001Good evening. Today is January 27th, 2026. Welcome to the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education meeting. Here's our board president, Franchesca Gil. >> Good evening. Welcome everybody and hello to anyone on Zoom. Um, let's first start with item number four, report of close session. Uh the board of education took unanimous action in closed session to approve the settlement agreement for student number 9876. Uh the vote was all in favor except for Mr. Sun who was absent. And now I'd like to call our regular open session to order at 7:06. Let's start with our roll call. Mr. Chang >> here. >> Mr. Sun is absent. Miss Lamb >> here. >> Mrs. Ryan >> present. >> Mrs. Gil present. And student board member Mr. Burke >> present. >> Thank you. I'd like to turn it
002over to Dr. Richtor to introduce our student leading us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Thank you, President Gil. Tonight, it is our honor to welcome a Titan from San Marino High School to lead the board in the salute to the flag, come up to the podium and share a little bit about herself, her school, and introduce any guests that she may have here to support her. So, Grace Davis, please join us at the podium, and we're very honored and excited to have you with us this evening. >> Thank you. Um, I believe we should start with the pledge of allegiance. Uh, right hand over your hearts. Um, ready, begin. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
003indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. Um, good evening everyone. Um, my name is Grace Davis and I'm currently a junior at San Marino High School. I would like to thank my ASB adviser, Mr. Jose Care, for giving me the opportunity to be here tonight in addition to the other countless times he has lifted me up and provided endless support. I initially joined ASB my freshman year of high school and I served as a publicity and art commissioner. I continue to serve ASB my sophomore year as social media commissioner. This year I am honored to be ASB co-vice president where I have the privilege of providing traditional and new fun events for the student body. In addition to being ASB vice president, I am part of the wrestling
004team and multiple clubs on campus. In fact, today I was just at our wrestling's Rio Hondo League finals where I placed first and I'm now CIF bound along with the entirety of the girls team and majority of the boys team as well. One of the things that I believe SMHS does best is teach students how to balance academics, extracurriculars, and friends and family. The coursework is intense, especially for AP and honor students. But this is what I believe many love because it's challenging and allows for constant learning that never stops. The campuses clubs provide safe and inclusive spaces for all students alongside the wellness center, which plays a vital role in maintaining balance and supporting mental health, another thing I yet admire. Overall, San Marino High School has given me and those around me the
005tools to grow as a leader, an athlete, a student, and more. And although I do enjoy my time during the school hours, I must admit that most of my memorable moments have occurred outside the classroom at ASB events, athletic competitions, and during the small meaningful moments shared during club meetings. These experiences shaped the high school memories of those who attended before me, those currently experiencing SMHS life, and hopefully many future students to come. We are sincerely grateful for these opportunities made possible through the support and dedication of this board, the community, our teachers, and of course, our esteemed principal, Dr. Wolf, alongside uh vice principles, Dr. Hill and Mrs. Pennyora. I will always be grateful that I am a Samino Titan. And I would like to thank my parents as well for always supporting me.
006Thank you. like to come up here. I'm going to present you with a certificate appreciation for the board of education meeting your experience. nicest. So, thank you so much. And then we're going to take a picture with mom's dad and Mr. Okay. Yes. They got you. There you go. Grace, keep us posted on wrestling CIF. That's so exciting. >> It is. >> Okay. Uh, we need to have an approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> Move to approve. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> So moved. >> Thank you. Mrs. Ryan. Uh, roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mr. Burke. >> I. >> And Mrs. Gil. I. Sorry, I went out of order on that one. Now, the approval of the minutes
007from the January 13, 2026 minutes. Do I have a motion? >> I move to approve. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Mr. Chang, >> I. >> Miss Lamb, >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan, >> I. >> Mrs. Gill I. And Mr. Burke. Item seven, public comment. The board of education has adopted board policy 9323b 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. Did we have any online submissions? >> No submissions today. >> Thank you. Number two, request to speak during the meeting via Zoom. Mr. Hong, please pause a minute. in the meeting for one minute to collect public comments.
