Board Meeting - January 22, 2026

001Test test. Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to start in one minute. Please find a seat. Is this working? >> It's working. >> Welcome to the meeting of the South Bay Union School District Board of Trustees. As a courtesy to others, we ask you that you silence your cell phones during the meeting. Your cooperation is appreciated. Amy, can we go for the roll call, please? >> Trusty Esparza >> here. >> Trusty Liker >> here. >> Trusty Lopez Agino >> here. >> Trusty Medina >> here. >> Trusty Kenyon >> here. Thank you. >> Okay, let's do a pledge of allegiance. You please rise. Thank you. >> May I take a point of privilege? >> Yes, you may. >> President. >> Good evening everyone and thank you for attending this meeting to show your support for teachers and

002students. Usually as a board as board members, we have a few minutes at the end of each meeting to speak freely. And I'm going to use my time now instead of at the end while we still have an audience and for the most part just repeat some of what I said at the end of last month's meeting plus a little bit more. So clearly we're going through some very difficult times right now in education with finances and funding that are directly related to our own ongoing declining enrollment. This struggle is not unique to our district. And in fact, I believe that last I checked at this time right now, there are 55 school districts throughout California preparing to strike in alignment with CTA's we can't wait campaign. I support this campaign. We support this campaign.

003I believe in the strength and numbers to enact change. I agree that this at at state and federal levels, we need better funding for our public education system, especially in the area of special education. Teachers and families, I sincerely hope that your efforts in joining this campaign gains the attention it deserves to create significant changes in how our public schools are funded. At the same time, I do not condone some of the bullying tactics of parking outside schoolboard members' homes and their with their children there and passing out flyers to our neighbors that include our faces and pretent percentages that lack context. Yes, we got a 5% raise, which equates to $12 more a month added to our small monthly stipent. If we are to share information each other on both sides, context matters. I

004want to repeat, I support California Teachers Association campaign and efforts to enact change in how our public education system is funded at a state level. I'm a teacher, too, and it's vital to the success and morale of our students, teachers, and families. As a board, it is our duty to make sure that our district is fiscally solvent, that we can pay bills, that we can pair teachers for the next three years. Negotiations have been ongoing for well over a year, and the parties have not been able to reach an agreement. As a result, the process has moved to factf finding. So, next week, a three-member factfighting panel will review the district's finances over two days to determine what the district can reasonably afford. After that, the review panel will issue recommendations. Both the district and

005the union will then decide whether to accept them and all parties will continue to exercise their rights under that process. In the best interest of our students and teachers, we hope that a strike is not necessary. But if our teachers do decide that it is, then I would ask that we look toward San Diego Unified, where the district and union work together on a solution. If a strike happens, regardless of recommendations, If a strike happens, regardless of recommendations from a factf finding panel, our district needs to ensure that our students are under the care of credentialed substitute teachers with the support of our classified and management staff. We understand that crossing picket lines is a lot to ask. And that is why we are considering a resolution to pay subs a daily rate that do

006not exceed $950. >> I sincerely hope that the process of factf finding leads us to a place of understanding and solidarity. We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves. Excuse me. We have a board meeting. >> This is a public board meeting. >> Please. This is a warning. This is a public board meeting. Okay. Thank you. Again, just so that the public and our teachers all understand, next week we start fact finding to look at reasonable solutions and we all hope that a strike is not necessary. Thank you. Trustee liker >> report taken in close session. Do we have any report? >> In close session, the board approved the resignation and retirement agreement and general release between the district and classified employee number 333 641. the Transportation Operations League. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, classified

007employee number 333641 will resign effective June 30th, 2026. Under the agreement, classified employee number 33641 releases the district from all from any and all legal claims. The roll call vote was as follows. Motion by Kinon, second by Medina. Unanimous decision of five. >> Thank you, Trustee Lier. All right, changes in the agenda. At this time, trustees or executive team members may recommend changing of the order of the agenda items and or request that item from the consent calendar be placed within the discussion action section of the board meeting. The secretary will keep track of any recommendations. Please note, no new items may be added without advanced public notice. Going to approval of the meeting agenda. >> I motion to approve. >> Second. Okay. Go with the vote, please. Medina, >> yes. >> Liker, >> yes.

008>> Esparza, >> yes. >> Kenyoness, >> yes. >> Lopez Aino, >> yes. >> Motion passes 5-0. >> Communications to the board of trustees. >> We approve it. You have five minute limit per group. We have the uh South Bay PTA council. Good evening, President Esparza. Congratulations board members, superintendent, and our lovely public that is is here this evening. Um, PTA is still plugging along. We have some bookf fairs coming up in the next couple of months that we're hoping will go very well. But I'm here tonight to let you know that our council has been working all year on a an everyone's a reader festival, which we had precoid and we decided to bring it back and have a fun day for families and students to come and listen to people read, hear a storyteller

009tell a story from the San Diego Storytellers Association and just have a great day and leave with some books at the end and should should be a really fun day. But to that end, I applied for three grants. I got one which will pay for our storyteller. But um we are going to have a couple of fundraisers to try to buy more books so that they can leave with lots of books. So our first fundraiser is coming up Panda Express on January 31st. I left flyers for you. Um so we would like everybody to come support us please. And please come on the March 14th is the everyone's a everyone's a reader festival. So please come and attend if possible. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Now we have California School Employees Association, Chapter 59,

010CSEA. Okay, moving right along. Southwest Teacher Association, Sara Can you hear me now? I we are here on behalf of Vanessa Vera. We are Suada. Good evening. Good good evening. I never expected to be here again speaking about our 2425 reopener negotiations. As of yesterday, it has been 20 months since we began negotiating with SBUSD. That is almost two full years of back and forth at the table. During these 20 months, our negotiating team has been out of our classrooms for over 30 days. We missed over 15 days last year and have already missed eight days this year. And that does not include the two days last week and the three days this week preparing for factf finding or the two days next week for the factf finding hearing. That doesn't even begin to account

011for the countless hours of preparation and lesson planning required to be away from our students. Kelly Janet, can you imagine your child's teacher being gone that much? This isn't fair to our negotiating team and more importantly it isn't fair to our students, your children who depend on us every day. We are not being unreasonable. We are not asking for more than what this district can afford. Some of our proposals come with minimal or no costs such as reasonable preschool ratios for toileting and diapering, collaboration with SWAT on the PLC calendar, or starting back to school night a little earlier. Yes, some proposals do require funding, but the district continues to claim there is no money and that we are deficit spending claims that don't align with the reality of growing reserves. What is most frustrating

012is that SBUSD has likely spent more money fighting this reopener than it would cost to settle it. Have you asked how much your attorney fees have totaled for these 20 months? Have you calculated the cost of the two-day factf finding process? Your lead negotiator makes over $1,100 per day and now additional attorneys are involved. What is that costing SBUSD? Have you calculated the cost of a strike? Because you should be prepared for that reality. 98% of our members have authorized a strike. We are ready and so are they. Have you truly considered what a strike will cost? Paying substitutes up to $950 per day plus mileage, even for a single day, will cost this district an unjustifiable amount. What message does that send? that you would rather spend district funds on strangers than invest in

013the highly qualified educators who have dedicated years to this community. Educators who know their students, build meaningful relationships, and care deeply about their well-being. Kelly Janet, are you comfortable with your children being supervised by unqualified adults who are being paid three to five times more than their current teachers? because that is the reality your decisions are creating. When you consider the total amount this district has spent over the last 20 months, the attorney fees, the cost of preparing for factf finding, the factf finding hearing itself, and the potential cost of a strike, this district could have already funded everything we are fighting for and more. Yet, we continue to hear there is no money. As my sixth grader students would say, your math isn't mathing. Wake up, SPUSD board. You encourage us to attend these

014meetings and stay informed. And we do. We show up. We speak, but you don't listen. Instead, you allow yourselves to be influenced by individuals disconnected from our schools. People who won't be here to face the long-term consequences of your decisions. Listen to the educators who are in the classrooms every day, who are invested in this community and who are here to stay. We are fighting for what is right for our schools, our community, and most importantly for the future of SPUSD students. The factf finding here hearing is next Monday and Tuesday. You still have time to do the right thing. direct your bargaining team to immediately settle a fair contract that truly respects and honors the educators like myself and all these people who serve this district every single day. Our students, our educators, and

015this community deserve nothing less. Thank you. Thank you. Superintendent Jose, I would like to ask Trusty Lier to join me at the podium. Trusty Ler, it is my pleasure to recognize you for your service as board president last year. This plaque reads, "In appreciation for your leadership, service, and dedication to our students, staff, and board colleagues." Thank you. Side note, it's not easy to be president. So, I want to openly thank you for your presidency last year and your leadership going forward. Thank you, Kelly. >> Public comments on non-aggenda items. The board will take no action on discussion on any items not appearing on the posted agenda except as authorized by law. Individuals speakers are allowed three minutes to address the board on each non-aggenda item. Speakers are not permitted to yield their time to

016another person. The board limits the total time for public input for each item for 20 minutes. And I remind and I want to remind everyone that this is a public board meeting. Please show respect at all times. Abuse of language, personal attacks, or any comments intended to disrupt the meeting would not be permitted. We as the board want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share their comments. With that being said, Amy, do we have any comments? >> We have 11. All right, still have two minutes. >> The first public comment is Amy Cooper, followed by Monica War, I'm sorry, Monica Weso Melgar, followed by Zulma Chavez. Good evening, President Esparza, board member, Superintendent Espinosa. I am thrilled to announce that after a three-year hiatus, the South Bay Education Foundation is back. Uh the

017Education Foundation provides funding for students and families through the schools, sponsors special events for the district community, and partners with community organizations and businesses to support district students and families. The foundation's board of directors, I'm currently president, is working on developing sponsorships and increasing memberships. If you are interested in joining the foundation, you can email us at southbay efyahoo.com. We are excited to resume serving the South Bay community and more information coming soon. Thank you. >> Thank you, Annie. Good evening um board members, district leadership, and community partners. My name is Monica Wesgar, and I have served this district for 21 years as a resource specialist and a special education specialist. Throughout my career, I've dedicated myself to supporting students with disabilities and ensuring that they receive the individualized instruction, services, and care required for

018them to thrive academically and socially. I am here today to speak to the critical importance of lowering CA case loads in special education. Special education requires a level in of individualized planning, collaboration, compliance monitoring, and ongoing assessment that is fundamentally in incompatible with excessively high case loads. When educators are responsible for more students that is reasonable or legally sustainable, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide timely services, maintain accurate documentation, coordinate with general education teachers, communicate with families, and adjust instruction to meet each student's involving needs. High case lows do not s simply create operational challenges. They impact students directly. They reduce instructional time, increase delays in mandated services, and compromise the quality of an individualized supports for our students are legally entitled to receive. Our most vulnerable learners, those who require the most consistent attention,

019are the most affected ones. Lowerase laws are not a convenience. They're a found foundational requirement for effective, compliant, and ethical special education services. They protect the students right, uphold the integrity of our programs and allow educators to do their jobs with the level of care of professionalism that our students deserve. I stand before you today. I care deeply about my students, my colleagues, and the long-term health of our district. I'm asking the board to prioritize fair working conditions, reasonable case loads, and support the necessary to deliver highquality, legally compliant special education services. Our students depend on us and we depend on you to ensure the conditions that allow us to serve them effectively. And I apologize if I sound like a broken record, but this is very important to me and to my students. Thank

020you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Hello everybody. My name is SMA. Um, I don't have nothing written. I'm just gonna say it as it is. I'm pissed. I'm furious that I'm here. I'm a parent to a kid who has a disability. He has autism. And I only had to fight from the very beginning to get therapies. Now I have to fight with the own the school district school board. I had to come into this meeting at night instead of being with my babies. This is not fair. This is not right. You guys are thieves. You have the money to pay the teachers, to pay the aids, to pay the even to have all our services met for our kids. Why do I have to be here and argue and fight? Because you guys aren't doing

