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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
Respondent Response Curtis Creek School District Superintendent Recommendation has been implemented. The response
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 62 findings
F1
The Jail is currently short staffed. Not all programs are functioning at their full capacity.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Due to the staffing shortage, there are no longer inmate work crews. The work program contributed to a significant reduction in recidivism and tracking shows 72% of those enrolled in work programs don’t come back.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
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)
R2
2 For both physical site and Dominion system access, formal procedures should be established including a two-person integrity rule. A minimum of two County staff should be 15 present during all ballot build uploads, software downloads and external drive scans. The TCGJ was not provided with any documentation regarding site and Dominion hardware access security plans. (F3, F5) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Tuolumne County Auditor /Controller & The response language differs from the Penal Registrar of Voters Code requirements. While this recommendation does not directly state that a site and Dominion hardware access “plan” be created, it is reasonable to assume that the TCGJ recommended such a (written) plan. The response indicated that a “two-person integrity rule is our practice” but did not discuss the lack of documentation of the plan or the existence/creation of such a plan. This response report assumes that the recommendation was not implemented because a plan does not exist. Therefore, the response does not meet one of the four Penal Code 933 responses.
F4
It is the shared opinion of the Grand Jury that the Tuolumne County Juvenile Detention Facility is a valuable and effective institution that is staffed by qualified and competent personnel. It was evident that staff are dedicated to helping the Youth exit the system successfully and build skills needed for successful lives outside the system.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The detention center also benefits on a grand scale from its indispensable volunteer work force.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
2 For both physical site and Dominion system access, formal procedures should be established including a two-person integrity rule. A minimum of two County staff should be 15 present during all ballot build uploads, software downloads and external drive scans. The TCGJ was not provided with any documentation regarding site and Dominion hardware access security plans. (F3, F5) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Tuolumne County Auditor /Controller & The response language differs from the Penal Registrar of Voters Code requirements. While this recommendation does not directly state that a site and Dominion hardware access “plan” be created, it is reasonable to assume that the TCGJ recommended such a (written) plan. The response indicated that a “two-person integrity rule is our practice” but did not discuss the lack of documentation of the plan or the existence/creation of such a plan. This response report assumes that the recommendation was not implemented because a plan does not exist. Therefore, the response does not meet one of the four Penal Code 933 responses.
F6
The staff was friendly, professional, articulate, and knowledgeable. 17
No recommendations for this finding
F7
We learned that the prison is fully staffed with correctional personnel but there are shortages in staffing for many of the other departments, such as, medical, education, and all other rehabilitation services offered to the prisoners.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
There are a tremendous number of services and opportunities available that benefit staff, the incarcerated, and the public at large.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The Board of Supervisors does not review the results of the county audit leaving no accountability at the county level. LAFCO
No recommendations for this finding
F10
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
No recommendations for this finding
F1.1
. The airports have been poorly managed.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.2
. The airports' facilities need upgrading and added maintenance.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.3
. Deer having access to the runways creates a serious safety issue. 8
No recommendations for this finding
F1.4
A great deal of the perimeter of the school is not fenced in and leads to fields or wild lands.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.1
At a cost of almost $4 million, Project 1906 excavated, rebuilt, and repaved the Airport’s ramp, apron, and taxi lane areas. Little or no transition work was done, resulting in major operational and safety issues with many hangars.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.2
Tenant interviewees unanimously agreed that there are cosmetic, structural, and maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.3
Availability of hangar space at Columbia Airport does not adequately meet present demand, which decreases the Airport’s ability to potentially increase revenue and serve the population. 9
No recommendations for this finding
F2.4
Safety of election staff and election centers and ballot boxes should be of paramount concern. The TCGJ did not see a formal safety review or debrief following the election
No recommendations for this finding
F2.5
In conjunction with the physical access concerns, a formal procedure for access to the Dominion hardware for software updates and for election downloads was not readily available. The TCGJ did not see a formal procedure provided when all related documentation was requested.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.6
The VCA is fully implemented in Tuolumne County. TCED has an extensive community outreach program
No recommendations for this finding
F3.1
The airport is presently in good condition; although, the taxiway needs crack repair.
No recommendations for this finding
F3.2
The Pilot Controlled Lighting System is original to the Airport, over fifty years old, and has not been upgraded.
No recommendations for this finding
F3.3
: During recess periods, the student-to-teacher ratio stands at 50 to 1. For special events, security is managed by coaches and administrative staff. 20
No recommendations for this finding
F4.1
County oversight of airport budget and administration has been sub-optimal.
No recommendations for this finding
F4.2
The log of airport employee work assignments is only used to capture some work orders.
No recommendations for this finding
F4.3
Because not all work orders are logged, it is not possible to verify whether assigning 20% of Columbia Airport’s labor to PMLA is an accurate representation of PMLA’s true operating cost.
No recommendations for this finding
F4.4
Public Works does not currently have a lease or pay rent for their Fleet Services property located on Columbia Airport property, whereas other departments do.
No recommendations for this finding
F4.5
Property taxes collected on planes are not assigned to either airport; the funds go to the County General Fund.
