As we all did tonight, and as we do every morning at school, we recite the pledge of allegiance, which enshrines the idea of liberty and justice for all as fundamental to our nation. We also recite the preamble to the Declaration of Independence which states that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalable rights for all, not merely an elected few. Educators have the weighty task of teaching and helping prepare children to be productive members of society. How can that possibly be done if we deny the existence of our diverse student population? If we neglect to ensure that all children have equitable access to education and fail to establish the inclusive environment necessary for learning. that's impossible. I hope that the board and the superintendent will stand by their commitment to provide high quality education and employment without sacrificing the very things that make that possible.
I I certainly I I couldn't stay the entire meeting um on Monday night when we had finance committee and I just want to thank um our finance director. He brought information to us, put it to us so we could understand it. And and when what I missed out was he started moving accounts, people, putting them in the right spot or account that they need to be listed under. And I and I saw some people saying, well, you know, we move people and move around. They're going to constantly move around. But I think that we as a board asked for this to be put in order so we can at least start out and know where everything is listed. And I I want to thank Mike for doing what he needed to do and the superintendent and the lady from the city. Oh, Jo. Joy help.
Thank you. Thank you. Next, we have St. Hayes. Good evening, President Downey, board members, Dr. Lopeman, and community members. My name is Stacy Hayes, and I come to you tonight not just as a proud educator, but as someone who has devoted their life to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all students. I am here to strongly urge you, do not sign Title 6 certification being recommended. This is not a simple reaffirmation of civil rights. This document is vague, political, and deeply concerning. If signed, it could be used to dismantle equity focused programs and silence educators who are doing exactly what we've been called to do. Support, affirm, and uplift all students. Let's remember who we are. The mission of the Maricopa Unified School District is to ensure all students achieve excellence by preparing them to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens who value innovation and global diversity.
Thank you for all working together to make sure we bring that information to to action item a one meeting. Motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption uh policy 5114 suspension and expulsion/due process as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with 25-68. Motion made by Wita second.
This certification does not align with our mission. In fact, it contradicts it. We serve indigenous, latinext, black, LGBTQ, and different aabled students who bring brilliance, resilience, and culture into our classrooms. But they also bring lived experiences shaped by bias, in exclusion, and in invisibility. Signing this document risk erasing those truths. It threatens programs that build belonging, cultural clubs, inclusive curriculum, affinity groups, and equity training for staff. It tells our community that our students identities are too controversial to be supported. Yet, our own strategic plan makes it clear, goal two of our access and equity priority states, that every student should have access to excellent educational services, resources, and programs. That includes specialized programming for identified populations and programs that serve the social and emotional needs of all students. It includes staff that reflect diversity of our students. That's our promise and this certification undermines it.
Uh any questions? Excuse me. Could I hear all that statement? Can I hear I I Mr. Jill do policy B. a motion that the board of education accept for second reading and stop the policy item. Five student records confidentiality as recommended by the policy committee um and in accordance with the 25-69 exhibit motion made by Mr. Janelli. Could I hear a second? Second. Seconded by L. Any question? Seeing none, all in favor of the motion? I motion so car. Okay. Policy C. I'll make a motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption policy 5125.11 health/medical records as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with exhibit 25-70. Motion made by Kate. Did I get a second? Seconded by none.
The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has already clarified that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are not categorically prohibited under title six. There is no federal law that requires our district to sign this document. In fact, it's in states like New York and Wisconsin, they're already challenging this. So why should we voluntarily sign something that creates legal uncertainty, invites political interference, and could silence our staff and students? We do not have to, and we shouldn't. If we sign the certification, we send a message that fear matters more than belonging, that politics matter more than people, that our students, cultures, identities, and experiences don't fit into the version of education being imposed on us. But I believe that we are better than this. I believe our mission still matters and I believe in our students. Please do not stop this. pause, reflect, stand firm in our values, and protect the people and the programs that bring our mission to life.
Any questions? Seeing none, all in favor of the motion. I I motion so car Louisa policy D motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption policy 5131.1 bus conduct as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with 25-71 motion made by Louisa seconded by any questions All in favor of that motion and I hear I I oppose motion. So car none E. I make a motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption of policy 5131.6 Six, alcohol use, drugs, and tobacco, including performance-enhancing substances as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with 25-72. Motion made by Lauren. Could I hear a second? Seconded by Kate.
Thank you, and I apologize for going over. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um, we have Angelina Edner. Good evening board members, President Downey, Superintendent Lopeman, um Angelia Edner. Uh tonight, I want to address you as a concerned community member and also an educator with 20 years of experience. I want to share some points information regarding DEI efforts and why we should remain committed to what we do in MUSD. Um and these points are drawing from National Education Association as well as the National Equity Project. Public schools are where over 85% of all students and over 90% of students with disabilities choose to learn and have the opportunity to thrive when their needs are met. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs create a sense of belonging where all students can feel comfortable sharing ideas and lived experiences. These programs create the right environment for all students to access available opportunities and reach their full potential.
Any questions? All in favor of the motion? Can I hear I? Opposed. Motion so carry. Um Teresa policy f policy 5131.7 weapons and dangerous instruments motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption policy 5131.7 weapons and dangerous instruments as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with 25-73. Motion made by Dr. Teresa. Could I hear a second? Second. Seconded by Wanita.
