[I. OPEN SESSION]
[00:00:03]
>> I'D LIKE TO CALL THIS REGULAR BOARD MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:15 PM.
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> WE HAVE A QUORUM. NUSD BOARD MEETINGS ARE LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED.
YOU CAN COME IN. LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED AT THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD.
HELENE, CAN WE RE-ESTABLISH THE ROLL CALL VOTE?
>> THANK YOU. NUSD BOARD MEETINGS ARE LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED AT THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD.
THE LIVE STREAM IS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ONLINE, AND THE RECORDINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING THE DAY AFTER THE BOARD MEETING.
THOSE IN ATTENDANCE SHOULD EXPECT THAT THE RECORDINGS WILL CAPTURE ALL ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSIONS BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE MEETINGS.
[V. CLOSED SESSION]
TONIGHT, THE BOARD WILL BE GOING INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS ONE ITEM OF CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING THE NATOMAS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.IS THERE ANYONE HERE TO SPEAK TO ANY OF THE ITEMS IN CLOSED SESSION? I'M NOT SEEING ANY PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE WILL RECONVENE OPEN SESSION AT APPROXIMATELY 5:30 OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF CLOSED SESSION.
[NOISE] WE ARE RECONVENING OPEN SESSION AT 5:30 PM.
[VI. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION]
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?RICK, COULD YOU LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE? I HAD TO CATCH YOU GOING OTHER WAY.
I DID THAT ON PURPOSE. [LAUGHTER].
>> THANKS, RICK. THERE WAS NO ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION THIS EVENING.
BUT BEFORE WE MOVE ON, JUST REMINDER TO THOSE IN ATTENDANCE THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD BYLAW 9323 MEETING CONDUCT, INDIVIDUALS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED PUBLIC COMMENT CARD PRIOR TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ITEM, AND NO LATER THAN THE FIRST ACTION ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
INDIVIDUALS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD WILL BE ALLOWED TWO MINUTES AND THE BOARD SHALL LIMIT THE TOTAL TIME FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON EACH ITEM TO 20 MINUTES.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT, PLEASE FILL OUT A PUBLIC COMMENT CARD, WHICH I BELIEVE IS ON THE OUTSIDE TABLE THERE, AND HAND IT TO THE STAFF MEMBER AT THE TABLE OUTSIDE OF THE BOARD ROOM.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF OUR MEETING, WE ASK MEMBERS OF THE REPUBLIC.
WE ASK MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REFRAIN FROM APPROACHING THE DAIS TO PROVIDE BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER THEIR BELONGINGS, SIGN DOCUMENTS AND SECURE ANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
BOARD MEMBERS MAY MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC BY STEPPING DOWN FROM THE DAIS AND ENTERING THE AREA FOR AUDIENCE SEATING.
NEXT STEP, WE HAVE THE APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. IS THERE A MOTION?
[X. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA]
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
[XI.a. Board Members]
WE'LL START WITH TRUSTEE MORA.>> I HAVE NO REPORT. I JUST WISH EVERYONE A GOOD SUMMER BREAK.
>> LOVE IT. THANK YOU. TRUSTEE HARDEN.
I JUST WISH EVERYONE A GOOD SUMMER BREAK.
>> THANK YOU. DITTO. TRUSTEE DOSICK.
>> TRUSTEE MEHTA WILL BE HERE ARRIVING A LITTLE BIT LATER THIS EVENING.
DR. CASTILLO, SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
[XI.b. Superintendent's Report]
MONDAY, I WAS INVITED TO GO BE A GUEST READER AT OUR FREEDOM SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM, SO I HAD A LOT OF FUN READING TO THE STUDENTS AND SEEING THEM PARTICIPATE IN THEIR PROGRAM IN THE MORNING.
ONE OF MY PASSIONS IS LITERACY, AND WITH THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE, OUR EARLY LITERACY TEAM JUST RETURNED FROM A TRAINING THAT WAS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL LITERACY INSTITUTE ON THE SCIENCE OF READING.
I WAS REALLY EXCITED OF LAUNCHING A NEW INITIATIVE WITH A WAY OF DELIVERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE PILLARS OF INSTRUCTION WITHIN THE SCIENCE OF READING.
IT'S NOT BASED ON A SPECIFIC PROGRAM OR SET OF PROGRAMS, BUT ON THE PILLAR OF WHAT REALLY CONSTITUTES STRONG LITERACY STRATEGIES AND INSTRUCTION.
[00:05:07]
WE HAVE CREATED A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR OUR COACHES TO PUSH INTO EVERY TK THROUGH TWO CLASSROOM DURING FIVE INQUIRY AND COACHING SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR WHERE EVERY TEACHER WILL GET PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.WE HAVE PUT IN ORDERS FOR CLASSROOM MATERIALS FOR EVERY TEACHER TO SUPPORT THE WORK THAT'S HAPPENING.
WHAT WAS REALLY NEAT IS THE NATIONAL LITERACY INSTITUTE THAT THEIR STAFF LOOKED AT OUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, OUR MODEL CLASSROOM STRUCTURE, AND ALL THE MATERIALS THAT WE'RE PUTTING FORWARD FOR OUR INITIATIVE AND WAS APPROVING THE WORK THAT WE'RE DOING, THAT IT IS ALIGNED WITH THE PRACTICES OF THE SCIENCE OF READING AND THE STRATEGIES THAT GO ALONG.
THIS IS A NEW THING THAT WE'RE DOING IN NATOMAS UNIFIED, AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT.
I ALSO WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT WE ARE ALSO LAUNCHING INTERVENTIONS FOR 3-12TH GRADE.
TRUSTEES, YOU DID APPROVE A COORDINATOR FOR 3RD-12TH GRADE INTERVENTION ALONG WITH THREE TOSSES, AND SO WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ROLLING OUT INTERVENTION FOR OUR 3RD-12TH GRADE IN ADDITION TO OUR EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE.
I JUST WANTED TO GIVE THAT REMINDER.
WE HAD A FEW PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT 3RD-12TH GRADE BEING LEFT BEHIND, BUT TRUSTEES DID APPROVE THOSE POSITIONS AND WE HAVE A PLAN WORKING IN PLACE.
I ALSO WANTED TO PROVIDE A FEW CLARIFICATIONS.
WE'VE HAD SOME QUESTIONS WITH THE LCAP.
I WANT TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT WITH THE LOCAL CONTROL FUNDING FORMULA, WE GET BASE SUPPLEMENTAL AND CONCENTRATION GRANT MONEY, AND WE WRITE A PLAN OF HOW WE'RE SERVING LOW INCOME ENGLISH LEARNERS AND FOSTER YOUTH SPECIFICALLY WITH THAT PLAN.
IT'S A PORTION OF OUR BUDGET THAT IS LESS THAN 20%.
WE HAVE OTHER FUNDING SOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR OTHER STUDENT GROUPS.
OUR EQUITY MULTIPLIER AND SOME OF OUR GRANT FUNDS ARE INCLUDED IN OUR LCAP PLAN.
WE ALSO HAVE IN OUR LCAP PLAN ACTIONS AND SERVICES THAT USE THE LOCAL CONTROL FUNDING FORMULA, BUT ALSO ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES THAT WE HAVE THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
THERE WAS QUESTIONS ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION, WHICH IS ACTUALLY A DIFFERENT FUNDING SOURCE, AND THOSE SERVICES ARE DRIVEN BY STUDENT'S IEPS, AND IT'S A SEPARATE BUDGET.
THAT IS WHY SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT NOT SEE IT UNDER ONE FUNDING SOURCE.
IT DOESN'T MEAN IT DOESN'T EXIST.
IT IS THAT IT IS PART OF ANOTHER PROGRAM.
AN ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION IS WITH IREADY AND IXL.
I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY, WE USE IREADY WITH OUR 3RD-8TH GRADE STUDENTS TO DO PORTIONS OF INTERVENTION AND DIAGNOSTICS.
IXL, WE ACTUALLY USE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.
IT ISN'T A DUPLICATIVE PROGRAM BECAUSE IT'S USED AT DIFFERENT LEVELS.
THEN WITH OUR IB, A LAST CLARIFICATION, WE HAVE A VERY LARGE IB CONTINUUM IN OUR DISTRICT, SERVING AMERICAN LAKES, BANNON CREEK, H. ALLEN HIGH, JEFFERSON, AND PVS.
ALL STUDENTS AT ALL OF THOSE SCHOOLS ARE SERVED BY IB.
AT INDERKUM, THERE ARE TWO PARTS OF THE DIPLOMA PROGRAM.
ONE IS DIPLOMA CANDIDATES, THAT'S THE SMALLER NUMBER YOU HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT OF 20, BUT THERE ARE ALSO CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES WHICH INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 110 STUDENTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.
THOSE SERVICES ARE USED BROADLY ACROSS THE DISTRICT AND NOT JUST FOR THE 20 STUDENTS THAT ARE IN THAT DIPLOMA CANDIDATE PROGRAM.
I JUST WANTED TO OFFER SOME OF THOSE CLARIFICATIONS.
I THINK THAT SCHOOL BUDGETS ARE VERY COMPLICATED, AND WE HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES AND RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED.
I KNOW TRUSTEES HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME STUDYING THE INFORMATION AND LOOKING AT THAT ANYTIME THERE'S A BUDGET APPROVAL.
I APPRECIATE THE TIME AND EFFORT THAT YOU SPEND LOOKING AT THAT ALONG WITH OUR LCAP, WHICH WE GET SUBSTANTIAL FEEDBACK AND REALLY WANT TO PLAN THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE POSITIVE.
AGAIN, REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE, WE LAUNCHED THAT OFF IN MAY, BUT WE WILL BE DOING A REPORT IN THE FALL TO GIVE SOME MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THAT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, DR. CASTILLO. ALL RIGHT.
NEXT UP, WE HAVE PRESENTATIONS.
ACTION ITEM A, JIBE IN NUSD. MELLISSA MENG.
I'M SORRY. DID I SKIP CONSENT? WOW. LET'S GO BACK. I'M SO SORRY.
NEXT, WE ACTUALLY HAVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
[XII. CONSENT ITEMS]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR?HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
[00:10:01]
>> I'M SORRY. WE HAVE ONE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT ITEM FROM JEN SUSA.
JEN, I THINK YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
>> BUT IS THAT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT LATER?
>> [INAUDIBLE] CONSENT CALENDAR.
>> WE HAVE ACTION ITEMS. THAT'S NOT CONSENT.
>> ARE I 2 MINUTES STARTING NOW? GOOD EVENING, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO, PRESIDENT GRANT AND NEIGHBORS AND TRUSTEES.
MY DAUGHTER'S SPECIAL DAY CLASS AT NATOMAS HIGH IS ABOUT TO BEGIN ITS SECOND YEAR WITHOUT A QUALIFIED TEACHER.
ON THE CONSENT ITEMS TONIGHT ARE THE NEED FOR QUALIFIED TEACHERS, AND LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN, A SECOND YEAR, NO TEACHER.
AT THIS MOMENT, THERE ARE TWO UNFILLED SDC POSITIONS AT THAT CAMPUS ALONE.
IT'S ALSO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT JEFFERSON SCHOOL HASN'T HAD AN RSP TEACHER ALL YEAR.
THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT COMPLIANCE, IT'S ABOUT CHILDREN WHO ARE BEING SYSTEMATICALLY DENIED ACCESS TO A MEANINGFUL EDUCATION.
WHEN A CHILD WITH DISABILITIES WALKS INTO A CLASSROOM AND THERE'S NO TEACHER, NOT FOR WEEKS, NOT FOR MONTHS, BUT FOR YEARS, WE'RE VIOLATING THEIR RIGHTS, THEIR DIGNITY, AND THEIR FUTURE.
MY SON IS ASSIGNED TO HERON SCHOOL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION AND MADE ZERO EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR REPORTS BY FOURTH GRADE, HE STARTED THERE IN FIRST.
THESE AREN'T ISOLATED INCIDENTS.
FAMILIES LIKE MINE, PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, AND PARENTS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN ARE BEING SENT A CLEAR MESSAGE, YOUR CHILD IS NOT A PRIORITY.
I HAVE BEEN COMING HERE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
QUALIFIED TEACHERS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF ANY EDUCATIONAL PLAN.
NO AMOUNT OF MY SPEAKING UP AND EXPLAINING AND ASKING AND BEING RESPECTFUL IS WORKING.
MY COMMENTS AND MY REQUESTS ARE FALLING ON DEAF EARS.
TONIGHT, MY SON TOLD ME I WANTED HIM TO COME AND SPEAK, AND HE SAID, IF HE HAD TO GO BACK TO HERON SCHOOL TO LEARN THE WAY HE USED TO LEARN, HE WOULD KILL HIMSELF.
