July 17, 2025 County Board Meeting

001Good afternoon everyone. We will resume the July meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Education by reporting out of closed session. So, we did have an intrad district appeal hearing 25-02 that we heard and uh with a vote of six uh yes, zero nos, zero abstains, and one absent, we decided to uphold the district's original denial. All right, with that, we for those who are following along in the agenda, we are on item five, the pledge of allegiance. And I'm going to ask those who can to please stand up and join us as our superintendent leads us in the pledge of allegiance. 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, indivisible, with liberty and justice for

002all. Thank you. Uh item number seven, approval of the agenda. >> Move. >> Second. >> First and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Item number eight. We are in public comment. This is the opportunity for anybody in the public who is joining us today to address the board on any matters that are not currently on the agenda. We ask you to please uh state your name and uh keep your comments to 3 minutes. Is there anybody that would like to address the board? Anybody online? Okay, moving along. Item nine, consent agenda. Looking for a motion. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Okay, we have a first from Roth and a second from Estrada. Uh, all those in favor say I. >>

003I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Do we receive any correspondence that is not included in our packet? No additional correspondences were received. >> Actually, I did uh share with the board a item related to federal cuts uh and administration that was uh shared with you will be presented today. Uh but I did want to flag that since it was sent said sent to you ahead of time. Thank you. Okay. Now we're on to reports, discussion, and presentations. And this uh is one of my favorites throughout the year. We're going to start with 11.1, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Student Trustee Academy presentation. Good afternoon, members of the board, President Sanchez, and uh members of the uh uh the COE team and of course all the wonderful community members that are here present. It's

004really an honor for me to be here. This is something that I look forward to every year uh which is the opportunity to work some with some amazing student leaders and uh this is our third year of having a student trustee academy. This is an opportunity for young people uh from across the county to be able to learn about how school boards work. And as as of course you know so well uh education has become such a focal point in in so many ways when it comes uh I think I look at it as a positive thing because people recognize the power of education and the importance of uh of the power structures when it comes to impacting issues like social justice uh in our community through our school system. So, we developed this academy

005a few years ago uh because we recognized that we wanted to give young people the opportunity who wanted to become student trustees but also for students that were interested in learning about how education works. And uh it's it's really wonderful because because we offer six sessions and this year we had 15 students who uh participated with us uh with uh uh students from 10 different schools and I had the opportunity to work with two amazing folks and um uh this year of course uh Andrea Ortiz who will be talking with you in just a moment uh our student leadership and engagement coordinator uh co was a co-instructor and this year we had the privilege of having Daniel Sketta who just finished his term as student trustee from the Baja Valley and FI school district. um

006he is on his way to the University of Southern California and he was a co-instructor with us uh in this in uh this this summer and so he was able to bring some very fresh some very new experiences and also he was able to present the student handbook that he developed for trustees to uh for student leadership and engagement that he developed with the PA valley school district and so I'd like to welcome Danielle Eskea to uh join me and to talk to you a little bit about his experience um and uh what what uh what was the experience that he had in presenting this this program with us. Let's give a round of applause for Daniel. >> Greetings board members and thank you superintendent Sabah. Um this year as superintendent Sabah mentioned I was

007the student trustee on the PO Valley Unified School District where I led two historic initiatives. The first being the development and board adoption of the student civic engagement handbook, which now actually serves as an addendum to Pajaro Valley Unified School District's board governance handbook. So that was a really exciting opportunity for me to lead that um alongside Superintendent Dr. Contrarus and Julie Edwards. And I also led the revision of board bylaw 9150, which now officially grants student trustees within the Paro Valley Unified School District to to make motions. And that was a very historic step that I took from um your guys' board bylaws because I thought it was something that seriously needed to be implemented in our district. But working alongside these uh dedicated students, it was an amazing uh six sessions where I

008was able to bring uh fresh perspectives from my time on the board and really share out um what leadership truly looks like. So from you know leading various superintendent committees to also talking about um leadership and engagement. It was really meaningful to see um them ask so many questions and be really engaged throughout this process. And I think throughout this academy we truly took a holistic approach into not only school boards but also school districts. And um we also had very difficult conversations but also really necessary ones um through these uncertain times. And um I'm really proud of everyone who you know came forward and wanted to truly learn about the components of school districts and I appreciated all the guest speakers who came and I really enjoyed collaborating with everyone. So it's been a

009really amazing experience and something that I'll always remember um working alongside these students. So um yeah, thank you and I think you guys will look forward to um hearing from them as well. >> Thank you Daniel. So, I'm going to ask uh Andreas Ortiz to come on up and join me to talk a little bit more about the academy, but really of course today it's it's about celebrating the stars who participated with us uh in this program. And I did also want to uh join Daniel in thanking our our guest presenters. We had uh uh Bruce Van Allen from our board uh who was who who spoke to students about public speaking, Leanne Reyes. We also had uh attorney uh Sarah Katz from Loausano Smith um and uh and others who were able to to

010bring a lot of expertise, a lot of uh thinking and I think uh you would probably agree that they were this this group has been one of the most interactive and engaged student groups that we've ever had. Uh Leanne actually shared that she had never gotten so many questions from her student from the students uh in in previous years. students were really curious about and had so many questions and so it just it filled uh my heart and I'm sure of of of Daniels and and Andreas's as well just the the level of engagement and interest that the students uh brought. So uh please welcome Andreas who's going to talk to us a little bit more about the academy and and then we're going to have a celebration uh honoring our students and thanking them

011for for giving uh their time uh to be a part of this wonderful experience. Uh let's give a round of applause for Andre Ortiz. Uh, thank you, Superintendent Sabah. Thank you, uh, esteemed members of the board. Um, yes, there's not a whole lot I can say after uh, Ferris and Daniel, but um, only to kind of expand upon what Ferris was saying, this is my third year doing um, this student trustee academy, and they're all really good groups. They really, really are. But Ferris is 100% right. like this group. Um they just they they the way that they came prepared every single day. You could tell that they reviewed the documents on the Google classroom. Um you know, they read up on the handouts. Um and they came ready and prepared to ask really really

012um specific questions. Um so much so that you know, yeah, Leanne's presentation ran a little bit long. Um but you know it was such a good thing to see how they you know ho how much interest they took in the subject matter. Um but also the other good thing too was to see how they got to know each other over the course of the three weeks. Um and how they started to really gel and and and work together as well especially seeing as how they came from 10 different high schools um including uh some charter schools in an alternative education site as well. Um, so I'm just thrilled. Um, and I'd like to, you know, thank them for their dedication for taking the time throughout the summer to come and absorb this content and learn

013from an amazing teacher. I know I always learn from Superintendent Sabah myself when I'm in these uh sessions. Um, but I also want to thank um their their families and especially their parents, some of whom are here in the room today. um you know it's it they're doing the work of helping their students uh driving them to and from the sessions, working with them at home and and just supporting them overall. So um I'd like to to give a shout out to them as well. Um yes, please. All right. Well, without further ado, I'd like to kick things off by welcoming our first speaker, Lavella from Santa Cruz High School. Good evening members of the board and superintendent Sabah. Thank you so much for having me here today. My name is Lfella Jones and I'm

014a rising senior at Santa Cruz High. I'm also one of the three student trustees for Santa Cruz City Schools this upcoming school year. I'd like to begin by by expressing my deep gratitude for Mr. Ortiz, Danielle Eskea, and Superintendent Sabah for all of the time and effort they put into making the Trustee Academy such a valuable experience. I'd also like to thank the incredible guest speakers for sharing their expertise with all of us. Throughout the academy, we learned about the history and role of school boards, how democracy functions within public education, and the importance of a balanced budget in supporting students and schools. We explored the responsibilities of different districts. Studied the Brown Act and the many ways to uphold um the principles and accountability listed within the Brown Act and gain working knowledge of

015Robert's rules of order. Um, we also received practical advice on public speaking from a professional in the field and um, who helped us understand how to communicate effectively and with confidence. And perhaps most memorably, we had the opportunity to learn from an accomplished student trustee who encouraged us to collaborate not only with one another, but also with district leaders um and helped us see the many ways students can actively participate in bridging the gap between the board of education and our peers. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak tonight and for supporting student voices and leadership. Hello board members and superintendent Ferris. Thank you for your time today. My name is Reika Silva from No, my name is Reika Silva. I am an incoming freshman to Diamond Tech. Um the topic I will be