008>> The one minute starts now. Communications from the audience regarding matters not on the agenda or items in the consent or information sections, please provide your comments now. For items in the action section of the agenda, please provide your comments prior to the board beginning discussion on those items. If you would like to request to speak during the meeting, please press the raise hand icon to make a request. If you're dialing in from home, please dial star9 or please submit a public comment card. There is 30 seconds left. And there are no attendees wishing to speak. >> Thank you so much. Uh the third and final way to submit a public comment is to request to speak during the meeting in person via the public comment card. Do we have any submissions? >> We have
009no submissions. >> Thank you. Eight. Consent section. Do I have a motion to approve consent section A 8A through 8J? >> Move to approve. Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I. >> Mrs. Gill. I. And Mr. Burke. >> I. >> Thank you. Item nine, communication section. Communications from the board of education. and we ask that each board member take no more than three minutes to share their communications. Um, Mr. Chang. >> Okay. Uh, the last couple weeks uh I as I told there's a opportunity for the high school student uh in person uh to visit the hospital. Uh the program is uh uh lovatic surgery. uh the seminar. So then uh I initiate the talk and with uh USC care medicine at
010the Aadia hospital and then I connect to uh Dr. Territory and then uh they they think it's a good program. So then forward to the uh uh high school principal uh I'm pleased to know the we will send uh the student uh they are in the medical academy uh program. So I look forward to see they visit the hospital. Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you Miss Lamb. >> Yeah. Um, last Tuesday I attended the City Club centennial celebration. Congratulations to City Club for being a 100red years old and being so involved in community and support to the school district. Um, it was a lovely event. Met new faces as well as a rekindled with the old ones. And also last Thursday I attended the Carver Science Fair which was very well attended. Um, one very
011special element that I noticed this year at the science fair is that the San Marino High School robotics team was there and everyone was so excited to see um their achievement which was there was this robot and Mr. C, Principal Cogwell can speak to it. There's a robot on there and all the kiddos had so much fun exploring, experimenting with it and it was such a handson event because the San Marino High School team allowed the elementary school kids to operate the robot so under the supervision of course. So um that had garnered soent so much attention including from my own kids and everyone was so excited to be part of it. Um, beyond that, it was very nicely organized. Um, and just so exciting to see how much our kids are interested in experimenting,
012learning, and putting that all to good use. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. >> Thank you. Um, like Miss Slam, I um attended the city club and with you, I attended the San Marino Schools Foundation. Thank you. Thank you. Um I would like to share just a few things that I did over the last two weeks. Um I attended the San Marino High School PTSA meeting which is always great to um see my friends and also learn just sort of keep your finger on the pulse of what's going on dayto day at the school amongst the parents. Um, I attended the foundation meeting last week and provided an update on our Measure M projects. Um, and I look forward to hearing more U Measure M updates uh from Dr. Troy later in the um
013agenda, but I just wanted to reiterate our gratitude to the foundation for continually providing us $2 million in funding that we count on for our um ongoing funds to fund 20 teachers. And that's five at each school site and we couldn't do it without them. So, thank you to them. And I also look forward to attending the HMS parent party this weekend and um I'm sure that'll be a great success. Thank you um Mr. Burke. >> Thank you. Over the past couple weeks, Sam High School students have been engaged in their studies and have had an opportunity to experience a series of fun outside the classroom. As I returned to campus this week, I was able to see the smiles and laughs of students sharing their memorable moments from this week's this weekend's winter formal.
014This weekend we were blessed with our large freshman class showing out in large numbers to come and experience their first ever winter formal which from my standpoint I would say was a success. Uh I can confirm that there was that there's a large number of dancers in the Sanino student body as once everyone was exiting you could see everyone was very sweaty and very disheveled from three hours of dancing I would say. Um, simultaneously as our school was prepping for winter formal, um, students showed out in athletics as San High School athletes continue their dominating performance in the Rio Honda League. Girls soccer continues their undefeated season with, I believe, a heated match coming up against Monrovia um, on Wednesday. And then boys basketball continues its success in league, remaining undefeated with a win last
015night over South Pass and looking to clinch league outright for the first time in school history um, with needing only one more win. And looking forward to next Friday, there will be a move up day for our Huntington Middle School eighth graders, which will give an opportunity to our performing arts groups to showcase their new talents to incoming students, as well as to provide kids with an idea of what they might pursue outside the classroom once they reach San Marino. In conclusion, we are proud of all of our students on campus as they continue to work hard and achieve great things day in and day out. Thank you. >> Thank you. And I did attend hoopcoming. That was just like an electric environment and congratulations on all the wins. Uh thank you, Dr. Deator. >>
016Thank you, board president, members of the board of education. Um, tonight I want to pause for a moment to recognize and thank our incredible board of education in honor of it being National School Board Recognition Month. Serving on the school board is demanding work, often unseen. It requires countless hours of preparation, difficult decisionmaking, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and the broader community, often with little recognition and no expectation of praise and no salary. Right? We talked about that last time. On behalf of the district, I really want to extend my sincerest appreciation to each of you for your thoughtful leadership, your willingness to ask the hard questions, and your steadfast focus on what is best for our students. Your governance sets the direction for the school district and provides stability for our schools.
