001It's okay. I'm calling to order the Santa Rosa City Schools regular board meeting of January 14th, 2026. I'm going to go to A1. Are there any public comments? >> Vice President Pra, there are no public comments. >> Okay, so let's start. Uh during close session, we'll be discussing student readmissions, student expulsions, public employee discipline, dismissal, release, conference with lo labor negotiation, conference with legal counsel, public employee performance evaluation. Now we will go to recess to close session. recording in Rosa City Schools Board of Education. Now opening the January 14th Santa Rosa City Schools Board meeting of education. Crushed it. Please rise for the NA pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the land acknowledgement. I'm going to get I acknowledge that Santa Rosa City Schools is on the traditional territory and homelands of the Pomo
002people, traditional territory and homelands of the Coast Miwok people, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it through the generations. This land acknowledgement calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit. By offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm indigenous sovereignty and will work to hold Santa Rosa City Schools more accountable to the needs of American Indian and indigenous peoples. >> Thank you, Mr. Fischer. I will be I'll begin with reports of actions taken in close session. My notes. Oh. Um, in the case number for readmissions for case number 202425-19, uh, Trusty Jenkins made a motion to deny readmissions. Trusty Kirby second and it was passed unanimously. And now for the seeking a motion in case number 2025-26-08. Move to approve
003the stipulated expulsion agreement. >> Second. Do do you vote? Do you >> I'll go ahead. >> You go ahead. >> Trusty McN. Trustee Jenkins. >> Hi. >> Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Vice President Pra. >> I. >> Vote passes unanimously. Uh, seeking a motion in case number 2025 26-09. Move to approve the stipulated agreement. Second. Trusty McN. >> I. Trusty Jenkins >> I. >> Trusty Kirby >> I. >> Vice President P. >> I. Vote passes unanimously. >> Uh there's no items considered in close session for action or No, we already did that. And then statements of absentation abstion abstension >> none. Oh, you have >> sorry. Adjustment to agenda. >> No. So, nothing for five. Um, adjustments to agenda. Trusty Jenkins. Can I pull and postpone? Uh, where did it go? F10. and then pulling
004F7. No. Oh, sorry. I meant F11 to postpone. Um, and pulling F7. You're okay. You're pulling F7. >> Yes. >> And you want to postpone And you want to postpone F11? >> Yes, please. or table. Okay, >> good. Oh, and since we only have four of us here tonight, we will be post um moving to postpone or reschedule number two on the discussion items of the is it strategic planning session. >> Yes. >> Do we need to take a um roll call on that? >> Yes. on. Are we going to take all three at one time? The postponement and the Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I had a couple adjustments. >> Okay. >> I need to pull F8 and F9. Please >> F7 or F8 and F9. Okay. Um, should we vote separately on
005each item or can we vote unanimously or al together? I believe that I I believe that we can um for the ones that we pulled just if there's any um objection we can call for that. Um if there's not and then for the post for the ones that we're going to table we can all we can also go ahead. >> I believe all all that we need to do is ask for a motion and a second for the amended for the agenda amendments. >> Okay. Seeking a motion. So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Student board member Curio. >> I. >> Trusty McN. >> I. >> Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Trusty Jenkins. >> Hi. >> Vice President Brack. >> I. Thank you. Motion passes. Uh we're going to go with reports now. Is someone
006from S CEA here tonight? >> There is no CSEA report tonight. >> Okay. What? Um Oh, team Teamsters. No. Uh SRTA President How? >> Some really tall person was here before me. >> Uh good evening. Uh Vice President Pra, Superintendent August members of the board, members of the community. I'll keep this short and sweet. Um, happy new year and I just want to say thank you for all of the attempts that you've been making. As someone who stays to the end of every meeting, I get how streamlined we want these to be, but I am noticing that a lot of the nonprioritization has been going to celebrations. So tonight's resolutions, while it's great that they're all lumped together, um is also sort of removing the priority we have for celebrating those groups and those staff
007members and all of those appreciations. And I also will throw in the awards that granted they took a lot of time, but seeing the students and the staff appreciated at each school um was was maybe the board meetings are not the appropriate venue, but I would like to see uh you know where is the right place for these celebrations because let's not lose those celebrations in streamlining the board meetings. Um I also wanted to make a little quick comment about um the mental health board policy that you're looking at tonight. Um just pointing out how uh once again, you know, sort of this mental gymnastics that we have of let's pass a new policy about mental health in our district while at the same time next month we're going to be looking at a gutting
008of our mental health services in our district. And I think there's some people here tonight that are going to speak more eloquently on that. Um, but I also wanted to pull some things out of that policy that a lot of the board policies are things that are updating language or whatever when this one has four very specific things that I'm asking um staff more than the board I guess to make sure teacher voices are included and part of this. So the first is it says students and staff have to be given information and training to recognize early signs of emergency mental health conditions. How are we getting this training? Where will it show up? We have stuff in our contract about additional trainings that seems to be really hard to follow for some reason. Um
009who's going to be teaching the students? Is that us? And how will that be done? And who's going to show us how to teach students about how to recognize early signs of emergency mental health conditions? Because I'm pretty sure some of the people sitting over there could do that, but I can't do that. The next one is something that I meant to Google and didn't, but it says that all of the certificated staff and 60% of the classified have to have youth behavioral training. I don't even know what that means, but someone's responsible for making sure that we get that training. And it would be really great if teachers were included in what that means. The third is a protocol for identifying and assessing students who might be needing mental health. I'm assuming our school
010psychologists and and our MTSS and our SBTs and the people who profession is to do that have those protocols, but if this is something that needs to be developed, make sure you're talking to those people when that protocol is being developed. And then the fourth one seemed a little little nutty for board policy, but it says that every school has to create an age appropriate poster talking about mental health services and how to get them and it needs to be posted in all these various places and and like again, who's going to do that? Let's talk to the teachers before that happens. So, I just pulled those four very specific things out because this particular policy seems super heavy on dumping more responsibilities on the teachers and the staff and let's be part of that
