001Reading for Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 6 p.m. We'll have, um… The Pledge of Allegiance? Trustee Lavelle, can you lead us, please? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. And to the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God. Indivisible. Liberty and justice for all. Let me get a roll call, please? Trustee Coleman? Trustee Coleman? Thank you. Trustee Sharp? Here. Trustee Cheek? Here. Trustee Cohen-Thompson? Sdd? Here. Trustee Dunn? Here. Trustee Lavelle? Here. Okay, before we move on to the approval and adoption of the agenda, I just needed to move. One item… If we could move item… 11A… Up to, um… 9A? And with that, I would take a motion. Move adoption as amended. It's been moved by Trustee Dean, seconded by Trustee Sharp. Can we get a roll call, please? Rusty
002cheek? Yes. Trustee Colin-Thompson? Trustee Dean? Yes. Christy Don? Yes. Trustee Lavelle? Yes. Trustee Sharp? Yes. Trustee Coleman? Yes. And with that, um, we are going to move into closed session. And we will be back at 7 o'clock, so don't feel like you have to stay. Back at 7 with us, because we can't come back before then. We're moving to closed session. Eat anything for that. Now we're losing everybody. It wouldn't be a woman's system. Where's Paul Deal? I don't see Paul Diego. I mean, my next question. Okay. I was gonna sit there for hours. I figured that was my angle. I was like, I can move my fingers! I thought it was my wrist at first. I'm not a big girl. I put a lot of weight on that 4mm. Just imagine, like, planning for
003Halloween. Okay. I smack my head on the ground? I'm waking up at, like, 5 in the morning. I'm like… I'm coming from? In the bathroom, there's blood everywhere. So, hopefully their package isn't ordered. I'm just… Like, I don't want to see that much. Hopefully it doesn't make you feel any better? Good. This is gorgeous. From closed session, we're going to reconvene in open session. Uh, we had a conference with legal counsel, and… Nothing else to report. The consent items? We're gonna move on to consent items. All matters listed under the consent items. Are considered to be routine and will be enacted by the Board in one motion. There will be no discussion on these items prior to the time the Board votes on the motion, unless members of the Board or staff request specific items.
004Be removed from the consent items for discussion and individual consideration. For action? Are there any matters that need to be removed from. Calendar? Hearing none, we'll entertain a motion on the consent calendar. Move adoption. Trustee Dean made the motion, seconded by Trustee Cheek. Do a roll call vote. Trustee Cheek? Yes. Trustee Colin-Thompson? Pustee Dean? Yes. Paste Dunn? Yes. Trustee Lavelle? Yes. Trustee Sharp? Trustee Coleman? Yes. Moving on to comments from the community, I have 3 comments from the community. The first one being from Anthony McDonald Sr. Mcdonald, you have the mic right there, make sure the green button is on. Got 3 minutes? 2 minutes, I'm sorry, 2 minutes. Looks like it's on. Right. Hello, everyone, Madam President. Um, I'm Anthony McDonald, founder, co-founder of Leaders of Men. Today, I came to. Ask for, um,
005your consideration in a partnership. Leaders of men, uh, I provided everyone with a folder, just kind of give you a, uh. What is it called, a synopsis of what Leaders of Men is about, and what I'm offering. Uh, the first is a, um. It's a lunch and learn. It's where I come to a school. I engage with the teenagers while they're eating lunch. Of course, with, uh, some school staff. And we talk about respect, selfishness. Are, um, excuse me, leaders of men's, uh. Principles. Our second one is, um. We want to do, like, a… I looked at your, uh, website, and you want. Free Solano, where we talk to youngsters about. The vaping and drinking and those things, dangers in the bathroom, so… Leaders are men, we always have our teen summit. Right? And it's
006where we lean on our youth. To talk about what's going on in the. Right? Who better to hear from than them? How can we help them, right? Help themselves, those things, so… It's in detail, uh, in there. And the last one is. Uh, you know how kids go to detention after school for doing things, and they're sitting at detention. And they're just doing whatever, this and that, so I… We have our rites of passage. Every culture has a rites of passage. Ours is a rice of passage through respect. Right, so instead of them just sitting there, why don't you have them… we can come to your schools. Uh, and we do our rites of passage. Two days a week. And we talk about leaders of men's. Principles, respect, self-respect. Self-management, good character, empathy. Talk about
007domestic violence among teenagers. They're just not sitting there. They're learning how to be better. Human beings, you know, um… in those things, so I'll, uh… Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mcdonald. Next one up is Cheryl McDonald. Um… Good evening, and Madam President, Estein board members, and our dignitary guests here. I'm just gonna kind of bring in a few. Statistics to kind of back up what Anthony and Jess, um, said. My name is Cheryl McDonald. I'm co-founder of Leaders of Men. I just want to give some keys statistics. Over 70,000 youth are under the age of 18. And some of the conditions are… scenarios that they're dealing with daily is… Depression, and anxiety. As he… as my husband mentioned, vaping and cannabis. Our middle schoolers are vaping in the fifth grade now. Um, king dating and
008violence, teen pregnancy, those are some of the things that we're doing. Some of that ethnic diversity breakdown is… Um, 35% is Hispanic. 30% is white, 15% is African American, 10% is Asian. And then there's 10% others. That is what makes up Solano County. Within, um, some of the challenges that we're looking at. 40% of our youth are battling mental health. It's probably increased. With COVID. 25% are using substance abuse. And unfortunately, 15% of our youth. Are involved in some sort of domestic violence. Leaders of Men Art program is for youth, for young men and young women, because I am involved in their. To help them find their voice. Um, our youth-led panels. Allows you to, um, allows them to have a voice and speak about what they're dealing with in their schools. Um, and we
009meet them at their level. There is no judgment there, and they can speak their truth, and we can align. Various resources within. The community. So, we are looking and searching for a partnership so that we can help our youth. Make better decisions before they reach the ages that we are. They can make a pivotal. Decision at 12 to 18. We're winning. Thank you for your time. Yeah. Next up, Jacob Francisco? Good evening, everyone. My name is Jacob Francisco. I am a member of the Chinese American Association. Of Solano County. Um, tonight I'm actually here on behalf of them to tell everyone about our scholarship. Our scholarship just opened up yesterday. Um, the deadline is December 5th. For those who don't know about the association, we're a nonprofit organization dedicated to advance. The well-being of Chinese
010Americans and the community. Um, and the Chinese-American Association participates in community events, sponsors cultural and educational programs throughout the year. Applicant eligibility for this scholarship, it's open to all full-time students, feeding the below requirements. They must be a high school senior. Or community college students, Solano County. Or a resident of Solano County attending high school or community. Knowledge, the applicant must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0. Of three letters of recommendation. For their application, and must not be a pass recipient. I do have flyers, and I encourage you to… share the information out. Again, our deadline is December 5th. Thank you. Are there any other online… Comments? Now, uh, we have… changed our, uh… agenda a little bit. We have moved. 11a… Which was our unfinished business up to… This next section. So this is
011for the consideration and unconditional appointment of Superintendent of schools. At the July 23rd, 2025 Special Board Meeting, Dr. Nicola Parr was conditionally appointed to the position of interim. Solano County Superintendent of Schools. The appointment was conditioned upon Dr. Parr holding an active administrative credential. The board will consider whether the condition has been satisfied and whether to unconditionally appoint Dr. Parr to the position. Interims, Solano County Superintendent of Schools, effective September 1st. 2025. We will open it up for… discussion before we make… Do we have a staff report? Oh, yes, we do have a staff report from Mr. Deal, if you would like to come to the podium, please. Good evening, President Coleman, Trustees. Superintendent Lisette Estrella Henderson. I'm here tonight to report that. Dr. Parr's credential was issued, retroactive to July 1st, so there's no
012break in service. Thank you, Mr. Deal. And we also have our council… Uh, Megan Macy and Courtney DeGroof here. Also, on this item. Um, the… as has been stated, has been met, but part of the appointment. Um, sorry, I'm sorry. Part of the original motion was that Dr. Parr appear, and. Um, due to some unforeseen circumstances, she is not here tonight, and so there would need to be. A new motion made. Since the motion was made by Trustee Dean, I will look to her to see if she would like to make a friendly amendment or a new motion. Yes, I'd be happy to make a new motion. Hopefully get a second for discussion if… I'd like to do that. My new motion is that we. Unconditionally. Appoint Dr. Park to the position of superintendent of
013Schools. I second the motion. Okay, so the motion has been made to unconditionally appoint. Dr. Nicole Apar is Superintendent of Solano County Schools. The motion has been seconded by Trustee Cheek. We will open it up for discussion. Comments? Hearing none, we'll take a roll call vote. Trustee Cheek? Yes. Trustee Cohen-Thompson? Trustee Dean? Yes. Trustee Dunn? Trustee LaVelle? Yes. Trustee Sharp? Yes. Rusty Coleman. Yes. With that vote. And tonight, you guys. Dr. Parr has been appointed Slower County Superintendent of Schools. Okay. Now, moving on to our next motion, um, back to school… 25, 20… oh, I'm sorry, superintendent's report, that's you. Until September 1st. Yes, thank you. Good evening, President Coleman and Trustees. I do have some correspondence that we received. Uh, from… I want to make sure I get it right. Um, the Santa Clara
014County Office of Education on behalf. Of the, uh, Alameda Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara. And Solano, Bay Area Region Geographic Needs Consortium. The communication was, uh, to myself and Dr. Lemos. We are excited to share that both the improvement in action and promising practices. Reducing suspensions for African American and Black students' reports are now available. On the BAGLC website. These publications reflect our collective efforts and shared commitment of our geo… Partners to advancing equity. And continuous improvement across our schools in the Bay Area region. We deeply appreciate your valuable contributions and partnership in bringing these reports to life. And what I have for you at, um, your seats is a copy. Not only of the evaluation report, but also. Um, the promising practices. Uh, and, um, what I want to bring to
015your attention in the Promising Practices. Version, um, is a couple of highlights. Uh, on page 5. Uh, this is as part of the GeoLead work and partnerships with our Bay Area counties. This work is related to researching and reviewing promising practices to reducing suspensions for African American students. And I wanted to bring to your attention. That, uh, four of our schools in Solano County participated in this work. Um, and a lot of the work was led. Uh, under Dr. Lemos, and a district and school support. Dr. Hannah Suleiman and the entire district and support… school support team. Uh, and you will note that Sheldon Academy of Innovative Learning. Edwin Markham Elementary School. Federal Terrace Elementary School in Mare Island. A health and fitness academy were schools that. The County Office of Education's District and School
016Support and Improvement. Um, team has been working, uh, with these, uh, young people. And, uh, you will note the criteria for the school selection. And, uh, the quantitative data. And Solano County schools experienced. An initial increase in suspension rates for African American and Black students. Rising from 19%. In 2021, 22, to 22% in 22-23. However. By 23-24, the rate had dropped significantly to 5%. And that's very impressive work on behalf of the schools. And I want to take the time to recognize our district and school support. Leadership teams. I will also note, uh, let's see, uh, one last piece. This study reaffirms that student-centered. Community-oriented schools rooted in intentional relationship-building practices. I think some of the things that Mr. Mcdonald and Mrs. Mcdonald referenced. Relationship-building practices are central to reducing suspensions. In these 19 schools,
017student care was not incidental. But intentionally nurtured. Through ever-present and meaningful adult relationships. So, uh, you have the reports. For your pleasure reading, it really is. A distinct, uh, honor and privilege to be able to work with our. Bay Region counties in supporting this work. And, uh, we're making gains, we're making improvements. That is my correspondence. Thank you. Now, the superintendent's report. Yes. Um, I wanted to bring to your attention that, um. Over the summer, we had summer school, so just a. A few statistics, um, for special education. Um, what we call ESY, Extended Learning, Extended Year. Uh, we serve the needs of 208 students. Um, currently, we have 72 students enrolled. Uh, for, uh, our infant program, and in pre-K through 22, we have… we are serving the needs of 406. Extensive support needs
018students across the county. Um, uh, in contract with the SELPA. Uh, for our school districts. Uh, in terms of summer school and extended, uh, school year. Uh, we've served in, uh, JDF of 40 students. And, uh, 4 students at Golden Hills also participated in ESY. Uh, working towards earning that high school diploma. Currently at Golden Hills. Uh, we have 35 students enrolled. Uh, plus 11, um, uh, enrolled. And at the juvenile detention facility. So I wanted to bring that data for you. Uh, not only for our extended school year. But, um, for our current year. I would also bring to your attention. That, um, are, uh, back to school. Uh, for 25, 26, our convo… convocation, uh, was on Monday the 11th, and we welcomed back over 400. Amazing individuals that work for this. An
019incredible organization, the Solano County Office of Education. And our, uh, theme this year. Is unlocking endless possibilities. And, uh, you may have seen on social media and in our other outlets that, um, our, uh, photos of all of the amazing individuals. Really touch the lives of our young people in so many. Incredible and inspirational ways. Have been highlighted. And, uh, as I like to say. Uh, I'm gonna say to Ernie, roll up. Success, to me is like a teeter-totter. Balance of personal life and my work life, and I think being able to balance that, um, just… Allows me to be more functional and productive and positive. Um, both here at work and also at home. The balance enables me to better support those around me, advance in my career, and return home with the same
020positive attitude. To be able to give. That love to my family as well. Some of the keys for my students to succeed here, um. Oh, are they having the staff, uh, trained staff, having the support of the. Uh, administration, and people that have the knowledge to get them where they need to be. Everything that we could do for our students in terms of emotional support and rebuilding a relationship with them. It will lead them to be successful in this program. So for me, as an individual, I feel like the… The most of my success has been generated from my curiosity. Um, anybody you know will say I ask way too many questions, but it's literally just my way of seeking knowledge and keeping an open mind. In order to be successful. And as far as