017It allows our educators and administrators to perform at their very best. We are exceedingly fortunate to have a board of education that leads with integrity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to excellence to public education. Please know that your service truly matters and is deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for all that you do for our students, our staff, and for the wider community. We have something for you. Thank you board members. >> Thank you board members. >> We love you board members. >> Thank you board members for making school so wonderful. Y mean yeah We appreciate you. >> You're the best. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> And that's why we that's how we get paid. So, thank you. >> So, um I think that was a wonderful video tribute to our
018extremely awesome board of education and the children really do appreciate all the work that you do. So, thank you. And you saw Dr. Caldwell there in the background practicing his founding >> in the MBLI program going strong. >> Yeah. >> Oh, by the way, can you share the video so I can >> Yes. Um, our wonderful >> share with my wife. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, item 10, information items. Uh, first up, 10A, measure M update. I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Steven Joy. Thank you, President Gil, members of the board, student member Burke, cabinet, and members of the San Marino community. Tonight, we're back with another update on Measure M. On the agenda this evening, there are three Measure M related action items. The first two items are related to the roof
019replacement at the San Marino High School concession restroom building. And the third item is underground utility inspection services at Carver School. Um, I will now go ahead and pass it over to CJ to give us the latest updates and details on several exciting projects. >> Good evening. Good evening, President Gil, members of the board, and uh, uh, Dr. Deator Tori. Thank you for pro providing me this opportunity to uh, provide an update on our Measure M projects. So, uh, for the, uh, past several weeks, we've been focusing on site coordination and planning uh, for our major projects. And uh in this update, we're primarily going to be focused on uh some of the more exciting updates for Carver Elementary School. Um starting off with Carver, uh you could see the first draft or rendition of
020our site plan. Sorry. Uh this has not been reviewed with the site yet at at this time. You could see all the questions that we have in red. Um so this this solution would provide a drive aisle provides all of the uh five classrooms for TK, five classrooms for kinder and also uh relocates the the uh intermediate playground to the right hand side of of the new buildings. Um we are we are currently scheduling we are currently scheduling a meeting with the site to review and hopefully answer some of the some of the questions that we do have. Uh this will also be shifting the playfield towards the right hand side and eliminating the tennis courts so that we're able to maintain full uh full play full playfield sizes for sports. Um, with that uh
021with that being said, this also provides uh closer access for the TK and kindergarten towards lunch shelters and provides some possible future staff parking uh if necessary. Um, at this point, the parking on the lower left is really just a placeholder for whatever whatever we would like to put there. We right now have three portable classrooms um that will be a we will be able to remove at the end of the project. Um before I move on, I didn't know if uh there was any questions or if we want to go back. >> Okay. So the the plane in the middle that's I the classroom, right? So then they were close to the Huntington dry is that we were considered about the sun pool so they will not have a pollution. >> Yeah. So the
022uh the classroom buildings are actually we have a quite a bit of a grade change um for from the from the top of the campus towards the bottom of the campus. So there actually is going to be a retaining wall on the Huntington side. So the classrooms will sit a bit lower than the Huntington Street itself, which should hypothetically any pollution from cars would be above where the classrooms are. Um secondarily that also provides a safety factor that was um demon that was our staff has uh spoken um to concerns having visual access through the windows. So by having a retaining wall and splitting that grade change on the Huntington side and on the campus side uh gives added protection in both of those areas. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, another exciting uh
023another exciting thing that we uh were able to do this week at uh Carver Elementary School um is we met with the student council to help finalize our playground selection. So, with the playgrounds presented, we had two options. Uh one of the options was from Zoom Recreation. And this option is a more modernized play playground with more modern equipment. Um, and it's what you typically see on newer playgrounds. And on the second option, uh, is more of a traditional style playground that's almost similar to what they currently have, but slightly bigger and, um, and obviously newer. Uh, from the feedback we received from the students, uh, it was about a 10 to2 vote for option A. um with the biggest comment that I would say that we received was a request for swings. Um throughout
024the district, we do not have any swings at this at this point in time. And one of the other I guess drawbacks from having having swings is they take a rather large footprint. So they take a large amount of area for fewer students to be able to play on. um that that's just because of the wide range of the swings and the safety factor uh involved with it. So what we have asked our vendor to do from Zoom Recreation is to see if they have any swing like uh play structures that would be similar but not require the same large footprint and we're exploring those options right now. But from the student feedback, it looks like uh we are leaning towards option A um with trying to implement some type of swing feature, but maybe