011as it's being created rather than hearing about it after it exists. Thank you. Thank you, President How Interim Superintendent August. Thank you, Vice President Pra. Uh I wanted to start with actually sharing some good news for our community which I know that's not that can be few and far between right now. And so during our um our board finance subcommittee uh we they did recommend that we move forward with a plan to actually do what's called a refunding. So a bond refunding. It really means a refinancing of some of the existing uh property b the um facilities bonds. And so over the life of that um repayment, it will save taxpayers approximately $10 million. That is not anything that impacts us here at the school as far as any savings or anything like that, but
012it does save our taxpayers actually on their property bills. So that is being um that will be coming to the board in the coming months and the taxpayers will see that reflected in the long-term debt being repaid. So nice to actually have some good news about saving um our taxpayers some funds. Again, no impact to district finances. Uh just wanted to also talk about our efforts around um to to acknowledge one something that that President Howell just mentioned which is our difficulty around funding for our mental health u programming and so just making sure that we are sharing this in as many venues as possible. We are continuing to look at new ways to maintain those services for students. Our schools are an ideal hub for serving our students mental health because of the access
013um that is where they are at with limited resources. Uh we continue to speak with the um health department and also other community partners looking for opportunities to partner for services but also actually seeking funding. I did send a letter in November requesting funding assistance through this year and the next two years and President Casten did follow up with that as well. So, we do have some meetings scheduled um later this month. We are hopeful that there will be something that is able that we're able to come up with something to assist. Um, again, the partnerships will happen regardless, but looking for ways to maintain our staff so that students have that accessibility on a day-to-day basis. We are um, as everyone knows, working on our fiscal stability and budget solutions. Uh, we are making
014a lot of progress. We do have again the the structural deficit to be addressed. So, we will be coming to the board on January 28th with our preliminary or not our preliminary, our round two recommendations for discussion and then that will come back to the board for action uh February 11th. That is earlier than what would normally happen in one of the in a um fiscal stabilization planning. So, just wanted to make sure that that that is out there. We will continue to share information with our labor partners um as we um are able to leading up to that time as well. These steps that we will be coming forward with will be difficult and very painful. It is not something that we look forward to or that we are recommending because it's something we
015want to do. It is essential that we re make recommendations that are conservative to make sure that we are being mindful of how we set up for next year and ongoing and that as we identify areas that opportunities to add services or staffing back that we do so in a strategic way with our partners involved in determining what that looks like. So, I just want to share again that plan. around that and strategic planning. You did hear that that we needed to reschedule that tonight. We feel it's important that we have a full board for those discussions or as close to a full board as possible. Last week, we did have a strategic planning session around academic excellence and enrichment opportunities because even in an environment where we are making reductions, we want to make
016sure that we are doing that in a strategic way. and I very much appreciate the board's commitment to doing so. And none of those things happen as far as academic excellence, enrichment opportunities, or any of the other things that we do to serve kids without our staff. And so just again all of the items that we are going to be bringing forward do not reflect the value that we feel of our employees. Our employees, our staff or our partners, our family and the reductions are not indicative of the value that we feel their work is. So I just I want to make sure that I share that. Thank you to all of our staff, board, community for showing up every day for kids. President Casten isn't here tonight, so we'll go with the board member
017reports. Anyone? >> No, you Trustee Jenkins. Um I don't have anything necessarily prepared, but I did want to just report out on um I attended the community meeting last night. Um mostly just because one of my children wanted to go uh to the for the leadership associates um superintendent search uh the community meeting that was held at Montgomery for all the district. and wanted to just encourage people to if you did not make it last night, I know many people did not. Um, and this was probably publicized, but sometimes things get lost in the mix. If you just go to the San Jose City Schools website, there's a popup and it will lead you to a link that will let you give feedback on um on what you are looking for in a superintendent, the
018struggles and the wonderful things that the district is doing. And that feedback is so incredibly important um for for not only attracting the most appropriate candidate for our district um but also to help the board with our decision-m when it comes to that. Um secondly, I do just want to acknowledge the chaos that ensues in society generally currently. Um, and to remind people, I know when I first took this spot, um, I would do some kind of mental health reminders for us. Uh, and so I just want to remind everyone to do what you need to do for you, for your own mental health currently. Um, currently and every day, but mostly currently, um, there's just a lot going on. And so, just a reminder that we can only take care of what we can
019personally take care of, and that is ourselves. Um, and then of course those that we love and those who we have who we have the biggest impact on in their lives. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Um, I'm sure it's Hi everyone. Uh, President Casten couldn't be here tonight, but my name's Anna Pra and this is my first time running the meeting and so I thanks in advance for your patience and for you pretending um that I look like I know what I'm doing. Uh it's I'm really glad that you're a small crowd tonight. Thank you again. Um and I appreciate you taking the time to be here. Um I think you know all of our goals are the same. We just want what's best for our kids in Santa Rosa City Schools and just
020uh what's best um I mean we just want what's best for our kids. And so let's have a good, productive and respectful meeting. Um, let's see. Student board report. >> I don't really have anything else big to say. Just a happy new year to everyone for everyone that showed up tonight. And I hope you all enjoyed your holidays as much as I enjoyed mine. And I just hope you guys have a great rest of your night tonight. Thank you. Now we're going to go to public comments. I have two five six. So um three minutes each and I will call your name three names at a time. Uh Shelley Schubert, uh Christine Urkin was reading for her. Uh, Lucy Lusi, I'm so sorry. Lucasey Forest Aras is speaking for her and Blair Murphy. Hello. Hello.