021right for our community, not just the disabled kids, the kids in general, in our community in this area, in the South Bay. You guys are thieves and for us. and you just ignore the teachers that kind of make a minimum like they're not important. What's wrong with you guys? You're hurting our future of the children here in this community. Why? Where's the empathy for our kids, for our community, for our teachers? They deserve it. They work hard. They put extra hours. Where's the empathy for all of us? Why do I have to be here arguing, looking at everybody in your face? And I know that's not going to make any difference. You guys already have it settled. That's why you have already already a resolution bit for Monday. And I'll be here. And I'm going

022to argue. I'm going to fight. And I'm going to rile up all the other parents. And you know what we're going to do? We're going to tell them to not show up with their kids to school so it can affect your pocket vote. Everybody's the whole district. If we're getting screwed, so are you. Thank you. Marco Amarol followed by Sam Gunel followed by Monica Lockwood. Next will be Sam Gunel followed by Monica Lockwood. [snorts] >> Two minutes or three minutes? Two. All right, let me rush this. Good evening members of the board, superintendent, executive team, and to the proud and strong teachers of Suada. President President Esparsa, I first want to direct my words to you. How dare you speak to a member of the public like that? The work you do as a board

023member in no way compares to the work of that teacher you gave the warning to. Show some respect, sir. As most of the people in this room know, as most of the people in this room know, a member of the I was a member of this board from 2018 to 2022. I ended my tenure as board president and one of the members most responsible for hiring superintendent Esposa. Thus, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to speak today. >> I want to most I want to mostly direct my attention to the school board. Although superintendent, as the kids say, you too will receive some of this smoke. Board, where is your public display of anger, of outrage? Where are your ideas, your imaginations, your advocacy? May I remind you that the five of you collectively

024are your superintendent's boss? Word on the street is one teacher told me, you can't make one school board member from the five of them. Thus, today's problem, today's outrage is not or should not be solely directed at the superintendent. It should be at the elected board members as well. Over the past couple of years, I have from time to time put myself through the misery of watching some of these board meetings. Why misery? Well, because there exists a severe lack of critical questions from this board to the superintendent executive team. It's like y'all take their word as an ultimate truth and that is the opposite of what bosses should do. Y'all are acting like a bunch of subordinate fill in the blank. Often times it seems like you don't even read the packets. Like the

025fact I am told that the superintendent doesn't allow allow you to meet one of the employees is ridiculous. Yes, look looking like a cohesive team is important, but you are not part of the district's team. You are the team of the people. Let me repeat that. The people behind me are your team. They are your bosses and you are his. That is how the dynamic of this relationship works. Own up to it and grow a backbone. Everybody else ready for more? Cool. So, this is another time that I have been here questioning why and where the money is. I've come here again to say that I have lost faith in this entire school district. My oldest child has been in this school district since 2019. I have now had two other children come through this

026school district. And I would just like to say that I have the most outpouring love and respect and everything that I could possibly give to the parents, the teachers, and the other staff members at Emory Academy. I have worked at four separate sites in this school district as a clerical sub. Every single one of those sites, phenomenal staff. But when I come here, I don't even want to open my mouth because it's wasted. My breath is entirely wasted on arguing over and over again for the exact same things. You say that we have no money, but we've got multiple other spaces in this district that aren't even being used. Why not close them down instead of closing three of our 12 schools? No. Okay. Next thing I would like to say is that because you

027aren't listening to the staff and the teachers of SWAT and the ones who aren't even part of SWAT that you're not listening to them, that you only care about how the students are performing on graphs and everything else. You only care about your numbers. You're not caring about these students. My oldest has been struggling socially, emotionally, and even academically because of how this district is working. You say that I have to have I don't care. You say that I have to have funds for his services. Where are they? We are a one inome household. Where is the money for my child to receive his services and his therapies? Because I don't see it. You're telling me that you would rather have some random undereducated person to come in and teach my child, my children. >>

028Point of order. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I'm not going to listen to it. You want to know why? because you don't listen to us. >> Wow. >> Superintendent. Superintendent. Superintendent, could you please pull that cart and reach out to mom tomorrow, please? >> Yeah, go ahead. Because I'm going to speak again. >> Thank you, Superintendent. Appreciate that. Just to remind you, please again, >> we want to Good evening. My name is Monica Lockwood and I'm a kindergarten teacher at IBCS. This week for social studies in my class, the focus is on the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We have discussed the significance of the nonviolence protest aptly named the civil rights movement which he led. The subject of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King is special to me, not due to the fact

029that I am a black woman, but because my mother, Hattie May, and my six older siblings were born and lived in Montgomery, Alabama during the Jim Crow and the height of the civil rights movement. Bernice King, the daughter of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King has on numerous occasions requested that her father's words should be used to support quote eradicating racism, poverty, and war end quote as well as providing quote a livable wage. Unfortunately, it seems like many people in organizations like SPSUSD have and still do use the life and legacy of Dr. and vain and for optics to suit their agenda. At the last board meeting on December 17th, 2025, this board adopted a proclamation recognizing Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. It was called Martin Luther King Day. In the proclamation, you acknowledge that he

030was assassinated, quote, a day after giving a speech in support over 1,300 striking sanitation workers. This leads me to believe that he would side with SWAT. Ironically, in your proclamation, this board agreed to and accepted its boil and and boily stated do quote, "Dr. Martin Luther King taught us that we are ultimately measured not by where we stand in moments of comfort and convenience but by where we take times during challenges and controversy. I believe he would tell the leadership of South Bay to do right by the members of SWAD and South Bay. I don't have enough time but thank you. >> Thank you. Susanna Edwards. Good evening, superintendent and members of the board. Last night, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and I couldn't go back to bed. And what went through my mind

031were the things that I wanted to say to all of you. Those who know me know that this is totally out of my character. I'm not the one to stand up and speak up. I've never been a fighter. But I feel like enough is enough. I have to stand up and speak my mind because I'm sad for the future of my Sunny Slope community. I'm stressed. I'm demoralized. But mostly, I am angry. Hopefully, getting this off my chest will help me sleep better tonight. Equity and inclusion are words we hear a lot when we attend our district meetings. Tonight, I come before you and ask, "What about us?" I know, I know declining enrollment, budget deficits, etc., etc., But when you say we have no money and yet you give others acceptable raises, fly in

032our superintendent and give him a 4% raise annually, and now you want to offer the subs $950 to replace us during a strike. All we hear is there is no money for you. You don't matter. I stand here tonight to say teacher lives matter. We are educated. We are professionals. We work hard. We care about our students. We work for free well beyond our contract hours. We use our own money to enhance our lessons and give incentives to our students. We deal with a lot of hard stuff in our classrooms every single day. Teachers are important in this business. This is not corporate America, but lately it feels that way. The rich getting richer and the poor getting poor. That is not why any of us came into this business to get rich. But we

033do deserve a fair contract that can help us survive in this difficult economy. We are not asking for a Porsche to be flown to work or any or an unreasonable raise. Our take-home pay is less than before with all the raises in healthcare. Please give us a fair contract. We don't want to strike, but we will if we have to. Nicole Gomez, followed by Chloe Ortiz, followed by Allison Hoover. >> Hello everybody. I don't have anything written tonight either, but I'm speaking on behalf of parents at Emory Elementary. I have two students at Emory. One is a sixth grade student and one is a fourth grade student. My students, my my kids do not want subs. Their teachers put so much time and effort to get to know these students, to teach these students, and

034to know what each individual student needs on a daily basis and how to deal and take care of them. Substitutes come in, just want to get through the day with whatever easy work that they can do, and push the kids on. Our kids need stability. They need their teachers who care about them, who want to be here. teachers do not get paid enough to watch our kids all day long and give them an education on top of it. They don't. And on top of that, they're not we're not being heard. We voted all of you guys into your positions and you guys don't listen to us. It's not right for you guys to be able to say that we have no money for funding, but you guys can pay a substitute $950 a day per

035sub is absolutely insane and unfair. Teachers come out of their pockets for alcohol wipes, supplies, hand sanitizer, tissues, pencils, paper, whatever extracurricular stuff that they need for our kids. And for you guys to just dismiss them is absolutely ridiculous. And if you don't start listening to us, we will vote you out of your position and you won't get that [music] paycheck. Thank you. >> Hi. Hello. My name is Chloe Ortiz and I'm a sixth grader student at Emory. Speaking on behalf of the students at our school, we don't want substitutes. We want our teachers and they deserve to be be paid more. It's not fair. Thank you. Allison Hoover, followed by Orion Brohammer, followed by Nurell Martinez, followed by Janette Sanchez. I'd like to start out to say that I have never once sted any

036of you trustees. I would never ever go in front of your house or ever do anything like that. That's absolutely ridiculous. But here we go. Good evening trustees Jose and the new interimm overpaid Aila. By the way, what's your education level position? It had no um educational experience required. Tonight seems like deja vu. I suppose it being trustee appreciate month. I'll directly appreciate my trustees. Thank you for closing schools. Thank you for putting pressure on class sizes due to upcoming school closures. Thank you for making those making the most but are still receiving pay hikes. Thank you for continuing to show your lack of allyship with our teachers and classified employees. Thank you for continuing voting on using district funds to pay for studies, surveys, surveyors, consulting firms, and their consultants. Thank you for letting

037down students and parents by not acting in good faith or with transparency. Thank you for continuing continually ensuring I have a place to go monthly to hold some one accountable for the failures of our district. Thank you for trying to pull the wool over our eyes of the community and how much money the district truly has in its coffers and as to why we can't afford to pay our teachers a living wage. I truly would love to be able to have a non-sarcastic appreciation to give you all. However, you've done nothing but fail us and I will not let that go by the wayside. Our educator, staff, and certified of employees all deserve a better They all deserve better. Stand by them. Give us a reason to appreciate you. I implore you to vote no

038on the obscene pay possibility for subs and stand with teachers and stand with staff. Approve their contract. Then I'll say thank you. Unfortunately, your track far track record thus far leaves me sadly to believe you won't. And this is quote unquote as good as it gets. But I won't stop until things change or we constituents vote each one of you out and rid ourselves of the disease that has become our superintendent and board of trustees. Has your SDGB and E bill gone down? How about your cost of groceries? How much is your rent? Nothing's gone down. Give them more money. Hi, I'm Orion Brohammer. I'm a second grader at Emory. And all I wanted to say here was that um you're not our paying our teachers well. Um you all are just y'all you all

039think I'm just a little kid. I'm not. I'm a kid that has I'm a kid that has power. I'm a kid that that's fair. I believe in fair. Anyways, you guys you guys think that you could pair teachers like that? Heck no. All you No. Just bye. Norel Martinez, followed by Janette Sanchez. >> Hello, Lenardes. My name is Nor Martinez. I'm a neester parent. I have driven far away from this district and from waking up early to bring my children outside of the district so they can learn Spanish because that's valuable to us. So, I say that uh because I I I show my appreciation and respect for the work um and for the unique program Nester and other schools in this district has and um many of us are willing to to drive outside

040of our district and make that sacrifice to bring our children to school every day. Um however, um I'm also willing to take my kids out of the district if our teachers don't get the respect that they deserve. Um, I want to cite some data. Um, uh, as I know it's not a surprise that San Diego is a very expensive city, but I just want to site some data. I'm a researcher. I am also an educator. I teach at the community college level and I'm also a proud union member. Um, and so I'm I'm sh I want to share here because this is critical because we're all feeling this. We are all feeling this and uh and it's more it's important now more than ever for for our administrators to understand the realities that all of

041us our children are experiencing. So a 2025 report says that San Diego ranked the ninth most expensive city in the country. A me the medium household income to buy a home in San Diego has increased to over $250,000 a year. San Dieans also pay more for groceries. So our groceries are more expensive at the supermarket here. Our gas is more expensive than other cities. And our utilities are also more expensive. Transportation is more expensive. Cars are more expensive. Fixing our cars are more expensive. Getting oil changes, etc. are more expensive. And again, this is data informed. And according to the consumer price index, San Diego had the second highest inflation in the country in 2025. And so I just want to say that educators deserve a just salary. You cannot run an educational institution without

