001Oh yeah. Okay, we can get started now. Okay, it's working. Okay. Uh good evening everybody. Uh no toos. Um so we're going to call this meeting to order of the CBUSD regular board meeting. Um trustee um like trusty Torres, would you like to lead us on the pledge of allegiance? All right. Ready? Begin. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty for all. >> Thank you. Um, okay. Moving on to 1.3. Roll call. >> Roll call. >> Yes, please. Uh, >> President Joselyn Vargas, >> here. Clerk Valerie Garcia >> here. >> Board Trustee Joey Akuna. >> Board Trustee Trinidad Ardondo >> present. >> Board Trustee Jesus Gonzalez. >> Board Trustee Thomas Tortis >> here. >> Board Trustee Alena Kalmanis
002>> here. >> Superintendent Dr. Francis Esparsa >> present. >> Assistant Superintendent Human Resources Dr. Remonica Makovich, Assistant Superintendent Ed Services, Okoro Sanchez, >> present. >> Assistant Superintendent Business Services, Julie Vil, >> present. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, so moving on to the first item on our agenda, interview of student trustees. Um, so we're going to have staff come up and I think we have um a number of students who applied for the trustee position. So, thank you. And today I'm happy. There we go. Today I'm happy to introduce our student board trustees candidates from each of our high schools and continuation school. Each admin is going to come up and give a brief introduction of their students and then every student is going to come up and introduce themselves. At that time, you're going
003to have an opportunity to ask any questions. So, we're going to get started with Coachella Valley High School. [Applause] >> Good evening. Good evening. My name is James Stalter and I'm an assistant principal at Coachella Valley High School. It is my pleasure and honor to introduce the candidates for student trustees at Coachella Valley. Both candidates are paragonss of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Our first candidate has demonstrated limit leadership and she is the captain of our volleyball team. Without further ado, Ayana and Zunza Corona. Good evening, President Miss Gonzalez, Trustee Mr. Gonzalez, Trustee Miss Caim Manes, Trustee Mr. Tortez, Trustee Mr. Adidono, Clerk Trustee M. Garcia, Trustee Mr. Akuna, Superintendent Dr. Sparza, and Executive Cabinet. My name is Ayana Insuna and as I stand before you all on the threshold of being a graduate
004and alumni of Coachella Valley High School and the CBSD school district, I've had the opportunity to reflect on my academic career starting at Westside Elementary and now at Coachella Valley High School. As I reflected, I thought back to my freshman year when my goals were to get involved with my school and my community, maintain a GPA above average, and to set myself apart from others on personal levels. Now that my senior year is meeting its finale, I can assure myself that I succeeded at accomplishing all of these goals with the help of my classmates, teachers, and counselors. Because of them, I came today to help provide a voice for our students as we lead the Coachella Valley Arabs into the bright future as they helped mold mold me into the person who comes before you
005all today. The reason why I would like to be a student trustee is to ensure that the students that attend the same campus as me are fulfilled, heard, and confident about what they feel is needed to improve our campus. I would also like a source of opportunity to enhance my leadership, social, and public speaking skills outside of my current extracurricular activities as they will serve me in future experiences. Being an officer in my school's associated student body for the past two years, I have gotten lots of insight on what types of activities and resources that have helped our students stay involved with both aspects that come with being a student, which would be academics and school or community involvement. This has allowed me to understand what my what makes my peers high school experience easier
006to enjoy and what will help prepare them for life after high school. It has also helped me persevere through criticism when students aren't in awe of what ASB board offers. Therefore, I can ensure a positive and upbringing attitude when I step into conversations and situations that require me to step out of my comfort zone as well as solutions for our Arabs. I have been involved with many sports throughout my life and I have played volleyball throughout my four years of high school. Stepping into the season, I was selected by my coach and my teammates to be captain for the 2025 26 team. I am fully experienced when it comes to working with others to create positive outcomes that benefit all. I have also developed the ability to stay positive and encouraging when others are not
007performing at their expected level. I can provide constructive criticism as well as receive it. Having been involved with the with the AVID program, I have been guided to understand the importance of quality of work. The AVID program has also helped me become an organized, timefficient, and productive individual that I feel will help serve your board of trustees. All of these characteristics are shown through my commitment to my academics, extracurriculars, and attendance. My ultimate goal with being admitted into the CVUSD board of trustees is to help push decisions that benefit for that benefit them or that benefit my classmates for their future lifelong goals as I know many of us come from first generation Hispanic backgrounds and are trying to pave our own paths to success. Thank you. [Applause] >> Our next candidate absolutely shines. having
008questions. >> Yeah. Um thank you. That's so the trustees u there are some a series of questions. If you like to ask one from the set that was provided or if you have your own question um this would be the time to ask the student. So any anybody >> Okay. I think there's no questions. >> No. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Um, >> come back. >> Sorry, >> Miss Miss does have a question for you. >> Thanks. Uh, I I did want a clarification. I did want a clarification on one thing. I didn't feel I got a good sense of what you felt were the most pressing issues facing our students today. >> Okay. Pressing issues. As of right now, I feel like a lot of our students
009aren't really aware of the resources that they have, you know, to get better at schools. A lot I' I've noticed a lot at CV. A lot of kids are falling behind because they're not meeting levels like with math and English. And that's because I feel like right now students are lacking like effort or like care to be driven. I feel like once they're provided those resources and they're put more in front of their face, it would really help improve like stats with schools, specifically graduation rates and test scores. So, >> okay. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, thank you. Uh we have the next student. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Our next candidate absolutely shines with enthusiasm and exuberance for both CV as well as the Coachella Valley. Without further ado, be amazing. [Applause] Good afternoon, President Vargas,
010Trustee Gonzalez, Trustee Calimmanis, Trustee Tortez, Trustee Aridando, Trustee Akuna, um, Clerk Garcia, Superintendent Esparsa, Dr. Esparsa, Executive Cabinet members, and fellow students. My name is Mia Messa, and I stand here as a student who has gone grown up through this district, cheering on our teams and volunteering in our schools. I often listen to our classmates whose voices go unheard. Today, I'm excited to share why I'm ready to represent us all as your next student trustee. As I've grown up in the Coachella Valley School system, I know what it's like to be a student who wants to be heard. As a member of the 2026 graduating class, I can confidently say that my peers are some of the most optimistic students I know. Through Young Women's Empowerment Club, youth advocacy programs, and AVID, I've met classmates
011with every kind of story. Some who are thriving, some who are struggling, and many who just want someone to listen. Those conversations changed me. They made me realize that real leadership isn't about a title. It's about carrying others people's other people's voices when they can't always speak up for themselves. I've also learned that leadership is about service and making sure that everyone feels heard and respected by bringing people together, gathering feedback, and turning ideas into action. I also understand the balance between academics, activities, and my community. My role as cheer captain has taught me the same lessons in a unique way. When you're on the sidelines, you don't only cheer when your team is doing well. You cheer when your team is down because that's when they need you the most. I want to bring
012the same energy to the student trustee role to show up for every student, especially when things are tough. Beyond cheerleading, I've dedicated hours of community service that I believe have made efficient impacts for our students around the Coachella Valley. This commitment even took me to Sacramento where I met with legislators to advocate for bills supporting immigrant families in our community. I spoke with representatives about the real challenges local families face and shared stories from my home to help shape policies that protect our community. I strongly believe events like college readiness conferences and skill labs are the most beneficial in our community as they allow for many first generation college students to see that higher education is within their reach. As a first generation student myself, I know how powerful it is to meet people who
013have walked the same path and to learn about resources that can help make college possible. As a student trustee, I would work to expand opportunities like these so that every student, no matter their background, feels supported, informed, and inspired to pursue their goals. I understand that meaningful change takes time, and I deeply respect the progress our district has made. My goal is to continue that momentum and help address the challenges that remain. I can promise to listen with an open heart, to share honest updates, and to fight for the resources and opportunities that help us all succeed. Whether that's better mental health support, more college readiness programs, or simply making sure students feel safe and protected. My teachers, coaches, and friends here have given me the confidence confidence to dream bigger than I ever thought
014possible. Serving as a student trustee would be my way to give back, to make sure that every student, no matter their background or challenge, feels valued, seen, and supported. Once again, I want to thank you for this mo time for letting me share why I believe I can breathe the bridge between the student body and our board of education. I'm ready to listen, to work, and to represent us all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Are there any questions? All members. No. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Up next we have Desim Rash High School. [Applause] Good afternoon board members. My name is Alysia Samurano Nunes and I am the proud interim principal of Desiarrage High School. My team and I had the privilege of reviewing a pool of 10 incredible applicants
