001Thank you. Good evening and welcome everyone to the Samri uh Unified Board of Education meeting. Today is Tuesday, May 12th. I'd like to call this meeting to order at 7:03. Um, all meetings of the Board of Education are open to members of the public unless publicly noticed as close session. I'm sorry. I think I need to skip ahead. I This is from earlier. Just give me one second. Um, item five, there is no report of close session. >> Now, call to order. Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Chang, >> thank you. >> Mr. Sun, >> present. >> Miss Lamb >> here. >> Mrs. Ryan >> here. >> Mrs. Gil here and student board member Mr. Burke. >> Thank you. Now, I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Richtor to introduce our student leading us in
002the pledge of allegiance. >> Thank you, President Gil. Tonight, it is our honor to welcome an outstanding Huntington Fox, Joseph Ruiz, to lead the board in the salute to the flag this evening. For those of you that don't know Joseph, Joseph is truly the unofficial mayor of Huntington Middle School. He is an inspiration to all students, all staff, and all parents in the entire HMS community. He is exactly the student we would like to see in our schools and in our district. So, Joseph, we welcome you this evening. Thank you for being here. Please join us at the podium to share a little bit about yourself, your school, introduce any guests that you may have here this evening with you to support you, and lead the the board in a salute to the flag. Hi,
003I'm Joe Ruiz and um I've made a lot of friends at Huntington Middle School, but throughout my three years and getting more wise, one friend that has stood out to me and might be a shocker is the school itself. Something feels like when I walk into the building, it feels like the school is personally saying hi to me every morning and I just love it a lot. So, I would ask if you guys could please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Place your right hand over your heart. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Good evening. Thank you, Dr. Delatori, board president Gil, and members of the executive team. My
004name is Joe Ruiz, and I'm an eighth grader at Huntington Middle School. This year, I really enjoyed being a part of band class, chess club during lunch and collaborating with my friends through different lunchtime activities. I also love the school trips that were offered to us, such as Pali and Magic Mountain. We met new friends and participated in activities that taught us how to work together. During my time at Huntington, I was honored to receive several rewards, including ones for respect, responsibility, courage, and honesty, which means a lot to me. I've truly enjoyed my time here, and I'm thankful for all the teachers and coaches who believed in me and helped me grow. Because of this school, I've made many lifelong friends and great memories. I'm proud to be a Huntington Fox. I would also
005like to recognize my family members Mila, uh, Rodney, and Jessica, who have been through with me through this wild and crazy journey of a almost roller coaster type life with many ups and downs, many airtime, but some mellow parts. So, Joseph, >> don't go anywhere. Hold on. >> Before you leave, I'd like you to come up front and center. We're going to present you with a certificate of appreciation. On behalf of myself, I would like to thank you for being here this evening and for being official. I've seen you on campus. So this certificate apply on May 12th, 2026. So there you are. take a photograph of you invite I don't care. Can I just add one thing about Joseph? He was the first one when I went over to the middle school. He was
006the first one to introduce himself to my to me and he was so disgusted that he had to deal with a Yankee fan because he's always he is always head to toe in Dodger gear and so he was so frustrated that that's who he had to uh to see every morning. >> I've known him since he was here in kindergarten. He's in my son's class and he's always been that amazing. So yeah. >> So um moving on to uh the approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? >> So moved. Second, please. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Mr. Sun. >> Hi. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mrs. Gil. I. And Rowan. >> Hi. >> Okay. Approval of minutes.
007Do I have a motion to approve the 42826 meeting minutes? >> So moved. >> Second. Please. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Mr. Sun. >> Hi. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mrs. Gil. I and Mr. Burke. >> Thank you. Um, seven, San Marino Unified School District spotlight. I would like to turn it over to assistant principal andora uh to introduce senior Max Zhao for his incredible accomplishments. Thank you. Should Max come up? Yes. >> Max, come over here, please. >> Good evening, board president Gil, esteemed board members, our superintendent, Dr. deator and our executive cabinet. It is my honor tonight to introduce a truly exceptional young man, Max Sao. Last summer in July, Max represented the United States at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad
008held in Dubai where he earned a gold medal and placed 20th in the world among the top chemistry students internationally. Pri Yes. Prior to competing on the world stage, Max attended an intensive two-week study camp at the University of Maryland um College Park, where he competed against 19 of the nation's top finalists for um the opportunity to represent team USA after earning first place in the Southern California section of the American Chemical Society's US National Chemistry Olympiad. As if that accomplishment were not remarkable enough, Max has qualified um this year for the USA Biology Olympiad finals, placing him among the top 20 biology students in the nation. And he um will attend the prestigious training camp at Harvard University this summer. So, please join me in welcoming Max Zo. Yes. So I guess first of
009all I'd like to say it's a great honor to be here and be honored by the board. Right. And I guess obviously you might want to know about bit about the trip to the UAE. Right. So I guess first of all after the camp we had about a few weeks where we were just studying chemistry to prepare. So when the day came, we boarded a flight. Flight was very long. I think about 16 hours. We landed in Dubai. Yeah. And first thing we noticed was that it was very hot there. We got to our hotel. Then that was essentially when the program began. So first day there was an opening ceremony. Then after that we had some activities. Eventually it came time for the exam. And there was one day for the lab which was
010five hours. We thought it went pretty well. Then there was a day of rest and then we had the theory exam which was also five hours. After that we were able to relax a bit more. Throughout the trip we did a lot of sightseeing. We visited an art museum, visited an amusement park and also the Dubai mall which was very big. [laughter] also had a lot of fun talking to my three other teammates and talking to the other teams representing countries from all over the world. And in the end, we were very happy that we were all able to win gold medals at the closing ceremony. >> That's amazing. Thank you. >> So, uh, Max, I want to congratulate you on this wonderful accomplishment of yours. are also very proud of. Um, we have a
011certificate of recognition that we're going to be presenting to you this evening and it reads as follows. In recognition of your outstanding achievement in placing 20th in the world at the 57th International Chemistry Olympia held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Your dedication, academic excellence, and commitment to the field of chemistry bring great pride to our school and to our community. And this award is presented to you this day, May 12th, 2026. And I'd like you to come over here and take a photograph with the board of education front and center. >> Thank you, >> Max. Do you feel comfortable sharing where you're going next year? You only proud. Yeah. >> Where's the next one? She has a different effort. I'm right on. >> Yeah. bonding over physics. >> Amazing. >> Love seeing our students in
012action here. Um, >> okay, now it is time for public comment. The board of education has adopted board policy 9323V to ensure the public's right to be heard in any matters pertaining to the San Marino Unified School District. Persons who wish to provide public comment will have three options to submit public comments. One, submit through an online form. Have we had any submissions? Mrs. Deator, are you We'll come back to that. Number two, request to speak during the meeting via Zoom. Mr. Hang, please pause the meeting for one minute to collect public comments. >> One minute starts now. Communications from the audience regarding matters not on the agenda or items in the information, consent or action sections. Please provide your comments now. If you would like to request to speak during the meeting, please press
013the raise hand icon to make a request. you're calling in from home, please dial star 9 or please submit a public comment card. There's approximately 30 seconds left. We do not have any attendees online wishing to speak. >> Okay. Um going back to number one, can did we have any submissions through the online form? Thank you. The third way is to request to speak during the meeting in person via the public comment card. Do we have any submission. Okay. Um there are four cards that are topics not on the agenda. Um I am going to start with CSCA member Alex Tarantula. Good evening uh superintendent uh Delator board or president Gil Cabinet. My name is Alec Tartulla. I am a pair professional at HMS. I'm also the CSEA uh chapter vice president for San Marino.
