001Oh, yes. Yes. >> We're going to reconvene to open session. Uh we're going to do the flag salute. Tracy, would you lead us, please? >> Please stand. >> Begin. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. You may be seated. I have a motion to adopt our agenda. >> I move to to the adopt the agenda. Second. Roll >> call vote. be motioned and Tracy second. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kane, >> I >> Mrs. Conley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Thank you. I don't believe we have any order of business.
002Okay, great. Uh, school related reports. Do we have any >> report ticket? >> Oh, report ticket and close session. None. That's why I forgot to say it. [laughter] Uh, school related reports. Do we have any reports from CSCA, ADTA? No. Okay. Oral communication from the public. Yes. Uh, comments must be limited to three minutes in length. The limit for any one topic is 20 minutes. You may speak on any item at this time or you may hold your comments on an agenda item until the board president asks for public comment. We just have one speaker today. It's Howard Gilliam. Um [clears throat] last Tuesday uh one of the board members asked when will we have the data on academics? You have it already. When we left, we read in the newspaper, heard on NPR maybe
003that a thousand to,400 California professors had written a letter demanding of the university that they reinstate the the SAT and ACT tests which had been discontinued in 2020. [clears throat] And the reason was they were teaching math to students in a higher level. These were all STEM teachers at the colleges. And when it got to math, they had to teach middle school math. Seven out of 10 of the chairman of the math departments in the University of California signed the letter. 14,000 professors saying they could not rely on high school transcripts because when you take the test out in judging the letters and why you should accept a student, you were stuck with only the academics and the and the uh quote here is high school grade inflation has rendered transcripts meaningless. 20 years ago,
004I served on the uh admissions committee for UCLA, and we were told then, "Be careful of the grades. They don't count as much because they're meaningless. Be careful of the letters that talk about all the hardships because those are often constructed and that accurate." That's 20 years ago. The grades are not worth anything. And we're talking now about higher level students. We know already the testing as we talked about it last week, English and some of the earlier tests was at the 11th grade later letter level math at the eighth. And here's validation. Here are the professors saying we are having to teach middle school math when somebody's supposed to be at first level calculus. the better students at the universities. And it's been there forever. It's been there since 1980 with the nation at
005risk. It's been there in 1999 with a book called The Conspiracy of Ignorance: The Failure of American Public Schools. And you know whose fault it is? Everyone's mine. Boards of trustees. We've been bought in a way by people selling things. famous book teaching gap by Heigler and and uh I forget the other name >> yeah Stigler and he rather Stigler and Heert the problem they say it's not tests it's not curriculum but teaching notice I said not teachers teachers all want to do well but they're part of the problem too three minutes is never fast enough. But I'll be at the retreat, unfortunately. I guess. >> Thank you. Superintendent report. >> Uh thank you. Um you know, I just I want to be able to echo uh you know, the sentiments. Um Stigler was actually
006one of my professors at UCLA and I I know the research well. um he's the one who got me interested in international issues in math education and I just want to be able to respond that you know our students doing well in math education is is extremely important to me. You and I have had conversations about this and I know exactly where you're coming from and so you know I'm I'm encouraged about where we are right now and about the opportunities for us to really make some meaningful progress in that area. So I just want to say thank you for speaking up. I think, you know, the issues are very important for us and they're motivating to me on a personal level. It's the reason why I spent so much time overseas is finding out
007why are we getting crushed and um I I think there are a lot of reasons and we have a great group of people here. I think that you know this next year will be a very important year for us um in that regard. So Howard, I'll just say thank you and and I I hear you. what what I would like to be able to do today is um this is my the end of my my first year. So, I look at it as going around the block. And so, I'm I've officially gone around the entire block. And I look at this as the last first. And um and so I I want to be able to share with you something that I wrote um really for the community. But I want to be able to
008take a few moments this evening to be able to reflect on my first year serving as superintendent at Tascadero and to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who made this year both meaningful and memorable. When I arrived nearly a year ago, I came with a strong belief in the power of public education and a commitment to listening, learning, and building relationships. And over the course of this year, I've had the opportunity to be able to visit our schools and our classrooms, attend some of our athletic events, student performances, most recently our promotions and graduations. I've attended lots of meetings and community gatherings, and I've spent time with the people who make AUSD such a special place, and I've really worked hard on establishing relationships. What has become abundantly clear to me is that
009AUSD is filled with exceptional people at every area. Our students continue to impress me with their talents, accomplishments, resilience, creativity, and their character. Whether in the classroom or on the athletic field, on the stage, in leadership roles, or through their service to others, our students demonstrate tremendous potential. remind us every day why our work matters. I've also been continually inspired by our staff, our teachers, classified employees, our administrators and principles, and support personnel who work tirelessly on behalf of our students and those we represent in this district. Much of what they do, I think, happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed and oftentimes unappreciated, but their commitment, professionalism, and their care for students are evident throughout our district. I want to sincerely thank each member of our staff for their dedication and their service
010to our people and making our district better. I would also like to be able to thank our parents, guardians, and community members for their partnership and their support. Strong schools are built through strong relationships. And I've been grateful for the many conversations, emails, meetings, phone calls, and opportunities to be able to learn from the members of our community throughout the year. When I first started, that's what I set out to be able to do was to learn and listen, collect data, and understand where we are and then where we need to be able to go. That's what next year is all about. I would be remiss if I also did not express my appreciation to our board of trustees. Serving a school district requires teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to our students. I'm grateful
011for the support, guidance, thoughtful questions, and leadership provided by our trustees as we work together to be able to navigate both opportunities and challenges this past year. And certainly, we've had challenges. Some were common problems that all school districts deal with, while others were unique and well rather new for me. Like I've never had the issue of ever worrying about wild pigs tearing up a campus. But there's a first. The strength of a school district is not determined by whether challenges arise because challenges will always arise. The true measure of an organization is how the people respond when they do. Time and again, I watched our staff, students, families, first responders, community partners, city officials, and leaders come together to solve problems, our problems, and to support one another and keep students at the center
012of our work. This resilience gives me tremendous confidence in our future. Over the past several months, we've been we've begun gathering input from our students, staff, parents, and community members as part of a comprehensive start to a strategic planning process. The data is the foundation. We're currently finalizing the collection of survey data and recruiting members for our strategic t planning task force that will all conclude this Friday. This work represents an important opportunity for our district. Together, we have the chance to define a shared vision for the future of Atascaderoa Unified School District. We have the opportunity to identify our highest priorities, build upon our strengths, address areas in need of improvement, and create a roadmap that will thoughtfully guide our work for years to come. which improve which it which includes one of the
013issues that we're going to be talking tonight, our bond measure. Most importantly, this process is not about one person or one group. It's about bringing together the voices that make up our district and community and creating a future that reflects our shared aspirations for our students. As the superintendent, I came in without an agenda or direction in mind. Rather, I came with a desire to listen, learn, and create a team interested in working together toward a shared vision. That's where we are, and that's where we're going, and we'll get there together as a unified team. I know some people have been asking like, where are we going? What are we doing? What's our direction? And that's what we will determine together. I didn't come in with an agenda. or a direction in mind. It's where
014are we and then collectively where do we look to go and that's what this next year is about and what the strategic planning task force is going to do and the data that we collect is to define that direction. I believe our best days are ahead of us. As I prepare to be able to begin the second year as superintendent, I find myself truthfully even more excited about the future than I was a year ago. Now that I had the opportunity to be able to learn more about our schools, our people, and our community, I look forward to spending even more time in our classrooms, supporting our staff, celebrating our students, and working alongside each of you because a lot of the newness is gone. I've been around the block. I want to thank you
