2005-hs-02 a Review of the Charter Schools of

Recommendations 30

• R1

  Page 26
  The Grand Jury recommends that Freshwater Charter Middle School invest in computer technology to the extent of its budget limitations. GRAND JURY REPORT # 2005-HS-06 A Review of Practices and Policies of Jacoby Creek Elementary School (a Charter District) Who Shall Respond: Pursuant to California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, responses to the Findings and Recommendations of GRAND JURY REPORT # 2005-HS-06 shall be provided as follows: (cid:127) No response is necessary. Jacoby Creek Elementary School is a charter district serving 415 students from K - 8th grade. Fifty percent of the students come from outside the district borders. Jacoby Creek’s application and admission
• R1a

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Cast Boards create a leadership position
• R1b

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that a Deputy District Attorney with experience in and a commitment to CAST fill the leadership position.
• R1c

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA request additional clerical support staff positions from the Board of Supervisors.
• R1d

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors authorize the DA to hire additional clerical support staff.
• R2
  County Counsel should ensure that each county contract include provisions for a specific county department to be accountable in a measurable way and include a provision for a specific department to have oversight responsibility for the contract.
• R2a

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA continue and expand regularly-scheduled meetings with law enforcement to inform them of cases rejected for lack of information and/or evidence.
• R2b

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA’s office produce regularly-scheduled reports for law enforcement showing the disposition of each case. These reports must contain all relevant information regarding each case from inception to final resolution.
• R2c

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the DA’s office confer with law enforcement agencies to ensure the reports contain the information they need.
• R3
  The County must assure that county departments adequately track contract expirations, so that a competitive bid process or at least negotiations can be initiated in time to insure cost-effective services without a break. Grand Jury Report #2005-CD-01 An Investigation into the First Time Home Buyer and Housing Rehabilitation Programs in the City of Rio Dell Executive Summary The Grand Jury finds that the First Time Home Buyer and Housing Rehabilitation Programs are not being adequately monitored by the City of Rio Dell. In July 2002, the city entered into a contract with state and federal agencies to establish a revolving loan fund of $500,000 to be loaned to low-income families to purchase a first home. The funds were also available for home rehabilitation loans. The loans are to be repaid to make the funds available for others. Although the contract states specific responsibilities for all parties, the City failed to meet the contractual responsibilities. The City contracted with Redwood Community Action Agency to administer the funds and manage the projects for a fee. The City Council authorized three First Time Home Buyer loans, one a combination of both the First Time Home Buyer and Housing Rehabilitation programs. Problems with this combination project became apparent very soon. Alarming structural and safety issues were ignored in favor of superficial cosmetic repairs. An investigation by the Grand Jury revealed that the program was not being monitored. For example, termite and structural reports were not being appropriately analyzed and corrective action was not taken. Serious health and safety issues were not addressed. Construction was done without an approved set of plans or a permit. The contract specifically requires both. While it is understandable that the small city finds it necessary to contract for the services of a project manager, it is essential for the city to maintain supervision of this third party. The Grand Jury recommends that the City of Rio Dell meet its oversight responsibilities as well as establish and implement procedures which will assure that health and safety issues take precedence in all home purchases and rehabilitation projects using public funds. Who Shall Respond:
• R3a

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA’s office, in cooperation with the Victim Witness Office, develop a written policy stating who shall promptly respond to inquiries. Prompt response is especially important to victims of crime.
• R3b

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA’s office immediately develop a small, quickreference office manual which includes how to handle correspondence and telephone calls so they will be dealt with in a timely manner. This would be especially useful for new hires.
• R3c

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA personally provide a good example by responding to inquiries quickly.
• R4
  The Grand Jury recommends that the City Council, the City Manager, and appropriate staff periodically review these projects and maintain proper records as required by the contract. If it is necessary to hire an outside agency to administer project, a representative of that agency should report regularly to the City Council and the City Manager. Oversight of these projects must be a priority. Grand Jury Report #2005-CD-02 Manila Community Services District 14 Executive Summary Manila Community Services District (MCSD) provides and manages both water and sewer services, and public recreation and parks. Water and sewer operations are self-supporting through the charge of user fees to customers. Recreation and parks operations are primarily funded by government grants, charitable donations, and fund-raising events. Recreation and parks do not charge significant user fees. Water and sewer funds are “loaned” to cover recreation and parks shortfalls; these “loans” are rarely repaid. Since water and sewer operations are vital to health and safety, greater priority needs to be given to system replacement, updates, improvements and repairs. While recreation and parks enhance culture and quality of life, costs and finances for such aesthetic civilities must not be allowed to overwhelm water and sewer operations. The Grand Jury recommends that MCSD discontinue using the water and sewer fund to subsidize recreation and parks. The Grand Jury further recommends that MCSD establish and maintain prudent reserves and comply with audit recommendations. Who Shall Respond:
• R5
  The Grand Jury recommends that MCSD adopt a plan to reduce and eventually eliminate the debt owed by recreation and park funds to the water and sewer fund.
• R5a

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Big Lagoon Charter School Network pay all its employees directly, deducting appropriate federal and state taxes and CalPERS, and paying premiums for state unemployment compensation and state workers’ compensation insurance.
• R5b

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Big Lagoon Charter School Network check with the Federal and State Internal Revenue Services and the Federal and State Departments of Labor to verify the legal definitions of “employee,” “independent contractor,” and “volunteer” to determine who shall have taxes and retirement deductions made, and for whom premiums should be paid for unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance.
• R5c