014I am here to speak on behalf of Dika Firmsiah. He is a HMS PE instructional aid. And here's his speech. He excuse me, sorry. A He's speaking on what a 10% raise would do for him. A 10% raise is more than just the number on a paycheck. A 10% raise would help relieve financial stress and make every day expenses more manageable. It could mean catching up instead of falling behind. It could also mean paying bills without choosing one. and one would have to wait. It also mean groceries without stress, gas without checking the bank first, or finally putting some things into savings. It would help with the rising cost of a rent/mortgage, uh, groceries, gas, and bills while giving me a little bit more stability and security for the future. More than anything, it would
015make me feel valued for the work I do every day for the district and the students we serve. Why classified employees are the engine that makes the district run. Classified employees are essential to keeping the San Marino Unified School District running smoothly every single day. We support students, staff, families in countless ways behind the scenes and in front in front lines as well. From the custodial staff to the maintenance to food service to office support to tech. Um we are not just extra support, we're essential infrastructure. SMUSD could not function without the classified staff. We are essential people who help create safe, organized and supportive environments where students can learn and succeed. Why do I want um why do sorry why do I want to do this even if I am underpaid? I do this
016work because I care about the students and I take pride working for San Marino Unified. Even if I feel sometimes the pay is not reflect the value of my everyday work that I do, I continue to show up because I know what I do somehow makes a difference within the school district. Supporting students, co-workers, and SM at SMUSD gives me a sense of purpose and I believe the work of classified employees matters deeply. At the same time, caring about the job should not mean accepting being underpaid. We deserve fair compensation and for essential work that we do. Thank you so much for your time. Appreciate it. >> Uh, next up, I'd like to call Mr. James Jacobs. Good evening, Superintendent Delator, President Gil, board members, and cabinet. Um, first of all, I gotta say, uh,
017our our students are amazing. I still can't balance electrons. So, uh, it's a and and they are extremely well traveled. It's unbelievable. And we're looking forward to having Joe at the high school next year. Um, I'm up here not only, you know, um, those of you, let me introduce myself first. the I am the president of CSEA chapter 120 and um I have I've been in this position for three years now and um it was a situation in which uh our our former p our former president was stepping down and um everyone stepped back and I ke I stood there so I ended up being president but those of you that know me here for a number of years know that I I always try to rise to a challenge challenge and I've enjoyed my
01827 years here. But as the voice for our people, I want to speak for two people here and I'll make it as brief as possible. One is Courtney Robinson and she's our administrative assistant at the middle school and the second will be Edner Edmmer Avenena and he is our Nike student at the high school. So let me read cordings first and I definitely need my glasses for this one. Uh good morning esteemed board members and district executive team. I just wanted to reach out and kindly ask you to consider CA CSA's request for a meaningful raise that includes our basic cola. A 10% increase would really would really help make a noticeable difference in how I manage the rising financial pressures my family faces each month. As cost of rent, gas, groceries, child care, and
019other everyday needs keep going up, it's becoming harder to stay financially stable. Even though I work hard and do my best on top of all the regular expenses, I'm also raising an infant. Her infant has a medical condition that requires ongoing care, appointments, treatments, and medical bills. These health care costs add another layer of financial stress, and that's tough to juggle alongside everyday living expenses. Even with careful budgeting, the constraints, uh the constant rise in living costs make it challenging to keep everything balanced. She couldn't be here today because her husband is actually working a second job, so she had to stay home with the child. Getting a raise would really help ease some of the financial pressure, making it easier to cover essential expenses, stay current on medical bills, and provide more stability and
020peace of mind for my family. It would also lessen the stress of trying to manage these increasing costs while ensuring my child gets the care and support he needs. We deeply care about this district and the students we serve. We are asking the board and executive team to invest in their employees who continue to show up every day at our schools. Thank you for your time and consideration. Cordi Robinson. And let me read Edmmer's uh he is our night custodian and he's just a wonderful young man and uh I reached out to him and this is what he he wanted me to express. My name is Emmer Alincia and I work as a night custodian at San Marino High School. Our duties ex extend beyond just being a janitor. During the pandemic, we were on
021the front lines cleaning and sanitizing all the rooms with less manpower due to the layoffs. When we experienced the recent strong windstorms, the custodians took on the responsibility of securing the buildings. We made sure no students were on campus as flying debris was everywhere with almost zero visibility as dust and black smoke surrounded the campuses without electricity. When a student was trapped inside the band room, all of us worked together to break through the metal doors to open until the firefighters arrived. We also act as security to make sure no outsiders or homeless people enter the district enter district pro property, pardon me. We work quietly behind the scenes. We contribute substantially to the safety of our staff, students, and on daily basis while also attending to our regular job duties. I love my job.
022He does. We are strong. We're a strong department that rises to the difficult challenges. However, due to significant rise in the cost of living and current economic inflation, I'm facing increased financial pressure. A 10% raise would help me overcome the stressful situation. But it's not just about the money. It's also about respect and recognition. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Jacobs. Um, now we have Jessica Her. Sorry if I mispronounced that. Wear. I'm sorry. Wear. I had to write something really quick because today I as my father is Noaria Weezer so I had to work for him in the morning. Um, good evening. By the way, I'm Jessica Weisar. I'm custodian over at the high school and I'm here to speak up for my fellow custodians. They don't want to be here.
023um a little nervous with the cost of living being a single mom of two teenagers, Chick-fil-A and all that stuff and just the gas that's rising and just that that 10% would help us so much. and me being the only um being the only one that provided for my two girls. So the makeup and all that stuff expensive. Um we would really appreciate you know consideration for us that we're here daily daily. Um we do deal like at more hatset with uh homeless at night. I had an encounter with one of them over at at Huntington. Um, pretty scary, but I sucked it up and I was there. Um, during the fires, we were there the following day. Debris, closing doors, making sure our students were safe and making sure that everybody was gone and
024closing doors behind us. The debris the following day, I don't know if you guys have seen Home Alone when they spray paint the one of the robbers face. Well, Nazario Wear was blowing the whole campus. He ended up like that with that little mask right here because on his face. Um, I love my job. I've been working here for two years. Um, and I think I'll I'll be here for quite a while. I took off. I came back and I'm still here present. And I just love just and everybody, the whole staff, Jose, um, Miss Pora, Dr. Well, I just feel like this is my second home. My second home where I want to bring my daughters to work here too as leis part-time too. And um hopefully that would help us sure and for
025our safety of our children and stuff like that too. Yes. Well, thank you so much. >> Thank you. And our final card is uh Matthew Korn. Hello everyone, distinguished members of the board. Superintendent Deator. Um I'm a stranger to some of you in the room and definitely not a stranger to others. I am the My name is Matt Horn. I'm the labor relations representative for our CSSEA chapter 120 here at San Marino. Um, and I wanted to start by saying that I I recommend this district to a lot of people who are looking for jobs and I don't do that with all my districts. Um, because I know the folks who work here, they love working here. And I know that the administrators who work here are very conscientious people. And I know that the
026folks here are great partners in serving our students and our community. And CSEA's mission statement is to improve the lives of our members, our students, and our community. And that is always the guiding light of everything that we do. Um, another thing that we're very good at at CSEA is we're very good at advocating politically. And we have had some discussions already about what can CSEA do or what what can we as a district and a community do to ensure that um parcel taxes are renewed because they are such an important part of our funding. Um today if I hadn't have been here I would have been in our field office and I would have been phone banking. Uh we each political season we endorse candidates uh and sometimes also ballot measures and issues. Um,
027and we make phone calls, we go door knocking, uh, we do all kinds of campaign work to make sure that those things pass. It's also happens to be in my wheelhouse. I worked in elections for five years. Um, I I love a good political fight. Um, and CSEA loves to support and partner with our districts to make sure that we are supporting that funding and that we're partners in that. Um, but it becomes hard for CSEA to really be in it with our all when we're not seeing ourselves getting a piece of that pie. Um, and so I say that not to say if you don't give us a raise, we're going to oppose you or whatever, but it's it's to say that we want to be partners with the district in making sure that
028the district is able to keep that funding. Um, and in making sure that our members are able to see some of the fruits of that funding. um and be able to benefit along with our students and along with the rest of our community. So, like I said, you know, I and I know that uh this chapter back in uh supported measure M with some of our funds um and that is something that we can also offer. And so, I I hope that we can move forward as partners um in making sure that this district is financially healthy um and that we can all share in the benefit benefits of that. Thank you all. >> Thank you, Mr. Korn, and thank you to all of our speakers. The board always enjoys hearing from um our community.
029Uh now, I would like to turn it over to Superintendent Deator to uh recognize our student board member, Rowan Burke. >> Yes. Thank you so much, President Gil, members of the board of education executive team. Tonight is my distinct honor on behalf of the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education and Administration and the ENT entire community to recognize and celebrate the outstanding service of our student board member. Throughout this school year, Rowan has served with remarkable professionalism, intelligence, poise, and integrity. In his role as student board member, he has consistently elevated student voice and ensured that the board of education remained informed about all activities districtwide affecting students and uh student experiences, perspectives, achievements, and activities. Rowan approached this responsibility with maturity well beyond his years. Whether presenting student updates, engaging in thoughtful
030discussion, or representing his He demonstrated exceptional preparation, insight, and a deep commitment to the students of San Marino Unified School District. His contributions helped strengthen the important connection between student experiences and board decision making and his voice brought valuable perspective to the work that our board of education does on a routine basis. Beyond his intellect, intellect and leadership, Rowan has represented our students with grace, humility, and authenticity. He has been an exemplary ambassador for the school district and a model of student leadership. In appreciation for his dedicated service, the board of education and superintendent are pleased to present Mr. Burke with a signed basketball as a commemorative gratitude appreciation in addition to receiving a that the board of education um is presenting with you this evening is presenting to you this evening. So um Mrs.
