CBO Mentor Project

1. CBO Mentor Project Class #8 Magnificent Seventh January

2. DRAFT schedule

3. Introduction of Guests Celebrations Challenges

4. Future Assignment Planning • Attend a collective bargaining session if possible - work with your mentor to find an opportunity – not due until January/February. • Attend a JPA meeting (workers compensation/property & liability/health and welfare) – not due until January/February. • Keep working on your unique “Fingertip Facts”. You will keep adding to this document as the class progresses and your final document is due at the end of the program.

5. January Mentor Question • What health and welfare benefits does your district offer? Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, EAP, other? What are the costs? Who are the providers? Do you have a benefit cap? What does the contract language say? Talk to your mentor about caps on benefits and the various ways in which they might work in contract language. Bring to the class your contract language relative to benefit caps. Be prepared to talk about your benefits costs and benefit caps.

6. January Mentor Question • What are the most pressing issues for your district relative to facilities? What are the barriers to your construction program? Talk to your mentor about what they view as the most critical role of a CBO relative to facilities?   • How does your district determine the number of students for the coming year? Who is responsible for making that determination? What is the district process for enrollment projections for staffing? •  Talk to your mentor about their experiences relative to transportation and the challenges they faced as a CBO with regards to transportation.

7. January Interview question Interview Question: • Our district is planning to have a bond election in order to modernize and expand existing facilities. As the CBO, with oversight of the facilities and a member of the district leadership team, describe the elements we should be considering as we start the bond election planning process. What are the key things we should be doing?

8. February assignments • Technology Presentations (separate handout with details – due February class) • Good to Great (separate handout – due March class) • Your completed resume, cover letter, and application for a CBO position. Due February. Bring a copy to February Friday session. Your mentor needs to review and provide input prior to February class. Your package will be reviewed by School Services of CA and Carol Berg. You will be applying for an actual position - Millbrae or El Dorado Union High School District (information to be provided on google site) WARNING. The top resume and application packages will be highlighted by Ron Bennett and Carol Berg (School Services of CA) and given special recognition. Each and every one of you will get the type of detailed feedback you have requested. This will be some of the most valuable feedback you will receive in your career. We suggest that you use your mentor (and other support) to help you polish up your resume and application before submitting to Carol Berg.

9. Resume Advice (per Carol Berg) ● The Resume – Part Two of the First Interview Format not as important as “telling your story” Resume should support the claims you have made in your letter Include clarifying comments that highlight the relevance of particular aspects of your education and experience Do not include information about your marital status, religious affiliation, hobbies, and/or travel experiences Avoid extensive lists Always tell the truth ● The Application Form – Part Three of the First Interview Complete the entire application Focus on accuracy, clarity, and neatness If letters of recommendation are required, make be sure they are current and carefully select the authors Optional – please include one letter of reference with your application. The BROCHURE is critical – study it! If you received dispensation to apply for a job other than the brochure we provided, include a copy of the brochure with your application.  Application Packet Rubric ● Cover Letter – The First Interview Thoughtfully developed Effective paragraphing Articulate sentences Address the “fit” you perceive between your background and experience and the specific job for which you are applying Show an understanding of not only the position, but of the district (websites should be visited for material pertinent to fiscal issues) Do not include extraneous material Opening sentence – be clear, fluid, and identify the job State the topic or subject of each paragraph Sentences need to be articulate

12. February Mentor Questions • Discuss with your mentor the Governors budget as presented in January? What is their prediction for the final outcome when the budget is signed into law in July? • What is your district financial system? What was the history of the software selection process? Is there a future replacement plan for hardware/software? • Do you have an Acceptable Use Policy in place for employees? What policies and procedures are in place relative to technology?

13. February Interview Questions Interview Question: • Describe your experience in the area of collective bargaining. Coming into our district, what would you do to prepare for your first negotiation session with CTA and CSEA? • Interview practice. As this interview comes to a close, please tell us why you think you are the best person for the job? Why should we hire you?

14. Written Assignment - Resume • Bring your completed resume, application, and cover letter to class. We will have an opportunity for classmates to critique. • After input, make any revisions you think appropriate and we will have you send to School Services of CA and Carol Berg for review. Results to be provided at the March meeting.