015for the opportunity to be able to serve this incredible community. I want to thank each of you for your partnership. I want to thank you for your trust and thank you for everything that you do to each day to be able to support our students of Atascadero Unified School District. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to be able to build a future that honors the strengths of our past while creating even greater opportunities for our next generation. That's our charge. That's our mission. And that's why I'm here. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, board members report. Start with B, you're up. >> So, I attended three graduations and two promotions in our district. I really enjoyed the students speeches at each of these events. The students shared great insight and reflection, recognition of their
016fellow students, teachers, and family members in their journey, challenges, and accomplishments. Um, I attended uh Karesa Plains Elementary School's bridging ceremony on Thursday, June 4th. Principal Josh Aston was there and very eloquently talked about what a special place Karesa Plains is and the wonderful year and relationships that he has developed there this year. I also heard about all the interesting field trips the students went on this year. Uh, at least 12, I hear. Uh, there was a great turnout of families and a delicious potluck. Uh the students picked the theme which was tiki room and transformed the multi-purpose room into a tropical paradise with student artwork consisting of tikis, parrots, flowers, and plants. Thank you to Mrs. Fegley and Miss Kler um Holly Lewis uh Janie Janie Debbie um for all their hard work, passion,
017and dedication. And thank you to the community of Karissa Plains for the warm hospitality. The Atascader Greyhound Foundation held their 12th annual Lighthouse 5K fund run on Sunday, May 30th. It was a record record-breaking event with 460 runners this year making their way through the Oyster Ridge Vineyard and raising over $55,000. I saw some AUSD staff and families and I want to suggest that we organize an AUSD team next year. It's a fun event and a great cause. Uh, speaking of running and fun events, the all comers track meets um occur will take place each Wednesday in July starting on July 8th at 4:30. There's a $5 entry fee per for the participants. Uh, but spectator spectators are able to come for free. Um, it's a wonderful event that I attended last year for the
018first time. Um, it's very fun and exciting to watch the big and little kids compete in events such as discus, pull vaultting, shot put, long jump, high jump, javelin, hurdles, relay, and track events. Um, and then uh also United Way will be conducting their annual school supply drive starting uh from August 7th through the 9th. They need volunteers, which can be adults or students and students to collect donations and organize it. Uh, look for the yellow school bus either at Staples or Mechanics Bank. Um, I'm not sure which location they'll be at. And you can also go to unitedways slow.org to get more information and to sign up. Uh, lastly, I just want to again congratulate all our retirees and graduates. We wish you all the best. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer vacation
019and enjoy the high school pool with our wonderful aquatics program in partnership with the city of Atascadero and I look forward to kicking off another school year in August. Thank you. >> Thank you Jody. >> Okay, so last week I did get to go to a lot of activities which was fun. um graduations and promotions and um on last Wednesday I got to go to three and started out with steps in the morning and what an incredible program they put on. This is the second year I went and Zach is just such a great student. He was graduating and so was three others. But his speech was always great and I I'm just inspired by how far those kids have come and where they're going to go after this. They're very well prepared. Um and
020then Paloma and Ace was the next one. Um they always have a great speaker. Uh the young lady, I didn't write her name down, but she was phenomenal. She nailed it on why those students go there and why that's such a good place for us to have um as an alternative for kids. Um and then of course the high school little toasty, but the ceremony was great. Um Nikki is always so organized. Um and uh their speaker was excellent also. And um then I on Friday, I didn't get to go last year, so I was really excited. I got to go this year to the middle school graduation or promotion and then the fine arts and um Spiller again does a really good job with his um promotion and and they had a great ceremony.
021Fine arts was nice. I don't get to go to that campus very often. So um VU had told me what a nice ceremony it is and it really was how they involved a lot of the kids um and they were very supportive of each other. um that I noticed and um I think that's great and um I look forward to the summer although it sounds like we're going to have a little bit of work to do with our retreat but um and a great year next year, Dr. Bennett. Um I appreciate your recap of your first year. So, and then I think we're going to say [clears throat] our goodbyes to EJ later, right? So, I need to save that part. Okay, that to be No, I'm okay. Nope. Uh, I too attended uh Paloma
022Creek and uh Ace graduation. Again, it never fails when they do the rose ceremony. It's a beautiful ceremony and very emotional for those students and I congratulate them and I congratulate their families. Their families have just they're just so elated [laughter] that their students have come this far and done so well and it was very very nice. The high school full of energy as usual. Uh I didn't think it was very warm. I thought it was very pleasant. >> But tolerances [laughter] have a hat on [gasps] >> right next [laughter] to me. But it was it was a very very nice graduation. And again, and the students were so kind. I think our students just keep getting more kind and warmer. Or maybe it's because I'm older now and they look at me and they're
023going, "Oh, it's so nice. Thank you." But um it was a beautiful ceremony and I appreciated that and I appreciate it. the the end of the year ceremonies. It just it just it it brings everything together and tells us why we are where we are and what we are doing. We are helping forge these students ahead and um I wish them all well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Howard, for uh coming to speak tonight. Um and we pretty much got the graduation stuff the details covered. So, I'll just say it was exciting to uh >> hot >> a little bit after two what were there 270 eighth graders go through there. Those black chairs were a little warm when we sat back down, but that's okay. Um it was exciting to see all the kids
024uh you know getting ready for their next chapter whether it was the task high school graduation or the eighth graders promoting from both schools. So, uh that was exciting and uh I was happy to be a part of that. So, like I said, the details seem to be you guys got them all covered. So, I'll leave that out. >> It's my turn. Your turn. >> Okay. Well, kind of diddit all the way through um the uh the graduation up at the high school, 105th commencement um that high school has put on um through the years. uh being a parent teacher up there. It's always wonderful to see those kids um with their caps and gowns. Uh Nikki and her team, thank you very much for um being organized and on top of things. Uh because
025it ran like clockwork and so very appreciative and I like how Nikki um the theme she had for them. Um >> you stole what I was going to say. >> Okay, so I'll take it back. >> No, go ahead. Nope. Nope. So, um and then Paloma Creek and Ace. Uh that was very I'll let you finish. Uh Paloma Creek and Ace that um I just again K I agree with you. When they give the roses, I get the hallmark moment and it's just like yes um this is this is wonderful to see because um everyone's in tears and everybody is very appreciative and and like okay, we're ready to go on to on what's next. And then the promotions, the eighth grade um at the middle school in the fine arts um they're ready to
026take the next step and I um they worked hard and they're all going to go up to the to the school on the hill to to achieve their dreams. Um and we have that opportunity up there for them. Um so and what else is there? I don't think there's anything else. I'll let you finish up about the high school. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh again, went to the graduations. Um was honored to be able to go and attend and celebrate with all of these students. And the only thing I'll add because you guys have pretty much covered it all. And thank you for letting me at least have something to talk about. Um is Nikki's uh this is this is her third year. Yes. And it's every graduation she has like a theme song and
027she relates the the speech uh to the song. And this year she did it to Five More, which is a country song. And it's one of my favorites. And boy, I tell you what, I was getting teared up because isn't it so true how many things we would just want five more minutes for? And I think a lot of these students don't realize this is the last time. And wouldn't you just give five more minutes, you know, and um it was amazing. She did a great job and I'm super proud of everybody. So that's it. I hope everyone has a great summer. [laughter] >> Yes. [snorts] >> Okay, moving right on to our consent agenda. Does anybody have anything to pull or discuss? If not, may I have a motion for approval of 10 A
028through 10E? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Tracy Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kane >> I. >> Mrs. Counley. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Item 12A is our California school dashboard local indicators for the state priorities 1 2 3 6 and 7. And Mr. Rossy, you're up. >> Thank you, Madam President. So, as a requirement of uh LCFF and with the LCAP is as is to present the local indicators at a public meeting as an informationonly item. Um these items are included in the LCAP and have been part of what has been presented for the last few drafts. Um so they're here tonight. It is information. Uh each of these again are
029included in the LCAP with multiple years of data. I'm happy to answer any questions. Uh this again is a required piece more than a an action piece. >> Does anybody have any questions, comments? I just have one question, small question. Um and then uh it's about the MRA survey results. Do you have um an idea what the response rate is from that we've gotten from parents and students about that? >> Um not off the top of my head. I would have to get back to you on that. It's written it's done by schools so I'd have to go back and recalculate that. So I don't have that off the top of my head. >> Okay. I'd be interested in finding out. Yeah. >> Will that be part of July's retreat? It will be. >> Okay.