021Good evening. My name is Christine Arin. my counselor at Piner High School. And I'm here tonight because I know that the board is going to recommend a resolution for the week of the counselor, which I find to be ironic and somewhat rich due to the fact that we're losing potentially a lot of counselors. Director Jenkins, you just mentioned take care of our mental health. Our elementary students don't know how to take care of their mental health. We need our school counselors. Good evening. I'm reading this for Shelley Schubert. I'm a school counselor at Rinken Valley Middle School and I've been in the district for many years at Slater Middle School. When I was a student, reading aloud filled me with fear. Just the thought of it made my palm sweat and my heart race. I
022remember the sound of popsicle sticks being shaken as the teacher prepared to call on someone and I was terrified it would be me. That fear made me physically sick. I visited the health office more than once just to escape the anxiety. Eventually, my school counselor at Rinken, Mr. Evans, noticed he paid attention. He met with my teacher and my mom, and together they created a plan so I could stay in class and feel supported. With his help, I learned how to manage my anxiety and face my fears. He made me feel safe, seen, and understood. And he changed the course of my life. I'm standing here today because a school counselor had the time and training to help me. If school counselors are cut, who will notice the quiet child slipping through the cracks? Who
023will step in before anxiety becomes avoidance or something more serious? And who will support our teachers and administrators as they juggle increasing academic, behavioral, and emotional demands? School counselors do that work. We take on mental health, social, emotional, and crisis support so teachers can teach and administrators can lead. According to the American School Counselor Association National Model, school counselors are certified educators who deliver comprehensive programs that support students academic achievement, career development, and social emotional growth. We collaborate with families and staff, use data to guide decisions, advocate for equity, and help students build the skills they need to succeed. School counselors don't just change schedules. We change lives. People don't take that support away from our students. Please, our staff and our schools need counselors. Keep cuts away from the students. Lucy. >> Hi there.
024My name is Forest Data and I'm a school counselor in the district and um I am proud to read this. Thank you. this letter from a fellow counselor in in the district, Lucy Lucasy. She writes, "Good evening, Santa Rosa City Schools board members and community. I want to share a snapshot of the work that I do as an MTSS intervention counselor and why it matters. This year alone at Maria Korea High School, I have coordinated and facilitated close to 100 504 plan meetings. These meetings aren't just procedural. They determine legally mandated accommodations that give students meaningful access to their curriculum and to instruction that they are entitled to receive. The result is an increased access to education, improved academic engagement, and students being better supported in their learning. In addition, I've proposed close to 20
025504 evaluation reports, which determine section 504 eligibility, and there are at least 60 more annual 504 meetings to complete during the spring semester. As we look ahead to the upcoming school year and proposed counselor cuts, I wonder how school counselors with a 400 to one ratio case load will be able to manage and facilitate this high volume of high stakes work without dedicated MTSS intervention counselors at the high school level. In this position, we play a critical role in ensuring equity, legal compliance and access. We support support our students directly. We collaborate with teachers and school counselors and we partner with ad administrators to ensure our systems are working as intended. Our work is student centered, preventative and essential. MTSS intervention counselors are not optional. They are vital to supporting the access to education and
026academic resources for our most vulnerable students. She writes, "I strongly urge the district to find a way to retain MTSS intervention counselors because our work matters and so do the students we serve. Thank you, Lucy Lucasey." And I'd just like to add, let's please keep these cuts away from our children. Thank you. >> Thank you. Blair Murphy and then Ailia Renoso and I'm so sorry I'm gonna butcher this Gita but Kristen Kristen Urkin is speaking. >> Good evening. My name is Lar Murphy and I am a middle school counselor. I've been a counselor for the last 25 years. Um in this district for the last 20. Um I was at Slater Middle School and have now transitioned to Montgomery Junior Senior High School. Um and since the closure now transitioned to Montgomery Junior Senior High
027School since the closure of our amazing school site later. Um, our days as counselors rarely look the way we plan them, but that unpredictability is part of why we love this work. A day in the life of a middle school counselor is fast-paced, varied, and always centered on students. The day often starts with greeting students and handing handling quick check-ins, helping a nervous student calm down, resolving a schedule issue, or supporting someone who had a rough morning at home. At times, those check-ins become something more serious. A student may come in asking for a pass, but once seated, they quietly share that they haven't been sleeping, feel overwhelmed, or don't want to be here anymore. At that moment, everything else pauses. The priority is listening, making sure the student feels safe, and connecting them with
028the support they need. If I didn't call that student up, who would have talked to who who would they have talked to? How long had they been holding those feelings? Throughout the day, counselors meet one-on-one with students about friendships, stress, academics, and big emotions. We attend SST, 504, and IEP meetings. We run small groups, teach guidance lessons, collaborate with staff and families, and respond to unexpected crises. The day ends with paperwork planning, and reflection, knowing that even small conversations can make a lasting difference in a student's life. and that our students can't learn if they are overwhelmed with things going on in their life or struggling with mental health issues. I'm anxious and concerned about the amount of cuts to counseling for next year. Um, please keep the cuts away from the students. Thank you,
029Ailia. Hello board. My name is Oelia Reoso. Um, as a college and career counselor, I do the following. I do bilingual financial aid nights support with CSU's UC's application SRJ coordinate SRJC senior day scholarship promotion and organization help organize scholarship interviews and presentations continue partnership with outside agencies for our students to be successful like 10,000 degrees upward bound academic talent search the SRJC and many more I also support students students with dual enrollment forms. Making sure that the CCAP cores that are being implemented or placed at campuses are successful. Support students with IEPs continue to receive services after they graduate. Coordinate field trips or bringing in guest speakers so students can learn that what options they have after high school. Help with resume prep interviews. Sign up and attend trainings to stay updated in what's
030changing in the UC and CSU system. and so much more. This is only a small amount of things I do. Now, multiply it by two because last year this position got approved to be 50/50. And let me clarify, it's not 50/50. It's 100. I give it 100 at each site. So, eliminating the college and career position will only impact our student. I extend an invitation. stop by um and see what a counselor does day by day and please keep the cuts away from the students. Thank you >> by Kristen Urkin and then last Elaine Betta. >> Hi, I'm Christine Urkin. I'm reading on behalf of a school counselor school counselor Jeta Perk. She states, "I'm a school counselor in Santa Rosa City Schools. I was formerly a school-based therapist. I'm also the parent of a