015and tonight I am honored to introduce to you two outstanding students selected as candidates for our student board trustee position. Our first candidate is Miss Tanya Lopez Gonzalez, an exceptional young leader. She is part of the Buente program, founder of the Young Women for Advocacy Club, active in ASB, and involved in multiple programs here at DHS. [Applause] Good afternoon, Esteee members of the district board. My name is Tanya Lopez. I'm currently a junior at the Cert Mirage. I'm honored to be here today as a finalist for student board trustee positions. As I come by you today, I want to share my vision for our students and express why I'm passionate about serving as their voice. Growing up, I've learned to comprehend how powerful and life-changing education can be. Whether it's having access to resources, or
016simply being heard. Coming from parents who came to this country with hope, but not much. No connections, no financial safety networks, no guidance, nonetheless, much of an education. Just a dream. a dream that their children would have the chance to do more, to go further, to having access to an education that they were never given. Watching them work for long hours, juggle multiple jobs, and face barriers that most people don't even realize exist, it changed me. It made me determined to never take any opportunity for granted, in which I stand by you guys today. For me, school has never just been about getting a degree. It's been about advocating my voice for future generations full of passionate students in pursuing a better career. That sense of purpose is what leads me to seek opportunities inside
017and outside of school and getting involved within my community. I was fortunate enough to be given the incredible opportunity by the migrant education program to work alongside one of the board of supervisors, V. Manuela Perez. I got I got the opportunity to be representing the Ford district. Through this experience, I was able to learn about local government and community engagements. My responsibilities included attending board meetings, researching policy issues, and assisting constituent services. These experiences not only opened my eyes to the issues that were present within our county, but I was able to use my voice to advocate for changes alongside other important adults such as the chief of staff, Steven Hernandez, as he motivated me to strive o strive to overcome barriers and use my voice as a tool to impact others in order to
018seize greater opportunities. With my additional involvement with speech and debate, I attended my first competition where I achieved my first place award that has not only reshaped me as a student but who I am today. But through this experience I I had I was able to get out of my comfort zone and put my public speaking skills to the test. To prepare myself, I made a couple of English speeches and two spontaneous speeches. In order to prepare to learn effective communication with other students and peers by integrating both my work, ethic, and communication alongside my public speaking skills, I obtained as an intern and in speech and debate. I believe I am ready to effectively create and share with each and every student's point of views on issues on the board of education. I feel
019my past experiences have prepared me well enough to take to make a big difference as a student board trustee. Ultimately, my purpose in running for student trustee is to serve our student body and community. I aim to be a positive influence for our younger students, including students such as my little brother and our future generations by by advocating for their needs and aspirations. I am committed into making longlasting impact in our youth. I strive to make our schools a better educational space where students can freely express themselves and pursue their goals. All in all, I want to promote community engagement, encouraging families and students to participate within the Coachella Valley. So, I'm thankful to be given the opportunity to stand by you guys today. Thank you so much. Are there any questions? Questions? No. Okay.
020Thank you. [Applause] >> Our second candidate is Miss Eileen Caldo Garcia. Another remarkable leader at our school. She serves on the Poente Council, is a proud member of the cosmetology program, a proud u member of the experienced Berkeley high school program as well as ASB and several other school activities. [Applause] Good afternoon, members of the board. My name is Eileen Caldo Garcia. I'm a current senior at Desert Mirage High School. I am deeply honored to stand before you today as a finalist for the position of student trustee for the Coachella Valley Unified School District. I believe I'm qualified to serve this role due to the experiences and insights I bring both from my home and school environment. As a first generation student and eldest sibling in my family, I have grown up balancing academic responsibilities
021while guiding my younger siblings. Coming from a low income Mexican household, I was raised with traditional values suggesting that li women have limited opportunities and should be limited to the bare minimum working in the fields. However, I've learned to challenge those expectations through my actions, demonstrating that dedication and leadership is not limited by gender. Serving as a role model at home has taught me the value of leading by example, a lesson that extends naturally into my school life. I've always felt like I needed to do more, to be more, so I became involved. Over time, I began to feel comfortable with myself and grew proud of my accomplishments. I currently participate in the PUTA program serving on its leadership council, the associated student body senior class board, cosmetology school, UC Berkeley high school college preparation
022program and Rotary youth leadership awards RIA conference. I actively seek opportunities to contribute to positive change because there are students who like who feel like I once did eager to make a difference but unsure of where to begin. I want to serve as an example for my school, showing that involvement matters and helping our community understand that resources do exist to help us grow and succeed. My experiences have given me firsthand insight into the challenges that students face daily. As a student myself, I have observed that students are often the last to be informed of important decisions that directly impact our education. Policies are implemented, rules are modified, programs are introduced, yet students are expected to adapt without meaningful input, without, in other words, without a real chance to give their own opinions. I want
023to be that voice. I want to ensure that students perspectives and concerns are considered in the decision-making process that shape our schools. Serving as a student trustee would allow me to ensure that student voices are essential to shaping an educational system that is equitable and fair. I aim to advocate funding for programs that support academic achievement. And I have experienced what an effective educational program can do to a student. More of these clubs are made by students each each year and have been truly amazing to witness how people become more involved over time. So I aspire to keep this spirit of studentled innovation alive. Thank you for your time and consideration. It would be an honor to serve as a student trustee. I am ready to listen, convey student perspectives, and collaborate with the board
024to implement meaningful improvements to our schools. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions for No. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] >> Wow, you have a really hard time today picking students, I'm sure. Um, next up we have La Familia Continuation High School. All right. Good evening all. I am uh the proud principal, Michael Williams, of Laafia High School, and I'm excited to have you meet uh two of our outstanding leaders on our campus. First uh up will be Miss Karen Rui Ruiz Mendes. Um her teachers and her peers have recognized her leadership on campus as outstanding. One of her teachers wrote, "I have seen Karen grow into a confident, motivated, and engaged student who embodies the values of leadership, responsibilities, and kindness." So, first up, Miss Karen Ruiz Menddees. >> Hello. Um, good evening
025board members and superintendent Dr. Espaza and executive cabinet. My name is Karen Ree and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to represent La Familia and the and our next student trustee. I'm proud to be the daughter of a hardworking mom and dad and being part of a hardworking family too. Being the middle child between two older brothers and one sister and then having a younger brother, I was used to always calming bites down. Uh, growing up, I wrestled with my identity. I built up I for the longest time I built up walls around me to hide from people. I was always terrified of making new pe friends or meeting others. But lately, I've been breaking those walls. Bit by bit, I've been learning to use my voice and that it does matter. This year, I
026have set some goals to support my classmates, focusing on mental health and education. I I see the hardship that my fellow students and friends go through. I know many of them are embarrassed to announce they are struggling with anxiety or depression and also I see that many of them don't know they have support to for colleges or other works they are given. I want to give them a chance to see those paths to help them understand they have a choice to go to college or find a job to help their community. Looking ahead, I'm excited to serve as student trustee and use my voice to represent all of the Lava. I want to make sure every student feels heard and has a chance to succeed. And my future goals are continuing to learn and to
027keep helping others and grow as a leader who always speaks up even when it's not easy. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Are there any questions? >> Thank you. Our next leader at La Familia High School is Mr. Juan Ramirez. Also a strong leader on our campus of La Familia. One of his teachers wrote that Juan demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and an admirable commitment to improving our school community. So, Mr. Juan Ramirez. [Applause] >> Good evening board members and superintendent Dr. Espara and executive cabinet. My name is Juan Murz. I'm currently attending Laaf Familia High School and I'm looking forward the to the opportunity to represent La Familia High School as our next student trustee. I originally attended Coachella Valley High School. While I was attending Coachella Valley High School, I wasn't the ideal student. For
028starters, I wouldn't attend school frequently. I wouldn't do my classwork while when I was supposed to or do my homework. I would also hang out with the wrong group of people or friends. Ever since I enrolled into La Familia High School, I've changed and better myself as a whole. I have set a couple of goals for myself that help me with this year and last school year, which is attending school more and participating in any way, shape, or form I can and helping my peers. I look forward to serving as a student trustee for La Familia High School. And I'm also looking forward to be the voice for all the CVUSD students. I plan to listen to anyone's concerns from students to teachers and parents or guardians so we can better our education educational experiences.
