PREPARED BY: MATT RODRIGUEZ DATE OF MEETING: 06/05/17
SUBJECT:
TITLE
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO IN SUPPORT OF THE WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (WCCUSD) ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM AND SERRA SCHOOL IN RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
WCCUSD Adult Education Program at Serra School in Richmond is an adopted policy contained in the FY 2015-17 Council Priority Workplan Update, effective October 1, 2016.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This is not a project as defined by CEQA
BACKGROUND
On May 15, 2017, the following policy item was approved by majority vote to proceed with City Council consideration to add: WCCUSD Adult Education Program at Serra School in Richmond, CA as an adopted policy item to the FY 2015-17 Council Priority Workplan, effective October 1, 2017.
Background - WCCUSD Adult Education Program at Serra School in Richmond, CA
On February 15, 2017, the WCCUSD Board of Education approved the location of a Mandarin Chinese International School as part of the overall WCCUSD plan to expand Immersion and Dual Immersion offerings throughout the WCCUSD over the next two (2) years. The Mandarin Immersion School will ensure through its by-laws that 50% of the students are either low income, foster youth or English learners. The location of the new Mandarin School will be at a WCCUSD existing facility, Serra School, located at 6028 Ralston Avenue in Richmond which currently houses the WCCUSD Adult Education Program.
The site can support three (3) new Kindergarten Classrooms according to a recent WCCUSD Facilities Review which recommended the consolidation of two (2) Adult Education programs to house the K-3 Mandarin Immersion Program for the next four (4) years at this location Based on the WCCUSD Board of Education decision, the Mandarin Immersion School with three (3) kindergarten classes are slated to be established for the 2017-18 WCCUSD School Year. Additional information is attached to this agenda report (See Attachment). WCCUSD has also established a web site for more information at: westcountymandarin.net <http://westcountymandarin.net/>.
WCCUSD Superintendent E-Communication
On May 9, 2017, a WCCUSD-wide email was transmitted by WCCUSD Superintendent Matt Duffy to provide accurate information regarding the new Mandarin Immersion School and Adult Education Programs at Serra School (See Attachment). For FY 2017-18 School Year, three (3) new kindergarten classes will be established at Serra School, and additional grades will be added in future years. WCCUSD is providing this program as a new innovative academic offering and a skill that is in demand. The following main points were explained in this communication District-wide:
• The WCCUSD Adult Education program is housed at two (2) main locations: the Serra campus and the Alvarado campus. It also runs programs at many schools throughout our District.
• After evaluating the needs of the Mandarin school and adult education for the upcoming school year, WCCUSD has determined that nearly all of the adult education classes, including all high school equivalency programs (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and adult basic education programs will remain at the Serra campus for the 2017-18 school year.
• Administrative offices will move to the Alvarado campus. Physical education classes such as yoga, pilates and tai chi may either move to the Alvarado campus, or stay on the Serra site if those classes can accommodate a slight schedule change.
• The current placement of adult education classrooms will be re-evaluated for the 2018-19 school year.
• WCCUSD is also evaluating this transition as an opportunity to review current locations of adult education classes held District-wide. There may be an opportunity to consolidate or re-locate classes closer to public transportation, and in more locations throughout the District, which may better serve adult students in the coming years as indicated by the WCCUSD Superintendent.
Public Comment at May 15, 2017 City Council meeting
On May 15, 2017, WCCUSD Superintendent Matt Duffy provided public comments clarifying this District’s policy actions to date on the Adult Education School programs at Serra School in reference to the City Council’s proposed action to consider adding: WCCUSD Adult Education Program at Serra School in Richmond, CA as a new policy item to the FY 2015-17 Council Priority Workplan Update, effective October 1, 2016.
Future Disposition and Impact of Adult Education Programs
The future disposition and impact of these programmatic changes by WCCUSD on adult students from San Pablo are not known at this time. From a policy standpoint, the City Council may elect to support the preservation of current Adult Education Programs provided by WCCUSD to be sustained at the Serra campus, or other District facilities designated in the future by the WCCUSD Board as an overall general policy statement, if desired. A Resolution has been developed for the City Council’s consideration (See Attachment).
Current adult education classes, such as GED, ESL and adult basic education programs provide critically needed educational pathways for working adults in the San Pablo community. Additionally, there exists a significant foreign-born population (i.e. 2010 U.S. Census Data Figure: 40.1% foreign-born population) in San Pablo. A significant number of adult students from the San Pablo community currently matriculate at Serra Adult School Center in particular for ESL classes.
There is a strong belief in a direct correlation between adult education and increased family literacy. In addition, adult education programs assist in providing future eligibility for adult residents pursuing workforce development programs supported by the City of San Pablo and San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, or successfully pursuing higher educational opportunities at the community college level at Contra Costa College in San Pablo following GED achievements obtained at the Serra Adult Center.
City staff have no additional information to provide to the City Council for this WCCUSD related policy matter. As directed on May 15, 2017 City Council meeting, a Resolution was directed to be developed. The City Council may elect to support the attached Resolution at their discretion by majority vote.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. WCCUSD Board Presentation dated 02/15/17 Re: Mandarin Immersion School at Serra School in Richmond, CA
2. Email Transmittal on 05/09/17 by WCCUSD Superintendent Duffy re: Status of Adult education Program at Serra School