031Santa Rosa City School graduate and a current Santa Rosa City School student. I think we're grossly underestimating the importance of counselors and school-based mental health clinicians in the well-being of our children and our youth. This generation of students is navigating a unique social emotional landscape. Estimates indicate that 42% of high school students experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst young people. And while this may not technically be our quote unquote lane in schools as counselors, the truth is that students are experiencing anxiety, depression, threats to their own self and their family members safety on a daily basis. These are not students who are able to self-regulate and get through their dayto-day. School counselors and mental health clinicians are the ones who step in when a first
032grader is inconsolably disregulated so that the teacher can attend to the 20some other students in the classroom. We are available when an eighth grader has lost all his friends, quote unquote, and doesn't feel that anyone would care if he was still around. We work with the 10th grader who doesn't have a stable living situation and is surfing on the couches of friends and family members. We support the 12th grader who still wants to graduate despite the fact that she's almost a year behind in credits. These are not situations that can be handled without knowledge and professional expertise. That's why there's lenture in these areas. And when we reduce these positions, we're endangering not only the futures but the lives of our students. While community-based services can offer some support, the day-to-day mental health and functioning
033of students happens inside the schools. And so the support also must be embedded inside the schools. We also recognize the incredible fiscal crisis for San Rosa City Schools. And we empathize with the challenging position that you are in as board members. But cutting counselors, cutting school-based therapists when these are the specific supports that our students and our families are asking for, it seems negligent and shortsighted. It puts a burden on the school system that will impact not only students social emotional functioning, but ultimately their school attendance, our Santa Rosa City Schools graduation rates, and the overall well-being of our community. We are asking you to take a serious look at the long-term consequences. Don't cut. >> Thank you. >> Students, >> thank you, Elaine. >> Good evening. My name is Ela Bera and I am
034a school counselor at Pioner High School. I am here tonight because I am deeply concerned about the potential cuts to elementary, college, and career and MTSS counselors. Elementary counselors are often the first line of support for your for our youngest students. They help children learn emotional regulation, resolve conflict, cope with trauma, and feel safe at school. For some students, an elementary counselor is the first trusted adult they turn to. When we remove that support, we miss the chance to intervene early. Removing that support at such a critical stage also sends a heartbreaking message that early intervention is optional when in reality it is essential. As students grow older, their needs do not decrease. College and career counselors help students imagine a future beyond high school. They guide students through college applications, financial aid, career exploration,
035and post-secary planning, especially for first generation students and families who may not know where to begin. MTSS counselors support students who are struggling right now. They coordinate tier 1 and tier 2 interventions and manage 504 plans, ensuring students receive the accommodations they are legally entitled to. These are students who need consistency, advocacy, and timely support. Without MTSS counselors, these students will fall through the cracks, not because staff doesn't care, but because the system will be overwhelmed. School counselors are already stretched thin with case loads nearing 400 to one. Expecting school counselors to take on the work of college and career and MTSS is simply not realistic. These roles require time, focus, and specialized support. Cutting counselors does not remove student needs. It removes support. If we truly value equity, access, and student well-being, then direct
036student services must be protected. These decisions will shape who gets support and who is left behind. Access to education is a right, not a privilege. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you to everybody who spoke. Um, we're going to go to the action consent items. So, we don't approve them, right, with the people that or we go through the pulled pulled items first. Okay. So, so seeking a motion for consent items F1 through F6 and 10 and F10 and No. No, that got tabled. >> Oh, >> 11. >> I'm a good student >> as I lost it. >> Oh, so seeking a motion for items F1 through 6, 10, and 12. >> Motion to approve uh consent items F1 through 6, 10, and 12. >> Second. Student board member Curio. >> Hi.
037>> Trusty Kirby. >> Hi. >> Trusty Jenkins. >> Hi. >> Trusty McN. >> Hi. >> Vice President P. >> I. We're going to bring up F7. Hello Mr. Odin. Good evening. >> Hello. I pulled this one. H I can't see this and you at the same time. It'll be fine. Um I had asked a question separately and the information came back to the board, but I wanted to ask it publicly as well. Um because when I was reading through this, it was confusing. And so the way that I am reading this and it looks like I am correct. However, so we're purchasing materials through Garland Company per a resolution from over two years ago and then we'll use right contracting via an agreement from June of 2024. And we do not yet have a max
038price for this project and we won't until things have gotten like there's a process for that. Um and the cost of the materials is $4.3 million is what we're being asked to approve tonight. Cor >> correct. This is through a seamass piggyback contract um to help keep our cost down on supplies. does in my brain I'm like, well, why doesn't one person why doesn't one organization do all of it? So, I guess my additional question for this is um is if all of the materials aren't used for an LCN re-roofing project, um can we use them elsewhere? Where do we store these things before they're doing the actual work? >> Yeah, >> the process here. >> Yeah, correct. If there is extra material, we will store it at at our warehouse. And and because Garland
039is our district standard, we have more rooms to do. So, it it will get used. >> Oh, and then one more. Um, and then so there should be some kind of an estimated project price, but we won't have the final number until when. And can you say that publicly? I don't know how that works. >> Yeah, correct. the estimated price with if you encount inspections and all the other little things that go along with every project besides just the you know the contractor alone I think it's estimated around $21 million for the full re- roof and gutters and everything at that large site. Um so yeah, what was your second part of the question? um the process of finding the of so there's some systems at play and then so we have kind of that
040estimated price of the re- roofing for a school which >> estimated we'll be bringing back to you rights GMP as soon as we get out of closer to DSA um to make sure that there are no major changes that the state is asking for on that roof so that we can have a a solid bid. >> That's wonderful. And so then with that information, I know we kind of switched up how we're posting the contracts and so then we will have that big number at the end of contract stuff. Correct. >> Yeah, I think maybe there you know I was on vacation. Sorry. Um but I think there might have been a little confusion. The um we I think we've been posting or had changed our consent um item grid to include kind of final
041costs but not individual consent items, but we'd be happy to to do that too. We we would be estimated because we don't have all costs yet, but we would definitely easily do that moving forward. >> Thank you. And finally, I think that's really expensive because $21 million for a roof. >> I mean, I get it, but >> things are expensive. >> It's the most important part of the building and yeah, unfortunately, it's not cheap. >> And just confirm it was for the entire campus. Correct. that that's every building on that campus. >> It is a large campus. So, I know that the gym has been reported as having leaks over the years, but that's going to be re >> It is the reason this actually was kind of semiapproved two years ago is it was
042pre-conolidation and we had to stop because of consolidation and now we're picking back up and it's going through the state. So, we're we're two years behind. And uh a side note, I know the 3,900 uh feet of gutters. So I know it was a pet peeve of mine when we were doing the painting. It's like, oh, you know, we're going to paint over these gutters that have holes in them. Just from a design standpoint, is the new design, are the gutters separate or are they integral to the roofing system? So that if the gutters fail before the roof that we could perhaps replace them. >> These can be replaced, but they are also part of the Garland roofing system, but and they're also um come preheat treated, painted, so they're not going to, you know,
043fade, which will be nice. Yes. >> Okay, that's all I got. >> Thank you. It's been a long time coming and that school needs a new roof. Um, but it can you please fix the sign that's on Belleview? It's sad looking. Yes. >> I don't I graduated there in 2003. That sign has not been it like I'll take my Cricut machine and do vinyl or something. It just it's sad. Please fix it. >> We'll talk later. Okay. a motion to approve F7. >> Second. >> Student board member Curio. >> I. >> Trusty Jenkins. >> I. >> Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Trusty McN. >> I. Vice President Pre. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Moving on to F8. This is for approval of proposed increase of minimum wage. Oh no, we're on. >> Yeah. Um I
044pulled this this came up uh this item came up from the uh finance subcommittee and we voted to bring it forward to the board. don't really have the full board here, but uh just pulled it to make just be aware that the district um well just for background I guess that during our meeting we found out that basically it was um this involved about I think it was 30 students uh was the main source of this uh this expense. So, it's like $6,000. Um, it would increase our budget by $6,000. The district um obviously given our financial uh situation was uh recommending not to approve this. So, that's why I wanted to pull it and have us vote on it. And um it would be great to have had all of us here, but um
045anyway, I just wanted some clarification. uh wanted to publicly clarify what this was. >> Oh, no. So, do you have a question or >> I have kind of a followup. Did you have any Do you have a any like response to that? Oh, >> to which part? Well, I I think I just heard that it was recommended to not do this and so wondering why it came on the consents. So, the district recommendation was to increase the minimum wage to the state um minimum wage which would have been an increase to 1690. Um the finance subcommittee's recommendation was to increase it to the um city minimum wage and since that was our direction from the finance subcommittee that is what we are presenting. If if people are unsure about it I can talk about it.
046Um, I mean I in finance I looked at our CSEA salary schedule and there's there's literally one cell that is below. So I just I think that we should be paying people a living wage and I don't think that it will be a significant issue in terms of um future negotiations um with CSEA. I think we can easily keep everyone at or above that city minimum wage. >> I'll let you talk. Thank you. >> For for clarification, we currently don't have anyone on the CSEA salary schedule that's in that cell that is under this this wage. So, just wanted to clarify that. Um and districts um this is specifically only for this extra duty hourly schedule. It actually doesn't impact any others. During the conversation, it was we wanted to be mindful of potential impacts
047in the future should we increase this one and where those conversations might lead in the future. And also want to clarify that it's not that we don't believe that people should be paid that. It just in light of the fiscal situation, we were not recommending anything that increased more than we were required to. It is a minimal impact on the budget though. About $6,100 difference total um between the 1690 and the and the 1821 for for the year. So the the impact the difference in the impact from what we're legally required to do compared to the finance subcommittee. So as we bring this forward on the board agenda because the recommendation was to approve from the finance subcommittee that is our recommendation. I think I'm hearing I don't know why this is confusing to me
048but it still is. So I'm going to ask again. So, I thought I was hearing that the finance subcommittee approved to keep it at the lower one. No. Okay. Half recommended keeping it lower, Mark. Nick and I want it to be higher. >> That is correct. >> And I can My brain is mushy, but if if you need me to convince you, I can try to do a better job of convincing you. I was just clarifying the direction. It wasn't clicking in my brain. I don't know why this week has been so long, but we here we are on Wednesday. Any more questions? No. Okay. Seeking approval for F8, approval of proposed increase of minimum wage. I have a motion. So moved. >> Second. Student board member Curio. >> Hi. >> Trusty McN. >> Trusty
049Jenkins. >> I. >> Trusty Kirby. >> No. >> Vice President Pre >> Motion. Moving on to F9, approval of developer fees annual report. >> I have executive director uh Dontos online. >> Hello. >> Hi. Thank you for being here. So, I ju I just pulled this um mainly for information wise um and clarification, transparency to the uh public. Um I know that these fees, a lot of people, they got a couple questions. Hey, there's $8.75 million sitting in this account, uh fund 25. Can we use that money to help our situation out? But um so that was one of the questions. Maybe you can answer that first. >> Yeah, I can speak to that. So this these funds that ending fund balance are in a special fund 25 and they are restricted for allowable expenses
050related to campus expansion and and facilities uh related to um enrollment increases. And we use them for uh like when we get new uh special day classes or special um there were some ESN classes in there too which is uh extreme needs special classes if I'm not wrong. Um and then we have new classroom furniture but we really uh our spending is within the restrictions of that account. So, we would not be able to use those funds towards our general fund um fiscal needs. No. Right. Uh thank you. I just wanted to make sure the public was aware of that. Uh when they see that number sitting there, like why can't we use that for some of our general fund problems? Um, also in in the list of fees being collected, it listed quite a
051few of our portables uh that are on our our campuses around and um perhaps you can speak to uh the progress of our least portables and uh their status. Uh are they are we removing some of our portables or are they are we u even on our closed campuses? uh or maybe uh director Odin if he's still here. >> I I I can speak to that. >> Sure. >> So this report is a recap of the 2425 expenditures and we had portals about there. I know that Eric and the facilities team are actively removing those portals this year I believe in um line with the facilities master plan and the bond funding. And I I'm pretty sure I saw a note from Eric about that today. So you'll see you likely will see some of