031Delator has brought me this wonderful basketball >> Rowan. I just want you to know that it was my idea to TP your house and they didn't want to go for it. They wanted the basketball. So I you know Yeah. >> This is a lot easier. >> Yeah. So, I'm gonna ask you to read this lovely resolution. Whereas student that the board of education stand Thank you very much. Play the sine playing the basketball Saturday. Yeah, she didn't invite you and show us the >> I haven't played in a while. Rust is great. >> Oh my god, the someone pan >> collectible. You're not supposed to go play with that. >> No, I >> Okay, now our public hearing. Um I would like to turn it over to Dr. Lennena Richtor to conduct a public hearing
032and receive comments on the elementary science textbook adoption. Thank you, President Gil, members of the board, student board member Burke, Superintendent Dr. Delator, and executive cabinet. This evening, the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education is holding a public hearing for curriculum adoption in accordance with education code 60119. Quark, if you would be so kind as to start the clock and pause the meeting for one minute. Notice of this hearing was posted for public review at the district office on the San Reno Unified School District website and also at Carver and Valentine Elementary in advance of 10 days prior to this evening as required by California Education Code. >> Communications from the audience regarding the public hearing and comment on the elementary science textbook adoption. Please provide your comments now. If you would like
033to request to speak during the meeting, please press the raise hand icon. If you're calling in from home, please dial star 9 or submit a public comment card. There are 20 seconds left. We have no attendees wishing to speak. >> Thank you. That concludes the public hearing. Um number 10, communication section. Uh communications from the board of education. We ask that each board member take no more than three minutes uh to share their communications. Let's start with Mr. Chang. Uh last Saturday I attended the Solarino school foundation uh donor appreciation reception at the southern west academy. Uh as you know the this smaller school district who uh depends on the school foundation uh contribution. So I take this opportunity uh to appreciate all the donor uh participate uh without your support and school this week
034cannot be uh better. Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Chang. Mr. Sun. >> Yeah it was it was a pleasure to the attending the foundation parties in the summer. You know the I was telling every parents that we are like a semi private school because without your help that our school funded is always so short and out of budget. The out the one of reason why school stand is because of parents. Parents participate and you know they donate and they sustain the school and I also visit the parent party for the whiskey night grand night and >> yeah that was that was fun and the the Mr. Hunter Chang was there you know it was it was good to see you. Thank you so much. And you >> yeah yeah I met the Joanna's husband
035Andy. Oh my god, he's such a whiskey. >> Yeah, he's such a cool guy. [laughter] >> It was a little pleasures to meeting the everybody and you know, you kind of see the how much energies we have to all the parents and pouring their energy to doing the parent party and I I find it after the parent party in the the grand eye that there's a parent party in Carver too which which I completely know I'm going to make sure I'm Yeah. Yeah. I'm going to make sure that I'm going to attend it next time and really appreciate it that the I mean I always say the ever since I joined the board you know there's one word to describe in the summer is always thank you for is this is big words and I
036really appreciate the parents and thank you for the board and cabinets cities and all the council member thank you so much >> thank you Mr. Miss Lamb. >> Yeah, dads have so much fun. [laughter] Too much fun. Too much fun. Um, I didn't attend um any events the last two weeks, but I do want to take a moment to um thank you the teachers because last week was teacher appreciation week. I hope many of teachers and staff felt pampered and special and loved by all the students and PTA. Um, and I just really want to express my sincere gratitude to to everyone that commits. Uh, tonight we had a lot of people that came to share important concerns and feel like on behalf of the board, we appreciate your voices, your professionalism, and your continued
037commitment to our students. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Lamb. >> Mrs. I wanted to uh first congratulate our teachers and students who were recognized at the Masonic Lodge for uh teacher student recognition. Uh the foundation's party for the new donors was well attended and the really most important thing about the foundation um gatherings is really relationship building. Um, San Marino is such a small community and what we do really well is to really connect with everyone and so that's a nice event. Um, congratulations to our staff for staff appreciation but also Mother's Day was this past uh weekend and um thank you for all the mothers and um all of our teachers as well. So UCLA also had its launch for a new textbook which is an inclusive curriculum for social science.
038Uh be on the lookout for that. It's all free so we can um take those units of study and have a look at them. Um there you go. Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. >> Did I take three minutes? >> No, we're banking your time for now. >> Um okay. I would like to share um a wish for happy Mother's Day to all the mothers or mothers in your lives. I hope that um they felt appreciated. I certainly did by my family which I feel like the best gift is just our time together. So I hope you all had a nice day. Um I too attended the foundation donor's party and you know I was reflecting that we do thank the foundation and we are building a strong well continuing with our strong strategic partnership but the
039when we say foundation we really do mean all the individual community members and families that contribute to it. Um it takes a village to keep this place going and um those villagers are are what make it happen. So just want and speaking of that the PTA council um end of the year breakfast was held that um most of us attended and we just really want to thank all of our PTA leadership. They're incredible. They work tirelessly. They do so much more than I feel like I do as board president, but they don't get the recognition and they really just have such a heavy lift and make it look magical somehow. So, um we just appreciate you all so much. Uh also thank you to the staff, teachers, um leadership. I can't believe this year is
040at an end and um looking forward to just you know all the end of year activities and graduations and um I think the kids are getting pretty excited about that. I can feel that in my house that that kind of buzzing energy of it's almost over. Um and it's because it's such a special place that they are excited to have all these events together but then also come back next year. So thank you in the audience. We want to acknledge Kelly. >> Oh, PTA Council President Marissa Kelly sitting right behind. >> Thank you so much for hosting. >> Thank you so much. Your leadership's been just unmatched. So, we appreciate you so much. >> Um, and now I'd like to pass it over to Rowan um to have his final his final communications update. >>
041Well, thank you. As you're right, school's slowing down, especially for me. I have one foot out, [laughter] but we have a major kind of semi- major event over the past two weeks. We have Java House, which is an open called Talent Show. We have at San Marina. We have a lot of hidden singers, the kids that were walking around campus that didn't realize could play the guitar that well or sing. That was impressive to see, but other than that, we had AP testing going on. Students are finishing up the last test this Friday and teacher appreciation week. Those teachers were very happy. I could sense that in my lessons. A lot of movies were showing. any big events this weekend? >> This weekend? >> Oh, prom. Prom is [laughter] >> Mr. Care. What's happening? >>
042But yes, prom is this weekend. It's on the USS Iowa. That's gonna be a blast. But um yeah, we're all looking forward to that. Actually reminds me start getting ready for that. [laughter] >> Glad to remind you. Thank you, Dr. Dantori. >> Yes, thank you so much. Um, as you mentioned, President, we are winding down the school year. Um, everyone is exceedingly busy at each of our four schools. Um, principles are working um, countless hours. Two of them are sitting here with us this evening. Thank you so much for being here. Um, we have lots going on through the end of the school year. Um, but this has been wonderful year and I think this is a time for reflection on all the things that we have done well and also things that we can
043continue to improve on in the upcoming year. So we're really excited about next year and working with the board of education to develop 20267 um and also with our administrators and our leaders um to develop action plans for next year. So we're already about what's to come and really excited about that. Wanted to mention that we've made a lot of strides with our med arts program at San. Um we have been in conversation with lots of potential sponsors for our internship programs and we're really excited about that. Um I will be um a judge for the CSBA Golden Bell Awards. judging um for them and uh next year I'm sure we will have at least two applications in USD also wanted to mention that we do have and this is a side note we have