025not a full swing set, if that makes sense. Um we have our jumping ahead, we have our next uh playground meeting with the student council at Valentine scheduled for next week and uh we will be doing a similar presentation to their student council as well. Uh we the options for Valentine um one is from uh zoom recreation and the other is also from miracle and uh they are zoom zooms is similar to what you see here and then mir on uh miracles playground they tried to um incorporate some of the themes from like the oak trees and the uh the natural elements that are more abundant at uh Valentine Elementary School. >> I have a question. >> Yep. Um, are these costs about the same? >> Yeah, we we uh made sure that the two
026options presented were pretty uh comparable in cost. >> So when you said you spoke to um the student leaders in in the group >> um what was the criteria in which um they evaluated which of the plans to take? Was it for I guess a best use of space, most inviting things to to do? Um less um more safety issues in terms of how it was um built out or how things were positioned. What were some of the criterias that was used to ask uh people for their feedback? Like aesthetically, it looked pleasing. So, Yeah, the students actually provided great feedback and um what we did is we we kind of went by element by element of the play structure. Uh we went over colors, we went over uh we even discussed uh the size
027of swings and how that may take away from some of the other features of of the playground. Um the feedback for Carver specifically on on option A uh that we received is a lot of uh the parents and the students in the community are active climbers and rock climbers. So, they liked a lot of the more natural elements that you could see primarily in the lower lefthand picture um where they have some of those rock wall elements and some modern um climbing type apparatuses and monkey bars and things like that. So, that was the a lot of the feedback we got was they really like the climbing. um what they wanted to see was swings but like I said it it it's a little difficult to uh incorporate that on a limit limited footprint exercise
028really perspective wasn't that they're not as worried We did mention the rubberized surface and and uh yeah and and some of those items too. So it was mentioned but uh but really they were excited about the climbing elements I would say >> and shade. >> Thank you. >> So who designs that the vendor or do our architects um provide specs for color and aesthetics and all that? So the colors and all of that is seen as like equipment. So it's gone through goes through our vendor where the architect comes into play is when we are building the footprint of the uh of the playground. So basically the accessibility to the playground and all of those elements uh involved, but the playground itself is the v it's designed by the vendor and they're pre-approved or pre-checked
029DSA um playgrounds. All right. So uh moving on to uh Valentine Elementary School. Um we we uh met with our architects last week and we have we have asked them to provide uh some concept renderings of what the twotory classroom would look like uh if we were incorporating the MPR and food services components to those building to that building. Uh they're also working on an estimate for for that uh to see the cost difference. Um, initially our our thoughts are it will be a cost-savings addition to the project if we are not building that food services and NPR building at a later phase. Um, so we're still waiting on those renderings and that data and then we'll be reviewing that with the with the site as well. Um over at the high school, uh we
030have we have uh given our architect the direction to proceed with a twostory option for the uh new classroom building. Um and they and now they are shifting towards the interim housing component for this summer. So they they're starting the interim housing or they're starting the two-story design and we'll also be designing the interim housing. As of now, it looks like we'll have about four interim classrooms located on the north blacktop south of the softball fields. Um, in addition to that, we uh are completing our concessions restroom project this week and we are near completion of our security fencing project uh with our fence panels scheduled to be delivered next week. In addition to that, we have uh scheduled a walk with an access control vendor, Verata, to uh discuss how that gate will operate
031and how it connects to the front office. So, we're working with the IT department, IT department to uh to make that selection and move forward with that as well. Um we also conducted our punch list at Huntington Middle School for our for our roof replacement and uh we've completed that work as well. We've uh met with our citizens bond oversight committee uh last week and uh we followed up with that to meet with key analytics to see how we can provide some of the documents and the information that they are requesting. Um overall it's been a busy three weeks and that wraps up our uh measure M update. >> Thank you. Dr. Troy, do you have anything to add? >> No. S um there's a lot of work going on. Um we're we're planning for
032some also some exciting projects during the summer. So, we're doing the leg work for communicating and working with uh various um organizations, groups of folks to make sure that it's being implemented well. Yeah. Uh, by the way, how is the fence project at the high school in front of auditorium? >> The fencing project um is um is close to completion. It's um I believe there are poles that are already installed. We're waiting for the fencing panels to go up next week, right? >> Yeah. So, we've installed all the post and the footings for those posts. Uh the fence panels are a pre-fabricated fence panel and they're scheduled to be delivered next week and they uh simply just bolt on to those posts that we've already installed. Um with that, we've also installed all the infrastructure
033for the access controls. So that's why after the completion of construction, we'll be meeting with that access control vendor uh so that we can have either a license plate reader or some type of badge reader system to open the uh gate to towards food services, I believe. So, how long it take to finish? >> Uh, next week. Next week. >> The fencing will be installed next week. Uh, we're working with the technology vendor. Um, it's going to be a real a really nice system. Um, we had an opportunity to go out and visit a neighboring district that had it and um it it not only improves the security, but uh it gives us more visibility. It integrates with our existing cameras. So, a lot of advancements to improve our safety and security. >> Thank you.