Ongoing support and commitment to DEI principles are essential for cultivating educational environments where all students can thrive. Every child and family in our district are deserving of learning conditions that foster intellectual diversity, curiosity, social and emotional well-being. MUSD needs to remain committed to diverse, equitable, and inclusive teaching practices in order to realize our vision of being an effective and thriving school system. Continued DEI efforts create policies, practices, and ways of working to ensure the healthy and learning environment and development of all young people. It's important that students see themselves represented in curricula, whatever the subject matter. As the science of whole child development shows, the context and meaning making are fundamental elements of teaching and learning. When young people see themselves, their histories and culture represented in curriculum, they're more engaged. They feel a sense of belonging and are more able to learn. Culturally responsive teaching and anti-racist approaches are not code for anti-white.
Any questions? Seeing none, all in favor of the motion. I I motion so chair Michelle she motion that the board of education accept for second reading and adoption of policy 5132 dressing and grooming as recommended by the policy committee and in accordance with 25-74. Motion made by Michelle. Did I hear a second? Second. Seconded by L. Any question concerning the policy? Seeing none, all in favor I I oppose my motion. So carry a M H. Uh, I make a motion that pursuant to Connecticut General Statute section 10- uh 215 Athens in Foxra, Henry Public Schools certifies that all food items offered for sale to students and the schools under its jurisdiction and not exempt from the Connecticut nutrition standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education will comply with Connecticut nutrition standards during the period. period of July 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2026.
We should be we should be committed to teaching truthful and accurate history and supporting our young people to make meaning in age appropriate ways as our nation's complex past and the present are unfolding all around them. Curricula and textbooks that only portray white people as either heroes or villains are as inaccurate as the omissions of histories and contributions of people of color. Our past is interconnected and there is pain and hope in our understanding and there are lessons that will help us think about how to be a part of a shared future where the where there is greater opportunity for all of us. We can continue to create and improve the conditions necessary for all of our students to thrive. our black students, indigenous students, students of color, white students, our queer and trans youth, our youth with disabilities, our English language learners. They all deserve public schools that are committed to their well-being and academic success.
This certification shall include all all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursement reimburseable meals at all times and from all sources including but not limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school premises. premises uh sponsored by school or nonchool organization organizations and groups in accordance with exhibit 25-75. Uh I made this motion. Did I hear a second? Second second by one.
When we focus on equity and respect, we bridge our differences in a way that help us heal and ensure that every child is seen, valued, and has an opportunity to thrive. We need to remember the why of DEI in our public schools. We need to continue to inspire, engage, and activate all students, staff, parents, caregivers, and community members. We need to proactively celebrate what we are doing and MUSD as a community who should remain committed to equity and inclusion. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you. We now move on to item it, consent agenda. Motion to approve. Second. Lisa, we have a motion to second. Ben Owens. Hi. Carolyn Lopez I Patty Catra I Robert Downey I so moved we now move on to item nine action items specifically 9A discussion and possible approval of the personnel schedule Mr. Beckett. Thank you President Downey members of the board Dr.
Any questions? Seeing none. All in favor? Oppos? Motion. still here. Louise I motion that the Danbury public schools will allow the sale to students of food items that do not meet the Connecticut nutritional standards and beverages not listed in section 10-221Q of the Connecticut General Statutes provided that the following conditions are met. One, the sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend. Two, the sale is at the location of the event. And three, the food and beverage items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An event is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly regularly scheduled practice meeting or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer games, school plays, and intercolastic debates are events, but soccer practices, play rehearsals, and debate team meetings are not. The regular school day is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.
Lman you have the personnel schedule in front of you tonight. Um only one area I wanted to highlight was under the stipens and extra duty just those uh CCIP. I spell out that acronym down below so you know what we're talking about. uh those that that uh this payment that we're making to these educators uh based upon a a test they took actually last year and so the payments are coming at this point of time. So we actually have some staff members here that were actually no longer here.
Location means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the food and beverages beverage sales in accordance with 25-76. Motion made by Louisisa seconded by L. Any question? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I motion so car. Oneita J. Motion that the board of education accept the March 2025 financial report as recommended by the finance committee and in accordance with 25-77. Motion made by Wanita. Could I hear a second? Second. Second by Louisa.
Uh so those people will also get this pay but uh I'll take any questions you have at this point of time. Mr. Beckett, thank you for explaining that because that was going to be one of my questions. Um, I'm not going to lie, I don't like seeing some of these names on the resignation list. Um, made my heart hurt. So, um, any other questions? I'm just kind of wondering where where are we sitting? I asked you this yesterday when when we talked. U, where are we sitting as far as uh return contracts? And obviously this is kind of should be the last of kind of decisions, right? We're hoping so. Yes. Hopefully. Exactly. So just kind of curious where are we at as of today this you know this evening. Yeah. The numbers that I had from this morning 19 gened positions still open. Eight special education teaching positions open.
Any questions? Seeing none, all in favor? Could I hear I? I oppose. Motion car. Lauren K. I make a motion that the board of education approve the final plans, contract specifications, and cost estimate for the Ellsworth Avenue school roof replacement and authorize the chairperson of the board of education and the superintendent of schools to sign that SCG042 form for submission to the state of Connecticut for approval in accordance with 25-78. Motion made by Lauren. Could I hear a second? Second by Kate.