No recommendations for this finding
F4.6
PMLA would have been revenue neutral, or close to revenue neutral, from 2017 to 2022 had property tax revenue from planes been assigned to the Airports, or if the Airports had been combined into a singular enterprise fund.
No recommendations for this finding
F5.1
The Board of Supervisors is not receiving valuable and sufficient input that the AAC can provide, to be able to make decisions about the airports.
No recommendations for this finding
F5.2
The rules governing the AAC were outdated, overly rigid and, thus, did not encourage participation.
No recommendations for this finding
F5.3
: Communication between the main office and individual classrooms is supported through radio provided to all teachers and staff. At this time, the PA system is not working effectively in all areas of the school.
No recommendations for this finding
F6.1
: Jamestown Elementary employs the ALICE training methodology, undertaken annually with local law enforcement offices' involvement. The school conducts an active shooter drill once a year in cooperation with the sheriff. Besides ALICE, fire and earthquake drills are also conducted.
No recommendations for this finding
F6.2
: The school safety plan at Jamestown Elementary is readily accessible and is executed by the administration. It is updated routinely, and staff training occurs before the school year starts. The staff training logs are maintained by the school secretary.
No recommendations for this finding
F6.3
: Jamestown Elementary's campus is mostly fenced in, except for a small portion in the front. The school has security cameras installed. The school follows a safety protocol for releasing students to parents in case of an evacuation, and it has practices in place for firearm/weapon prevention, such as searching backpacks as necessary.
No recommendations for this finding
F7.1
: The school does not log its regular monthly drills, which might limit the ability to track progress and areas for improvement.
No recommendations for this finding
F7.2
: Sonora Elementary has an active shooter protocol in place, with ALICE training that involves parent participation.
No recommendations for this finding
F7.3
: The school's camera system is not consistently monitored throughout the day, and there are no cameras in the parking lot. This could potentially leave areas of the school vulnerable.
No recommendations for this finding
F8.1
: Sonora High conducts ALICE training (Appendix 1) as part of their safety plan, with staff training taking place on the days before the school session starts. The school has performed two fire drills, one lockdown drill, and one earthquake drill this academic year.
No recommendations for this finding
F8.2
: The school safety plan is accessible and considered important by the administration. Substitutes receive binders with safety information, ensuring they are informed and prepared in case of emergencies.
No recommendations for this finding
F8.3
: Sonora High has implemented several security measures, including numerous cameras, four non-uniformed campus security supervisors, and a facial recognition app for visitors, which sends instant notifications to staff.
No recommendations for this finding
F8.4
The campus is not fully fenced, with only 50% of the perimeter secured. 27
No recommendations for this finding
F8.5
Firearm and weapon prevention practices at Sonora High include searching backpacks as deemed necessary, using wands if required, and employing a monthly dog search service.
No recommendations for this finding
F8.6
Despite having a considerable number of students leaving for classes at Columbia College, the school does not have a system in place for regulating those coming on and off campus.
No recommendations for this finding
F9.1
: Like most of the schools in the county, Soulsbyville has both in-house ALICE training and assistance by local law enforcement. Full time teachers receive safety training, but substitutes must rely on safety plans in the classroom. They do have cameras and 65% fencing which includes athletic fields and play area.
No recommendations for this finding
F9.2
: There is not much foot traffic from the surrounding neighborhoods, but all people entering the campus are challenged by any staff members if they do not check into the off ice. The only crosswalk is in a bad place and has bushes blocking the view of pedestrians and oncoming traffic. The Head Start program is closest to the cross walk. The lack of a crossing guard presents a problem for both pedestrians & traffic.
No recommendations for this finding
F9.3
: The ratio of teachers to students at recess is 1:35; on field trips it is 1:10. During hosted school events staff and parents are used as security. After a lock down the students must have their parents come to get them released. Students can contact an adult or use the drop box to report safety concerns.
No recommendations for this finding
F10.1
: Staff training occurs before the start of the school year and includes two ALICE training courses annually.
No recommendations for this finding
F10.2
: Summerville Elementary School places emphasis on preparedness for a potential lockdown. Classrooms are equipped with flip charts for substitutes, and each room has emergency and water supplies.
No recommendations for this finding
F10.3
: The school has ceased locking its gates and fences based on county advice to facilitate emergency response and to allow children access in the event of a shooter. However, this practice appears to be a point of concern for school administration.
No recommendations for this finding
F10.4
The student to adult ratio during recess at Summerville Elementary School is 12:1, which is a reasonable ratio that allows for adequate supervision during these periods.
No recommendations for this finding
F10.5
The school has mechanisms in place for students to report safety concerns, including options to send an email or talk to a teacher.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.1
: Summerville High School has implemented ALICE training and engages with law enforcement for planning and preparedness.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.2
: The safety plan at Summerville High School is not only accessible but also continually updated.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.3
: The campus is partially fenced, and access control is not absolute, as individuals can walk onto campus unchallenged.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.4
Most classrooms are equipped for lockdowns with emergency supplies, though not all have food and water.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.5
The school employs practices to prevent weapons on campus, such as monitoring break times and behaviors as well as utilizing surprise drug dog visits. They also distribute a classroom discipline policy that outlines the consequences of bringing weapons to school.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.6
The ratio of students to adults during recess and breaks is between 30 and 35 to 1.