034Okay, thank you. Moving on. Um, item 10B, the governor's budget overview. I'd like to turn it back to Dr. Choy to present an overview on the governor's budget. >> Thank you, President Yigil, members of the board, student member Burke, and executive team. Tonight, it's my pleasure to provide anformational update on the governor's proposed budget for 2627. Uh, I'll briefly cover the economic context, key components of education funding, and what this proposal may signal for our district. And as a reminder, this is the governor's January proposal. It will continue to evolve uh through the May revise uh with final adoption anticipated in June. So, the initial headlines following the release of the proposed budget on January 10th were largely positive, especially since it focused on the replenishment of the rainy day fund and sustained investments in
035education. And as further details became available, underlying concerns surfaced. Despite increased spending, the proposal points to a growing structural deficit for California. However, at this stage, education funding remains relatively stable, but future conditions will largely depend on how state revenues materialize. The governor emphasized that this is his final budget and highlighted several accomplishments during his administration, including universal TK, universal meals, the expanded learning opportunity pro opportunities program, and increased investments in special education, early literacy, and educator professional development. However, despite these positive highlights, it's important to examine the broader economic indicators. The US GDP has grown in recent quarters, which is encouraging. However, affordability remains a concern. Even with wages outpacing inflation, consumers continue to feel cost pressures. Unemployment on the top right remains relatively low. But there is a growing concern that recent stock
036market gains are disproportionately driven by artificial intelligence um industries. As you can see on the lower right there, raising some questions about whether or not that's sustainable. Closer to home, economic conditions in California remain mixed. Inflation persists, the labor market is softening, and housing remains a challenge in California with flat home prices and limited new construction. Additional uncertainty exists around federal policy decisions, geopolitical conflicts, tariffs, and labor shortages that are tied to immigration policy. Looking ahead, a major concern is the persistence of state budget deficits. Current projections indicate a $22 billion deficit in 2027 through 28, which puts a lot of pressure on future education funding. Now, historically, you can see that the governor's proposed budgets have relied on more optimistic revenue assumptions um and then what is ultimately materialized in the actual budgets. And
037looking at the big three tax revenues here, that same pattern continues um adding risk to outyear projections. And with that in context in mind, and given how closely the economy and the education funding are linked, let's take a look at what it means for public schools. Most California school districts are facing similar challenges with declining enrollment, expenditures that exceed ongoing revenues, and continued uncertainty regarding the state's Proposition 98 settle up mechanism. Let's talk a little bit more about each of these challenges. Declining enrollment remains a statewide trend and as shown in this chart, you can see that the state's largest counties continue to lose students. You can see Los Angeles County in the red at the very bottom there experiencing the largest decline. At the same time, the districts face escalating costs across multiple areas
038including salary, step and column, uh benefits, utilities, in insurance, and contracted services. Now, as funding increases remain modest, districts have become increasingly reliant on LCFF to absorb these rising costs. And as I've noted in the past, any discussion of California school budgeting must include Proposition 98. Prop 98 establishes a minimum funding guarantee for K14 education by requiring a set portion of the state's general fund to be allocated to schools. Over the past two years, the state has withheld a portion of that funding and at times without even formally suspending Prop 98 and instead describing the action as a settle up tied to unrealized revenues. In 2425, these withholdings totaled $1.9 billion, raising significant concerns across the education community. And under the governor's 2627 proposed budget, this withholding strategy appears again, but at a slightly higher
039level of 5.6 billion. Sorry, not slightly, significant. If the minimum guarantee were fully funded, districts statewide would see would receive approximately $99 more per ADA. For San Marino Unified, that would represent roughly $2.8 million in additional funding. While this is not final, it is a key issue that we will continue to monitor closely. On this slide, this is the familiar dart board that our SC our district and as well as many other school districts use. It highlights the key LCFF funding um planning assumptions. The proposed COLA for 2627 is estimated at 2.41% and although it will likely change with the May revise, the cola estimate is lower than the 3.02% 02% that was projected in the adopted budget last year. Now, a key theme of the governor's proposal is the limited availability of new ongoing
040funding rather with an emphasis on maintaining existing programs. One example is the proposed schools um student support and professional development block grant. Um school services estimate that this would equate to approximately $512 per ADA. Uh these discretionary funds could be used to support professional development, instructional initiatives, or to help address ongoing cost pressures. The budget also proposes restoring the remaining learning recovery emergency block grant uh which was previously deferred. Uh this block grant was established to help school districts support academic recovery and address the impacts of pandemic related learning disruptions. This restoration could provide an estimated $228 per ADA based on 2122 ADA figures. Now, ELOP would continue with a slight increase for districts receiving rate 2 funding which includes San Marino Unified. ELOP provides funding to support before and after school um interession and
