Board Meeting Highlights & Recordings 2022-2023
June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On June 13, 2023, at the Kentfield School District Regular Board Meeting, Principals Grant Althouse and Maria Martin provided updates on activities at their school sites, program planning for fall, and how these programs and activities relate to their site goals and overall district goals.
One district goal is to engage, support and challenge all students to eliminate the opportunity gap. Principal Martin reported that at Bacich a number of interventions, including the Mathnasium morning program and the WIN program, have been instituted to enable all students to meet grade level standards in math and English Language Arts. Bacich staff is closely monitoring end of the year assessment data to evaluate the efficacy of each of these programs to determine the strategies to be implemented next year. Principal Althouse reported on the Kent Middle School standards-based grading program, instituted this year, which supports student achievement and encourages a safe and inclusive educational environment, another district goal. Next year, Kent staff will be participating in a year-long professional development program focused on standards-based grading to deepen staff knowledge and optimize the program.
Superintendent Rose provided information on the new school lunch program planned for next school year. Due to increased lunch costs and the requirements of California’s Universal Lunch program, the district will participate next year in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 2023-2024. This program provides federal and state reimbursements for lunches provided to students. To meet the increased requirements of NSLP the district is entering into a partnership with Reed Union School District, which has existing agreements with lunch vendor, Lunch Masters and a consulting agency that assists with federal school lunch administration. Detailed information on the new program and lunch service will be communicated to the school community.
Superintendent Rose also provided key dates for the return to school in the 2023-2024 school year. There will be a New Staff Orientation on August 11, and a Staff Welcome Back Breakfast on August 17. The first day of school is August 24, and both schools look forward to welcoming students and staff back to a new year of learning.
May 30, 2023
May 30, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On May 30, 2023, prior to the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, the district held an end of the school year recognition ceremony to honor retiring staff members and recognize staff and community members for their service to the district. The district recognized five retirees for their years of dedication to the students of Kentfield: Rosa Roubinian, Spanish teacher in the district for 25 years, Ronald Pembleton, science teacher in the district for 18 years, Elizabeth Rubenstein, Art Teacher in the district for 2 years, Carlos Hernandez, custodian in the district for 15 years, and Brad Widelock, Math Teacher in the district for 17 years. Also honored at the ceremony were this year’s recipients of the Golden Bell award for their contributions to our school community: Jim Bowlby, Aidan Dugarian, Earin Early, Ron Pembleton and Marin Enrichment.
Superintendent Raquel Rose and new Executive Director of Fiscal Services, Michael Ghebregziabher, provided a presentation on the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The presentation included an update on the California State Budget, a review of KDS’s 2nd Interim Budget Report, and an outline of the 2023-2024 Budget proposal, including assumptions and adjustments, multi year projections, and the reserve level. Following the presentation a public hearing was held to hear feedback on the 2023-2024 Budget Proposal. The 2023-2024 Budget Proposal will be considered for approval at the June 13, 2023 Board Meeting.
Superintendent Rose and Principals Grant Althouse and Maria Martin provided a presentation on the district’s proposed 2023-2024 LCAP. Superintendent Rose reported that all Local Indicators, which include implementing state standards, parent and family engagement and school climate, have been met. Principals Althouse and Martin discussed how the LCAP goals align with the School Plan for Student Achievement goals (SPSA) and the actions and services that are being implemented in order to reach these goals. Following the presentation, a public hearing was held to hear feedback on the proposed 2023-2024 LCAP. The proposed LCAP will be considered for approval at the June 13, 2023 Board Meeting.
May 9, 2023
May 9, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On May 9, 2023, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Isabella Fanning and Elizabeth Peterson, Bacich 1st Grade teachers, and a group of Bacich 1st grade students provided a presentation about the Marsh Unit, part of the science curriculum in 1st grade. The teachers and students described activities they participated in as part of the unit, including a field trip to the neighboring marsh and a visit from the animal rescue center, Wildcare. Students presented work products from the unit, and showcased the depth of their knowledge of the species of plants and animals that live in the marsh.
