Board approves consent items and stipend increase, OKs West Park HVAC change order; tables volunteers workers'‑comp resolution

At the February meeting the Southern Kern Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the consent calendar, voted to increase trustee stipends under the Education Code provision staff cited, and approved a construction change order for the West Park Elementary project. The board held, and ultimately tabled, a resolution concerning volunteers and workers' compensation pending follow‑up questions.

Consent calendar: A motion to approve consent items A–I passed on a motion by Trustee Heffern, second by Trustee Right. The consent calendar included routine personnel and contract approvals; board members had asked for clarification on one construction inspection contract (item I) and staff explained payments to the inspector would begin once construction begins.

Stipend increase: District staff cited Education Code authority to increase board stipends by up to 5% annually and presented a CBO calculation moving the monthly stipend from $277.83 to $291.72 effective immediately. The board adopted the increase on a voice vote. (Education Code citation referenced in the meeting: Education Code 35120(e), as stated by staff.)

West Park change order: The board approved a change order to alter HVAC units for West Park Elementary so the project complies with Title 24 energy requirements rather than adding higher‑cost solar infrastructure. Staff described the change as a Title 24 compliance decision and said the alternative—adding solar to meet energy codes—would likely be more expensive. The meeting record shows the change order amount as "3158738 cents" as written in the agenda packet; staff indicated this change relates to UPK modernization scope. Trustees approved the change order on a motion and voice vote.

Volunteers workers'‑comp resolution (Resolution 24‑25‑12): Staff presented a resolution to deem volunteers "employees" for workers' compensation purposes under Labor Code section 3364.5 to limit district liability and direct injured volunteers to the workers' compensation process. Trustees asked multiple procedural and cost questions (background checks, drug testing, premium calculation, and implications for independent contractors such as sports officials). Given outstanding questions the board moved and seconded a motion to table the resolution for additional information; the item was tabled.

Other business: The board received informational briefings on Measure H bond issuance planning, the district—s California Community Schools activities and programming, and an E‑Rate funded district cabling RFP; staff said they will return with recommended bond sale resolutions, oversight‑committee recruitment materials, and a recommendation on the district cabling bid when vendor proposals are evaluated.

Votes at a glance

- Consent items A–I: Motion by Trustee Heffern; second by Trustee Right. Outcome: Approved (voice vote). - Trustee stipend increase (move to $291.72): Mover/second not specified in the record; Outcome: Approved (voice vote). - West Park Elementary change order (HVAC/Title 24 compliance): Mover/second not specified in the record; Outcome: Approved (voice vote). Agenda packet lists change amount as "3158738 cents" (as written in packet). - Resolution 24‑25‑12 (volunteers treated as employees for workers' compensation, Labor Code 3364.5): Motion to table made and seconded; Outcome: Tabled pending staff follow‑up.

Board members asked staff to return with documentation on workers'‑comp cost impacts, administrative steps for volunteers (forms or opt‑in requirements), and any insurance or joint‑powers implications. The tabling preserved discussion but postponed a final decision.