052those funds on the 2526 report which will come out next January. However, it shouldn't be the full amount. Yeah. And and one other comment, there is a way that we're that the fund balance in that account does benefit us because we're able to utilize it in an necessary case for inter fund borrowing to get through the cash flow needs as we manage our fiscal stabilization needs in fund 01. And um the balance is somewhat healthy, but considering the need uh the high cost of construction costs in need for expansion due to enrollment that wouldn't necessarily build the buildings that we need if we didn't have the bond funds at the time that expansion is needed for enrollment. And we're also able to uh keep the interest collect that is earned on those uh fees as
053well. Correct. >> Yeah, correct. The interest and the interest stays in that fund as well. >> Perfect. Okay, that's all I had. >> Anyone Does anybody have any other questions? >> No. Motion to approve U item F9, approval of developer fees annual report. >> Second. >> Student board member Curio. >> I. >> Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Trusty Jenkins. >> I. >> Trusty McN. >> I. >> Vice President Brack. >> I. Motion passes. F11. Approval of updated salary schedules due to reduction of work days. We're postponing that one. >> Oh, table. Never mind. Just kidding. >> F12. >> Approval of Oh, yeah. Moving along. Uh, board policy update. First read board policy 5141.5 mental health. So, >> oh, I thought that was a >> Oh, just kidding. You can go sit down. >> Stacy, don't
054go. Just a clarification that on the first read if the board wants additional information that it's typically pulled for discussion but otherwise it's >> sorry for making you walk >> items >> with your with your knee >> but but we will be revisiting you know the options. >> I hope we'll call that physical therapy. Sorry. >> We we will be looking at at at the at some updates before the second reading. >> Okay. Just remember, we're pretending that I know what I'm doing. Thank you. I'm crushing it. Okay, now we're going to discussion items. Uh, action one, approval of resolutions. Um, 1A, approval of resolution 2025 26, uh, recognizing February. Are we doing one by one? So what we're doing is they'll all be introduced, >> but the information will be perfected and then we
055can all >> Oh, okay. >> So we'll speak to each of >> Perfect. So you're here for February 2nd through the 6 for week of school counselors. >> Thank you, Vice President Prag and Superintendent um August. Members of the board, uh, students, staff, community of Santa Rosa City Schools, National School Counseling Week 2026 is February 2nd through the 6th to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the US school systems. The theme is school counselors amplify student success. National School Counseling Week sponsored by the American School Counselor Association highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 25 26-24 recognizing
056February 2nd through the 6th week of the school counselor. >> Thank you. >> Oh, okay. Oh, so you're up again. Um recognizing February's career technical education month. >> Career technical education month is a public awareness campaign the association of career and technical education holds each February to celebrate the achievements and accomplish accomplishments of CTE programs. CT month serves to recognize the importance of CTE programs in every student's education and builds awareness among policy makers, business leaders, and the public of highquality educational experiences available in CTE programs. CTE month is also recognizes the ongoing leadership and excellence of classrooms across the country and raises awareness of the crucial role that CTE has in readying our nation for economic success and workforce competitiveness. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 2526-25 recognizing February as career
057technical education month. >> Thank you. And we're also recognizing February as African-American History Month. >> That's right. African-American History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in US history. Also known as Black History Month, the event grew out of quote, "Negro History Week," unquote, the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. Since 1976, every US president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black History. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 2526-26 recognizing February as American History Month. >> Thank you. And March is Arts Education Month. >> Thank you. >> Tonight's requested action is Oh, sorry. Arts Education
058Month celebrates the vital role of dance, music, theater, media, and visual arts in our schools, integrating the arts into the curriculum, supports student growth by fostering critical thinking, and problem solving skills while improving overall academic performance beyond the classroom. The arts keep students motivated, provide essential emotional outlets, and teach valuable life skills. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 2526-27 recognizing March as Arts Education Month. >> Thank you. May is AsianAmerican and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. >> Thank you. For far too long, the history and achievements of people of color in the United States have been overlooked in school, textbooks, the media, and society as a whole. Diversity is an integral part of the fabric of the United States and these acknowledgements now more than ever serve as a reminder to celebrate and
059ar honor the richness of diverse cultures in this country. The term Asian-American was coined by the Asian-American Political Science Political Alliance in 1968 during their activism for the ethnic studies in California. The more inclusive term Asian-American Pacific Islander enco encompasses over 22 million Asian-Americans and 1.6 6 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the US representing more than 65 cultures and languages. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 2526-28 recognizing May as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. >> Thank you. And April is school library month. School library month celebrates school libraries as an integral part of schools and our communities. As school libraries provide materials for teachers and students that encourage growth and knowledge, contribute to an interest in lifelong learning and provide materials to meet the individual needs, varied interests, abilities, and
060maturity levels of our students. Our school and libraries welcome students to their inviting spaces, creating a place for students to engage with one another. work together and access a wide variety of resources, both print and digital. They are a place to come together, something that is incredibly valued in supporting and building a community on our campuses. Tonight's requested action is that the board approve resolution 2526-29 designating April as school library month. >> Thank you. March is Women's History Month. So while my colleagues are coming forward, I do want to just share that we do actually feel the importance of the resolutions that we are bringing forward. And while we're bringing them all as one for action, there are things that happen in each of these time frames in the months, the days or the weeks
061around those celebrations that are recognized in our schools. And I'm actually going to ask my colleagues to go ahead and introduce this one. >> Well, I'm I'm joined by many women in leadership, which is always wonderful to see. But affirming Women's History Month and K12 education is critical for empowering girls with role models, boosting self-esteem, and showing them the possibilities while also teaching all students about women's vital, often overlooked contributions to history, fostering empathy, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a more complete, equitable understanding of society. It normalizes women as leaders, innovators, and integral parts of the human story, inspiring future generations to value diverse perspectives and to continue the fight for equality benefiting everyone. We recommend approving resolution 2526-30 um reaffirming support for Women's History Month. >> Thank you. Thank you. um support of National Sexual