030>> Thank you. >> Any other comments? >> Thank you. Thank you, EJ, for all of your hard work on putting this together, pulling this together. You do it every year [laughter] at this time. >> Thank you. >> Our next item is 12B, which is our 2026 2027 local control accountability plan, also called our LCAP. >> So, tonight uh before you is again presented the final draft of our LCAP. the draft. Uh we provided updates throughout the year on our LCAP with our midyear report in February. Um updates of actions and input along the year and then our final draft was presented on June 2nd uh with a public hearing for our final opportunity for input. We received no input at that meeting or after. So tonight presented to you is the uh final draft of
031the LCAP as it was presented last meeting and tonight recommendation is for approval of our plan. >> Does anybody have any questions or comments? >> Seeing none, may I have a motion for approval? >> I move to approve the LCAP. I second. >> Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Taylor. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President Mcruine. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Counley. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Moving on to item 13A. This is our annual budget which we discussed at our last meeting. Mrs. Darnell. >> Uh, yes. Thank you. Um, and we did discuss this at length at our last meeting. Since the public hearing on the annual budget, uh, there have been no substantive changes. The recommendation this evening is
032that the board of trustees adopts the 2026 2027 annual budget. >> Thank you. Is there any questions or comments? No. May I have a motion for approval? >> I move to approve. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. Roll call vote. >> Mr. Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Counley, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kane, >> I. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Thank you. Our next item is AALR, legal services contract and fee agreement. >> Uh, thank you. ARR is um one of our legal services providers that we engage with um for some professional development and some legal services. their fee schedule has changed. We're bringing forward an agreement for consideration by the board. The recommendation is that the board of
033trustees approve the contract for legal services with AARR for the 26 through 29 school years. >> Thank you. Um so this would be extending out three years. Uh was there any other changes besides the just normal rate increase that everybody has? Was it anything compared to >> the the substantive change was the rate change? >> Okay, perfect. Any questions? >> Roll. Uh motion. [laughter] >> I'll motion to approve since >> second. >> Roll call vote. >> Feels like family. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kane. I >> Mrs. Counley. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Taylor. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Our next item is our Kitchell measure B24 contract amendment. >> Uh thank you. This evening we're bringing forward an amendment to
034our contract uh with Kitchell. So we are shifting from the project implementation phase to the project management phase as we start launching some of our facilities projects through measure B24. Uh this evening we do have Randy with us if the board of trustees has any questions. Does anybody have any questions? I have questions. Um, so, uh, I have a couple clarification questions for you. Um, under, um, the Tesco Middle School gym complex reconstruction and the three projects, there's an SD estimate, a CD estimate, and a GMP review that your firm is going to help us with. What What are those exactly? There's uh stages in the design that progress from schematic design to design development to construction document. Uh more detail gets added to the design over the course of the uh process. At some
035point uh early in the well I would say midpoint in the design uh we would like to bring the lease lease back contractor on in a professional services uh capacity so that they can become vested in the project and uh they perform the design development construction document estimates. We review them. Uh the schematic design estimate we would uh perform prior to the lease lease back contractor coming uh on on board. Did that answer the question? >> Um I missed what the GMP review was. >> Okay. GMP. Yes. Sorry. uh guaranteed maximum price or the lease price in a in a lease lease back uh situation uh is uh essentially the cost of of the the work what uh the lease lease back contractor will will do the work for. they'll um when we get to
036essentially the stamped and and permitted plans or during that period of time where they're uh in DSA for final review, that's when a lease lease back contractor would prepare their guaranteed maximum price proposal and u and then we uh would review that uh to make sure that it's it's fair and reasonable. Um I understand that there's a ramp like initially there's a big ramp up period because we're working with our architecture firms um and then there's a decrease of time from your staff. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Can you explain like what the involvement is? >> So this uh summer leading into the fall is going to be very busy. It's it's uh we have three projects that uh were you know slated for construction next summer that need to go through DSA. Uh
037there are other projects that will also be uh managing designs uh of such as the uh districtwide security safety upgrades uh which probably don't need to go through DSA. We need to research that. Uh but that will be going as well. Uh these three projects are going to uh really occupy it. They're they're they're highly I'll just say compressed schedules. They uh we really need to be in DSA by I would say early to mid November in order to have them approved and ready for construction by spring. um and and so it'll be quite active once they go into DSA review and approval then the workload will drop off a bit and and so our staffing will uh correlate with that. Uh we're we are proposing uh two uh uh you know full-time PMS during
038this summer leading to the end of the year and then reducing to one person uh for the uh you know winter and spring um and leading into summer and um that's very similar in a uh to the staffing plan that we implemented through the last bond measure. Uh at times we had two people to handle the workload. >> Great. Um there was another question I had about some some of these on the um exhibit A. Um some of these things like there's a program communication management plan. >> Yes. >> Um these things are saying in the contract it says as requested. Um are they do they cost additional money if we request them or they just Okay. >> Yes. Exhibit A, if we were to add up the um essentially the implementation plan, which um
039it is um and you know, forgive me for the convoluted language in the proposal. Um because exhibit A is our scope and uh would would say the the complete scope. some of exhibit A we're we have performed or are finalizing through the implementation plan and uh when you know there are certain items such as um master budget for instance uh 1.1.5 describes developing the master budget which was the implementation plan activity and uh and that that budget is finalized and near draft uh phase to present to the district. Um now that same paragraph describes ongoing maintenance of that budget and so the implementation plan picked up developing the budget. The maintenance is under the program management uh services or amendment one. And so combined uh our scope is is all of exhibit A. >> Does
040that make sense? >> Yes. And I'm glad to hear that because I think the communication management plan would be very helpful for our district to share with our community what we're working on um and how we're you know spending the funds that [clears throat] they've entrusted us with. And part of the uh just to address that specifically, um the implementation plan does have development of uh that communications plan uh you know both uh websites uh you know physical documents or electronic versions of physical documents but then also dashboards and uh dashboards are uh real- time reporting and uh and so all of that is is uh coming to fruition through the implementation plan. Maintenance of those is part of the program management services. >> Great. I'm really looking forward to seeing the dashboard and um
041>> yeah and um and I'm just really thankful that we have your expertise and the team members that you've come kind of put together to help us with with this process. >> Great. Thank you. We're excited about that. We have any other questions? >> Are you ready? >> Oh, we're ready. >> Yes, we're excited. >> Uh, do I have a motion for approval of the amendment for our Kitchell contract amendment? >> Do I have a second? >> I'll second. Roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Counley, >> yes. [laughter] >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kaine, >> I. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> And thank you. >> Thank you. Our next item is our agreement for architectural services, PBK architects.