DON'T TELL ME YOU VALUE EQUITY WHILE IGNORING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND IGNORING AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN.
THIS IS A MATTER OF JUSTICE, AND I'M WATCHING.
>> THANK YOU. WE DID HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND AND A VOTE, SO THAT MOTION CARRIES 4-0.
I DON'T HAVE ANY FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT, CORRECT?
>> NEXT UP WE DO HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM JIBE IN NUSD.
[XIII.a. Jibe and NUSD - Partnership for a Thriving Community]
MELLISSA MENG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH NATOMAS JIBE WILL PRESENT ON THIS ITEM.>> GOOD EVENING. IT'S SUCH A PLEASURE TO BE HERE.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING US AND AFFORDING US THE TIME.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH NATOMAS JIBE, AND THIS IS MY COLLEAGUE, AMBER HUSTEAD, WHO IS THE SCHOOL PROGRAM MANAGER.
WE ARE A LOCAL NON-PROFIT IN NORTH NATOMAS WITH THE MISSION TO EMPOWER THE NORTH NATOMAS COMMUNITY WITH SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION CHOICES THAT REDUCE CONGESTION, IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, AND ADVANCE A THRIVING COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE A LONG AND FRUITFUL HISTORY WITH THE DISTRICT, AND WE WANTED TO SPOTLIGHT SOME OF OUR SUCCESSES AND MUTUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
IN FACT, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CROSS POLLINATION OVER THE YEARS WITH OUR TWO BOARDS.
CURRENTLY, DR. CASTILLO SITS ON OUR BOARD, AS HAVE CHRIS EVANS, STEVE FARRAR, SCOTT DOSICK, SUMITI MEHTA, AND BRUCE ROBERTS.
WE WERE FORMED IN 1999 AS A DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FOR TRAFFIC AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS.
WE'RE FUNDED THROUGH A COMBINATION OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAXES, AND OUR SERVICE BOUNDARY IS REFLECTIVE OF THE PEOPLE WHO PAY INTO THE DISTRICT, AND IT'S BASICALLY NORTH OF 80, SO IT'S ON THE MAP THAT YOU SEE HERE.
JUST A LITTLE BIT OF A HISTORY OF WHO WE ARE, HOW WE GOT HERE.
FOR MANY PEOPLE WHO'VE LIVED IN NORTH NATOMAS FOR MANY YEARS,
[00:15:01]
YOU MAY REMEMBER US BY A FORMER NAME, THE NORTH NATOMAS TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OR NNTMA.IN 2008, WE REBRANDED TO JIBE, GOING FROM 17 SYLLABLES TO ONE.
JIBE IS NOT AN ACRONYM, BUT IT'S A HOPEFULLY SHORT AND MEMORABLE NAME, AND IT MEANS TO BE IN AGREEMENT WITH OR TO SET SAIL IN A NEW DIRECTION.
REALLY THE NAME CHANGE, AND IT REFLECTS WHERE WE'VE BEEN GOING AND TRAVELING FOR SOME TIME.
MANY OF THE TRADITIONAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS HAVE REALLY FOCUSED ON THE TRADITIONAL WORK COMMUTE AS A WAY TO REDUCE CAR TRAVEL.
BUT IN THE MID 2000S, THE NNTMA BOARD RECOGNIZED THAT WE HAD A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGES BASED ON HOW WE WERE FUNDED AND THE COMMUNITY THAT COMPRISED NORTH NATOMAS.
WE ARE AND WERE A YOUNGER COMMUNITY, A DEVELOPING COMMUNITY WITH MANY YOUNG FAMILIES AND DEVELOPING SCHOOLS.
OUR BOARD RECOGNIZED AT THAT TIME THAT REDUCING CAR TRIPS FROM THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON SCHOOL COMMUTE WOULD REALLY HELP MEET OUR VISION AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS.
IN 2009, JIBE HIRED A FULL TIME STAFF MEMBER TO DEVELOP A SCHOOL PROGRAM TO REDUCE LOCAL CAR TRIPS AND CONGESTION WHILE IMPROVING AIR QUALITY AND SAFETY AROUND SCHOOL CAMPUSES.
JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE OF THE STRONG HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT AROUND SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL AND WALKING TO SCHOOL PROGRAM.
IN THE EARLY 2000S AROUND THE DISTRICT, THERE ARE REALLY SEVERAL OUTSTANDING PARENT VOLUNTEER TEAMS, BOTH AT NATOMAS PARK ELEMENTARY AND BANNON CREEK ELEMENTARY, THAT REALLY WERE THE EARLY PIONEERS OF BRINGING SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TO THE DISTRICT.
NATOMAS PARK ELEMENTARY WAS THE SITE OF THE VERY FIRST WALKING SCHOOL BUS MODEL.
BASICALLY, A WALKING SCHOOL BUS IS A GROUP OF KIDS AND PARENTS AND ADULTS WHO MEET OFFSITE AND WALK TO SCHOOL TOGETHER, TYPICALLY WITH PARENT SUPERVISION.
IT WAS ALSO THE SITE THAT HAD THE FIRST ANNUAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY EVENTS.
THEN IN THE MEANTIME, AT BANNON CREEK ELEMENTARY, WE HAD TWO OUTSTANDING DYNAMIC DUO PARENTS, TERRY PRESTON, AND TED LINK-OBERSTAR, THAT KICKED OFF THE PROGRAMS THERE.
THEY WERE FANTASTIC AT BRINGING A LOT OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING NATIONALLY TO THE LOCAL AREA.
>> TED WAS THE SON OF A MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN JIM OBERSTAR, WHO WAS THE INFLUENTIAL CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
SENATOR OBERSTAR LAID THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE HIGHWAY AUTHORIZATION BILL THAT PROVIDED $612 MILLION TO CREATE A NATIONAL SAFE ROADS TO SCHOOL PROGRAM.
TERRY AND TED WE PARTNERED WITH THE DISTRICT TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL SAFE ROADS TO SCHOOL GRANT THAT WON A GRANT FUNDED DISTRICT POSITION HERE TO IMPLEMENT SAFE ROADS TO SCHOOL, WHICH WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND OF THAT POSITION WITH THAT FUNDING SOURCE.
MOVING ON TO THE WALK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM.
IN 2010, WE EXPANDED IN SCOPE AND REACH.
THE PROGRAMS HAVE GROWN FROM A DAY A WEEK PROGRAM AT FIVE SCHOOL SITES.
SOME PEOPLE MIGHT REMEMBER WALKING WEDNESDAYS OR TWO FEET TUESDAYS THAT WE STARTED TO AN EVERY DAY RAIN OR SHINE PROGRAM AT ALL 11 NORTH NATOMAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITES.
WE'VE DEVELOPED A COUPLE NOTABLE PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS THAT HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED THE OUTREACH AND RESULTS OF THIS PROGRAM.
AS THE POPULARITY OF THE CURRENT PROGRAMS GREW, MORE SITES WERE ADDED AS OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUED TO GROW.
THERE WAS ENOUGH DEMAND TO EXPAND FROM ONCE A WEEK TO EVERY DAY.
WE CREATED A PAID, PART TIME PARENT POSITION AT EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL SITE TO HELP SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND TO KEEP GROWING THE PROGRAMS. THUS, THE PARENT CHAMPION WAS BORN, SO THAT WAS OUR FIRST NAME.
WAS THE PARENT CHAMPION AT EACH SCHOOL SITE.
THIS POSITION IS NOW REFERRED TO AS PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT ALL OF OUR SCHOOL SITES.
WE CONTINUE TO ELEVATE OUR PROGRAM BY INCORPORATING A TRIP SCANNER SYSTEM, WHICH WILL NOW BE KNOWN AS SCAN TO SCHOOL.
THAT ALLOWS US TO KEEP ACCURATE COUNT OF PARTICIPATION NUMBERS, AS WELL AS PROVIDE AN OPT-IN TEXT MESSAGE TO NOTIFIED PARENTS WHEN THEIR STUDENT HAS ARRIVED AT SCHOOL.
WE USE THIS TECHNOLOGY TO AWARD STUDENTS WITH VIRTUAL MONEY, WHICH CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR PRIZES AND RECOGNITION THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.
WELL, OUR FUNDING DOES NOT ALLOW US TO EXTEND OUR SERVICES OUTSIDE OF OUR NORTH NATOMAS BOUNDARY AREA.
WE CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR WAYS WE CAN EXTEND THE RANGE OF
[00:20:02]
THESE PROGRAMS TO HELP THE ENTIRE DISTRICT AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.ONE EXCITING DEVELOPMENT IS THAT THIS YEAR, WE ARE ACQUIRING THE TRIP SCANNER PROGRAM LICENSE FROM THE CREATOR, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO OFFER THE USE OF WHAT IS NOW WILL BE CALLED SCAN TO SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF OUR BOUNDARIES.
WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO START OFFERING THAT OUTSIDE OF NORTH NATOMAS.
AS A PART OF THE FULL SCHOOL YEAR WALK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM, WE HOST SPECIAL PROMOTIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO ENGAGE THE SCHOOL COMMUNITIES.
WE'VE DESIGNED THESE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS TO REINFORCE ACADEMICS AND CLASSROOM THEMES.
SOME OF THESE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS INCLUDE THE VERY POPULAR POLAR PAUSE CHALLENGE, THE ANNUAL BIKE MONTH CHALLENGE, AND WALKTOBER AND SEVERAL OTHER EVENTS.
THESE PROMOTIONS ARE RUN AT SCHOOL SITES BY THE GI PROGRAM COORDINATORS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF.
THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS ARE SUPPORTED AND ADOPTED BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHERS.
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR OUR ONGOING COLLABORATION, WHICH IS INSTRUMENTAL FOR US TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION WITHIN THE NORTH NATOMAS COMMUNITY.
OVER THE YEARS, WE'VE HEARD FROM TEACHERS AND STAFF REGARDING WAYS OUR PROGRAMS SUPPORT STUDENT OUTCOMES AND DEVELOPMENT.
UP ON THE SLIDE, ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS TEACHERS HAVE SHARED WITH US OVER THE YEARS, IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A QUICK LOOK.
WE ALSO WANT TO SHOW YOU A VIDEO WE CREATED ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO THAT GIVES YOU A SNAPSHOT OF HOW THESE PROGRAMS OPERATE AND IMPACT STUDENT STAFF AND FAMILIES.
THIS IS AN OLDIE, BUT IT'S A GOODIE, AND IT'S STILL RELEVANT TODAY. THANK YOU.
>> MY NAME IS ADAM, AND I AM GOING TO TALK ABOUT WALKIE WEDNESDAY.
>> IT IS A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE, SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL, AS WELL AS INTRODUCING THE KIDS GREEN TRANSPORTATION, WALKING, SKATEBOARDING, SCOOTERING, RIDING THEIR BIKES.
>> WHEN I WALK TO SCHOOL, I FEEL ACTUALLY BETTER.
>> OUR STUDENTS LOVE PARTICIPATING.
WE COUNT THE NUMBER OF KIDS THAT WALK EACH WEEK. THEY HAVE FUN.
THEY SEE THEIR FRIENDS AND I BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN OUR FAMILIES.
THEY JOIN AND THE KIDS GET TIME TO GET OUT THEIR WIGGLES IN THE MORNING.
>> I VOLUNTEER BECAUSE OF THE KIDS.
I HELP THEM ALONG AND SOMETIMES I'LL DO THE CROSSWALK.
>> IT'S FUN TO WALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND GET IN THE GROUP OF GOING TO SCHOOL.
>> IT'S A BONDING OPPORTUNITY, AND WE'RE STILL ENERGIZING OUR BODIES.
>> THE KIDS ENJOY IT, IT'S BETTER THAN JUST HAVING OUT OF THE CAR.
THEY GET WOKE UP IN THE MORNING.
BUT IT'S REALLY NOTHING. IT TAKES AN EXTRA 10 MINUTES.
>> I LIKE TO WALK BECAUSE WHEN I GET TO SCHOOL, I'M READY TO LEARN.
>> WHY WAKE ME UP IN THE MORNING?
>> YOU GET TO SEE YOUR FRIEND AND PLAY WITH THEM ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL.
>> YOU GET ALL OF THAT EXERCISE AND MUSCLE.
>> THERE'S LESS TRAFFIC IN OUR PARKING LOT, AND THEREFORE, OUR STUDENTS ARE GETTING TO SCHOOL SAFELY.
THEY PROVIDE SURPRISES FOR THE STUDENTS, SO IT'S VERY MOTIVATING FOR THE KIDS TO PARTICIPATE.
