001The recording or webcast may capture images and sounds of those attending the meeting. Um, close session topic items are as follows. We have 2.1 recommended expulsions, 2.2 recommended reinstatements, 2.3 recommended continue expulsions, 2.4 recommended suspended expulsions, 2.5 public employee assignment reassignment appointment 2.6 public employee discipline dismissal release complaints. 2.6 7 Conference with labor and negotiator 2.8 conference with legal counsel existing litigation 2.9 conference with real property negotiators 2.10 Anticipate litigation 2.11 public employee evaluation. Public comment Public comment on any close session item will be heard at this time. Pursuant to board policy, the board may limit individual comments to no more than 3 minutes and individual topics to 20 minutes. It is recommended you begin your comments by staying your name. Are there any? Seeing that there are no there's no public comment, the board
002will now adjourn to close session. Welcome. We will now convene the regular session. Alandro M will serve as a Spanish interpreter for this meeting. Meeting attendees who would like to listen to the Spanish interpretation of the proceedings, please pick up headphones from the table located in the back of this room. This announcement will now be shared in Spanish. Thank you. This meeting is being webcast live and recorded. The recording or webcast may capture images and sounds of those attending the meeting. Members of the public who would like to provide public comment on items listed on tonight's agenda. We recommend you fill out the public comment form, which is the green form located on the table at the northeast entrance of this room. Please hand the completed form to board manager Monica Andrew before the item
003comes up on the agenda. We recommend you complete a separate form for each agenda item on which you would like to comment. Miss Andrew is in the back of this meeting room. Actually, she's over here. Members of the public providing public comment, please use a microphone on the stand located in front of the room. And 3.4 pledge allegiance. member board member Walter Gamoy will now lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Please stand. Item 3.5, report action taken in close session. And we do have some things that were taken in close session. Um, in close session on May 1st, 2025, the board appointed Dominique Rivera to the position of principal of Creekide Community Day School. Dominate Rivera currently serves as the assistant principal of Creekide Community Day School. She began her career as an education
004specialist at Woodlake High School where she taught for 5 years. While working in Woodlake, Miss Rivera supported in the role of induction professional development presenter at Tallery County Office of Ed serving in the capacity for two years. She then joined Vice Unified School District as an elementary school teacher where she served for four years at Global Learning Charter School. Afterward, she transitioned into the role of teacher on special assignment for student services where she served for two years before being appointed to her current position where she has remained dedicated for the past 2 years. Miss Rivera holds a bachelor of arts in Latin American and Lat Latino studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a masterers of arts and special education from California State University, Fresno. She holds both a multiple subject B-clad in
005Spanish teaching credential and an ED specialist teaching credential in addition to an administrative service credential. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Miss Dominique Rivera. In close session on May 1st, 2025, the board appointed Brian Stag to the position of principal of Compass Learning Center. Brian Stag has dedicated 11 years of service to Vicel Unified School District. He began his career in education as a psychologist, accumulating 18 years of experience across multiple districts, including Alhamra Elementary School District, Newman Crows Landing Unified School District, Terary County Office of Ed, and Vice Unified School District. Currently, Mr. Stag serves as a program consultant in the special education department. Prior to this role, he spent two years as a coordinator in the educational services. In addition to his work in the district, Mr. Stag is a
006licensed educational psychologist and has held roles as an adjunct teacher and instructor for the impact program at Tallery County Office of Ed. He is also an adjunct professor at California State University, Fresno. Mr. Stag holds a bachelor of arts and psychology from the University of Utah, a master of arts in educational psychology, and an educational specialist degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He is a board-certified behavior analyst and holds a pupil personnel services credential and an administrative services credential. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Mr. Brian Stag. In closed session on May 1st, 2025, uh the board appointed Steve Mueller to the position of principal of Ridge View Middle School. Steven Mueller currently serves as the assistant principal at John F. Kennedy Junior High within the Hanford Elementary School District, a