029This educational system is perfect for credit deficient students who need more personalized attention. As a student at La Familia High School, I have been a member of the Los Lobos club with Mr. Ariaga. I have maintained a 3.0 GPA. I have also attended the UT town hall in Indian Wales where I have met people such as the former prime minister of Canada Steven Harper. Uh I have also I've also been a part of the team of the soccer team, volleyball team and basketball team. I have I will be honored to represent La Familia High School and I will work hard to find ways to improve La Familia High School. Last but not least, I want to thank every single one of you for from the bottom of my heart for providing in an alternate alternative
030school where we can all flourish. Thank you. Do we have any questions? Thank you. And last but not least, Wes High School. [Applause] Good evening, Buenosardes. My name is Olivia Meoro and I am the proud principal of West Shores High School. It is my absolute honor to be here tonight to impro introduce some of our finest students at West Shores and our candidates for student trustees for West Shores. I would like to we will start off with our first candidate, Miss Sides Sanchez. Sila Sanchez is one of our ASB leaders, one of our AVID students, member of our yearbook club, u completer of our computer science pathway, uh member of so many other committees and so many of our AP classes. Please help um help me welcome to the podium, Miss Side Sanchez. [Applause] Good
031evening, Cabinet Superintendent Esparsa, esteemed board members, community, and guest. My name is Sides Sanchez, and I am running for district trustee for West Shores. I have been part of the West Shores community for what will be turning six years, not counting when I began my journey in CU since kindergarten. In my time here, I have been met with the resources and support when I needed it. I have made interactions with a few of the kindest, most educated and generous people I've ever met. This has allowed me to form connections which are not only with classmates and friends, but build those meaningful connections with the teachers and staff who have all shaped the spirit of West Shores and are the reason I am who I am today. I take great pleasure in the dedication I have
032shown in my academics. While grades alone do not determine the success of my future, they do reflect the values I live by. Commitment, responsibility, and dependability. I was raised to show manners to everyone and treat them how I like to be treated, which has enhanced my communication skills. This position will give me the chance to do more personal growth where I can look forward to learning more about understanding and more knowledge. Having a leadership position in the clubs I've been part of. I learned more about the characteristics that come included with true leadership. It isn't simply about speaking for others. It means collaborating, making everyone feel understood, and supporting one another. These experiences have helped me develop the qualities I would bring to the role of trustee. I believe I am a strong candidate because
033I care deeply about our school, our students, and our staff. My vision as trustee is simple but purposeful. To listen, to represent, and to act. I will listen to the voices of students, families, and teachers. I will represent their needs and perspectives with integrity. And I will act responsibly to make decisions that will strengthen and improve our school for the future. This role isn't necessarily about me, but it is more about creating opportunities for all of us. Opportunities for students to feel supported, inspired, and welcome. opportunities for teachers to have the tools they need to guide their students to success and opportunities for West Shores to continue growing into a place we can all take pride in. Thank you for your time and it would be an honor to serve as your district trustee for
034West Shores. Any questions? Any questions? Okay. Uh thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Next we have Miss Isabella Himenez. She is a member of our Wild Wildcat ambassadors. She is one of our AVID students. She is um an employee at C view as um with the expanded learning, one of our AP students and a former um student trustee for West Shores as well. Please help me welcome Miss Isabella Himenez to the podium. [Music] Good evening, Dr. Esparza, President Vargas, board members, staff, and community. My name is Isabella Himenez Martinez, and I am honored to be here asking for your support to continue serving as student trustee for West Shores High School. Over the past year, I've learned how powerful it is when students have a real voice in their education. I've been proud to serve as
035that bridge, the one bringing students ideas, concerns, and perspectives directly to this board. But I also realize something important. The problem isn't that our schools lack resources. It's that students don't always know about them. We have tutoring. We have counseling. We have scholarships and career guidance. But too often students only hear about these opportunities when it's too late. I've seen class classmates fail tests not knowing tutoring was an option. I've seen students overwhelmed not realizing counseling was even there. I even missed early scholarships myself simply because I didn't know. Well, that has to change. If I'm reelected, my mission will be to make resources not only available but visible. not hidden in flyers or lost emails, but brought directly to students through social media, workshops, and student ambassadors. No student should ever miss an opportunity
036just because they didn't know it was there. Beyond this role, I serve as a student ambassador and work with CU ACES where I've coached cheer bleico and other after school activities. I had the honor of delivering the welcome back speech for this year highlighting inclusivity and the impact adults make on student learning. Alongside that, I completed over 200 hours of community service, participated in multiple APS and clubs while maintaining my GPA. These experiences taught me how to manage pressure, lead with confidence, and serve with heart. And above all, they deepened my passion for giving back to the very community that shaped me into the champion I am today. I know what's possible when students feel heard. And with your support, I'll keep building on that progress so every student has the chance to rise, to
037succeed, and to become a champion in their own story. So, let's continue to create champions together. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions? No. Okay. Thank you so much. um I think we'll be selecting uh student trustees when we come back and announcing them uh when we come back from close session. Uh but yeah, thank you to all the students. Um we are definitely going to have a hard time making a decision and um yeah, everyone um y'all are amazing just to hear your stories and you know having the courage to step up and and do this. Um, so, uh, yeah, we're looking forward to have you on the on the dis. I don't know if there's any general comments from anybody else. Um, yeah. Okay. Do you want to say something? >> So, all candidates
038can go back to the conference room and you have dinner waiting there for you. >> Okay. Um, so we're going to move on to 4.1. We have close session public comments. Okay. And we have one close session public comments. So um this is an opportunity for board member uh for members of the public to address the governing board regarding any close session items within the board's uh subject matter jurisdiction. Uh please complete a request to address the governing board form and handed to the recording secretary. Speakers will be limited to three minutes per person uh with the maximum of 20 minutes uh to each subject matter. Uh we do have one uh close session uh comment um and if anybody else is interested in providing a comment we can submit the request. Uh we have
039Veronica Dona CSCA on item 4.3 labor relations. >> Good evening uh President Justin Vargas board of trustees Dr. Sparsa extended cabinet and so on. Okay, I am here today because last board meeting it was very sad to see that there was people pushed away to not be able to come and speak to you guys about positions. It was said and I'm going to say that that CSC and the district negotiated something to bring back positions. That is a blatant lie. And that is how I'm going to say it because that's a fact. You guys, all of you, none of you have negotiated with CSEA on any of the laidoff positions. And for that comment to happen when we had parents that wanted to speak to you, they were turned away. And there was also submitted
040comments that did not get spoken because it was stated that CSEA and the district have negotiated to bring back positions. That did not happen. You brought the positions back on your own without negotiating, hence the perb case that is now going to court in December and all of January because you guys decided to bring back the positions without negotiating hours, without negotiating the time frames, and with trying to change a job description that did not get negotiated. You guys did that on your own. You brought back the IMAS parent community liaison and the u bilingual psychologist techs and the elsas at different times and different working months. You guys did that on your own. CSEA did not negotiate with you with that. We tried to and we gave a concession and it didn't happen. So
041please, it was very sad to hear that last time because parents wanted to speak to you as board members and they're for you. You're for them. But for that to have been said that CSA, why the hell would we be coming up here then all these times to say negotiate with us? And now the community thinks that the union, classified union, was part of that. We were not part of that. So please do not state false accusations against us. This is not right. We have came time and time again to say come and negotiate with us. So now we will see this district at the perb and I know for a fact that no there is still transfer of duties because that's a chaos that's happening at the site. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is
042there any other close session public comment? Okay. Thank you. Um 4.2. Uh can I get a motion to enter into close session? >> Second. >> Uh all those in favor? >> I. >> Uh postions. Okay. We'll be coming back at 700 p.m. um from close session. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Um, good evening everybody. So, uh, we did a motion to come back into open session and we have 5.2. We're going to uh announce action taken in close session. Okay. We have voted on the student trustees for this school year. Um I will say that every single one of you who came to speak with us did a beautiful job. So proud of each and every one of you. We had to make a decision. It was not easy. Um, I feel like it's getting harder