>> I THINK IT HELPS US TO CONNECT BETTER WITH ONE ANOTHER.
WE FEEL MORE LIKE A COMMUNITY.
THE FAMILIES INTERACT AND BUILD PARTNERSHIPS TOGETHER, AND IT'S A GREAT EVENT FOR OUR SCHOOL.
>> THANK YOU. HERE'S A SUMMARY OF THE 2024-'25 SCHOOL YEAR STATISTICS.
WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THESE STATS.
IN PARTICULAR, I'D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THE PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS, WHICH IS OVER 25% OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT AT OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS WALKING OR BIKING TO SCHOOL.
OUR LOCAL RATES ARE OVER DOUBLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF STUDENTS WALKING OR BIKING TO SCHOOL, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD TRAVEL SURVEY, WHICH ESTIMATES 11% OF STUDENTS NATIONALLY.
A QUARTER OF OUR STUDENTS ARE PARTICIPATING.
WHILE THE WALK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM, WHICH WE JUST FEATURED HERE IS THE KEYSTONE PART OF OUR PROGRAM, WE ALSO HAVE A NUMBER OF OTHER OFFERINGS THAT WE OFFER WITHIN THE SCHOOL AND PARTNER WITH THE DISTRICT ON.
IN 2010, JIBE CREATED PROJECT RIDE SMART, WHICH IS A 10 HOUR BICYCLE EDUCATION PROGRAM TAUGHT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY FOR FIFTH GRADERS.
OVER 700 FIFTH GRADERS, IN NATOMAS HAVE COMPLETED THE TRAINING IN THAT TIME.
PROJECT RIDE SMART TEACHES REAL WORLD LIFE SKILLS, RESPONSIBILITY, AND HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY.
THIS PROGRAM RELIES ON THE CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DISTRICT'S WAREHOUSING TEAM TO MOVE THE BIKES.
WE ALSO FUND BIKE TECH AT THE INDERKUM HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH IS A CTE PROGRAM.
BIKE TECH IS FIVE PERIODS A DAY WITH CLOSE TO 100 STUDENTS ENROLLED A YEAR.
THE CLASS TEACHES ON BIKE RIDING SKILLS, HANDS ON BIKE REPAIR, AND CAREER TECH EDUCATION SKILLS TO HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE JOB MARKET.
[00:25:02]
IT ALSO FULFILLS THE G ELECTIVE REQUIREMENT FOR UC ADMISSIONS.IN THE FALL OF 2023, JIBE PILOTED A SECOND GRADE PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT WITTER RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
THIS PROGRAM HAS NOW EXPANDED DUE TO ITS GREAT SUCCESS TO SIX NORTH NATOMAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS SERVING OVER 600 STUDENTS A YEAR.
THESE SECOND GRADERS SPEND TIME IN THE CLASSROOM, LEARNING ABOUT TRAFFIC SIGNALS, CROSSING STREETS, STAYING VISIBLE AND AWARE, AND COMMUNICATING WITH DRIVERS.
EACH CLASS THEN TRAVELS INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDING THEIR CAMPUS TO PRACTICE THESE SKILLS WHILE PROBLEM SOLVING AND GAINING CONFIDENCE.
OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL BIKE CAMP IS A WEEK LONG SUMMER CAMP FOR INCOMING SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADERS.
WE JUST FINISHED UP OUR FOURTH YEAR WITH TWO WEEK LONG SESSIONS WITH 21 TOTAL CAMPERS.
DURING THE WEEK, STUDENTS BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE EXPLORING LOCAL BIKE ROUTES TO PARKS AND RESTAURANTS, AND THEY LEARN TO KEEP THEIR BIKE IN GOOD CONDITION.
STUDENTS RIDE A BIT MORE EACH DAY LEADING UP TO A RIDE TO DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO.
THEN THEY LEARN HOW TO RIDE A CITY BUS AND THEY EVEN LEARN HOW TO LOAD THEIR BIKE ONTO THE BUS.
IN 2023, JIBE CREATED A 32 PAGE ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BOOK TITLED THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS. HERE IT IS.
THE STORY IS SET IN NORTH NATOMAS AND FEATURES NATOMAS PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS WELL AS MANY OTHER LOCAL LANDMARKS.
JIBE PARTNERED WITH THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR OF THE BOOK TO HOLD ASSEMBLIES AT ALL OF OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS, WHERE WE READ THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS, WE TAUGHT STUDENTS ABOUT THE WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING PROCESS, ENCOURAGED WALKING AND BIKING TO SCHOOL, AND EVEN SING A FEW SONGS TOGETHER.
IT WAS A LOT OF FUN AND THE KIDS REALLY ENJOYED IT.
WE ALSO INSTALLED A STORY WALK AT SEVERAL LOCAL PARKS FOR FAMILIES TO READ OUR BOOK WHILE THEY NAVIGATED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY.
CREATING A CHILDREN'S BOOK WAS A GREAT WAY TO BRIDGE JIBE'S PROGRAMS AND NUSD'S EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE.
JUST IN WRAPPING UP, WE'RE REALLY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A REALLY UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP HERE, AND WE'RE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WE'VE BUILT, THAT WE CONTINUE TO BUILD.
WE'RE BUILDING ON THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING EVERY SINGLE DAY, AND WE THINK WE'RE ADDING ENHANCEMENTS BY BUILDING HEALTHY HABITS AND CREATING A CULTURE AMONG STUDENTS THAT'S REALLY MOVING OUR NEXT GENERATION.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US FULFILL THE MISSION, CREATE SOMETHING SPECIAL HERE, SOMETHING THAT WE CAN REALLY BE PROUD OF AND CELEBRATE.
WE'RE REALLY GOING TO CONTINUE TO BRING INNOVATIVE AND EFFECTIVE IDEAS AND PROGRAMS TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO A LOT OF PARTNERSHIPS AHEAD.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION AND YOUR PARTNERSHIP AS WELL.
>> NEXT, WE HAVE OUR ACTION ITEMS.
[XIV.a. Approve the 2025-26 Local Control and Accountability Plan]
WE HAVE ACTION ITEM A, APPROVE THE 2025-2026 LOCAL CONTROL ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN.I'M GOING TO TAKE THESE PUBLIC COMMENTS FIRST.
THAT DOESN'T BOTHER TO TRUST THESE.
WE'LL START WITH FIRST WE HAVE AISHA JENKINS.
>> GOOD EVENING, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO AND TRUSTEES.
REGARDING TONIGHT'S CONSENT ITEM TO APPROVE THE '25-'26 LCAP.
I WANT TO REMIND THIS BOARD THAT THE LCAP IS MORE THAN JUST A THREE YEAR DOCUMENT.
IT REPRESENTS THE DISTRICT'S COMMITMENT TO SET GOALS, FUND SERVICES, AND TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR ALL STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY OUR MOST VULNERABLE.
I'M HERE TONIGHT TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY SON, AMITA SCOTT, A BRIGHT BLACK BOY WITH DISABILITIES, WHO CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE HARM AT HERON SCHOOL, UNDER BOTH HIS FORMER AND CURRENT TEACHERS, MISS SHIKI AND NOW MISS GARCIA.
DESPITE HIS 504 PLAN, AMITA HAS REPEATEDLY BEEN DENIED THE PROTECTIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS HE'S ENTITLED TO IN AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.
JUST IN THE FINAL TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL, HE WAS CALLED A MONKEY, A KNOWN RACIAL SLUR BY NUMEROUS STUDENTS.
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST SECOND OR THIRD TIME.
YET MISS GARCIA DISMISSED IT AS A GAME, DOING NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE EMOTIONAL HARM.
HE WAS FALSELY ACCUSED OF USING A DEROGATORY TERM TOWARD AN INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT.
EVEN THOUGH MISS GARCIA ADMITTED IT, IT DIDN'T SOUND LIKE MY SON, SHE STILL DISCIPLINED HIM WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE ROLE HIS DISABILITY MIGHT HAVE PLAYED.
DURING CASPI TESTING, SHE PLACED HIM IN A LOUD, TRIGGERING ENVIRONMENT AGAINST HIS REQUEST, ANOTHER VIOLATION.
THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN RAISED REPEATEDLY IN 504 MEETINGS WITH PRINCIPAL SHOSCUM, VICE PRINCIPAL KAUFMAN, AND MOST RECENTLY EARL PAVEL.
AND YET THE RACIAL TARGETING AND NEGLECT OF HIS ACCOMMODATIONS PERSIST EVEN DURING SUMMER SCHOOL.
HE WAS EVEN DISENROLLED FROM THE LEAP AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AFTER I REPORTED
[00:30:02]
THAT ANOTHER STUDENT PLACED THE PLASTIC BAG OVER HIS HEAD.THOUGH LEADERSHIP, LISETTE MI HARAS AND DR.
AJUSTIN LOCKEZ ACKNOWLEDGED ERRORS AND MADE IMPROVEMENTS, AND LATER APOLOGIZE UPON MY REQUEST, THEY IMPOSED A CONDITIONAL RETURN.
ONCE AGAIN, PLACING THE BURDEN ON MY CHILD.
AND HIS IEP DENY BASED ON AN INCOMPLETE ASSESSMENT, AND DESPITE DIAGNOSIS OF A TIC DISORDER, PTSD AND ADHD THAT CLEARLY QUALIFY HIM UNDER OHI.
IF THE LCAP TRULY REFLECTS THE DISTRICT'S PRIORITIES, THEN IT MUST REFLECT AND RESPOND TO EXPERIENCES LIKE MY SON'S.
RIGHT NOW, NATOMAS UNIFIED IS FAILING MY SON, AND THAT FAILURE IS NOT JUST IN POLICY, IT'S IN PRACTICE AND LEADERSHIP IN THE TRUST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. NEXT UP WE HAVE JEN SUSA.
>> STARTING NOW. THIS DISTRICT CONTINUES TO FUND A WIDE RANGE OF INITIATIVES, BUT FAR TOO LITTLE IS BEING INVESTED IN HELPING OUR CHILDREN MASTER THE BASICS.
LEADERSHIP CONTINUES TO FUNNEL MILLIONS INTO FLASHY PROGRAMS AND CONSULTANTS RATHER THAN DIRECTLY SUPPORTING THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN OUR CLASSROOMS. AND YET I HEARD TONIGHT THE DISTRICT LEADERSHIP SAY, WELL, LAST WEEK, "LCAP ISN'T FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.
THAT FUNDING COMES FROM ANOTHER POT." I HEARD A CLARIFICATION TONIGHT, BUT THAT KIND OF THINKING AND THAT MESSAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE.
IF OUR MOST VULNERABLE STUDENTS ARE BEING LEFT OUT OF THE DISTRICT'S MAIN ACCOUNTABILITY AND SPENDING PLAN, THEN WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PLAN FOR? IT'S DISHEARTENING TO SEE MILLIONS ALLOCATED TO PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT HELP CHILDREN LEARN TO READ.
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT ON CONSULTANTS IN MULTIPLE AREAS WHEN THERE ARE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE IN THIS DISTRICT FOR THOSE DUTIES.
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO ANNOUNCE AN EARLY LITERACY PLAN.
WE NEED TIER 2 AND TIER 3 INTERVENTIONS NOW, THIS SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ALREADY BEHIND AND CAN'T CATCH UP.
THIS COULD HAVE SAVED MY SON'S MENTAL HEALTH AND THE DIRECTION OF HIS EDUCATION.
I DO NOT LIKE HAVING HIM OUTSIDE OF HIS HOME SCHOOL.
I WISH HE COULD RIDE HIS BIKE LIKE OUR NEIGHBORS DO.
WE SHOULD NOT BE TOLD THAT MORE NON TEACHING STAFF IS BEING HIRED LIKE TOSAS AND COACHES.
MY DAUGHTER'S SPECIAL DAY CLASS STILL DOESN'T HAVE A TEACHER, AS I MENTIONED EARLIER.
THESE AREN'T ABSTRACT CONCERNS.
IT'S HAPPENING TO REAL CHILDREN, MINE INCLUDED.
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP SEEMS CLOSED OFF, UNWILLING TO ACCEPT FEEDBACK OR RECONSIDER HARMFUL DECISIONS.
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM OPEN OR IS NOT LISTENING.
IF YOU TRULY VALUE DIVERSITY AND LIFELONG LEARNING, LIKE EVERY POSTER AROUND THE DISTRICT SAYS, YOU SHOULD MODEL IT YOURSELF.
>> THANK YOU. NEXT UP, I HAVE CHARLES LOVE
I WANT TO SPEAK FROM THE END OF IT.
>> MY NAME IS CHARLES LOVE AND HELLO, EVERYONE ON THE BOARD.