016talking about today is what inspired all of my fellow peers to join the student trustee academy. Some of us joined to be more civically engrained to be more civically engaged while others joined to become more aware of school politics and how the school board works exactly. And some of our rising student trustees from the board, some of our student trustees that have joined the student academy wanted to know be more aware of how boards worked. Exactly. While one of my fellow peers that I interviewed had the thought of wanting to be a fellow sorry while one of my fellow peers that I um talked to had the thought of beingcoming a board member in the future. Sorry for this. Um, thank you board members and Superintendent Ferris again for giving us this chance to speak

017in front of you. >> Good evening board members and superintendent Sabah. My name is Zola Grow. I'm a rising senior at Optos High. I use hehim pronouns and I'll be using my phone today for notes. I've been lucky enough to participate in the student trustee academy throughout this summer and now I get the honor to tell you all what we have learned over the course of the program. On our first day, we built up the basics like why are schools important and why our school boards important. We talked with our groups about what we felt schools should prioritize and what makes a good leader and the importance of democracy in the education system. We had a day where we focused on budgets and how complicated they can be. Lean Reyes talked to us about how

018schools get their funding, how it's distributed, and what basic aid districts are. Although we learned all about the LCFF and the LCAP, one of my most important takeaways was what makes a healthy versus unhealthy budget, and the ways to keep a budget and your spending out of the unhealthy zone, like maintaining at least a 3% in reserve, keeping track of your cash, and always making revisions with new information. Another day was focused on the Brown Act and we had Sarah Catz come to speak to us about the long but very important rules within the Brown Act and how board members have to follow them. It was honestly very interesting and eye- openening to learn about the schools uh about the rules a school board functions by as we also learned about Robert's rules later on

019through a group activity of acting as boards working through an agenda. We also had Bruce Van Allen speak to us about public speaking by talking about how to get the outcome you want and remaining respectful to yourself and your audience. He help he helped us all understand that it is very normal to be nervous and almost everyone experiences it. Overall, the academy has taught me and many others how to be a good leader, the issues education faces, and how school boards throughout the county operate. And although I could continue to go on and on about how much we learned at the academy and how much I took away from it, I'm sure that all of my peers also have amazing things to say. Thank you all. Good evening, esteemed members of the board, Superintendent Sabah,

020and everyone else who has joined us here today. My name is Jo Joseph McGinty, and I am a rising senior at um Delta High School in Santa Cruz um city schools and but formerly I was a PBSD student at many other schools. like my peers speaking tonight. I um attended this year's student trustee academy which I found incredibly valuable not just as a future trustee but also like as a member of the community. Um though I understand the budget is tight right now especially due to federal issues. I would ask the board to not cut this vital program. While the student trustee academy um start while the student trustee term only lasts year, the skills I've gained through this program will benefit me for a lifetime. Um for instance, I learned how Robert's rules of

021order work, something useful in any setting where decisions are made. Um, and as someone who wants to grow as a leader in our community and country, I think that is a great skill to have. Even with just one year of high school left, this academy um opened my eyes to ways I can stay civically involved. Um, during one of our successions, we also learned that students are required to be part of the um, LCAP committee, which a lot of us had no idea what that was. Um, and so it was interesting to hear about um, without this program, I wouldn't have learned that the that about that opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our district's decision-m. I believe that serving as a student trustee and participating in things like the ALCAP committee um, is essential for

022giving students a real voice um, and how our schools grow and improve. Thank you for your time. Good afternoon. I will be having to use my phone for notes. Um, good afternoon board and staff of the COE. My name is Vicente Yen. I am a student at Baharo Valley High School and I had the honor of participating in this year's student trustee academy. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has made this academy possible including but not limited limited to Andres Ortiz, Dr. Ferris Abal, Daniel Eskea and all my fellow fellow student participants who made this experience meaningful and unforgetful. This program should absolutely continue because it equips students with the tools and knowledge to become strong informed leaders. It gives us insight into how educational decisions are made and empowers us to advocate

023for our peers in a in a respfulful respectful and professional manner. The academy builds confidence, sharpens leadership skills, and deepens our understanding of student representation at all levels. Most importantly, this program is an investment not just in students but in the future of education itself. When we elevate When we elevate student voices and create schools that reflect, support, and uplift the communities they serve. Thank they serve. Thank you for your time and dedication to the youth of Santa Cruz County. Not forgetting a special thank you to Dr. Ferris ball for inviting me to this amazing opportunity. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you. >> I'll be using my phone for notes. Um, good evening everyone. My name is Mana Garcia, an incoming student of Diamond Tech Charter School. I I

024had the honor to be in the student trustee academy. A issue I've noticed is how sometimes school budgets aren't operated as well as they could be. A great example of this is PBSD. 90% of their budget is is salaries only leaving 5% for everything else forcing them to make budget cuts especially since they no longer have the co funds from the pandemic meaning forcing them to cut off teachers as an effect which is why it is so important for schools for school budgets to be operated in a more organized manner to prevent budget cuts. Thank you for everything. Thank you. >> Um and next I want to um introduce uh virtually uh two students that couldn't join us today but really wanted to uh present to the board so they sent in uh video. So

025first we're going to be hearing from Addie uh from Scots Valley and I'll let her introduce herself via video. And next we're going to be hearing from Aaliyah from Harbor High, who's actually going to be one of the uh student trustees at Santa Cruz City Schools. Thank you members of the board and superintendent Zabah for giving me the opportunity to speak today. My name is Ashmore. I'm a senior at Elnito and I'm hoping to become a student trustee on the Santa Cruz County Board of Education. Student representation on a school board is essential. Decisions that regard our education need the perspective and insight of those affected by it. Students understand the significant impact education has on our lives and we have opinions and ideas on how to improve it. Although adolescents are often seen as

026too inexperienced to be a part of governing bodies, we are full-fledged members of societ society. We are not just the leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today. Thank you. Good afternoon members of the board and superintendent Sabal. My name is Leslie Reese Vega and I'm an incoming senior at Soo High and I am and I as well will be the incoming student trustee. As part of the student trustee academy, we visited a report by a professor at UC Santa Cruz and her students that focused on the student trustee impact in local districts during December 2021 and as well as March of 2023. This study highlight the importance of student trustees input and how they continuously would speak for the student body. Although one would hope that student trustees experienced from the board would

027be completely positive, this study demonstrated that the reality of the situation was that at times the students were discouraged or undermined by adults. As a result of the study, the the school board made an effort to change their behavior by adopting some approaches that the study had approached or had proposed simply addressing or asking for the opinions of the student trustees and as well as creating a bond with the students themselves. Lastly, I would like to thank Superintendent Sabal and Andreas and Daniel for preparing me for the years to come and as well as the Santa Cruz County um office of education for offer offering such a beneficial program. Thank you. For clarification, I'll be using my phone for notes. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Amy Vasquez. I'm an incoming 10th grader at Watsonville

028High. Have you ever wondered how school boards are run and what their purposes are? Believe it or not, school boards can impact the community in more ways than you might have imagined. Understanding the governments and management of school is crucial because it helps us appreciate how schools serve and support their communities and students. Understanding the workings of schoolboard meetings is essential for both student trustees and the general public. These meetings hold decision-making that directly influences our educational environment, shaping policies that affect students, teachers, and the wider community. For student trustees, these meetings enables them to effectively represent their peers. It ensures that the student perspective is being recognized while making these policy decisions. They collaborate with board members to cultivate a more inclusive and responsive educational system for the public. Understanding schoolboard operation enhances transparency

029and accountability. It encourages parents, educators, and community members to engage actively in the educational process, ensuring that their voices are also heard and their needs are being addressed. To summarize, understanding school board meetings is crucial for both student trustees and the public. It empowers individuals to participate meaningfully in shaping the future of education. This is understanding ensures that students and their community get to use their voices. Thank you. Um, good evening members of the board and superintendent of BA. I'm going to be reading my speech tonight. Uh, my name is Molina Lopez and I am a rising senior at Watson High School. Um, tonight I would like to discuss an essential aspect of student development, which is leadership. I'm sure that we can all agree that fostering leadership is vital. Um but one question I

030have is how can we um encourage more students to step up and take on these roles. Um we can start by stepping up and making more leadership opportunities visible and accept accessible. Um many students might not be aware of all the positions available or the impact they can make within their community and their school environment. We can enhance our outreach by using various platforms like school announcements, social media and classroom presentations. We can use these platforms to highlight these opportunities and high and clearly define the roles and responsibilities so students know what they're signing up for and can see how their contributions directly benefit the school community. Secondly, we can emphasize the value of leadership experience in terms that resonate with students. To some, this is just about college applications and future job aspects or

