DATE: January 9, 2020
SUBJECT:
Title
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, commonly known as STEAM, are all fields of study that the District needs in order to continue to be innovative champions of the waterfront. Additionally, knowledge of STEAM subjects and skills gives communities an economic advantage given the growing STEAM industries and occupations as well as the higher wages associated with them.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) has proposed an educational opportunity to help shape San Diego’s next generation of skilled workers, and District staff has been exploring the opportunity to be a potential partner to bolster waterfront industries and occupations.
Currently, CVESD has three world of work experiences for students that are strength and interest-based: Innovation Station, Hydro Station, and Energy Station. In each of the world of work stations, sixth graders learn about their strengths, interests, and work values. Connecting a student’s strength and interests with job exploration will help to build their career pipeline at the elementary school level.
CVESD would like to partner with the District, and others with similar educational needs, to develop a “Station” to ensure the sustainability of waterfront industries and occupations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive informational presentation.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for presentation purposes only and has no fiscal impacts to the District.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with an innovative and motivated workforce.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
The CVESD is partnering with local employers to help students make the connection between their hands-on educational experience and the region’s in-demand skills as identified in the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s labor market research.
Their world of work experiences provide early, hands-on career development experiences before societal messages about abilities can influence young minds. Each year, CVESD hosts approximately 4,500 6th graders at each of their “Stations.”
Internally, District departments including Engineering-Construction, General Services, Harbor Police, Human Resources, Information Technology, Maritime, Planning and Green Port, and Real Estate have been evaluating this educational opportunity and participated in an on-site field trip to the Hydro Station with CVESD representatives. A connection to our Culture, Operations, Business, and Brand was made highlighting keywords such as Hire, Engage, Retain, Systems, Technology, Relationships, Services and Reputation. In short, with this educational possibility comes sustainability from a skilled workforce.
Some details include: students attend 5 to 6-hour classes each day of the work week except Friday; annual funding for supplies would be dependent upon the number of partners for the Station but estimated to be approximately $20,000 per year; CVESD develops and implements the curriculum and District staff time commitment would be approximately 6 to 10 hours per profession during the development period; and CVESD is asking for the use of a location on Tidelands.
Potential partners include the City of National City, Port tenants and other industry related organizations. As evaluation continues, staff will update the Board with any significant actions including a recommendation to enter into a partnership.
CVESD was established in 1892 and serves residents in Chula Vista, Bonita, Sunnyside, and South San Diego. Student enrollment is ethnically diverse with approximately 30,000 students per year at 49 schools.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the agenda sheet, as presented to it, and approves it as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
This informational presentation to the Board does not constitute an “approval” or a “project” under the definitions set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of Board’s direction that requires the District or the Board’s approval, including without limitation District proposed legislation or a request for funding will be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative” or adopting a Statement of Overrising Consideration, if required. The current Board item in no way limits the exercise of this discretion. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
In addition, this Board item complies with Section 35 of the Port Act, which allows the Board to do all other acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its powers. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the Board item is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, this Board item does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because it will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, the District’s projects require processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. If a project is formulated as a result of Board’s direction, the Board will consider approval of the project and any improvements associated after the appropriate documentation under District’s CDP Regulations has been completed and authorized by the Board, if necessary. The Board’s direction in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Shirley Hirai
Manager, Equal Opportunity, Human Resources