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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Tuolumne County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
R11.2 Ensure that all substitute teachers receive the same level of safety training as full-time staff. Look into
⚠️ 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.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F11
Findings and Recommendations 13 findings
F1
Page 58
The policy manual was last updated in 1992 and some of the policies no longer reflect current operations. As such, the manual is outdated, which undermines its authority and utility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 59
Within nine months, Public Works should revise the CSA policy manual for Board of Supervisor approval. In this revision consider ways to reduce overhead expenses, if possible. In addition, create a policy for the review of the policy manual every 10 years. (F1)
F2
Page 58
The policy manual does not address the dissolving of CSAs. A process was specified in 2009 when members voted on CSA continuation, but it had not been approved by the BOS.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Page 58
The policy manual does not address the process to be followed when Public Works receives a complaint from a property owner within a CSA. Responses to landowner’s complaints can affect the economic viability of the CSA. Yet there is no specification of what is an emergency action and what can wait for approval the following year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 59
, Public Works should Develop a complaint system with a corresponding policy. for approval by the Board of Supervisors. (F3)
F4
Page 58
The policy manual does not specify providing the actual expenses to the members of the CSA and does not break out the cost of overhead separately from the cost of the work. This prevents accountability and is a lack of transparency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 59
Within nine months, Public Works should increase transparency and accountability by specify that the yearly report include the previous year’s expenditures for review and approval by the Board of Supervisors. (F4)
F5
Page 58
The Board of Supervisors members interviewed, part of the governing body, did not know about the policy manual. Engineering Report
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Page 59
Within five months, the BOS staff should create a binder of policies for each BOS member to serve as a reference. Include the CSA policy in that binder. (F5) Engineering Report
F6
Page 58
With increasing revenues and no increases in expenses over the 20 years covered, the engineering report does not always provide the information needed to ensure sustainable operations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Page 59
Within nine months, Public Works should re-evaluate the engineering report for effectiveness, state the purpose of the report and align the structure to that purpose for review and approval by the Board of Supervisors. (Finding 6)
F7
Page 58
The engineering report has never been updated every five years. The timing specified for the report is clearly not workable or cost effective. Board of Supervisor Training
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Page 59
Within nine months, Public Works should set a review frequency for the engineering report based on some measure of need for review and approval by the Board of Supervisors. (Finding 7) Board of Supervisors Training
F8
Page 58
Supervisors were not trained on CSAs even though they are the governing board for them. Audit
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Page 59
By the next BOS training for new members, the BOS should include all the entities where the BOS is the governing body in that training. (F8) Audit
F9
Page 58
The Board of Supervisors does not review the results of the county audit leaving no accountability at the county level. LAFCO
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
Page 59
Within three months, the Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors should establish a practice to review the county audit each year within eight weeks of its release and make recommendations to the board on that audit if indicated as a local review independent of county administration. (F9) 16 LAFCOR10. Within the next nine months, LAFCO should do Sphere of Influence (SOI) analysis that addresses any other landowners who may primarily use the CSA roads for access and expand the CSA to include those parcels. (F10)
F10
Page 58
LAFCO has not reviewed Sphere of Influence for CSAs in the last five year which doesn’t allow for reassessment of non-contributors. Those benefiting from a CSA regularly should be members of that CSA. 15
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
Page 59
Within three months, the Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors should establish a practice to review the county audit each year within eight weeks of its release and make recommendations to the board on that audit if indicated as a local review independent of county administration. (F9) 16 LAFCOR10. Within the next nine months, LAFCO should do Sphere of Influence (SOI) analysis that addresses any other landowners who may primarily use the CSA roads for access and expand the CSA to include those parcels. (F10)
F12.1
Page 40
: While ALICE training is part of the yearly plan for Twain Harte School, it isn’t clear if this occurred during the COVID years amidst school closures and times of uncertainty. The most recent drill was in January 2022 and an interviewee stated that the school was actively trying to schedule another drill for this calendar school year but was waiting on Sheriff availability. The ALICE training is listed in the school’s safety plan.
No recommendations for this finding
F12.2
Page 40
: The school is directly in town, making it appealing for members of the public to enter the grounds during school hours. In the field nearest the Twain Harte Market shopping center, a locked gate was recently installed to discourage foot traffic through the school grounds. When non-staff or non-students enter the premises, there are staff who try to greet them and provide education on campus access availability.
No recommendations for this finding
F12.3
Page 40
: While some of the buildings are older in nature, staff are working to update security measures to ensure that students are safe in the present day. Notably, there was a new locked gate installed along a back pathway into the primary school at the request and suggestion of teachers. Doors have devices to allow teachers to lock from the inside swiftly, and there has been fencing installed, where possible, but much of the school is open.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 3
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R2Page 59Within nine months, Public Works should add procedures for dissolving CSAs, those with and without ad valorem to the policy manual including consideration of how to notify prospective buyers that there is no entity responsible for road maintenance.
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R11Page 382 Ensure that all substitute teachers receive the same level of safety training as full-time staff. Look into providing them with access to the online training and certification that full-time staff members receive. (F11.2) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Summerville Union High School District The response language differs from the Penal Superintendent Code requirements. The response states that the district will work with the County Superintendent of Schools to determine the best way to incorporate substitutes in safety training. While the response clearly demonstrates the district’s intention to implement the recommendation, the PC933 response requirement mandates a timeline for the implementation (for example, when the district will collaborate with the County Superintended of Schools). Therefore, the response does not comply with the PC933 response requirements.
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R12Page 401: The district should ensure that the safety plan is updated routinely, and that all teachers, staff, students, and parents are provided copies and pertinent training to develop current understanding. ALICE training should be yearly, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office should prioritize and promote engagement with students and education around lockdowns and potential threats to the school. (F12.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Twain Harte School District Superintendent Recommendation has been implemented. Response states that the School Safety Plan is reviewed annually by the School Site Council and adopted by the school board before March 1 of each year. Copies of the School Safety Plan are available in the school office. Both administrators will complete ALICE train-the-trainer certification. ALICE drills will be held annually with the Tuolumne Conty Sheriff’s Office.