042educators. You cannot run an education institution with administrators only. And I just want to say that in this political climate, the role of educators in providing balanced factual information, critical thinking is even more pivotal to develop informed citizens. Thank you, Janette Sanchez, followed by Fernanda Caro. Hi, I was not prepared to come and speak today. You've heard my voice plenty of times and yes, I'm a SWAT member. Yes, I'm a teacher. Yes, I'm here as a district employee, but I'm also a mom. My kids come to this school. My daughter went to Nester kindergarten to sixth grade. I have two boys still in the school system. So, right now, I'm here as a parent. So, I'm gonna please look at me in that in in that hat right now. I want my kids to be

043happy. I want my kids to be successful. I want my kids to learn. I want them to love their school. And they do and and they're happy. And I don't want to take that away from them. But I I'm looking because I'm also as a parent I'm also on the LCAP committee and I'm privy to a lot of information that yes it is publicly shared and it is public information but most parents don't look at it but I do and I know that we are according to this spreadsheet we are hurting number our numbers are hurting and I get it you know the whole state is hurting I I understand that much but as a parent my wondering is this if We need to cut at the district level. Cut salaries for staff members, for

044employ for teachers. Okay. But are we cutting across the board? If that was the case, no problem. It is what it is. We need to cut. We need to, you know, we need to fix this um 9,000 whatever $9,000 deficit for fiscal year 2526 is according to this what it's going to be presented. I understand it. But it has to be equal. And I think because it hasn't been equal, that's why it feels like a slap in the face. If we need to cut teacher salaries, then should we cut all salaries? When you guys asked for your raise and you said that you want, you know, you're hardworking people. You are hardworking people, but so are so are teachers. So is every district employee that is here with everyone is a hard work person. Everyone

045deserves the same. That's all. As a parent, I want my kids to be happy. They'll be happy with their teachers, >> Fernanda Caro. Good evening. Good evening everybody. translator here available. Thank you. Thank you very much for your help. Thank you. Thank you, Superintendent. Diana, >> I am the mother of Diana Caro. She attends Nicolola Elementary. >> And I have two more students. Dominic David, I've never attended one of these meetings previously, but the last time that this meeting ended, I saw how you laughed at the teachers and the rest laughed. because they lost their increase, their pay increase >> and that upset me >> and I am here again. I am very nervous, but I am not going to keep I'm not going to keep my mouth shut. A lot of teachers and a

046lot of staff from the schools have acted as they were our families. from elementary. I learned that >> that Diana speaks speaks English. She's non-verbal. And from Miss Camaro, I learned that that she learned she learned to um read and write. That is a sign that they have a strong group of educators. Why don't you want to give them an increase? And just like I'm looking at you in the eyes, I would appreciate that you looked at me and just like you recognize each other with with recognition that you also recognize the educators with the recognition they deserve. this evening. I will be writing an email uh to the various email addresses that have been handing to us. Please avoid the strike because I would not will not be bringing my children to school. It

047is injust unjust that you pay a large amount to people that don't deserve it, that are not educators. And to finish, these are families of students who have um exceptional needs. And we will also stand at the schools with our billboards to support educators. Good evening. Thank you. We get the discussion items. General functions resolution 2604. Recognize superintendent Jose Spinosa for the presentation of the resolution. >> Thank you, President Esparza. Um we are here today um presenting a resolution that is a resolution that is will help our district prepare in case of a strike. Uh we are asking that the board approve the resolution. Um and we really hope that it is not necessary, but again um our duty is to ensure that our schools are going to be able to serve our students and

048our community. >> Thank you, >> President Esparza. We have seven public comments on this item. When you're ready, >> do we have any discussions? We're going to listen to public comments. the discussions after the public comments. Is that correct? >> No, we can do that. So, let's let's do the public comments. Three minutes each. >> Sorry, I was just I I apologize. I'm not sure if uh I was able to get my question asked correctly. Um I was just asking for a point of clarification whether or not we are supposed to have a discussion prior to public comments or if we're supposed to have the discussion after the public comments. You can have it either way you'd like. Um, it sounds like the president wants to have it the public comment and then the discussion.

049Yeah, let's do public first discussion. >> Paul Chambers followed by Sam Gunel followed by Khloe Ortiz. Good evening, school board members, district employees, and community members. My name is Paul Chambers, and I'm an employee of the California Teachers Association. I serve the teachers of this district, and I speak in opposition to this business item. Paying strangers $950 a day will not improve the district. its students or the bargaining. I have worked for public school unions for 28 years in three states and I will tell you that any concerted activity that SWAT engages in will be legal, loud and just long enough to get a fair deal. The first purpose of factf finding uh Kelly is to reach a deal, a mutually agree agreeable settlement. Only if a deal is not reached on Monday is a

050report written. But that report is not the result of panel agreement. It's the opinion of one person on the factf finding panel and it is only a recommendation. It is not binding on either party. It does make it legal for the teachers to strike. In my experience, a district gets into this situation for two reasons. Reason one is a superintendent who believes he is the boss and knows better than anyone else. That is Joseé Espinosa. The second reason is that the school board has forgotten that they are the boss of the district and not the superintendent. Take back control of your district and avoid the concerted activity. Do better. Do your job. Vote no on this moneywasting item. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> [applause] >> SAM GUNEL, followed by Chloe Ortiz, followed by Allison Hoover.

051Sudintendent Espinosa, to come to this emergency resolution says that you don't actually care about our students, teachers, certified staff, and community. To have made this resolution tells our teachers you don't actually respect them for paying for their time and dedication to our students. This resolution >> Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me, ma'am. Address the board, please. I'll suggest to address the >> Okay. Hello, board and superintendent Espinosa. Thank you. >> To come to this emergency resolution says that you don't actually care about our students, teachers, staff, and community. To have made this resolution tells our teachers you don't respect them by paying them for their time and dedication to our students. This resolution isn't actually a resolution. It's a decision to do something else other than listen to the teachers and give them what they're asking

052for. for almost two years of negotiations isn't okay for anyone to be giving themselves nothing in return. Giving yourself two raises instead of investing in our teachers is the wrong decision. You're paying someone else who has no educational background to deal with our students day in and day out for as long as this strike happens. Like I said before, I have three children in this district. One of them is special needs. We cannot pay out of pocket for the therapies and everything else that he needs. And you're not even paying the teachers and the aids and the other certified staff the money that they deserve to help my child. Do the right thing. Pay them what they deserve. You're deciding not to listen, like always. >> [cheering] >> Superintendent Superintendent Esposa, please um contact mom

053tomorrow to uh ensure that ensure that her child's needs are met. Thank you. >> Chloe Ortiz followed by Allison Hoover followed by Orion Brohammer. Um, hello. My name is Axe. Um, I go to Emory and I'm in fourth grade. It's not fair that our teachers don't get paid just like the substitutes. You guys have to pay the same amount of money. Make it fair. You guys have to make it fair or at least give the teachers a raise. I'm sorry. Is there no Chloe Ortiz? >> Oh, thank you. So, today we are here to plead the board on their no vote on this agenda item. Now, don't get me wrong, subs for sick teachers, emergencies, etc. always needed, but emergency subs for a strike is another situation. one that could and should have been avoided.

054What kind of message does yes vote reflect to our teachers, educated and class educators, and classified staff? They're not worth it, but we can pay for glorified babysitters. You care about the numbers. No students will lose out on their education goals with overpaid babysitters. Vote no, guys, and support the teachers. Vote no. And stand up for the students. No one knows our children like those who work with them on the daily basis. subs won't do suffice for a lot of our students. Vote no for the right reasons. Stand up to Jose. Tell him our teachers first, not overpaid babysitters. I'm begging you to say no. [applause] Orion Brohammer followed by Claudia Ramos followed by Sandra Alvarez. Okay, I think I think you all know me cuz I was actually speaking last time. So, um I

055basically have the same thing to say as last time. So, all I want to say is you guys are not being fair. Just you guys aren't being fair. I love my teachers. And if and if you're going to get a sub, I'm not going to school. My mom's taking me out of school. of these and these substitute teachers just take over all of our regular teachers. And like um I I'm I'm just a little kid that just [snorts] I love I love to read. I love to write. Man, you guys can't take that away from me cuz if you do, I don't actually know what to say. Like, [snorts] bye y'all. Claudia Ramos. Today I'm coming to you as a mother and a member of this community. There is no money to settle a fair

056contract with teachers, but let's pay $950 to substitutes per day if teachers go on strike. Our enrollment is declining. We need to close central, but let's pay $950 to substitutes per day if teachers go on strike. Does that sound like something we should do to spend money you say we do not have? The community is now watching you, the board members. The same community that got you elected. If you vote yes on this item today, have you thought about the student safety? And I'm not talking about those students that are able to communicate to express their needs, but about those students that are in special ed classrooms. Those students are unable to communicate and have different needs. You're telling me that you're okay to pay any substitute to oversee our children instead of settling a

057contract? You see, we trusted you when you voted for you. Now we're in this mess together. This is no longer Superintendent Espinosa's mess. Now it belongs to you, too. The community fully supports teachers which you will see us out there striking with them in keeping our children home. Today you will show what is more important to you, student safety or Jose Espinosa. Sandra Alvarez, followed by Nicole Gomez, followed by Janette Sanchez, followed by Vanessa Velasquez. >> Good evening, board. Um, as you can tell, I was not prepared to speak today, but Kelly, you made a comment at the beginning of the meeting about the morale. And I wonder how often you have thought about what got us to this point. Well, it has been 20 grueling months of bargaining. And in those months, you as

058a board did not bat an eye to give our superintendent, who by the way is not part of our community, is an outsider. You get you did not bat an eye to give them an ongoing 4% yearly raise. Rubber stamped it. Sure. You want a 4% raise? There you go. You also gave the assistant superintendent over an 11% raise. We are now paying the HR interim $1,000 a day. You hire lawyers to talk about charters. You hire lawyers to bargain for 20 months. and you don't bat an eye about all those expenses. Yet, when it comes to the people that make this district what it is, which is the backbone of this district, which are your teachers, that is where you have concerns about our fiscal um situation. Well, we have been going over the

059fiscal cliff for at least the last seven years and yet you agree to all these raises to everyone except your educators. So, when you talk about morale, you don't think that affects the morale? At a couple of board meetings, a comment was made and and Kelly, you you laughed. How does that show respect even as a parent from our school to the educators that educate your children every single day? It was a slap in the face when we come here and we plead with you. You do not reach out to our union to have conversations. It's whatever he says that you do. There are no questions. I I Wait, why aren't they asking him a question at this moment? Nope. Whatever he tells you is what you do. Let me remind you, you do not

060work for him. He works for you. Reach out to the other voices in the room. Say, "What is your point of view?" Because you're only getting information from the superintendent. And clearly he has dug in his heels and has decided that teachers do not deserve a race. And as an as a result, so have you. It is time, and I know you've heard it from multiple people. It is time for you to do the job you were elected to do. Use your critical thinking. Ask the right questions. And don't take everything that he says as the truth. Nicole Gomez, followed by Janette Sanchez, followed by Vanessa Velasquez, followed by Emily Porus. >> Hello again, everybody. I'm gonna make this short. I'm gonna make it sweet. Board I'm asking as a parent from the bottom of

061my heart, almost in tears right now, please vote no. I stand with our teachers, not with the superintendent. And I will not be sending my children to school for as long as the teachers strike. And if I can get my kids entire classroom to not send their kids to school, so you guys have one less sub to pay $950, I will. So, I won't be sending my kids to school. I will be standing with the teachers on strike every day that they stand. Thank you, Janette Sanchez. Now I'm here as a teacher. I am really hurt by all of this. I along with every teacher here, every educator, every certificate member, every person that works for this district, we work our tail off. Why you guys too? I imagine that you do. I I'm benefit

062of the doubt. believe that you have the best interest in this district. I really do. But I'm confused. I really am confused. Why is it that you are going to pay a sub from an agency from where from wherever they're coming? How are you going to pay them possibly that much more money than you would pay us? Speak for myself. I work so hard to do the best for my students, for my school. I serve on various committees. Sometimes I just volunteer. You think a sub's going to give that amount of effort to our students? Do you think that they're going to dig into the IEPs and figure out all the little nuances that they need to be able to help these students? Probably not. >> I had a a release day today for a