042Thank you. Um, I'll ask Mr. Lloyd to come to the podium for our next three items. The first is our architectural services with PBK architects for the project identified as the Santa Rosa Academic Academy modernization project. >> Excellent. Thank you and thank you Randy. Well done answering those questions. So, Kitelo is an important member of our team in moving forward with our bond initiative and also the architects that um we have previously approved at the March 17th meeting this year. Uh the the board had approved um uh members of design teams. And on April 21st, 2026, the board study session revealed the projects that we were going to uh to to perform during this bond initiative. And so uh we took the information from the approved uh design teams as well as the the list
043that we had consolidated. That list was not in any specific order, but the facilities uh planning committee took that list and ultimately we have uh $40 million to spend from the first bond is issuance and we need to um get that under construction as Randy mentioned by next summer. And so we looked at the list and we determined that there are some projects that are easier to perform that ticked higher values and were necessary to get done from just protecting the envelopes of our buildings. And so, uh, we've, uh, came up with the list of of of projects. And so, the first one we're talking about is the, um, the the project that, uh, is at, uh, this is for PBK. This is for San Gabriel and, uh, the San Gabriel. Oh, Santa Rosa, sorry.
044Yep. San Santa Rosa project. Um, and the, uh, the project was scope was provided to the architects. The architects looked over that scope. As you recall, we had a construct uh basically a project value that was derived at our last meeting. And when we start taking out contingencies and we take out all of the soft costs, we have a derived construction value. The derived construction value is just what it's going to take to build that particular project. The architects apply a flat fee of 9% to that number. And so, uh, this, uh, the price of $72,000 is the 9% fee, uh, for PBK to, uh, to provide the design services for Santa Rosa. Any questions specific to that? >> So, I have a question. Sure. How did you determine which architecture firm would go um,
045work on which campus? >> Great question. So in the RFQ the respondents provided details in terms of the types of projects that they had previously worked on uh where they felt their strengths were and also uh there were three respondents of the of the design teams that we picked. Well there more but there were some engineering firms and some uh some specialty uh architecture firms but three of them that we hadn't worked with yet. And so we ultimately wanted to get experience with those firms. And so we uh just looked at their strengths and married them up to a specific project. We've we've experienced a smaller project at Santa Margarita Elementary School with PBK. We really liked the outcome of the shade structure and the playground uh that was provided at the Kinder area. >>
046And I looked up these firms and they seem very repeatable. They have a lot of great experience in local projects. um for Santa Rosa, what is the scope of the um the whole project? Um we have your slide from um I think it's April 21st. Um is it including all of this? And then are there portables that we're addressing as well at that campus? >> Yeah. So if you recall the first bond initiative, we really addressed all of the classroom learning environments. The spaces that didn't get attended to were the MPR um and that specific uh facility has a cooling issue uh heating issue. It also has um some water intrusion issues and so we'll address those. Uh the site uh itself has um some plaster problems at many of the buildings and so we
047really want to have that envelope dried in and so we'll fix the plaster as well as paint the entire facility. there's a lot of of of m deferred maintenance that um had to do with the asphalt and the fields and those sorts of things. So, basically, we're trying to capture all of the things that are necessary to um to to to maintain the facility in good repair and have safe learning environments for the students. Right? We're not capturing really any specific program things here. Uh you'll also recall that we are adding the shade structure to the elementary schools as well as uh uh brand new play structures both in the kinder area and in the primary playground. Those are part of this project as well. And um yes, relocatables are uh part of the scope
048although how much they are is still to be defined. Uh we have a a meeting with the architects. We'll discuss the needs of the campus and specifically we need the architects to kind of weigh in on some of those things. And so scope is still scope will still be defined all the way up until schematic design. >> Um and then as part of your report um Santa Rosa and fine arts were the two campuses that had potential um eligibility for state matching funds if I understand correctly. Um would any of this work be eligible to for that for those funds? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Even though they're not touching classrooms or you know MPR but the other other areas of the school. >> Yes. Yeah. There it it's it's all about eligibility and buildings not
049necessarily uh what those buildings specifically do. Um there's also a component that I neglected to to to mention. Uh the canopies at Santa Rosa are in disrepair. uh there is some structural deficiencies there and we really desired to um to to get after that as quickly as possible to make sure that you know we we were keeping the safety of the students in mind here. So the canopies are uh a lot of money has been kind of added to this scope because we don't know specifically how involved that's going to be and so we're hopeful that it's not quite as involved but we have contingencies there. >> Yeah. When you say canopies, you're talking about the >> covered walkways. >> The Yeah. Okay. >> I noticed that a lot of these projects have drinking fountain
050replacements. Is that am I correct that that's included in the >> Yes. Okay. >> Yeah. One uh multiple bubblers on this particular campus. And then and then you might have already seen uh we've [snorts] been providing a high low bottle filler station at many of our campuses. And so um Santa Rosa doesn't have one yet. We've got a space identified for that. >> I'm glad to hear about the bottle fillers because I think that's, you know, a lot of kids bring their water bottles and that'd be very beneficial to have those. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions on this one? >> Do I have a motion for approval? >> I move to approve. >> I'll second. Roll call vote. >> I have some questions. [laughter] >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Mrs. Taylor.