031prospects, but really it's about personal growth and making a difference in their immediate environment. um developing skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life. Just like this academy, um providing training and mentorship can equip students with tools they need to succeed, making them more confident and eager to take on leadership roles. I believe that by working together, we can empower our students to cultivate a new generation of leaders. Um thank you for your time and I hope you guys have a great night. Good evening board members of No. Good evening members of the board, superintendent of BA. We have now my name is Elisara Gonzalez and I'm an incoming 10th grader at Watsonville High School. We have now reached the end of our presentation. So on behalf of this year's student trustee

032academy, we would like to thank guest speakers Leanne Reyes, Sarah Catz, and trustee Bruce Van Ellen. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Superintendent Dr. Ferris Zabah, former student trustee Daniel Eskea, and Andre Ortiz for being our facilitators throughout this program. Thank you. All right. Wow. What an amazing group of of young people. [Music] You know, it's uh we'd like to present our students with uh with a recognition for their participation and their leadership. I'm going to ask Daniela and Andre Ortiz to join me here as we'd like to call our students up and uh thank them and then we're going to take a a group picture, right? And um so we're going to we're going to start um think this is in the right order. Okay. Yes. Um, so we're going to

033we have a a certificate of recognition uh uh certificate of completion that uh is being presented on behalf of the the county board of education and the county office of education. Could I also ask President uh Sanchez to join us over here as well since this is being presented on behalf of the board as well. And uh we're going to start uh by presenting uh this certificate of completion to Luke Bible Lamrose. Luke, is Luke here? >> Give him a round of applause. >> Oh, Luke's not here. >> All right. And um next, we'd like to uh present this award to Adelene uh Bazi. >> She's also one of our video. >> Addie was on the on there. There we go. All right. >> The first two are not here. All right. And I know

034that Mana Garcia is here. Mana Garcia, come on up. >> So, we're gonna present this to you. If you wouldn't mind shaking president. >> Congratulations. >> There you go. >> And now, why don't you turn around and face? We'll take a like this. I guess we're going to do Yeah. Next, uh, I'd like to present this to Elisa Gonzalez Vasquez. Elisara and Perfect. Next, I'd like to present the certificate to Zola Grow. We'd like to present the certificate to Ash Emmore. Our next certificate goes to Lavella Jones. Our next certificate goes to Melina Lopez. The next certificate goes to Vicente Martinez. Our next certificate goes to Josephine McGinty. The next certificate goes to Amy Vasquez Ortiz. Our next uh certificate goes to Aaliyah Brasul. >> Our next presentation goes to Ra Silva. and our next

035certificate goes to Leslie Ruiz Vega. So, um, >> we have a very special, uh, C certificate we'd like to present to Daniel Eskea. Uh this is really just a small uh kind of token of appreciation uh for Daniel's leadership this year as a student trustee and also as a co-instructor. We wish him well in his uh his next step at USC. We know that he is uh going to be continue to do amazing things and we're so grateful for uh his hard work and the handbook that we've incorporated into into our training. Maybe he he'll like to come back and work with us again next summer. We'll see. I'm sure he's going to have lots of opportunities there. But we'd like to present this certificate of recognition and appreciation uh to Danielle Eskea for exemplary

036service as a student trustee and co-f facilitator of the student trustee academy. We get a >> Can we get a group picture? All the students and instructors come on up. >> Can we get to full board? >> Yeah. >> Could we get all of the board members to join our students, >> please? Okay. A couple taller folks in the back. >> All right. And for those in the front, especially if you can open your certificates and put them towards me, just like that. Perfect. >> Got it. >> All right. Look right here. One, two, three. Got it. >> Put your hands up. Your hands up. Let's get one of my hands. Congrats everybody. >> We're going to ask our students to please take a seat because our board members will will like to share a

037few words with you. Rough. First of all, I would really uh like to thank the students and their parents uh for having these children and also getting them to uh this class. Uh, I can't tell you how much it means to me at my age to see this age student, this age person taking an interest in public education and in participating and speaking out for their community. And uh just to point out Leanne here, if you start now, maybe you'll understand public education funding in the future. It it is truly a difficult uh a difficult journey, but with someone like her, it makes it much easier. So, thank you. Thank you, >> Larson. Well, I just want to congratulate all the students. That was wonderful. And I want to single out Daniel. Just I think

038he's the embodiment of something all the other students are going to learn that leadership is not a stopping point. It's a process and it's a step and it's a continuation. and just your serving on the uh as a student trustee in your district led you to make a change in that district and has led you here and is leading you to a great program at USC. So just congratulations. I know I first spoke to my school board in support of a teacher strike and the next thing I know they had me on the bond committee to get more money for the schools. So it's always a step and all of you will pursue other steps in leadership be it in schools or in your cities. Most cities have youth commissions and beyond. So I just

039look forward to seeing what you all do as you progress. >> Ben Allen, I'm almost speechless. Um it was really fun once again. um uh helping with the academy and I'm pretty awed by the students this year. Um, and um, I guess the thing for me that's really most important, I need to pivot a little bit and say Daniel, Andreas, and Ferris are so important in our community for your commitment to students. And what you have done with the academy is to me really central to what this community is all about, which is that we care about each other and we're willing to work hard and commit ourselves to making the world better, making education better, and serving our communities. And so you three provide such a great example of what teachers can do with

040young people, and I just want to admire and thank you for that. Um so um and then secondly obviously these students um I I'm just really impressed by how you addressed us today and I don't mean from the standpoint of you know public speaking techniques but just you had so much knowledge and feeling and awareness of what you what you are in the world and what education is in the world and that is really important to have. So, and as I think I told you last week, a lot of my career has been I've been the youngest one in the room. And even when I was mayor of Santa Cruz, there were people that tried to put me down because I was so young. And I just want to remind you, as I said last

041week, don't let that stop you. Don't let age hold you back. You can be leaders now. It's not just about your future. It's about right now. And so, I really admire you and am grateful to you for showing up for the student academy. Um, and then finally, um, board, um, this is, as I said to the students just now, this is really central to me, and I'm so glad we do this. I look forward to the student trustees that we'll have in the coming year. Um, and maybe there's some of our, uh, candidates out there. Um, so, um, let's just keep doing this. This is really important. Thank you. >> I thought I would Sorry. Thought I was speechless. Williams. >> Good evening everyone. Um I am equally impressed with all of you who came

042up to speak and share and it sounds like from what you've shared from you not being just the voice of tomorrow but the voice of today is spoton. um the fact that you will take all of the skills that you learned in these past successions with you beyond today. Whether or not you pursue something in education or in civil service or whatever that whatever your profession you choose, you will take these skills with you. Um and also the ideas of how we can reach out to more students and get them involved. And so thank you for those. I mean those are really just as as helpful to us and um we just I personally wish you well and the success. I hope you get on a board of trustees. If not, don't stop speaking up.

043Get other people involved. Stay involved in your local school um you know um you know clubs whatever that may be. You you'll take those experiences with you. So congratulations. We are so proud of you. Uh I just wanted to echo what everyone else has been saying. you know, thank you for taking this step, you know, in in leadership um developing your, you know, you know, your public speaking skills, your ability to look at a budget, um your ability to advocate, your um knowledge about all of um the wild really, really specific laws that apply to us with um Robert's rules and uh the Brown Act. I'm sure you know like we still stumble over some of that because it's just so complex. So, it's really great that you're so involved at a young age. And

044when I got on the board just a few years ago, I was 22. So, you know, uh and I'm currently vice president of the board. Um so, you know, don't absolutely don't let age stop you. Stay involved, stay active, stay aware. I know the news is crazy every single day. Something's changing, something's being defunded. um you know the the skills that you've learned from this. Absolutely take that and and make a change now. You don't have to wait uh until until you're older. You know, don't let any anyone tell you that you're too young to do any of this. Um you're you're doing amazing by showing up and staying knowledgeable about all this cuz you know showing up is half the battle honestly and making your voice heard and speaking up in these public events.