No recommendations for this finding
F11.7
Students are encouraged to report safety concerns to any adult staff member, reinforcing the message "if you see something, say something".
No recommendations for this finding
F12.1
: 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
: 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
: 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 11
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R12. A concerted effort should be made to improve the look of the airports, with available resources, and make them more inviting to both local and transient users. (F1.2) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Board of Supervisors Recommendation has been implemented Signs have been replaced, numbering and painting of all tie-down areas has happened, new picnic tables and benches have been ordered. A painting schedule for the main buildings has been created and a request for quotes is out for replacement of roofs on the main buildings. Scheduled maintenance schedules have been created and management is working on improving maintenance protocols.
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R3Share successes and positive programs with the local press so that they may help the public stay aware of the benefits and effectiveness of the programs. RESPONDENT RESPONSE Public Information Officer, SCC No response 4. Review of Responses to the School Safety Report 4.2 Belleview School
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R41: To enhance the effectiveness of the safety plan, it would be beneficial to ensure that all staff members, including substitutes, receive a copy of the plan and are properly trained. This will ensure continuity and efficiency in case of an emergency. (F4.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Curtis Creek School District Superintendent Recommendation has been implemented. The response states that all staff members currently receive a copy of the plan, and that substitutes will be provided a summary of the emergency procedures as well as the location where the plan is in the classroom where the substitute will be subbing. Therefore, the recommendation has been implemented.
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R51: Administration should continue to support and update the safety plan. The posted evacuation maps are very helpful to substitutes who may be less familiar with the campus, but it would also be extremely helpful to give substitutes a copy of the safety plan for perusal as they are coming to work. (F5.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE N/A
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R61: Jamestown Elementary should continue to complete ALICE training and consider biannual all-school training sessions to ensure that students are reminded of the concepts. This will ensure that all individuals responsible for students are prepared to execute the safety plan in an emergency. (F6.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Jamestown Elementary Superintendent Recommendation has been implemented The response indicates that annual ALICE training will continue for staff and students. Also, biannual training sessions will be conducted, beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Therefore, this recommendation has been implemented.
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R71: The school should institute a system for logging and reviewing all safety drills. The documentation should include recording the date, time, type of drill, and debrief to identify any issues arising from the drill. Regular reviews of these logs could help identify trends, areas for improvement, and ensure consistency in safety practices. (F7.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Sonora Elementary Superintendent The response language differs from the Penal Code requirements. The response indicates that since January 2023, all drills have been logged. However, the response has not indicated whether the logging of safety drills include the date, time, type of drill, and debriefing of the drills. The recommendation is to institute a system for logging and reviewing all safety drills. Therefore, the response discusses only a portion of the recommendation. Because the response does not indicate that the recommendation has not been (fully) implemented, will be implemented (with details of that future implementation), nor that the recommendation will not be implemented, the response does not satisfy any of the four PC 933 responses.
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R81: Regular ALICE Training and Drills - Conduct ALICE training for staff and students more frequently to ensure they are well-prepared for potential active shooter situations. Maintain an updated log of all drills and trainings. Regularly practicing different scenarios can help build confidence and familiarity with emergency response procedures. (F8.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Sonora Union High School District Recommendation has been implemented. Superintendent The response indicates that “bi-annual” training will begin during the 2023-24 school year. (Note: because the response indicates that this training will be conducted in each of the Fall and Spring semesters, the GJ assumes that this training will be “semi-annually”). The district will maintain a current log of all emergency drills and training. Last, recent, and routine collaborative meetings have been held with school superintendents and law enforcement to develop best practices for school safety plans. Therefore, this recommendation has been implemented.
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R91: Staff should maintain and follow up in ALICE training for both students and staff, and involvement with local law enforcement is optimal. Staff should also continue to update and review safety plans if possible. (F9.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Soulsbyville School District Superintendent Recommendation has been implemented The response states that the district will continue to maintain and follow up ALICE training and continue to review and update safety plans. Therefore, this recommendation has been implemented.
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R101 Continue to prioritize and invest in regular safety drills and staff training, including ALICE training. Given the comprehensive nature of this training, consider extending this training to substitute teachers to ensure a uniform response to potential emergencies across all staff. (F10.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Summerville School District Superintendent The response language differs from the Penal Code requirements. The response states that the district will continue to prioritize regular safety drills and staff ALICE training. The district’s response also indicates that it will commence conversations with county personnel, regarding the training of substitutes. While the response clearly indicates the district’s desire to fully implement this recommendation, if the recommendation is going to be implemented, PC 933 requires a timeline for the implementation (for example, when will the meetings with county personnel occur?). Therefore, the response language does not meet any of the four PC 933 responses choices.
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R111 Continue to engage with local law enforcement to practice and review the ALICE training. (F11.1) RESPONDENT RESPONSE Summerville Union High School District Recommendation has been implemented. Superintendent The response states that the district will continue with their existing ALICE protocol. Therefore, the recommendation has been implemented.
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R121: 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.