021the key to success, like, at work as a team, I have been very fortunate to work with a team who is very seasoned, they've all had work experience with the county for over 10 years, and I have learned so much from them. And just all the consistency we have in our classroom. Being on the porch at Golden Hill. It is… A legendary place, and… When a student got out and the parent said. My goodness, I've never seen so many people here to greet students every day. My student never got that, and they really, really love it. I can't believe they're giving you hugs. That was my aha moment that let me know that the key to what we were doing. Is… had been unlocked. And we were being successful with reaching the students and them
022wanting to come to school and do their best. I think that as educators, we all really strive to. Make our students' educational journey the best possible, and that comes with a lot of… Pressure, and sometimes we feel alone, but I think it's really important to remember. That we're not asked to do this all on our own, and that we have a really great team of. Um, support providers, and IEP members. So, working as a team is really important, and the key to my success. Support. A lot of students have it within them, you know, to be successful already, but I think that it really helps if they have support from their peers, teachers, counselors, um, or just folks on the outside cheering them on, having a cheerleader is a… A huge part of student success,
023in my opinion. Um, a key aha moment for me, um, was when I… my focus of the work shifted from, um, you know, just coming in, doing therapy, um, individual therapy, and groups. And it shifted to… Growing those connections first, building that rapport with the students, um, so that they do feel safe, um, and they are able to open up with me. Um, and it just completely shifted, um, the connections that I made with these students. Planning. Uh, having everything ready to go. I plan for each month before the month ends, uh, consistency, uh, rotating staff, making sure that all the students are comfortable with all of. Uh, the teachers and paraeducators and service providers, and packaging that up into a positive attitude. I think the key for student success in my classroom, um. Is
024that they… We'll see, finally, what they're capable of. And once they get a little taste of positive reinforcement. A lot of times, that's something that they're not used to. They're not used to telling them, thanks for coming to class, I'm glad you're here, or you did a great job, or… You know, maybe they're just having a bad day, and maybe they just need to come in and be quiet, and keep to themselves, and that's their comfort level. Um, I would say that 90% of my success and their success is the relationships in which we build with each other. I think keys to student success is for them to have strong support systems at school. And it's not just their teachers, it's support staff, mentors. Um, any adults they interact with in their school environment. In
025my work now, I don't work directly with students in my role, but I get to support the teachers and the leaders who do work directly with the students, so I hope that that has an impact on their success. One of SCO's events that they help support, the academic decathlon. Having that kind of platform for the students to go out to showcase their talent, to compete against one another. I believe that results in success and victories for them, and the hope is that, you know, the success and victories that they taste during those events. Helps propel and drive them forward when they get into the real world to continue to want to be successful, to continue. To want to make the most of the opportunities that they have. I realized when working with people, um, really
026engaging with them and building trust. And really making sure that they feel seen. I think building trust and making sure that you are listening and. Working with somebody, that really will bring momentum in bringing out change and success for our students, because that is why we are here. And we want to make sure that families are heard as well. We want to make. Our schools, our offices. Really feel like a family, and that we're working together. One of the greatest things I would say that has helped me. With being a school bus driver, it's just… is having patience. Um, I didn't even realize I had patience until I actually started. Transporting, um, special needs children. And so, and it also gives you an appreciation for. You know, who we are as people, and just seeing
027what. Everyone has to go through, um, in a day to do what we do, how we do it. For the success of the children. Thank you, Ernie. I'm getting the tissue out. Um… The individuals that you see in the video. Are the key. To the students whom we serve. They are the key to the success. And you see some of them here today. You see them throughout the year when they honor their students. You see them at our events. And they are the key to unlocking endless possibilities. For the young people whose lives we have. The honor and the privilege. And, uh. I'm… I'm just always amazed. And I just can't get enough. Every time I see these videos, and Ernie, thank you. You have a way of telling our story in so many ways.
028Um, and that's just one of them. So, as we launch this year's theme. Unlocking endless possibilities. Very individuals who work with our students. Um, every day. Our keys to their success. And the individuals in the background. Individuals that do every job in this organization. None of that can happen without them also. And everyone is valued, and everyone matters. Being the key to these young people's success. So, um, as we launch this year, here we roll. Key to endless possibilities is our thing. Thank you. Okay. Um, I also have the privilege of introducing… Uh, Michelle Harris. Our Executive Director of First 5 Solano. And, um, one of SCO's most valued and long-standing collaborations is with First 5 Solano. The Children and Families Commission, established in June of 1999. First 5 Solano funds, programs, and services that
029advance opportunities for Solano County's youngest children, 0 to 5. And their families, and strengthens early childhood systems to support. Our future generations. At this meeting, Michelle Harris, Executive Director of First 5 Solano, will share an update on our joint efforts. To support the healthy development, early learning, and family engagement of. Our littles across Solano County. And this is a partnership that continues to demonstrate the power of working together. With our community partners to strengthen opportunities and outcomes. Uh, for the littles that are coming into our school systems. And, um, we've heard from probation as one of our key partners. And we've heard from other partnerships along the way. And, uh, so tonight, it's about early learning. Michelle? Good evening, trustees. My name is Michelle Harris, I'm the Executive Director of the First 5 Solano Children
030and Families Commission. And I'm here to talk to you about the many ways that the Solano County Office of Education. And first five, Solano have partnered over the years. Yes. Right. So, um, first 5 Solano, we are, um. A commission governed by 9 members. Appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, and we do… things. One is we fund programs for kids and families now. And the other thing that we do is we… Work to strengthen systems. For future generations of, um, children. We are, um, funded by the Proposition 10 tobacco tax. And we utilize those dollars to serve, um. Children 0 to 5. So, in thinking about. Kids, um, and in thinking about. Having kids enter school ready to learn. That's where our partnership between. Uh, the County Office of Education and First 5 come
031into play. I want them to walk through the doors ready, and ready in all ways. Ready to be able to learn. Having slept well enough, having been fed. All of the things that we all know are necessary for a given. First 5 Solano has a mission and a vision, and in our last strategic planning effort, we really redid our mission. The first part is First 5 Solano is a catalyst, so in thinking about. That systems change piece. We want to do thinking together, we want. Those partnerships that can strategically advance innovative. Prevention-focused approaches across systems. For our young children and families. And our vision actually hasn't changed for many years. It's been pretty, um, steady for the 25 years. The first five, which is all Solano County children are healthy. Eager to learn and nurtured
032by strong families in safe communities. Um, like I said, we have a commission of 9 members. There are two members appointed by our. Solano County Health and Social Services Department. Those are currently Neely McElroy, our Solano County Child Welfare Services. Director, and Emery Cohen, the director of our Health and Social Services Department. Uh, we have a board of supervisor on our, um, board, so that is currently Monica Brown. We have one appointee from each of the five board districts. Those are Tiffany Jones, Tiffany Wanberg, Nikila Walker Gibson, and Lisa Donahue. And then finally, a member at large, which is our superintendent. You can see, uh, by the positions here that we have a broad array. Of knowledge and expertise. At a really high level. Those commission members come together to do policy-level thinking. Um, and
033help us in our direction on how we make decisions. Limited resource. So, like I said, what does First Life Solano do? We make investments for children 0 to 5 and their families. And we do that through a couple of lenses. Um, the first is data and research. Like your superintendent, uh, we have people who are very interested in. What does our data tell us? How our children faring? Where are our children having the most difficulty? Um, then we look at the quality and potential. The impact of the strategy that we're investing in. So, if we invest in a strategy. How do we know that we are going to, uh. Get an impact from that. So, for example… I could invest in parent education. And at the end of the day, a parent could go through
034all of those classes and have learned nothing. And that's not really effective with our resources, so we want to know. If we invest in parent education, what type of parent education. Do we invest in that we know we're going to have a long-standing change? For both that parent and that child. And then we also look at leveraging and partnership opportunities. We have very limited resources, and so where can we… those resources and align them. So that we can utilize other resources. Up into partnerships, tap into grant dollars. So that we can take our $4 million and turn it into. Our commission has four priority areas. We have health and well-being, and then that area. Make sure kids have health insurance. Um, although less so now. That's being paid for in different ways. Um, also fund
035developmental screenings. In our early childhood learning and development. We, uh, fund, uh, transitional kindergarten committee. Make sure that, um, transitional kindergarten, which is such a wonderful thing, to have. A new grade be established is incredible. There are some unintended consequences that came along with that, and so what do we do about that? I had to do some thinking with our County Office of Education partners. In the Family Support and Parent Education realm. We find things like a parent education courses. And also, um, making sure that families have their basic needs met. Uh, in systems change, which is… Um, an exciting area and a project I'm really excited to tee up for you today. So I'll tell you about that. So, I talked a little bit about data, um, and one of your trustees. Nadine used
036to be commissioner. Also loved data. Um, you'll… you'll enjoy this. This is a map of disparities in child and family well-being. So, one of the things that. Was we took a look at. 9 indicators of child and family well-being, and we mapped them. Across our county, so… The darker the green. A higher the number of needs in that community, and that really told us. As our resources were dwindling, where we needed to focus our attention. Um, and so you can see the darkest green. That little sliver down in the bottom left. The 94590 zip code. Take it a little bit further, that… Map is represented by this next. Table. Right there, um, which is really hard to see on the screen. Um, but what this does is it is a strata along. The side are
037the zip codes, and across the top. Are the indicators of child and family well-being. We compared that to the Solano County average, so depending on how you rank. I have a community ranked is whether or not they received a point saying that they were. Um, at a higher risk, and then we ranked the zip. We don't make all our decisions based on just this data, but it's one way. For our commission members to take a look at our community. And make informed decisions about where they put their resources. We've had a long-standing partnership with the County Office of Education. Um, and some of the things that we've done together, um, in the direct services realm, remember I talked about we. Phase. One, we fund direct services and. Another. We work on… So, in the direct
038service arena, um, these are just some of the examples. Of the things that we've done together. The first is pre-kindergarten academies. So, pre-kindergarten academies, um, I'm sure you've all heard them referred to as 6-week. Uh, so we… Target kids who've never been in school. Never been in a child care setting, so kids who… How to take care of themselves in the bathroom. How to spell their name. Spend 6 weeks with those kids. Try and get them up to a place where they can enter school and they're ready to learn. Covid emergency child care. We all remember the early days of COVID. We were all freaking out, trying to figure out what to do. Um, we had issues with essential workers in the County Office of Education. I came together to sponsor, um. Childcare essential work…
039workers' coverage. So that those… grocery store workers. Right? We're able to, uh… have a safe place for their kids to be cared for. While they had to go to work, until their… and then what we did was we. Help them think through how to get their situation resolved, get them connected so they could. Have a steady resolution. We also worked with the County Office of Education on a program called Raising a Reader. Which is a book bag program every week, a child. Gets a book bag, the teacher, the… Feature works with the parent who becomes the teacher of the child for that week. The parent how to read with a kid? Um, how to explore imagination. They take the books home, they come back the next week, and they trade out for a new set
040of. So that, that's a, um… And our most long-standing direct service project is our IMPACT. Program is Child Care Professional Development. So, every year, about 40 sites, 40 child care centers. For child care, family child care, homes. Work with the County Office of Education. Our child care facility. Um, assess their facility, determine. Where they might, um, make an improvement in their facility. Develop a plan and implement that plan. Um, because what we're looking to do is raise the quality of childcare. That is being… We also work with the County Office of Education on, uh. Many planning efforts. To the part of our mission where we're a. Catalyst. So, we do a lot of thinking. With your team at the County Office of Education. Some of those, uh, projects include an. Initiative called 100% Kids. Outdoors.