045Um which is so nerve-wracking. My heart is still racing every time I press my microphone just to say something like this. So, you know, it, you know, we we all feel nervous. So, you know, just continue doing what you need to do, staying active. Um, we need, you know, we need you to stay um stay in the conversation. So, uh continue doing whatever it is that is your passion. Uh cuz I'm sure showing up at public meetings is going to be something that you'll have to do if you want to protect whatever it is that you're interested in, whatever your niche is. Um you know, so thank you. There's one word that comes to mind and that is hope. uh each and every single one of you bring hope, encouragement for the future, for what

046uh our future leaders will do and what what what they'll say. So, we're all very proud of each and every single one of you for taking this time, your precious time to to learn about what it is that we do, public education and and boards and serving and very very very important. And the fact that you guys took the time, it really means a lot. And we all are very proud of you. And I have no doubt that if you continue down this path, you each and every single one of you will accomplish and do amazing things. And I look forward I look forward to to hearing uh all about them. So thanks again for for your time and uh keep up the good work. So, I'd like to end uh with an invitation uh

047because we'd like to uh two things really. There for those of you that are not going to be student trustees at your charter school or stu or school district, uh the the county board of education is looking for student trustees to represent students across the county and also represent students in our alternative education programs. So, we're going to be sharing with you uh the process and we'd love for you to apply to participate in that and we're we're looking to select uh students to represent the community of students in our county uh so to have that those students ready for our se by the September board meeting. I also the other invitation is that this year we're establishing a new student leadership council which is similar to what certain superintendents have established locally in the

048school district but this is going to be a countywide student leadership council. The students will meet with me on a monthly basis and help inform our practice and also to be the voice of students across the county. And so all students are encouraged to participate in that council and you'll be learning more about that and I hope to that we'll get to uh work together some more and continue learning from each other. So thank you so much for being our inspiration. Thank you so much for being our hope for uh not only the future but for today. We need your leadership. We need your voice. Thank you for participating. Thank you for inspiring us. And and we're going to continue working together to make our schools and our community better. Thank you. Okay, that can

049>> Okay, so we're going to ask all of uh the students and supporters to go to the ocean >> ocean Pacific room. taken uh for further celebration. >> See you again real soon. >> Thank you. >> You Great news, Ferris. >> Great group. >> Agreed. Okay. New business in action. We have uh 12.1. We'll start with resolution 25-26 in the matter of authorizing interfund loans for cash flow purposes with our our very own Leanne Reyes. I love going after presentations like this. You're still like on that euphoric high how amazing these kids are. I was thinking, you know, they were scared to do public speaking. You should have seen my face the first time Par Ferris told me I was going to be talking to a bunch of teenagers about school finance. Do they even

050know what taxes are yet? Those this an amazing group. Well, this is going to be a really simple resolution. Um I put this resolution in the category of housekeeping items. Um, this is an annual resolution that we bring forward. We've never actually had to use this resolution. Um, however, it's important for us to have this on hand in order of the event that we would need to have a funds transfer. Um, and that would possibly be required in 2526, but we really have never had to use it and I don't foresee a need in the near future. Again, just a housekeeping item. >> Okay. Questions or comments from any uhbody on the board? moves the resolution. >> A second. >> Okay. Uh we have a first and a second. Can we get a roll call

051vote, please? >> Vice President Estrada. >> Yes. >> Trusty Larson. >> Yes. >> Trusty Roth. >> Yes. >> Trusty Van Allen. Trustee Williams. >> Yes. >> President Sanchez. >> Yes. passes unanimously. Thank you. Next, we have resolution 25-27 recognizing Women's Equity Equality Day as a national day of celebration. And for this one, we have our very own trustee Greg Larson. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh the Community Outreach and Legislation Committee has two new resolutions for you. These have not come before the the board, at least in recent history. The first one is the uh recognizing August 26th as women's equality day as background. Congress in 1973 established uh August 26 as national women's equality day to be recognized every year which is also the anniversary of the 19th or the passage of the

05219th amendment in 1920. So just 105 years ago. Oh, it's why it's being brought forward to you is that in this uh it's one that possibly slipped through previously. We saw it on the state department of education list of recognitions they do every year and we thought it was appropriate for our board to consider it as well given this county's uh strong leadership in women's equality and representation. So, with that, it's presented to you and I'll turn to Bruce if he has any additional comments. >> Well, I just want to >> Okay, Mr. Appreciate um Trusty Larson for doing most of the work on these resolutions and I'm glad we're adding this one. Um clearly there's been some progress, but we're not done yet with the question of of um equality of women. So, um

053I'm really happy to be involved in bringing this resolution to the board and urge you to support it. >> Questions, comments? I'd love to uh >> recommend that we pass this resolution. >> Okay, we have a motion. >> I'll second it. >> And a second. Perfect. Can we get >> Can we get a roll call vote, please? >> Vice President Estrada, >> yes. >> Trustee Larson, >> yes. >> Trusty Roth, >> definitely. Yes. >> Trusty Van Allen, >> hi. >> Trustee Williams, >> yes. President Sanchez. >> Yes. Passes unanimously. Thank you. Next, we have resolution 25-28 opposing the withholding of federally authorized education funds. Also with Greg Larson. >> Thank you very much, Mr. President. So, this is another new resolution. Uh given what's happening in Washington DC, we thought it was appropriate to bring

054it forward. uh especially given our superintendent's leadership on some of these issues with uh across the county and and even broadly. We just wanted to show our strong support. It's our committee's recommendation. We strong show our strong support for his efforts and also our strong opposition to the withholding of federally authorized education funds that all of our students and schools need. I have handed out and it's available on the screen for the public and each member of the board has. We do have a friendly amendment that I think uh Bruce and I would jointly recommend which is to expand the resolution that was in your packet to also recognize a Supreme Court decision on Monday afternoon which enables the current presidential administration to proceed with the dismantling of the department education. So I will clarify

055for the public the amendment has three additions. First to the title um and the dismantling of the US Department of Education. Let me be clear that's opposing it not supporting it. Um under the wherees we're proposing two whereouses which would come at the end of the existing warehouses in the resolution. The first one just provides the history and the support of the department of ed education. And then the final whereas would now outline that the Supreme Court just this week allowed the current administration to proceed with the dismantling of that department even though there are court cases proceeding at lower levels challenging the legality and constitutionality of that dismount. So all of that then leads to an additional be it further resolved which we're recommending be the next to last because the final be it

056resolved is kind of an umbrella for everything and and we thought putting this one just prior to that makes sense which would read be it further resolved that the board urges continuation of the United States Department of Education through further congressional or legal action since the department was established lish by I'll stop there ask if there >> questions comments then Allan >> again thank you Greg for working on this and um keeping us as current as can be with the the positions we're taking um you know it's interesting to me that um having been through the experience a long time ago of um being attacked simply for what I believed um red baiting and things like that um it's a very familiar thing to now experience that the government and the people in many people

057in power are attempting the same kind of thing um except that now they go after DEI um or the other efforts that are so important that in our mission um and there is an aspect of their attacks that I think is about intimidation and about silencing and I was I really appreciated the it was totally unrelated but the people from Scots Valley's uh Unified School District today mentioned that they are committed to DEI and B which we are too belonging and that they would still say that out loud. It struck me as wow you know that's almost risky these days or it could become risky and I just want us to buck up and bra be brave and not back down and not be silent about talking about these these issues and the damage that

058the federal government is currently the administration is doing. I think it's really important to keep speaking out. Um, and you know, I'm hopeful that we're not all going to end up in camps because of our beliefs. But, um, I'm I'm actually kind of scared now about what's coming, but to me, the answer to that is to face it, not let it intimidate me or the rest of us, and just keep working and keep speaking out. So, thank you again, Greg. >> Well said. Any other comments, questions? Uh uh Larson, >> I'll just move approval. >> You have a a second from Van Allen. Can we get a roll call vote, please? >> Vice President Estrada, >> yes. >> Trusty Larson, >> yes. >> Trusty Roth, >> yes. >> Trusty Van Allen. >> Trustee Williams, >>

059yes. >> President Sanchez, >> yes. As is unanimously. Thank you. And I should have clarified that my motion included the friendly amendment. >> Yes, >> that was acceptable to the second. >> Yeah. >> I just want to thank the board for for their their uh Trusty Larson specifically for for working on this and and but the full board for continuing to stand up for and really um uh representing and advocating for our students. I think this is uh the beginning or a continuation of a long battle that that we'll continue to to experience and and I I think the statement is is powerful and uh we uh just grateful to the board for their leadership. >> 12.4 uh public disclosure of the SECA collective bargaining agreement with Lean Reyes. Do you have anything you want

060to say first, Ferris, or do you want to go ahead? Do you have anything you'd want to say first? Do you want me to just go ahead? Okay. You good evening. Um, so what you're going to have here before you on item 12.4, five, and then six is kind of the same, but a little different. So, um, like they say, go slow now so we can go fast later. So, on this first one, I'm going to go into a little bit more of the details behind it so that we can kind of skate through the next two agenda items. So while not required by county offices of education, we as a county office of education have chosen in the spirit of transparency to disclose the fiscal impacts of the 202526 collective bargaining agreement that we

061reached with our teachers union, the Santa Cruz County Education Association. On the uh first page of your disclosure, I just want to point out a couple of key things. Number one, the salary schedule for our teachers union overall will be increased in the value of $533,289 along with the additional employer paid statutory benefits of $1,140 $1440,000 giving us a total compensation increase of $673,425. This represents a 5% increase to the salary schedule. Throughout the course of negotiations, there were no other fiscal impacts for 2526. Although there were other items included in our negotiations which were items such as simple clarification of language to align with legal or other compliance concerns uh sorry requirements. For example, we had discovered a term of overtime which was shouldn't have been in our contract and we replaced that with

062extra extra work because that's actually what we do do. Um we incorporated some of our older side letters into the contract or we allowed them to sunset. Those were things that were based around um COVID language that we had um one-time uh compensation benefits that we provided. So those things as they sunseted we went ahead and let them um fall off out of the contract. Um our financials included this this cost are uh in our adopted budget for 2526. So there are no further adjustments or changes needed for our 2526 budget which is um makes this disclosure a lot easier. And so the uh subsequent uh pages in the disclosure uh show how what the impact's going to be not only on fund one but all of our other funds that have costs associated with

063employee salaries and benefits included therein. So moving down to what's my page 20 uh sorry 32. I want to just let you know that our unrestricted ending fund balance including of course all these raises matches to what your adopted budget is at $18,555,000. Our total combined ending fund balance on page 34 is $22,788,000. And this is knowing and using what we believe our estimated balances are going to be. We are in the process right now of closing out our 2425 books in which case we're most certain these uh inbalances will increase as they um historically have over time. Uh page 35 of the disclosure also want to make sure that you see that on section 2. C we do have our special reserve for economic uncertainties. It's still in our fund 17. This agreement had

064no impact whatsoever on our um long reserves as I like to refer to them. super important. Also, page 37, Ferris and I have both signed our lives away saying we can afford to do this. And uh pending our final review with you this evening. Superintendent Sabal will be signing off as our final approval for this process. Again, this is not an action item, but ratherformational. >> Any questions? >> Comments? >> Thank you for the tropes. >> No, Larson. Thank you for the uh transparency above and beyond what's required. >> You are certainly welcome. I know that um earlier uh trustee Larson had asked me has anyone else really settled? Um and I did a quick generally speaking most districts settle in a rears. Um it is really hard to predict what the future is going

065to be. So it's always a little bit scary for me. Um that's why we're also very conservative though in our budgets because it gives us a little more room. One other district has settled though so far. It was San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District and they settled for a 3.15 for the 2526 fiscal year. Also, I wanted to let you know per our earlier conversation, we settled for a very soft number, I'll say last year or softer number when compared to our districts surrounding us and we recognize that on our salary schedule, we were starting to fall a little bit behind our districts and we always want to be seen as the premier employer with our salaries and our benefits package. And so we felt it was appropriate and I don't know if you'd like

066to jump in as well, Dr. Sabah, but we felt it was really an appropriate time for us to try to do a little bit better this year so we can try to c catch up and stay competitive with our surrounding districts. I think that's that's very well said and and um obviously the balancing is always we want to be able to compensate our our our staff our certificate and classified and management uh team um you know as much as we're able to do while as well balancing um the the the uh integrity and uh solveny of our of of of our budgets. And so uh we feel confident that we're able to do that with this with this uh with these increases. Thank you. Soformational. No motion needed. Correct. No action. Okay. Uh 12.5. Now

067we have the public disclosure for CEA collective bargaining agreement. So the purpose of this item again is to disclose the fiscal impacts of our 2526 collective bargaining agreement made with our classified union, the California school employees association, chapter 484. I'm going to just speak to the first page of our disclosure wherein it states that the total increase to the classified salary schedule totaled $650,000469. Again, that's a 5% increase. Um, down on line four, the additional employer costs that go along with that increase totaled 255,726. So, the value of this particular settlement, um, again, we have a lot more classified employees that we paid here, $96,195,000. All the other information, Howard, does remain the same as the first disclosure we just reviewed. >> Thank you. Questions, comments? None. Okay. And now the public disclosure for the

068certified management, classified management and confidential collective bargaining agreements. >> I bring I bring everything just in case. Okay. So um lastly, while districts are not required, neither are COE. So this is a very unique disclosure not required to prepare a public disclosure for unrepresented groups but as a best practice and as a way to share out publicly the total costs of this agreement across all employees in the district. Um we have prepared this AB1200 and that way um you can add all three of those numbers up and see you know what the total cost of the settlement was. I do want to say that this is um considered a best practice and I'm not saying that like to toot my own horn but to more also acknowledge that um we strive in this organization to

069adhere to best practice. This is a Fikmat best practice. It's not very common to see this disclosure for your management team or your class a confidential employees to be disclosed in public what the value is of their negotiated settlements. So moving again only just to page one, our salary schedule was increased and again this was for cert for certificated management, classified management management and confidential employees $382,630. Our uh employer benefit costs on top of that were $121,840 and our final total compensation increase across all those groups was $504,470. All the remaining pages remain unchanged from the initial uh disclosure that we went through. And I would be remiss at the close of this third disclosure to not um tip my hat to Michelle Kennedy who assisted us in preparing and pulling all this information together.

070So it's a lot of data. So thank you very much Michelle. >> So >> I just if I could also u thank Michelle but and also Leanne and and the entire uh business services team for all the amazing work that they do. Um this this is uh something that uh to bring transparency and also um comprehensibility to for everybody involved in this process is is really important and I feel like uh we have the very best team uh to make that happen. >> Agreed. >> Melissa Lopez as well is in the audience. >> Uh questions, comments from the board. I just want to say like if you don't have anything to hide then why yeah like might as well share it right so that I think that says a lot of somebody and I say

071that only because I'm going to go on a tangent now but uh California is required to post the salary on the job description as a far as a form of you know equity equality for like women and people in different ethnicities and whatnot so that they can level the playing field. Um, long story short, they don't really enforce it. Um, unless you retaliate um, unless they retaliate against you, then that's when the state comes in. But I just learned that from personal experience. Um, so the fact that we are transparent about that, you know, is is it says a lot again about um, an employer and when you don't uh, disclose that information and you're legally supposed to, that also says a lot, you know, about an employer. So just another reason why the COE

072is amazing and very fortunate to to be here. >> I have just two comments. You're the perfect person to follow the pres student presentations. Seriously, um it's your information is always very concise. And secondly, I I'll reiterate what um President Sanchez said is we appreciate the transparency. doing something even though it's not required says a lot about the integrity of you know the team and the organization of the COE. So thank you make us all look good. >> Thank you for making our job easy. Right, Estrada, >> echo the same things. You know, thank you all so much for all the work that you do, the stewardship, the good stewardship of this money, making sure that we're conservative in our estimates, that we don't um I don't know, project a deficit and that ends up

073in, you know, the state coming in. That would be, you know, something we would love to avoid. Um, I I like how how, you know, we really make sure that we're good with the money and I'm so confident, you know, in in your leadership and and in the COE's, you know, um, leadership. So, really makes our job so much easier and you make this so digestible and I've learned so much about all of this um, over the last few years. So, I wanted to say thank you. >> Okay. If there is no other questions or comments, then we will move along to item 13, superintendent report. >> Thank you so much. I I'm going to be talking a little bit on uh giving some more detail on the federal uh impacts of the administration. But

074before I do that, I did want to just tell you that the highlight for us uh this summer was really the working with our students and and that experience that we we all shared with with uh the student leaders today is really as as the board spoke quite uh eloquently uh really is what this is all about is about uh finding uh the and supporting our students and and helping them to to uh achieve those challenges uh overcome those challenges and and and achieve the greatness that that they they they all bring uh with them. So I do want to spend a little time uh talking about a new kind of organization of how we're looking at the different dimensions of federal impacts. This was shared with you earlier um and I'm I'm not going

075to spend too much time looking at it because uh that interactive uh presentation had some links that could help you go deeper if you'd like to go deeper. And so these five areas um are the withholding of federal funds which is includes the uh over $6 billion nationally about $10 million for us locally uh that was already part of the the elementary and secondary education act approved by Congress allocated by Congress and now being withheld which includes migrant education funding um and some other uh funding sources. The other the next is the discretionary budget which is where that is the formal process where education funding is approved uh by the federal government that offers 12 to 16% of the of the of our total educational funding. Most of it comes from the state but that

07612 to 16% comes from federal sources. HR1 um also known as the big beautiful bill act which is um the uh kind of the required components which include uh Medicaid and Medicare uh but it does have implications for education as well. the dismantling of the US Department of Education and um potential implications there and a new effort by the um health and human services department to deny services to our undocumented community or mixed status families. And so for each of these I have a a brief slide. Uh the withholding of funds uh is mostly impacting the Pahar Valley Unified School District. Uh they these programs included uh funding for the migrant education program uh services for English language learners uh the 21st century community learning centers um title four and uh title two which includes

077our supporting effective instruction which is for uh teacher and uh leadership uh preparation and some adult education funding. As I shared, the majority of these funds uh is uh going to be impact or the the withholding of these funds will impact the Paho Valley and FOD school district. Uh they shared last night at their board meeting that they were not uh planning on doing layoffs because there is a a part of the education code for classified staff that allows them to do 60-day layoffs, emergency layoffs, uh for folks because we've we're past the March 15th deadline. that doesn't apply to to certificated but the the district shared that they are not planning on doing any layoffs but they are may be shifting responsibilities for folks in these programs. They are committed to continuing at least

078for this one year but there will be uh change and reduction in services uh for students in some of our most vulnerable communities. Um on the on the slide deck you'd be able to click on learn more and I'll just do it just so you can see what that what that does. I would open up another document that will give you some uh some more spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe specificity about uh those those programs. Uh the discretionary budget is something that we have not seen yet, but the white house did put together what they call a skinny proposed budget which uh includes uh significant cuts to education um eliminating 18 programs they're recommending, some of which we already are

079seeing such as the migrant education program. um also consolidating um and block granting some funding. We don't know exactly what that would mean, but we anticipate that that would mean less oversight uh for it's their implementation, including in our special education programs. Um but not cutting Title One Part A, which is our which is for low-income families or students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and um our the IDEA, which supports our special education programs. Um there's some additional funding for charter schools. Um and it continues to shrink the office of civil rights. So this is something that is currently being proposed. We haven't seen committee work on this yet, but we anticipate that this we think that by August uh of this year that they will have approved this budget because it'll go

080into effect in October of 2025. The next area of concern for us is HR1, which is also known as the Big Beautiful Bill Act. Um HR1 is is those mandated components which includes education, food, healthcare. Um so when it comes to education, um some of the big concerns are related to federal loans and grants for higher education. Um there's also um uh cuts to Medicaid and Medicare which are going to make those programs less accessible. Also, when it comes to eligibility for the SNAP and um we used to call them food stamps, these are nutrition programs for low-income families. We anticipate that there is going to be a significant decrease in uh accessibility of those programs, including uh work uh mandates for uh all adults 18 to 65 without dependence um and an elimination of

081access for folks who from mixed status uh backgrounds. And so we anticipate that this as we think about the whole child that these will have some some deep implications for for our community. Um when it comes to the dismantling of the US Department of Education, uh you know, we anticipate that even though they may say that they're not going to reduce Title One Part A funding, well, those are the folks that are the ones who actually do the formulas to do the allocations. And so if there's no staff to actually do that, the uh claims that they will simply transfer those responsibilities to another department, we anticipate that that there will be disruptions um in that funding even again even if they are approved by Congress. These are the staff in the executive branch that

082are responsible for uh making uh or delivering on the the the legislative promise that the Congress uh puts into place. uh the elimination of the of uh the office of civil rights. There were u thousands of civil office of civil rights cases that were outright dismissed without uh without a true uh process due process for those who uh and we anticipate that since the office the US Department of Education also oversees the FAFSA process which is what links students to financial aid that that could be further disrupted. FAFSA has already been one that's been very problematic the last few years and um and then of course continued uh we can support the last one I think is an important piece which is that this effort is this idea of federal disinvestment undermines confidence in education.

083So if um this idea of disrupting the educational system and then watching it falter and um and then saying well see this is uh the we're you know this is is to if if I were wanting to create distrust in the system this is one way of doing so. It's my personal opinion. uh the the we we received a memo uh for on July 10th, 2025 from the Health and Human Services Department uh which uh stated that undocumented immigrants will no longer be eligible for a variety of different services that had been in place uh under a policy from 1998 which really was about protecting let's say the children of um undocumented families through programs like Head Start, community health centers, behavioral ederal mental health programs. And um the the the memo stated uh clearly

084that that was no longer effective immediately that um that those programs were no longer going to be available for or they would only be available for citizens only um and that they represent a federal public benefit and that includes programs like Head Start. Um of course there's questions. I sit on the board of a of a local FQC. We're we're wondering what this is going to mean for our families because we those those programs also do not ask for uh just like our schools don't ask for any information about um about their immigration status. And so how that is going to actually work is a big question mark. And uh the department uh of the the health and human services department is asserting that they'll provide some guidance for that. but that they anticipate that

085they are going to be putting those requirements on the programs that are implementing them. Um so um that seems to be that that would go one um against California law because California laws protect immigration status in many ways. And uh so a lot of questions there um but a lot of important services that um are part of those those those protective safety nets that our our community rely on to be able to to ensure the the um uh the social determinance of health of our community. So, some of the things that we continue to do, and you've seen this slide before, we continue to add to it, is continue to reassure our community through demon and demonstrating allyship, reminding folks that schools, um, we're going to continue to do everything we can to ensure that

086schools are safe spaces. Um, and of course focusing on local services, which could mean finding creative solutions to services that are being cut. And um uh of course when it comes to action that we've taken, we have uh clear protocols uh with the possibility of ICE uh coming to uh possibly coming to schools for immigration enforcement. Uh we've heard uh recently there was an article that shared that there were eight situations where ICE actually was in Watsonville in the in since January, not in any of our schools. Um we continue to track funding cuts services and bringing this uh awareness to our community to our representatives um and um and to our families. Um we supporting state litigation. There are several um uh several lawsuits that have that are in place that our state representatives

087um I believe over 30 at this point that they've filed um that um and one recently filed against the withholding of federal funds that was um done by Attorney General Bontton. Uh we continue to inform and prepare our community um of course sharing the protections under California law know your rights workshops um supporting childcare safety plans and supporting the sus.info info website which has resources for our community and uh linking to support networks, partnerships with our county, state, federal leaders and of course participating in uh in collaboration with all the different agencies including the PV collaborative and other uh local agencies that are that are standing on behalf of our community. So, uh, one of the things that we're sharing with our community is to stay informed, to do everything we can to support each

088other and to talk to our representatives and, um, and advocate with them. So, but I didn't want to leave us on on that note because um, I think it's important to also celebrate our successes and and celebrate our amazing community. uh our summer school programs were very successful and uh I got a chance to to visit um both our alternative education and our special education summer programs and our extended school year as we we refer to them. Um we uh um launched uh project ascend which is our diversion program uh which uh where any young person between the age of 12 and 17 uh who uh we received a grant a $6 million grant that um allows those students to we get a referral and um from from law enforcement and every law enforcement agency

089in the county is involved and those students get an opportunity to participate in pro-social activities. uh behavioral health services, community service and um other activities. And if they successfully complete the program, then they have no record. The the citation or the arrest uh uh disappears. And uh this is something we just launched and we're excited uh and we will hope to come back to you uh in the near future when the agenda committee is uh interested in a report and we have some data to share with you uh because uh probation receives over 500 referrals for that age group every year and we want to make that number zero. That's our goal. Um we also launched a new program that we would love to um we would love the agenda committee to consider bringing for

090a report uh which is a future educators summer academy. So this is a we had a small group a small pilot uh so students from the high school local high schools were uh encouraged to work with us as uh as instructional aids as future educators as we call them. They received professional development in special education by our school psychologists, by our our uh our teachers, and they were placed in our special education classrooms with our our students who are who have moderate severe uh disabilities. And um and they um were paid to participate in both the training and in those services and they had a a very very positive experience. uh several of them are interested in continuing the career of education and that's what this is about. It's about both supporting our special education

091students and about um also um uh encouraging young people to start thinking about that. That is one of the most high demand positions in education. And if we can get even a handful of those students to to get this uh uh program started then uh you know for their their career as special education uh educators in the future. Uh that's something that we're hoping to accomplish. We've also reached out to the Pahavai Unified School District and they are interested in replicating the program uh in PVSUSD next summer and so we're hoping to expand it and um and have more young people working with with our special education students and um and then our COEX Academy Achie uh went to the world championship and um they came in third place again. So third place is is

092pretty good. Um, so the they got the bronze once again and we're very excited for them. Uh, uh, we would love for for them to come and share what they've been up to. We also have a a uh where we have um a farmNG robotics program running uh this in Watsonville on the weekends started last last weekend. And so students are putting together a farm amigga robot which is a robot that is designed for agriculture and um and they're participating in the farm and G challenge which is to think of creative solutions for agriculture using this this robot. So they'll not only learn how to put it together, they'll learn how to program it, how to run it, and also think about creating uh an application of for this robot um for for the real