I WAS IN EDUCATION FOR 33 YEARS IN ONE DISTRICT THE WHOLE TIME. CAN YOU GUYS HEAR ME?
>> YOU GUYS HEAR ME BACK THERE? WHAT I'M HEARING IT'S EMBARRASSING AS A FORMER EDUCATOR.
TO KNOW THAT THESE THINGS ARE HAPPENING.
THIS IS NOTHING NEW, BUT TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE AND TO HEAR IT.
I CAN'T EVEN READ FROM MY SCRIPT BECAUSE IT ALMOST HAD ME IN TEARS.
BUT I COULD SAY THIS BECAUSE I KNOW SHE'S KEEPING THE TIME.
THIS IS LIKE EDUCATIONAL GENOCIDE.
[APPLAUSE] THIS IS LIKE EDUCATIONAL TERRORISM.
I DID 27 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
I TRAINED SOLDIERS IN TERRORIST OPERATIONS.
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE TALKING LIKE THIS IN EDUCATION.
BUT JUST HEARING WHAT THESE PARENTS ARE SAYING, YOU GUYS ARE SITTING THERE.
YOU BELIEVE IN EDUCATION? MAKE A CHANGE ON YOUR ELCP.
I DROPPED OUT BECAUSE IN EIGHTH GRADE, BEFORE I GRADUATED, I HAD TO CATCH MY BREATH.
BEFORE I GRADUATED, I HAD TO HAVE A 7.0 READING SCORE.
I HAD TO KNOW THE US CONSTITUTION.
I HAD TO TAKE A TRUE FALSE/TEST, 100 QUESTIONS.
THEN I HAD TO HAVE PASSING GRADES.
I JOINED THE US ARMY AS A HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT,
[00:35:03]
BUT I WAS ABLE TO PASS THAT TEST.WHEN YOU SAY READING, PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT IN EDUCATION, YOU GET THEM TO FOCUS ON READING BUT NOT COMPREHENSION.
I'M NOT GOING TO SAY SHAME ON YOU, BECAUSE I COULD SEE YOU DOING SOMETHING GOOD.
BUT CHANGE YOUR ALCP TO FOCUS ON STUDENTS BECAUSE IT'S A SHAME. AND BY THE WAY.
>> I'M THE CHAIRPERSON FOR THE NWACP OF SACRAMENTO.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT BUT YOU'RE OUT OF TIME. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> I'M NOT READING FROM THE SCRIPT.
>> NEXT UP, I HAVE SACHIKO [INAUDIBLE]
>> I HAD TO BRING SOME VISUAL AIDS WITH ME TONIGHT.
I UNDERSTAND THERE'S STILL RATS IN THE INTERCOM SPECIAL ED CLASSROOM.
JUST SO YOU GUYS CAN ALL SEE THE FECES, AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LCAP.
WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LCAP, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE RESOURCES AND THE MONEY FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.
TEACHERS ALREADY HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME TEACHING OUR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
THEN YOU WANT TO PUT THEM IN CLASSROOMS LIKE THIS, UNCLEAN CLASSROOMS, RAT FECES.
YOU CAN'T TELL ME THIS CLASSROOM WAS CLEANED EVERY DAY.
OUR DISABLED CHILDREN DESERVE WAY BETTER.
YOU NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE MONEY AND THE RESOURCES FOR BOTH HELPING THE TEACHERS AND THE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, BECAUSE NONE OF THIS IS OKAY.
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ANY PARENT WITH A CHILD OF DISABILITY OR A CHILD WHO IS OF NORMAL.
YOU'RE PUTTING UNDUE BURDENS ON YOUR TEACHERS, PUTTING THEM IN THIS KIND OF ENVIRONMENT ON A DAILY BASIS.
I WAS HERE TWO BOARD MEETINGS AGO WHEN THE TEACHERS UNION CAME AND TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS AND THANK THEM, OH, FOR MOVING FINALLY ON IT, BUT GUESS WHAT? THE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED.
JUST LIKE THE RATS IN THE ADMINISTRATION, THE RATS ARE STILL IN THE SCHOOLS.
>> THANK YOU. THAT'S ALL THE PUBLIC COMMENT ON ACTION ITEM A.
THAT'S ALL THE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THAT I HAVE ON ACTION ITEM A.
IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION BOARD MEMBERS COMMENTS ON THE LCAP?
>> YOU DON'T HAVE THE CARD FOR SHARON TURMAN.
>> WAIT. HOLD UP. YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. I'M SO SORRY.
SHARON TURMAN. SORRY ABOUT THAT AGAIN.
BUT IT'S NOT A MISTAKE IF WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE FUNDS IN OUR BUDGET, BUT WE'RE NOT SPENDING THEM IN INTENTIONAL WAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE READING AT GRADE LEVEL.
I'M WITH THE NATOMAS BLACK PARENT UNITED GROUP, AND THAT HAS BEEN OUR CALL TO YOU TRUSTEES.
WHEN STUDENTS ARE TOLD THAT THEY'RE GOING TO BE IN A SYSTEM WHERE TEACHERS ARE TAKEN OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, WHO COULD SERVE 30 STUDENTS FOR REAL, AND THEY'LL BE TEACHING OTHER TEACHERS AND THOSE TEACHERS HAVE TO COME OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.
WHEN WE DON'T EVEN HAVE SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF TEACHERS FOR OUR CLASSROOMS, THAT NEVER MADE SENSE TO ME.
THAT PORTION OF THE LCAP THAT ALLOWS FOR TSAS TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION, IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING, FOLKS, EVEN WITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS.
IT'S NOT INTENTIONS THAT BRING RESULTS, IT'S DIRECTION.
THE DIRECTION WE'VE BEEN GOING IN HAS ONLY NETTED, I THINK, LAST YEAR, 3% ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT.
THAT'S NOT GOING TO HELP THE EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT WHO I SAW IN MY LAST YEAR WORKING FOR THE DISTRICT, WHO TOLD ME HE HAD ALL FS, BUT HE WAS GOING TO INTERCOM HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE OUR SYSTEM PROMOTES CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF THEIR GRADES.
THAT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE. WE'LL KEEP COMING.
WE KNOW THAT YOU'RE LISTENING, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE ACTION THAT NETS A 20% GROWTH EACH YEAR SO THAT THAT NINTH GRADER WHO IS NOW IN 11TH GRADE AND PROBABLY STILL RECEIVING FS, AS WE WERE TOLD IN JUNE, THAT A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE, 30% OF OUR BLACK STUDENTS HAVE A 1.9 OR LOWER GPA.
THAT'S GOT TO STOP, AND IT WON'T STOP UNDER THE CURRENT CAO.
WE WILL ASK AGAIN THAT YOU PUT IN CORRECT LEADERSHIP
[00:40:02]
SO THAT WE GET RESULTS GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] HELEN, COULD YOU PLEASE RE-ESTABLISH A ROLL CALL VOTE?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS ITEM, SO TRUSTEES COMMENTS, DISCUSSION, LCAP, SO A MOTION.
>> HELEN, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
NEXT UP IS ACTION ITEM B IS THE APPROVED THE DISTRICT'S 2025 2026 BUDGET.
[XIV.b. Approve the District’s 2025-2026 Budget]
I HAVE A FEW PUBLIC COMMENTS HERE ON ACTION ITEM B, AND WE'LL START WITH JEN SUSA.>> I SAW YOU LOOKING AT THIS. IS THIS MY TIMER?
>> GOOD EVENING, TRUSTEES, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO, PRESIDENT GRANT, AND NEIGHBORS.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ONE NUMBER TONIGHT, 1.5 MILLION.
THAT'S HOW MUCH THE ADMINISTRATIVE SPENDING HAS GROWN SINCE 2023 TO THE BEST THAT I CAN TELL FROM THE BUDGETS PUBLISHED.
WHILE STUDENTS CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH BASIC SKILLS, WE'RE NOT EXPANDING LEARNING; WE'RE EXPANDING OFFICE FURNITURE.
THAT 1.5 MILLION COULD HAVE BEEN USED FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHERS TO TEACH READING, OR HIRED MORE INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES, OR PROVIDED EVERY TEACHER IN THIS DISTRICT WITH REAL EVIDENCE-BASED LITERACY MATERIALS.
IT'S DISINGENUOUS TO SAY WE HAVE TO HAVE A SPECIAL CREDENTIAL FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHING.
INSTEAD, THE MONEY WENT UPWARD AND NOT OUTWARD.
WE HEAR CONSTANT TALK ABOUT EQUITY AND NOW LITERACY.
THE GOVERNOR IS FUNDING A LOT OF NEW RESEARCH AND SERVICES.
BUT THIS BUDGET SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS, BECAUSE WHEN PUSH CAME TO SHOVE, LEADERSHIP CHOSE MORE DIRECTORS, MORE CONSULTANTS, AND MORE LAYERS, WHILE MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOLS REMAIN SHORT-STAFFED AND UNDERRESOURCED.
THERE IS NO VISION, THERE IS NO SOLUTION. LET ME BE CLEAR.
IT DOESN'T TAKE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TEACHERS TO MAKE A CHANGE.
IT TAKES A CREDENTIAL TEACHER, A TRAINED TEACHER, SMALL GROUPS, MORE TIME FOR SOME CHILDREN, AND THE RIGHT MATERIALS, AND INDEED, SOME CHILDREN DO NEED TO BE TAUGHT ONE-ON-ONE.
IF THAT'S WHAT THEY NEED, THAT'S WHAT THEY SHOULD GET.
THAT'S WHAT REAL MTSS LOOKS LIKE.
IT'S NOT A THEORY, NOT A SLIDE SHOW, BUT A CHILD SITTING AT A TABLE WITH THREE PEERS, AND A TEACHER WHO KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO HELP AND YET SOME CLASSROOMS DON'T EVEN HAVE A TEACHER.
WE'RE BUILDING A PYRAMID OF LEADERSHIP WITH NO FOUNDATION.
WHERE'S THE URGENCY? WHERE'S THE ACCOUNTABILITY? A BUDGET IS NOT JUST NUMBERS; IT'S A MIRROR.
IT'S A MIRROR OF WHAT THE DISTRICT IS INVESTED IN AND WHAT IT VALUES.
IF EQUITY IS MORE THAN A SLOGAN, PROVE IT.
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]. NEXT STEP, IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE, IS IT LEARNER CONNOR CONNOR, LEARNER?
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M LEARNA CONNOR, AND I'M GOING TO PROBABLY BE SAYING SOME OF THE SAME THINGS THAT THE PARENTS HAVE ALREADY SAID BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU GET THAT WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS AND THAT WE INTEND TO KEEP COMING.
WHAT WE RECOGNIZE IS THAT IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCREASED BY $1.5 MILLION SINCE 2023.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF THAT $1.5 MILLION COULD HAVE DIRECTLY SUPPORTED STUDENT FUNDING BY FUNDING 15 FULL TIME READING INTERVENTION TEACHERS OR IN PERSON TUTORS LIKE THOSE SUCCESSFUL IN OTHER DISTRICTS OR 30 CLASSIFIED INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS OR SUFFICIENT CURRICULUM FOR ALL TEACHERS TO IMPLEMENT RESULTS BASED LITERACY INSTRUCTION, AND OR OTHER PROVEN SUMMER READING ENRICHMENT AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS LIKE FREEDOM SCHOOL, WHICH HAS RECENTLY BEEN HIGHLIGHTED AND LAUDED BY THE LOCAL NEWS MEDIA.
INSTEAD, THOSE FUNDS ARE SPENT ELSEWHERE, WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION, IS LITERACY A PRIORITY IN THIS DISTRICT? WE REQUEST IMPLEMENTATION OF A ROBUST MTSS WITH REAL TIER 2, WHICH PROVIDES MORE TIME, INTENSITY, AND SUPPORT TO COHORT GROUPS OF 3-5 STUDENTS.
WE REQUEST LESS BUREAUCRATIC, COSTLY LAYERING OF DIRECTORS, COORDINATORS, AND SUPPORT STAFFS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WHILE CLASSROOMS GO WITHOUT CREDENTIAL TEACHERS, POWER EDUCATORS, AND FUNCTIONAL INTERVENTION.
WHILE THANKFUL FOR THE EARLY LITERACY PLAN FOR TK THROUGH SECOND GRADE, WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR OUR THIRD THROUGH 12TH GRADERS? THOSE TEST SCORES, WHO ARE MANY ARE TRAGICALLY UNDERPERFORMING IN LITERACY AND MATH? THIS COALITION INSISTS THAT A LARGER PORTION OF OUR TAX DOLLARS, THE $156 MILLION OF UNRESTRICTED REVENUE BE DIRECTED TO HIRE
[00:45:02]
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONALS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON READING AND MATH EQUIPPED TO TEACH OUR YOUNG SCHOLARS.PATCHWORK TRIALS LIKE TEACHERS ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT AND READING FOR LITERACY HAVEN'T SEEMED TO WORK? IT HAS BEEN SAID, EDUCATION IS A PEOPLE'S BUSINESS.