044two birthdays that we're gonna be celebrating um and that is Mr. B's birthday and President Gil's birthday. So, happy birthday to you. We have Mother's Day um in May and we also have Memorial Day and then we have Francesca Gil and birthday to celebrate. So, happy birthday to both of you. Um and with that, I will turn it back over to >> Yeah. Thank you so much. Sure. >> Um, I did say I didn't want to share a cake with Rowan and so I think we have two cakes [laughter] >> for the CD just because I want more cake for everybody. Um, anyway, moving on to number 11, information items. Uh, measure M update. I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Steven Choy to update the board on the progress and current standing of
045Measure F. >> Good evening, President Gil, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Delator executive team and the San Marina Unified community. With just 16 school days remaining in the school year, we are very excited about the summer projects ahead and the continued progress we have been making on our early impact and phase one measure M projects. And while there are many moving parts as we continue through the design process, we are already actively planning for the transition into pre-construction. This has become a daily collaboration with our architects and the bond program management team as we bring our facilities master plan to life. It is hard to believe that it has been about a year since we brought our bond program team on board. And I'm proud to say we have accomplished a great deal in
046laying down the groundwork during that time. As we prepare for these summer projects, we will also communicate and conduct outreach with neighboring residents at our project sites to help keep them informed about the work ahead and what they can expect over the summer. Last week, we also had the opportunity to meet with the San Marino Schools Foundation to explore naming opportunities for the upcoming Measure M projects. In addition, our public information officer, Miss Rochelle Meyer, has been hard at work designing project signage that will soon be installed at our project sites. I also want to mention that our citizens bond oversight committee will be meeting next Thursday at San Marino High School. And at that meeting, we will continue uh to incorporate campus tours um to provide an upclose look um in in case of
047next week, we'll be looking at the new security fencing, the updated concessions building, as well as the field and track, which is scheduled for replacement this summer. And with that, I will turn it over to Mr. Jim Burlu to provide more details and what's next for measure M. >> Thank you, Dr. Ch. Good evening, President Gil, members of the board, Dr. Deator, and executive members of the cabinet. Thank you for having us here tonight. I'm going to try to keep it as short and sweet as I can, not take up too much time this time. So, here we go. Um, okay. So, this upcoming week, we have some pre-construction meetings that we're going to be performing for the sites. We're going to be focusing on Valentine Elementary School in Carver. So, we will be working
048with the Zoom uh recreation playground personnel and to talk about their shade structures and playgrounds out at the site in the schedule that we're going to be adhering to. Um, we also have our DSA over the counter for the portables at the high school in Valentine. Those are going to be scheduled for mid July to go to DSA and we're pushing to make sure that the portables and everything get put into the sites this summer. As of today, we have 18 projects that we are working on in one stage or another. We have over 103 requests for proposals that we're working on and about $111 million worth of RFPs that are in the works today. So, these are the projects. So, with all the projects, projects have many bids that go underneath of them. So,
049that where that's where the projects come in. And these are kind of a quick look of the projects to date and the budgets that we have with the different RFPs that are underneath each and every one of them. And that's where it comes out to be the $111 million so far. >> What's the top just M items $8.99. >> So measure M, that's where we capture some of the um RFPs that are kind of districtwide like SQA things that are not specific to a certain site. It's like everybody. So we put them in there to catch all of us. Good question. >> So, uh [clears throat] 110 million that consider is uh for the phase one budget, right? Or >> this is many projects. This has 18 projects and over 100 requests for proposals. So,
050this is through the whole district, just different projects and different RFPs that we're doing. Sir, yeah. Does that answer your question? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Um we have gone through the lease lease back process to interview our lease back lease back contractor. Uh the recommendation that's going to the board is for Bell forbatty um to get all three projects at the district. They came out to be the best value for the district after the full evaluation and interview. And uh the next step after board approval is they will begin their pre-construction services at the three different campuses and that would be it. Anybody have any questions? >> Questions from the board? >> Thank you. >> Thank Mr. China. Yes sir. >> Uh to speak about the Sanino High School. So the the west side. You
051know the after you pass the speech debate classroom. So they have a a parking right >> there. >> Yeah. Next to the wash, right? So we haven't addressed how we want to uh to to upgra uh update about the parking not parking lot or and also because in the future is that they there will be a fence right so then so how design who whose car teacher or staff inside or outside >> yeah Mr. asking a very important question which is something that we had actually discussed. I think it was late last week. >> Um the design hasn't been finalized yet in terms of what we plan to do and with the driveway along the west drive. Uh there is currently two lanes going in and out and then there is uh an aisle of
052parking spaces along the curb on the west side close by the fence. And as we are uh working with the architects uh we had a discussion in terms of uh what we are going to do in terms of um either widening it um so that we can maximize the use of space on that drive aisle uh more to the fence on the left um in combination with how we're going to look at the design of the building. So as we are working with the architects um we are looking specifically at the footprint of that building. So it hasn't been finalized yet. Um we don't want to remove too many parking spots. Uh in fact we want to ensure that the flow going in and out um is addressed but more importantly we are looking at
053pedestrian access. Uh that is very important because current the current building has a walkway right and as we are looking at the design of the new building um the new building uh we want to ensure that there's sufficient and safe access um to the to the back part of the campus um so that we can incorporate perhaps we're looking at some possibilities of having a a walkway side walkway on the on the left side but we're we have to work with the architects to incorporate that. So I uh I walk through this three and then I I'm thinking about this issue because I think it's the time for administration to think about in the future whose car will park inside right because then if in and out how we control for the gate >> yeah
054we're looking at a number of options um to have the ability to uh control uh access control which vehicles can go in and out. Uh currently tenatively our conceptual designs incorporate uh a gate that would open uh depending on for example if a car's license plate is registered in our system it would be able to open. Uh we have we know we have buses that go in and out of there. Uh there's a lot of traffic that goes uh through that um through that access point. So, um, we're we're well aware of of some of the the challenges there. >> Is there sufficient park student parking on the east side? >> So, that is a uh that is also a question that was raised. Um, and I believe we have to do some um data
055gathering to >> because I'm just wondering if there would just be no student access on that side or not. I mean, if we if we move all like more staff up that way. >> Yeah. and the front lot could I don't know. >> Yeah, we we have to do not so much a traffic study but more like a parking study >> survey. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. We've been leveraging some of our tools. We we do have >> spots open. Are there spots open? I >> actually have a question. What with [snorts] the portable classrooms on the black top? What are you guys thinking of doing during like football games, baseball games? >> They're staying >> or like >> there >> anything is that? >> Oh, because they're all parked up there. >> Yeah. Yeah. >>
056I mean I parked everyone parks. >> Yeah, we we actually just talked about that today. Um so there there we're also looking at some options of uh placing the portables uh at an alternative location as well. We have some options. Um but um I don't think we're prepared to to share that today, but um we have a couple of options. >> Great. Okay. Well, we'll look forward to those options. >> Yeah. This this is an interesting topic that one of the community member brought it. Do we have option to utilize a roof space like a rooftop >> for in the building rooftop. >> I mean utilize the roof for what? >> For like any like a multi-purpose like outdoor activity or something like that >> like a like an outdoor kind of like a rooftop
057terrace or something like a deck >> on new build I assume sir. >> Yeah. Utilizing like some outdoor place for the like a building the engineer like a robot building or something something that they need. space some clothes, but they don't need to be indoor, right? >> I would I would um I would want to look into that further for the purposes of safety. >> I don't know if I want kids on the road, but um >> I mean, is it dangerous? I mean, I don't know. >> In terms of robotics and ability space for the robotics team to work, it's part of our design as we we designed this the site plan. You'll see that there actually are some really big doors that open up and provide access to the quad area as well.