063PD. I had to sit prepare a sub plans. literally a script for my sub. This is what I need you to do. I need you to walk to the blacktop, pick up the kids, so and so students need this, this, and this. Do you think a sub is really going to do that? >> Probably not. I I don't think they will. Some, you know, we have some great subs, but not everyone's going to do that. So, I I feel very offended that the board would even consider paying a substitute teacher that amount of money considering that we don't have money to give us a raise, decrease our class because it's not about just a raise. It's about reducing our class size. It's about the numbers in our special education classes. It's not just a teacher

064raise. It's all of these different factors that are being negotiated. So when you offer to even consider giving them that much money, that stinks. It hurts. I'm also our my site union rep. And I'm here to not just share what I feel, but what my colleagues feel and they're tired of it, which is why we voted to just, you know what, this just strike. We're done with this. Nobody wants to volunteer for stuff. Nobody wants to do PTA stuff after school, out of work hours. For what? You're showing us that we don't matter. That's how we feel whether you do or not. I don't know what numbers, what information you are receiving. I'm not privy to that. But I would hope that you would, as somebody just mentioned earlier, reach out. I teach my students

065when they're writing their opinion essays, you have to get both sides of the story to be able to draw a true opinion and write your paper. So before you vote, please consider both sides, not just what one side is saying, but hear voices from different parts. Not just I know Vanessa comes and stands in front of you as our board president, as our SWAT president, but maybe reach out to the teachers. What is it really like on a day-to-day basis? That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Point of order, Mr. President. Mr. President, Mr. President, point of order. Um, and seeking clarification on Friday the agenda is published to the public. Is that not true? >> That is correct. And so just so everyone knows that's when I get it. So there's no pre-planning

066here. I just want you to know there's no pre-planning on my end. I get it when you get it. Okay? So I just want to share that with you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Vanessa Velasquez, followed by Emily Porus, followed by Enrique Dea Cruz and followed by Erin Stone Cipher. Good evening trustees and everyone in attendance. Um I am speaking to you not only as uh the second vice president for our classified union as a site rep for Nicolof but as a fellow I'm speaking on behalf of my brothers and sisters of our union. They are really afraid of what this strike entails. Please vote no on this because at the end of the day, we know that the substitutes you are going to recruit with that up to $950 are not quality people. They

067are not our educators. And we know at the end of the day, the ones who are going to be taking care of our students will be your classified employees. Okay? We know that our IAS are the ones who are going to step up and take care of your students. And that's not fair. We don't get paid enough to do a teacher's job. And we know that by paying a substitute $950 to play Hangban or play Who Let the Dogs Out or whatever game they're going to invent is not fair when you could be paying your teachers. Please vote no on this because our classified union does not want to see what will happen when when our teachers strike. Thank you. >> Thank you. Emily Porus. Member members of the board trustees, I respectfully ask you

068to please vote no on paying up to 952 substitutes at this time. This decision goes far beyond a budget line. It directly affects our teachers, our students, and the st stability of our schools. At a time when teacher strikes are happening because educators feel unheard, underpaid and overburdened. Approving this expense without addressing the root issues sends the wrong message. Our teachers are not asking our teachers are asking for support, fairness and respect, not temporary fixes that a avoid long-term solutions. Many families in our community are already struggling financially and every dollar every dollar matters. Before allocating funds towards substitutes, we should focus on resolving the concerns that are leading to strikes, improving working conditions, and investing in sustainable solutions that truly support education. I urge you to pause and consider the long-term impact. Please vote

069no and take the time to listen to our educators and our community and make a decision rooted in responsibility, compassion, and lasting charge, lasting change. I'm a 504 student and I don't feel comfortable having a substitute. Thank you. Enrique dele Cruz followed by Aaron Stonecipher. >> Good evening. Buenoes. My name is Enrique L Cruz and Orena. He's like I don't want to speak dude. So this is Oren my son. Uh I have also a daughter um in seventh grade. Mentally they both go to Nester proud Nester students. Um so the way that I earn a living ear for the family along with like my wife as an educator in other district is I'm a labor rep in a union organizer and you're at a crossroads. I'm going to be honest. Like I know it's your

070job is not easy. You don't have just, you know, count is just an endless pot of money. But just think about it this way. Strikes will hurt, you know, this hurt institutions just like the school district and also the teachers, the staff and the kids, too. And I'm going to be honest, like I spend my day advocating and repping people, workingass people that are trying to make a living. I'm going be honest at the UC, right? You're like, UC would sound really cool. They h they they they don't have the money that they have actually way more money than you have 60 billion every year profit, right? I know you don't have that just stashed away somewhere. But I'm I'm just getting you to think, okay, because it would be disingenuous of myself, right? If

071I'm working every single day to provide for the family and that group of strong workers has gone on multiple strikes. I think we're at six now just to get a contract. They're out of contract. So, I'm saying it because a lot of parents are already talking about what it's going to take to really put pressure on the district, right? As parents, we're talking to our kids already. So, just kind of think about it. You have an opportunity, like honestly, you have an opportunity to not be that institution that is putting greed right in front of it. You have that opportunity. I get it. Budgets are are tight all over. they are, you know, especially in education, right? We're living in like fascist times. I'm be real. But it's important to understand like we don't live

072in the times that we used to 10, 20 years ago when the economy was okay. You know, you could survive. Right now, it's very difficult. So, I urge you to think about this. There's people that will benefit from you giving them a fair contract that includes wages, right? That are right here, but also out there. And there's kids that are going to be more happy because they're going to have their teachers happier, right, when they're coming to work. And the staff and everybody's going to feel like they're supported by the entire community. And I can't stress it enough. You're at a crossroads. It's a very difficult crossroads. And I and I can say it because I do it every single day. You have an opportunity to be an institution that actually serves the people, right?

073Serves the students. I'm be real. You have that right now. You don't have 60 billion in net profit stashed away like other institutions here in San Diego and across the state. You have an opportunity right now to actually really be an institution for the people. Gracias. Aaron Stonecipher. Good evening. Um, last month I stood before you and was sad, crying a bit. Um, tonight I'm mad. And I might cry again, but um, here's the deal. I'm a parent. I'm an educator. Not here. I'm a sub here, but I have over 10 years of classroom experience, two years in administrative experience. And I find it humiliating to the teachers of this district that you would offer subs $950 a day to come into their classrooms, use potentially their materials, and show them how unworthy you think

074they are because of your willingness to perhaps vote to agree to pay a sub almost four times what a sub makes in this district per day. My students, my my children that go to this Imperial Beach Charter School will not come to school when the teachers strike. And we are also going to keep our students out of school on Monday and show up at Westfield. and we will be there with a rally for solidarity. Thank you. >> Okay. So, we open up for discussion. >> Okay. Well, let's let's go to a motion first. Can I have a motion? >> I move to approve. >> Can we get a second, please? Exactly. >> So, if we don't have a second, um, we cannot vote for this. [screaming] And please join me on Monday at the LCAT

075meeting. I'll be there with Miss Sanchez. Please come join us. Thank you. Superintendent. Keep moving. All right. So, now we're going to go to the educational leadership extended school year waiver. Please recognize director Tom Abila. Conduct a public hearing and approve turning of the number of extended school year days from 20 to 14. Good evening, President Sparza, trustees, superintendent, and guests. I bring forward for a public hearing to approve SBUSD's submission of a waiver to the CDE reducing the number of extended schoolyear days from 20 to 14. California regulations require a minimum 20-day ESY program for eligible special education students. Uh, as South Bay Union School District is seeking approval from the CDE. Sorry about just wait for a minute to the Absolutely. people are trying to clear the >> Um, could we maybe call

076recess while the room gets cleared out. >> You want to recess? Yeah, just take a five minute break. >> Yes. Go ahead. Take a five minutes. Thank you, Tom. >> You're going to be in a five minute recess. We're waiting for Jose. There we go. Please have a seat. So, we will continue. Okay. Now, we have director Tom Balakqua. Did I say that right? >> Absolutely. Thanks. >> All right. Good evening, President Esparza, trustee, superintendent, and guests. I bring forward a request for a public hearing to approve SBUSD's submission of a waiver to the California Department of Education reducing the number of extended school year days from 20 to 14. It's 15 days when we uh include the holiday of Junth. California regulations require a minimum 20-day ESY program for eligible special education students. The

077district is seeking approval of the waiver to reduce ESY from 20 to 14 days. Uh the instructional program will total 80 and a half hours of instructional time for students, which is 30 minutes greater than the traditional 20-day ESY. So we'll have a shorter number of days, but each day will be longer in length. So the total instructional time will exceed the minimum requirement per CTE. This is due to our modified year- round schedule. So, a 14-day ESY would be scheduled from June 9th to June 29th, leaving students a few weeks prior to the start of the 26 27th school year. Uh, the purpose of ESY is for regression in recruitment, so there's not an extended period of time that students are are ultimately missing the education and services that are outlined in their IEP.

078Um, so it is respectfully requested that the superintendent recommend that the board of trustees conduct a public hearing and approve the submission of a waiver to the CDE shortening the number of ESY days from 20 to 14. >> Great. Do we have any public comments? >> We have to call the public hearing to order first. Okay. >> So now we can have public hearing call to order at 7:50. There are no public comments. >> Okay. Thank you. So we do we have a motion. >> I move to approve the shortening of number of of extended year school year days from 20 to 14. >> Second. >> Great question. >> Question. Where will our our extended year uh session be held? >> We haven't determined that yet. We are working with facilities and and other departments

079to ensure that we are in a location that is able to adequately support the students that are attending the program. Uh traditionally, it's about 100 kids. So, we're working internally with with facilities and other school sites. >> Thank you so much uh for that information. and I look forward for your uh I guess summary report and how it went. Thank you. And on that I move forward and call for the vote. >> Just one more question. Tom is do we do this every year? Is this like what's it? >> Yes sir. So uh this is my 10th year in the district and we have had a shortened extended school year every year. The California Department Education requires a public hearing prior to submitting the waiver uh with a request to reduce the number of days.

080So this is something that would come forward annually with a request uh to submit the waiver and then the CDE will either approve or deny that component of it but they have approved it uh in years past here. >> Thank you. Any other comments? All right, let's let's go for the vote, please. >> Lopez Aino, >> yes. >> Kenyon, >> yes. >> Esparza, >> yes. >> Lyer, >> yes. Medina. Motion passes 40 with one absent. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now we have 2024 2027 local control and accountability plan update. Recognize assistant superintendent Richmond for an update on dashboard indicators. All right. Good evening, President Esparsa, Superintendent Espinosa, trustees. This evening we being bring our LCAP update to you. Um again, a reminder that the LCAP is a three-year plan that describes our goals, action,

081services, and expenditures. All schools are required to produce an LCAP, including our two charter schools or I'm sorry, all school districts, all LEAs. So, the district and our two charter schools. Each LCAP must address the eight state priorities. And actually, one of the state priorities has to do with um student achievement. And so, this evening, our update will be around student achievement, but that just happens to be one of the requirements that we reported. and come to you with um how our students are doing. So, we are in year two of a three-year LCAP. Hard to believe we're moving into year three. Um the LCAP is based on our district mission, visions, and values. Goal one is our effective organizational systems. Goal two, district and school climate, culture and connectedness. And lastly, goal three, academic

082excellence for all students, which is around our instruction and assessments. Tonight's update will be on student progress monitoring which is action 3.3 specifically around the California school dashboard results. Um we will have a very lengthy presentation about South Bay Union School District and our results with our nine schools non-charter schools. We will share a few slides on our charter schools um as well as dig into student groups. So with that, I'm going to go ahead and ask that directors Chavez and Flores join me at the podium as they will be sharing um these slides on the California dashboard. Good evening board of trustees president Bara, Superintendent Espinosa, executive team and community. Tonight we'll be presenting the California school dashboard data from the 2425 school year. So our overall indicator for language arts, as you can

083see, stayed the same at yellow from previous years. We did make prog progress in our mathematics indicator from orange to yellow. And even though we went from yellow to red for a chronic absenteeism, we still maintained our rate of students being chronically absent, we did make progress in both our suspension rate and with our English learners. Here you can see the overall indicators that were previously mentioned. These are results do not include our charter schools data. For all three academic performance indicators, there was an increase. So for language arts, we increased by 10.6 points and have no student groups in red. For math, we also increased by 6.1 points and no student groups in red. Also, compared to our previous years, Director Flores will be going more in depth with our English learner progress, but