043each year, but here are the student trustees for this year. Um, for Coachella Valley High School, Mia Messa is our student trustee. [Applause] >> Uh, yeah, we could announce every So, at the end, we'll take pictures with all of you. Um, our next one, Desert Mirage High School. Eileen Gadio Garcia for La Familia High School. Juan Ramirez. [Applause] And for West Shores High School, Isabella Jimenez Martinez. the approval of the first. Okay. Um Okay. Yeah, we can take a picture. Um I was going to ask if we can move 6.1 to do to do that now and do the oath for the students. Would that be okay? Okay. Um so we're going to move to 6.1 to do the oath of office for student trustees and then we'll come back to 5.3 um the approval
044of the agenda. So um who's going to do the >> Okay, so Dr. Spar is going to do the oath of office for the students and then um we'll take a picture and then we'll move on with the agenda. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Is there a way to speak? Uh President um yeah, if there's any comments, please. >> Yeah, just want to thank all of you. Um I I know Dr. Sparsa last year did a great job of of including all of you. You're going to be contacted. You will be invited to understand the structure of how admin, you know, works and and she she embraced everybody that was a finalist and invited uh you to participate in in some of the backroom conversations about how the school district runs. And so although
045you might not be the representative, I just wanted to congrat congratulate each and every one of you for your hard work and and the courage, right, to come here and just know that you were a winner just being here and you're going to be included somehow. >> Anyone else want to share few words? No. Okay. Okay. Thank you. I, Messa, do solemnly swear >> I, Messa, do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies And I will to I will I will for duties of student board member >> I will for student >>
046for >> duties of student board members of the Coachella Valley Unified School District >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. >> As such duties are prescribed by law and policy >> as such duties are prescribed by law and policy. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. You want to turn to the camera. Next is Ailen Cao Garcia. Okay. >> Okay. I Ailen Calio Garcia. I Eileen Calio Garcia >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies. And I will too >> And I will too >> do the best of my judgment >> to
047the best of my judgment >> skill and ability >> truly faithfully and diligently >> truly faithfully and dig vigilantly >> and impartially perform >> the duties of student board member >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. As such duties >> As such duties >> are prescribed by the law and policy. >> Okay. Thank you. Congratulations. Take a picture. [Applause] Thank you. Next is Juan Ramirez. [Applause] And we're going to read this. I, Juan Ramirez, >> I, Juan Ramirez, >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies. And I will too >> And I will too
048>> do my best >> my best >> of my judgment >> skill >> and ability >> to truly and faithfully >> diligently >> and impartially >> perform the duties of student board >> perform the >> duties of the student board >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District >> as such duties are prescribed by the law and policy >> are described >> as such duties >> are >> prescribed >> by the law >> and policy. All right, congratulations. We did it. >> Last but not least, Isabella Jimenez Martinez. [Applause] your right hand. I Isabella Himenez Martinez >> I Isabella Himenez Martinez >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support and defend the Constitution
049of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies >> and I will too >> do my best >> of my judgment >> skill >> and ability >> truly >> faithfully Y >> diligently >> and impartially perform >> these duties >> of student board member >> of the Coachella Valley Unified School District >> of the Coachella Unified School District >> as such duties >> are prescribed by law and policy. >> All right, congratulations. >> Thank you. [Applause] Maybe we could take a picture. Yeah. [Applause] join us for the next meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, it looks like the students will join us for the next meeting. Oh. >> Oh, yeah. I think so. Yes. Thank you so
050much. Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Uh so we're going to go back to item 5.3, approval of the agenda submitted. Um so I have a motion. I have a second. >> Second. Um, trust trustee Colanes. Uh, we'll second. All those in favor? I >> opposed abstensions. Okay. Um, public comments. Okay. So, 7.1 board. Uh, wait, where's the public comment? Did I just skip it? Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Okay. Public comments. Introductory comments and requests to address the board on items on the adopted agenda and items not on the adopted agenda will be considered from the audience at this time. Please complete a request to address the governing board form and handed to the recording secretary. Speakers will be limited to three minutes per person with a maximum of 20 minutes to each subject matter.
051Additionally, the person making the request should state his or her name and the name of the organization or group represented. Please be advised that the board is not always at liberty to answer questions right away. State law prohibits the board from taking any action on items on not listed on the agenda. Um so we have a number of public comments today. Um we have Karina Lopez Ga Feria. Um I'm assuming that the person's in Spanish so we might need make sure we have translation. Oh, can you hear? Not yet. Okay. Um, okay. Oh, >> yeah. Seeope president. Is someone checking? Okay. Okay. Click. Uh yeah. Okay. Maybe we can start the timer again. Okay. forana. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Okay, thank you. Um, next person for public comment, Patricia Yes. Okay. [Music] is Patricia Soy
052Driver School District. Bus driver. [Music] Falcon. Forecias. Thank you. Uh, next speaker, Veronica Dy CSCA um, acknowledgement to department. I think there's two two public comments. The other one is on increase to day of admin. Yes. So, I'm going to talk on the first one. Good evening, uh, Veronica, CSC. I'm going to be nice to you guys tonight. Uh, first and foremost, when I say I'm going to acknowledge a department, that's actually good, right? And I'm going to say this tonight. I want to give a huge, and this goes to you guys, too, on the nicer note, to our transportation director, Mr. Martinez, and to our new fleet supervisor, and I hope I get his name correct, Michael Williams. Okay. And I have been up here so many times. We have heard the horror stories
053and all that good stuff of transportation. I'm going to say this. I walked into that shop area about two weeks ago. And I have been away from transportation for about 7 years now. Uh that building when we first went in, I was blessed to go into it as a bus driver. It was beautiful. And yes, we did hear the horror stories. And now within in a month's time that the admin has been there and like I've always said we needed people knowledgeable of our department. I literally see white floors. It is beautiful. It is the way the shop was supposed to have been since day one. So again, I want to acknowledge that I ain't always mean. I come and I will tell the good stuff, right? Yeah. Alex is different. But again, I want
054to say please take time to go and see it. I always kept saying there's EPA violations in this area. Guess what? I do not see any kind of jar full of oil anywhere. I do not see a rag that can burn and cause a fire. I have the reels working. We're working on all the lifts out there. What we do need though is just a little bit more support on what is needed. What is needed? I need you guys to please look at all the parts shelvings that are over 30 years old. Right? We need to make sure they are OSHA compliant and they are um bolted to the floor. Right? So, I want to give that shout out. Thank you, Mr. Martinez, uh, transportation director, and a shout out to Mr. Williams. Again, this
055is how it works. We bring in people that know what they're doing, and you make a difference. So, thank you for that. Thank you. >> Um, my next comment, >> okay, >> sorry. Now, I'm going to the other side. So last board meeting I do want to bring up an issue um that I did not catch then and now I am catching it now. Um it was about the principles and the AP's increase in days. When I looked at that language you guys agreed but not everybody agreed. I believe it was one to two people that voted against it. And again, the transparency is our problem here because I went to the board agenda from to see what was the outcome and it said everybody was in agreement that everybody voted yes and I know
056for a fact that did not happen. So again, we need to make sure that we are not miscommunicating on that on those board agendas like that because that's not fair, right? We know what happens. So that's the transparency and again that's the distrust that now we start growing. Now the second part of this is I don't know if you guys understand something on that board agenda you guys placed a number of 168 grand that it was going to cost this district to increase by 4 days everybody. That's a lie. And I'm sorry and that's how I'm going to say it. Why? because you did not increase everybody by 4 days. And I don't know if you guys understood that you guys increased the principles by 4 days, but you guys increased the APS by 14
057days. And I believe we have a meto clause, right, with the district because that now becomes somewhat of a raise because you increase them in days and money. I'm sorry, but that's 14 days extra on your APS from 200 to 214 principles 210 to 214. So now I have a meeting with Dr. Sparsa tomorrow. I want the cost because I know now for a fact it's not 168 grand for 14 days on your assistant principles added. Now I know for a fact it's more and you guys approve that this funds will come out of the general fund. And now guess what? Now again I'm going to go back to the distrust and the lack of communication between unions because now I know for a fact it's going to be more money. So why did we
058and I'm going to say it lie on the agenda with the wrong numbers? Because you that's public. That means you told everybody this is what we're going. So if somebody miscalculated somewhere, I want those numbers and I will get them tomorrow please in that meeting and please correct that with the public. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, next public comment I have Paty Rasone um, CB Elementary and and the next speaker is going to be Filberta Perez. Hi, good evening. Um, my name is Paty Rasone. Um, a mom of a student or beautiful girl um area in C view. This is her second year. She started last year in TK and um right now she's in kindergarten. Um I came here in the to the valley six years ago. I'm from Ensanada and um when