062Assault Awareness Month. >> Yes. Uh that one is is me. Um, affirming support for sexual assault awareness month or SAM in K12 education is crucial for fostering safe learning environments by educating students on consent, building empathy, empowering survivors, and reducing stigma, which helps prevent abuse, promotes healthy behaviors, and ensures access to support, ultimately creating stronger, more respectful communities within schools. It addresses widespread issues like sexual harassment and abuse that affect students well-being and education, offering vital prevention and intervention strategies. We recommend approving resolution 2526-31 celebrating sexual assault awareness month. >> Did you want to speak for the next one? >> All right. I I think we're on to the next one, right? >> Excellent. Um I am Stacy Desadary, executive director of wellness engagement and joining me here is both community member um community leader
063and Santa Rosa City School parent uh to ask you for your affirmation of support for LGBTQ plus pride month. This um recognition is essential in K12 education. It is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a researchbacked strategy to improve students safety, mental health, and academic success. For many students, school is the primary environment where they seek the affirmation and safety they may lack elsewhere. >> Thank you. Um, good evening, Superintendent August, members of the board, and to the public. I'm grateful to be back here again in support of our LGBTQ plus students. As I've said in the past, representation matters. It's critically important for youth across all cultural backgrounds to not just see reflections of themselves in the education they receive, but to also feel safe, seen, cared for, and respected within the school
064community. I appreciate that Santa Rosa City Schools is restating their commitment to the rights, visibility, and safety of students in an ever evolving landscape. One that requires us to reassess for change and recommmit annually. Students deserve to be protected and recognized as a valuable part of this district's history and integral to reshaping our future. Our state has a multitude of legal protections in place to support the safety as of LGBTQ students in our educational communities and it's up to us to ensure that these laws are followed and to turn words into action. So, I'm happy to once again be introducing this resolution tonight and to stay advocating for the continuing engagement opportunities within our school district and amongst the LGBTQ plus community partners. So, thank you so much for your support. >> Thank you. and
065we do recommend approval of resolution 252632 affirming support for the LGBT community. >> Thank you. And then recognizing May's mental health awareness month. >> And I am inviting the director of mental health and community school development, Eric Lofty, to speak to this tonight. >> Hello. We are bringing forward resolution 2526 number 39 to recognize May's mental health awareness month. In Santa Rosa City Schools, our students rely on our school-based mental health supports and counseling supports as their primary access point for mental health support. Recognizing May's mental health awareness month affirms our commitment to student well-being and sends a powerful message to our families that mental health does in fact matter. Our wellness centers, school-based therapists, and dedicated staff work every day to ensure students have the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
066This resolution honors that work and reminds our community that mental health is health. We respectfully ask for your support in passing this resolution. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Burke. celebrating child nutrition services. >> Hi, thank you so much for this opportunity to share our deep appreciation for the staff of child nutrition services. Every day they come to work very early, very very early to prepare meals and to enrich the lives of students to welcome them into spaces to make them feel loved and appreciated and to provide a very much a necessary need namely the goal of ending childhood hunger in Sonoma County. So, I do would like to invite the board to consider resolution to ha to have the CNS appreciation week of April 27th through May 1st. I would encourage you come visit us
067in our cafeterias. Give our folks a good shout out. Likewise, site staff, please pop in and let your local cafeteria worker know that not all work, not all heroes wear capes, some wear aprons. So again, I want to say a deep appreciation for our friends in NCS. So um a moment for them. So, so means let's rise to the occasion and do our best and it is the unofficial slogan of CNS. So, Alto y'all, thank you so much. >> Thank you. and then uh approval of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Dr. Zans. >> Good evening. We are um honored that we get to bring forward the recognizing January 27th, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On November 1st, 2005, United Nations designated January 27th, the anniversary of the liberation of Ashwitz Burkina International Holocaust Remembrance
068in honor of the 6 million Jews, Jewish victims, and millions of other victims of the Holocaust and to help prevent future genocide. The purpose of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day is to serve as a date for the official commemoration of the victims of a Nazi regime, to promote Holocaust education throughout the world, and to reject any form of Holocaust denial and anti-semitism, as well as the threats of genocide in other parts of the world. This year marks both 81 years since the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration camp and death camp and is the 31st anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Genocidal regimes throughout history have deliberately fractured societies by marginalizing specific groups. And in our commitment to disrupt hate and violence from tearing the fabric of our society, we urge our local, national, and
069international communities to stand together in order to end racism, the spread of anti-semitism and xenophobia, and prevent ethnic cleansing. Member states of the United Nations are encouraged to actively preserve sites used by the Nazis during the final solution, such as killing centers, concentration camps, and prisons. so that they may inspire leaders and citizens of the world to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. We must be vigilant about the discrimination, racism, and hatred that continues to plague society and be cognizant of the fact that if left unchecked, they give rise to the mass killing events that continue to occur in the 21st century. Therefore, we ask that the Santa Rosa City Schools Board of Education recognize and promote International Holocaust Remembrance Day activities that help us learn about the past, bear witness for those
070who have endured genocides, empathize with their suffering, draw inspiration from their struggle, and reaffirm humanity's common aspiration for mutual understanding and justice. >> Thank you. Dr. Zans, you also have uh recognizing guest teacher appreciation in May. Ah. >> Hi. Hello. We do ask that you approve the resolution to recognize guest teacher appreciation in May of 2026. Every year we rely a lot on our guest teachers. We are fortunate to have um about 280 guest teachers who regularly work at Santa Rosa City Schools. It's also not uncommon for many of our retired teachers to come back and join us as guest teachers, too. Guest teachers have spent almost 6,000 hours in our classrooms to date. Guest teachers do everything they can. There are unsung heroes who drop everything, jump into action, swoop in, and make sure