007position he has held for the past 5 years. Prior to this, he served as the assistant principal at both Valley Oak and La Hoya Middle Schools within the VUSD for a total of three years. Mr. Mueller began his educational career as a teacher instructing first, fourth, and eighth grades at Hanford Elementary School District for a total of six years. Mr. Mueller holds a bachelor of science and recreation administration and leisure studies with an emphasis in outdoor adventure and tourism. That's intriguing as well as a master of arts and education administration from California State University of Fresno. He also he is also credentialed with a multiple subject teaching credential and an administrative services credential. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Mr. Steven Mueller. We can help plan some of our trips. Uh, in
008close session on May 1st, 2025, the board appointed Abigail Craravens to the position of principal of Viva Blunt Elementary School. Abigail Cravens currently serves as a principal of Lamore Online College Preparatory High School, a role she has held for the past three years. Before this, she was the principal of Castle Rock Elementary School for one year and the director of the Woodlake Educational Options Program for two years at Woodlake Unified School District. Miss Craravens brings over a decade of teaching experience, having taught sixth and seventh grades across various districts throughout California for 11 years. Additionally, she served as the college and careers teacher at Redwood High School for one year. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the summer school principal for one year and an assistant principal for the two years at Dauba High
009School. Miss Cravens holds a bachelor of arts in history and the study of religion from the University of California San Diego and a master of arts in education with a focus of English learners from the University of California Davis. She holds a multiple subject teaching credential, a single subject teaching credential, and an administrative services credential. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Miss Abigail Pra. In close session on May 1st, 2025, the board ratified Lewis Dominguez's appointment to the position of director of transportation. Lewis Dominguez has been employed with Fredo Lelay for the past seven years, beginning his career as a packaging manager in Bakersville, California. Over time, he advanced into the role of a fleet ma maintenance manager, overseeing multiple sites in Rosenberg, Texas. Prior to this tenure with Fredo, Mr. Dominguez
010served in the United States Marine Corps for four years as a radio operations lead. Mr. Dominguez holds a bachelor of arts in economics from California State University, Fresno, and a master of business administration from California State University, Bakersfield. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Mr. Luis Dominguez. Last but not least, in close session tonight, on a motion by board member Odo and a second by board member Viegas, the board agreed unanimously to appoint Marina Sallaya to the position of director of state and federal funding. Marina Sallaya is currently the principal of Arosi High School. She began her career in education as a math teacher in Dauba High School where she taught for seven years. Following her teaching experience, Miss Sallayia transitioned into an assistant principal role at Dauba High School, where she
011served for four years. She then took on leadership roles as principal at both El Monte Middle School and Orosi High School, accumulating a combined total of seven years of service in these positions. Miss Alai holds a bachelor of arts and mathematics and a master of arts in educational leadership and administration from the California State University Fresno. She holds a single subject teaching credential and administrative services credential. On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations to Miss Marina Sai. Moving right along, 3.6 6 revisions to enclosure items and adoption of the board meeting agenda. There are rei there are revised enclosures numbers 5.1, 5.2, 7.3, 7.14, and 7.15. Do I have a motion to adopt the board meeting agenda? I'll move. Yeah, I'll second. on a motion by um board member Belt, seconded by board member
012Gabby. Please vote. I wrong thing. Motion passes 70. Uh student representative votes yes. And now to one of my favorite times of the evening, student performance Golden West High School Dance. presenter is assistant superintendent of lean learning and leadership Mark Thompson. Yes. Good. Uh board president Naylor. Board members, do you guys actually want to go ahead and move on out? We can begin to do that. Golden West dance team, if you guys want to come in and I'll introduce you once you guys are in here. I know Bindy parents are here tonight because you're here for an award ceremony and we're going to get to that. But to start off each of our meetings, we always start with a VAPA uh performance. just a couple minutes just to set the mood for why we're here,