084as you can see, we're proud of their performance with green with 51.4% of our English learners making progress. For both chronic absenteeism and our suspension rate, we maintained in both areas. For science, we also increased by 4.6 points. And what is new this year on the actual dashboard is actual growth charts for both language arts and math. So for language arts, we see that 78.3% of our students improved from their score from the prior year. These students at the status of accelerated growth are showing that their improved scores compared to the average growth across the state. For math, we have 71.8% of students improved their score from the previous year and they showed average growth as well compared to students across the state. Next, we'll look more in depth with how our specific student groups

085performed in language arts. For language arts, we currently do not have any student groups in red, which is a celebration. However, our student groups are falling in the areas of orange and yellow, as you can see, with our white student group performing in green and our Filipino student group performing in blue, which is a goal for all of our student groups. All four student groups are in the orange. However, our students with disabilities increased with 16.9 points and our long-term English learners by four points with a slight decline in points for our African-American student group and our student group with two or more races. For English language arts, we have all of our student groups in yellow did show an increase with our unheld student group having the highest increase with 32.5 points. And both

086of our student groups here, our white student group and our Filipino student group increased by more than 10 points. We have our white student group increasing by 14 points and our Filipino student group by 20.3 points. And when you don't see a performance color, this just means that the following student groups did not receive that performance color because we had fewer than 11 students and they want to be able to protect their privacy. Now, we're going to look more in depth with how our student groups performed with the new growth model for language arts. The three student groups showed average growth, but all had over 78% of the students improving from last year. and our long-term English learners demonstrated moderate growth compared to last year with 87.8% of our students showing improvement. The different levels

087that the growth model has is that their specific status cut scores, but it starts from minimal growth to moderate growth, average growth, accelerated, and then exceptional. >> [snorts] >> All of the student groups that we see listed here showed accelerated growth compared to their scores from last school year. The highest status level for growth is exceptional which comes right after the accelerated depending on their status cut score which we're confident that the students will demonstrate exceptional growth come next year on the dashboard results. And once again here there's less than 11 students. So there was no performance indicator for the student groups. Moving on to mathematics. So we're going to go over the student groups for mathematics. So the majority of our student groups fall in the yellow performance indicator, but similar to language arts,

088we have no student groups in red compared to our previous years. Yes, huge celebration for the following student groups. All three of our student groups, our unhoused students, our long-term English learners, and our students with disabilities, they showed an increase in points for mathematics. Our African-American student group in this yellow performance group had the highest increase with 16.6 points. However, as noted here, all of our student groups showed growth with an increase in points. And our Filipino student group increased by 16.5 points and are in the green. Similar amount of points from our African-American student groups, which was 16.6 points. And once again, we see that the following student groups did not receive a performance indicator because there there is less than 11 students. Now, we're going to go into the new growth model by

089student groups here. So, we have the first student group, which is our white student group. They showed moderate growth with 72.5 students improving compared to the rest of our student groups who all showed an average growth with every student group performing above 67% from the previous year. And all three of our student groups that are shown here, they had an average growth here with 83.3% of our students with two or more races improving their score from their prior year. And the following student groups here did not have enough data. What we want to show you here is that the correlation between our actions that are in alignment with the LCAP and how all of these actions have helped to build a stronger foundation for our students in the upcoming years. And these resources help to

090diagnose to provide standardsbased teaching and create scaffolds and areas of need for our instruction that our students need in order to continue performing and meeting standardsbased instruction. So you can see here we have aotted a variety of supplemental resources um for standard teaching standardsbased instruction also for intervention we have for student progress monitoring to see how the students are doing throughout the school year we have IED and elevation we have additional supplemental digital platforms that are listed there and then we've actually provided professional development on all of the areas that are listed here. Next, we're going to move on to chronic absenteeism. So, we maintained, but we still need to continue the hard work and the supports and systems that have been put in place in all of our schools to continue building strong relationships

091with our families. And we must continue to develop opportunities to hear from our students about what they need for their learning in order to be successful and not want to miss out on any instructional opportunities in class. As you can see here, the vast majority of our student groups are falling in the red and orange indicators. We maintain for a English learner and Hispanic student group, but we did show a slight increase with our unhoused population. There was also a slight increase with both of the student groups here, the two students with two or more races and students with disabilities. However, for the following four student groups, three out of the four student groups showed a decline for our long-term English learners, our foster youth, and our African-American student group. I'm sorry, socially economically disadvantaged

092declined. Both student groups here, our white student group and our Filipino student group did show a decline of 4.9% and 5.5%. Now something that we have to keep in mind. So, our chronic absenteeism rates remain stable from the 2324 to the 2425 school year. Notably though, overall, our district-wide attendance has continued to improve as reflected in this next slide. These are our attendance rates as of December 31st, 2025 with all of our schools having above 90% attendance rate. Moving on to the suspension rate for our students. We're going to start by seeing an overall for our student groups. And we'll go more into depth into which student groups showed an increase or declined. So even though this does show an increase, it's a very very minimal increase of less than 1% for all three of

093them. And the two student groups for suspension, we have students with disabilities and our white student group. And our white student group maintained at a negative 0.2%. And for students with disabilities, there was a very minimal increase. Here we see three out of four of our student groups in yellow maintained with our foster youth group declining at 2.8%. And the two student groups that we have in green, our English learners and our Filipino student group, they both declined as well. And once again, just like the other performance indicators, we have fewer than 11 students for the following student groups to have data. Here we have the Imperial Beach Charter School. They have their own dashboard results which you can see here. Chronic absenteeism is yellow, suspension is also yellow, but they have English learner progress

094is in blue. Their English language arts and mathematics is in orange. And they have met the standard for all of the local indicators that are listed there. For Nester Language Academy, they have three performance indicators in green, which is mathematics, English learner progress, and English language arts. Their suspension rate is in yellow, and chronic absenteeism is in orange. And they too have met all of the local indicators on the dashboard. What we did here was a comparison with our neighboring districts and there are some great highlights between them and South Bay Union School District with South Bay having the highest percentage of students making progress for our English learners. We had the highest increase in points for language arts and with science having an increase of 4.6 six points. The last two slides are trends.

095We started this since precoid to last school year's results. And we can see their similarities in range between South Bay Union School District, National City and Sanicedro in comparison to the state of California and or San Diego County for students who have met or exceeded the standard for language arts. And this last slide shows the percentages of students again who met or exceeded the standard but for math in comparison with our local districts and state of California and our San Diego County as well. Next, we will have Director Flores present more in depth on our English learner dashboard data. Good evening, President Espara Trustee Superintendent Espinosa and community. Tonight I will be sharing an overview of how our English learners, our brilliant English learners are progressing in South Bay School uh Union School District with

096a focus on the English learner progress indicator or LP um as reported on the 2425 California school dashboard. Once again, the LP uh is one of the several state indicators that the California Department of Education uses to report um data for our scholars. The LP shows the percentage of of English learners that are making progress in their language development. So, I that is the specific measure that we're going to going to be looking at. In essence, the LP relies on the scores of the ELPAC to calculate progress. So, it takes the four scores of the ELPAC, one, two, three, and four, divides it into six measures, and then it calculates um the progress made by each student. Okay. So, we're going to disagregate that. So once again the LP is um accounts for students scholars

097in grades 1 through 12 we go to 8th grade. It measures the percentage of students who made progress in English language proficiency in from last year to the current year or if they maintained up four. Okay. So they either made progress in the language in from one proficiency level to the next or they maintained a level four. Looking at our districtwide LP results, we see that very proudly our brilliant English learners in South Bay performed overall in terms of language growth. We see the 7.4 uh increase from last year and that 51 uh 51.4% 4% of our our students are making progress in their language proficiency. In addition to the LP as director uh Chavez, she provided a global view of our English learners, but I wanted to put this back together for us. The

098dashboard also helps us look at English learner outcomes across ELA math suspension rates and chronic absenteeism. Um when we look at the uh English language development and their progress, it's also important for us to get a global picture of how our English learners are also doing in um these other areas. uh to have this holistic view and ensure that not only are they progressing with their language development, but they're they're having access in the classroom to these other contents because that is equity, right? So, they need to be making progress in their language development, but they also need to be having access um to the standards in these content at RIS. We see that they they are they're they're increasing in ELA math and we're happy to see suspension rates being declining. As we know,

099last year the dashboard uh held all districts, all LEAs accountable for ELTEL uh data. The ELTEL LP indicator continues to hold districts accountable for the academic achievement of this student group and rightfully so. This data is especially important because Eltel's long-term English learners often face areas of need in academic language development, reclassification, belonging amongst other areas of need. Looking at our district-wide LP results, we see that our LTES made significant gains. Last year, they were in the red. Um this year they made significant gains about 24% increase and 62 63% of our students making progress on the dashboard. Again, I wanted to provide we see the language proficiency. They making gains in language proficiency, but it's also important that we look at the holistic profile of our students and ensuring that they're having that equity

100piece that they have access to the ELA standards to the math standards and we see some increases here in ELA math. Um, so I wanted to ensure that we provided these um this holistic view and there were some grows last year. They were in the red in these areas. There was some increases some increases here and there's still some work that although there's some gains, there's also still some work that we want to continue to do around here so that they continue to grow. I also wanted to include this comparison data um in ELA and math that highlights um how our students who are reclassified do in comparison to our English only and our students who are still English learners. And you'll see that typically our reclassified students tend to score better than our English

101only and our current uh and our English learners. Our reclassified students tend to outperform because they demonstrated high academic level English proficiency. They benefit from bilingual cognitive development, receive years of targeted language instruction. um they go through the rigorous reclassification criteria systems um and they maintain their biiteracy along with lots of other supports that contribute to um their strengths. In short, the RF su uh this the success of our RFID students reflects the power of their sustained language supports. This is another view of the gains um over time for our English learners for the LP. So a different way of looking at the data. So I bring your attention to the bar graph for 2025. Um, and this again shows us the data of how many students decreased an LP level, which is the 12.5%.

102As you see, that's been decreasing. We don't want our students to decrease. We want them to advance. Um, the 35.7% represents uh the students that maintain a one, two, or three. The 7 is represents a student that maintained a four and the 51.1% represents the percentage of students that gained that move progressed one LP level. This data highlights the LP comparison over time comparing four districts in the state of California. You'll notice an increase from um last year, well over the cross of several years to this year. You'll see our our line SBUSD is represented in the red and you'll see that we're slightly starting to increase. So celebrations there. This bar graph, this bar graph, this data compares L, LE, LP data, alphabet soup, LEP data across districts over two years because remember the

103Ltel data is new. It just came out last year. You'll notice a significant growth for SBUSD. And also I want to point out the 13% um increase in comparison between South Bay Union School District to the state of California. So there's a significant um we're above the state average in regards to our ELTELS. Yes, it's a huge celebration. Here you'll see a snapshot of Nester Language Academy um their progress for English learners and ELTELS. You'll see some increases in ELA math and also in their LP for both English learners and long-term English learners. You'll also see this is Imperial Beach Charters uh snapshot global view of their English learners and long-term English learners. So a global view of their data. There are some celebrations for their English learners and you won't see their long-term English

104learners. For Imperial Beach, you won't it's not colored because for the LP for long-term English learners, schools have to have 30 or more long-term English long-term English learner students with summitive ELPAC or alternate ELPAC scores. So, you heard Director Chavez say that for ELA and math there have to be 11 or more. for LTEL there has to be 30 or more. So there there are different metrics that the state of California um sets for different measures. So I just wanted to point that out that that's why that's not highlighted for Imperial Beach. So we put uh a list of a lot of things that we've been doing collectively as a district um over the course of two years. I didn't include the work that been happening this year. So, this is work that's been happening

105for from last year and the year before. It's a lot of work. We're very proud of the work that's been happening here in South Bay. And it's not work that happens with one person. It's not the work of one department. It's not the work of two departments. It's the work of every everyone in the collective. Um, we really been grounded on the California EO road map. that's really been centered, that's really been our north star. Um, and it really has four principles that guides our work. And the first one is that our students, our bilingual students are are we have to have an assets oriented and needs responsive lens. Our students are brilliant and they bring assets and brilliance in cultura to our schools every day and that we meet them where they are as