071that students in Santa Rosa City Schools continue to receive instruction on the rare occasion that their regular classroom teachers cannot be there. So, we do ask that you appreciate our guest teachers in May of 2026. Thank you. We are also going to ask you to approve a resolution um for teacher appreciation week and that is the week of May 4th through the 8th, 2026. We officially and formally recognize and honor the work that teachers do every single day during the week of May 4th through May 8th uh 2026 as part of teacher appreciation week. Teachers, as we know, are responsible for shaping the minds of our students and ensuring that they truly understand that knowledge is power. During teacher appreciation week, we urge the entire Santa Rosa City Schools community to celebrate the significant role
072that teachers play. There truly aren't enough words to properly thank them for their work. Those of us who have been in the classroom know and appreciate how hard the job is and how it can truly take a toll on your hearts. We also understand the overwhelming joy and pride that fills your hearts every day, too. Whether or not they know it, teachers are role models every single day, and we honor and value and appreciate their work in a formal way during the week of May 4th through the 8th, 2026. >> Good evening. I'm here to recommend the approval of resolution 202526-36 recognizing classified school employee week, which is May 18th through 22nd. This resolution serves to recognize the countless contributions and important roles that classified employees play in furthering our daily education goals for our
073San Rosa City Schools students. Each and every day, classified employees provide essential services to ensure that school sites and offices are open, operational, and provide the continuity for students, parents, and staff that are so critical to the provision of services. Our classified employees go above and beyond to ensure schools are clean, safety precautions implemented, meals served, technology implemented, and district business operations continue to serve our students, staff, parents, and the community. And that's just to name a few of the critical roles that our classified students play. Lastly, uh from the moment our students arrive on campus to the moment they leave each day, every aspect of their educational experience is impacted in a positive way by classified school employees. From the classroom to the playground to the school cafeteria and everywhere in between, classified employees
074make a difference in the daily life of students. And for that reason, we recommend the approval of this resolution. Thank you. >> Thank you. Dr. Fischer recognizing National School Nurse Day, Superintendent August, and trustees. School nurses are essential health care professionals who play a vital role in promoting the health, safety, and well-being of students within educational settings. They serve as a critical link between health and education, ensuring that students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn by managing chronic conditions, administering medication, providing emergency care, and offering health education and counseling. Their expertise is paramount in addressing the complex health needs of the student population. uh managing infectious disease outbreaks and supporting mental health, all of which contribute significantly to improving student attendance and academic achievement. Requested action is that the board approve resolution uh number
0752526 uh-37 recognizing May 6th as National School Nurse Day. >> And then you're also speaking for recognizing May as National Speech Language Hearing Month. That's correct. Um, in recognizing National Speech Language Hearing Month, we want to honor our speech language pathologist SLPs as essential members of the educational team dedicated to improving the communication and academic success of students across all grade levels and providing comprehensive services including screening, assessment, and other services for communication disorders such as articulation, fluency, and social communication. SLPs collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and other specialists to develop and implement IEPs, ensuring that students receive the support necessary to achieve their educational goals. We want to express our sincer sincere appreciation for their tireless work, dedication, and vital importance of speech language pathologists in fostering effective communication skills and promoting academic achievement
076for all students in our community. The requested action is that board approve resolution 2526-38 recognizing May as National Speech Language Hearing Month. Thank you so much and thank you everyone who spoke for these resolutions. I'm seeking a motion for approval of resolutions. >> I move to approve. There a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. I'll allow a comment. >> Um, I did just want to say that I appreciate these coming in as a bulk situation. Um, I fully understand how important they are for uh for recognition as well as um more focused activities. Um, and I I guess I would hope that both supervisors who are when it's a specific group of people, the supervisors are really um because like we're not boots on the ground up here. We're just like Care Bears in the
077clouds. And I think like the people I'm I'm just hoping and it may already be in place, but I really do hope that all of the people that are, you know, cheering for all of the things that we have made resol that we are making resolutions on um are really addressing that face to face and in the community and making those connections so that everyone is feeling appreciated at all times, but especially those significant times. Um it it really needs to come from the community and the people that are working with everyone individually. >> Agreed. >> Thank you. >> Vote please. >> Student board member Curio. >> I >> trusty Jenkins. >> I. Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Trusty McN. >> Vice President P. >> I. Thank you. Motion passes. Um, now can I have
078a motion for the approval of the minutes from the regular board meeting held on December 10th? >> Move to approve. I think I was I was sick that day. I don't think Oh, I guess we can't vote because I have to abstain. Was I there? Oh, it was last week. That's I was sick for a week. I have no concept of time. Yes, we were all there. Second. Who made the first motion? Thank you. Student board member Curio. >> I. >> Trusty McN. >> Trusty Jenkins. >> I. Trusty Kirby. >> I. >> Vice President Brack. >> I. All motion passes or minutes pass. And then number two, seeking approval for the minutes of the regular board meeting held on December 17th. >> Move to approve. Second. point of information. I was not here so I
079don't be only three people. >> Oh, okay. We'll have to come back. >> Okay. So, that gets tabled. Okay. And there's any board member request for information? No. Okay. And then, uh, Superintendent August, do you have anything to add before I close out the meeting? We will be working on rescheduling this the prioritization as well as um sending out information related to that um probably ahead of time um or for some things that we had prepared. And we also will be working on um our team is working on finalizing the items that were from last week's meeting, our strategic planning. And on February 7th, we have our special meeting on a Saturday. Thank you for committing to do that. Um to address our LCAP, our budget, our fiduciary strategic planning goal. Thank you. >> Um
080just a question. They I know uh one of the attachments was a letter from a student board member Alivera who uh had to resign. I I guess my question is, is there a process for us to put another student board member in her place or or is that just going to be vacant? >> Yes, Melanie reached out and began that coordination with um Ridgeway. >> Yes. uh uh pres uh principal uh Gabaldi has a student in mind who would like to apply and so we're hoping to get the application soon and we'll be interviewing her and hopefully um sworn in uh in the upcoming meeting a student from Ridgeway. >> Okay, thank you. So um meeting adjourned at 7:58 next meeting is January 28th here. I did it.