THE SAD NEWS IS THAT READING AND MATH PROFICIENCY FOR OUR CHILDREN IS A CRISIS.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE DISTRICTS PROJECTED REVENUE AND ACCESSIBLE RESERVES ARE ABLE TO SUPPORT THIS LEVEL OF SYSTEMIC CHANGE.
WE, THE PEOPLE ELECTED YOU AS OUR TRUSTEES, AND TRUSTING YOU TO DO YOUR BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN.
HOW WELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING? WE BELIEVE YOU CAN DO BETTER.
WE'RE NOT HERE TO BE ADVERSARIAL.
WE ARE HERE TO ASK FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] NEXT UP, I HAVE CASS HAMMER.
>> GOOD EVENING, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO, TRUSTEES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
I TEACH AT HIGHT. MY NAME IS CASS HAMMER.
I'M HERE TO DISTILL CONVERSATIONS MANY EDUCATORS ARE HAVING ABOUT THE DISTRICT'S SPENDING RIGHT NOW.
OVERALL, MYSELF AND MANY OF MY FELLOW EDUCATORS URGE THE DISTRICT TO SHIFT ITS FOCUS AWAY FROM SPENDING MILLIONS ON CONSULTING FIRMS, LIKE ASPIRE, LEVERAGE LEARNING, PLC TRAINING, FLASHY BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES LIKE IB, AND PUT ITS RESOURCES TOWARDS HIGH NEED POSITIONS SUCH AS READING SPECIALISTS, BEHAVIOR SPECIALISTS, MUSIC AND ART TEACHERS, AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS FOR OUR STUDENTS.
THE LAST TIME I SPOKE TO YOU, I GAVE EXAMPLES OF THE WAY THAT MY STUDENTS TRAUMA IMPACTED THEM AND OTHERS IN OUR CLASSROOM.
THANK YOU, TRUSTEE HARDEN FOR VISITING MY CLASSROOM THE VERY NEXT DAY IN A YEAR WHERE I SPENT SO MUCH TIME HELPING MY STUDENTS REGULATE THEIR EMOTIONS.
THE LAST SUPPORT I MIGHT HAVE ASKED FOR WAS SUGGESTIONS ON THE WAY I WROTE MY DAILY AGENDA FROM ASPIRE.
SIMILARLY, THE FULL-DAY TRAINING ON HOW TO RUN A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY MEETING WAS TRULY SHAMEFUL AND A WASTE OF OUR TIME AND MONEY.
MAYBE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD DAY FOR US TO DO OUR IB PLANNING OR REFLECTION THAT WE OTHERWISE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TIME TO DO BECAUSE THE SHORTAGE OF SUBSTITUTES BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO WORK FOR WHAT OUR DISTRICT PAYS.
LASTLY, IS THE MONEY SPENT ON LEVERAGE LEARNING AT PROMPTS AND RESOURCES DEVELOPED FOR THE DISTRICT WRITING ASSESSMENT, AND IT WAS A HUGE WASTE OF MONEY.
INSTEAD OF USING MONEY ON CONSULTANTS TO DEVELOP A WRITING PROMPT, THE DISTRICT COULD HAVE ASKED A GROUP OF TEACHERS TO HELP DEVELOP AND CREATE WRITING PROMPTS FOR OUR STUDENTS.
INSTEAD, IN MANY CASES, TEACHERS WERE GIVEN PROMPTS WITH SHORT NOTICE AND ASKED ADMINISTRATOR TO ADMINISTER AND GRADE THEM OUTSIDE OF THEIR CURRENT CURRICULAR CONTEXT.
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR INITIATIVES WHEN YOU BRING THE PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH STUDENTS EVERY DAY TO GIVE THEIR INPUT.
WHEN YOU STEP AWAY FROM CONSULTANTS AND REFOCUS ATTENTION AND RESOURCES ON TEACHER RETENTION, FULL STAFFING, AND STUDENT SUPPORTS, EVERYONE WILL BENEFIT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] NEXT UP, I HAVE NADINE OAKLEY.
>> HELLO. HI. TRUSTEES AND SUPERINTENDENT.
MY NAME IS NADINE OAKLEY, AND I'M A PARENT OF JUTAJI ARMSTRONG.
SHE'S GOING INTO SEVENTH GRADE, AND I ALSO AM A STUDENT AT SAC STATE, A 4.0 STUDENT MYSELF.
I'M JUST HERE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION AN ITEM 14B ON THE AGENDA.
QUICKLY, I JUST WANT TO SHARE MY STORY WITH YOU GUYS REGARDING MY DAUGHTER.
WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR WAS THAT HER TEACHER, MR. BONDI, AT NATOMAS MIDDLE SCHOOL, MADE A SHAMEFUL COMMENT ABOUT HER WEIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER STUDENTS.
THE STUDENTS FELT IT WAS IMPERATIVE TO TELL THE ADMINISTRATORS WHAT HAPPENED.
HE BASICALLY DIDN'T HOLD HIS SELF ACCOUNTABLE.
HE APOLOGIZED, BUT THIS WAS AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE.
MY DAUGHTER ALREADY HAS SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES, WHICH A LOT OF CHILDREN DO.
SHE ALSO HAS A IEP, WHICH WASN'T BEING FOLLOWED AT THE SCHOOL, LONG WITH ALL THESE OTHER THINGS THAT HAD HAPPENED AT THAT SCHOOL.
THEY'RE NOW GOING TO PUT SIXTH GRADE BACK AT H ALLEN HEIGHT, WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN OUT OF H ALLEN IN THE FIRST PLACE.
IT KIND OF MADE ME FEEL LIKE MY DAUGHTER WAS A TEST DUMMY FOR THE YEAR.
BUT MY SUGGESTION, BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET ALLOWS THAT ONE PERSON TO WORK AS A LIAISON TO HANDLE THE IEPS, WOULD YOU HAVE THE PERSON THAT THE IEP PARENTS ARE REFERRED TO INSTEAD OF STAFF BE THAT PERSON.
I WAS NOT REFERRED TO THAT PERSON, AND I FEEL IT WAS MET WITH RESISTANCE BY THE STAFF.
I ALSO SUGGEST THAT PARENTS WHO INSULT STUDENTS BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO COUNSELING.
STAFF WHO WORK WITH US BE MORE COOPERATIVE AND SOLUTION-ORIENTED.
>> CAN WE JUST PAUSE THE TIMER FIRST? I'M NOT TRYING TO CUT YOU OFF. WE'RE JUST GOING TO PAUSE THE TIME WE'RE GOING TO GIVE YOU YOUR FULL TIME.
BUT THIS IS ON BUDGET, AND SOME OF THESE ITEMS AREN'T GERMANE TO BUDGET,
[00:50:02]
AND SHOULD BE TALKED ABOUT AT THE END AT PUBLIC OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT.IT IS NOT A PARLIAMENTARY THING.
IT'S JUST WE GOT TO FOLLOW THE RULES HERE.
I WANT TO RESUME YOUR TIME, BUT WE HAVE TO BE GERMANE TO THE BUDGET ACTIONS.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE ANOTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON AND FOR GENERAL THINGS?
>> IF THEY TAKE SOME OF THE MONEY IN THE RESERVES TO HIRE READING TUTORS?
> BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER IS NOT READING AT A SEVENTH-GRADE LEVEL.
SHE'S READING AT A FOURTH-GRADE LEVEL.
>> LET'S JUST GIVE IT A RESET OR TIME BECAUSE WE DID CATCH HER HALFWAY, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH THE BOARD.
>> WELL, THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HERE.
>> NO. THAT'S FINE. WE WANT YOU TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT IS JUST SO WE HAVE TO BE GERMANE SO WE'LL RESET YOUR TIMER AND LET YOU CONTINUE. GO AHEAD.
>> THOSE ARE THE SUGGESTIONS THAT I HAVE.
FOR TEACHERS, THAT DOESN'T COUNT. WE'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TALK ABOUT IT.
I GUESS, STAFF TO WORK WITH US AND BE MORE COOPERATIVE AND SOLUTION-ORIENTED AND WORKING WITH THE BEST INTERESTS OF EACH CHILD TO CREATE A WIN-WIN FOR THE FAMILIES.
JUST ACTUALLY, HELPING THE STUDENTS LIKE WHEN THEY'RE FAILING, MY DAUGHTER FAILED THE WHOLE YEAR.
LIKE I SAID, I'M A 4.0 STUDENT, SO IT'S HARD FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND WHERE I'M FAILING AT AND HOW I'M NOT BEING A GOOD ROLE MODEL FOR HER.
I'M JUST DISAPPOINTED IN THE SCHOOL.
I'M DISAPPOINTING THE TEACHERS.
I'M JUST DISAPPOINTED IN THE WHOLE EVERYTHING.
I'M JUST HERE TO SHARE THAT BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO.
I BASICALLY HAD TO BEG TO GET HER OUT OF NATOMAS MIDDLE SCHOOL.
SHE'S GOING TO GO TO ANOTHER SCHOOL, AND I HOPE THAT EVERYTHING WORKS OUT BETTER FOR HER, BECAUSE IT'S JUST REALLY HARD FOR ME TO SIT THERE AND SEE HER STRUGGLE.
I JUST REALLY AM SAD ABOUT IT, AND I'M SORRY.
I JUST THINK WE ALL SHOULD JUST DO BETTER FOR OUR KIDS.
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY'RE BLACK, IF THEY'RE WHITE, IF THEY'RE DISABLED, IF THEY'RE NOT DISABLED, I JUST THINK AS ADULTS, WE SHOULD JUST DO BETTER.
THESE TEACHERS NEED TO COME TO SCHOOL, AND THEY NEED TO BE READY TO TEACH THESE KIDS.
THEY NEED TO LEAVE THEIR ATTITUDES AT HOME.
IF WE WANT TO DO IT, WHETHER WE DO OR WE DON'T, WE HAVE TO DO IT.
>> THAT'S JUST HOW I FEEL, SO I AM JUST SHARING THAT.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SHARE THAT.
>> NEXT UP, I HAVE SHARON TURMAN.
>> GOOD EVENING AGAIN. BUDGET ITEMS. LOOKING BACK OVER OUR PREVIOUS BUDGETS, THERE'S A LINE ITEM FOR OTHER SERVICES.
IN 2014/15, IT WAS $15 MILLION.
THIS CURRENT BUDGET SHOWS $29 MILLION.
AS A TAXPAYER, IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO HAVE THE BOARD MEMBERS ASK, WHY THAT LEVEL OF INCREASE OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD? AS A TAXPAYER FOR THE CURRENT BUDGET, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, WHAT DO THOSE ITEMS COVER? FOR FUTURE AND/OR IF A REVISION OF THE BUDGET CAN BE PLOTTED OUT FOR US AS CONSUMERS TO KNOW WHAT THOSE OTHER EXPENSES ARE TO THE TUNE OF 29 MILLION, IT MAY HELP US UNDERSTAND WHERE SOME OF THE MONIES ARE GOING.
THE IB EXPENSE AND THE RESERVES THAT THE BOARD HAS SET UP TO THE TUNE OF 6% OF THE BUDGET, I WOULD ASK YOU TO RECONSIDER THAT THAT 6% IS A HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT BEING ALLOWED TO USE OR UTILIZE, AND THAT IMPACTS THEIR CURRENT EDUCATION.
A 5% RESERVE WOULD AT LEAST ALLOW THAT 1% TO BE USED FOR THE TUTORS, THE IN-CLASS AIDES, THE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE THAT ARE NEEDED ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.
I'M ALSO INTERESTED IN HOW MUCH WE'RE SPENDING ON POLICE OFFICERS, BECAUSE MAYBE A PORTION OF THAT BUDGET COULD ALSO BE USED TO PROVIDE FOR AIDES, TO PROVIDE FOR TUTORS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR SERVICES THAT ARE NEEDED. THANK YOU.
[00:55:01]
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS ITEM.
[OVERLAPPING] WAIT. YOU DO, [INAUDIBLE] KANASU. I'M SO SORRY.
>> NO, MAYBE YOU PUT IT UNDER CONSENT.
>> IT SAYS APPROVE THE BUDGET.
>> ONCE AGAIN, THIS DISTRICT HAS BEEN A DISGRACE FOR MANY YEARS.
I'VE BEEN IN THIS DISTRICT ALMOST 20 YEARS NOW.