Noah Wheeler, KIK Board President, provided an update on KIK fundraising and events. He discussed KIK’s recent fundraising event, School of Rock, which was very well attended by enthusiastic district families and staff. He predicted that fundraising from the online and in person auctions associated with the event would top last year’s numbers, and reported that the Fund-a-Need portion of the event had raised $125,000, exceeding the fundraising goal. He thanked the many volunteers that contributed their time to put on the successful event.
YouthTruth representatives presented the result of the recent KSDD survey of students, families and staff. The survey, which has been conducted five times over the last several years, gathers information from our school community about their experience with their child’s school, including academics, culture, safety and inclusiveness. YouthTruth reported that, similar to prior years, the district scored well above average in positive responses in almost all areas. YouthTruth highlighted areas of improvement from last year, and summarized the areas where further investigation would be appropriate.
April 4, 2023
April 4, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On April 4, 2023, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Rebecca Jelen, the Kent Middle School Librarian, and a group of Kent students provided a presentation about the Kent library. Students discussed how they use the library not only as a learning center during class time, but also as an activity center and club meeting area during recess and after school. They discussed student participation in the recent library renovation, and provided information about library activities and events, including the All-School Read which featured Judy Huemann’s discussion of issues related to disabled students, the Kent SLAM (Student Leaders Anti-Racism Movement) team who provide anti-racism lessons to students and facilitate discussions among students, and the student newspaper, the Falcon Swoop, which was launched in 2021 and now has seven published issues.
Ivette Villarreal, Community Liaison, provided a report on her activities and responsibilities as community liaison of the district. She provides support to staff and families to provide a nurturing, caring supportive environment for all students through family engagement, promoting family participation and advocacy in the school community and working with county and nationwide support partners. She discussed events that have been held to support these goals, including a school resource night, the Marin County Summer Camp Fair, the Latino Family Literacy Training, and the first DELAC/ELAC Board Members meeting.
Bacich Principal Maria Martin and Kent Principal Grant Althouse provided updates on activities and events at their schools. Both noted the increased number of activities connecting the two schools, including the student members of the SLAM middle school anti-racism team visiting the elementary students at Bacich to discuss inclusivity and awareness of racial issues, and the visits by Kent students participating in the school musical to Bacich to perform highlights of the Lion King show. Both principals expressed gratitude for the development of an overall district community with the goal of “one school, two campuses.”
Superintendent Report - April 4, 2023
Education Showcase - Kent Middle School Library Presentation
March 14, 2023
March 14, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On March 14, 2023, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teacher Amber Stewart and a group of Bacich TK students, provided a demonstration of the Zoophonics learning program. The students illustrated their learning of the alphabet and letter sounds through the use of creative characters and hand gestures. Kindergarten teachers Erica Johnson and Claire Adams, and a group of Bacich Kindergarten students provided a presentation on the narrative writing program. Students illustrated their learning by reading their narratives aloud to Board members, while presenting their writing and illustrations.
Bacich administrators Maria Martin and Anne-Marie Skaggs, and Kent administrators Grant Althouse and Wendy Holmes, provided detailed information on the results of formative assessments of Bacich and Kent students, and provided an analysis of the data and student progress. Staff then provided detailed information about each school’s academic intervention programs, and discussed potential areas of focus based on the results of the assessments. HERE is a glimpse into the report which highlights areas to celebrate and reflect on areas of concern.
Interim Chief Business Officer, Wade Roach, provided a presentation on the district’s 2nd Interim Budget. Following the presentation, Superintendent Rose and the Board expressed their appreciation to Mr. Roach for his excellent work handling the financial duties of the district over the last few months. Superintendent Rose also noted that the district’s new Executive Director of Fiscal Services, Michael Ghebregziabher, will be starting next week, and that Mr. Roach will be staying on as needed to assist in the transition of duties to Mr. Ghebregziabher.