051>> Yes. >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President Mcruine. >> I. >> Mrs. Coley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Our next one is our agreement for Omni Design. >> Excellent. So, Omni Design has been uh assigned the task of improving the uh Tascadero Middle School gym slump locker roomstage project. Uh this particular project significant um water intrusion in that facility over the years. that has not been maintained uh roofwise or HVAC wise um since it's it was originally built. Uh there are uh a number of of uh upgrades to that system that are planned for this as well as um just some scope in improving the interiors of those buildings. It will also have an exterior paint. Um and um of course I mentioned roofing. There's a variety
052of roofing. There's parapit roofing there as well as steep slope asphalt shingle roofings. And so, uh, that facility really is again, this one touches the preponderance of our student population despite, you know, the also the fine arts also does our middle school population, but you know, a lot there's a large population that gets impacted by this particular venue. And so, um, this is an easy one for us to to knock off this this next summer. And so uh and it's a high value one and so this is why this raised to the top of the list. >> Is it calculated on the same 9%? Is that how you came up with the 515? All of them are. >> So there's not as elaborate of a project obviously, >> right? And you know there's there's not
053so many unforeseen variables in this one. Yes. >> How old is that building? >> Early 90s. >> Yeah. and the facilities condition assessment identified a lot of things there. What this project does not do just to to manage expectations. It doesn't, you know, address replacing a gym floor or um some of those high ticket items. It's more just making sure that the um the the site is is is safe and dried in. There will be some a new scoreboard that's added to the pro project, which is a nice frill. There's also some new padding that's gets added to either end of the basketball court. And so there are some nicities, but this is really a a a maintenance project. >> I think it's 30 years old. >> I I I'm estimating. Um so it's getting
054a it's getting like our houses um after >> Yeah. a facelift. >> Yes. >> Okay. I have a question about um so it doesn't does it touch this project touch the cafeteria portion of the building at all or >> only only above. >> Okay. >> Uh you know there was ultimately a desire in the front end to kind of um if you walk into any classroom in an elementary school in the Tascar Unified School District, you know that you're in a classroom. It looks similar to the room that we're in now, right? We wanted to have some standardization that was part of that previous bond effort. um knowing that the the money that we have now does not really touch uh the amount of needs that we have across our sites and we don't want
055to only do maintenance projects. We have other projects that we want to to to capture in this particular project. We removed some scope that would have um maybe tied all of the NPRs together similar how do we did the classrooms. The interior finishes at the middle school are just fine. They don't need to have um an upgrade just for the sake of an upgrade. And it doesn't touch the the wood shop or those CT. >> Yeah, that's going to be a separate project for us. >> Okay. >> Uh and that will come next >> probably the next phase. >> Yeah. >> And when we took a tour of the um Tasco Middle School and you were pointing out like the heating how that's a you know a hazard. I'm I'm really happy to see that
056this project is being addressed. It's going to be difficult because this I know this facility is very much used throughout the school year by many students sports, drama, choir, other other school districts as well. So, um I think we'll have to figure out how to manage the [clears throat] work that needs to be done with the the uses that it provides for our student. >> Yeah, absolutely. it will impact the students but um you know phasing and having the contractor involved and of course having Kitell involved to help guide that process you know we'll come up with the very best possible plan to to limit the impact on the students >> thank you >> yes >> any other questions if not may I have a motion for approval >> I move to approve the contract
057there second vote Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Counley, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, McGregor Kane. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> Right. And our last item is our contract for architectural services for KBC Architects. >> Okay. Okay. So, very similar to the previous projects, uh KBC was selected. We haven't done any work with them, but they come very highly recommended. They had an outstanding um u proposal that they put together for us and we felt that this was the the right project for them. Um we're really excited to get going. It's very similar scope to Santa Rosa NPR. Um the the entirety of the site uh paint plaster here as well. And um there is also some some
058other kind of hazardous conditions at this particular site that we're going to address as well. So um and this one has if you can picture San Gabriel Elementary, you know that there are a lot of grade breaks. There's a lot of hills on that particular campus. So this one's going to have some some ADA concerns and so we might get into this project. Um and and and this this campus is the one that has relocatables that also need to be concerned. Um the previous bond effort removed all of the portables at Santa Rosa. So I misspoke before. This is the project that we have the the reos to to contend with. Um but again, play structures, shade structures, as well as uh is just improvement of all the athletic facilities as well. So, >> so
059are we looking at the multi-purpose room kitchen or are we looking >> Yes, that's part of this project. >> That's part of this project. >> Yes. Plus, >> the the the impetus for this particular project to rise to the highest level. Thank you for for that leading question. I appreciate that. Is that that we will utilize this kitchen >> uh as interim housing, right? when we do the high school kitchen, however that plays out, the kitchen at the high school will be down. We need a place to prepare the food. Um the high school is an actual preparatory kitchen as opposed to uh just a serving kitchen like many of the elementary schools. And so this this particular kitchen will be used to the full extent. And so, um, it has, um, significant heating and
060cooling issues as well as, uh, as as as some ceiling and and water invasion issues. >> So, so we're going to look at the the roof and the HVAC and all of >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> as well as interior. >> Then this this facility had been touched um, a little more than other NPR facilities in the last bond effort. This one is really just uh the the HVAC swamp coolers cool that space. They do they're very inefficient. They don't do a good job. Um and there's no cooling at all in the kitchen at all. Just the air that we can draft in from the from the NPR facility. So yeah, this I know this this sports staff there is uh very eager for this particular project. You mentioned this site has a lot of
061[clears throat] the portable a lot of the portables are in very bad shape along Santa Margarita. Is is the scope of this project going to be touching on that or are we going to >> defer that? >> We we yes that's part of the discussion. It was not initially built into the the number that you see here. Um the the facilities condition assessment determined that we should replace all of those facilities. I think what you'll find is that, you know, when we go through the strategic pro planning process that we'll have a little bit more clarity in terms of some of these facilities, but there are relocatables on this existing site that are simply beyond repair and that the need to be removed. And so, um, so those are the ones we'll address. I don't
062think it'll be a wholesale, um, demolition of all the reos at that particular site, but we will be selective and we will remove some reloc relocatables. Yes, the price for removal and not replacement is significantly lower than replacement. This is just a removal and putting the the the land underneath, you know, back to some semblance of order. >> So, are you looking at the ones definitely at that the lower playground first? >> The older ones are actually the ones that are um around the the upper part of the campus. Um, Mr. Lloyd, do we have a facilities master plan developed or is that something that we're going to be working on with our strategic plan? >> We do not have a facilities master plan. We have uh a a need to create a facilities master
