Kings County Grand Jury
2017-2018
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Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
There is a great need for expansion of the English Language Learner Program.
F2:
There were potential problems relating to student and staff parking on campus.
F3:
There were potential safety hazards in dropping off children for the child care center.
F4:
With the current school climate in the United States there is the need for additional campus security. 27
F5:
There are some classes where the teaching and/or classroom management are in need of help.
F6:
There are classrooms with missing and/or damaged ceiling tiles.
F7:
There is no Career Center at the Avenal High School campus as in other Kings County High Schools.
F8:
Avenal High School does not provide printed class information to students and depends on spoken word from Counselors for information.
F9:
Misuse of the cell phone policy in classrooms was evident which results in loss of instructional time.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Develop a credit program for bilingual West Hills College students to work with Avenal High students (ideal for any teacher training program).
R2:
The district should consider hiring as many bilingual teachers and aides as possible.
R3:
Develop an after-school tutorial program which has some “reward” to omit any stigma by being enrolled. 26
R4:
Further develop the Student Assistant Program to permit bilingual students the opportunity to help English language learners (they could be supervised by district coaches).
R5:
Offer classes at no cost for parents to help build English skills.
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Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
There are 12 inmate firefighter positions authorized but only two positions were filled at the time of the Grand Jury’s visit which could impact overall service and safety. 57
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends a greater effort to fill the authorized inmate firefighter positions for more efficient service and safety. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury appreciates the time and effort taken by staff for the tour of CSPC. The Grand Jury commends the staff for their dedication and diligence.
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
At the time of the tour the restrooms in the east visitors’ center were in unsanitary conditions. Toilet bowls and floors were filled with refuse and had a foul smell.
F2:
Staff members assigned to the correctional treatment center were unable to explain the use of the negative air flow holding cell/treatment rooms.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Develop a plan to keep the restrooms clean and useable even during a lockdown period. Clean restrooms eliminate health hazards.
R2:
All staff members assigned to the correctional treatment center should be knowledgeable in the purpose and use of the negative air flow holding cell/treatment rooms. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury appreciates the time and effort taken by staff for the tour of SATF. The Grand Jury commends the staff for their dedication and hard work.
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
At Earl F. Johnson Park the playground structure was in poor condition and a potential safety hazard for the public. 96
F2:
The center support of the gazebo at the north end of the Earl F. Johnson Park has been damaged and the cement base is badly cracked in several areas.
F3:
The metal railing at the Skate Park showed serious wear and there were cracks in the pavement giving rise to possible safety issues.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury recommends that the playground structure at Earl F. Johnson Park be replaced or removed for the safety of the public.
R2:
The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury recommends the gazebo center support and cement base be repaired for the protection of the public.
R3:
The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury recommends that the metal railing and cracks in the pavement be repaired for the protection of the public. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury was impressed with the overall condition of the many city parks. The Grand Jury thanks the City of Hanford’s Parks and Recreation staff for their time, efforts and for the information provided.
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
There is an ongoing property tax for health care on the citizens of Corcoran.
F2:
There is a lack of public participation on the CDH Board.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The CDH Board should hold a public study session on use of the property tax after the debt is paid in full.
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The WASC accreditation has lapsed.
F2:
The school is meeting the diverse language needs of the community.
F3:
The Certified Nursing Program and Business Technology Program are providing essential training and assistance in job placement to enable students to enter the work force.
F4:
The welding program provides training and certification for essential/technical skills.
F5:
The Pottery program is limited in class size and to one night a week.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Continue the application process to regain the WASC accreditation.
R3:
The Hanford Adult School should continue searching for community partners to assist in job placement for graduates.
R5:
Expanding class availability would be of interest to the public. COMMENTS The Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff of Hanford Adult School for the tour and information. 35
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
Campus safety staff provides a safe and enriched campus environment to emphasize learning
F2:
The school district has a master plan for repairs and maintenance based upon time and budget constraints.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Continue the campus safety program.
R2:
The district needs to continue to follow through with repairs and maintenance. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury was impressed with the many beautification projects that have been carried out which benefit not only current students but students in the future. The administration is to be congratulated on their exemplary leadership. It was apparent to the Grand Jury that the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers and the manner in which the district curriculum is presented makes a definite impact. Students appear to be more engaged by this teaching method.
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The ballot counting machines are old and repairs are difficult and expensive. 83
F2:
A warehouse is being used to store unusable voting machines.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends the purchase or lease of new ballot counting machines to ensure election results in Kings County are not delayed or complicated by machine failure.
R2:
Determine if the unusable voting machines can be destroyed or sold.
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury observed positive interaction between the juveniles and staff.
F2:
The incentive program as developed by staff is exemplary.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
The incentive program should be continued. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury appreciates the effort on the part of the county in providing an updated facility for the juveniles of Kings County and looks forward to the completion of the facility. The grand jury also congratulates the staff of the Juvenile Center for their leadership in providing a quality program at the Juvenile Center.
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Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
None COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury was very impressed with the overall operation of the facility. The Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff for their courtesy and the information provided. 102
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
A much needed repair of the Administrative Building roof was completed upon receipt of necessary funding. By utilizing inmate day labor, the costs were substantially reduced for California taxpayers.
F2:
The annunciator panel in the fire station is non-operational creating a hazard for inmates and staff in every prison building.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
Aggressively seek funding in order to complete wiring needed to activate the emergency warning system located in the fire house. The Grand Jury suggests that the use of inmate day labor would substantially reduce costs to California taxpayers. COMMENTS The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury was impressed by the care and dedication of the staff and the programs offered to inmates. The reduction of prison population due to AB109 has greatly reduced overcrowding which also benefits availability of programs for inmates. The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff for the tour and the information provided.