041summer learning opportunities for qualifying students. Universal meals uh would continue under the proposed budget. Although overall funding is slightly reduced to reflect some of the updated um statewide participation estimates, uh the program would continue to receive a COLA and one-time grants for kitchen infrastructure and staff training would again be available. Prop 28 funding for arts and music education would continue as an ongoing funding as well. Program requirements would remain unchanged, including the requirement that at least 80% of the funds be used to supplement staffing. Special education funding is expected to increase in 2627. If the proposed state equalized funding rate remains, the special education base rate would have increased by approximately 179% over the last six years. And while this growth represents meaningful progress, special education remains an underfunded mandate for school districts, including San
042Marino Unified, and will continue to require contributions from the general fund. And finally, a brief note on reserves. While many districts are able to build reserves during the pandemic through one-time funding, a grown statewide trend shows an increase in deficit spending. The shift reflects the expiration of those one-time funds, rising ongoing costs, and continue enrollment declines. Now, while San Marine Union 5 has been fortunate to not experience enrollment declines this year, the district is not immune to future declines or exempt from escalating costs. While a significant portion of our district's budget is supported by local funding, it remains important to closely monitor the development of the state budget. Our financial stability is strengthened by revenues from our parcel taxes, financial support from the San Marino Schools Foundation for Teacher Positions, and extraordinary contributions from our
043PTAs, boosters, and community organizations. All of these factors are what truly differentiate us from so many other districts that are having to look at reductions and potentially consolidating schools. This evening, I have provided a broad overview of the governor's proposed budget, recognizing that much will change between now and June. I will return in March to present the district's second interim financial report, as well as in May to review the governor's May revision before bringing forward the district's 2627 budget for adoption by the end of June. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our school sites, departments, school connected partners, as well as the board of education through ongoing dialogue. Thank you again for the opportunity to provide this update. >> Thank you so much. Any question, board? >> Yeah. Um
044Dr. Detroit. Um I was reading the um the weekly board memo uh information probably was sent out two weeks ago and maybe last last week, but um I recall um you or Dr. delatory describing um what the budget would entail, where the funding was continuing versus where the funding um was absent. Right. So, you're you're marking that you're presenting that there's an increase in special ed, but still it's underfunded. You're presenting um information about the extended care, right? the extended learning opportunities. >> Um, and is that fully funded? I I want you to talk a little bit about where his budget focus is and then whether it's covered or not in terms of it's better, but it still doesn't cover what we have to pay. >> Yeah. What's interesting is the uh governor um didn't
045actually present his own budget. He presented a state of uh the state uh the day before and it was very celebratory in tone. it was celebrating all the different programs that u he and his administration launched uh for the past several years. Um however um this is a proposed budget and while it's it it seems uh stable um and celebratory in in uh spirit um there's a lot that could potentially change between now and May. Um and the reality is as data comes in, as actual revenues come in for the state, um a lot of that will uh will ultimately um affect uh and influence the May revise. And um I'm not I wouldn't be surprised if the May revise doesn't present such a um uh such a healthy budget uh compared to what he
046has presented u two weeks ago. So I I think um there is it is subject to change but at this time um the biggest concern is still with the Prop 28 I'm sorry the Prop 98 settle up that is significant because this would be the third year. It first started out as being called a gimmick. He later called it a maneuver. Um but um you know third time uh is uh is is is very concerning uh for for education because that's money that's withheld that could ultimately benefit our students today. >> so how are we closing that gap? >> Well, we have relied very heavily on a lot of our local revenues. Uh right. It's it's not a mystery that um our our parcel taxes, our schools foundation, our our PTAs, all of those organizations
047that contribute approximately 30% of our revenues uh will continue to be uh very important for us to stay fiscally um healthy. So um and you know um LCFF funding is significant, represents 60% of our budget. Um but at the same time um our local revenues and our local uh sources are are remarkable as well. >> So I think suffice to say um uh Dr. Delator and the cabinet you guys are doing a wonderful job with what we have. Um but we continue to um need the community support in order to provide the um quality of education that we uh strive to to um serve our community and as well their expectations are high. Right. So um as we thank you for bringing that um the um information regarding the budget and then keep us surprised.