063plan. We will util utilize the facilities master plan to help us to participate in the fac school facilities program which gives us our our state match. Um, yes, that's something that we'll do in conjunction with our bond effort. Um, and that will be really after after we've gone through the strategic planning process, we'll have a lot more direction there. >> Yeah. >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. Any other questions? >> No. I'm very, very excited that you're moving on that to that kitchen project at San Gabriel. That gives me hope for the multi-purpose room. That's very very important in my book. >> We've already captured it in the in the list. You're good to go. [laughter] >> Thank you. Do I have a motion for approval of the contract with
064KBZ Architects? >> I move to approve the agreement with KBZ Architects. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. [snorts] >> Thank you, Mr. Lloyd. >> Mrs. Coley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kaine. >> I >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Thank you. Our next item is item 14A. This is the approval of job description for our teacher on special assignment, also known as a TOSA, attendance recovery teacher induction program tip and turn support provider, Mrs. [laughter] Ar. Thank you, Madam President. Good evening, trustees. Uh this job description in front of you is again as of our board president said for a um grant-f funded position for a teacher on special assignment. So of course a teacher on a um
065this position is on the teaching contract for teacher induction also known as tip um an intern support provider. So that position will be supporting all our new teachers that are seeking a preliminary credential or are in are in a intern program to become become credentialed. And then the second piece of that um job description is the attendance recovery program. So of course our district focus one of the many is to support um our staff members, administrators um in the district to uh participate in attendance recovery. Uh we know that being at school is very very important and the number one job of our students and this person will be a support to those sites to ensure that we are um doing everything we can to get our students here um to ensure we're working with
066families if there are supports needed to be working with them uh so we can have our students here every day. >> You mentioned this is grant funded >> correct? >> How long then do we know how long this grant is funded for? >> Uh I'm going to jump in if I may. We're actually going to be braiding two funding sources to support this position. So, we're going to use our L rebg. Those funds are good through the end of June 2028 as they currently stand. Um, that portion will be supporting the teacher induction portion. So, that teacher development. Um, the other side for our attendance [snorts] recovery, we'll be using our ELOP funds. Those are at this time from the state ongoing funds and they'll um newly allowable to be able to expend on attendance
067recovery programs. >> So no impact to the general fund. >> Thank you. Well, except for hopefully we have some attendance recovery and that will impact >> Thank you for reframing my thoughts. Positive impact of the general fund. [laughter] >> There you go. Absolutely. >> Any questions? >> Just to clarify, this is one position doing two different functions, right? Okay. And the LRBG this is an ex the existing LEBG not the one that's slated to possibly get re renewed. >> Yes an so technically the uh what's being proposed by the governor and then what we saw again in me re May revise was making whole what the original promise through LRBG. So it's technically all the same funds um but it's our existing allocation [music] that we've budgeted at this time. >> Great. Thank you. >>
068Any other questions? If not, do I have a motion for approval? >> I move to approve the job description for the TOSSA. >> I'll second. Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kane, >> I. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mrs. Counley, >> yes. >> Thank you. Uh our next item is approval of job description for the lead school psychologist and board certified behavior analyst. >> Thank you. Uh our director, Mrs. Greenberg, has designed and updated a job description for you for a lead school psychologist and a BCBA, also known as a board certified behavior analyst to be supervised in uh by Mrs. Greenberg in the special education department, also known as this student intervention services. >> Is this
069a brand new position or just update? >> Thank you. It's an updated position. Uh the lead piece will be able to give um Mrs. Greenberg some continuity and ensuring that our BCBAS are um assisting our students as needed. uh we have very limited BCBAs um and our school psychologist to be able to serve in a capacity where they can be u more aligned. Um Mrs. Greenberg felt like this job description had not been updated which it hadn't. So she decided to pull from her colleagues and uh really fill out the needs of our district and ensure that those were represented in this updated job description. So oh sorry go ahead. So this is just an update. This is there someone already doing this job or is this going to be flown as flown as an
070open job opportunity? >> I think that we have many wonderful psychologists in our district that want to participate in this more of a lead um role or leadership role, if you will. So I'm going to leave that up to Mrs. Greenberg. I want to know a little bit more and work with her in the department about our psychologists. She's very strategic about where they're placed and what the needs are at specific schools. So, a little bit more thought will go into that about who the lead person will be and then based on staffing go from there. >> Okay. >> Um I have one final question which is is this um part of the findings and recommendations that came out of Mary Ellen Ness's um kind of work? >> Great question. Yes. Uh part of the
071analysis of continuing our work with tier one support and MTSS as we've we've spoken about throughout the year. This is really going to support also um as we had in the last boarding this board meaning the SPOS. So being able to work with them about working with teachers um on that tier one support ensuring that we're giving that first great instruction right out the gate. Um, and then this person will be able to work with our special education population in a little bit more of an of a um, what's the word I'm intimate uh, way so that they can ensure that goals are being met uh, through the IEPs. But of course that cross collaboration is always important for our general education students as well. So I think that Mrs. Greenberg has this really great
072plan of how to implement it and saturate it with the MTSS so it serves all of our students. You know, if I can just add one other comment. I had a meeting with um with her last week and um she made it abundantly clear that this was an imperative position for where she's trying to be able to move and as it relates to special education and our programs and an imperative one to be able to get us to be able to move forward. So, she is working on the restructuring and this is a part of it. >> Thank you, Dr. Bennett. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion for approval? I move to approve. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mr.
073Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kane, >> hi. >> Mrs. Coonley, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Thank you. Our next item is our quarterly uniform complaint report summary. Thank you. This is an annual item in our final installment for the 2526 school year. Um our quarterly uniform comp complaint report as you can see in your attached board backup that we are at zero complaints across the board. So very good. >> Thank you so much. Do I have a motion for approval? >> I motion to approve. >> Second. >> I'll second roll call vote. Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President McGru Kane. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Coley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Taylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes.