106they are. I mean we we make no excuses. Principle number two that we need to provide intellectual and strong quality instruction. So those two principles, there's four, that doesn't mean we don't do all four, but principle one and principle two have really been the drivers from for last year. Um and that that's been propelling our work forward around professional development. Our principles are conducting um equity walks centered on uh principal one and principal two. Um we have our multilingual learner committee that has met with fidelity for two years. We do not miss a mark every month where we talk about our EO master plan. We talk about the California EO roadmap. We talk about professional development. We talk about ELTELS. We have our multilingual learner collaboration which was established last year where we have the

107same types of coll of conversations but that happens during the day. It's a release with a group of teachers our learning acceleration teachers who provide services to our newcomers which is our newcomer program that happens at all of our schools DOI and SEI. And I want to highlight that that all of this work happens at all of our schools regardless of program. Okay. Uh we have street data collections, epi empathy interviews and we collect all of this data. We also have our language academy that started last year and I just can go on and on and on and on. Marcus Aurelius says a Greek philosopher that words are opinions that actions are our only truth and the this is the work that has been in play for two years and the actions show on our

108teachers our principles the collective of of South Bay and although the dashboard are just numbers it's still good to see that the work and the intellect of our students is paying off because they matter and that's why we're here. Thank you. >> So, I just want to summarize a couple of points and I know you heard them as well. Um, but I do want us to celebrate that we have no student groups in red. That is a highlight. Um, we are in year two of differentiated assistance. However, differentiated assistance like district improvement is a two-year program. We were notified that based on our dashboard results, we would not be in differentiated assistance. [snorts] So, we're in what they call like year two light. So, if you see that, just know that if we were if

109it was based on the criteria um for the 2425 dashboard, then we would not be in differentiated assistance. So, another celebration. Um, also I know that we talked a lot about the um chronic absenteeism versus ADA. And what I want to say is both can be true. We can have high chronic absenteeism, but we can also have high ADA because it might be a few students or fewer students, not the majority, but that they miss a lot of school and if it happens upfront in the beginning of the school year, they can never fix that. So once they miss 10% and that's 18 days for the entire school year. If they get a bad flu or they whatever the case is, this is excused and unexcused. It's not unexcused only. But if they get a

110bad flu or they get the flu twice and they miss 18 days of school in the first semester, there is nothing we can do to change their status of being chronically absent. So, we're working on the independent study contract is one way to to make up 15 days and so we encourage that and we promote that. Um, but I just again it's a it's where ADA we can redo every day but chronic absenteeism is a little bit tougher. Um, also just a reminder that when we were looking at the numbers when we're talking about suspension, decline is good. So decline is good and that's where it sort of reverses on us and so is chronic absenteeism when it declines. Um I also want to point out in math I don't know if you noticed but

111we um have increased approximately 3% higher than any of our surrounding districts and the county. So for being so focused on ELA to see that in math was a a real um positive. Um and then um lastly just to thank our teams and I know that um both um directors um Flores and Chavez mentioned but this is not us doing the work. It really is all departments all staff, teachers, support staff, instructional assistants, principles, everyone is doing this work. Our parents, our community and so um we're just so glad to see some of the results. Again, one measurement, but some really nice results and some positive things to celebrate. All right, with that, um, if there are any questions, I have a couple of questions and a couple of comments. Um, first, congratulations to everyone.

112uh from the beginning in the morning when we send our little children to school until they come home. They're actually in their second families. We welcome them. I I just went back to Emry. Okay. I just went back there because I felt welcome. Okay. When children feel welcome, they'll keep coming back. Okay. And and who welcomes them is important. And uh when you say everyone, I know what you're talking about. It's everyone. Even the mom that's sitting on the corner. Hurry up. Everybody. It's a community. It's a community. Um the chronic absenteeism, you know, that's always been my area of uh of um watch. That's my watch. Um and I'm glad that you mentioned the attendance recovery plan and and the independent state contract. And I had forgotten it's just 15 days they can make

113up. So um and I know that the figures that you have here are from uh 20 April April 25. >> They're from last school year, >> right? Last April 25, right? >> It would have been the end of the the full school year. >> So it's a P1 P2 all the way till the end to June. >> Okay. So, uh, we didn't kick off our attendance recovery until August of last year. So, we should see some improvement in April when the when we take our tests again for the chronic absenteeism for any kind of makeup days for those 15 independent study contracts. Is that what we're going to see? >> I'm I'm not really sure what the question is. I think if as far as our attendance and chronic absenteeism, we hope that it will

114be lower. Absolutely. And we are moving to um reduce chronic absenteeism and that is the work of many members on our teams and at the site level. >> Yes. >> Truly, truly and and um >> so when I come back and before you with probably some of the initial LCAP data um then yes I will have that and that will be reflected in the annual update. >> Right. Right. >> We're a little bit behind in some and some of the data is a little bit >> well you know I did a little study this weekend about you know attendance and reporting periods and you know what a nightmare at Rigo in his department. So thank you for that work over there and uh thank you for your work um in the special ed department. I

115can remember me sitting here and saying what is this number? I can hardly see it. It was 111% uh um below standards for our special needs not special our special groups. and and I'm happy to see that there has been growth there. Thank you, Tom, and and your staff. Um um the improvements on our school facilities, uh Nicolof with their playground equipment that inspires me for that group. Okay. They they'll come to school because they want to swing on that swing, you know, and play on that playground. So, uh I acknowledge that work. all of us do that work and uh and I look forward to the report for the end of the year and the uh the the uh tenants recovery. Um we we're measuring right now how to uh not measuring but we're

116looking at you know whittling away some things that we weren't productive we didn't get the outcome we wanted you know that's coming up and you know that so I'm really concerned about the I can program and uh how those numbers here at all the schools reflect the same thing year after year. You know, I'm really concerned about that. So maybe next time you come, you can go in depth more about uh how schools um support the ICAM program and uh what happens every month with the report because we don't know that. >> And we can share some of that next month during the midyear report, the LCAP midyear. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Congratulations. Feels like every time you come up here, we're making more progress. >> Great. Thank you so

117much for your presentation. Excellent progress. I mean, I I like the English learner progress pro progress indicator over time. That means something, you know, that that makes me feel proud. I think we're doing the right thing although you know um so we you know we're looking at the attendance attendance rates you know of chronic absentism and I think we have committed a lot of resources to improve our attendance rate but yet we still not quite where we want to be. I think that's something that is really, you know, where what do we need to do? >> Is there something that needs to improve? >> Well, and absolutely and I think that that it's a great question because as I said, we have I can's focus is really on ADA. So, we've put a lot of

118um emphasis and focus on getting kids to school every day. And so we as a team need to explore and dig a little bit deeper into what's happening with chronic absenteeism because you would hope that as you see ADA increase across the board, you would see chronic absenteeism decrease. However, it could it quite possibly can be the same students year after year with chronic absenteeism. So that is that is some of the work that we need to do as we look at our metrics and how we're measuring that and where we are putting our resources. So we've we have started that conversation >> and I'm pretty sure when you are absent at school it affects you progress reporting for every student. Is that right? >> That I'm sorry that when you're absent >> every time

119you're absent affects you progress report. >> Oh absolutely every day counts. >> Yes. >> Every single school day counts. >> Thank you so much for your presentation. Okay, we have um department report recognized director Francisco Franco for an update on the maintenance operations and facility department. >> Ah, how we go. We appreciate all the good comments. Thank you though. Good evening, uh, President Sparza, board of trustees, superintendent Spininoza, colleagues, and community members. Um, it's an honor to be part of the, uh, MOF team, mains operations facilities. I got three gentlemen right behind me actually. And this is Director Meyer. Um, I wasn't, it's not a must to be here, but as you can see, as you can see, we are a team, and that's one thing that that we appreciate and we take to heart.

120So, they say in Spanish, No pesa. So I don't know if you guys understand it means between all of us the dead body doesn't weigh much. So so it's uh it's easier on us. Um as I mentioned I'm going to I'm going to talk about each one of these this uh these gentlemen here. And the reason being is like I said we didn't uh kind of expect it. So, assistant director of MOF James Meyer um oversees fire life and safety at the district level. Involves ensuring that all facilities comply with applicable fire codes, safety regulations, and emergency preparedness standards. This includes coordinating inspections, maintenance, fire protection systems, reviewing evacuation plans, and promoting safety training to protect students, staff, and visitors through proactive monitoring and collaboration with local and fire authorities a safe and secure environment

121and maintains across the district. And not only that, he does a lot more. I'm just summarizing stuff that that we uh we do leads Ernesto Ernesto Ramirez. His responsibilities are the maintenance of building within the district focuses on ensuring the safety, functionality, and long-term sustainability of all facilities. Regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs are carried out to prevent structural integrity. Okay. and then >> friend our landscape leads. He oversees the planning and execution of outdoor maintenance task while ensuring that pesticide applications are performed safely and responsibly. His role includes identifying pest issues, selecting appropriate treatment methods and making sure all applications are performed to standard. He also trains crews the crew excuse me and methods and making sure all applications are performed to standard. He also trains the crew members on proper tool handling.

122Excuse me. Uh and Jason Jason has a very unique job. So he he he goes to the school sites. He's our leads for custodian but he mean works with the uh principles or directors of the department to make sure that our all our facilities are clean. So his his job is is a little different but he is responsible for managing and cleaniness schedules to ensure all areas are constantly maintained to establish standards. These roles include conducting regular inspections to identify issues, verify complete work, and address any deficiencies in a timely manner. He also prepare, excuse me, prepares and maintains accurate reports documenting cleanliness, activities, inspections, result, and any follow-ups actions needed to support accountability and continuous improvement. So, this is one part of our team. Obviously, we have the rest of our crew to to

123uh uh give give uh props to. So, there's there's quite a bit of of work that's going on. And uh here we go. So the rest of our team consists of one ad admin assistant, two refrigerant mechanics, five landscapers, one irrigation specialist, three custodians, four senior tradesmen, three tradesmen, one MOF drivers/storekeeper. Uh district overview, it really hasn't changed much. Nine TK through six elementary schools, two TK through 8 charter schools, VIP village preschool, Friendship, ELOP, three departments facilities. Uh we still have 137.6 6 acres. Permanent buildings 599,930 square ft. Portables 64,320. Cleaning spaces 664,250 square ft. Storage areas. That might change because we added some some tough sheds. So that's going to we're going to have to do a little bit adjustment on that as well. walkways 158,697 square feet. Uh portables this past year

124we removed quite a bit of them. So that number has this is an accurate number. So it's it's gone down quite a bit. So summer projects um obviously we have a lot of projects. These guys are also included on on some of them. But uh asphalt resurfacing phase one onian lower playground as asphalt overlay bayside kinder playground asphalt overlay. So those those jobs are pretty much the school sites are are up to par. Um when it comes to Bayside the the plane area since we are working with the city of Imperial Beach, we really haven't touched that until we we get a better idea. We don't want to make the ex the uh expense repairs. Next thing you know, things change. So, we're waiting on it. If anything comes up, there's a hole, we do

125uh address the issue and uh and make sure that the school site is safe. Uh districtwide projects, removal of resident trailers, which has already occurred, trim trees at multiple sites. Actually, we did three school sites, Nicoloff, Pence, and Sunny Slope. So, and we're working our way through trees that we really don't need. Um and then camera and access and access control phase one. So just about all the school sites and some of our departments have the first phase completed. We're working right now on the second portion of it. Energy project, plumbing and lighting, [clears throat] excuse me. continued projects districtwide energy project HVAC building envelope which is uh I don't know if you guys noticed we have a bunch of HVAC sitting back of this district office here so we're replacing that to try to

