Board approves LEA plan, bond audit report and Teach for America contract; reports on closed-session actions

At its May 14 meeting the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education voted to approve several formal items and heard a positive bond audit report.

Curriculum staff presented the district—s Local Educational Agency (LEA) plan for submission to the California Department of Education. Commissioners highlighted the plan—s emphasis on English-language learners, students with disabilities and African American students; the board approved the LEA plan by roll-call vote.

The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee presented its annual audit for the 2011—12 year; Nancy Maeda told the board the audit found bond funds were properly spent for the seventh consecutive year with no negative findings. Board members thanked committee members and auditors for a clear report.

Commissioners also debated a severed consent contract with Teach for America that would provide candidates for hard-to-staff positions. Commissioner Wynne raised concerns that incentive money intended to recruit experienced teachers might be applied to interns. Staff and some commissioners said TFA interns are technically eligible and that in several schools TFA candidates have contributed to gains; the contract was approved on a recorded vote.

The board also read actions taken in closed session, confirming expulsions of several students, approvals of employment contracts for principals and other administrators, and authority to make stipulated payments in various settlement matters. Vote tallies for closed-session items were read on the record as part of the closed-session report.