INSTEAD OF WASTING MONEY ON CONSULTANTS, ON ATTORNEYS, ON WHATEVER STICKS TO THE WALL WHEN IT COMES TO LITERATURE, YOU GUYS IDENTIFY KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA, AND YOU DON'T MAKE A WORD MENTIONED TO ANY OF THE PARENTS.
YOU DON'T EVEN ADDRESS IT IN THE IEPS, BUT YOU KNOW IT'S THERE.
THIS DISTRICT IS NOT SPENDING ANY MONEY ON DYSLEXIC STUDENTS, AND THE NAACP HAS CLASSIFIED THIS AS A HUMANS' RIGHTS CRISIS, BECAUSE SO MANY KIDS ARE DIAGNOSED WITH THIS AND THE SCHOOLS ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
THIS DISTRICT IS HIGHLY CULPABLE OF THAT.
MY DAUGHTER COULD NOT READ UNTIL THE THIRD GRADE WHEN I PULLED HER OUT AND PUT HER IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL.
EVERY IEP AND EVERY YEAR, I CAME BACK SAYING, SOMETHING'S WRONG.
I DON'T KNOW WHY SHE'S NOT LEARNING LIKE MY OTHER KIDS.
SHE'S JUST FINE, AND YOU MOVE HER UP.
I WANTED TO HOLD HER BACK IN KINDERGARTEN, NO.
I WANTED TO HOLD HER BACK IN FIRST GRADE, NO.
SHE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HER SIGHT WORDS.
SHE DIDN'T KNOW HALF OF THE ALPHABET BECAUSE SHE GOT HER NUMBERS AND LETTERS MIXED UP.
NOW YOU GUYS SAY, HEY, NOTHING'S WRONG WITH HER.
SHE DOESN'T EVEN DESERVE AN IEP NOW.
ARE YOU CRAZY? THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
YOU GUYS NEED TO SET MONEY ASIDE AND NOT SAY, WE'RE GOING TO PULL THEM OUT FROM THE TEACHER FOR ONE HOUR.
WHAT IS ONE HOUR A DAY GOING TO DO FOR THESE STUDENTS? NOTHING. YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS MONEY, LOOK AT YOUR RESOURCE AND START DEALING WITH THE THOUSANDS OF KIDS THAT YOU HAVE IN THIS DISTRICT THAT ARE PROBABLY ACTING OUT AND GIVING THE TEACHERS A HARD TIME BECAUSE THEY CAN'T READ.
I'M GOING TO KEEP COMING BACK AND COMING BACK.
>> THAT'S FINE. YOU'RE AT TIME.
>> THAT'S TOTALLY FINE. YOU'RE AT TIME. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[APPLAUSE] NOW I THINK WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS.
TRUSTEES, DEBATE, DISCUSSION, COMMENTS.
IS THERE A MOTION? I'M GOING TO MOVE APPROVAL OF THE 2025, 2026 BUDGET. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> I'LL SECOND WITH THANKS TO STAFF FOR PUTTING TOGETHER, THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST TUMULTUOUS.
THERE'S NEVER BEEN AN EASY YEAR IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING.
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A LITTLE MORE COMPLEX THAN MOST, SO THANK YOU TO STAFF.
OUR INTERIM CBO, FRED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT HERE AS WELL. WITH THAT, SECOND.
>> THERE'S A MOTION AND THERE'S A SECOND.
THERE'S A MOTION BY ME, AND THERE'S A SECOND BY TRUSTEE DOSICK.
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
ACTION ITEM C, APPROVE RESOLUTION NUMBER 2528 TO COMMIT
[XIV.c. Approve Resolution No. 25-28 to Commit General Fund Balance in the 2025-2026 Budget]
GENERAL FUND BALANCE IN THE 2025, 2026 BUDGET.DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS ITEM? I'M NOT SEEING ANY.
>> MOVED BY TRUSTEE DOSICK, BUT I WANT TO PAUSE IF THERE'S ANY DISCUSSION AMONGST TRUSTEES.
IS THERE A SECOND? I WILL SECOND-
>> HIS MOTION. SECOND BY TRUSTEE MORA.
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
ACTION ITEM D, RATIFY THE MEMORANDUM OF
[XIV.d. Ratify the Memorandum of Understanding between the District and NTA Regarding Evaluation Procedures, Appendix C and Mandated Training]
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DISTRICT AND NTA REGARDING EVALUATIONS, PROCEDURES, APPENDIX C, AND MANDATED TRAININGS.IS THERE A PRESENTATION ON THIS ITEM? NO PRESENTATION? IS THERE A DISCUSSION, TRUSTEES? IS THERE A MOTION, TRUSTEES? WE GOT TO HAVE SOME ENERGY TONIGHT.
>> MOVED. THANK YOU. MOVED BY TRUSTEE HARDEN.
COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL, HELENE?
[XIV.e. Approve Resolution No. 25-29, 2025-2026 Certification of District Signatures]
APPROVED RESOLUTION NUMBER 2529 FOR 2025, 2026 CERTIFICATION OF DISTRICT SIGNATURES.I DON'T THINK THERE SHOULD BE ANY [OVERLAPPING] DISCUSSION.
>> THE REASON WE ALL RAN FOR SCHOOL BOARD WAS TO CERTIFY SIGNATORIES. WITH THAT, MOVE APPROVAL.
>> MOVED BY TRUSTEE DOSICK, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE MEHTA.
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
[01:00:01]
[XIV.f. Approve Resolution No. 25-30, Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) Authorized Signatories]
APPROVE RESOLUTION NUMBER 25-30, OFFICE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES.ANY DISCUSSION, COMMENTS? HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
>> THAT MOTION ALSO CARRIES 5-0.
ACTION ITEM G, APPROVE THE RETIREMENT OF TWO DIESEL BUSES IN EXCHANGE FOR
[XIV.g. Approve the Retirement of two (2) Diesel School Buses in exchange for a grant from Sacramento County Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) towards a new Electric Bus]
A GRANT FROM SACRAMENTO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT TOWARDS A NEW ELECTRIC BUS.I THINK THAT'S ALL IN THE ITEM.
IT'S STILL PRETTY SELF-EXPLANATORY.
>> HAPPILY SECOND WITH MY THANKS TO STAFF FOR PURSUING THIS GRANT AND FOR CONTINUING TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES WHERE WE CAN SAVE MONEY AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE SAME TIME. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
>> IT'S MOVED BY TRUSTEE DOSICK.
>> MOVED BY TRUSTEE DOSICK AND THEN SECONDED BY TRUSTEE HARDEN.
>> IT'S FINE. HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
NEXT UP, WE HAVE ACTION ITEM H,
[XIV.h. Approve Second Amendment to Employment Agreement with Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo]
APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH SUPERINTENDENT DR. ROBYN CASTILLO.I DO HAVE ONE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS ITEM FROM JEN SUSA.
>> I'M ONLY SAYING ONE. I WANT TO FIND THE OTHER IF THERE'S ANOTHER.
>> GOOD EVENING, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO, PRESIDENT GRANT, AND NEIGHBORS.
FROM TONIGHT'S AGENDA, IT APPEARS SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO INTENDS TO REMAIN WITH US THROUGH 2029.
WHILE LONG-TERM LEADERSHIP CAN PROVIDE STABILITY, IT ALSO MUST BRING VISION, COURAGE, AND CHANGE.
MY QUESTION IS, WILL WE BE LED INTO A NEW CHAPTER OR WILL WE CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF OUR PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT DOUBLING DOWN ON TOP HEAVY ADMINISTRATION, EXPANDING DIRECTOR AND POSTAL ROLES, WHILE MY CHILDREN'S CLASSROOMS REMAIN UNDERFUNDED AND UNDERSERVED? TO DATE, WE DO NOT HAVE A MEANINGFUL DEPARTURE FROM THE OLD PLAYBOOK.
THERE'S NO ARTICULATED VISION.
I AM NOT SEEING DR. CASTILLO'S VOICE THAT CENTERS STUDENTS, EQUITY, AND MEASURABLE OUTCOMES.
DR. CASTILLO, YOU DESERVE TO BE THE CAPTAIN OF THIS SHIP.
WE URGENTLY NEED A BOLD SHIFT.
WHEN OVER 70% OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN THIS DISTRICT ARE READING BELOW GRADE LEVEL, IT'S NOT A DATA POINT, IT'S A CALL TO ACTION.
AUDITING AND REALLOCATING SPENDING IS A CAPTAIN'S MOVE.
STAFFING CLASSROOMS FIRST IS WHAT A CAPTAIN OF THEIR OWN SHIP WOULD DO.
HAVING YOUR VOICE, ENSURING IEP COMPLIANCE WITH KINDNESS AND WITH RESPECT IS WHAT A VISIONARY LEADER CAN DO.
ENGAGING AUTHENTICALLY, HOLDING MEETINGS IN A MULTILINGUAL FASHION, NOT ALL IN ENGLISH.
LEADING WITH VISION, STEPPING FORWARD WITH YOUR PLAN, NOT A PLAN FROM THE PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE SHOW US, PARENTS, THAT YOU WILL NOT OCCUPY THE ROLE, BUT YOU WILL REDEFINE IT. [APPLAUSE]
>> I PULLED OUT A PUBLIC COMMENT CARD.
>> I WANTED TO RESPOND TO THAT.
UP HERE, I DON'T HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT CARD ON THAT ITEM FROM MS. KANASU.
I HAVE TWO GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS, ONE FROM YOU, [INAUDIBLE], AND ONE FROM MIDORI FOR THE END IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT. THAT'S WHAT I HAVE.
>> THERE'S GOING TO BE ONE FOR THIS.
>> I'M JUST SPEAKING ON WHAT I HAVE.
THERE'S NO CONSPIRACY UP HERE.
YOU CAN LOOK. THIS IS THE ONLY THING I HAVE UP HERE.
>> WELL, WE ALTERNATE AT THE SAME TIME, SO YOU SHOULD LET ME DO MY PUBLIC COMMENT.
I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH FILLING ONE OUT, RETROACTIVELY, BUT I FILLED ONE OUT FOR ALL THE PUBLIC COMMENTS I WANTED TO SPEAK ON.
IT'S NOT LIKE YOU HAVE 1,000 PEOPLE WAITING TO TALK.
>> JUST ONE SECOND, PLEASE. LET ME CONFER WITH THE BOARD.
>> I DON'T ALWAYS LIKE TO DO THIS, BUT I'M GOING TO DO IT IN THIS SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE BECAUSE IT IS THE SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT.
WE'RE GOING TO MOTION IN A SECOND JUST ALLOW HER TO MAKE HER COMMENTS, AND THEN THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO MOTION ON TONIGHT.
I WANT TO HAVE RESPECT FOR THIS PROCESS.
[01:05:02]
WE'RE DOING A LOT OF EXTRA MOTIONS, AND SO WHAT I'M JUST GOING TO ASK THE PUBLIC TO DO IS LIKE, HEY, IF YOU HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT, TRY TO GET IT IN, WE DO HAVE A SET OF RULES.THIS IS NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT'S AVAILABLE.
I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION TO JUST GIVE HER TWO MINUTES TO SPEAK, AND THEN I'M GOING TO ASK FOR A SECOND.
>> A MOTION BY ME AND A SECOND BY TRUSTEE MORA.
HELENE, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
MS. KANASU, YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES ON THIS ITEM.
>> THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I HAD TO SUE THE DISTRICT TO GO TO BOARD ELECTIONS INSTEAD OF AT LARGE.
I WANTED TO BREAK UP THE MONOTONY OF KEEPING THE PARENTS FORCED OUT, US NOT HAVING A VOICE, AND I WANTED A NEW SUPERINTENDENT.
I WANTED TO GET RID OF CHRIS EVANS, LISA KAPLAN, TERI BURNS, AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL SITTING ON THIS SEAT.
I GOT RID OF ONE FOR A LITTLE BIT, BUT HE CAME BACK, JUST LIKE THE RATS.
WHEN WE GOT A NEW SUPERINTENDENT, I EXPECTED MORE.
I EXPECTED FOR YOU TO COME IN AND HELP CLEAN SHIP, SWEEP ALL THE CRUD OUT, AND TO PUT THINGS RIGHT FOR OUR KIDS, BECAUSE OUR KIDS DESERVE BETTER, OUR PARENTS DESERVE BETTER.
ME JUST TRYING TO GET A PUBLIC COMMENT RIGHT NOW, THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
THIS IS NOT FOSTERING COMMUNITY.
I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET A PUBLIC COMMENT, AND REGARDLESS OF YOUR SAYING YOU LOST IT OR WHATEVER, YOU LOST TWO OR THREE PUBLIC COMMENTS ALREADY TONIGHT.