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Big Lagoon Charter School Network consult with CalPERS to determine the legitimacy of using a pass-through account to pay a person who is already retired and receiving retirement system benefits.
• R6
  The Grand Jury recommends that members of the Board of Directors take special training for board members of non-profit organizations. Training is available free or at minimal cost from both Humboldt Area Foundation and College of the Redwoods. Grand Jury Report #2005-HS-01 Visit to Humboldt County’s Family Connection Center Executive Summary: The Grand Jury interviewed employees and toured the Child Welfare Family Connections Center, a facility providing supervised visits for parents whose children are placed in temporary custody. The frequency and type of visits are determined by court order with transportation furnished by Child Welfare, if needed. Times of visits are arranged to meet children’s and parents’ schedules taking into consideration school and work. The facility is child-friendly, colorful, brightly-lit and welcoming. Books, activities, toys, craft supplies, games and comfortable furniture help provide a healthy atmosphere for the visits. Transportation of parents and children to the facility is sometimes inconvenient when car seats and cars are in two different locations. Who Shall Respond:
• R7

  Page 26
  The Grand Jury recommends that either the sponsoring agency (Big Lagoon Union Elementary District) or the Humboldt County Office of Education exercise vigilant oversight regarding the credentials held by teachers assigned to be the primary teachers of the core high school courses of English, Math, History, and Science. GRAND JURY REPORT # 2005-HS-05 A Review of Practices and Policies of Freshwater Charter Middle School Who Shall Respond: Pursuant to California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, responses to the Findings and Recommendations of GRAND JURY REPORT # 2005-HS-05 shall be provided as follows: (cid:127) Freshwater Charter Middle School shall respond to Finding 1 and Recommendation 1. Freshwater Charter Middle School has served 7th and 8th graders from the Freshwater District for four years under the umbrella of the Freshwater Elementary School District. Its enrollment procedure is open and transparent, accepting all applicants in a standard priority order: those in the Freshwater School District, those who attended the 5th and 6th grades at Freshwater; and any other student. The admission application states clearly that there will be no admissions tests, tuition, “nor any discrimination against any applicant on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, or socio-economic status.” Instruction and assistance are available for students with special learning needs. The educational program serves students who desire and would benefit from the nurturing environment of a small school with high expectations for its students. The school is housed at Freshwater Elementary School, and has modern facilities. Financial management of state funds follows standard practices, and the financial transactions are handled through the Freshwater District’s business office. No third-party pass-through accounts are used. Financial oversight of public funds from its sponsoring agent is consistent with standard education code practices. All teachers at Freshwater Charter Middle School are fully credentialed. Counseling and special education resources are available on site. The school’s calendar is consistent with the Eureka City Schools District calendar (180 days), exceeding by 20 percent the number of days and minutes required of charter school students. Participation in statewide testing is strongly encouraged and participation rate meets the state’s recommended 95 percent.
• R8
  The Grand Jury recommends the DA refrain from firing Deputy DAs – except for cause - unless comparable replacement prosecutors are identified and are willing to work in Humboldt County.
• R9
  The Grand Jury recommends that a cross-file of shared cases be instituted so that APS and IHSS caseworkers have access to information and status of an individual’s case within the other division. DHHS RESPONSE TO R9: A formal written policy on cross-filing in each case file will be drafted and staff trained by March 31, 2005. (cid:127) The 2004-2005 Grand Jury received this update from DHHS: Workers and supervisors continue to confer and team cases in common. Written policies are in place and staff were trained and the policy was implemented in May 2005. REPORT 2004-HS-02 HUMBOLDT COUNTY’S FOSTER CARE PROGRAM NEEDS HELP NOW
• R9a

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the DA develop and implement a system to provide job security for Deputy DAs protecting them from arbitrary firing. This should be done
• R9b

  Page 1
  The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors be directly involved in working with the DA to develop and implement a system which provides job security for Deputy DAs.
• R10
  The Grand Jury recommends that the DA require that when a serious felony case is plea-bargained, the Prosecutor shall request the Court to order that the reasons for the plea bargain be reflected in the court minutes of the case. This will make the information readily available to the public and the media. Grand Jury Report #2005-LJ-03 Volunteer Patrols: A Boon to Law Enforcement Executive Summary The various volunteer police patrol organizations in Humboldt County provide valuable assistance to law enforcement. Each year the volunteers log many thousands of miles and provide many thousands of hours of volunteer time, saving the taxpayers many thousands of dollars. The Grand Jury urges interested citizens to contact the Sheriff’s department or their local police department to volunteer. Who Shall Respond:
• R11
  Engrave valuables for anyone who requests the service.
• R12
  Update law enforcement emergency-related information on businesses within the community.
• R13
  Assist in fingerprinting.
• R14
  Assist victims of natural disasters.
• R15
  Provide crime scene security. The Grand Jury finds that the various citizen patrol organizations provide a valuable service to their communities at very little cost. The Grand Jury recommends that all qualified Humboldt County citizens who are interested in serving as volunteers contact the Sheriff’s department or their local police department. They will be welcomed with open arms. Grand Jury Report #2005-PW-01 Code Enforcement Executive Summary The County of Humboldt would reap substantial benefits through the creation of a staff position for a Code Enforcement Officer. In the past, an extra-help employee for code enforcement actions brought in revenue to the county in excess of the cost of a full-time employee with benefits. Establishment of a Code Enforcement Unit within the county Department of Community Development Services, Economic Development Division, will generate much- needed revenue as well as discourage violations of building and planning code provisions. Note: since the Grand Jury did this investigation, but before publication of the report, the Board of Supervisors authorized and the Economic Development Division hired a full-time employee with benefits to do this work. The Grand Jury commends the Board of Supervisors for authorizing and the Economic Development Division for filling the position in Code Enforcement. WHO SHALL RESPOND: