Kings County Grand Jury • 2017-2018

Kings County Grand Jury 2017-2018 Final Report

Published: May 18, 2018 120 pages Consolidated Report

View Original PDF

⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 9 findings

There is a great need for expansion of the English Language Learner Program.

There were potential problems relating to student and staff parking on campus.

There were potential safety hazards in dropping off children for the child care center.

With the current school climate in the United States there is the need for additional campus security. 27

There are some classes where the teaching and/or classroom management are in need of help.

There are classrooms with missing and/or damaged ceiling tiles.

There is no Career Center at the Avenal High School campus as in other Kings County High Schools.

Avenal High School does not provide printed class information to students and depends on spoken word from Counselors for information.

Misuse of the cell phone policy in classrooms was evident which results in loss of instructional time.

Recommendations 5

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.

Comments 8

CO1

The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff of Avenal High School for the visit and for the information provided. The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury commends the staff for their dedication to the students and parents of Avenal High School.
CO2

The Kings County Grand Jury thanks the staff of Hanford Adult School for the tour and information. 35 RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933© provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” REQUIRED RESPONSE None INVITED RESPONSES Hanford Adult School Principal Hanford Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees 36 This page left intentionally blank 37 HANFORD HIGH SCHOOL SUMMARY The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury was made aware of the public interest regarding Hanford High School. Following an interview with a member of the school administration, a tour of the campus was conducted. Members of the Grand Jury in teams of two observed as many classes as possible. The encouraging atmosphere of the school was apparent.
CO3

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. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…”
CO4

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. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” 51 REQUIRED RESPONSE Warden of Avenal State Prison Avenal State Prison Fire Chief/Safety Officer INVITED RESPONSES State of California Fire Marshall 52 This page left intentionally blank 53 CALIFORNIA STATE PRISON CORCORAN SUMMARY The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury toured the California State Prison Corcoran. The Grand Jury interviewed staff who provided specific information related to their area of expertise. In addition to the tour, staff provided written information regarding care and treatment for the prison population. An informative visit to the fire house allowed the Grand Jury further insight for review.
CO5

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. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the grand jury requests responses as follows: REQUIRED RESPONSE Warden, California State Prison Corcoran INVITED RESPONSE Fire Chief, California State Prison Corcoran 58 This page left intentionally blank 59 CALIFORNIA SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY And STATE PRISON CORCORAN SUMMARY The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury toured the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) as required by California state mandate. Correctional staff contributed specific information related to their area of expertise. In addition to the tour, the staff provided written information regarding care, treatment and programs for the general prison population.
CO6

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. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” The grand jury requests responses as follows:
CO7

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. RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…” 97 REQUIRED RESPONSE City of Hanford City Council INVITED RESPONSES City of Hanford Parks and Recreation Department 98 This page left intentionally blank 99 KINGS WASTE AND RECYCLING AUTHORITY SUMMARY The 2017-2018 Kings County Grand Jury toured the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority site. Following the interview with the director, a tour of the facility was conducted. The director and the operational manager provided information pertaining to their area of expertise. The Grand Jury was provided written information regarding every facet of the facility.
CO8

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 RESPONSE REQUIRED California Penal Code §933(c) provides in part: “Within 90 days of receipt of a report the public agency shall submit its response to the presiding judge. If the report is on an elected public official, the response shall be submitted to the presiding judge within 60 days of receipt…”