed away a few years ago. History teacher, Courtney Goen discussed the purpose and plans for the project. She said because Ms. Rohmer had always worked for the greater good, she deserved this honor. Student Dominic Frost painted a picture of Ms. Rohmer that would be made into a mural in the Learnscape area. Goen says it would be used as a beautiful lunch area for students to sit, do homework and eat lunch on campus; it could also be used as an outdoor classroom.  Goen also stated that many people have been donating very generously to the cause.  After details of the Learnscape project had been announced, the Board approved the name of the Learnscape Project.

After Learnscape was approved, Booker introduced problems with the elementary math curriculum and how the principles of it were jaded.  The new curriculum came from common core and had been reviewed by the community.  Elementary teachers and administrators recommend the Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner as the new curriculum.  Because it has to follow a certain criteria and be engaging, accessible, and work for small groups and target specific learning needs, this new curriculum is perfect as stated by five elementary school teachers.  Ann Dolid discussed how both teachers and parents gave positive feedback and she suggested the School Board adopt Bridges and Number Corners.

In addition to the elementary math, Booker introduced an issue of the integrated math at the high schools. The reason for taking the more advanced course is because of a larger interest in math. Doug Ireland, Board of Education member, said “C-” is a “low bar for sending students into a compression course.” He noted that students with a low grade should not be taking the more advanced course.  He worries that parents may force their child into a class even with this grade when they are not ready. Booker did state, however, there will be a rubric sent home, but Ireland continued to be astonished that there is such a low standard for the compressed course.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.