093world. So, a few things that we'd like to encourage you to participate in. We have the stuff the bus campaign which we have launched and um so this is this is how we bring hundreds and hundreds of backpacks to um our to students who are qualified under Mckin Vento and other students of of need to have the school supplies they need to be able to be successful in school. Uh the big stuff uh is going to be taking place on August 2nd. So, you can help us by contributing to the campaign to help us get the funding to be able to to acquire those supplies and you can also help us by participating in the Stuffathon. Um, we'll send you some more information about that. We would love to um celebrate you and um and

094uh acknowledge you at RCOE all kickoff which is going to be on August 5th and um that's going to be at uh at the the Grove, not the Coconut Grove anymore, but the Grove. Um so we're really excited about that >> and >> premium went down too >> and and so uh so it's going to be really wonderful. The highlight of course is our students. So we're going to have uh students from our from our alternative education our our alternative education and our career advancement charter highlighted. Um maybe some maybe some student trustees from our summer academy as well. And um and of course um uh the county board uh conference, I think it's in Monterey again, is it? Yes. Is it's going to be in Monteray again? September 5th through 7th. And um so

095uh please consider participating. Uh we hearing we're hearing that the quality of these conferences continues to get better and better and and so definitely encourage you to participate. We also will have a wonderful uh Santa Cruz County Administrators kickoff on September 11th in the evening. And so we'll let we'll give you some more information uh bringing together all the leadership uh and administrators in in the county. And of course the annual conference uh will be in December uh again at the beginning of December and it's going to be in Sacramento. All right. So, lots of wonderful activities uh coming up and and we'll we'll be sure to send you some more information. Any questions for me on either the federal uh cuts or any of the updates that I provided? >> I have um I

096do um on the the federal piece of it um budget cut. So, the enforcement they're expecting to enforce it in October. um when if do you actually feel like our community is going to start being affected by it considering it would be it is against law too for us to collect citizenship data. So there's no real path to saying you're you know you're um not following our federal guidelines so we're not going to give you any money. I'm really concerned obviously for our students and so it's like I want to immediately start thinking about mitigation and how do we start you know putting things into place but do you really do we really think that it's going to happen in October for California schools or even for our county? >> Yeah. Well so for each

097of these I think the timelines are really that's a great question. uh and how it's going to evolve is and answering your question because even if we were even if California law allowed us to collect that information, some of us would rather resign our positions. I would I I'm one of those people before I would become involved in in in immigration enforcement. Um the withheld the withholding of federal funds that that already took place, right? So that that has already occurred. The discretionary budget, most of the impacts for that are set for December 2026. And I think that was done purposefully because of the the election. So it's done after the the election. Um so I'm sorry, not discretionary budget. I I apologize. That's for HR1, the big beautiful bill act. For the discretionary budget,

098we would anticipate that the the impacts are going to be occurring with the federal fiscal which would be October 1st of this year. So we anticipate uh that the reductions are going to be would go into effect uh this year. when it comes to the disruptions of the US Department of Education, we've already really experienced some of those reductions or those like the Office of Civil Rights and other kinds of disruptions. So, we would anticipate that um that possibly the allocations for October 1st, there may be some delays as a result of that. So, we may experience some of that if there's no staff to be able to do our allocations for Title One Part A. Well, we don't know if there's we're going to be getting our our award letters as expected. And for

099the um health and human services effort to deny services to undocumented, they said it's effective immediately. However, um when that would actually go into effect and how that would play out, there was a lack of clarity with Head Start. Were they referring to just the children who received Head Start services or their parents who were more likely to be mixed status um and other services as well? And so there's a lot of question marks and um I think though that if we if you individually or as a board uh feel that any of these um are are you know actions that are that are not in the best interest of our students which as you did today with your with your resolution you you showed that I think the advocacy is needs to be done

100um immediately. So, we're kind of as far as the programs that we are going to provide in the fall for Head Start, it's business as usual until we get more direction. >> Um, so unlike uh other larger counties like Monterey County and um and Santa Clara, they offer they run the Head Start program. Um we don't. Um Encompass um is is actually runs Head Start in Santa Cruz County. we no longer have a migrant head start. Uh that what if you remember we transitioned over to the Paja Valley School District for migrant head start. Um so some of those some of those programs um we're not exactly sure you know they're not ones that we're necessarily uh running and and if um we're not exactly sure how those who are running those programs are going

101to be able to implement these as you said that the the conflict between California law and direction. If the law says you can't collect it, doesn't matter if you get direction from from Health and Human Services to do it. Um you can't you can't violate the law. However, that could mean that nobody gets the services, which is a lose-lose for our community. So um it's putting us in a very difficult situation where um either an important part of our community, our mixed status families may not receive services or even more people are not going to receive services. And um and so that I think uh I'm hoping that there that um the uh litigation that is attempting to uh to utilize a court system to be able to stop some of these hoping that there's

102success in that process. Um for us to be able to continue to to provide these needed services is is is part of our hope. Um, there are so many important things, but what one that jumped out in my thinking was our wellness centers and the initiative we're taking to get those established and strengthened. And the fear I've had all along is that kind of like art that becomes in some people's minds sort of optional or expendable. And I don't agree with it, but I think it's a really important initiative that we're kind of just beginning in the last few years to build. And I would hate to see that sacrifice to this. Do you have any kind of thinking yet about that? >> I I think that u so so that's a great question. So

103for those who have insurance through work or or you know it it may not there may not be direct impacts from from this action at this point. For those who qualify for medical, there's going to be a significant portion of families that are either not going are going to stop qualifying for medical or there are going to be work requirements or other obstacles for that. Um the the assertion by the administration is that that Medicaid funding which is medical is how medical is funded in California is not supposed to be reduced for minors. However, um part of the concern is that information about um to qualify for medical in California, you do have to provide citizenship information and immigration status and that information was leaked um and provided to and some of the lawsuits are

104because of that information. So, we know that there is going to be a um a fear factor that is going to stop families from accessing these services even if um they qualify for them. And so what we anticipate is that we think that um we because of the funding that we have received for the first year or two that the funding that we have already received is going to help us to be able to implement our wellness centers and and our our new billing uh for behavioral health services. The the the fee schedule system that we've been working on on developing. And we're hoping that the the promise that those qualifying young people will continue to qualify for medical um that that will will be that will allow us to to build those those um

105those services and and be able to to get reimbursed. And so the districts are are um are concerned and they also are deeply committed to behavioral health services for our students. And so at this point, nobody is saying we're going to put a freeze on our we're going to shut down uh our wellness centers or anything like that. I think that as much as possible, we're going to continue providing the services we need to until we absolutely cannot. >> Couple questions following on the federal stuff first. totally get advocacy, but for our congressional and Senate and even state legislative representatives, we're probably largely in alignment on on these issues. So, it got me thinking, what is a broader advocacy strategy? And all of well, California as a block votes as our senators show. Every county

106isn't like that. And I've wondered if like county boards meeting or in December which were superintendent if there's some effort with you know Alama County and San Francisco and LA to to target a support network for taking strong action to pro to protect our shared constituencies because other counties may be more mixed in their political capital to do Right. And well, and I think that that as we're, you know, I think it's important for us as a board and me as a as a county superintendent that that we that we stay clear steer clear of any partisan kind of uh discussions. And so I think we have to be thinking about um uh our advocacy, you know, more generically. Um but I think I think it is it is there are lots of efforts from

107a variety of different folks to to looking at you know what can and also looking at the timelines right in terms of um what when these changes are going to be implemented and if any kind of advocacy um can slow down if not you know pause or or litigation can can disrupt this process. And so um so so definitely uh I think that something that we're need to continue looking at in our advocacy for our students is is what are the things that we can do to to to advocate and obviously anything any discussion specifically about about strategy when it comes to you know parties or whatn not that's not appropriate. No, I wasn't thinking. >> Yeah, >> I was thinking more regional and geographic that there may be alliances that could support a stronger

108message to shore up representation to maintain that strong message. So, you know, just Berkeley and Santa Cruz reach alignment on a lot of city issues, but we never do that. you know, um maybe Santa Cruz and other counties while our voice by itself, but it's I don't want to go too far off the topic going moving off the federal. I had one other question that was more on the your events coming up slide. Love that you're thinking about COE or Xacademy and the future educators coming back. The ascend program, I was excited to read about that program. When might that be ripe for board unveiling? Is that a year away to get >> Yeah, I think in a few months. Um, we'd like to get a you know, get lots of referrals from uh and