059I came to Sultan City like many people probably thought um that we were in the middle of nowhere like not a lot of people live there. Um so I spent four years very you can say a little bit lonely. Um, I didn't know anybody until last year, uh, when Arya started school and she was very excited. She did really good thanks to her teacher, Miss Vieiraa. Um, she loved it. She thrived. She was very excited to start this year. Um this year on a week before she starts school, I check um on the portal online to check if she was going to be in her bilingual class and she was going to be. So I was like very excited for her. Um Miss Vira, her teacher, told me that she would really she would do
060really good in bilingual. So that's why I was like very concerned and that was very important for me. uh until the first day of school. Uh I check and she was changed. She was on a only English class. So um she was a little sad. So I know she's going to be fine and she's going to be great in any class because she's very smart. But I do see that she doesn't feel very comfortable because it's not her first language. So she really needs bilingual. and I've been talking to the principal to um teachers. I've been going to school and they haven't given me any solutions. So that's why I'm here asking you the uh board uh for your help. We need more more people. Um I thought we were very little people there, but
061as you can see, we're a big community and we're growing and please don't don't forget us. um we're still there and we are as important as all of the other students in the in in the district. So um thank you and >> thank you. Uh we have uh Phila Perez uh CBL Elementary. >> Uh yes uh uh good evening. Uh my name is Phila Perez. Um I'm here behalf of my daughter uh her first year in TK. Um at the beginning of the school year everything was fine. Uh had no issues. Uh second day of school, um there was no super supervision based on the smaller kids. Everything is based on the big kids because they're so aggressive. They're always fighting. Um you don't really see the yard supervisors out there um taking care of
062them. Um my daughter got out of her designed area. She went running throughout the whole school crying, screaming. Uh nobody took note of that. Nobody seen her. I had to be on the outside of the school chasing her. Um I went I complained to the assistant principal, to their principal. I got no response. Um, so there's not enough supervision. There's a lot of students, not enough, uh, staff on campus. Um, another one is, um, she's been coming home. She's been complaining that in her classroom, um, there's a certain student that keeps picking on her, keeps hitting her. Um, she does say that she does tell her teacher there's no communication within the teachers with the parents. Um, she comes home crying from school saying she doesn't want to go back to school. Uh, she doesn't
063want to be there. Um the same thing. I went I spoke to the principal. There's no communication. I called the school. Nobody answers. Um the principal said she would get back to me. No response, no solution, no feedback, nothing. Um so we do need um more supervision on campus. Uh there's no reason why anybody should be picking on anybody else regardless if they want to play with each other or not. I don't think that's a reason. Um, and then moving on from that, another one is, uh, bus drivers. Um, there's a lot of bus drivers that do like their job. They love what they do. They do interact with the students, but there's some that you can tell that they don't like what they do. The second day of school, there was a student that
064was left on the side of the sidewalk, by the street, by the bus driver because he closed the doors on her face when she didn't know where to direct herself on the second day of school. And she's a kindergartener. She's not my daughter, but I will come and I will speak on behalf of other parents that can't be here with us. And I don't think that's appropriate. Um, we walked her into the cafeteria where they're designed to go in. Um, when we walked back, that same bus driver, which is bus number 625, he walked down with another student and directed the student with the principal, which I do not think it's fair that they pick and choose who they're going to help and who they're not going to help. So, that is another thing that
065needs to be directed. I don't know if um we're the least of the worries because we're on the outskirts of the city of the Coachella Unified School District, but I feel like we deserve the same attention that all the other schools here in actual Coachella, they get. So, there's no reason why we should feel like we're left out because our students are part of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um Martha Bamante, um CU Elementary School. Hi, good evening. Um, I'm a parent from CVU Elementary and my concern is that um, the fourth and fifth graders are not I have three kids in the in the same school. I do have fourth and fifth graders. Um, they're not having enough um, lunchtime. They're getting only a few minutes to be
066able to eat their lunch. Um there is also insufficient staff. They're really short on staff. Usually when they're out in the yard, they um they have a lot of issues. Usually a lot of bigger kids picking on the smaller kids. Um there's no really enough staff to address the issues that are present at the time. Um, another thing is also the buses are frequently late and sometimes sometimes we get notified and we're able to go pick up our students. Sometimes we don't know that they're late till maybe an hour after um they come out of school. A very recent thing that just happened to me earlier this week. I kept calling the school and calling the school because it was already 15 minutes past the time and I seen a bus pass for like on
067the street where my kids get dropped off. It didn't stop. I got concerned and I thought maybe the bus had my children on board and didn't stop. Um I kept calling and calling the school. Nobody answered. I never received any answer. So, I finally was able to communicate with transportation and they were able to answer and they notified me that the bus that I had seen was not from elementary. It was indeed from high school and that elementary was going to be late. So, that is also an issue that keeps it happened last year and it keeps happening this year. The buses are frequently late. Um there is also an inadequate system for following up with parents. There's a lot of issues that happen that either parents they just are not aware or are just
068not notified. Um that seems about it in my part. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh we have Alejandra Contraas lunchtime behavior issues at CIO. >> Good afternoon. So the main concern I want to address is the lack of supervision during recess. Without consistent oversight, uh certain behavior issues are not being noticed or corrected in the moment. This makes it harder to address problems effectively and ensure a safe environment for all students. The main purpose of my of this comment is more because my student, my child uh was in a fight. The principal believed it wasn't a fight. even though there was smacking and shoving and his necklace was teared into two. Um, and no one notified me or his father or anyone on the emergency contact list whatsoever. It took me about 12 hours to
069be able to get a hold of her and um make sure that the issue was being addressed. Um as well as if we can have more uh he my child has also addressed that the lack of uh recess uh lunchtime has been an issue. 10 minutes to have food, but that's probably 5 minutes to just go in and sit down and be able to open his lunch box. Um it it's not okay. Um but thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Uh, next person, Salvador Lopez Cio. >> Hello. Good evening. Um, Dr. Sparsa and board members of the school. My name is Salvador Lopez and I have a son at C view. And the concerns that we have and I have is uh that we need more supervision monitors, aids or yard supervisors at
070at the school site. I know last year he was in TK and I can see at least six or seven um yard supervisors out there. Now you probably luckily you see one or two and all the kids are running around and that's what they do. But I mean there's a lot of kids they're pushing and shoving the other little ones. And it seems like our um when they have the recess they should be the TK in and kindergarten by themselves and then the the other upper graders cuz I mean the little ones they get pushed really easy for a second grader and and from there on. But um um uh also also is when uh we have inclemented weather which is hot or there's raining, they don't have a place to go other than the
071cafeteria and they're all bunched in in there and they only have so much time to eat and you should know I mean when when you have all the kids together, it's obviously going to be a trouble and all of them getting being together for so much time in there, you know. Um, let me see what else. Um, we also need more teachers and um, and you guys know they're a short staff. And also last year I noticed that uh, the TK teachers, they have a aid with them. I don't know if they do the same thing for kindergartens, but they should because I mean I noticed and I heard that some of the other schools they have aids for the kindergarten and I don't know why the C view doesn't have any. Maybe like the
072rest of the people are here. We're too far out the hour and nobody wants to go over that way but that's not it should not be the case. They should have somebody out there to go up there. I mean they're getting paid for it and that's just uh you know my opinion on that. Um Let me see what else. As you know that we need more teachers is because our community is growing very fast and you guys know cuz you see the numbers of the students are growing over there. A lot of people are moving into our community which is great but we don't have the staff to keep our teachers with minimums um at the students right now. Oh, I I heard they have a combo um classes which is two grades on the
073same teacher and that's not acceptable for this um school or for any site on the district. And as you know, I mean, you guys know that uh it should be more more help for the teachers and also for the kids out there when they're playing out on the on the recesses and and all that stuff. And I think that's all I have for you guys. Thank you for listening to my concerns. Thank you. Um, next speaker, Carlos Vera, CV. Uh, good evening to all the members, um, board members and Dr. Esparza. Um, my name is Kabul Veda. I'm a proud member of Solen City Community. Um, I'm also a proud father of two students who attend CU Elementary. I'm here to support our parents uh that had concerns. I also want to share the same