048You don't have to wait till the May revise. Just keep us updated onto what we need to look at. Thank you, >> Dr. Thank you. >> Okay, if there's no further questions, we'll move on to 10C AI task force update and like to turn it over to Mr. Quack Hong along with members of the AI task force to provide the board of education with progress of the task force. Thank you board president Gil, members of the board, student more board member Burke, superintendent dator and executive team. This evening I would like to present an update on the AI task force along with a first reading of board policy 0441 artificial intelligence. This policy is a template and a recommendation by CSBA, the California school boards association. Um first I'd like to take a minute to
049introduce the AI task force. The task force met typically twice a month in person or via Zoom. Uh we have a list of our schedule there and this is the roster for our task force. In August, the district convened an AI task force composed of teachers, administrators, union presidents, parents, students, staff, and our very own board member Sun. Uh the AI task force proactively examined the impact of artificial intelligence at Samir Unified. And the goal was to build a shared understanding and provide thoughtful recommendations for future guidance with AI. Since August, the task force has focused on three primary areas. First, developing a framework on for how AI fits within our district's values, our instructional goals, and existing policies. This includes identifying principles around safety, ethics, transparency, and human oversight. Second, creating preliminary guidelines for
050responsible use. These discussions have centered on how AI may support teaching, learning, and operations while maintaining academic integrity, protecting student data, and supporting equal access. Third, examining the capabilities and limitations of various AI applications currently available. The task force reviewed how those tools functioned and where they made value and where we where we should caution or um apply additional safeguards. This work has been intentionally exploratory and collaborative. The task force has not made any purchases or any um mandated decisions but instead has helped inform the development of a proposed board policy and the future administrative procedures. Next, I would like to present you a first reading of board policy 0441, artificial intelligence. The San Mar Unified School District recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is already part of our educational landscape. It's
051embedded in the tools our students use, the software that supports instruction, and the systems that help operate uh efficiently as a district, help us operate efficiently. The purpose of this policy is not to accelerate adoption nor to restrict innovation, but to provide clear, responsible frameworks and guidance for how AI may be used in our schools. things uh things such as increasing student access to information, supporting teacher effectiveness, and drive data analytics. Therefore, the district is committed to supporting the use of AI by students and staff in accordance with the following principles. The key frameworks of board policy 0441 artificial intelligence include student centered AI should be used to enhance learning and digital literacy. Uh frameworks staff centered AI should be used as a tool for support not a substitute for educators. Ethical use and transparency
052students and staff should be honest about when and how AI is used. Accountability and responsibility. Humans remain responsible for the decisions. Equity and access. AI should never widen gaps between students. Secure and private. Student data protection is not negotiable. Professional development. Staff should receive training to meet expectations. Community community engagement. Keeping families a part of the conversation. And number nine, continuous improvement. Um continue to evolve our policies as the technology evolves. These frameworks are meant to be consistent with other policies uh such as board policy 0441 district technology plan and board policy 6154 academic honesty. I'm happy to read through the policy and make any edits you may have. Uh this policy will be brought back to the board for a second reading in March at the March board meeting. And I would love to
053open up for any questions if you have any. Thank you for all this work. It's something I do feel like we really need. I um since AI is already here, I feel like the framework um is of utmost importance. So where is there any push back from um administration or teachers on on the use of it at all or >> actually the opposite we've been getting questions on more what can we get what can we use what will you buy us we've actually been getting the complete opposite. Oh, great. >> I appreciate that it's flexible so um it can change without um centering on specific technology. >> Thank you. Any other questions? um for this policy there's a nine uh point uh I also like to hear from the cabinet uh point of view uh
054among the nine point what what what happened um since the AI uh where all the student may take AI as a vehicle so how how to uh reflect to the the teacher homework. >> Yeah. So is that that we have a uh uh where uh wording to cover or >> I think what we would like to focus on are more of the guidelines for both students and staff. Uh something that we've been kind of focusing on is like a one pager of dos and don'ts that teachers can do. uh dos and don'ts that te uh students can do, what they can use AI for and what they shouldn't be using AI for. Um and we will hope to present more of that in our next reading. >> I think the most um when you talk
055about push back, I think we had a little bit of push back from our English departments and rightfully so. They want to make sure that students are still practicing writing on their own and um I think we'll a lot more inclass writing assignments um as opposed to you know homework. It's going to change. Um but we do know that kids using AI now with or without a framework with or without word policies to guide that. And so we need to put these practices into place to really structure how um our teachers will implement their own classroom guidance with students. And so I think there's a real fear that students are using artificial intelligence um to plagiarize essays and things like that. And we are we we are absolutely taking that into consideration as we move
056forward with our framework. But I agree that every teacher is going to have um their own set of rules and guidance. we have to give teachers autonomy to be able to run their classrooms. Um, but they do so within the framework of the board policy. So, as AI continues to evolve, it is incumbent upon us to stay on top of that and to really get professional development and information from experts in artificial intelligence so that we can get out in front of these issues. Um, and another reason Richard and I are going to be attending the National Education Conference this year. Um, one focus area for us will be going to AI sessions to make sure that we have the latest and greatest information from the experts that we can bring back to the school
057district and share with our artificial um, intelligence task force. And I think we're very lucky and fortunate in this community that we have members of the community who are e absolute experts in AI. um you have introduced me to some um I remember at the Chinese club that are working for Google as I recall. So we have people who are um really well informed on this topic who are helping advise the school district as well. So we will continue to provide the board of education with information um and certainly we'll provide information when we return from that conference which is in February. >> Thank you. Quac um is there any attempt uh to um challenge or help students to look at AI as a way in which we can accelerate learning or um differentiate instruction
058in terms of um you know we looked we talked a lot about UDL and uh student voice, student choice. um how is AI used as a vehicle to help us accomplish some of those goals for our uh exceptional students? >> Yeah. Um we have both of our ed services TOSAs on our AI task force and they've been kind of tasked with the differentiation differentiation and the UDL portions. they've been um kind of going over different tools that students and staff members can use um what they can use from those tools and what they maybe can't use from those tools. So we've been we I don't want to say any specific tools but uh we have been looking at a lot of different tools to help with both differentiation UDL uh both student and staff side.