041That project is sponsored by the Solano County Land Trust. Um, they actually took our data sheet that we shared with you earlier for Kids 0 to 5. And they expanded it to kids 0 to 18. To take a look at, um. How kids were doing in the county, then they mapped out where there are play spaces. In the county, how far away from each geography there are. Where there are gaps, and then the planning group came together to look at that information. Look at opportunities that are available, and, um. Develop a plan of action for how. We would approach, um, working toward getting 100%. A local child care planning council is another effort. Uh, that we worked on together. This, uh, local child care planning council. Most local child care planning councils are operated. Within
042the County Office of Education. The local Child Care Planning Council here in Solano was not, uh, operated. It was operated by a non-profit. We worked with the County Office of Education. Advisors to transition the local childcare planning. Under the auspices of the Office of Education. It has been, uh, working just. Wonderfully. Universal pre-kindergarten. This is related to transition. Like I said, there are. There were some unintended consequences in thinking… in… implementing transitional kindergarten for child care providers. About your child care provider, you're in your home, you have 8 children in your care, and you have. Two infants, three toddlers, and 3 preschoolers. I don't have preschoolers anymore. Preschoolers are going into transitional kindergarten. Now, you went from serving kids that were. Um, just born… Page 4, just born to age 3. What does that do
043to your business? And… and how do you manage that? And how do you think about that differently? And what kinds of supports can we put in place. Um, at our… at the. Systems level, so that we can make your transition more successful. So those are some of the things that we thought through together. Uh, and then the last one is a Solano Kids Thrive Collaborative. This collaborative. Strong for many, many years. Off, um, during the COVID times when we couldn't. The Solano Kids Thrive Collaborative was wonderful in this. Uh, since that number, we talked about those, those three areas that we fund drug services. Health, early care and education, and family support. I don't know about you guys, but those people don't necessarily always talk to each other. You know, in our own, sometimes in
044our own agencies, we don't all talk to each other, right? So, um, the Solano Kids Thrive Collaborative was really wonderful in that. People in the child care realm understood what was happening in the healthcare realm. And then understood what was happening in the family support realm. Um, which made them more informed. With their businesses, and also. Made them make connections in ways that they hadn't seen before. That was a very effective effort. And our newest effort, which I'm so excited to tee up for you. We're just going to be so excited, because we're so excited, is. We bought a school. Um, so wonderful. So there is a school in Vallejo. It was, um, was called Beverly Kids Elementary. Um, we purchased the school in partnership. Uh, with the County Office of Education and in partnership
045with. Child Start, which is our local Head Start provider. From Juan after me. I don't want to steal too much of his thunder, but… Um. Let's go to the next slide. Otherwise, I'll steal all his thunder. Um, this is… this is a, um… Schematic of what the school is potentially going to look like. Minus the fencing there, our fencing is much. Nicer than that. Um… But this will be Rise of Vallejo. It's a school that has. 15 functional classrooms, a library, and, um, two additional partner classrooms. Uh, we will have… we will be providing Head Start on-site, as well as. Multiple… private providers will be able to come in, and for a share of cost. Um, occupy classes. So we have an application process. Um, they'll have to apply and be. And… and so… Next
046slide. How did we do this? How did we do this? Because this was expensive. This cost $16 million. How much money! So much money. Um, the city of Vallejo. Contributed. The County of Solano. State of California contributed. That's contributed, and we received philanthropic dollars. So, um, such… just such a wonderful… Outpouring of support, um, and… and just… a really well-rounded. Project. Oh, so I stay on point and not steal his thunder. How do… How did we do this? This took… next slide, thank you. As 5 years to plan. I… I promised Lisette that I wouldn't. Um, call her out too much, but this project never would have happened. Without Lisette and her ability to make a connection. For us without Lisette. Project just would have… Oh, jeez… Amazing. Three key partners, the County Office of
047Education. First five, and child start. And $16 million. When this project is completed, um. 300 kids will be… up to 300 kids will be served at this site every year. And the great thing about this is… sustainable project. There's no ongoing cost. All, um, just a share of cost for each of the. Providers, which will be… Um, no more than 85% of. What they would normally pay. Um, so, when you are a private provider, let's say you're renting. Renting a home. You're going to pay your rent, and then you're going to pay. Pg&e and water and all of that. Um, they won't have the… home rental cost. Because the home is paid for. So, it's such a wonderful… Gift, because government doesn't do gifts. It's a wonderful… contribution to make to a community. And really
048a transformative. Project. And again, at this school, this shuttered school. Right in the middle of a neighborhood is transformed. Now a viable part of that community. So, um… That is part of First 5's legacy. We're so… Thrilled to have been able to make this transformation. We are, um… writing up how we did this so other communities. Can replicate this. I will retire before it's replicated again in Solano, only so my staff doesn't kill me. Um, but it's… it's just such an amazing. Project. And that's my presentation. I'm happy to take… Thank you so much, Michelle. Questions? Questions? Incredible, and true visionary really is, Michelle Harris. Executive Director at First 5 Solano. Um, she has these grand ideas. And, uh, and then brings us together to help think through. We can do this. It's… unlocking endless
049possibilities at its very core. Uh, and I thank you so much for your vision. Um, and continuing to push this forward. And finding ways to make things like this happen. I very much appreciate it. Thank you, Lisette, and thank you. For taking my call when I said. What if? What if? Thank you for engaging. We're starting to open the… Is that key in the keyhole and make it happen. We do have one question from Justin. First, I'd like to say thank you. You are awesome. You've always been awesome, and I thank you one. One reason, bringing it to Vallejo. And, um, when will the school be up and running? That is a long question. That's a one question, yeah. Okay. We'll save that question for Juan. Not that thunder. It should have been October. It
050will be probably January. Thank you so much. Thank you, Michelle. Thank you. Juan, why don't you go ahead and step up, and Michelle, you wanna… you're welcome to stay. As we do the rest of the presentations, because you're all connected. Um, SCO, uh, for my next item, is proud to spotlight its collaboration. With Child Start Inc, and bringing the RISE Early Learning Center to life in Vallejo. Juan Cisneros is our Executive Director of Child Start, Inc, and he's going to provide. A brief overview of this innovative initiative designed to expand. High-quality early learning opportunities. That strengthened the family support services and prepare our littles 0-5 for school success. Um, serving in one of the Our County's most underserved communities. Um, it's very exciting, and as Michelle said, this center reflects our shared commitment. Uh, because
051together we can accomplish so much more. Uh, to equity, early intervention, and that whole family support. Laying that strong foundation for lifelong learning and lifelong success. Endless possibilities of lifelong success for our, not only our littles, but their families. So, thank you, Juan, for your contribution to. Early learning tonight. Thank you so much, Superintendent Estrea Henderson. I have to say. And trustees, um, I have to say that. Um, I'm really inspired standing here right now, because when I saw the video. And then I reflected on our own theme, Child Starts theme for the year, which is. Growth and accountability through. Unity, I'm like, we have a lot of work to do. Like, we could do better. Because unlocking endless possibilities is really what it's about. And it's about, as leaders, understanding that in every situation,
052there's opportunity. And that's where those endless possibilities come from. That opportunity that exists in every situation, so… I stand here inspired by just the few minutes that I spent. Sitting through, uh, Lisette's presentation, but also. Inspired at the initial vote that you took on earlier today, and. Um, some of the emotion that I'm seeing, you know, we're all human beings, and it's okay to express that emotion sometimes, so I just want to thank you for. Being human. Um, that said, uh, my name is Juan Cisneros, and I'm the Executive Director for Child Start. I've been with. Head Start programs now for almost 30 years, 5 years in Florida, and almost 25 here in California. Uh, after I transplanted here in 2002. I want to start by basically saying a little bit about Child Start, because
053as. Uh, Michelle, and I think even Lisette talked a little bit about, we do operate the. Head Start programs throughout. Napa, Solano. Parts of Contra Costa, and as of 410 this morning. Parts of Marin County. So, yeah. So, another new venture for us, um, as we begin to look at. Developing some of Child Start's Head Start services in parts of Marin County. So today, I'm going to talk to you, or this evening, I'm going to talk to you about Rise Vallejo. I kind of feel like Michelle pretty much… said it all, so I don't know how much more I'm gonna say, but I'll do my best. Um, if we can… how do we advance this? Okay. Eric, as you're advancing. I have animated slides. Are they gonna show up that way, or…? Probably not. Probably
054not. Okay, so… The presentation might not… um… about the way I was hoping it would, but that's okay, we'll figure it out. So, Michelle showed the schematic. Um, color of the building. This is one of the initial. Architectural drawings of the property. Uh, when we first started with the vision of, um, Rise Vallejo. And when you look at this property, it's basically two phases. One is the Early Learning Center, which is the building at the. The bottom of the picture. And the other part is the community resource building. Which is on the upper right hand, and that's pending funding that. We're still trying to raise so that we can open up a community center that can serve the entire community. For the sake of this presentation, I'll be focused on just the Early Learning Center,
055which we're calling. Rise Vallejo, and… as I looked at your agenda, I was… Inspired by what was written there, and so I needed to include some of those anticipated. Outcomes on this slide, because. It really did explain what we're about at Rise Vallejo. We're not only trying to address community, uh, community need for. Increasing access to quality early care and education. But we're also here to work comprehensively. Comprehensively to meet the needs of children and families that we're serving, and it's. All children and families, not… Not just those that we serve in Head Start. Uh, this is a very innovative approach that brings in a multitude of providers, licensed child care providers. To implement their approach to early care and education. It's something that, in my 30 years of experience, I have not seen in
056the area of early care and education, so it truly is. It's innovative, it's act… it's very exciting. It's a… it's a labor of love that I like to call, um… Something that we're just very, very proud of. And so. What I'm gonna do is… I'm gonna do my best to focus on. Two things. One, the… the design of the facility itself, because there's a lot going on right now, um, at the EOS, at the… at Rise Vallejo. A lot of it is construction. It's a construction zone right now. But there's… there's a lot of intention around the design and how we're going to… achieve improved, um, child and family outcomes. And so. As I go over some of the design components of the actual facility. I'll try to marry some of the. Child and family
057outcomes that we'll be achieving. Uh, in… in the physical space that I'll be highlighting. And so. When I think about… Um… can you go back to the other one? When I think about what Michelle said earlier, we took, essentially, a shuttered elementary school. It was no longer operating, and… We're essentially converting it into a state-of-the-art. Early Care and Education Center, that's developmentally appropriate for children 0 to 5. So, infants, toddlers. And preschoolers, and so… There's a lot of work to change. An elementary school to a developmentally age-appropriate. Um, infant, toddler, and preschool center. And so, these are some of the things that. Uh, generally speaking, we're doing to give it its complete makeover, because that's what it is. It's a total. Makeover of the facility. And so. Next slide. One of the things that I…
058I'm happy to say that it's not just about. Um, what's happening inside the buildings, it's also aesthetically what's happening. Outside the building, and… Uh, Michelle showed a beautiful picture of the painting design, overall painting design, but. We're also going to be including murals. On each of the wings. There's 5 wings. And each wing will have a different type of mural, and that's to support learning. Um, I'm sorry, can you go back? Is there a way that I can control it, by chance? Okay, no problem. Um, these murals will foster creativity in children. They will also enhance the learning environment. As you know, children learn through play. They learn through every. Possible experience that they have with adults, with other children. But also their environments. And so. The idea behind these murals isn't just to. Make