058So, it's really well done. >> If they want to do a drum, something like that that they need the house facing. I mean, you know, I'm just I'm just asking, can we maximize the wasting space? >> I think that they are looking into having more creative outdoor learning spaces for students. Um, but yeah, not necessarily on the roof, but in alternate ways. >> Yeah, roofing. the roof area. We can't utilize it for students at all. There'd be so many things we'd have to put up there just for safety, alarms, notifications. Um, but what we do try to utilize some of the roofs for new buildings for with the code requirements today is we do try to see if we can put solar on the top if it's acceptable to the district. So, it's usually either
059rooftops or you put them on slopes or you put them in carports out in the parking lot. Those are kind of the options we have, but we're required to do that by DSA to put solar in. So, we have to where to get them, where to put them. >> But I think you know we are out for students and so um our architects are looking at that options as well. >> Yes. Yes ma'am. Can also have you thinking u for the wa cover the wash and increase the the parking uh space you know the before Katherine Ber became the county supervisor. So the we we did trying to approach the Mike and Thomas she is at the county they can do something resolve for the wash issue. So just cover and then I I you
060may want to do the follow maybe the chance is rare but uh yeah >> I believe we did explore that option um or at least the facilities advisory committee did uh years ago to if it was feasible to um build parking over the wash um because I've seen that application being done in neighboring cities. Um however, I think um at the time there was um there was input and feedback that did not want to pursue that that possibility. Um but can always bring it up to architects again and and see if that's something that might be an option for us. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. The proposed elementary textbook adoption. I would like to turn it over to Dr. Leonard Richtor to present the proposed elementary science textbook adoption. >>
061Thank you, President Gil, members of the board, student board member Burke, Superintendent and executive cabinet. Tonight is my pleasure to present to the board information item 11B which is an overview of San Reno Unifi's recommendation for proposed science curriculum adoption for grades TK through five. Me go to the second slide please. The purpose of this presentation is for our staff this evening to provide an overview of curric the curriculum adoption process the San Marino Unified School District engaged in over the past years. Highlight the work that's been accomplished by the curriculum study committee. And lastly share proposed curriculum adoption costs. The final item on this presentation will be um presenting to the board a recommendation for adoption. Before we begin, I would be remissed if I did not acknowledge and thank our amazing science curriculum
062study committee, also known as our piloting committee, who spent countless hours reviewing, piloting, and evaluating curriculum to ensure that it meets the rigorous needs of all of our San Marino Unified students and teachers. This was an all embracing process and they did an absolute phenomenal job. I would also be remiss if I did not thank and recognize Penny Roberts, our ED services teacher on special assignment, for all her work in supporting and organizing the adoption process to best support our amazing teachers throughout this journey. Her work leading this adoption committee has been an invaluable asset in helping our curriculum study committee select only the best curriculum for our staff and our students. Next slide, please. San Marino Unified followed the curriculum adoption process which includes six steps. These steps are in essence marshaled the convening
063of a curriculum study committee composed of subject matter experts to review adoption procedures and processes, review curricular needs, explore and evaluate state approved curriculum options and select a curriculum to pilot. Upon completion of the pilot, they engaged in curriculum evaluation you using a state recommended rubric and lastly recommended a curriculum for piloting in compliance with education code prior to adoption. The proposed curriculum was made available for the community as a public review and allowed an opportunity for feedback. These opportunities were here at the district office, Carver and Valentine Elementary because it was TK through grades five. This process took place January 14th through February 14th. No feedback was submitted throughout this window of time and the final step which brings us to this evening where a public hearing is being held for the pro proposed
064science curriculum adoption. Next slide. For the next couple of slides, I would like to invite up our amazing teacher, Miss Tina Fong, Carver teacher, and a critical member of the science curriculum study committee, supported by our elementary principles, to provide us with a brief yet analogous overview of the process, followed by Penny Roberts, our teacher on special assignment, who was instrumental in leading this charge. So, Miss Fong, thank you for being here and sharing your expertise and your experience, and I'm going to turn it over to you now. >> Great. Thank you so much. Good evening, board members and administrators. Excuse me. I thought I would be getting over my nerves, but as you know, I'm used to speaking in front of eight and nine year olds who typically are this tall and who usually
065laugh at everything I say. So, before I begin the presentation, I just wanted to introduce myself really quickly. My name is Tina, or also known as Mrs. Fong and I am a Valentine parent but a teacher at Carver and a very proud graduate of San Marino and today I'm here to share with you what we have been working on as part of the science adoption committee and as a elementary school teacher I find it's really important to make these connections for my students in their learning. So, as I reflected on this process, I couldn't help but think of this very famous and popular fairy tale. Uh, so hopefully with the next slide, it'll give you not just a visual, but a better understanding. So, as you know, it's been several years and uh we've tried
066on many different shoes and some actually we thought would fit. And uh finally, I am happy to announce that we are adopting. [laughter] Uh actually, sorry, just kidding. Not this puppy. That's actually what my twin daughters probably are hoping to adopt. Uh not as cute as a puppy, but just as exciting. uh we are proposing to adopt stem scopes hopefully the slippers that do fit and then uh how did we come across to this uh decision to adopt stem scopes well as I mentioned many moons ago when we first started this process brighteyed and bushy tailed um we met as a committee and we looked at actually quite a lot of publishers um and we actually did come to one in particular uh called TCI, Teachers Curriculum Institute. Uh we thought it was the one,
067but actually after trying trying it out in the classrooms, uh the teachers decided it really actually was not the right fit. So we started the process again, but this time under Penny, our wonderful TOSA, and she started us off by this time asking us to fill out a survey really to hone in on what we are looking for as teachers in the science program. And after that, we then looked uh we met and we looked over some more materials that we actually never got to see the first time around. And as you could see, the next step, we met again and we narrowed it down to three. And then we finally chose one, Cinderella. But after that, we were very grateful. We were able to get the publishers from uh STEM scope to come out
068and train us. And uh the committee consisted of teachers from all the way from kinder to fifth grade. And we even included uh some teachers in the MDLI program. And once we did that, we piloted in our classrooms for several weeks. And then after President's Week, we actually got a chance at one of our professional developments to meet with the publishers again. and we were able to communicate with them some of our concerns, what worked, what didn't, and they were great at answering our questions and helping us out, providing us with more resources. And so after that, we discussed again as a committee, we met again, discussed again, and then finally after spring break when we met, we made the decision. Yay. And um here are just some of the things. Sorry, this is different
069from my slides, but typically I was going to show you at one time at a time. Um, but these are just some of the comments that the teachers uh have said about the program so far that we liked. Um, one teacher said that it was the amount of digital resources that we could edit and modify. Um, a lot of our teachers are actually techsavvy and we'd like to teach using some of the PowerPoints and the program actually provides that for us so we don't have to start start from ground up. Uh some of the other teachers mentioned the visual glossery and the different tools to help differentiate not just for the EL students but to meet the needs of all of our kids. And then we also like the inquirybased hands-on learning and the exploration
070activities. Uh a lot of the students found them to be very enjoyable. And what's nice is some of the explorations is not just one but you have several. So there's differentiation in that. Um, another teacher mentioned the variety of assessments and having the options on the needs, especially for fifth grade teachers because they get tested in science. They have the CER models. There's the multiplechoice and even open-ended questions, which is how teach students are tested for state testing. Um, another teacher mentioned how, you know, for us as teachers, we try to fit in what we can in the curriculum, but we sometimes also don't want to feel overwhelmed. And what's nice about this program is that over at the top right, you could see that's just an a map of how this program actually allows
071us just to teach essential lessons, uh, which are the highlighted in blue. And if we just teach those lessons also for short on time for some reason, you know, we hit all the standards that need to be taught. Uh the another teacher mentioned that the website is actually very user friendly. A lot there's not a lot of moving parts. And then uh of course there's the last one on the bottom that mentions that there are videos from the BBC. Um, we talked about not Mystery Science because that's the one we've been using, but the the streaming videos that they have on STEM scopes are just as amazing and help supplement the lessons. And if you don't know, teachers also love to talk about food and eat. And so we have uh an analogy that like
072STEM Scopes is like a buffet. You get to pick and choose what you want to teach and you can differentiate it and make it your own. And of course, there's so much more. And what's even better news is that middle school has actually already been using this program and they love it. In fact, we had uh a middle school teacher, Penny, invited her to come to our staff meeting and she shared and highlighted some of the aspects of the program that the middle school teachers have found to be very helpful. Um, what's also nice is that if we were to adopt this program, it would be a really smooth transition for fifth graders when they enter the middle school. And also really truly what's been so nice is Penny Artosa. She's actually already been working
073with the publishers. And a good example of this is that uh during our very last meeting when we finally decided to go with Stem Scopes, we still had some questions and concerns. and she took down all of that and emailed them and within hours they the they actually reached out and they were able to answer all of our questions and I have to say for you know typically such a big publishing company you don't get this kind of customer service so that was really impressive and so as uh Dr. Lirector had already mentioned about the adoption process. Uh we had the program with all of the materials available at all the school sites in the front office so that not only the staff could see it but the parents also had a a period to
074preview it. And then here we are just waiting for the stamp of approval from the board. And once the board members approve it, uh this is what's to come in our plan. And uh for the teachers, we're looking for PDs, not just one PD, uh but professional developments, multiple of them. And um I like to use emojis when I text. So when I heard that we were going to be given time, that's how I felt. And it's not just time to view the materials beforehand, it was time to collaborate. So not with just the grade levels that we have, but also across both sites. Um, and it's so valuable when we hear that teachers are going to be given the time to be comfortable with the material. And, um, something that also really stuck with