February 7, 2023
February 7, 2023 Board Meeting Recording
On February 7, 2023, Kentfield School District Board of Trustees had two opportunities to hear from students and classroom teachers. Ms.Stephanie Blazek, 7th grade World History teacher, and three of her students addressed the Board in considering a more significant recognition of Indigenous People’s Day. Their heartfelt words and advocacy was impressive and demonstrated students taking action as meaningful contributors to our community. The Educational Showcase was facilitated by Jill Klima, Kent Middle School Math teacher, and five students. The group shared a presentation that demonstrated A Day in the Life of Math at Kent. The Board was able to engage in an interactive session that included a Math Warm Up, information about the Big Ideas Math program, an overview of a daily math class and an example of how standard based grading is used in Math.
At the meeting the Board also heard a presentation highlighting the KSD Comprehensive Safety Plan from Assistant Principals Wendy Holmes and Ann-Marie Skaggs. The presentation offered great clarity around the purpose of the plan and KSD preparations in supporting the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff.
January 10, 2023
On January 10, 2023, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Elementary Music teacher Becky Poon and a group of Bacich 4th graders provided a demonstration of the learning activities and progressive teaching techniques used in the Bacich music program. Through engaging games and lessons, enthusiastically illustrated by Ms. Poon and her students, every KSD elementary student receives a foundation in music theory and techniques that provide a solid basis for more advanced instrument and vocal lessons in middle school. Ms. Poon and her students acknowledged the vital role played by the KIK Foundation in the funding of the KSD music program.
Bacich Principal Maria Martin provided an update on the school’s new math intervention program. The optional program, administered by Mathnasium before school, is provided to twenty-five students selected as candidates for the program by classroom teachers and administrators. Following initial assessments, all students receive a targeted math program, and progress is closely monitored by school administrators. Principal Martin also reported on the implementation of the Bacich Promise, an inclusivity pledge created by the schools Social Justice Committee.
Kent Principal Grant Althouse reported on the enthusiastic participation in numerous non-classroom activities at Kent, including the enormous interest in the school musical, Lion King, the community-building basketball program, and the high performing Matheletes club. He also provided an update on changes to the Aeries Gradebook platform, which after a few technical obstacles is now providing parents with greater insight into student performance. The platform now reflects Kent’s new grading policy, and includes detailed information about student assignments, and how those assignments reflect student progress toward goals.
Superintendent Report - January 10, 2023
KSD Financial Audit Report, 2021-22
KSD Measure D Financial Audit Report, 2021-22
December 13, 2022
On December 13, 2022, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, the Board recognized three departing members of the Board. Davina Goldwasser served on the Board for almost 4 years, joining the Board in December 2018, and departing in July of 2022. Sarah Killingsworth joined the Board in December 2018 and served her four year term. Heather McPhail Sridharan served on the Board for 9 years. Joining the Board in December 2013, and serving until the December 13th meeting. The Board, staff and members of the public expressed their gratitude for the departing trustees’ hard work and dedication to the district and community. All three Trustees were commended for consistently prioritizing the needs of KSD students in their decision-making.
Staff provided cohort comparison data analyzing student results on the state’s academic testing, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Bacich and Kent administration provided additional insight on the various ways teachers and staff are responding to the results, and providing targeted intervention and enhancements for student progress.
Bacich staff are using a revamped Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to identify students of concern and are monitoring students using various formative tools. Currently, Bacich staff are also exploring phonics-based programs to support reading intervention and piloting a morning math intervention.
At Kent, staff are analyzing and using MAP Growth Assessment data and monitoring the progress of students receiving interventions, while continuing to offer multiple Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. Kent is providing increased support for students through targeted support for students struggling in reading and math, for multilingual students and for those struggling with executive functioning issues.
Bacich Principal Maria Martin and Kent Principal Grant Althouse also gave updates on the many activities taking place at their sites as the calendar year winds down.