013which is to show the amazing talents of our students and invest in them, make sure that they're on the forefront of all that we do. So, tonight we have Golden West dance program under the direction of Summer Colum and Caitlyn Henry. Tonight, members of the dance program will be performing a waltz to Once Upon a December from the movie Anastasia. This dance was choreographed by these students and will be perform be performed at the Golden West Spring Dance Show later on this year. Take it away, guys. [Music] painted [Music] wings I almost [Music] remember and a [Music] song upon December holds me Safe and warm horses prince through a silver storm. Figures dancing gracefully across my memory. [Applause] [Music] Someone holds me safe and calm. Ours is prince through a silver storm. Pictures dancing gracefully
014across my meories. Far away, long ago, glowing red and things my heart used to know. is yours to remember. And a [Music] song once upon December [Music] [Applause] Thank you. Thank you. That was Golden West B uh uh dance team. Let's give them one more big round of applause. Thank you very much. That was beautiful. Okay, moving on to public recognition. 4.1 recognition of student representatives to the board. Uh our presenter is going to be our superintendent, Kirk Shrum. Thank you, President Naylor. Board members, also uh great job, Golden West. always as as uh Mark said, we begin all of our board me uh with student entertainment just as a way to remind us, you know, why we're here. We're here for our students. And so, thank you so much for that. Uh President Naylor
015is going to help me here with one of my favorite pieces of recognition. Uh tonight, we'll recognize seven student representatives to the school board. Throughout the school year, these students have provided the board with updates and insight into student life at each of our high schools. Student board representatives play an important role by expressing their opinions and perspectives not only through their voting at board member uh board meetings but most of them also serve on my student advisory. So we meet in addition to that. Uh they have thoughtfully shared their voice and perspective on district and school matters and we're grateful for their invaluable input. On behalf of the board of education and myself, we appreciate your service to the board and the Vicelia Unified School District community. So, also another thing I want to
016commend our board because not every school board uh has a student board rep or a board uh student board program. And so, uh very proud that our board for years has uh supported having a student voice on our board meetings. Uh so now I'm going to call up each representative, ask them to remain standing in front. Uh uh President Naylor will give you a plaque and then we'll come uh up for a photo. So, first we have from LD Monte High School, Diego Medina [Applause] Gutierrez from Golden West. Derek Gonzalez from Mount Whitney High School. Maria [Applause] Videk from Redwood High School. Taylor [Applause] Langford from Sequoia High School. Carla Justina Ortiz Rivera from Vicelia Charter Independent Study. Riley Armas just beginning his service tonight. Yeah. And then I think uh do we have our
017member from VTEC? I don't think so. Not here tonight. So, all right. Let's give them another big round of applause. Thank you. [Applause] Moving on to 4.2, we have student achievement awards. Our presenter is going to be assistant superintendent of learning and leadership, Mr. Mark Thompson. Good evening again, board president Naylor, board members and assistant and superintendent Kirk Shrum. Uh I am Mark Thompson, assistant superintendent of learning and leadership. And tonight is my pleasure along with our principles to recognize outstanding high school students in the areas of visual and performing arts, consumer family studies, industrial technology, reading growth, social science, and agriculture along with educational options. overall academic achievement. The board will also recognize the United Students Association of Vicilia, the USAV students or spring student of the season. USV consists of Vicil Unified School
018District secondary students dedicated to improving educational programs and represent students views to the board of education. These students represent the best of the best from our schools in the areas from which they have been selected and we are very proud of them for their accomplishments and how they represent their school and our district. Each of them is certainly worthy of special recognition tonight. But before we begin, I would first like to recognize the parents in this room. Thank you guys so much for the support you do for your students each and every day. Let's give our parents a hand for their support for their students. And also another group that's in here tonight is the teachers that support them. So let's give a big hand to those teachers that are supporting them in those classrooms