075me when listening to this whole process was the expectations that we have, uh, for teachers when implementing this were very practical and so it felt less overwhelming and less daunting. And I think I just want to end this really quickly by saying um a good teacher can teach any lesson no matter what. You know, they're going to add their flare. They're going to make it engaging, but when a teacher is given good material, that's what makes learning impactful. So, I'm really excited about this program. And um when I shared this presentation with my colleagues, I just wanted to end it with this quote which is change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end. So thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. >> Let's give her another round
076of applause. Thank you again for coming to present because uh I got to see her presentation uh at the elementaryaries and I really wanted her to come. Okay. So, as it's kind of been already shared with excitement for three years, the committee has been working on coming to this decision and I really appreciated with all the teachers that participated in a pilot. They took their time to find something that they really liked and to see them excited now that they found, you know, the curriculum that they want to use um is if they're excited, the kids are going to be excited. So, um, these are all the different main points or meetings that they had to come to this over a three-year process. Um, in the pictures, uh, these are Stem Scopes experiments. There's one
077where they planted a seed in a Ziploc bag and taped it to a window and then they had to, uh, watch and take notes, um, as scientists to see what happened each day and and and chart it on a graph. And then you can see that their experiments are really fun. they were outside kicking a ball and this is all related to science. So they have really highly engaging science experiments which is part of the reason that you know everybody enjoys this program both kids teachers everyone. So, as we get to the next um stage here, when they got to the process of evaluating and passing their vote on the left hand side, um they had the uh science framework standards that they looked at in order to be a CDE approved um curriculum or
078material. Um that was the recommended rubric. And then after we looked at that rubric, we decided as a group, we also need to figure out what's good for San Marino and what is good for our students and teachers. And so uh teachers commented they wanted to make sure that something, you know, the material was engaging, that there was um instructional organization to the material, that there were universal access that we were making sure we hit upon for all students. um that it had assessments built in to save time for teachers and that it had um the science and lab kits available. And so we had a sec second rubric that we did personalized to what our staff felt that they needed. And so that's on this side. And then when you total all that together,
079um they got a rating of 82% overall for teachers. And I'd like to note that our lowest area, which was universal access, which could be ELD students and special education students. Um, for those that don't know me, um, I'm a TOSSA now, but I did teach over at Huntington Middle School for 21 years as a special education teacher. And what some of the STEM scope piloting teachers haven't gotten to yet or other teachers um that haven't had the training yet is there are a whole bunch of really neat specialed in-depth opportunities and EL opportunities. But in a piloting process where you're just doing a little sampling of the program and doing some of the lessons, they didn't get that deep into it. So I I know that that score also would be higher if they
080had had the training on that, but that will come. Um but so even if that you know stands out to you as a concern it's really not a concern. Um trust me when I say like they have so much uh for special ed and EL it just wasn't the focus of when a pilot we were just trying to get the lesson going and understand how things worked in the system. And that brings us to the big um pres presentation here of the money. So the prices that you see here will include on and I had the teachers select per grade. We wanted Carver and Valentine to select the same thing for first grade, same thing for second grade, but in the essence of the team coming together, they decided to all take the exact same
081thing. So they've made it really easy. They didn't have to uh picking they could have picked and choose from the menu of their dream list of things they want. So, everybody um would like the digital access um which gives them access to also the digital assessments that are in there. The nice thing about those is when a teacher a student takes a test on that, it's already scored for the teacher. So, sometimes they don't have to grade all the assessments. Um the K five uh their textbooks, so everyone's going to get a hard textbook that'll remain in the classes for the next seven years um if if you approve this adoption. They also get workbooks. The workbooks are consumable. So that means every year they have to be reordered, but with the price that you
082see here, they it's included in that price for the next seven years. So it won't be coming back to you for more money on workbooks. It's it's part of this price. Um the teacher guide books, obviously, we want the teacher to have the master textbook with them. Uh science kits. What makes science different than kind of all the other adoptions is that experiments are cost more. There's a different than some of the other subjects that you just have a textbook for example in um this we have to buy equipment we have to set up equipment we have to buy replacements for that equipment um so they wanted the science kits for that if we do the seven-year adoption stem scopes is trying to also work with us they're going to give us the BBC videos
083that normally are an additional cost to us for free for the seven years as something that I negotiated with them that they had to give us something if we were going to do this big thing so we don't have to pay for that but it is something the teachers asked for. So, I'm glad that we could get that for free um in the cost. So, there's the cost for Carver and Valentine. The difference is just the teachers at the site and the number of students per site um to your total of the 490,000. And then TK uh teachers saw the excitement and the hype of STEM scopes and they this was presented all at a faculty meeting and they got very excited and they reached out and said, "What about us? we want something for
084their TK and we're like you guys want TK science and they said we want TK science. So then I went back to SEM Scopes and said what do you have for TK and they have two different programs. So then I sent out a survey to the seven TK teachers at both sites where they got to answer questions about what they use now, what they want to use, what they're looking for in a TK program. And then they selected the early explore stem scopes program and that's done by the same publishing company but it will work slightly different than all the other programs because they're trying to make it addressed for the TK level where there isn't a digital component for example they're all more hands-on fun little experiments and activities and so then that's the
085price um for the 4,900 for the seven years for them to have the access to that. It also comes with math access. Um, so they get that as a bonus uh TK bonus because it just is part of the package because they wanted it to be full science and math STEM experience. So it comes with that. Um, so the thing I'm most excited about is the teachers worked really hard for three years to come to this place. They're very excited. I haven't heard people this excited about curriculum in a really long time. So I'm excited. And so we hope that you can approve it and and be as excited as we are about it. And I think the alignment from now could be if you vote for this, approve this uh TK through 8th grade
086because last year I helped the middle school with their decision in science and they went with stem scopes as well. And it just worked out that the shoe that fit San Marino fit both at the middle and the elementary. So we now have one shoe. Um, that being said, I want to before I'm done and thank everybody again, I want the principles to come up and share their experience or anything they would like to add about what they saw their teachers go through. And and I'll let you guys come up in >> hard hard to follow, Tina, I have to say. Uh and good evening, President Gil, uh Superintendent De Laatory, esteemed board members and and cabinet. It was a pleasure to watch the teachers wrestle with all of the curriculum across these multiple years
087and they really put a lot of hard work into that. Really have to lift Penny up again. I know Dr. De Dr. Richtor did that, but man, she really worked hard with the committees and led with the same positivity that you saw just right here. She did that the whole time through with all of this work. Our teachers really dove in. They asked the critical questions. As Penny shared, they're excited about doing that, implementing the curriculum should the board approve it. Whitney and I are very excited about that possibility. And we really want to thank all the committee members who gave countless time. It's hard for a teacher to miss class and write lesson plans to do this work. So, the fact that they carved out so much time to do that really tells us
088that they value the work that they're doing, that they're excited about picking a curriculum that matters and looking forward to diving in and doing good things. Uh, Miss Fong was a little bit nervous about coming up here, but man, I watched her and I thought she is a natural at doing this work because she's speaking from the heart and that was all the way through. So, it is our honor to be able to support our wonderful teachers in doing this work. Um, thanks. He summed up uh quite a bit there and truly we are very thankful for our teachers um and for our TOSAs um in this process. It's been a long process but it's now we're at a point where we're confident um that this is a program that our students deserve to have
089um because of the rigor because of uh the lessons that they have. I went and observed lessons and to see the engagement was such a change from the current curriculum that we have where it's really just you know a play and go and videos like this was so hands-on so engaging and the kids were having so much fun and when you can have fun when you're learning it makes such a difference especially at the elementary level because that's what they're going to remember. Um, so I'm very thankful to our team and um, I hope that we can move forward with approval of this curriculum. >> Thank you so much. I would just like to say I appreciate you having I I don't courage, self-confidence to when it wasn't right to go back to the drawing
090board because I know that some things I mean the whole process is so arduous that you could have just pushed it through and you know just lived with it. But I really appreciate that you took the time to get it right for the teachers, for the kids. So thank you. Um any other comments, questions? Yeah, I think uh this curriculum adoption is very important but speak about the cost. Can can you analyze uh you know for the the existing uh curriculum now to transfer to the adoption? So is that how much the budget we have to increase or the >> So the curric the current curriculum that we're using um I would have to go back we've been using that for quite some time. So the cost I would have to go back and analyze
091to see what that would what that would entail for this one. Although it is about $490,000 it does encompass both elementary schools TK through fifth grade. So, we're talking over 80 teachers. It's for every grade level across the board, unlike the science curriculum that we adopted at middle school, which was only for our science teachers. So, of course, the cost was a lot lower. But this cost is for a 7-year adoption with all of the materials, the consumables included. The only thing we would have to fund would be the science kits that we would have to replenish the materials and things um manipulatives every year if need be. but it's for the entire elementary staff. So, you're talking um TK through grade five at both schools. Whereas last year, the cost was a little bit