Superintendent Report, Dec. 13, 2022
KSD CAASPP Report - Cohort Comparison & Services, Dec. 13, 2022
Interim Chief Business Official, First Interim Budget Presentation, Dec. 13, 2022
November 8, 2022
November 8, 2022 Board Meeting Recording
On November 8 2022, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Shannon Janney, representing the Kent Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) teaching team, assisted five 7th grade students in a presentation illustrating the activities in their middle school classes that improve their reading and writing skills. Students provided explanations of five learning activities, including Feedback Progressions, Small Group Instruction, 1:1 Conferences, Reading & Writing Notebooks and Reading, Books and Author Study Units. The presentation demonstrated the active and engaging lessons happening in our Kent ELA classes.
KSD Board of Trustees President David Riedel gave an update on the district's finances, and recent finance committee and subcommittee meetings. Due to changes in the economic environment and other factors, the finance committee is discussing strategies to build up the district's reserves at the recommendation of the county’s financial advisors. The KSD Sub-Finance committee will reconvene on December 1st at the KSD District Office, 750 College Ave. from 3:30 - 5pm. The group will continue discussing actionable steps to improve the KSD’s financial landscape.
Kent Middle School Principal Grant Althouse acknowledged former Kent MS student, Maya Srinivasan, for her tireless efforts in bringing a new student self-defense program to Kent middle school. Last year, Maya came to the KSB School Board with an idea to provide students with instruction in self-defense to bolster student safety and confidence. She then followed up with Superintendent Rose and Principal Althouse, working collaboratively with staff to outline a program and execute the plan. This year, as a result of her efforts, Kent middle school 8th graders are participating in self-defense classes during PE class administered by Impact Bay Area, an educational company specializing in this type of instruction.
Supervisor Katie Rice provided an update on Project Homekey, a county sponsored project to develop a Permanent Supportive Housing complex at 1251 South Eliseo Blvd. The project currently has move-in scheduled for mid-2023. Supervisor Rice outlined the staffing plan for the project and the current guidelines and requirements for residents. She encouraged community participation and support, including involvement in the Community Advisory Group and fundraising and volunteer opportunities.
October 11. 2022
October 11, 2022 Board Meeting Recording
On October 11, 2022, at the Kentfield School District Board of Trustees regular meeting, Bacich 3rd Grade teachers Andrea Livengood and Katy Colwell assisted four of their students in a presentation on the 3rd Grade math curriculum and math strategies. The students provided an explanation of the various math strategies available for solving problems, and examples of how they are used.
Bacich Principal Maria Martin and Kent Principal Grant Althouse provided a presentation on the KSD results of the state’s standardized tests administered in May 2022. Information was provided regarding the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the Summative English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). The presentation highlighted the performance of Kentfield students in the English Language Arts and Math sections of the exams, and compared the performance student cohorts. We anticipate the results of these summative assessments to be released to the public at the end of October.
Two Kent Middle School students attended the meeting and offered comprehensive feedback on the new Food for All program. The students provided shared student feelings on food choice options and feedback on meal distribution methods and locations. The students suggested that the program be promoted more widely to students and families to ensure all are aware that free meals are available.
September 13, 2022
The Kentfield School District’s Board of Trustees met on September 13, 2022. KSD's Board of Trustees honored newly tenured staff, Alice Whitt and Cristina Moisa, two special education educators with great enthusiasm and dedication to the profession. The Board also acknowledged the rich background and diverse experience of the district’s new 2022-2023 KSD staff.
Superintendent Rose, offered an update on our Food for All program and will continue to update the Board and community on a monthly basis regarding how the program is evolving.
Principal Martin and Principal Althouse offered updates about Back to School activities and shared information related to the various new school based initiatives at Bacich and Kent, including updates on daily schedules, social emotional well being, standards based grading and technology.
The Board also interviewed and voted to approve a new member of the Board, Benny Joseph, to fill a seat recently vacated by Trustee Goldwasser. Mr. Joseph will serve as a provisional Board member until the end of Trustee Goldwater’s term in December. Mr. Joseph and Silver McDonald were also announced as Trustee-elects, with a plan to be sworn into office for a four-year term at the December 13, 2022 Board Meeting.