074concerns and I want to include that I've been in contact with that services leadership and uh and I want to appreciate the diligence uh to the concerns that I've had and the due process of what we're trying to um get here get done. As parents, uh, we're fighting for the right for our students right or all children to have a quality education. So, as we've heard before and as you can see, we have a strong knit, uh, community and it's growing, right? As we come together, um, we're increasing in numbers in Salt City. Uh, due to that increase, we're in in dire need of staffing and supervision. Our children deserve to feel safe, have the ability to be themselves, and enjoy the experience of going to school every day. We do ask that these concerns
075have been shared uh are reviewed and attended to. Our community deserves the best, our school deserves the best, and our children deserve the best as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh next speaker, we have um Thank you. Uh next speaker, we have Sonia Rodriguez, parent community liaison. Good evening. I left you some copies of some signatures collected from parents from the Oasis site. We have more signatures, but the other parents couldn't make it today. My name is Sonia Rodriguez, and I'm here to speak in strong support of bringing back the parent leaison's position in every school in our district. Let me say this clearly. I completely understand the challenges we are facing. I hear I hear it every at every board meeting. These are difficult times. Budget cuts are forcing tough decisions. And
076I know that all classified staffs are doing their best with very limited resources. But that's exactly why this position matters so much right now. A parent leison is not just an extra set of hands. They're the bridge between families and schools. They help parents understand policies and pro and procedures, assist with translations, connect connect us with resources, and make sure we feel heard and supported. They are they are all they are there during parenting teacher conferences guided families through the systems and help schools build trust with the communities they serve as schools like Oasis where many families face economic hardship language barriers or just the the daily stress of life. Miss Harmo is essential. When that support is missing, students suffer not because they are not trying, but because their parents don't have the access
077or information they need to support them. I understand the budget is tight, but that's exactly why we cannot afford to lose this position. When stress is high and communication breaks down, the families who need the help the most are the ones least able to get it. Parent leisms help close that gap. We all hear the time. We hear all the time that family engagement is key to student success. But families cannot be engaged if they don't feel welcome, understood, or supported. Bringing back Miss Harmo and all the parent less across the district is not about what is nice to have. It's necessary for fairness, for communication, and for student achievement. We want Miss Haram back at Oasis. So I respectfully ask you to honor your commitment to families and students and bring back this critical
078role. This is not whether we can afford it. It is about recognizing that we can afford not to. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, next speaker we have Maria Elva Ortiz, parent. Singapore district. Centian Electronico. Grandia participantes. significant [Applause] [Music] Okay. for particip Sacramento. local district. artistific. participas. Thank you. The the next speaker we have Ted Leonard uh and it's on parent leaison as well. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Um I just wanted to come up here and say how important it is for our parent leaison. Um from from my experience both of my boys go to Palm View Elementary and she has been there uh since they were yay high and um every anything that we needed any information we needed she was there. Um there was a the first day of school
079was just disastrous because she wasn't there. There was kids parents didn't know where to go. You know, we had kids going on the elevator up and down and Miss Esparonza is usually there to help out. Um there was kids not wanting to even go into the uh into the school and she was always she's always there to help us pull them in. You know, we're at the gate. I'm at the front gate most of the times and um it's just important that we have it uh including information cuz sometimes we don't get all the information. Uh but Miss Esparonza makes sure that the parents get the information um when they're coming in there. Even on the first day the front office was it was nothing but chaos. Um and she's there um in the midst
080of that in the midst of chaos she's there. She's getting the parents information they need to get in and out. um that day was just absolutely um crazy. And I'm just here to say that she has been there for all of us. She has supported us. She has gotten things out to us uh in the community. So there's most of us uh most of the parents, you know, that don't know how to use um the portals and stuff. She has helped all of them use the portal. She has took the time out of her, you know, busy day to help them. um even with me in certain things I did not know, she was helping us get this information and she gets it out there to the community so everybody knows. Now there's a lot
081of people that are not informed of the information. They don't know what's going on. Um sometimes things get put up late and you know it gives us no time as parents to react. So that is all I have to share. >> Thank you. Okay, that was our last um public comment. So, we're going to move on to 8.1 uh reading communication. We do have three. Um they're fairly short, so I'll go ahead and read them. Uh the first one's from Michelle Ramos. Um it says, "We're into the school year just over one month. Uh and the finally setting. The school year started a little rocky, but with multiple departments and staff members working together, there were solutions to the problems we were facing. Staff members came together to make sure the students needs are being
082met. school sites might look a little different in regards to staff, but I have I have seen a lot of them working together to ensure things are getting done. Um, the next one, Marita Alaron says, uh, I'm writing due to us parents, uh, did not know the parently as were laid off. Please bring back the parent leaison. They were the go-to uh to help for parent square, parent portal, parent and student resources, uniforms, parent workshops, family school activities, etc. The parent leaison were very helpful for us parents. We felt very comfortable to speak to them when we were in need of help. They would not judge and be very helpful um and kind. The one that was at my son's school, I would always be would always be greeting the students as they entered the
083front gate. US parents felt happy to see and speak with the parents. They would always invite us to SSC, ELAC, CPAC uh meeting and kept us parents informed. Uh please bring the school parent as back. And the last one, Selen Canola, uh petition to reinstate parently as support staff positions districtwide. So I think there were a couple items that were shared with board members at their desk. Um and that's the last written communication we have today. Okay. Um we're going to move on to um 8.2 board member reports. Um Trustee Gonzalez. >> Thank you. Um I want to start by thanking the parents that are here today. I think what is clear to me as a board member is that the parent leazison has definitely played a role between the school district and our everyday
084needs as families. Right. how you show up to school, how you're greeted, how an issue you have, that parent leazison is on is that critical person that that plays that role. And I, you know, you guys, I know you got to get up in the morning, go to work here. It's 8:00. You're here obviously with a serious condition. I know that it's not going to fall on deaf ears. I know Dr. Spars is going to take it seriously. I know the board takes it seriously and we're able to maybe make some adjustments with with how we're doing things to try to accommodate those key people at key schools. Unfortunately, a lot of front office people that did a good job that knew the community, they were moved to other schools and now they're the new
085person over there and they don't understand the the process or the situation. But but that's the unfortunate reality is that some of those parent leaison were were moved around and the magic they did at your school, they're not there anymore to do that. Uh but I want to thank you all for for being out here. Dr. Espar, I don't have a I don't have a a board report, but I have a request. Um, we've been getting a report from you on our transportation department, specifically the challenges that we have there with the chronic absenteeism. I think the lowest of maybe 80 drivers to the point of them not showing up on time to the point of leaving students of 80 drivers we have, I think the best attendance I've seen is 17 absentees in one
086particular day. And with the budgetary challenges that we have, I want to ask to get an expense report on the cost of this overtime, this chronic overtime that we see in that department. And I'm going to ask that we take it back to 2016, the last eight years. And I want a summation of the millions of dollars that we've lost in overtime because of this gamemanship that we have where they seem to be trading days. There seems to be a pattern, but I think the numbers are going to be very telling. And I'm going to ask you to task our new leader in the finance department, include HR, obviously your expertise, to give this board a report on the amount of money that we're paying in overtime, specifically to transportation. And I think our community
087deserves that. I think our community needs that. And I want to make it very clear that this department is costing us millions of dollars and for whatever reason. Uh this has gone unnoticed uh since 2016, since the day I I showed up here. And maybe with some of those savings, if we can get our hands around it, we can maybe invest some of that money in these key critical positions that create this layers between our community and this school district. But uh I'm asking for a report. I wanted to end on on every fiscal year. I want to report of what the summation of the of the overtime uh accumulated by this one department has impacted and how it's impacted uh our school district and I think the community is going to be surprised as
088to the magnitude of the expense. Trusty Auna. Uh, director Um, so I just wanted to thank all the parents and everyone who came out here tonight. Uh, while I've always said this before, we are responsible for everything that happens in the district. That is our role. That is my role. I won't speak for my colleagues. Um, but sometimes we don't know what's happening in all the schools. I mean, there's a lot of schools. we don't know what's happening in individual ones. And so, thank you for sharing that information. That way, we can make some decisions. Our superintendent and their team up here can um give them direction to see if we can solve some of these issues and some of these ongoing things. So, we do appreciate I've always said regardless if you're here um