126save the district money with newer better units through the cowshape grant um uh Barry Kinder where we removed all the portables our team our landscape team did the the grading and the irrigation so and saw just got installed So it's going to look it's going to look pretty nice. So that's uh then the other thing is IBC on Emory and Mendoza Nicolaf Termite Tinting Schools are done. We just have one left. We've done all the school sites. Uh Westview Alarm and structural improvements. We're working on that. Uh VIP Nickeloff North IBC shade structures. VIP and Nicoloff will be getting some new shade structures that are required by by their uh programs uh annual fire life and safety inspections with various government agencies. Uh pending projects as I mentioned termite tenting Barry uh we've already started

127Mr. Kon has made the uh the remark regarding Nikolaf. Um so we started there that's almost completed and then they're removing to the rest of the other schools which is Imperial Beach Charter Nester and pets and then we're working on the scope for the second phase of that of that project. Um painting Bad Onya and Nicolola for working on that. Unfortunately Basad and Onya do have a lot of uh wood damage so we have to We're getting proposals to get all that repaired. Um asphalt reser resurfacing phase two Imperial Beach Charter Nicolof district office district office and warehouse we're looking more just to do uh it's pretty much seal coat and restripe because it's very difficult right now to see the lines. Um so something to that point IB and Nicolov that's more of a

128of a overlay. So, which is pretty much a 2-in cap that goes over existing repair of the hose and we should be in good shape. Camera and access control phase. Number two, we're we're dealing with that uh scope in progress right now. um penny projects, roofing phase one, neester admin on NPR, district office, building A. Those those uh materials have been purchased through a CAMASS pro uh contract which allows us to buy it at a at a better cost than going through a contractor. So those those materials now we're working on on installation. um roofing phase two and those are complete replacement. Uh Pence, NPR, and Curl Beach charter and uh those we're still in the in in the stages of seeing what what benefits the district a little better. Either doing a heat replacement

129or upping the warranty. Westview projects uh completed flooring, asphalt, hardscape, alarm systems, HVAC upgrades, tough sheds. As I mentioned earlier, um, pending technology upgrades, kitchen and fields. And I'm going to have Mr. Director, assistant director Meyer continue from here. So, we just talked a lot about the facility side of the MOF acronym. Um I'm going to talk a little bit more about the MO or the M O uh maintenance and operations. So we do have a lot of uh different responsibilities. We do support the sites in many different ways. Um some highlights with emergency prevention. We had a training. It was a tabletop training with the sheriff's department from IB where we went through some scenarios with leaders. Uh safety and maintenance. We worked with uh Amy here and Barbie from business services to apply

130for the air pollution control district grant. which uh led to the Allen air purifiers and all the filters that will be coming in February or March. Um it's funny that it's raining today because uh this slide shows a couple years ago when we had sort of a a heavier rain, but our team uh trains constantly and uh has a protocol for rainy days just like this or worse where we go through rain gutters and we make sure everything's prepared so that the campuses and operations aren't impacted. Um, last year we started with the garden handbook. It's been a group effort and uh we've had a few different applications. Hopefully some of them come forward to present to you guys with their their great ideas. Looking forward to that. Um, and then this is sort of

131an overview of our three different departments with some uh photos. Um, our landscape team has a normal schedule, but they also go above and beyond to uh do preventative work like trimming trees so that on a day like today, the branches don't fall because they've already been caught ahead of time. Our custodial team does a lot of behind the scenes things during breaks when no one's here. So, I wanted to highlight with that picture where you can see the deep clean and some of the effort they do behind the scenes. Um, and our maintenance team just responds to everything very, very quickly and uh, the response times have been getting better and better. So, I wanted to highlight that. Um, we mentioned a little earlier the uh, front of Barry. Um, we're not in the

132business of giving away vendor pricing, but we've saved a healthy five figures um, just using our skill set in house. And the guys um on the right showcase the tradesmen and the different skill sets they have um which really helps us save quite a bit of money over time uh because they don't just do the day-to-day, they also help a lot with projects. Um our social media is here. Um Jason has been doing a really good job um of posting some of our progress photos. Um so please feel free to follow and uh see the work that we're doing. And then we always like to include the annual summer celebration because a lot of the guys who are working all summer when people are on vacation um you know they come back to these beautiful

133campuses that are all prepped for the beginning of the year and uh we really want to get together and uh reward that effort and uh come together with this annual celebration. So you can see here at the uh everyone getting together and uh thank you. That's our presentation. Special thanks to our school sites, board of trustees, leadership teams, support departments, and community members. >> Thanks. >> Any questions? >> I always go first [laughter] the social media. Right on. And Granny Granny's kiddos. Uh that's me. So, uh, whenever I mostly don't comment because, you know, I'm on the board member, but I do like it. Okay. I do like it. And I I watch your work and it's just like I've been here forever and uh my whole life, I haven't seen that much work in

134two years that you've done. So, thank you. Uh, things that I didn't think that we did. Okay. And like you said, we save money when we do it in house. And oh, I just remember what I was going to ask you. um your um pest control. So, I've been monitoring that expense for pest control and I know um two years ago you had some men um certified for in-house pest control. Are we still doing that? >> We still have a team. >> Yes. Uh right now we have two people that are doing it because we the first time it was was I wouldn't say an experiment but normally that stuff is done when when kids aren't in and especially on on Saturdays. So a friend and usually Carlos take care of that that concern. So

135really because we have to give a 72-hour window that's the uh the cord the code ordinance. So that's why we're we're able to do it just Saturday and it gives it a day. Technically, you don't have to give it a dip, but we do for it to dry. Whatever we're we're addressing, either weeds or insects or anything that's a Exactly. anything that's a pest. So, yeah, we're still doing it. >> So, how about the tenting? I know you guys did a lot of tenting in the winter break. >> I've been here 28 years. We've never done it. So, obviously these these are classic buildings. So, so uh so they need that attention and and making sure we we're trying to make them last. As I mentioned before, we're looking to paint three schools, but two

136of them are in dire need of changing out the wood on catwalks and some T111 portables that we they're meant to stay now. So, we got to make sure that we we replace that wood. And hopefully with this, I mean, normally I'm not an expert on it, but I know they they normally say about 10 years tint your house for for any kind of uh mostly termites. So they say, like I said, I'm not an expert, but anyway, so this we did this and we just need one more school and we've been completed with that. Um seal coating all the brick. Uh we've done all all school sites as well. So, we're trying to protect it from the outside in and and maintaining roofs are important. As you noticed, we had that as well. So,

137we want to make sure that our our uh investments were or our school, yes, are protected from the outside in. Obviously, the interior is very very uh that's something that we >> So, what did you call the windstorm we had during our winter break? >> A nightmare. You you can say that. But fortunately for us, we took care of three schools. Nicolof, pants, and sunny slope. So these big eucalyptus trees are not sales. And none of them came down because they've been laced. And so it's it's it's something that that makes it, you know, in case something gets damaged one of our own buildings. So those are the things that we we're trying to prevent. >> One more thing before I I end. Um, thank you for the work at McNester. I only know what

138I see on social media and I what I see is perhaps maybe because it's a new roof on 51. Room 51. That's so I'm looking at it's just like, okay, now you moved everything out of the room. Okay. Okay. What does that mean? Okay. You moved everything back into the room. Okay. What does that mean? Room 51. I only know what I read. Okay. And uh I think it was yesterday. Um you were you laid new carpet and the new walk space when you walk into the uh so so good job. Uhhuh. And Nester's been neglected for a long time. So I'm sure that the Nester staff and children are excited to see all their new new uh things to look at and uh the the work. you know, we have seventh and eighth graders

139that could be interested in watching you, you know, and doing that as a career. So, thank you again. Good job. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you for your presentation. I do have to say that you know um so this is the people that you normally work with and people normally don't see it every day but I know you guys are out there and do appreciate that you know I see you I sometimes I see you guys you know so thank you so much it's just kind of quick question how often do you do conduct an emergency prevention training we it depends sometimes we we try to do as as best as possible we do a lot of it through through Kenan so most of our training is through Kenan and sometimes

140it deps hands if the question is raised. We have a meeting every Tuesday. Um the group you see up here. Um so if if it comes up from them, that's how that's we we try to address it. We just had a little incident with vacuum cleaners. So we we uh consulted the the manufacturer. They they were willing to come out and gave everybody a training um steps of doing the things that we do. Jason provided the posters to every school site and department. So there is no confusion and there's no issue when when these things are not being used proper sometimes I get it we're in a hurry but again and not only the reason why we provided these posters and all this training is so even subs can see it up in the wall

141and it's a it's a bigger 11 by 17 um poster of each each unit and I think uh we just right so these are going out to our schools right now so those are the type of trainings that we we we try to if the question comes up we try to get it Okay, >> very good. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Uh, division report recognizing intern assistant superintendent Felix Abila for a report of human resources and organizational development. >> All right. Well, good evening board for President Esparza, trustee, superintendent, staff, and and what's left of our guest. Um, I'm here today to provide an update on the work uh in the HR department. Is it the advance button? Okay, there we go. So for the month of November, December and u much

142of this work was done before me but uh we had three added three certificated staff um 10 certificated substitutes of the 197 active subs that we have. Uh we have nine added nine classified staff, 16 classified substitutes and we currently have 237 active subs and then 26 volunteers the division projects. Now this is a little more uh detail here because I'm learning quite a bit about um what the department has been working on. So we have what's called the frontline platform and that encompasses the frontline central the absence management uh recruit rec recruiting and hiring and this was launched back in um the spring of 2025. Uh the frontline central portion of the platform streamlines onboarding and reduces manual HR work. It centralizes employee data and it supports the workflow automation. the absence management management

143which you've had um has been in operation and is is how we manage the substitutes. Um what has been added to that portion is the leave tracking and uh and therefore removal from the eye vision's um um system. Uh the leave tracking involves the uh tracking of their sick leave as well as their vacation. The recruiting and hiring portion is a component of the platform that was launched in November 2025 and uh went live in the fall of 2025. Uh the recruiting and hiring component streamlines the entire hiring workflow from posting to hiring. Uh when completed, the candidate is moved into the frontline central portion. The recruiting and hiring enhances candidate quality and visibility. um hiring teams can see where each candidate is in the process and it integrates with the onboarding and front and

144frontline central. Then we have frontline HRMS which is human resources management system and this helps to manage position control and is currently in progress. uh the HR team meets weekly along with the fiscal department to ensure a smooth transition from the current I vision system to the to the new HRMS platform. Um, of course, this is all done with the uh tremendous support of the technology department under u director Jen Oliver. Uh so the HRMS um program is centralized centralized position management and automated workflows. It's integrated leaves calendars and schedule management and works in tandem with c frontline central and the recruiting and hiring uh portions. So staff and community experience. Um, this is the LCAP goal two and I'm just starting to learn about some of this, so I'm only going to hit on

145on a few of these here. But as you know, the employee of the year process has been revised and the staff recognition committee uh is comprised of folks from uh CSEA, SATA, board member and administrative staff. The employee of the year will be held on February 17th uh 2026. Uh there is a survey climate that the committee has worked on and that climate is on uh climate and culture and was sent out in December of 2025 and uh will be sent out again in spring of 2026. Uh in regards to community experience, we have currently 1,260 volunteers in the system and I'd share that we added a few more in the last couple of months. The community survey has not been sent out yet and there is a plan to send it out in late

146February technology. So, so due to changes in school boundaries, the department is currently working uh to update the data in the student information system. Uh working on setup and configuration of what's going on in i visions, which is the employee database system, the current system. As uh shared earlier, there are weekly meetings um held with the groups from FISCO and the IT department and uh our director of technology has been presenting and facilitating professional development for both classified and certificated staff and in in speaking with her she was sharing with me she does some training on podcasting and dig digital storytelling. Uh with regards to negotiations, as you're all aware, we're in factf finding and our meetings are scheduled for January 26 and 27th. Um in regards to SWAT successor agreement, um even though you're

147in fact finding, they have already opened for 20 uh five and 26 and they have met for three uh meetings and uh there is a next the fourth session is to be determined. So, we haven't scheduled that date yet and I think because there's been a pause due to the factf finding. Um, as you're aware, CSA and the district have concluded negotiations for 2425 and the impacts of the effect on school closure have also been completed. Uh the district and SWAT are currently working through the impacts of the effects on school closure and um in the future we'll be working on the on the impacts and effects of any reductions that may be coming before the board. That is my presentation for tonight. Do you have any questions for me? Hey, >> I always go