059the walls look pretty, but it's actually to support learning. And excitement, and joy as parents drop off and pick up their children every single day. And so, what's highlighted here in green are the actual 15 classrooms that'll be dedicated to. Early learning. There are a total of 18 classrooms, but only 15 will actually be. Use for early care and education. Taking a look at the actual design, you'll see here that. We're doing a lot of work to put in those age-appropriate bathrooms. They didn't have them before, and so each bathroom will have. To, um, developmentally appropriate toilets. A diaper changing station. Developmentally appropriate sinks, all of this to promote the. Um, development of self… self-care skills for children. But also to meet the hygiene needs of children as well. It's gonna have. A small kitchen
060area, so that. Providers can provide nutritious meals for children. It's gonna have a second exit to put… Not just, um, meet fire code, but to also help children prepare. And practice those fire drills. So that they can be safe in the event of. Some type of crisis or emergency. Um, you could see on the lower bottom left, it's… you can hardly see it, but… Um, there's also going to be a welcoming office. It's… Our lobby area that serves as, like, the administrative office. This will be the point of entry, the single point of entry for all families into the center. The reason for this design is so that. Um, it's safe. Uh, when parents come in, it's monitored. Um, but it's also to help promote those connections between our staff and the parents that they'll
061be seeing on a day-to-day basis. There will be a navigator located in this building. That can help families who. Uh, might need support with accessing resources. Again, this aligns with. The model we're trying to implement, where we're not just providing services to children. But comprehensively, we're providing services to their families as well, so it's a dual-generation approach. Um, to promote peer-to-peer connections, as well as parent engagement, because we know. That with parent engagement, you know, there's data that basically says. Uh, increased levels of parent engagement actually. Improve academic performance, they improve attendance, they also. Um, uh, improve, enhanced social skills. In this multi-purpose room, this will be space where we can engage families, and it's big enough. To actually include up to 250 people. So, these could be really big. Parent engagement activities, they could
062be… Um, child, teacher. Parent activities, it could be community activities. We're also seeing there's a space where we can provide. Professional development opportunities for teachers. Um, so it's open space that… is hopefully going to promote strong levels of engagement across the board. All right, so this is the one that I had some animations in, because I wanted to roll out each. Playground individually. Because each playground has intentionality, from… Supporting children with… Um, sensory processing to… Um, supporting their, their gross motor skills to supporting. Obviously, social-emotional, um, because… Children at Play, um… And be very social with each other, but… I guess all I'll say here is that we've designed 9 playgrounds. At the ELC, at Rise Vallejo, so that. Providers can rotate and have enough outdoor environment. To help teach children, and it's very intentional
063per age, by age. Uh, with… with a variety of activities in each one that promotes different types of learning. Um, I did want to show the fence, because… Um, it does look better than what Michelle presented earlier, but this is the fence that we have put in for the perimeter. It's much taller. To help keep, um, the. The campus safe, so essentially keep those. That we don't want on the campus out. But there's also smaller fencing for the playgrounds to keep children safe. Um, basically keeping them within the playgrounds while they're out there playing. Um, so with that, I just wanted to say thank you, um, to Solana County Office of Education for all of their work. I agree with everything Michelle said. We could not have done this without Solano County Office of Education.
064Lisette and the team that she brings with her. Have been, um, truly invaluable to this whole process, and… A big, big thank you, but that also leads to the last part that I want to talk about, which is… some additional space that we actually have at the Early Learning Center, and. I want to focus particularly with Wing E. And this one has… has 3 classrooms that we are opening up to community partners to, again, provide some of those. Comprehensive needs for families. But also to staff, and we are hoping that we can bring on partners. That are willing to co-locate some of their services so that we can, um. Link families, children, and our staff. Do a lot of those support services that help them grow, that help them thrive. Help them grow as professionals
065as well. Um, what's… what's interesting about the… The approach to these rooms, much like all the other classrooms, is that we're not charging rent. Um, what it is, is basically sharing the cost. Or operating at the ELC. So it's a share of… Operation cost model that we are implementing. And then just highlighting some of the benefits of partnerships here, so… I think I'll stop there. Um, basically, through these partnerships, we hope to enhance service delivery. Promote collaboration, and, you know, lead towards better outcomes for families, staff. And, um, our partners. That's it. Thank you. Questions for Juan? Uh, Trustee LaValle? Oh, um… Michelle had mentioned a library. Whereabouts on that campus is the library? Yeah, so the additional space in Wing E. It'll be in one of those three classrooms. Okay. Yes. We already have
066some, some, um… Some funds to start to put that together in terms of design. Oh, we don't have enough. Yeah, it'll be in one of those classrooms, and… Yes, we could use some additional funding. Trustee Dean? Very quickly, I was just wondering if any of the playgrounds are covered? Yeah, so, um… There'll be 3 with, um… Actual permanent structures that'll be installed that do have covers that will also be different types of. Um, cell-type covers in the others, so yes. They'll be… there'll be shading in each of the playgrounds. We are so excited about this partnership. And, uh, Lisa Ekoff, our Senior Director of Early Learning, and part of her team is back there. Incredible. She is the queen. Of, uh, early learning. And, um… Thank you, Juan. Please stick around as part of our
067early learning night. Uh, Lisa Ekhoff, I'll introduce next. Um, our Senior Director of Early Learning. Uh, just incredible individual. Very talented, and. I had the privilege of bringing her on board and hiring her. Um, my gosh, was it 10 years ago? Oh my goodness. Um, uh, when we weren't doing early learning to, uh, to a large extent, or to a great degree. And Lisa's a one-man show. And now has expanded, um, and what you see are some of the members of her team here tonight. Incredible work. Um, and what you saw in Michelle's presentation. The majority of those projects and partnerships. It's because of Lisa's leadership, and she is to be congratulated and commended and lifted up. Uh, she is an incredible part of the SCO team. And, uh, and you have just continued to…
068grow and expand the team to an incredible degree, and we're looking forward. To that partnership, uh, with Rise Vallejo, and being on site and co-location. Um, uh, to support that work. So, Lisa, congratulations for you. Oh, thank you. What Lisa has been able to do is bridge. From 0 to 5. To K-12. And, uh, it's incre… she's incredibly talented at that. She's a systems thinker. And again, we weren't really doing a lot of early learning. Um, when Lisa came on board. Uh, but we had some fun from, uh, First 5 Solano. Actually to expand the work that we were doing in that arena. And, um, a major part of her task at that time. Was helping us to bridge that gap. Uh, with quality counts. Uh, she has taken that and run with it. Um,
069so many of the things that you saw in… With a little help from friends. Yes. Uh, and… and so many of the things that you saw in… in Michelle's. Presentation are all reflected in the individuals on Lisa's team. This project in particular. Um, uh, uh, First 5 Solano. Um, and part of their portfolio was awarded. A, um, a 3-year cycle of funding in 23-20… 23-24. 2526, uh, through 2526 for universal peak… Pre-k efforts, and what we call UPK. Um, the primary goal at the time of the pre-K expansion. Um, Solano County's Early Learning and Care Mixed Delivery System, say that 3 times, which includes family child care, private centers, and state preschool and Head Start. Uh, Sko completed the assessment of community needs related to the implementation of UPK. And the presentation includes the results
070of this assessment and the recommendations. For the two-year implementation, and if you recall, late last year, early last spring. Um, we were commended, Lisa and Casey, Dr. Casey Rogers, were commended for. Their presentation to the first five commission, because they funded the study. And, um, I think through correspondence, I read that commendation, and you're like, we want to hear more! So here it is. Uh, Lisa Ekoff, our Senior Director of Early Learning, and Dr. Tacey Rogers. Um, these two individuals have just done an incredible job. And, uh, I'm gonna allow you to take it away. Thank you for your kind words. They were not in the script. Not see that anywhere, so thank you for that. I want to acknowledge, first of all, two of our early learning managers that are here for. Moral support,
071and also just to show, um, a presence for… from our department. So we have Michelle Barhorn and Brianna Marino, so… Thank you. Because it's late, right? It's late. You know it's late. You're used to being here late, we're not. Thank you, President Coleman, Trustees, and Superintendent Lizette Stray Henderson for inviting us to be here tonight. Um, to share the outcomes of an important. Study, um, for Solano Early Learning Project, and. Forgive me for referring to my note so much. When you write too much, then you read it, right? Okay, so I should have just put bullet points. Um, so thank you for letting us be here tonight, inviting us to be here to share the… Results of this… of a really important study that we did conduct. Um, so it's on Solano Early Learning Project,
072and it's called the UPK Expansion. Impact study. Um, it is my pleasure to oversee all the various programs for early learning, um, offered through our division, uh, here at SCO. Including helping to guide the expansion of. Universal pre-kindergarten, and I bet you've heard UPK, TK a lot, even UTK. So I'm going to give a little bit of, um, provide a little bit of definition and explanation of what they are. Um, and then maybe you've heard of a mixed delivery system for child care, but I'm also going to tie all that together for it. For us. So, our esteemed colleague, Dr. Casey Rogers. Director of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation is also joining me in today's presentation, because this was a. This project was a cross-departmental collaboration. Involving all 11 of the early learning staff. Dr. Rogers
073and her teammate, Joseph Knapp. The data analyst. With full support. First 5 Solano, also Superintendent. Astrella Henderson and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lamos, so thank you all. For making it happen. I'd also like to… Michelle has stepped out, she's already heard this presentation, but I would also like to publicly acknowledge and express our gratitude. Through First 5 Solano Commission Children and Families Commission and their staff. We're recognizing the need for this study and for commissioning. The Solano County Office of Education's Early Learning Team. To complete the process. So what is the UPK Expansion Impact Study, and what purpose does it serve? So I'm just going to give a little bit of background, um, and I'll try to make this part really quick. In December of 2020, Governor Newsom's team, including the Department of Education. And the
074Department of Health and Human Services. Published a report titled Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, Making California for All Kids. The team was tasked with addressing five issue areas related to early learning. Access, quality, universal preschool, facilities, and financing. And I really want to focus on the word universal. We have… we have child care programs, early learning and care programs, in our state and in our nation. Oftentimes, you hear universal access. Sometimes universal access. Excludes some children, because it says universal, but. Some families have to pay for those services, some families qualify for. Subsidies to help them pay for services, and some families. Are exempt from paying services because of their high needs. So, universal access. Now, in California, it means universal access. Um, a key objective of the master plan was to promote
075school readiness by providing at least one year of free. Universally available, high-quality, and fully inclusive. Early learning experience to every child. In California prior to their entering kindergarten. So those services are being provided to all 4-year-olds. And an increasing number of 3-year-olds. This became known as Universal Pre-Kindergarten, UPK. I'm sure you've heard about it, little bits and pieces of it. I want to clarify that this universal access. The Quality Early Learning and Care is intended to be delivered through the Child Care Mixed Delivery System. These services for 3- and 4-year-olds may be provided in a variety of settings. That's what the mixed delivery system is. So the settings can vary between home-based family child care. Um, providers, private and community-based centers. And then also California State Preschool programs, which are obviously funded by the state.