I HAD TO FIGHT THREE TIMES TO GET UP HERE WHEN IT'S MY RIGHT TO COME UP HERE, BECAUSE I'M A PARENT, I LIVE IN THE DISTRICT, I PAY TAXES, AND I HAVE KIDS IN THE DISTRICT.
I HOPE THAT YOU WILL START CLEANING OUT THE CRUD, GET RID OF THE RATS, CUT THE UNNECESSARY SPENDING, FIND WHAT'S GOOD FOR OUR KIDS, AND START FOSTERING BETTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
QUIT HAVING NON-PARENTS ON YOUR BOARDS.
PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY, BUT DON'T HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.
STOP STACKING ALL THESE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF DOING BUT JUST BEING YES PEOPLE.
WE WANT BETTER FOR OUR COMMUNITY, AND THAT'S WHY WE WANTED YOU HERE.
PLEASE, STEP UP TO THE PLATE BECAUSE THE BALLS ARE BEING THROWN AND WE'RE STRIKING OUT RIGHT NOW.
>> THAT'S THE ONLY PUBLIC COMMENT THAT WE'RE TAKING.
I DO HAVE SOMETHING TO READ BY LAW ABOUT THE SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT, AND THEN TRUSTEES, AND WE CAN HAVE A DISCUSSION IF NECESSARY ON THIS ITEM.
TONIGHT, THE BOARD IS CONSIDERING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD AND DR. ROBYN CASTILLO.
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953 REQUIRES THE BOARD TO RECEIVE A VERBAL SUMMARY OF ANY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH A LOCAL AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO TAKING FINAL ACTION.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT, THE AMENDMENT PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING.
THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT IS EXTENDED TO JUNE 30, 2029.
THE LANGUAGE IN ARTICLE 3 WAS REVISED TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH EDUCATION CODE SECTION 22104.8, WHICH REQUIRES THE ANNUALIZED RATE OF PAY TO BE PROVIDED ON A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SALARY SCHEDULE.
THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR EACH YEAR OF THE SUPERINTENDENT'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT IS OUTLINED ON THE ATTACHED TO THE AGENDA SALARY SCHEDULE.
THERE ARE NO OTHER REVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE AMENDMENT.
I WILL GO AHEAD AND USE THE PRIVILEGES OF THE PRESIDENT TO SPEAK ON THIS CONTRACT BRIEFLY OR JUST OUR SUPERINTENDENT WHO I DO HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IN.
I JUST WANT TO REWIND AND GIVE A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY.
A COUPLE YEARS AGO, WE HAD A SUPERINTENDENT WHO ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT, CHRIS EVANS.
HE'S THE GUY I HAVE A RESPECT FOR, BUT I UNDERSTAND HE WAS AWESOME, HE COULD BE POLARIZING SOMETIMES.
WE DID A PRETTY COMPREHENSIVE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH, AND WHAT THE PUBLIC MAY NOT REMEMBER IS THIS BOARD STALEMATED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
WE COULD NOT REACH A FINAL CONCLUSION.
THIS BOARD WAS GRIDLOCKED BECAUSE WE REALIZED HOW IMPORTANT THIS DECISION WAS.
AFTER I THINK ABOUT A WEEK OF INTENSE CLOSED SESSION DISCUSSIONS THAT I CAN'T SHARE HERE, BECAUSE IT'S CONFIDENTIAL, AND IT'S A PERSONAL ITEM, I THINK WE ENDED UP MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION.
NOW, I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR SUPERINTENDENT BECAUSE IF ANYBODY KNOWS ME I EXPRESS VERY STRONG OPINIONS, AND THAT'S DONE IN AN EVALUATION PROCESS WITH OUR SUPERINTENDENT.
AGAIN, THOSE ARE THINGS I CAN'T SHARE HERE, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT WE HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB. GOD BLESS YOU TWICE.
I DO LOOK AT THE GAINS, AND I DO LOOK AT THE PLAN, AND I DO LOOK AT THE VISION, AND I'M ON BOARD.
[01:10:03]
BUT I'M ALSO KNOWING THAT WE HAVE A SUPERINTENDENT THAT'S WORKED VERY HARD TO FACILITATE FEEDBACK FROM THIS COMMUNITY.I THINK OF LAST YEAR WHEN STAKEHOLDERS BROUGHT THE A4 PROGRAM TO OUR DISTRICT, AND WE DIDN'T CALL IT EXACTLY THAT BY NAME, BUT WE PUT, I THINK, BELIEVE, 9-20 MILLION IN PROGRAMATIC FEATURES THAT WAS BACKED DIRECTLY FROM THE COMMUNITY.
WHEN I LOOK AT OUR LCAP, AND I LOOK AT THE ITEMS ON COST SAVINGS AND COST REDUCTIONS THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS ASKED FOR, I THINK WE FOUND FIVE MILLION IN COST REDUCTIONS, AND THOSE ARE GOING TO HAVE IMPACTS IN OTHER PLACES OF THE BUDGET.
>> PERSONALLY, I PREFER A SUPERINTENDENT NOT THAT THE PRIOR ONE WASN'T, THE PRIOR ONE CAME IN AT A TIME WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS IN NEAR RECEIVERSHIP IN STATE TAKEOVER AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT TODAY.
I DO SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR SUPERINTENDENT.
I DO SEE THE WAY OUR CABINET REACTS.
I DO SEE THE WAY CABINET IS RESPONSIVE TO TRUSTEES, AND THE MORE OPEN CULTURE, I DO SEE THESE THINGS, AND I'M 100% CONFIDENT THAT OUR SUPERINTENDENT HAS LISTENING TO THESE THINGS AND IS TAKING THEM SERIOUSLY.
MY YEARS PRESIDENT, WE HAVE A WEEKLY PRESIDENTS MEETING AND A CABINET MEETING.
YOU GUYS HAVE TO REST ASSURED, WE HEAR THESE THINGS, AND I HEAR THEM, AND I KNOW SHE'S SINCERE IN HER QUEST TO FIX THEM.
I THINK WE'VE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO A DIFFERENT STYLE.
WE HAD A SUPERINTENDENT WHO WAS VERY VERBOSE AND VERY DIRECT.
THE SUPERINTENDENT HERE CHOOSES TO DO THINGS THE OLD FASHIONED WAY, THE WAY THAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ME TO DO THEM, THAT YOUR ANSWERS BE SEASONED WITH SALT AND WITH GRACE THAT YOU CAN ANSWER ANY PERSON. I'M FULLY ON BOARD.
IS SHE ABSOLUTELY AWARE OF WE HAVE CHALLENGES? YEAH. THE KEEPS HER UP AT NIGHT.
A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, WE HAD THE SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION.
I THOUGHT WE HAD A VERY THOROUGH CONVERSATION, AND SHE PULLED ME TO THE SIDE AND SAY, HEY, LET'S TALK SOME MORE.
WE TALKED TO 11:00, AT NIGHT. I KNOW SHE CARES.
THAT'S IT. I'M HAPPY TO MOVE APPROVAL OF THIS CONTRACT, BUT I'M HAPPY TO HEAR ANY OTHER THINGS THAT THE BOARD WOULD LIKE TO SAY OR DISCUSS.
>> I CAN SECOND THE MOTION, BUT I DO HAVE A COMMENT.
>> THERE'S A MOTION IN A SECOND.
>> AS A NEW TRUSTEE, I FEEL THAT ROBIN YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB.
WHAT I KNOW BECAUSE I SIT WITH YOU ON A DIFFERENT BOARD AS WELL, YOU LEAD WITH EMPATHY.
I THINK WE'RE GOING TO DO SO MUCH BETTER WITH THE TRUSTEES AND YOU TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
THERE'S A MOTION IN THE SECOND.
>> ARE YOUR LIGHTS ON TRUSTEE.
>> YES. >> I JUST WANT TO DITTO WHAT PRESIDENT GRANT SAID.
BY FAR WELL, ACTUALLY, I WON'T NECESSARILY DITTO, WHAT HE SAID BECAUSE HE WAS VERY KIND ON HIS WORDS WITH THE FORMER SUPERINTENDENT.
I WILL SAY THAT IT IS JUST A PLEASURE TO HAVE THIS NEW SUPERINTENDENT.
NEW BLOOD, IT WAS DEFINITELY NICE TO HAVE.
I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT AND BELIEVE THAT I'VE SEEN THE CHANGE.
I'VE SEEN THE CHANGE WITHIN ADMINISTRATION.
I DO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE UP FOR THE JOB.
I'M HAPPY THAT YOU ARE HERE, AND YES, WE WANTED YOU HERE, FOUGHT TO HAVE YOU HERE.
YOU HAVE A METHOD TO YOUR MADNESS, YOU DO IT WITH A SMILE AND YOU HAVE BROUGHT LIFE TO PEOPLE THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WERE ALIVE, AND PEOPLE LAUGH AND SMILE.
I LOOK FORWARD TO ALL YOU CONTINUE TO BRING AND YOU HAVE DONE GREAT THINGS SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN HERE.
IF THERE'S NO OTHER TRUSTEE DOSICK.
>> I'LL JUST ECHO THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUES AND SAY, ROBIN, LIKE TRUSTEE MEHTA, WE DIDN'T GET TO BE HERE DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS.
WE WERE SPARED THAT OPPORTUNITY OR A DEAL, DEPENDING ON ONE'S PERSPECTIVE.
IN THE ROUGHLY YEAR AND A HALF THAT I'VE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO WORK WITH YOU, I HAVE SEEN YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS DISTRICT.
I'VE SEEN YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STUDENTS.
I'VE ALSO TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND OUR REGULAR ONE ON ONE TIMES FOR ADDITIONAL TIMES TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU AND I UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER CLEARLY THAT WE HAD A VERY GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THIS DISTRICT'S CHALLENGES ARE AND THROUGH THOSE CONVERSATIONS, AND MICAH, I THINK POINTED THIS OUT PRETTY CLEARLY, YOU HAVE A VERY DIFFERENT STYLE THAN OUR PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT.
IT'S NEITHER BETTER NOR WORSE AT ALL TIMES, BUT IT IS DIFFERENT.
OUR PREVIOUS SUPERINTENDENT WAS VERY DIRECT, PRETTY MUCH 24/7.
I THINK THAT FOLKS IN THIS DISTRICT SITTING AROUND THE TABLE IN THE AUDIENCE MIGHT BENEFIT FROM TIME TO TIME WITH A LITTLE MORE DIRECTNESS AND WE DON'T SHY AWAY IN PRIVATE AND IN PUBLIC.
[01:15:03]
WE DON'T SHY AWAY FROM THE AREAS WHERE WE NEED TO IMPROVE.WE'VE NEVER DONE THAT AS A DISTRICT.
WE HAVE ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGED THE AREAS WHERE WE HAVE TO IMPROVE.
BUT TO ASSUME THAT WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING, JUST BECAUSE WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT IT EVERY SINGLE MEETING IS SIMPLY INACCURATE.
AS I'VE SAID MULTIPLE TIMES, I WILL CONTINUE TO CALL OUT TRUTH FROM THIS DESK.
THE TRUTH IS YOU WORK TIRELESSLY FOR THIS DISTRICT.
YOU SHARE OUR VALUES, YOU SHARE OUR OBJECTIVES, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT TO BE HERE TO KEEP MOVING THIS DISTRICT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND CONTINUING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE AND THOSE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THEM.
>> THANK YOU, TRUSTEE DOSICK, SO I'M GOING TO CALL.
>> SORRY. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE I COULDN'T MISS SOMETHING BECAUSE I WAS TRYING TO PAY ATTENTION.
WE WEREN'T SAYING THAT WE WANT YOU TO TURN INTO A BULLY LIKE CHRIS, THOUGH.
>> I'M GOING TO REMIND THE BOARD OF OUR CIVILITY POLICY.
IN OUR CIVILITY POLICY JUST, [OVERLAPPING]
>> NO. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT PRESIDENT GRANT.
THIS IS JUST ME SAYING THAT AND THIS IS FOR ME DO NOT TURN INTO A BULLY LIKE HE DID FOR ME.
IF I AM BEING UNCIVIL, AND THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING [APPLAUSE]
THAT IS YOUR LIABILITY [OVERLAPPING]
>> HE WAS A BULLY TO ME. I'M JUST SAYING.
THAT'S ALL I JUST WANT TO BE FAIR, SO.
>> YOU DEFINITELY MADE AMENDMENTS TOWARDS THE CIVILITY POLICY.
THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO CALL THE QUESTION.
HELEN, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
>> MOTION CARRIES 5/0. CONGRATULATIONS, ROBIN.