074Thank you. >> Thank you. The next item on the agenda is item 14D, a public hearing for the initial bargaining proposal for the 2026 2027 Atascadero Unified School District to Atascadero District Teachers Association. The board will open a public hearing and take public input regarding the public hearing and initial bargaining proposal for 2026 2027 AUSD to ADTA. As the board president, I hereby open the public hearing. We will now hear from the public. After we have heard from the public, the hearing will be closed. Has the board received any requests for comment? >> No. I will now close the hearing. Uh, is there any um comments or discussion that needs to be had >> regarding this item? Nope. Okay. Uh, do I have a motion to accept the public disclosure? I move to receive and
075acknowledge the receipt of the public disclos disclosure. Do >> I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Counley, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kane, >> hi. >> Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Thank you. The next item on the agenda is item 14E, public hearing, an initial bargaining proposal for the 2026 2027 from Atascadero Teachers Association to Atascadero Unified School District. The board will open a public hearing and take public input regarding the public hearing and national bargaining proposal for the 2026 2027 ADTA2SD. As the board president, I hereby open the public hearing. We will now hear from the public. After we have heard from the public, the hearing will be closed. Has the board
076received any requests for comment? >> There have been no requests. >> Thank you. I will now close the hearing. Is there anyone on the board who wants to discuss or has any questions about this item? >> No. Okay. Uh may I please have a motion to accept the public disclosure? >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Roll call vote. [snorts] Mrs. Pierce, >> yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. Thank you. >> Mrs. Coley, >> yes. >> Mrs. President, Mcgru Kane, >> I. >> Mr. Arnold, >> yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White, >> yes. >> Thank you. Our next item is item F, approval of declaration of need for fully qualified educators for the 2026 2027 school year. >> Thank you. This is an annual item in which uh I certify to the CTC, the commission
077on teacher credentiing that we have estimates on our anticipated number of emergency document holders just in case um we need to um ensure that well we need to ensure that we have highly qualified uh certificated employees in these positions. But this is also an estimate that we do based on um the projections that Mrs. Darnell and I work with um closely with our school administrators uh to reflect um any type of emergencies that come up that we have to give per uh permit assignments to. So, as you can see in your B board backup, um I'll be honest with you, we do a little bit of a higher guess at times just in case to cover of an emergency um needs uh for our students. However, my understanding is on uh past practice that we
078haven't had to resubmit this form to the CTC. So, uh Amanda and I work closely after we have our staffing assignments completed uh again with business services and submit this to the CTC. >> Thank you. Does anyone have any questions, comments? If not, may I have a motion for approval? >> Anybody? Second, >> guys. >> Second. Roll [laughter] call vote. >> It It is the end of the school year. Okay. [laughter] >> Excuses. >> Mrs. Pierce. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kane. >> I. >> Mrs. Taylor. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Mrs. She's Mrs. Cley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next item is the approval of the agenda to assistant superintendent of human resources, assistant superintendent of business services, and
079superintendent employment agreements. This item is up for board discussion and possible approval of the contract for the employment of the assistant superintendent human resources, business services, and the superintendent. All contracts for the employment of executives and department heads in a public agency must be approved at a regular board meeting in open session. Before the board may act on the contract, there must be a verbal summary of the material terms in the contract made in open session. The material terms are as follows. [clears throat] One, the assistant superintendent of human resources salary for 2026 2027 will be 181,228 $228. Number two, this assistant superintendent of business services salary for 2026 2027 will be $181,228. Number three, the superintendent salary for 2026 2027 will be $248,000637. Each cabinet level administrator will receive health and welfare welfare benefits
080that are consistent with all other employee groups. That concludes the summary of the compensation and benefits under this agreement. A complete copy may be reviewed at the district website um or as an attachment to this agenda item. We truly appreciate Renee, Tom, and Kendall and look forward to a successful year. Uh is there any discussion that anyone would like to have regarding this item? No. Okay, great. Is there a motion and then a second for approval? >> I move to approve the agendas. Second. >> Roll call vote. >> Mrs. Ellis White. >> Yes. >> Mr. Arnold. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Taylor. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Counley. >> Yes. >> Mrs. President Mcgru Kane. >> I. >> Mrs. Spears. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> At this time, I'm so sorry, Madam President. >>
081Yes. Go ahead. At this time, I would like to invite our superintendent to share a few words. >> Um, EJ, this is about you. [laughter] >> Uh, your hire date was 81207. And I know you to be a very humble man. And as a result of it, I'm sure this isn't your cup of tea. But I want to make sure you understand that the ways in which you have served this district and this board. I think if we can just each take an opportunity, it's what we've talked about is each person being able to take an opportunity to be able to to talk about you. Starting in August 1st of 2007, Mr. Rossi has served as the assistant principal at a Tescadero High School, the principal at a Tascadero High School and for nearly the
082last 10 years as assistant superintendent of educational services and I'm going to hold my comment to the very end and I'm just going to ask you know popcorn style we call it right so if you're ready to go if you want to jump in but I would I would just ask that all of us just take an opportunity to be able to share you know a few thoughts as well as you know if you have a story or whatever that you can tell that would be great. And uh this is our way of of roasting you before you go. >> Oh, I don't know if I have a roast, but I'll go popcorn style and just off the top of my head. Um I know personally I'm going to miss you. Um you know, I've
083been on the board a short time, but what I've seen of your work and what I know of you for my kids going through the district, we are going to miss you. So, I look forward to what you have in your future because it's going to be amazing and um we'll miss you and thank you so much for for being here as long as you were and you are very appreciated. >> Popcorn roast. >> Joey's good roast. >> Not with EJ. I would love to roast. Yeah, you're right. I would love to do that, but I don't [cough] think I can. [clears throat] Um, I'm just going to say thank you for everything. As a new board member, I had questions and and you were more than willing to help me with anything I I
084needed or asked for. Um, I'll never forget that. I really appreciate it. Uh, not only I mean, you're a terrific human being and I'm proud to call you a friend now and I wish you all the luck up there in Idaho, right? Yeah. So, uh, again, thank you for everything. Thank you, EJ. Thank you so much. I remember three and a half years ago coming on as a new board member and you made me feel so welcome and anytime I had questions or was like, well, I don't understand. Why can't we do this? You know, and you were patient with me and you helped me to understand and you were never too busy to meet with me or take a call or whatever it was. And so I just you made the transition into this
085so much easier. I also really loved whenever I would have some idea. You know me I'm full of them and you were like yes that's that's what we want to do you know and you would the passion that I could feel like you would exude on things that you were passionate about. um you could truly feel it and I just want to say thank you and I am so excited for your future and the Grahambaby and the new location and I think that uh wherever you end they're going to be very very um blessed to have you. So thank you so much. >> I'll go next. I wrote down my comments uh to borrow a sports term. Thank you for being the utility player of AUSD, >> stepping in to help with technology, facilitating discussions
086with our student ambassador and LCAP committee, developing and writing the LCAP, creating the videos about our school bond, and more. Uh, you've helped the district through some major challenges, and I hope that you can take great pride in those laurels. You are always so positive, and your dedication to a task is undeniable. Good luck and enjoy this next chapter and new adventures with your family and your new grandson. >> Okay. >> Ah, EJ. Well, your fam your family says your high school family um say congratulations. Wish you the best in your next adventure. uh keep in touch. Um be safe on the road as Kim would say. Um there [snorts] they would be here if they could. Um I well Haley would like to say go get them. [laughter] Only the best happen um to
087good to good people and you are [clears throat] one of those people. Um and you will be truly truly missed here. I know that um the next adventure that you are seeking with your family is going to be a great one because you got them all. You got them all together and that's how families I know family means a lot to you. And um so um enjoy. You're going to be missed. And um there's more to say, but I'm going to start crying. So bye. Let's go back a little bit >> up on that high school campus. When I saw you walking [clears throat] towards me, I thought, "Oh, a senior. [laughter] This was pretty gray hair. I think you had braces on." And um but you were always so helpful and ready to guide
088anyone that needed something up at the high school. You were there for them. And our students when um we would attend the football games. There were you were helping my mother up and down those stairs to her seat, helping my father-in-law and his wife. You were always there. You were a presence. And it was it was such a a a warm feeling knowing that you as principal were up there because you truly cared for kids and their education and their success. And then you shared your family with us. Holy moly, what a beautiful wife you have. Beautiful son and daughter. I'm sure the in-laws and outlaws are good, too. But the baby at [clears throat] your new grand. What a gift. Truly a gift. I will miss you at the fair. Kowana's how hamburgers. They're
089never going to be the same. And I appreciate all the hard work you did working with me with the RO program. boy, your guidance was just just so critical and so helpful to get through this with the RO program and the um finding solutions and moving on to the CTE at our different school sites. So dear friend, and that's what you are, EJ. You will always be my friend. And you please just send us a little notice, a little picture, you know, family picture at Christmas or whatnot, and let us know how you're doing. I wish you wish you and your lovely family nothing but the best because you truly are a class act. So thank you, EJ, almost my son. Tom said cabinet got to talk too. Um I know and uh I never
090give up a chance to say way too many words. Um but I wanted to tell a story. Uh so I got hired in this district um I think July 28th and school started like August 12th. Um and I lived three hours away and I was going to uproot my entire family. Um, and I couldn't find a place to live because it turns out the college kids swoop up all of the rentals around here. Um, and my husband and I just thought I had made a terrible mistake. Um, and then I had to leave without them. I left them there and I came and I had to stay in a hotel. And it was the night before my first meeting in the district office and the hotel lost power as I was like halfway through curling
091my hair. Um, and I had walked down three flights of stairs in the dark and and the whole time I was like, man, I really did make a terrible mistake. Um, and then I went to Starbucks because it was the only place that would take electronic pay. Um, because you know we don't carry cash anymore. Um, and EJ was there and I was sitting with my coffee just thinking about what a terrible mistake I had made. Um, and I saw him and I was like, man, there's no way this guy even like knows who I am. Um, and he saw me from across the Starbucks and he came and sat down with me and he's like, oh, you know, we're so excited you're here. Um, he remembered details about me from uh both of my
092interviews because it turns out I did not get the first job I interviewed for in this district. Um, he remembered things about my family because I have a habit of oversharing as you guys know at this point. Um, and it was super comforting and I was like, "All right, well, like maybe this won't be like the worst thing ever." But then we had a meeting here um and EJ facilitated the meeting and he acknowledged that there were um principles who were moving here um who were from out of town and had uprooted a lot and he spent some time in that meeting talking about wonderful things in the area. Anyway, I left and I I called my husband. I said, "It's going to be okay." So anyway, I will miss you to the most, Scarecrow.