076Also, the federally funded programs operated by Head Start. All of these and transitional kindergarten, which takes place on school… on public school campuses. All of those are providing services for preschool children, for 3- and 4-year-olds. Um, in different settings, in different, uh, types of models, but they're all included, um, in the mixed delivery system. So they are all. A part of universal preschool. So, so a child might go to… Continue to be served in a private, um, home-based. Child care center, uh, child care program. Or their parent might opt to. Enroll them in public school in their neighborhood school to attend a transitional kindergarten. Class, but all of those together, including transitional kindergarten, are all part of the mixed delivery system. The expansion of UPK began with a planning year in 21-22 school year with
077TK programs being piloted throughout the state here and there. In 2223, um, that was the first year of the gradual phase-in, uh, implementation for transitional kindergarten. Eligibility for transitional kindergarten is based on the child's birth date. Beginning this school year, so we've been in the implementation phase for 5 years. Um, you might… you may or may not know this, um. About 5 years ago, I guess, maybe a little more, maybe 7 years ago. Um, California was one of the only states in the whole nation. That had such a late entry, uh, late birth date. For entry into kindergarten. So, um, we had… I was… when I was a principal, kindergarten teachers can spot. A 4-year-old a mile away, or a child that was just turned 5. And also children who haven't been served in any
078kind of. Preschool program, so they can spot them a mile away, because. They don't yet know how to, um… I don't want to say controlled themselves, they don't yet know how to be. Humans, right? They're still… they're still learning. That's a funny way to say it, but anyway, so, um, so at that time, maybe about 7 or 8 years ago. Um, the California legislature… They began to develop this phased-in. Transitional kindergarten to catch those children who are… who have late birth dates. And have traditionally been enrolled in kindergarten here. And so they kind of rolled that back a little bit so that. Those children that are young 5-year-olds. Um, can go to transitional kindergarten, and then go into kindergarten, which is a kind of a two-year program. Pk and K are… make up a two-year
079program. Okay, that's not in my script, but… So, beginning this school year, all children who turn 4. 4, not 5, by September 1st, are eligible to enroll in transitional kindergarten. Parents are not required to enroll their age-eligible children in transitional kindergarten. Um, which is only offered by school districts. They may choose to keep their child in their current placement. Or choose other programs that better meet the needs of the family and the child. Tk is just one of those options. But the introduction of UPK expansion a few years ago SCO very quickly responded. Hosting information exchange sessions with childcare business owners. And early learning and care staff to explain the rollout of UPK. The expansion of transitional kindergarten, and to discuss the existing. And potential impacts to child care providers and families. And, uh, Michelle
080alluded to this part a little bit in her presentation. The unintended consequences of this amazing program of universal pre-K. So we began to meet with child care providers that we already have relationships with, because they are… they're coming to us to say, what is this? What's this about? How's that going to impact my business? How's that gonna impact my program? At the same time, the SCO team was meeting with school district leaders because. Principals and, uh, district leadership is saying, oh. We don't really know how to serve 4-year-olds. And you're gonna bring 4-year-olds onto our school campuses that are not. Yet, um, haven't had their facilities adapted. So we had a few years to make some of that happen. So at the same time that we were meeting with child care providers who had concerns
081and worries and. We're hearing different bits of information. We also began to meet with district leadership from all of the districts. To kind of help guide them in planning their… each of their implementation of transitional kindergarten. So, luckily, we had a few years. To do that planning, but it's happening this year, this very moment. In collaboration with First 5 Solano's leadership and the Commission's support, the SCO team developed and conducted a county-wide research. Inquiry and analysis to determine the existing. And potential impacts of UPK expansion. From the perspective, this is the important part, that we wanted to hear from. Early learning and care providers to see what are they hearing, what do they know, what do they need to know. What are they worried about, and how can we support them? So now I'll turn
082it over to Dr. Rogers, and she's going to explain the details of the study. Um, by which we were able to accomplish this, only through her amazing expertise, so… flip it over to my screen. Thank you, Lisa. Good evening, President Coleman, Trustees. Um, Superintendent Estrella Henderson, I'm very honored to be here this evening. My name is Dr. Tacey Rogers, and President Coleman, before I get started. I just want to address Superintendent Estrella Henderson. I'm so thankful for you. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to be included in the agenda tonight. I'm thankful to have served under your leadership. Um, I… as I understand it, uh, Dr. Lemos brought to you an idea to expand the research, uh, and assessment team here at SCO. And I'm just thankful that you were a vessel. One of my
083prayers was to be able to work. Uh, in the community where I live, and thank you for allowing yourself to be used to say yes. I'm so honored and privileged, and, um, just thank you for your leadership and leading this organization. I feel very blessed to have been able to serve under your tenure here. Um, thank you. I can't thank you enough. Um, thank you, President Coleman, for my, my, uh, deviation there. Um, but as you can see on this slide, again, thank you, trustees, I'm very honored to be here this evening. Um, with the partnership with Lisa, um, Lisa Ekoff and her team, we were able to, as she mentioned, conduct this study. And we were intentional in leveraging our partners for this work. Um, First 5 Solano is an essential partner as a
084part of this, and in addition to. First 5 Solano, um, Lisa Ekoff, and Dr. Lemos connected us with. Partners at UC Irvine that were conducting a similar study for Orange County. And so, in that partnership, that's where we were able to see the draft of their survey and outreach questions. Because we wanted to be very mindful of the questions that we included in our study to ensure. That what we were asking would truly bring us the responses to the why that you heard Lisa talking about. In addition to our consultation with UC Irvine, we also leaned into scholarly research that's peer-reviewed. And the benefit of leaning into peer-reviewed research is that it helps us ensure that our questions have appropriate language, are culturally responsive. And, um, are appropriate for large audiences to be able to
085process and digest and understand truly what we're asking. Um, our survey was an adaptive survey, and you can see the details of the questions listed on the slide. And respondents were presented with questions based on their role, and so they're… depending on how they would answer, it's possible that they saw different questions as they moved throughout the survey. Additionally, respondents were given the option to, um, opt in to participate in conversations with us in either a focus group format or in a one-on-one setting. In those cases, respondents that opted in, most of them selected to speak to our early learning team members in a one-on-one setting. And on the next slide, you can see some details related to our. Response statistics, and we are thankful again to Superintendent Estrella Henderson. She allowed us to really
086lean into our guiding principle of collaboration. We partnered with our PIO's office on this work. Because we wanted to use their outreach tools for a specific set of reasons. Their outreach tools… we don't want to conduct outreach just for outreach's sake. Especially with our constituents and sending another survey, so we want to be very mindful. Um, and ensuring that we are, um, um, reaching them. For a very specific reason, and not just because we can. So there… the PIO's office, the tools that they have allow us to really track. Our receipt, rate of receipt of our surveys, and the open rate, and so that was very valuable to us. To be able to report back and understand the results of our outreach. Um, so our… Respondents, our target audience, came from two data sources. One,
087you see them both listed on the site, California Department of Social Services, CDSS. As well as our… our early learning team's membership list, those who are in a current membership, current programs that exist across Solano County Office of Education. And so, our delivery rate was 98%, which speaks to the credibility of our data sources. Um, which we're very proud of, and then the open rate of 66% and our response rate of 34%. Additionally, our outreach went in English and also in Spanish, because again, we wanted to have. Um, as much representation as possible. This slide, we're very proud of this slide, and I'm thankful for the math that you saw in Michelle Harris's presentation, because it maps out the reach of Solano County, and we're so proud and blessed to be able to say that
088our respondents represent the entire county. Um, you can see… we had 123 unique responses. Um, and you can see we added… we wanted to see respondents by zip codes, so we have about… Not about, excuse me. We have 20 from Dixon, we have 23 in Vallejo, 9 in Benicia. Sassoon represented there. Um, Fairfield represented there with 32, so this was very important. Because we wanted, as Lisa said, to hear the voices, um, our. Team members, uh, colleagues on their early learning team had an understanding of what they were hearing. But we want to make sure that that aligns with what constituents are actually saying. And so this response rate. Represents, number one, a couple of things. In partnership with our PIO's office, sometimes it's about aesthetics, right? How does it look? Does it make me
089want to engage with what you're emailing to me? So we're very thankful for our PIO's team in that. Um, also, um, Solano County Office of Education, First 5 Solano, the name recognition, right? You saw. Um, our open rate, and then the relationships, because some of our target audience did come from our membership list of those who have engaged with. Um, early learning to date, or at the time that we launched the survey. On the next slide, we have also. Um, a little bit of detail about the respondents, and we mentioned that the survey was adaptive, so we were able to ask our respondents demographic questions. About their work settings, about who they are, about the students that they serve, their ages, ethnicity, role. Um, many details about their staff. And of the 123 respondents, 46
090of them were from home-based settings. Where the median amount of children is 12. And 77 respondents were from center-based settings, where the median amount of enrollment is 42. And so again, we have a good representation. Of, um, being able to glean their perception of the expansion of UPK. So now, I'm going to turn it back over to Lisa, who's going to talk through some of our findings. That's the nitty-gritty. This is… these are the outcomes and the really, uh… the meat of the purpose of the study, and what… now what, right? Here's what we know, here's what we now know. So now what? Um, as you heard Dr. Rogers explain, we had over 100 respondents. Across nearly all zip codes in Solano County, we are very proud of that. Additionally, the early learning managers had
091oper… I think all of our teammates participated in this. We had the opportunity to conduct interviews with about a dozen or so. Providers across a variety of programs, so we got to. Have conversation with them and ask them a specific set of ques… each of them a specific… Specific set of questions. You know, when you… when you're having a conversation like that. You might ask 5 questions. You might get 5 answers, you might also get 5 answers and a whole lot more. And that's what happened, because we know the… we know some of these people, most of these people. We already have a… and establish relationship with them at some level or other. So we did get… glean a lot of information from our, um, interviews. So, slide, uh, that's where you need to be.
092Thank you. I was gonna make sure I told you when to… Go to the next slide, but I didn't remember two at all. So, um, based on the survey and the interview responses, four themes emerged. And I'll expand on each of these themes. So, family and child needs. Family seek services that meet the needs of the child and the family's circumstances. For example. Hours of care. Some… not all families don't work, all parents don't work 8 to 5. Some work non-traditional hours, and they need care for the… for those extended hours. Or for, um, non-traditional hours. They might also require extra services, like, um, are meals provided at this, uh, in this child care program? Is there transportation services provided for. Um, school drop-off and pick-up. Um, are the curriculum and the learning practices aligned
093with the family's culture and beliefs? These are all considerations. That families have to think about when they're choosing. Um, the best program for their child. What about diversity, equity, and inclusion? These are factors families must consider in choosing the best fit. We ask participants. Have you had to change the services you provide, or the age group you serve due to the expansion of TK? 22% said no, more than a third said yes. They've had to make changes in their… in the services they're providing in order to meet the needs of. Families, now that they may be losing some of their 4-year-olds. Um, to go to TK. Okay, go to the next slide. Jamie! Study participants were asked, how difficult has it been to fill all the childcare openings. For children 0 to 5. 30% said
094not at all, it's not been a problem at all. More than a third said that has. There has been some difficulty, and the respondents that indicated that there had been some difficulty already. Um, we're predominantly from child care centers, so we were hearing more from center operators. Than from family child care providers, um, that they were seeing an impact, like they're losing children. And their programs that… that must be going to TK. Study participants indicated needing additional professional training on topics such as inclusive practices, infant and toddler care. And development, and social-emotional learning, specifically related to challenging behaviors. As well as needing support with recruitment and retention of qualified staff. Education and career advancement pathways and professional growth advising. Ew. Study participants indicated the need to better understand what UPK is, what it will mean.