109then maybe even maybe maybe even even have some some uh some stories that we could share with you and then uh you know, so so I think that maybe a year from now and and uh it's a our grant is is we anticipate we're going to have the grant for at least five years and then apply for it again. And so um so we're hoping it's this is something that we're committed to for for for the long term. I just wanted to quickly say, you know, Greg, there are two statewide meetings coming up September and December where would be natural places organiz >> I've been registered for. >> All right. If no more questions or comments on that superintendent report. Thank you. >> Mr. President, since Ferris brought that up in his presentation, are other

110board members considering going to either the county boards, state school boards? >> Okay. Um, it would be nice, yeah, as we get closer. I think we've done it in the past about having a mailing list in terms of who's going and maybe uh so we can arrange transportation maybe. Yeah, but we can do that offline on the in the email. Okay. As we get more people registered. All right. Uh moving on the number 14 trustee reports and we'll start down with Roth and move our way up. >> I have been uh taking two little boys around Santa Cruz for three weeks. And so I have not done anything specifically to this, but I really have been involved with that. [Laughter] >> Doing your part. >> Hey, Larson. >> Thank you. No memo this month. Um,

111watched two CSBA webinars. One on navigating IIA policy, privacy, and procurement for board members. If you're exploring AI, that was fascinating. Um and then today there's the budget perspective workshop with uh capital advisors. State short-term outlook was actually better than expected in terms of more revenues coming in through June. However, the federal situation and the long-term state situation challenges that. While so far special education doesn't appear to be a threat, the number that made this all real for me is that of the state's $7 billion special education funding. 21% of it comes from the feds. So, if that were to be cut completely or dramatically, what a hole it would be in the lives of so many of our students. Um, couple other things. 40th annual firecracker race was sponsored by the Santa Cruz Morning

112Rotary and I volunteered at it. What's relevant isn't the 10K Poganup run and the road race, but there's a kids 1K fun run that's just great. And I had family friends who their kids had been in the fun run and they've now graduated to the 5K in middle school. So that's exciting. And all the money, all the proceeds for that went to the four kids foundation which was founded by a school board member at the SoCal Elementary School District, Sandra Williams, I think. >> Um let's see. Um, Scuzzba is having a summer mixture coming up on Monday the 28th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Abbott Square. And part of it is to be a fond farewell, Trusty Estrada. So, Monday the 28th, 5:30 to 7:30 at Abbott Square. >> Thank you. How about Alan? little

113bit of committee work which I'll part of which we'll um Rachel and I will report on next. Um and um and just having a blast once more at the trustee academy my main work recently. Um, I do also just want to take the opportunity to thank Edward and appreciate you and um, wish you well and I'm so glad you were here for even though it was a limited time. Um, just it's been good to have you and you definitely filled that seat well and I appreciate your care and honesty and and a commitment to the greater good. So, thanks for being here. Williams. >> Um equally um like my um fellow trustees attended um the budget perspective workshop by a couple adviserss which covered a lot of um you know the status of a lot

114of the federal funding and so it put a lot of information to perspective which was really helpful. Um attended uh the board policy meeting which Bruce will report on. Thank you, Vanise, for keeping us honest. Um, and looking forward to stuff the bus event again this year. And, um, also want to take this opportunity to also thank my fellow trustee. Um, Edward and I have known each other since before the board, the county board of education. We were on the central committee together for a while and um and I really appreciate your perspective and I think being an attorney is a perfect sticking to the black rule of letter and I love that about you. Um and um we wish you all luck. I know this is not the last we're going to speak and

115talk about but I just want to say thank you for being here representing the students in your community and bringing your perspective Oh my gosh, my last trustee report. Uh, I want to say thank you to literally everyone in the room right now. Everyone who's in here, I have known you for at least months, if not years. Um, by now, which time flies, it feels like I just joined. So, thank you all so much for, you know, this opportunity. Um, thank you so much for the guidance and um mentoring that you guys have provided, all of the information that you've you've you've provided. Um, we we've done really good work. Uh, but you and you guys I mean, I couldn't ask for a better team, you know, to support the the board. um makes this

116job so easy honestly because it's just you you make it so digestible and um usually I don't have many questions honestly um because I I'm it's just all right there. Um this board has been amazing. Uh, I know we've done like sessions together and I'm always, you know, they'll ask, "Hey, this is confidential. You know, just, you know, you can you can tell me how you really feel about the board." And I'm like, "I genuinely think they're all great." And they're like, "Really?" And I'm like, "Yes, I 100%, you know, everyone, you know, everyone who's who's here in the room, uh, is, you know, shows up and and is really passionate about about our students." And so I was like I, you know, we have great discussions. Um, we're all here for the welfare of

117of the students at the end of the day. And so, you know, we always come from that from that perspective. And, you know, I think we all also listen to each other and we're not set in stone to one opinion that we're always open to other people's opinions and perspectives. And I think that's super valuable. I think this board is really unique in that. I I see other boards um getting really feisty with each other and I really that's not really us. We're just like we we we're all actually here for the students. We're not here for our own egos or anything. So, uh I really appreciate you all. Thank you all so much. I think it's it's been it's been such an honor and I if I if I could just teleport to Philadelphia

118uh every every day for school and then teleport back and have my residence here in Santa Cruz County. I would so thank you all that. >> Please build a teleportation device so I can just >> put it on the agenda. >> Exactly. Um, so yeah, I mean you you all have been so amazing. It made the decision that much more difficult, but uh thank you all and I will I will be back visiting and everything. So thank you. >> Thank you. Larson, >> since we're doing the acolyte, just uh I was trying to think what I could say succinctly and powerful Edward since I've known him the least well. Just three phrases came to mind, but an incredibly gentle strength that you bring to every issue and you're decisively smart and you have such a

119radiant smile, >> you know, and I think all of those go together. I can see you being an advocate or a courtroom and just turning the tide on whatever issue that it >> I need to I will start my report by uh apologizing for not being able to make the last meeting that we had. my uh day job is requiring a lot of me and it's got me questioning my career choice but I am extremely thankful and grateful for Edward for stepping in stepping up and making sure that we can continue and that we as a board can do business and um continuing to to do what it is that we need to do. uh sad of course to uh see you go but happy because I know it's you this is just the beginning

120right it's not the end it's the great and amazing things are going to be done and I look forward to hearing all about them so very thankful that uh you decided to run and have be on this board it's not something that is on most people's to-do list, right? But you I think it says a lot about your art, your passion, your dedication to to the community. And just like you were committed and you helped your community in San Diego, you helped your community here in Santa Cruz. I'm sure you'll continue to help your community wherever wherever it is that you go and more people get to know you. So that's awesome. You get to have a bigger sphere of of of influence. So, thanks again for taking the time to be here, for um

121putting the effort, and for making the board that much better. Okay. Uh moving on, now we have the ad hoc standing committee. Any reports? trustees. Uh Rachel and I and for a brief minute at our excuse me, one of our student trustees um have been begun a new effort to update the board's policies and um we have oodles of policies. Many of them are fairly current, but a substantial number have not been looked at for a while. CSBA churns out recommendations for improved policies based on, you know, changes in legislation and other things like that. And so, um, Rachel and I with Berice's help are launching on an effort to review and Berice has helped us organize all the policies and we're now going to look at the ones that have not been updated for

122a while, see if there are any among them that are priorities for us to act soon as a board on to adopt an updated version of. Um, and we're going to look at the rest of them and make sure that we aren't missing some that are important now from CSBA's recommendation or other things we know. Um, and we um I'm not sure if we're promising right now to come back in the August meeting with some recommendations, but our goal is to bring a series of policy updates to the next some number of board meetings. We're not going to do one big massive update to all the policies, but rather just bringing some at a time. And we're going to try to find the high priority ones. High priority meaning either way out of date or

123there's some new law or something that we have to conform to. Does that sum it up very well? >> I think the u just to add on to that um is part of the meeting was to determine a process in which we can do it because there are so many policies, new ones that come in, existing ones. And what we've established is anything that hasn't been looked at in three years, we're going to take a quick look at it and if it deems to be significantly um that we need to update it, then we will. If not, we'll log it in as it's been reviewed at that date. And then, of course, as each of the new ones that come in from CSBA, we'll take a look at those and determine, you know, whether or

124not we want to implement those as well. So it was mostly to create a process so that we can do it um systematically so it doesn't feel so overwhelming and having 20 of them and and feeling overwhelmed but really just having a systematic and then hopefully that's something that can carry on from from committee year to year so that there's a process and I think we are down a member. So if someone is interested in policy geeks >> someone is interested Okay. Uh, great. Schedule of meetings and upcoming events. Um, uh, Dr. Sabah mentioned a couple of events that are upcoming. We have our regularly scheduled meeting as well or as uh, as it is on the screen. And with that, our meeting is adjourned. Thanks everybody.