Board approves HVAC purchases, safety plan, grants MOU and layoffs resolution; multiple routine items ratified

The Hermosa Beach City School District board approved multiple action items at its meeting, including contracts and memoranda of understanding, certification of the district’s second interim budget report and a resolution authorizing layoffs of positions requiring a child-development permit due to lack of work or funds.

Why it matters: the votes cover facilities and energy work (HVAC purchase and related consulting), student and staff safety planning, outside partnerships (environmental restoration and behavioral-health grants), budget certification and personnel adjustments that may directly affect early-childhood services.

Key votes and outcomes (motions, movers, seconds and outcomes as recorded in the meeting):

- Letter of Understanding (LOU) with South Bay Parkland Conservancy (Hermosa Valley Sand Dune Restoration project). Motion: “I move to approve this letter of understanding.” Mover: Board member Maggie (moved on the record); second: Board member Kathy. Outcome: Approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

- Memorandum of understanding with Los Angeles County Office of Education (Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative capacity grants). Motion to ratify the MOU. Mover: Board member Maggie; second: Board member Carol. Outcome: Approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

- Ratification of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (effective March 1). Motion to approve the plan. Mover: (record shows motion was moved and seconded by board members; the board voted “Aye”). Outcome: Approved.

- Certification of the 2024–25 second interim financial report (staff recommendation that the district can meet its obligations). Motion: moved by Board member Rachel; second: recorded. Outcome: Approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

- Approval of revisions to the 2024–25 second interim budget file (DAP). Motion: moved and seconded on the record. Outcome: Approved.

- Authorization to use the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) and approval to purchase Carrier HVAC units via CMAS (Contract No. 4-21-10-1072; owner-furnished units). Motion to authorize CMAS use and purchase of HVAC units. Mover and second recorded; outcome: Approved.

- Approval of the fuller Hermosa Valley School HVAC replacement project and purchase contract from Russell Sigler (via CMAS). Motion to approve the contract and purchase of 10 Carrier HVAC units; discussion noted a roughly 17-week lead time for delivery and off-site storage until installation. Mover and second recorded; outcome: Approved.

- Contract for consulting services: engagement of Richard Heath and Associates (RHA) to evaluate the VRF system at Hermosa View School. Motion: moved by Board member Kathy; second: Board member Rachel. Outcome: Approved.

- Approval of a revised certificated administrative salary schedule (removal of first two steps/columns to better align with neighboring districts; no change to total salary columns 3–7). Motion: moved by Board member Kathy; second: Board member Rachel. Outcome: Approved.

- Memorandum of Understanding with El Camino College for early childhood fieldwork placements (preschool and TK). Motion: moved by Board member Rachel; second: Board member Kathy. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution No. 1820Fourtwenty5 — layoff of employees requiring a child development permit for lack of work and/or funds (Education Code §8303). Motion: moved by Board member Kathy; second: Board member Rachel. Outcome: Approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

What board members and staff emphasized: the finance staff reported a projected reduction in deficit spending of $13,000 and an increase in the revenue reserve balance by $31,000; the district reported enrollment of 1,419 and forecasts showing a reserve of about 25% at fiscal year close and a projection of a 23% reserve the following year under current assumptions. For the HVAC project staff said the purchase covers 10 units and that labor is being bid separately to allow timely procurement of equipment; lead time for the largest unit is about 17 weeks.

Authorities and references cited in discussion: the board noted Education Code requirements for safety-plan review and cited Education Code §8303 in the layoff resolution. The HVAC purchase used the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) contract 4-21-10-1072; the RHA consulting engagement and CMAS purchase were described as steps to address long-standing HVAC issues.

Next steps: staff will complete the installation bidding for HVAC labor, return with follow-up material on transportation and athletics funding per board request, and proceed with required notifications related to the layoff resolution in accordance with state law.