095For providers and for families, and how their programs or businesses fit into UPK. That's what we heard the most of. What does it mean? What is it? How can we stop it if it's not gonna work for us, you know, if it's going to have a negative impact on our programs? What is it, and what are we going to do about it? So we know from our conversations and this study. Providers, families, and the community, um, and school district partners. Have expressed the need to better understand the UPK mixed delivery system. And to clarify that family child care homes. Centers, Head Start, state preschool programs, and TK. Are all delivery models in the UPK system. That requires a lot of messaging to make sure. Family child care providers and private centers understand that they are
096a part of the UPK system. Adapting business models and staffing. Finding, hiring, retaining staff was a theme that continued to emerge. We often heard there are few or no qualified teachers. Applying for teaching positions. Teachers are leaving state-funded preschool programs, private preschools, and even Head Start positions. To move into the public school system to teach TK. Fewer 3- and 4-year-old children are enrolling in state preschool programs, so they're seeing a loss. Head Start programs are definitely seeing a loss as well, and then our private settings. Programs are needing to shift their models, and some are shifting to infant-toddler care. That brings with it, um, a few challenges, because you can… you can… your license, uh, allows you to serve fewer children if you are serving infants and toddlers. Fewer… fewer children. Or you have to
097hire staff to help, so that cuts into their profits and into their. Into their business. So, leading forward, what next? So what? So now what? Through this study, we have identified the needs of Solano County's early learning and care providers. This leads us to Solano County Office of Education and First 5 Solano's responses to these needs. So, SCO continues to offer a robust and varied menu of professional learning, of which we are very proud, I am very proud. Since the introduction of UPK and the emphasis on preschool to third grade alignment. Scoes trainings have expanded to include teachers of children ages birth to 8 years, so we serve. We provide training for family child care providers, center-based teachers. Kindergarten teachers, TK teachers, all the way to third grade. In addition, since 2019, SCO has supported
098early learning professionals through the ECE Workforce Pathways Program. That's an education and career advancement program that provides a stipend. Uh, to participants. As they advance in their career, uh, uh, complete education units. Earn their degree, associates or bachelor's degree, so they can earn a stipend for their, uh, for their accomplishments. Outreach and planning. As mentioned earlier, SCO has facilitated several provider forums, administrator trainings, and school district support networks since 2020. We'll continue to operate, uh, to offer these, um, services to our district partners. As well as to our, um, agency partners, like Child Start and First Five. I'm gonna skip through some of this and talk about, um, Lizette mentioned that. First five… the First Five Commission funded a 3-year… a three-year, 3-part, um. Um, program, um, to… to Solano County Office of Education. Um,
099as a result of the study, well, the study was year one. They funded, um. All of… all of the study, um, the staffing and the… procedures and all the materials. They provided the funding for that study, and we are grateful for their recognition that. That was a needed effort on… on our part and on their part. Last year, we, uh, we… sent a proposal to First 5 that they accepted it. Um, and what we did last year was called the Business Optimize… Child Care Business Optimization Program. And it had 3 parts, and so we, um… three or four parts. We scheduled some provider forums so we could continue the conversations with providers. Um, we had a series of four workshops that we provided to them. And that was a business development expert that helped them.
100Um, learn how to use free resources, uh, like on Google and different. Different, uh, Facebook and different websites. Um, helped them to promote their businesses. She also… the, um. Instructor also. Gave them some hands-on practice with the online support, but also she… You talk to them about how to. Not really reinvent themselves, but really how to promote what they have to offer, how their business is different than another. Family child care business, or why… why it's more beneficial to families, or more attractive, why it should be more… might be more attractive to families. Bring their child to a family child care, or to a corporate center. Um, so just ways, uh, we served only family child care providers in this program. Um, and I think… I can't remember how long. About 20 or so. Michelle
101was the manager for that program, so we provided the PD, specialized PD, for them. We provided the provider forums, um, we also did a mini-grants program. And we were able to award grants to childcare business owners up to $3,000 to fund. Business development activities that they had learned about through the workshops. This year, Part 3, um, SCO is facilitating. A similar business support cohort, but this one is for Spanish-speaking. Family child care providers in Solano County. So it is very similar to last year's, except we are not doing a mini-grants program this year, that was a lot. That's a lot. But we are also… but we're providing some training. Specifically for this cohort of family child care providers, and rather. We pride ourselves on, um, trying to reach all of our constituents in the county,
102and so. For our ECE conference, and for some of our. As many as we can of our Saturday morning trainings, we bring… we pay an interpreter to come in and. So the workshops are presented in English. And then we have an interpreter there to do simultaneous interpretation. So we're proud of ourselves for, uh, we pat ourselves on the back for providing those services, and then we wanted to step up even more. So we developed this proposal. And we want to provide the trainings for the Spanish-speaking, uh. Um, teachers and providers and business owners. In their first language, rather than just. Here's a… here it is in English. Here's an interpreter, and so do that little, um. Do that… do that work yourselves, right? So we're… we're trying to, um, increase our services and increase our
103reach, um, in the community. So the third part of, um. The program this year with our Spanish cohort. So it's the workshops, specifically, you know, provided in Spanish. It's, um, they'll be able to receive services and materials to support. The business's expansion, adaptations, and quality. Of their programs, again, based on the workshops that they attend. And the third part is that they'll be eligible to receive. A small stipend for their participation in the workshop, so depending on how many of the workshops they are able to attend and participate in. Then we'll give them a PD stipend, a professional learning stipend. Based on their participation. So that's the third. That's the third part of this three-year project. Who knows what's coming next year? We'll think of something. Um, and we're really proud of the results of
104the study and what we learned, and then how we reacted to what we had learned, so… Thank you so much. My gosh, incredible work. And you're only hearing. The very tip of the iceberg. I want you to. To… I want the early learning team to be recognized. Dr. Rogers, thank you also. Uh, for collaboration, your leadership. Dr. Lemos, for your leadership. Uh, it's truly a labor that has expanded over many years. And, uh, all of these individuals in this room in the early learning world have allowed us to continue to expand. From being, um… providers in the extensive support needs world. To actually reaching our providers. Um, and the professional learning needs, and informing the entire field. Well done. Congratulations. Thank you. My next, uh, item is, uh, at the request. Of the board, Community
105Engagement Office Projects Update. Jennifer Leonard, our, uh. Assistant superintendent of Communications, Community Engagement. Uh, and emergency management will be providing the presentation tonight. Boy. Good evening, President Coleman, trustees, Superintendent Australia Henderson, our legislators and representatives, colleagues, and guests. Thank you for the invitation to come before you and highlight some of the work we're doing around communications. Community engagement and emergency management tonight. I recognize that we've got a very robust agenda, so I will do my best to be as concise as possible. So tonight, we're just gonna do an overview. I'm going to provide a few examples about how we are working to connect, amplify, tell our stories. We're gonna look at data a little bit. And we're gonna touch on some emergency management projects that we've, um, accomplished over the past few years. So, to
106start, we really look at communication as this fundamental business aspect. Um, all of our teams across SCO. Have to take our objectives and our goals, whether it's in our LCAP, our priority areas, and a grant. And they have to work to build some sort of communication plan between that goal and the human activity that has to happen. To accomplish that goal. And so we really look at. If, when, and how support looks like for that, and supporting all of our teams in accomplishing their goals across the organization. So, you can't put a communications professional at a podium and not get a few infographics, but I'm gonna be brief tonight. And really what I'm trying to convey here is that we know that. Family and community engagement, that face-to-face connection is where the magic happens, and
107you guys hear that? Um, from my colleagues every week, Dr. Garrett and the JCCS team and the work they do on the porch. They can build relationships, they can understand barriers. They can remove those barriers and support. Meaningful student success, and that's happening. In our early learning teams and our special education teams. In HR, and so what we try to do. Is say, how do we support both points of that, from that connection point? How do we support creating opportunities to make that initial connection? And that might be a tablecloth and a sign and materials to hand out at a health fair. That hopefully gets somebody to stop and spark that conversation. And then how are we… putting wind in the sails. Of the amazing work and momentum that's happening across the organization, right? So
108how do we push the work along? So we're just really kind of a conduit and a megaphone in a lot of aspects. So, we do try to keep anchored in that improvement science, right? And for communications. That's research, planning, implementation, and evaluation, working with our teams. To understand their goals, develop strategies that relate to tactics and activities. And so, I'm going to skip over that part, because that's kind of the boring part, but we do try to keep rooted in that kind of strategic work that we're doing. Um, to support our teams in accomplishing their goals. And I have the honor and privilege of working alongside. Some really, uh, remarkable communication professionals, and each of them bring a unique. Set of skill sets, knowledge, and talent to the team. So that we can support our
109teams comprehensively. And effectively, and that's a little high-level breakdown of the specific areas that our team focuses on. So now we're going to talk about, like, what we're really… trying to do, right? Um, because communication and community engagement is about people. It's not just information. It's not one way… It's about people, and it's about storytelling, because if we can effectively storytell. We can, um, build consensus, we can deepen understanding, we can pull out humanity. Where, um… Sometimes a policy is very black and white, but the people behind that policy is a different story altogether. And so, we touched on that tonight. You saw a video of that. How are we… you know, connecting our staff to each other. Um, and doing that storytelling. We also, whether it's a real. A video, um, media interviews, or
110amplifying the work that our programs. That Elevate Youth Voice, like the Solana Youth Coalition. Um, how are we elevating youth voice, and how are we keeping students in the center of all the work that we're doing across, um, in support of our programs? We also want to look at connecting families and students to… those opportunities that inspire that student-driven lifelong learning. So examples of that are our Girls in Robotic Leadership Camps, our Science and Engineering Fairs, our spelling bees. Um, the Solana Youth Leadership Institute. And then how… how are we on the other side of that. Um… conveying how SCO is contributing. To public education and enrichment in Solano County. How are we conveying that to the wider community. Um, so parents on one side. And then the wider community on the other side. And
111that, that work right now is important, as we see. On a national scale, um, the narrative around public education is kind of shifting, and so now more than ever. That kind of work in our community is feeling very important. Um, we can't build connection if people don't have a sense of belonging, an example of one of these projects was our art community wall at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. In Vacaville, and then how are we sharing out the work that our colleagues are doing in this vein as well? We want to ensure and understand the partnerships that our teams have built, and then how do we reinforce and support them in. Establishing long-standing win-win relationships with their sponsors, their donors. Um, there are partners that provide employment opportunities, mock interviews, whatever that looks like.
112How do we kind of reinforce that? With brand recognition, um, press releases, other things like that. Um, so that those opportunities continue for our students. And the red carpet premiere event… I know many of you have attended, um. Comes to mind in… in… A project that builds community. We bring together students. And families, and business leaders. Um, and educators together. To sell out the Vacaville Performing Arts theater, not a seat in the place to. Listen to students' stories, to celebrate their accomplishments, and cheer them on. Um, so that they have a better support system. When they're transitioning from independent living. There is a better support system in their neighborhoods, in their communities, with their employers. How are we supporting our workforce development programs and other things in creating events that people want to come to
113and celebrate and cheer on and kind of. Have that engaging, fun experience. Um, transparency, consistency, timing, you know, and communications is always really critical. Um, another piece, though, that's more subtle is. Our brand standards that we have established. We have a branding guide, um, that establishes our creative direction, our tone, our voice. A consistent look and feel in all of SCO's communications, so that our community members. Get that recognition, they see us. They know us. And it also fosters that kind of awareness and positive sentiment around, um. Let's go so that we're chipping away at that, again, opportunity for that face-to-face conversation. Um, I think our Faces Friday social media campaign is a great example of coming in the classroom. And showing the amazing work of teachers and students. You saw a lot of those
114pictures in the film tonight. And just… and… Telling that narrative authentically and taking a really complex narrative, and making it really simple through impactful visuals is really critically important. So, again, it's taking that concept on paper. And how do we bring that to life in a way that's meaningful, that's tangible, that… Has impact. Sco's vision statement is preparing students to learn, grow, thrive. And achieve lifelong success. And last year's theme for the school year. Um, we developed in partnership with the leadership team was Learn, Grow, Thrive. And it spoke to what we were trying to accomplish as an internal culture at SCO in creating a learning culture. Where we're constantly pushing ourselves to grow and learn, professional learning. Um, be self-reflective, collaborate together, but also encompass what we do. For students in the classroom? And
115how do we bring that to life? Um, and so another example is what you saw in the lobby and the unlocking potential, so… It's taking those concepts on paper and kind of putting… breathing some life into them to support. Another example would be, um… taking a 15-page special education employee handbook. That can be very weighty and complicated, and turning it into a graphic. A visual, um, guidebook. That uses topography… Typography, not topography. Typography and hierarchy and visual elements to make it more accessible, more digestible. Um, and easier to get through, and so we take those complicated documents and try to. Um, support our teams in that way as well. And then, you know, in those culture and elements, you know, it's. All of our managers are working hard to ensure that our staff are feeling
116seen, that they're feeling valued, they're feeling heard. And if we can support that work, right, it's really important towards recruitment and retention. But it also speaks to our connection. Our creativity, our productivity. As well, so it's another one of those kind of fundamental business aspects that we're trying to kind of reinforce as well. Okay, we're gonna touch on data really briefly. Um… We have a creative request ticketing system where all of our colleagues can go to our website and create a request for support. And it can be something like a press release, or a sign. Or it can be something like an event promotion. Where we schedule face-to-face meetings between teams to understand their objectives, their target audiences. Their distribution methods, and then we map out all their deliverables and… you know, maybe it's… it's
117art for the website, and it's a flyer, and it's a social media post, and it's a banner for their stage. You know, um, and a program for their event, right? And we map all those things out. And so. We logged 763 tickets last school year. And this just looks at… a breakdown of the types of work. Um, that we did last year. Um, the next slide… Takes those same tickets. And just looked… looks at what priority area they were connected to. So we can see, you know, career and college job skill readiness and student enrichment youth voice, etc. Um, we kind of want to see how we're supporting those priorities. And then finally, we want to see… what that work is… what programs that work is connected to. So we kind of have an idea.