[XIV.i. Consideration of Approval for Board Members' Remuneration Effective July 1, 2025 in accordance with Board Bylaw 9250 and Ed Code Section 35120]
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL FOR BOARD MEMBERS REMUNERATION. WE HAVE REMUNERATION.REMUNERATION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST, 2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD BY LAW 9250 AND ET CODE SECTION 35120. IS THERE A MOTION?
HELEN, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?
>> THE BOARD GETS A WHOPPING $20 RAISE.
>> I'M SORRY, I TOTALLY APOLOGIZE AND THAT MY ABILITY [INAUDIBLE].
CAN YOU DO WHAT YOU DO BEST PRESIDENT GRANT?
>> I'M NOT PREPARED TO CALL A RECONSIDERATION ON THE SIDE OF THE.
>> THEN JUST LET THE RECORD KNOW THAT ONCE AGAIN, BAD GIRL ME YEAH.
I CALL IT, BUT I DON'T AGREE WITH IT BECAUSE I DON'T NEED ANOTHER 20 BUCKS, BUT IT COULD SO STAND [INAUDIBLE]
>> NEXT UP, WE HAVE PUBLIC COMMENT.
[XV. PUBLIC COMMENTS]
I HAVE 1, 02, 3, 4, PUBLIC COMMENTS UP HERE.WE'RE GOING TO HEAR FROM THESE FOLKS ONLY TO ENSURE A TIMELY MEETING.
ANY COURTS WOOD BOARD BY LAWS, YES. I HAVE JEN SUSA.
>> GOOD EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SUPERINTENDENT CASTILLO, PRESIDENT GRANT, AND NEIGHBORS.
TONIGHT, I SPEAK NOT ONLY TO YOU, BUT TO EVERY PARENT, STUDENT, TEACHER, AND STAFF MEMBER IN THIS DISTRICT WHO HAS BEEN DISRESPECTED, SILENCED, EXCLUDED, OR BULLIED FOR SPEAKING UP, ESPECIALLY THOSE FACING DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN AND THOSE FIGHTING FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES.
IF YOU FEEL HOPELESS OR POWERLESS, HEAR THIS CLEARLY.
I HEAR YOU, I SEE YOU, AND I WILL NOT STOP DEMANDING THE SUPPORT AND JUSTICE YOU DESERVE.
TEACHERS, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR STUDENTS, THE SUPREME COURT IN GEBSER VERSUS LAGO VISTA MADE IT CLEAR, YOU CAN SPEAK UP, YOU CAN CHALLENGE DECISIONS.
YOU CAN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR YOUR STUDENTS WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION WHEN SCHOOLS FAIL TO SERVE STUDENTS.
PARENTS, NO ONE SHOULD BE INTIMIDATED FOR TRYING TO SECURE SAFETY, SERVICES, OR A FAIR EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILD.
AS A PARENT, I FIRMLY SAY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
STAFF, NO ONE SHOULD FEAR SPEAKING THE TRUTH ABOUT SYSTEMIC FAILURES.
WE'RE DONE WAITING. STUDENTS, YOU DESERVE REAL OPPORTUNITY, NOT BARRIERS TIED TO THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN OR DISABILITY.
[01:20:02]
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER, AND THIS IS YOUR TIME, YOUR SKIN, YOUR DISABILITY, AND YOUR STORY, NONE OF IT SHOULD STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR EDUCATION. YOU MATTER.FEDERAL LAW PROTECTS US, AND WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO DOCUMENT, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO INSIST THAT THIS DISTRICT SERVE EVERY CHILD EQUITABLY, LAWFULLY, AND WITH DIGNITY. THERE'S NO TURNING BACK.
LET ME BE CLEAR. LEADERS WHO APPROVE INEFFECTIVE, EXPENSIVE PROGRAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN WHILE SENDING THEIR OWN CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO ESCAPE THE VERY CONDITIONS THEY'VE CREATED.
MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THANK YOU.
THE RECKONING HAS BEGUN [APPLAUSE]
>> JEN I HAVE TWO PUBLIC COMMENT CARDS FOR YOU.
I'M GOING TO, I'M SORRY, AFTER YOU.
>> TWO DIFFERENT ITEMS. WHAT I WAS.
>> THE FIRST ONE WAS VERY GENERAL.
YOU HAVE ONE ON, I BELIEVE, IT WAS JUST LIKE THE GENERAL STUFF, AND THEN THIS ONE SAYS YOUR CHILDREN.
>> THEN THIS ONE IS FOR TO DONATE MY TWO MINUTES TO SCH.
>> SHE CAN DO THAT ACCORDING TO THE RULES. SHE CAN GIVE TWO MINUTES.
>> YES. THAT'S RIGHT [OVERLAPPING]
CAN I SPEAK OUT LOUD? CAN I TALK OUT LOUD?
>> POINT OF ORDER FOR TRUSTEE DOSICK.
>> MIC ON. MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND HOW THE BY LAWS WORK ON THIS ONE BECAUSE THEY'VE EVOLVED OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
>> WE DO HAVE A POLICY OF THE LAWS FOR. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THAT'S DONATE TIME. BUT IT'S CAPPED.
>> BUT IT'S CAPED, BUT ALSO FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AS AN AGENDA ITEM, IT'S ONE PUBLIC COMMENT PER PERSON PER ITEM.
BUT THE PUBLIC COMMENT IS A SINGLE. [OVERLAPPING]
>> PER TOPIC. BUT SO SHE HAS TWO DIFFERENT TOPICS HERE.
THIS IS WHY I'M TRYING TO SORT TO DIFFERENCE.
>> I HAVE TWO DIFFERENT TOPICS.
>> CAN I RUN THE MEETING? [OVERLAPPING]
>> BY LAWS AND WE WOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS DISCUSSION.
>> WE'RE NOT HAVING A BACK AND FORTH DISCUSSION HERE.
>> I'M TALKING TO TRUSTEE DOSICK ON AN ITEM THATS GERMAINE.
I HAVE A VERY COLLABORATIVE STYLE THAT ACKNOWLEDGES THE PUBLIC, BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE SOME RULES HOW WE OPERATE, REALLY? ON THIS ITEM, THERE'S TWO VERY SPECIFIC TOPICS.
SHE HAS GIVEN HER TIME TO MS. KANATO.
>> THAT MAKES SENSE. THANK YOU.
>> THIS STUFF ACTUALLY MATTERS.
I KNOW TO THE PUBLIC, IT MAY NOT SEEM, BUT WE RUN ACCORDING TO THE BROWN ACT.
WE DON'T WANT SOMEONE SAYING, HEY, THIS MEETING WASN'T RUN RIGHT, AND THEN EVERY ACTION WE'VE TAKEN IS SUBJECT TO A COURT ORDER.
MRS, YOU'VE DONATED TWO MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO MS. KANATO.
>> BUT I'D LIKE TO GO ACTUALLY BEFORE ME.
>> ARE YOU DONATING THE TWO MINUTES TO HER OR JUST.
MIDORI HAS 2 MINUTES TO SPEAK, AND THEN MS. KANATO HAS FOUR MINUTES TO SPEAK. LET'S HEAR FROM.
>> WE'RE GOING TO HEAR FROM MIDORI FIRST. THANK YOU.
>> MY MOM SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FIGHT FOR WHAT I NEED AND WHAT I SHOULD BE GETTING.
BY THE WAY, JUST MY SAYING THIS ACTUALLY IS ACTED UP ANXIETY.
THE FACT THAT ALL THESE PARENTS ARE GOING AGAINST YOU GUYS IS SAD BECAUSE YOU GUYS ARE SAYING THEY'RE BEING RIGHT, BUT THE FACT THAT THE CLASSES ARE BAD, THE KIDS AREN'T LEARNING THAT MUCH IS PRETTY SAD.
>> THE REST OF THAT TIME IS FORFEITED.
>> ONCE AGAIN, IT'S A SHAME THAT THE PRESIDENT DOESN'T KNOW THE RULES TO THEIR OWN BYLAWS WHEN WE'VE BEEN COMING UP HERE FOR YEARS.
YES, THEY HAVE CHANGED SCOTT DOSICK, BECAUSE YOU CHANGED THEM SO THAT WE COULD BE PUNIZED, AND THAT WE COULD HAVE LESS TIME AS THE PUBLIC TO COME AND SPEAK.
YOU CHANGED IT TO TWO MINUTES, TWO MINUTES FOR PARENTS TO COME WHEN GENERALLY THIS ROOM IS NOT FULL.
GENERALLY, THERE IS ONLY TWO OR THREE PARENTS, ONE MAYBE.
UNLESS THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON IN THE DISTRICT, AND YOU REDUCED THE TIME WHEN BEFORE THERE WASN'T A TIME LIMIT.
NOW YOU WANT TO EVEN SCRUTINIZE THAT JUST GOES FOR ALL OF YOU IN THE AUDIENCE, WHEN IT COMES ELECTION TIME AGAIN, REMEMBER THESE TIMES.
REMEMBER THESE TIMES THAT THESE ELECTED OFFICIALS CAME AND WANTED TO CUT THE VOICES OF THE PARENTS.
[01:25:05]
SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN SITTING ON THIS WAY TOO LONG.LIKE I SAID, THE RATS ALWAYS COME BACK.
AGAIN, IT COMES FROM THE HEAD DOWN.
WHEN YOU WAIT TO CALL A ROLL CALL BECAUSE ONE OF YOUR TRUSTEES IS SO LATE, BUT YOU WANT THE RECORD TO REFLECT THAT IT LOOKS LIKE EVERYBODY WAS HERE, AND THEN THEY'RE VOTING ON THE SUBJECT THAT THEY WEREN'T EVEN HERE ON TIME TO HEAR THE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AND VOTE, OH, SURE, LET'S CO SIGN THIS AND NOT READING THINGS AND ALL STUFF.
MAYBE IT'S TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.
I GOT TWO MINUTES AND 37 SECONDS LEFT.
YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THESE THINGS.
ALL THESE VOTERS, THESE WERE VOTED ELECTED OFFICIALS.
IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THE RATS.
IT'S TIME TO THROW OUT THE GARBAGE.
WE'RE TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE GARBAGE.
WE'RE TIRED OF OUR CHILDREN NOT GETTING WHAT THEY DESERVE.
WE'RE TIRED OF HAVING TO COME AND TRUST AND BELIEVE, LIKE I SAID, YOU GUYS MAY THINK IT'S A THREAT, BUT THERE PROMISES WHEN I SAY I'M GETTING RID OF SOMEONE, IT MAY NOT BE TODAY.
IT MAY BE TWO YEARS, BUT IT ALWAYS COMES TO FRUITION, BECAUSE I AM BLESSED.
YOU CAN DRAG ME THROUGH THE MUD.
YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE LIES YOU WANT ABOUT ME, BUT I AM COVETED BY GOD.
I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR MY CHILDREN AND EVERY OTHER CHILDREN.
I AM TIRED OF HAVING PARENTS COME AND ASK ME TO ADVOCATE FOR THINGS THAT THEIR CHILDREN DESERVE.
I'M TIRED OF TALKING TO YOUR STUPID SPECIAL ED DEPARTMENT, QUOTING ED CODE, AND THEN TELLING ME THAT IT DOESN'T EXIST WHEN WE'RE QUOTING IT AND TAKING FROM THE ED CODE, FROM THE WEBSITE, AND THEY'RE SAYING THAT THIS DOESN'T EXIST.
OPEN UP YOUR EYES, GET RID OF THE GARBAGE, BECAUSE WE ARE VERY TIRED OF IT. BUT GUESS WHAT? WE ARE RESILIENT, AND WE WILL KEEP COMING AND KEEP COMING, AND I WILL FIND EVERY LOOPHOLE THAT I CAN TO GET RID OF EVERYBODY THAT I NEED TO GET RID OF.
THOSE ARE NOT THREATS, THOSE ARE PROMISES.
WITH MY LAST DYING BREATH, I WILL DO WHAT I HAVE TO DO FOR MY CHILDREN, REGARDLESS OF MY PERIL. I DON'T CARE.
THERE'S NOTHING THAT YOU CAN DO, SAY, ABOUT ME OR DO TO ME.
YOU CAN KEEP SENDING THOSE SRO OFFICERS TO DELIVER PAPERS.
YOU CAN KEEP MAKING FALSE ALLEGATIONS.
I WAS ASSAULTED ON THE 14TH AT THE LAST BOARD MEETING THAT WAS ON THE 14TH, NOBODY CAME, NOBODY CALLED.
I HAD TO FILE A POLICE REPORT.
NOBODY CARED, BUT YOU WILL CARE IN A LITTLE BIT.
I'LL SEE YOU AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING.
>> THANK YOU, MS. KANATO [APPLAUSE] I DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENT CARDS.
WE'RE GOING TO CALL THIS MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:56.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.