089as Miss Da says being nice to us or not being nice to us, the fact that you're here um shows that you care about your your students and you care about your community. So, thank you guys for coming out. Um, and then the only other thing is I wanted to thank all the kids. I know they left already. Um, but, uh, it is very hard to vote for these kids cuz they're all great. Um, so it's very hard, but um, uh, and every year they seem to get better and better. So, I do want to thank all the ones, even the ones that weren't selected. um because the fact again that they're coming out here and and pushing and and advocating and for themselves and for their their kids, I think it's very important for
090the leadership of our students and it shows that we have some really good kids in our district. Um other than that, I'm uh kind of going along with what Mr. Board member Gonzalez mentioned. The absenteeism is not only a transportation issue, it's a district-wide issue. It happens in all departments. Unfortunately, parents, principles, the cafeterias, it's the transportation that you see at first because they're the first ones in the morning. And so, they are the ones that are are out in front, so to speak. And again, I would echo what one of the bus drivers said, please do not be angry with the bus driver that actually came to pick up your child because that bus driver is probably finished their route and is now coming doing another route, coming to help out. So, please be
091nice to them. Don't be angry at them. They showed up to work. They're doing their job. And so, please don't be mean to them. Thank them for actually going because again, the issue of transportation is obviously our department, but it's also the board's job to make sure that we we fix this. But again, the absenteeism and again, we have issues, but it's not just in transportation. It's just that we see that first thing in the morning because that's the first one that everybody sees. So, I think we need to look at it as a whole. We need to look at, you know, all all the reasons that people aren't showing up for work. Um, some are um legal union issues that they have ceremony days they can take off. Those are contracted so they're allowed
092to do it. Uh, the problem is I've always found Monday, Fridays, and holidays or days after holidays seem to be the preferred choice of all those personal necessity days. So, those are things that we need to deal with. Um but you know we again as I asked last board meeting uh thank the parents for coming and let us knowing what's going on and it is our my responsibility to try to see how we can fix some of these problems. So thank you. That's all. >> Uh trust >> um good evening. Thank you everybody for coming. Thank you for the parents to to let us know the things that are happening at the schools and what we can do to support um the efforts to make sure that the right staff and c at the different
093campuses and that things are going well. We definitely appreciate the parents much gracias. Thank you to our staff who are here. Thank you for the work that you do. Um continue to visit schools and there are a few things that um that I hear and one is test scores. So I'd like a just a presentation. I'd like to request a number uh uh presentation on test scores as I know that there's a lot of schools that should be celebrated for the great work and the teachers the great work that they're doing to improve the test scores at their sites. Um I'd like to thank the student trustees who um came in here today and and uh you know were able to speak all speak really well and it shows that they're they're going to be
094great leaders in the future and thank you to everybody that participated. Um, I just also like a report on uh uh where we are with shade structures. I know that there's a couple of kindergarten sites that needed new shade structures, Dr. Sparza, and I hope that um we can be ready at least uh I know that that summer is winding down now, but we can uh be ready for next uh next summer as it soon comes upon us. So, thank you. That is that is all. And thank you again for our staff who's here, our teachers, our support staff. Thank you for everybody for the work that you do and to our parents, our students and and anybody here at CBSD. Thank you, >> Trusty Kman. >> Yes, thank you very much. I just wanted
095to say very quickly, I'm at the schools a lot because of the read with me program I support, but it's so important for me to also be hearing what parents are saying. So, I want to thank you so much and please continue to come. Um, uh, Clerk Garcia, thank you so much. Again, thank you. Just like so many of us have already said, thank you to everyone who comes out and speaks to us. We need to hear what's happening on the ground um so that we can do something about it, just like so many of us have already said. Um, I know that I've seen um different schools that have a short lunch. I've um volunteered and did not have enough time to fill up my water bottle and eat my own lunch. So, I
096know that that is something that can happen. I'm not sure why. Um I would like some kind of report for why there are um some schools that only allow students. I've seen like only a certain number of rows of tables out even in some um elementary schools and others completely normal full um I feel like there is more supervision in the cafeteria than out in the field and if students aren't able to have a proper lunch or meal even breakfast um then they are going to be more rambunctious outside where there is less there's more area and less supervision. So, I'm not sure why that's the case, like why it varies because I now know that it is different from different schools. And to hear that that sounds like it it very much is an
097issue at C view. Um what's going on there? um if there's a reason for it, let's understand it and if it is still making sense because um I definitely saw the school that had short amount of time in the cafeteria had more bullying happening outside than schools that had a more I what I considered a more normal cafeteria experience. Students weren't forced out. They could eat their lunch at their leisure. they didn't have to go outside if they didn't need to. Um, but of course they could when they when they wanted to. So, I would like to understand that a little more because I do think their meals and their behavior are linked and I'd like to know understand that a little more. Thank you so much for all of you families. It doesn't matter
098where you are in our school district. I know Coachella is part of our name of the district, but every single one of you is important. Your students are important no matter where you go. Um they all deserve the best. We need to hear so that we can fix these things and um we we will continue to work on that. Um I know we're all hearing about the parent leaison. Um, it sounds like the transition is still very tough because they had such an impact on our on our schools. Um, my understanding is they are still here at the district office and I know that is a different process. Parents are supposed to be able to call and still get the help that they need, but that is different. Um, it is very different than just
099walking into your school and talking to the friendly face that you knew. So, I I hear you. Um, none of these choices have been easy. We're trying to make sure that we are serving you as best as we can and and not dropping the ball. So, it sounds like um the transition has not gone well. Um, we want to make sure that you know where to get all the information that you normally would. Translation, um, any of the portal information, those are actually different departments. Um, and we want to make sure that everyone knows, everyone in the office is equipped to answer those questions um, as they need to, right? So that parents can get what they need. So it sounds like we still need to understand a little more on how that transition is
100happening and we can only do that because we're hearing from you all. So thank you. Um so again just a couple things that yeah we want to understand those transitions. Want to make sure parents know that there are still leaison in the district. It's just how to access them. Um so that they can still get everything that they're used to. Um, and if that process isn't working, we need to understand that, too. So, thank you all. It's a work in progress. We're so grateful to everyone who comes out here and we're just going to keep moving forward. Um, thank you so much. >> Thank you, uh, Vice President. >> Thank you, President. Uh again, yeah, I want to thank the parents coming out cuz I said last meeting I didn't come out when I was
101a parent and having problems with my kids went to C view too and and to Las Toro and now they're both at Desert Mirage. So I've lived everything that the parents are talking about now. And again, I just have to reiterate again, why is this still happening, you know, with with the buses? I mean, we're we got a report from a parent that can't get to the school when their child, you know, the buses are late and everything. And I said last meeting, my kids had this same problem 12 years ago and it's still happening with transportation. So, definitely, you know, we're echo echoing something that's not being fixed with transportation. I mean, you should be able to reach somebody when you're calling for the bus with your child on it or if it's going
102to be late. Sometimes it's 120 degrees already and you know and out we have kids out there standing out there you know I see them out there so something has to be done before you know we get you know one of them gets harmed uh I I think we should wait for that and again it has to do with like what the former trustees have said as far as manipulation the employees manipulating the system and and not coming to work. So, and we need to look at that and hopefully I can work with the the new financial officer. Uh the audits if you any parent and any person can go to the Coachella Valley Unified School District website and look up all the audited financial statements. I've seen uh back to 2015 and as director
103um Gonzalez said, you go back to 2016, you go back to 2015, look at all those audits. And I think that's what we need to do is bring those uh and be transparent and show the change. If there's an anomaly in the financial system, then you'll see it. I I don't know why. Um I never saw that before when I was a parent. Uh but being on the board now, that's something I'll push for is that financial um I guess it would say literacy as far as the financial audits go for for the school district. Um again, um when my kids went to C view, same thing. Um 10 years ago, they were there, their lunch was so short, I remember my son and my daughter bringing their lunch back and I said, "What happened?"