118Of what the needs of our programs are. And then last, we're just gonna touch briefly on emergency communication. Um… really… safety, wellness, preparedness. That's happening, um… across all programs across SCO. That doesn't live… In the PIO program. We're more just kind of that conduit. Um, so there's really fantastic work happening internally, and then there's, as you know. Work that happens that is more public-facing to support educator and students as well. We're gonna look at just kind of more of the internal processes. And this graphic shows the committees and work groups. Across SCO, their function and focus. And then what we try to do is… ensure feedback loops. From all of these teams, from their different lenses. Some of these have parents, it kind of describes. Who… what types of, um, groups are serving on these.
119Committees and work groups. And then we try to make sure that the feedback. Um, and priorities and concerns of these groups. Are… are informing, our planning, our safety plans, our policies, our procedures, all that kind of thing, so that there's a connective. Continuity across safety and wellness across the organization. And that translates into. The work from these committees in the actual projects on the next slide. That we… some of the projects that we have. Accomplished as a result of the work of these committees. So their facilities improvements, training programs. Um, you know, emergency radios and those sorts of things, but this kind of just gives some examples of. What comes to fruition for all of those work groups happening across SCO to better ensure student and staff safety and wellness. And, um, finally, I will
120just say that I, um… feel incredibly honored and privileged to work along so many. Remarkable professionals. Um, educators and just humans across SCO. Um, and… Um, I also feel very honored to work. Under you, Lizette. Thank you for your membership, or membership. Mentorship. Thank you for your mentorship, your grace, and your support, and your leadership of this team. It's been a real honor to work alongside you over the last 6 years. It is… The best 6 years of my life. Any questions? Sorry, I made everybody cry, and then I… Trustee Cheek? I have a question, but thank you, I really appreciate that. My pleasure. You gave me a really good insight of, you know, what's going on, and now. Like, you know, when I see the stuff, so… Jennifer's behind it. And it's the tip
121of the iceberg. I really appreciate that. Yes, I, like I said, I work alongside. Amazing professionals like Ernie, uh, and the whole team, and all of us go, so… Thank you. Thank you, Jen. Again, it's the tip of the iceberg, um, and. We could go on and on and on in any one of these key areas. But, uh, I certainly wanted to bring you up to speed on our work around early learning and our partnerships. And again, at the request of the board, um, uh, public information, community engagement, and Emergency Management. So we got through a lot. Thank you for, uh, your grace, and thank you for the opportunity to bring you these. Critically important updates, um, related to the work. Of SCO that we don't always see at the forefront. A lot of it
122is behind the scenes. And, um, critically important, and absolutely matters. The keys to unlocking endless possibilities. Thank you, Jennifer. Um, some of our more routine items, the next one is our charter school update. Ms. Jess Bain's right, our Director of Community Partnerships and Initiatives, will provide our routine. Uh, charter school report. Good evening, trustees and Superintendent Estrella Henderson. Um, the team is here to share some updates to our Elite documents. We will start with, um, some updates from Elite, from our check-in with them on August 6th. They started their first day on August 4th, which was a great success. With students and staff bringing high energy and enthusiasm. The positive atmosphere set a strong tone for the year ahead. And we're gonna move on to the reporting schedule matrix. Updates to these items, what was
123received after July 30th. The master schedule for August. The certificated staffing list. For August, and the instructional minutes and bell schedule. Some items, um, as of 5 p.m. Today that are past due are the spring. Cars CDE report. The monthly cash flow for April and May. Monthly bank statement for May and June. The application registration form. Proof of insurance. Curriculum and the July oversight fees. Gonna move on to the… Questions? Yeah, go ahead. We send weekly updates every Monday, and they communicate weekly with us. On… that they are working on those items. Getting them to the… to us. Are they given any EPA of when. Um, the past… the ones that I just read off, no, but they… Tend to, um… make their way through the list. I send an email every Monday of reminders
124of upcoming. Things that are coming up for the, um, first two months, and then as they get. Closer, um, to the date, and then those items that are past due. Okay. So, moving on to the narrative, Elite was able to meet with SCO staff on August 6th. And going to the snapshot, there are no. Current updates to the snapshot. I see a hand up. Trustee LaVelle. In the snapshot on the first page of the. Mm-hmm. Down at the bottom, it says the. I've outlining findings that may… additional corrective action and documentation. Responses are due to CCSN3. From the date of the letter. Um, has that been… Yep, Michelle has an update, yeah. We communicated today with Dr. Bishop, and they are… this is a large sum of money, it's around $500,000. Tied to these findings,
125and they are attempting to seek a waiver, so their council is working with CDE. To see if that waiver can be submitted. Um, I asked Dr. Bishop this morning, uh, this afternoon, actually. If there was any update to it, because this is the same answer we had heard, I think, last meeting. And she said that she had put in a request with her attorney for an update, but the attorney implied that. They have not heard back from CDE. So, they're kind of in a waiting pattern. Can you talk a little bit about that process? Is that a typical thing that an agency can get a waiver of that size? You know, I've not seen this process before, so I really can't speak to it. I mean, you can always request a waiver or exemption from
126some kind of requirement, I suppose. But in terms of charter oversight and a charter asking for it, I don't have any experience with it. All right, anything else? All right, thank you. Thank you very much, Ms. Baines-wright. My last two items are presented by Manolo Garcia, our Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Educator. Effectiveness. Good evening, uh, Board President Coleman, Distinguished Board Members. Superintendent Astreya Henderson. Um, as you see, since, uh, we last reported, uh, the TCCs and. The staffing report, uh, there's been quite a… Bit of activity by our school districts and charter schools. In terms of hiring certificated staff, and um… Getting them the credentials so that they can, um. Uh, serve in their roles. Um… and you'll see that with our staffing report. Um, SCO has been also busy. Uh, 32, uh,
127new positions there. I also want to, um… As the board has, um… noticed the staffing report is different. Um, so hopefully… You see there's new, um, information. On that report, um, want to see… and the formatting, obviously, had to… change as a result of that, so… Uh, if there's any other additional requests for any changes or additional data, um. Please let me know. Um, any questions? Thank you for the updated report. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Garcia. And that ends my report. We've already done the unfinished business, so the new business, uh, a proclamation. This is the good part of the evening. Come back in. A proclamation honoring Superintendent of Schools Lissette Estrella Henderson. Set Estrella Henderson has served as an educator for nearly 40 years. Nearly 21 of them being here in Solano County,
128and as the Solano County Superintendent of Schools. Since January 2017. Proposed proclamation number P25-26-01. Will be presented by the… for the board's consideration to honor Mrs. Estrella Henderson as she retires. At the end of August. So the action on this, um. Proclamation is to adopt proclamation number 252601. I'll move. Second. We have a, uh… We'll have discussion. Discussion? First, I, uh, I recall… In the olden times. When we had special proclamations, we would read them. I would read it if I had it in front of me. But it got taken away. It's on the… on your… Thanks. So, I just… I need paper. Oh, okay. So, I'm thinking there are a note with some… Marveled that there are 7 paragraphs. There are. I don't know if we can do this. But we can try. Let
129me read the proclamation, yes. Okay. Right down the line, and then… Yes, would you like. Do you like the physical copy? I think I can do it. With my reading glasses on. Thank you for letting me do the first one. The last one's gonna be the hardest. Um, whereas Lisette, Estrella, Henderson has been a dedicated public servant for 40 years of her life. Nearly 21 of them here at Solano County Office of Education. Focusing on improving the lives of children through education. And preparing students to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success. And… Is it the right way? First year or something. Happy into the mic. Whereas, when Lisette was in school attaining her Bachelor's of Art degree from the University of California, Davis. 1984, multiple subject teaching. Potentials. It's multiple subject teaching credentials and
130bilingual cross-determined. Cultural emphasis from UC Davis. 1985's Master's in English degree with a focus on bilingual cultural. Cross-cultural education and bilingual special credentials from the California State University. Sacramento in 1993. And Administrative Services Credentials 2002. She could not have foreseen the heights to which her studies would take. Her and… Alright, Mike and looking at two different things. Whereas Lisette began her career. With the Solano County Office of Education, SCOI, and 2004. And through the years, held positions as Director. Of district and school support. Assistant Superintendent. Educational Services, an associate superintendent. Of student programs and educational services, and… Whereas, having lived and worked in Solano County. And having accrued a vast network of supportive friends. Co-workers and family members. Lisette was encouraged to enter the realm of politics. And campaign for a vacancy as the nonpartisan
131Solano County Superintendent of Schools. Defeating her challenger with a significant majority of this constituency's vote of confidence. Whereas on January 2nd, 2017, Lisette took her first oath of office. And before her loved ones and associates, she delivered a moving speech. That shared her motivation for seeking the superintendency. And genuine belief that education is a key to the future. And following a very successful first term. She was unopposed in her consecutive elections. And began her second and third terms on January 9th. 2019, and January 10th. 2023 respectively. Whereas Lisette's exceptional leadership style is widely appreciated for contributing to a positive work environment. And exhibiting optimism when challenges arise. And our hope… openness and approachability… approachability. Promote collaboration and partnerships among employees, divisions, program sites, school districts. Outside agencies, and throughout the community, and… Now, therefore, it
132be proclaimed. At the Salona County Board of Education wishes to express its deep gratitude. To Lisette, for inspiring those around her to set and achieve high standards for themselves. And Scope. Serving as a valuable advocate for our students, organization, county, and public education. Positioning SCO in a secure status for ongoing advancement. And of utmost importance. Always. Putting children first. And her art, and in all her decisions. Through her many years of committed public service. The set has had a beneficial effect on more lives than she will ever know, and we wish her. Lasting good health and prosperity. And her retirement endeavors passed… oh, and we can't pass and adopt till we take the motion. Oh, you're on the floor. There is a motion on the floor. We'll take a roll call vote. Trustee Cheek? Yes.