059And if I just may add on to what you just mentioned, um I think student voice having our student members um on this committee have has just been invaluable. They are able to articulate the needs that they have. Um and oftentimes those needs are diverse. So that aligns to kind of what you're saying um Miss Ryan is how do we differentiate along the path of universal design to provide access and equity to our students no matter what level they're performing at. And I think having student voice so we're able to hear what those needs are and then have those organic productive conversations in the task force to then take the next step and investigate and research those tools to best support our students from you know remediation all the way through to enrichment and really
060to increase access as well. >> In terms of UDL we talked about universal design for learning and differentiation um which is one and the same. teachers are now able to use these AI tools for lesson planning, for differentiation. They can do so much now um in an abbreviated amount of time. It it's really a tool that teachers can use to make their lives easier and their planning time more efficient. And I think that we have a lot of early adopters who are on board with that um and modeling that for other teachers throughout our district, which I think is is really valuable. Thank you. Let's move on to item 11, action items. Um 11A is the approval of an agreement between San Marino Unified School District and Commercial Roofing Systems, Inc. for replacement of the
061San Marino High School concession building. Um I would like to turn it over to Dr. Choy to present the agreement. >> Thank you, President Gil and members of the board. Um so our first two action items this evening are related to the roofing work at San Marino High School's um concessions restroom. The first item is the request for an approval of an agreement with commercial roofing systems to remove and replace the roof at the concession building. This project addresses aging roof conditions and localized wood deterioration, helping ensure that continued weather protection and will extend the building's service life. The contract cost is $34,653 and will be fully funded with Measure M funds. It's recommended that the board approve u the contract for this project. >> Do I have any questions from the board? If not,
062I'd love a a motion, please. >> Motion to approve. >> Second, please. >> Second, >> Miss Lamb. Thank you. Uh roll call. Mr. Chang, >> I. Miss Lamb >> I >> Mrs. Ryan >> I >> Mrs. Gil I and Mr. Burke >> I >> thank you. Back to Dr. Choy. >> Thank you. Um the next item is a request for approval to purchase CAMASS approved roofing materials from the Garland company for the San Marino High School concession stand. These materials will support planned roofing improvements as well as will be procured under CAMASS. The purchase cost is $33,824828.74 which includes tax and freight and will be fully funded with measure M funds. It's recommended that the board adopt uh accept uh and approve this request. Do >> I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
063>> Thank you. Roll call. Mr. Chang. >> I. >> Miss Lamb I. >> Mrs. Ryan I. >> Mrs. Gil I. And student board member Burke. I >> you back to Dr. Choy. >> Thank you, President Gail. Members of the board, our final action item this evening is a request for approval of an agreement with GPRS to provide underground utility locating and video pipe inspection services at Carver Elementary School. This work will identify and document underground utilities and assess sewer and storm lines to support safe excavation and future project planning. The total cost is $7,250 and will be fully funded using measure M funds. >> Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. Mr. Ch. >> I. >> Miss Lamb. >> I. >> Mrs. Ryan. >> I.
064>> Mrs. Gill. I. And student board member Burke. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Okay. Item 12, board and superintendent discussion items. Do you have anything for us? >> No. Does the board have anything for our superintendent? >> Okay, wonderful. Well, um, with that and we have no need for a closed session following this meeting, I'd like to adjourn at 8:09. Thank you.