092lower, but we were only looking at science teachers at the middle school at Huntington Middle School. This includes every teacher on campus at both Carver and Valentine Elementary. So the cost charge is that by school site or by the enormment the kid enorment. >> The cost is by the number of students and teachers at every school. Yes. Correct. >> But we did get thanks to Penny. We always talked about every time Penny came to me I was like can you negotiate? Can you negotiate? Can you negotiate? Um and she did a phenomenal job of negotiating getting some of the items like the BBC videos for free. um getting the um what was the other thing that you got? Oh, for the TK we got that also um at a discounted cost. The other TK program
093I believe was 42,000. This one's only for 4700. Um so Penny and we got some professional development at no cost and at discounted cost. And so we really worked hard, Penny, especially with the publishers to if we're going to adopt or recommend to adopt STEM scopes. Um we wanted to make sure that we were fiscally sound and responsible as well, but we knew how important it was to have that TK through 8 alignment so that our students can continue to thrive. And part of our professional development plan that we're going to roll out next year is really giving our teachers the opportunity to not only collaborate within their grade level, but to collaborate with the grade level below them and the grade level above them. So you have that vertical articulation and so your instruction
094and your lesson plans um spiral. So develop a scope and sequence so our students continue to learn as they meticulate through the grade levels through grade eight. >> Yeah. Thank you. uh my suggestion um I think this the the money we have to spend but uh you know I I don't know is that we can apply to the lottery mini grant the fund >> so we >> for each year for the seven year >> so Dr. Toy and I have been talking and there are funds available. We will be um using the remaining balance of our arts, music, instructional materials block grant. We have a balance there that will um offer an allowable expense for curriculum across the board for all subject areas. We also are looking at unrestricted general fund as well. And then
095there's one more pot of money that you have identified that would would also serve if need be to utilize for curriculum adoption. That sounds great. You guys have foundation towards to to get the extra fund to cover. Yeah, >> that's great. Yeah. >> Yes. >> I want to thank um your team, your teachers for the dedication and hard work. Um that really it really takes leadership to take this on. Um I do want some clarification. So, the program is one-time costs and it's going to span for seven years. Correct. This is the one-time cost. And so, um, in elementary, are you having each of your teachers teach science? Or is it um by grade level? There's a fifth grade teacher that just handles all the science for all the kids or it's every teacher is
096teaching science and using this curriculum. Every single teacher on campus at Carver and Valentine TK through grade 5 will have a set of curriculum textbooks, consumables, and all the other resources that are listed under there, but they all teach science. >> Okay. And then did they give any um data in terms of what the outcome might be in terms of evaluating the program for its success rate and how it aligns with the NGSS as well as how does it align to the upper grade levels like up in the high school. How does this prepare our kids to go to physics and and chemistry and all of that? >> So I'll speak to the NGSS alignment first. One of the most attractive um features of STEM scopes was its strong alignment with NGSS. That is something
097that we looked at from the very beginning starting three years ago is finding a curriculum, a strong curriculum that really embeds the the NGSS standards, the next generation science standards. Um, and this last year through the adoption at the middle school, we've gotten favorable reviews and data with regards to the level of student engagement, the level of student um, productivity with regards to the curriculum that they've adopted, which is STEM scopes. We strongly believe um based not only on what our evaluation of the rubric was, but also doing our homework and looking at other school districts, high achieving school districts that also use STEM scopes, really understanding the alignment from elementary to middle to high school and how well it prepares students because you have that spiraling curriculum where students are on that continuum of
098learning. It's not a segmented science curriculum. it spirals and it scaffolds throughout the years and that really sets up a very strong foundation for our students to be successful in high school as well because in high school you know they have the very different science courses that they're you know taking and AP as well and >> so is this sorry Mr. Mr. Chang, let me just finish. Okay. >> Um, so the word STEM, right? We know that it it includes math, engineering, technology, all of that. Um, does this curriculum integrate the skill sets for each of those? Okay. So, it does >> absolutely >> it does do that. And then finally, um, the training for the teachers, the safety aspect like um I haven't looked at um the actual labs. Um, but are the teachers
099going to be trained? Does it come with the teacher training? So, if a teacher is using the curriculum and there they have some questions, is there some sort of um platform for them to go get somebody to help guide them or um do they help us with ordering the materials for the lab? I mean, what are some additional supports that this purchase? So that was one thing that we set as a priority as we were looking uh to for potential curriculum is once we make a selection for piloting and then making a recommendation for adoption is we wanted to ensure that our teachers felt supported. We wanted to ensure that our teacher teachers received the ongoing PD necessary training because this is an entirely new curriculum and that was some of the feedback that we
100got as we were vetting and Penny I'll let you speak to a little bit more if you will. um as we were vetting it, it was like this is so much, this is too much, this is a lot. There are different components to it and any curriculum that you're going to pick up is going to be is going to be new. And so it is going to be challenging. It's going to be a learning curve. And so we wanted to make sure that if we are investing the time to go through this process, if we're investing the funding to purchase new curriculum, we wanted to make sure that it was done with fidelity. We wanted to make sure that our teachers felt comfortable with the curriculum, comfortable enough to implement it as it should be
101implemented. And so we met today for four hours um planning out a um a sequence of professional learning specifically for science in how we're going to support our teachers from August all the way through the end of next year and beyond so that they can have the opportunity number one to explore the curriculum. Number two, to engage in scope and sequence or pacing guides, not only with their grade levels, but grade levels on both ends. Um, and create a curriculum where they feel comfortable implementing. >> Last question, Mr. Chang, I apologize. So, differentiation, right? We talked a little bit about our EL students, our specialed students, and uh what about our top performing students? how does it um drill down or drill up in terms of uh differentiating instruction for um those students. So, I'm
102going to let you answer that, but before you do, I want to just share a little bit. Any curriculum that we currently have or will have in the future, one of the beauties of the initiative that we've implemented over the last four years is truly differentiation of instruction. A an acronym for it is universal design for learning. And that really begs the four questions. What do we want our students to learn? How do we know if they're learning it? What do we do if they haven't learned it, which would be the additional support and reinforcement? And what do we do if they have learned it? That would be the enrichment and the challenge for our students. And so that would apply not only to science, but all the other curriculum that is being provided in
103our classrooms. Um, and if you want to talk a little bit more about the enrichment piece within the um the experiments. >> Yeah. And NGSS, how it's approached is a totally new way to teach science that some of our teachers are not familiar with. And this program makes it an easy way to roll out where where the basis is the students are the scientists and they are discovering the knowledge that helps them understand what science is doing. And so that their science experiments are the are the hook and the fun. But for example, even at the kindergarten level, they took snowballs. They took teachers ahead of time filled balloon with water so that it was an ice ball. They then popped the balloon and they have a perfect ice ball. And the kids made a
104snowman out of stacking up balls of of these ice. And then they had to in a journal be scientists and watch what happened when it sat out. And of course the snowman is going to melt. And so even at a lower, you know, kindergarten level or TK level, they were they were being the scientists and they were telling and discovering what was going to happen with that instead of someone telling them or watching a video on that. So that's kind of a different approach is that is the NGSS standards and the way that they're doing uh they present the material within this program. And then within it electronically and so forth, the part that our teachers haven't gotten a chance to experience so much is there's a whole bunch of visuals and all these supports
105that are built in that help our ELDs that help uh our um special education students and there's things that can talk to them within the system and and they're built in. We we just didn't get there because of the time constraints that we had. Um but we will get there with this training, you know, and so forth moving forward. Um so they'll have that opportunity. Uh and then we have our UDL universal design learning that we're doing already where we're differentiating any material that comes through not just a program that you know itself any any curriculum we have. We've been working on that and then we're rolling out as toast as next year an EL uh training and support for people. So, there's also going to be more of that and more support of how
106we can help our ELD students. Um, which will will be also something that can be applied to science. Uh, but because of so much of the science being hands-on and visual, it already meets a lot of the needs of students just because they're touching, they're feeling, they're hearing, it's a they're having a whole experience. >> That is it. >> Yeah. No, my question just really wanted to focus on real world um application. So once you've journaled and you're a scientist, how do we elevate that experience? How do we help the students to see that you know not only am I a scientist, but how do I take this exploration to the next level? Um because as we saw today we have a number of students that just number 19 in the nation in terms of
107science right I mean you know I mean he's US Olympia so 20th in the world and so 20th not 19th in the world 20th in the world so we have these really high performing students as well as we need to make sure that we address the needs of all students so I just wanted to ask that question >> it's an excellent question and One of the things that STEM scopes embraces very well is inquiry based learning, project based learning, which is that real world application. Um, allowing students to go at their own pace, but also allowing students to go farther because they're hands-on, which is really nice. >> So, does it mean that even if the same grade, if it's a high performing student, they're going to get the different assignment? >> No, not different
108assignment. It may be all it may be modified a little bit to differentiate the instruction to meet the students needs. But that's what we do on that's what not we but our our teachers do that on a daily basis across all subject areas to to make the curriculum accessible to our students to meet them where they are and then elevate them from that point. They're still responsible for learning the standards and go getting through the curriculum, but the approach, the instruction may be modified as far as the the way it's being represented or allowing students to express mastery of the standards in a different way as long as you're able to tell that the student really learned the objective of the lesson, but they can demonstrate it in a variety of different ways. >> Yeah.
