Warren Galletti, Superintendent of Schools*

take reasonable steps to assure the confidentiality of student drug testing results. [Board Policy 5131.61(b)] This caused embarrassment to the student and exposed the school district to potential legal action. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state I believe school districts should comply with all adopted policies including those related to student drug testing. When three students were alleged to have cheated on an exit exam; the

Superintendent invalidated the math portion of the exam for all students. This punished all of the students by requiring them to retake the exam as well as placing the High School in the School Improvement Program. pg. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state I believe school districts should implement appropriate safeguards to limit students cheating on exams. The negative work environment at the High School caused over 40 percent of the

certificated staff to terminate their employment. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state that I encourage school districts to foster a positive work environment. The previous principal worked with the teachers in allocating lottery funds; this is

no longer the procedure. The current Principal/Superintendent was unaware of either the amount of lottery funds or their distribution. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. The Grand Jury determined the confidentiality of personnel matters was breached

when the District Superintendent handed out reduction in force notifications publicly causing both embarrassment and low morale. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. District School Board meeting audio recordings are difficult to understand due to

inadequate equipment and the lack of identification of those speaking. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state that encourage school districts to use appropriate audio recording equipment and, when appropriate, to have the individual speaking identify himself or herself. Attendance by the working public, and their opportunity to have input, is curtailed

by the current District School Board meetings being held at an inconvenient time. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state that I encourage school districts to schedule school board meetings at times that are reasonably convenient for the public to attend. pg. A District School Board member using profanity during a public District School

Board meeting is never acceptable. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can comment that the inappropriate use of profanity by board members at a public school board meeting should be discouraged. The Grand Jury heard the same Board member ridicule a visiting presenter's

report on nutrition, causing embarrassment to both the presenter and those in attendance. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state that I encourage the respectful treatment of presenters and the public at school board meetings.

It is critically important to continue maintaining separate balance sheets for each school since they have a combined budget. I agree it is important to practice good accounting practices in developing school district budgets. One of the roles of the Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools is to provide fiscal oversight over Mendocino school district budgets. Maintaining separate income statements for Point Arena Joint Union High School and Arena Union Elementary School District is a good accounting practice.

There are multiple Brown Act violations during District School Board meetings that can be remedied with education, training, and a desire to act professionally. As already described, since my office has limited knowledge of day-to-day operations and limited authority regarding Point Arena Schools, I cannot comment whether I agree or disagree regarding this finding. I can state I encourage school district administrators and board members to receive training in understanding and complying with the Brown Act. RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY'S RECOMMENDATIONS