104And they're like, "Well, the lunch is so short, we don't have time to play, so we don't eat. We just put it away and we go outside to play." So that's 10 years ago. Again, same thing. If it's still happening, again, I'm saying, "Why is this still happening? Why hasn't the school fixed it?" So that's why I'm on the board, you know, changing from a parent to a board member. And I'm glad the parents are are expressing that these same things are still happening and they need to get fixed because how long are we going to listen to parents bringing up these same things? We heard the bus, you know, issue again today and the next meeting. Are we going to hear the bus issue, another bus issue again? Are we going to hear about
105the lunch and the kids not being able to eat right? Um and and sometimes when my kids did eat, uh instead of giving them a full lunch, we would give them snacks. And then I remember my kids came home and I said, "Why didn't you eat your snack?" You know, it was like, um those fruit, uh fruit snacks. And they said because the supervisor uh took it away and said, "That's not a healthy lunch and you're not eating it." So that was something that I had to deal with back then. And so, you know, they shouldn't be able to eat. If I give them M&M's, they should be able to eat that. I don't think it's right that anybody take their food away, right, if they're going to eat lunch. So, that's something else that,
106you know, off the topic, but I think that's what we had to deal with. Uh, again, I'm living these same things. Uh, it reoccurs. It's deja vu when I hear the parents come up and complain about these same things, right? Uh, that happened when my kids were in elementary and the middle school. So again, uh hopefully uh as being the newest board, well the second newest board member on here, we can uh work with the superintendent and look at these details and find out what's going on. But um thank you. >> Thank you. Um uh I also like to thank um everyone who came out tonight uh for public comment. Um it's definitely um concerning to hear parents sharing um some of their um maybe negative interactions they're having with staff. Um, I know that,
107you know, the first couple of weeks of school can always be very difficult. Um, there's just so much going on, a lot of challenges that we're facing. So, um, you know, I know staff's doing their best, um, considering the circumstances. So, um, but I do, you know, appreciate, um, parents coming to, you know, kind of share some of those concerns and experiences, um, and hoping that we can work with our staff, um, you know, to maybe see like what type of support they need, um, to navigate some of the changes. Um, I know as a staff member myself, we just started the college, you know, our college, um, feels like feels like it was yesterday has been so hard, but um, you know, it it is hard to work in our schools. Um, especially with
108everything going on. So, you know, I do appreciate everyone uh for all the work that they're doing just navigating everything and um you know, with some of the issues coming u up from, you know, our CVU community. I'm hoping staff can continue to work with the parents so that we can try to figure out ways to address them and support them um in just being able to resolve some of those challenges. But, um that's it for me. Um so, uh 8.3 superintendence report. Thank you. Thank you to everyone who is in the audience. Thank you to the parents who came as well as to the union who uh came and made comments as well. Uh we do appreciate your comments. I do want to uh just state that um we have some great student trustees
109this year. uh my hats off to them and uh I know that all eight of them could do the job and we had to uh pick four and I think we we did a really good job at that and I will try to keep the other four out of the eight. I would try to keep the other four on in some type of role to be able to still gain some leadership here in the district uh and learn uh everything around the district as we do with our student trustees. And so it's not that they didn't get the job today as a student trustee, but they will have a job somehow within the district amongst our leadership executive cabinet and with our directors. We will figure that out to ensure that we give them those
110uh opportunities. So thank you to all of them. Um, I want to congratulate our ed services uh department and staff in the district that presented uh this week at the um e excellence through education conference that RCOE puts on in Palm Springs. Uh we had several presentations. One of them was on systematic explicit instruction. Another was on understanding Lexile and quantile levels and another one was on empowering student success uh and setting SEAL goals. And my visits there I try to get into those rooms and they were completely packed. I couldn't even squeeze into the SEAL one. And so it was great that people were so um engaged and encouraged to attend our uh our school district's presentations. And so uh great job to the ed services team to um the student support services team
111and to everybody who uh was participating in the presentations. I also like to announce that um I am meeting with board members uh quarterly uh uh on our oneto ons and uh in those meetings I am uh so happy to announce that RCE has sent us an LCAP and budget approval. Um and so this has been uh the first time in a very long time as we go through the fiscal crisis. So they have been monitoring um the the budget um and we have finally been able to get to that uh that stage where we are barely being approved um making sure that we have our reserve set um and ensuring that we continue to stick to our fiscal stabilization plan. So they're very happy with us uh in regards to all the work that
112we've done to stick to that plan. And so that is all that I have today. >> Okay. Um moving on to 9.1 um Karen Penton uh public hearing for 202526 public textbook and material compliance. And I think um do we have to motion to open the notice of public hearing or Okay. Okay. So, we have a motion um to open um public hearing and do we have a >> I have a second. Okay. Second and then um any comments, questions? >> I believe you just opened the public. >> Just open the public. I'm like trying to remember what we do. >> Yeah. Um Joy's like looking at me. Okay. So, we're gonna Sorry. Um Okay. So, at this time, uh we're going to open the public hearing. Um, so we're going to just give some
113times for folks if they'd like to provide public comment on it. And um, I don't think we have any comments. Okay, we'll give folks a couple seconds and then we'll move on to with the agenda. How long are we supposed to I will be attending the training on the by the way. Okay. Okay. So, um there were no comments. Um so, we're going to go ahead and close uh the public hearing. Okay. Thank you. Um we're moving on to action item 10. Uh administrative services. There are no items, so we're going to go ahead and move on to 11. Action items. Educational services. We have 11.1. Soro Sanchez requesting approval of 2024 25 Proposition 28 arts and music and schools funding annual report. We're having some pointing [Music] >> for [Music] Okay, thank you. Um
11411.1. Do we have a motion? >> Do I have a motion for 11.1? A motion. >> Okay, we have a motion. Uh do we have a second? second. >> Okay. Uh any comments or questions on this item? >> Nope. Okay. Um can I get um all those in favor? >> I I >> All those opposed. [Music] >> Oh, okay. Uh all those in favor? All those opposed. No, no one uh is abstensions. So motion carries. Okay. Uh 11.2 uh Soro Sanchez requesting approval of purchase with Riverside Assessment LLC uh DBA Riverside Insights for >> a motion to second. >> Uh any questions or comments? >> No. Uh all those in favor? >> I I >> opposed abstensions. Motion carries. Uh 12 action business services. No items. We'll move on to 13 action items. uh human
115resources. Uh we have Dr. Monica Makawick's approval of initial reopener sunshine proposal from Coachell Valley USD to Coachell Valley Teachers Association for 2526 contract negotiations. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Uh comments, questions. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. Motion carries. Uh 13.2, Dr. Monica Makawick's uh approval of initial reopener sunshine proposal for from Kacha Valley Teachers Association to Kacha Valley Unified School District for 2526 contract negotiations. Do I have a motion? >> A motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Okay. Um Torres uh seconds. Uh questions, comments? All those in favor? >> I. All those opposed abstensions. Uh motion carries. Uh 14. Uh consent calendar. All matters listed under the consent calendar are considered by the board to
116be routine and will be acted upon in one motion. There will be no discussion of these items prior to the time the board considers the motion unless members of the board or staff request specific items to be discussed and or removed from the consent calendar in which event that the items will be considered separately. The superintendent, assistant superintendent of educational services, assistant superintendent of business and finance, and assistant superintendent of human resources recommend the approval of all consent calendar items. Do I have a motion to approve um the consent calendar? >> A motion with the uh anybody that wants to pull anything. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. >> Second. Okay. Uh any items to pull? >> Yes. >> Uh 18.2. 2 part 8 item two. >> 18.2. >> Huh? 18.2
117part B. What? >> Item two. Okay. Uh, any other items? >> 15.1. Okay. Yeah. Any other items? Okay. Um, so we have a motion, a second. Um, all those in favor? I. >> All those opposed, abstensions. Motion carries. Uh, 15.1, approval of the September 11, 2025 agenda minutes. Um, do we have a motion? >> A motion. And I just want to I just want to make sure that um it it it shows on there that um we voted uh nay on on the uh four days for the principles. >> Um was that was 13.3, right? >> 15.1 the the minutes of the last meeting. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. But the on the agend on the meeting agenda, the minutes of the agenda, the item you're talking about was 13.3, >> correct? >> Okay. So on
11813.3, we need to make a correction that you voted no. >> No. And you voted no. Okay. So your motion is to approve what? >> Just the correction. >> The correction. >> Okay. Okay. Do we have to motion to approve it though? >> Just the correction. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. Thank you. So we'll make the correction. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And then moving on to 18.2, part B number two. 18.2. How do you find these? I'm just kidding. Okay. Uh, do we have a motion? >> A motion to approve. >> Okay. Do I have a second? Second. Okay. Uh, common question? >> Nope. Okay. Um, all those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed, abstensions. >> Okay. So we have one abstension. So motion carries. Okay. And um we are now going back
119to close session. Uh 19.2 motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> Okay. Do and we have a second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> I >> uh oppost abstensions. Thank you so much. Good night everybody.