109I mean the two two addresses Mr. Ryan, I mean I I'm a little bit familiar with the chemistry of more than likely the kids that made the national level, he probably memorized the periodic table the third grade. >> Could be. >> Yeah. Yeah. So >> could be. >> So my challenge is if he learning the same material as the rest of the peer, right? For him is not going to be challenging enough. It's going to be worn down pretty much. So my question is is do you have an opportunity to differentiate it out that high performing kids have a separate curriculum or or the same grade or is there such an options there that they can adjust the speed depends on the each kids level. >> Yes, the the buffet the menu that the teachers
110were that we were sharing um allows teachers to they have a base standard but they can take it very rigorously if they want to. That was one thing that was really important to the teachers that they wanted something that had I want to say San Marino rigor that had that opportunity to push students but also was fun and and so that's that's the bonus that you get with this one is that you have the opportunity to make it more rigorous but the experiments themselves are so fun that that helps keep all students engaged within it. So how many school districts we already adopt for this new curriculum? >> Well, it's we we didn't look at how many in total adopted. We look at the the high performing school districts that >> so one very particular
111school district that compare ourselves with uses STEM scopes >> and they are a very high performing district. [laughter] >> I don't want to say a little bit. Yeah. >> And they found great success with it in speaking with their administrators and and some of their um teachers on special assignment. Yes. >> How long have they had been on it already? >> Um do you remember how many years they've adopted it? >> They've been four. >> Maybe two or three. >> Very very new for newer for them. Yeah. >> How long has this been around for this company or this program? >> Quite some time. >> Yeah. I would I would have to look it up. I don't don't know that it's a startup or >> no no it's not a startup >> it's accelerated learning
112company is the company um STEM scopes is just one of the branches that they have because they do curriculum for math and other subjects as well so >> well thank you so much anyone else have any >> well I want to send back Cleveland one more year in the Valentine it's so exciting news so thank you so much >> he might have something to say about that >> yeah do you do you guys ever involved in the tech departments that how tech support works and >> you know >> that I I want to make sure that the support is good for the tech department side as well was was a committee was able to involve on it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Definitely. A lot of these pilots we're uh let >> they let us know ahead
113of time. So we we are amply uh prepared beforehand. We offload uh student accounts all of that stuff. Well, yeah, definitely. We support all the pilots all the time. >> That's That's good. You just didn't find out today, right? >> It's like I bug them a lot. [laughter] >> They have to help us with the piloting. They give they have to do the accounts for the piloting. So, they get a warning a little bit with that because they have to help the teachers with the piloting process first and getting access to stuff and the students that need it for just piloting, >> which gives us practice like does it even work for our tech department? Is it, you know, and those kinds of things? systems we already have. And then when they, you know, we
114go to adopt, then they've already done it with a small population of eight or 10 accounts and now they're going to do with 80 accounts. So they they had the practice run and now they get the the full run. Is this something that's in Clever or is it they access it through Clever? >> Yes. >> So it's still easier transitions point of view. I think it is important that everything's in the same place >> and it and it comes with that assessment piece that it comes with also has more rigorous assessments you can give within it as well. So that is always an option too. Uh some of those components that it has. But I I do want to give a shout out to our teachers who are in the classroom because I think with
115any curriculum given the the different levels of performance um and what students bring their levels that they bring to the classroom from day one our teachers are masters in their craft and they're able to provide curriculum where all of our students whether it's an English learner, a student with an IEP or a student who is you know exceeding standards and working at a different grade level providing them curricula curriculum and accessibility through differentiating that instruction to meet their needs. And I think they they've always done that and um at every grade level and we see that when we do our instructional walkthroughs. We walk in and we see groups of students, small group instruction where every student is getting what they need to be successful. We don't want to keep our students down. We don't
116want to keep our students um struggling too hard. We want to meet them where they are and elevate them from there. >> And our teachers do a fantastic job of that. So to to have a comprehensive thinking. So next question uh Dr. Choy. So the first one the build a classroom for the Valentine and the cover is that we just build a classroom or we may but to do some the accessory or equipment device into to support for for the new teaching. As part of the design process, we have the opportunity to work with teachers um and the teachers have been providing input in terms of how they'd like classrooms laid out. Uh so we rely on a lot of um input uh as we design the classrooms. So um as far as calling out
117anything specific uh for science uh rooms, um you know, we're we're trying to establish a standard. So um obviously we work very closely with Ed services. uh we have an EDS specs uh document that we uh refer uh when we're designing uh these new facilities. So um it it's going to be an ongoing dialogue as well uh as the instructional u materials may evolve and tools evolve um you know we'll we'll we maintain that standard. So >> yeah I love I love the look of that because it almost looks like we need the inside out classrooms to do some of these activities. It's very exciting especially for our primary grades. So, thank you so much for bringing this to us. >> Thank you. >> That concludes that uh section 12 consent. Do I have a
118motion to approve the consent section 12 A through 12G? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you so much. Roll call. Mr. Chang >> I. >> Mr. Sun. >> Hi. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mrs. Gill. I and student board member Burke. Thank you. 13. Thank you. Good night. Action items. I'd like to now turn it over to Superintendent Dr. Deator for approval of the proposed 2627 board of education regular meeting dates. >> Thank you, President Phil. Members of the board of education executive team, this evening we present for your approval the proposed board of education meeting dates for the 2025 26 school year. You see there on the screen. Board meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month except November, December, February, and April
119due to holiday scheduling. Um, we only have one meeting on those particular. >> Wonderful. Um, any questions from the board or comments? Okay. If if not, is there a motion to approve the proposed 2627 board of education regular meeting dates? >> Move to approve. May I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Lamb. Mr. Chang. Um, roll call. Mr. Sun, I'm sorry. Um, this is in the wrong order. Mr. Chang, >> I. >> Mr. Sun. >> Hi, >> Miss Lamb. >> I, >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I, >> Mrs. Gill. I, and student board member B. >> Now, I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Jason Rose to present the declaration of need for fully qualified educators. All >> right. Thank you, President Gil. Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Delatori, Executive Cabinet,
120Student Board Member Burke. Uh, the declaration of need is an annual document required by an employing local education agency, otherwise known as an LEA, as a prerequisite to the issuance of any emergency permit and/or limited assignment permit for that agency. At this time, we do have a few certificated openings, and while we are extremely confident those positions will be filled, uh, this would allow us a safety net in the case of an emergency. Uh it is recommended that the board approve and authorize the district to submit the declaration of need for the 2026 2027 school year. >> Have any questions? >> All right. If not, may I have a motion to approve the declaration of need for fully qualified educators? >> So moved. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. Miss Lamb.
121Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Mr. Hi, >> Miss Lamb. >> I, >> Mrs. Ryan, >> I, >> Mrs. Gil, I, and student board member Burke. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Now, I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Choy to present resolution number 11, delinquent tax program renewal for approval. >> Thank you, President Gil, members of the board executive team. Resolution number 11 is a procedural action item and authorizes the district to continue its participation in the California Statewide Delinquent Tax Finance Authority Program. uh for the fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Through this program, the district receives delinquent property tax revenues upfront rather than waiting several years for collection. This enhances cash flow, provides greater revenue stability, and supports overall budget planning. This is a wellestablished program that the district has successfully utilized
122in prior years with no direct cost to participate. It is recommended that the board of education approve this resolution. questions. All right. Do I have a motion to approve resolution number 11, delinquent tax program renewal? >> So move. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. Miss Lamb. Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Mr. Sun. >> Hi. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mrs. Gill. I. And student board member Burke. >> Hi. >> Thank you. That concludes the action items. And uh Dr. Mr. Deator, do you have any superintendent discussion items? >> Absolutely. Thank you. Does anyone um from the board have anything they'd like to discuss? All right. Well, with that, I'd like to adjourn the meeting at 8:56.