093Thank you. >> The first time I met Mr. Rossi, it was 13 years ago at Slowco in the Choro training room, if you remember that. And uh, you know, he was just somebody who I watched walk around that room and he worked the room, if you will, like he knew everyone. He was talking to every person, every leader in that room. Um, hanging out, sharing laughs, being positive, cheerful EJ that we all know. And I sat back and I had just moved to this county in my first admin um, position in a different district. And I thought, "Wow, like I'm so impressed. I hope I'm like him one day." Like I don't know who this this person is, but what an impression he has made. And and obviously is wellliked. um and just a a
094happy and cheerful person that's an administrator and spreading that love and joy in that in that training room. And as time went on, I just knew Mr. Rossi and of Mr. Rossy and it'd be like hellos and then and one day this position came up in this district and we had a really great conversation and a cup of coffee and I thought how can I not pass up an opportunity to work with and for Mr. Rossi. And so he gave me that chance and I will be forever grateful of that. And so um I've learned so much from you. I appreciate you. I um I'm going to miss you sitting to the right of me in cabinet and and up here on the dis and um I'm going to miss being um looking for your
095truck in town um and and always wondering what you're up to. that I know that you will stay connected with us and I just appreciate you so much and um I just feel like this is a blessing and a gift uh in the way it's supposed to be and I'm just so happy for you and your family. We will miss you, but I know that you're going to do great things and I will always have a little special piece of EJ in my heart. And most importantly, um, EJ, I will miss our quick 90s songs that you and I will start singing and one will start the song and one of us will end it and it's just one of those things that we bond to because uh, we were born and raised in the
096valley and we kind of just get each other that way. So, it's kind of fun. So, I'll miss you, Mr. Rossy. EJ, thank you for answering my million questions that I always have. Thank you for uh welcoming me to the team. And when I saw you first, you went to go visit San Gabriel and I was like, who's that? They're very well-dressed. Then I eventually found out who EJ was. You're always very crisp, very, not clean, but clean dressed, you know, very, you know, you dress very nice. Then, you know, I eventually got to ask you questions like, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" And, um, I got, you know, to be able to work with you for about a year. So, thank you for being so kind. I wish you the best
097with your family cuz, you know, family is number one. And I could tell, you know, AUSD is your family as well. So, keep in touch. Enjoy your grandbaby, your family, and thank you for everything. So, I'll just say that I'm really angry at the fact that all of the testosterone is leaving from the uh from the cabinet meetings. Um, so EJ and I would have our conversations as well, but the the you know, the one thing that I'll say about you, EJ, is that you know, there's a lot of people who claim to be servant leaders. You are. And I look, I think that's a remarkable thing. You know, rarely do I come across someone that applies themselves as much as you do and I know you have a heart and passion for this place
098and it literally comes out of every pore of your body. You love the people here. You love the work. You care deeply about the kids. I like the the pickup player. What was your what was your >> Utility player. Thank you. Yes. you are every bit of that and it's because of your servant's heart and I am I'm honored to be your friend and so I you know what I hope is is that after you leave here wherever it is that you whatever it is that you want to be able to do you know I I hope that we can still partner together and have conversations about hey help me think think through this. One of the things that EJ and I connect over is we both like whiteboards, you know, and so EJ and
099I get together and we break out some pins and we go off and we have great conversations related to that. So that's been one area that we've really been able to connect over is, you know, the planning and whatnot and I've I've really enjoyed that and I will tremendously miss that as an opportunity from you. So really on behalf of all the faculty and staff and kids that you've served ever since August of 2007, you know, a heartfelt thank you to you and to your family that I know have endured an awful lot in terms of you being here and being as committed as you've been to this community, but your impact has been profound and felt. And so I think there's no better way to make have an impact than through the people. and
100you've impacted clearly all of us here and you know over the last number of decades you've impacted a tremendous number of people. So thank you for all of that and I look forward to continuing our relationship just in a little different way. time that I met EJ, we went to an AVID conference and we drove up there and we are socializing and someone started talking about Tracy and and and he and I are are together or near each other and I'm thinking how the hell is he [laughter] and they're just talking about EJ and Tracy and and then more people high school teachers are looking How do you know him? I went, I don't. [laughter] I really don't. And I finally had to look at you and go, you know, my name is Tracy. So,
101how do we know each other? How do And he said, my wife is Tracy. [laughter] Oh, thank you. Because it was getting a real, you know, a lot of looks like, how do you know this man? You've only been up there for a year or we worked. Well, that was your first year. It was going to be my last year. You know, we didn't know that. But yeah. Um but yeah, so we've always had some good times, good talks, and and I will definitely miss that. But um sir, this is this is from all of us. We will miss you. >> Uh no, my time in this district has been such a blessing. uh filled with great memories, amazing relationships, um a lot of collective successes and very excited about our new adventure coming up.
102But I will truly miss this AUD family. Thank you. >> Help. Thank you. Okay. Well, our next announcement is that our next meeting is our board retreat on Tuesday, July 28th at 2026. Our first regular board meeting of the new school year um 2026 2027 will be August 4th and we are adjourned.