148to the activity list. >> Okay. >> Um, but there's always a second page. So, what's up with that? >> Okay. There's always there's always a second page. >> Teasing you, but usually there's a second page and a third page. So, I just highlight the work of HR because your department works so hard. Okay. I want to recognize that. and the volunteer uh number is just, you know, I hope they're in our in our classrooms thousand people and uh what a difference that would make, wouldn't it? Uh but uh I'm glad that you're you're coming to us and giving a report. I I've been asking for this for I don't know how long. So, thank you for coming tonight and um I'm excited to hear more about um what you presented to us tonight and the

149facts behind uh you know the front line the reporting the the um people peopleoft is it people soft people >> uh there is the people soft I'm getting caught up to this peopleoft and the i visions and the frontline platform as well so there's quite a bit of information um that uhh to learn and um just depending on the experts in the department um to help me with that. >> Perfect. Um one last thing in regards to all that technology and uh support of employees knowing that in HR um I would hope that um there's some training that goes along with um there was once upon a time the custodians didn't know how to uh put in a work order online. So, we've come a long way, I think. But, uh, if we continue that

150momentum and keep our employees well trained in technology, um, uh, um, if we could put that on the radar, I appreciate it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I had a question. You talked about the employee of the year awards. Yes. Can you remind me when those are happening? >> Uh, I think I said uh, February 17th and I think it's at six o'clock. Um would you mind sharing how that process works like how like what would make an employee eligible how do they get because I know we nominate like community members to help with that process but >> yeah well so you be at disadvantage here because all that work was done before I got here but my understanding is there is a nomination process there is committee that reviews those nominations and then

151they select and then bring it before the superintendent and the executive board. >> Yeah, Felix. And we can send that in the Friday update. I I know that you haven't been part of that process, so we'll just send that in the Friday update. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. Well, what I can share uh trustee is that uh I'm the board member and uh although I don't participate uh I do uh sit in the back and listen. So it's a uh um a really great uh committee uh committee in which they um look forward to uh recognizing those at the work site that are nominated by the work site. So uh in that work um we're the committee is also looking forward to something like a a monthly thing. So I just give that

152for context. Thank you. >> Thanks and there you go. >> Thank you for your presentation. >> Thank you Mr. have for your presentation. >> Thank you, President Sparza. >> Thank you. Right. Move on. Consent calendar. >> All matters listed on the calendar. Consent calendar will be enacted in one motion and from form listed below. Prior to approval of the meeting agenda, there was an opportunity to request placing consent calendars item in the discussion action section of the board meeting. There will be no discussions on this items prior to the board vote. >> Move to approve the items. >> Second. >> Go for Lopez. >> Yes. >> Kenyon. >> Yes. >> Medina. >> Esparza. >> Yes. >> Liker. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. 5-0. Right, moving right along. Future agenda items. Uh, do we have any

153anybody wants to have any future agenda items? No. Okay, we're right next to it. So, I know we have recognize Superintendent Jose Espinosa and provide on direction on the next steps on future agenda items from previous board meetings. Thank you, President Esparza. And I'll just turn it back over to Trusty Lopez Aino and to President Sparza who both had items on that future agenda item. >> Okay. Um I would like to request your support to have a future agenda item um where we can discuss more um the work that is being done at um Pence Sunny Slope and Berry. Um so we can keep those schools open and also um you know what are things that we're looking at to increase our revenue um and I believe the The way that we're going to make

154this happen is by making sure that there is parent engagement and that we're working together as a community to figure out how do we keep the schools moving. >> So you need some sort of like report from some sort of study. What is it exactly what you're looking for or you asking for? >> You know, I'm I'm kind of thinking that maybe this is something that we can do. Um, I don't want to say a Friday update, but like like what I I definitely would want to make sure that we all know what what we're working on. Um, but also to be able to present it to the community as well so they see what exactly we're up to. Um, and understand that we are trying to not close the schools. You know, I just

155I just want to remind the board that over the last couple of years, we've had we've had a committee to do just that. Um, and I know Trusty Lopez was not involved in that committee. Um but that committee presented um or or looked at options at um you know how we could um you know keep our students um which translates to how not to close schools right that that's exactly what that committee was doing. Um I know that a couple of trustees were involved in that work. Um, and I'm a little surprised that they're not sharing how that how they were involved and and what they learned during that work. Um, what I don't want to see is I don't want to see um, you know, creating another committee for staff where they're going to

156have to do a lot of work and nobody's going to be involved, right? That that doesn't help anybody. Um, so again, I will turn it over to the board. Um, you know, if if if you guys want to see some type of committee, then tell me exactly what you want to see and we'll figure out uh if we can do that or not do that or, you know, then we'll bring it back to the board. Um, but I just need a I need clear direction. >> Okay. I have a suggestion. What if um would it be possible to reconvene that original group that you all just mentioned >> with all the respect that you deserve? I would not support you in that. I was part of that committee for two years. It's time consuming. Um

157there's a lot of misinformation given to the public and the work has been done. >> Well, not only that committee Janet, but trustees um it's Janet and I, okay, that are holding up this board. We participate in all the committees. We go to every meeting. We go to the uh school site visits. week. But we we we well the we is the five of us. Okay. So when we sit here and we ask the superintendent to put more work on his on his watch um while we sit back and wait is is uh um a little bit much in my mind [clears throat] that um you have ample opportunity to speak with the superintendent about anything you want. If you wanted more data, you should gone over that wall over there and read what the

158community said. Okay? It was there for three months. Okay? >> Sorry. I know like for example, recently we were looking at workforce housing, right? Um and there are opportunities with that to potentially bring in revenue for the district. Is that correct? >> We were sent you last month. >> But what I'm saying like one thing is us knowing that. But I would like to make sure that um the schools, the parents who come here asking us not to close the schools have an opportunity. So maybe it's not a committee or a task force that this board will do, but I think we need to figure out how do we actually work with those parents to make it happen. >> Yeah. And I would invite you, Trusty Lopez Aino, to lead that with parents. Um, I

159will support you however I can, but I will definitely invite you to lead that. >> So, let me >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. Let me add a little bit. So, I had the opportunity to um visit a school and I wanted to do it like when coffee with the principal and where parents actually show up like for instance Suns Lopez which is my school that I that my kids attended and that's one right there. Go ahead and stand up, son. There you go. >> Is that yours? >> That's my son. My 14y old son. >> Um, so I had the opportunity to actually meet with the parents that actually go to the school that normally that you know thinking about you know closing that is if the um low enrollment right so you have

160the opportunity to see a one-on-one. Uh I think when you meet with the parents they go specific school you have the direct contact. Um you have some other parents that they don't they don't send their their kids to that those particular schools you know and they might say things that is not true. So, I I think uh we can I mean I I see where you where you're going with this, but I think we could postpone it a little bit longer into a year or so and then we can touch bases on that. >> Yeah, I guess it's not the moment for it to be an agenda item, but it is something that I would like to make commitment to to leave. Um and I would like to start at Barry. So, I I will

161definitely reach out superintendent to How do we start to get that happening? I'd love to do a coffee with your trustee. >> Yeah. And I'm not, and again, I just want to clarify, I'm not saying postpone it or don't do it. Um I'm just saying, you know, take the lead and I will definitely support um however the board wants to engage with with the families because clearly um the board needs to speak directly to them. >> Mr. President, it would by my suggestion that since both of you went up to, I don't know, Long Beach, was it superintendent for boot camp, whatever it was, uh, to learn about workforce housing and all that new information. Um, I personally wanted both of you to go and you did go. So, you know, I'm in closing, I'm

162hoping that you'll give a report out on on what that um what was shared with you and in that um vein I would suggest Mr. President that you get with the superintendent and uh you and uh trustee IO had a uh committee and you formed that committee with uh and share with the superintendent what you would like in that committee because I don't want to put any more work on that. Okay. When Janet and I go, we don't tell them, you know, do this or that. Okay? We're on lookers. But if you want to drive this train, you must have a plan of action. So, I suggest that you two get together and if it's boot uh if works force housing is ringing your bell, which it should because we sent you on conference for

163that, um then then I'd support that. Um, and I and I want to clarify what Trusty Lopez is is talking about is not workforce housing. That is something that's that's separate. Um, we are continuing the work on that. We are meeting it's not on the agenda, but we are meeting and that's going to come back as a presentation to the board. So, I just want to make the clarification that the workforce housing piece is not part of what Trusty Lopez Aino is is requesting at this time. But again, we just need some clarity from him and if he leads it, we will support the work. >> Yeah. Got it. Thank you. All right. So, All right. Great. Okay. So, um I would like to request a progress update on our district's safety and security initiative.

164Specifically, how many schools in phase one have been completed and how many are currently in progress. Um just just an update, a progress update. I know we have uh some progress done and just wanted to see where we at. And additionally, I would like I would appreciate an update on the implementation of the school security cameras across the district. >> Mr. President, with all due respect, we just had uh our director of maintenance operation here who shared about our cameras, who shared about our safety. Um it's in your pamphlet there. um asking for the superintendent to do more work when we're just provided with that information um uh is and every year every year by March 1st everybody's supposed to have their plans updated and submitted okay every year safety plans so and every year

165the district comes back and gives us a presentation every year okay so you know with all due respect maybe this is a little premature um um in light of the report that we re received tonight which was fully um shared about the cameras and and the work around that safety piece. So with all due respect, I I wouldn't support that. >> Thank you for your comments and again this is not something that I want in detail just to see where we at. I know we had an incident in Sunny Cedro. Um, and I want to make sure our district schools are prepared. I don't want to have any incidents that happen in our district. That's my number one priority. I'm not asking for any details. I just asking see how things are going. Um, it's

166a very simple things, you know. I I just want to see what the cameras are, where we at in relations to security secure buildings. That's it. Would it be possible? I don't know if this is something that I I personally feel it's kind of related. Like I feel like when there's incidents like what happened in Sanro, it's not just about having like more security, right? Like the kid wants to get in, he's going to get in, right? We're not going to put metal detectors in schools, but like what are we doing like around like conflict resolution? Like what are the the programs that were or like I know like at Emery they have a restorative justice like approach. Is that does every school do that? Um, superintendent like restorative justice or teachers train to have

167like those restorative justice circles and stuff like that. Every school has a um some type of social emotional um you know restorative justice type program that that they that they implement. um they do have the flexibility of implementing uh different programs um and I know that the counselors that were brought in um you know a few years ago um lead a lot of that work at the at the school sites u but if the board wants to um you know if they want a list of what programs are implemented we'll be happy to send that in a Friday update >> and that will be fine We meet with a Friday update. Okay. All right. So, we we set communications from the board of trustees. Three minutes. Three minutes limit for trustee. >> Do you mind

168keeping the time, Mr. President, there? >> Yes. >> Um my report uh mine's going to be very short. I have nothing to report. Um but that's going to change because I'm hoping that this year I will be doing more things just like Kimon is here. Um I would like to visit the schools. I have a lot of work to do to get caught up and be a good board member. Um but you know just happy to be back here. It's been a long year so far and you know I look forward to continuing to make progress. Well, we did attend the workshop on workforce housing. We learned about different models and what other districts are doing and how this is something that you know could benefit the district in many different ways employees community I'm

169excited to continue to explore this idea >> thank you for sharing that perhaps sharing we don't know um and the community has asked you know about that conference um as far as I'm concerned my uh month has been grieving the loss of my dog and um and my family. So um with that um I'm just going to call it a night and u thank everyone for your um work and as and and the teachers work um is evident on the dashboard. uh our special needs children are are rising above our LTELs are I mean everything's coming together and uh I just can't wait to see what what's going to happen next. So uh thank you thank you to the board. Have a good night. Good night everyone. >> All right. All right. So, I make

170it short and sweet. Thank you everyone for being here today. I recently began a master's in governance course and over the next few months, I will continue building my understandings of our schools, our resources, our staff, and our community. While working towards one shared goal, our student success. In closing, I'm confident that we will reach a fair and reasonable agreement with our teachers and that we will move forward together to ensure our district remains competitive not just in our county but in the state. And thank you everyone for being here and meeting a journ at 9 21.