133Presti Cohen Thompson? Yes. Trustee Dean? They said, they're just amazing. And I care if she was a friend and a colleague. And, uh, I know I say this once in a while. But the team that you have put together over the past few years. Is remarkable. And… maybe I'm a little biased, but I believe… Head and shoulders of, above… where we started, and that is a result of you and your team. Incredible work. Incredible. So, the answer… my answer is yes. Trustee Dunn? Absolutely, yes. Trustee Lavelle? Yes. Musty Sharp? Yes. Rusty Coleman. Yes, so passed and adopted on this 13th day of August 2025. By the Solano County Board of Education, Solano County, California. Thank you very much. If I may, um, President Coleman? Um, I have prepared some comments, um. Dear Solano County Board
134of Education members. Colleagues, to the families we've served, and to our community partners. As I prepare to conclude my tenure as Solano County Superintendent of Schools. I find myself reflecting with a full heart. On the journey that brought me here. Rooted in community. Shared… shaped by shared purpose and sustained by our unwavering commitment. To children and public education. This work has always been deeply personal. I was once a student in our very schools, Travis Unified School District. Fairfield Sassoon Unified School District. And I walked the same hallways. Sat in the same classrooms and dreamed. The same dreams. As that young people we serve today. I know firsthand the power of a caring teacher, a welcoming campus. And a community that believes in its youth. And Solano is that. I truly believe that. Those early experiences
135shaped my values and my vocation. I began my career as a teacher in Dixon, and later became an administrator there, and… I expressed part of this sentiment to our staff on Monday. One moment I will never forget was standing as a principal alongside my staff and students. On the morning of September 11th. In 2001. In that moment of national tragedy. I witnessed. The strength and compassion of our educational community. How schools became anchors. In times of crisis, offering safety, stability, and hope. And that day reaffirmed for me. My belief that education is not just about academics. It's about humanity. And these lessons have never left me, and they have become the foundation of my leadership. Serving as the county superintendent of schools. Has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we've weathered
136economic downturns. State policy shifts, and most recently, a global pandemic. That once again called us to lead through crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic tested our systems, tested us personally. Tested our systems, it tested our stamina and our spirits. But never our resolve. Never the resolve of the individuals that I have the honor to walk alongside with here at this organization. Solano County Office of Education. I watched in awe. As from afar, by the way. I watched in awe as educators, staff, and families and community. Partners came together that… Sure. Students continued learning, received meals. Accessing mental health supports and feeling connected despite the isolation. The pandemic not only revealed. Our vulnerable… the vulnerabilities in our systems. But also the heart and resilience of our educators. Our staff and our families. And I will always remember that
137chapter as one of the most difficult. And one of the most inspiring. Like, career. We led with grace under pressure. Including you, as my colleagues on this board. And through it all, we never lost sight of our core mission. And that was to create equitable, inclusive, and high-quality learning opportunities. For every student. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together. From strengthening fiscal systems and governance structures. To expanding opportunities and options for our neediest students. And often, the historically underserved and overlooked. Students, including. Expanding early learning opportunities and systems. Thank you to Lisa and your team. Job readiness and skill development and mental health supports. Deepening our community partnerships and reimagining what it means to serve every learner well. We've sown seeds of excellence and equity that will continue to take root. For generations to come,
138and I thank this board. For leaning in to. Together developing an equity statement. That stands today. And I know we'll continue into the future. On our very agenda. Speaks volumes. So, to the Solano County Board of Education, thank you. Thank you for your steady leadership. Collaboration and commitment to our shared vision and your partnership has been invaluable. To my colleagues throughout Solano County Office of Education and our school districts. You are extraordinary. We really are. I've been privileged to witness your courage. Your creativity and dedication up close. You are the lifeblood and the backbone of our schools, and the quiet heroes behind every success story. That this board sees every month. I've been continually inspired by your courage, your creativity, and compassion. The work you do. Matters deeply. It changes lives, it opens doors, it
139builds futures. And does unlock those endless possibilities. And to our families and our students, if any are still awake. You are the heartbeat of this work. I carry your stories with me, your resilience and brilliance have fueled my purpose. Each and every day. Thank you to the community for allowing me and the privilege to serve you. I see your strength, your hopes, and your promise. It is my joy and responsibility to continue to advocate on your behalf and ensure that your voices are heard. And to this beautiful, diverse, and vibrant community. Thank you for the opportunity. And giving me the opportunity to serve in this community that I call home. Though my chapter is County Superintendent is coming to a close. My commitment to education, justice, and advocacy will continue. Championing the values that have
140guided my journey. Connection, learning, responsibility, and an unwavering belief. Everything is possible. It really is. So, with heartfelt gratitude. And enduring respect. I thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. President Coleman and Trustee, if it pleases the Board, we do have a tribute video for Lizette. If you'd like to see it, we'd love to share it. Lisette Estrella Henderson, Superintendent of the Solano County Office of Education. Today, we thank you for everything that you've done for our students, our parents, our staff, and community. Congratulations, and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. What I love about Lisette is how, uh, genuine and personable she is. Every time I see her, she knows me by my first name. She knows my kids, she knows their names, she always asks about my family. And, I mean, I don't know
141if you get a touch more personal than that. I just want to say thank you for being such an inspiration. Honestly, when I work close to you, I've always admired you and your work. It just… it felt so good that you gave me the opportunity to be here with SCO and start with your department, and it just… it's been great ever since. Lisette, I would just like to say thank you for all your dedication over the years. Um, I've known you for a really long time. I think when you left Dixon was about the time I went to Dixon, and now we ended up at Solano County together, so. I wish you the best. I'm completely jealous of your retirement, and I hope you have fun every single day that you're not working. Lisette, I
142would just like to thank you for giving me a chance and welcoming me to the SCO team. It has been the best decision I have ever made. It's so positive. I love how you encourage your staff, you build up their leadership styles, and you just always have a smile on your face. I appreciate your 40 years that you have given to this profession. Congratulations, Lisette. There are two things I'll remember about you. He always greeted me by name, and it made it sincere. And personal. Animated hard to sneak by when I was late. 2. You always brought the energy and enthusiasm. And I know if I felt it, the thousands of kids that you worked with felt it. Enjoy your retirement. Congratulations again. Congratulations, Lisette, on your retirement! Thank you for your guidance, thank you
143for your leadership. And most of all, your friendship. We wish you well, take lots of vacations, and be blessed. So I got a thank you card from Superintendent Lisette Estrella Henderson a while back. And I thought this was cool, so I opened it. And when I opened it. A whole lot of glitter and confetti came out of the thank you card. Alright, well, good luck with that. I'm hoping you're gonna enjoy retirement. You come into the class at Juvenile Hall, and. Well wish the kids, and just always have a smile, always had positive… Encouragement for them, um, you're just a wonderful person, and, you know, I just hope life comes and does well for you. Thank you for all of the support and guidance you've given, and I will, um, say that I had the
144best first day of work ever. My first day… On October 26th was a MAC meeting, so that wasn't intimidating or anything on my very first day, but it was the best first day ever. So, thank you, Lizette, and enjoy retirement. I feel like this is such a bittersweet moment for me. Because my first year is going to be your last year, Nisat, and I am. Deeply honored to have had the… opportunity to work with you. Your kind words of wisdom. Um, that are tailored for the students at the graduation, I will always hold onto and. Thank you so much for what you've done for me. And for the staff, and for the students of SCO. So I have worked with Lisa for a long time, and I've appreciated everything, and when she was on the
145program side, how important it was for, you know, business and program to work together, and. Has continued to prioritize how important the partnerships are so that we can do what we need for students, and she's always been very student-focused. And that will be her legacy. So, I have worked with Lisette for about 16 years, and the thing I love most about her is she cares about people. She showed up at every graduation, even if it was just one student, and. Um, tears were always shed, um, because, um. She was touched. She was touched by every single student. Who was there, who was graduating, because they were important to her, so, um… We are going to miss her dearly, and congratulations, Lisette. You were the best, and uh… I can't imagine anybody else, so… Uh, we
146will miss you. Now, moving on. Since we have all these, uh, legislative people in the audience, thank you so much for staying. We know we could have moved you guys up. We've made us sit through your stuff. We don't get visitors like y'all much. Yikes. We're moving on to 12B, where the legislators recognize retiring Solano County Superintendent of Schools will set Estrella Henderson. I believe we have. Uh, dog can come up? Alright, so, uh, my name is Will Duncan, I'm with the Office of Congressman Mike Thompson, and I'm accompanied by… Good evening, my name's Eric Cortez here with Congressman Garamendi's office. And, uh, we worked on a joint congressional record statement for Superintendent Lisette Estrella Henderson. Um, and I just want to say a few words on this. Uh, this is a really high award
147for, uh, within Congress. As long as there is a Library of Congress. You're in it. So, here you go. Unfortunately, the congressman couldn't make it tonight, but on their behalf, um, Will and I would like to present this to you, Lizette. As Will said, um, this is… almost like a level higher up from the usual congressional accommodation that we present. This is spoken into the record. Um, and I would just be remiss without saying, um, that it's been the honor and privilege of a lifetime from going to. From being one of your students to now working alongside you, and. Just seeing how you fiercely advocate for. Everybody, um, and make the community a better place. I just… I feel like I could go on and on, but… On behalf of the Congressman, and also just
148personally, I want to thank you for. Being a gracious leader that leads by example. Community is much better, um, because. So, congratulations. Let me get a picture of you with it. Evening. Um, hello, my name is Kai Eusebio, Field Representative for the Office of Assemblymember Laurie Wilson. And my name is Dr. Gethsemane Moss, and I'm a district representative for Senator Christopher Cabald in District 3. We do have a resolution to present to you tonight. Assemblymember, uh, I promised her that I'd read the whole thing, so I will do that in a moment. Uh, but firstly, I just wanted to quickly thank you, um. Fun fact, uh, the first… true meeting that I had on the job. Was with you, uh, during, uh, a CSBA meeting, and I remember being. Admittedly wide-eyed and nervous, but, uh.
149My first impression of you was at that meeting, and you were very kind, and came up to me and shook my hand. Welcome to me, uh, to this wonderful world that I work in, so… Alright, so… In keeping my promise, I have it here. Whereas, Lisette Estrella Henderson has announced her retirement as a Solano County Superintendent of Schools. And it is appropriate at this time to highlight her many achievements and extend to her. The highest commendations for her guidance in advancing. The quality of education. In the Sano County Office of Education by all measurements. And, whereas… An educator in Solano County for nearly 40 years. I said Estrella Henderson has served as Solano County Superintendent of Schools since January 2017. And throughout her career as an educator. She has championed equity. And culturally responsive and
150inclusive practices as being foundational and essential. Preparing students to learn. Grow, thrive, and achieve lifelong success, regardless of their gender. Ethnicity, primary language, socioeconomic challenges. Or approaches to learning, and… Or as, proudly representing K-12 public education as an active member of several. Local, regional, statewide, and national organizations. Including the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. The Association of California School Administrators. And, uh, the University of California, Davis. The computing, uh… science, technology, engineering, and math, CSTEM, Girls in Robotics Leadership Advisory Board. Among numerous other organizations. The set has garnered countless local, statewide, and national recognitions. Stemming from her extensive knowledge. Experience and leadership, including receipt of the 2024 Strooptimus International of Central Solano County Ruby Award. And naming as the 2023 UC Davis System Studentin of the Year. And… whereas… Having grown up in
151a military family, Bissette was raised in Solano County after her father was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. And she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis. And a master's degree in education from California State University, Sacramento. The focus on bilingual, cross-cultural education. In addition to holding a California teaching credential, bilingual specialist and administrative services credentials. And a certification as a leadership coach. And… whereas Lisette Estrella Henderson has directed the path of the Solano County Office of. Of education towards its current level of distinction. Among other county offices of education throughout California. And she is highly respected and valued for her commitment to excellence. And to the Office of Education students. Now, therefore, it be resolved… by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson and Senator Christopher Cabaldin. That they take great pleasure. I'm commending Lisette,
152Estrella Henderson. For her visionary role in guiding the development of the Solano County Office of Education. To its current premise and extend. It's best wishes for all the richness and rewards of an active and productive. Retirement. Congratulations. Alrighty. Moving on to board discussion. Meetings and special dates, those are attached. Uh… nose. Board member requests in accordance with Board Policy 9250, board members re… They request to represent the board. An education-related activity and specified the desired level of support necessary. Actual unnecessary expenses incurred when discharging these official duties will be paid from the school service. As permitted by law and SCO's travel policy, requests will be placed on a. Our agenda item? Questions for future board agenda items, since we've accomplished a lot. A lot of them are there. Any others? Hearing none, Board Member Activity
153Report. In the hour. Hearing none, I'll wait. I wanted Dr. Garrett to see this on July the 10th. I was a continuing education. Participating in the trauma-informed. From de-escalation strategies. The support system. Nice. There you go. All right, we… anything else for the good of the order? No. We are adjourned.