019each and every day. We are happy tonight tonight to be able to take time to honor these students and to hear about their accomplishments. Students, you will receive a medal as part of your recognition which you are invited to wear at your commencement ceremony which will be coming up here in just a couple weeks. our communication team has created. We do have a QR codes uh in the back. So if you any pictures that are taken tonight, if you grab that QR code, you can find those pictures for you um and get get access to those. At this time, I'd like to invite up Tammy Olsen, principal of Vicea Dul School, and she will get us started to go and use that blue line. All right. First tonight, we'd like to honor Irene Freeman. Tonight
020we honor Irene for her academic progress and commitment to learning in our high school equivalency program. She navigated dividing her her focus and energy between important roles, mother, wife, physical caretaker of her own mother and completing four of her five high set subject test with the last one coming next Thursday. Sadly, her mother recently passed, but Irene decided to continue preparing for her final exam as a way to heal and remain engaged in her positive place, the classroom. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Irene. You are an amazing person and have been an inspiration to many others in your class. Congratulations. Tonight, we're also proud to honor Marabel Behar Perez. Quoting Marbel's teacher, she is one of the most determined and hard-working students I have ever met. As a single mom, Marbel's goal is to build a
021better future for herself and her kids. She began at VAS as an ESL student. Then she received her Spanish GED. Then she completed one of our integrated English training office skills one class and now is currently enrolled in the office skills 2 class. She also recently got hired as an intern through Proteius to work as a case aid at parenting network where she helps others. Your growth this year has been amazing and it's been fun to watch you. Marbel, congratulations. [Applause] All right. Next up, we have from Vicelia Technical Early College High School, Mr. the principal, Mr. Scott Braun. [Applause] Hey, how are you? Good evening. I'm proud to uh present the VTEC Agricultural Spring Achievement Award to Kelly Christie. She has completed 12 COS courses and was dedicated was a dedicated BTech uh FFA
022officer for the last three years. Mr. Hayrick describes her as one of the most resilient young people he's worked with, raising every livestock animal offered at VTEC and inspiring others with her knowledge and courage. Kelly is a completer of the animal science pathway also raises animals outside her outside of school. Her passion for agricultural runs deep. She'll continue her journey at Kansas State University next year. Kelly Chris. I proudly present VTEC's Agricultural Spring Achievement Award to Olivia [Applause] Lamars. This year's outstanding VTech A student, a dynamic leader. She serves as the VTEC FFA president and sectional secretary, raises and shows both beef, cattle, and sits on the Taller Junior Fair board. She's completed in competed in public speaking, placing fourth in sectional prepared and advancing to regionals. With eight COS classes and three a 3.02
023GPA, Olivia balances academics with leadership. Her dedication and spirit have left a lasting legacy at VTEC. Go Red [Applause] Raiders. Next, I proudly present VTEC's spring overall achievement award to Madison Stidman. Madison is a California State Wildlife Production Placement Proficiency Winner with a 4.06 06 GPA, nine dual enrollment courses, and a CSF life membership. Madison exemplifies academic excellence and commitment. Mr. Hyrick says it takes guts to step into a pin with wild animals, but true tenacity is to load an injured one into your car and drive it an hour to Critter Creek Critter Creek. Madison's determination and passion for agriculture set Madison apart and inspired those around Madison. Congratulations, [Applause] Madison. I have a student taking a COS final today, so she's not here right now. I proudly present VTEC's spring overall achievement award to
024Sophia Brantley, an early graduate. Go ahead. Not only is she a VTEC early graduate, she earned a double A from COS with over 310 credits and an outstanding achievement. A CSF life member, she quietly led through action, building strong relationships and starting an the home econ uh economics club while staying active in others. Her leadership, humility, and commitment to excellence have shaped VTEC's culture. Sophia truly emod embodies what is measure what means to lead with purpose and heart. This fall she will continue her journey at Mount St. Mary's. Sophia Brmpton [Applause] Come on up. Next up is Sequoia High School. We have Yolanda Montivasz. Listen. [Applause] Good evening. I have the pleasure of introducing Skylar Rodriguez. Skyla was nominated by her teach Skyler is receiving the overall student achievement award. She was nominated by her
025art teacher, Miss Lopez, for being an exceptional art student. She is not only quick to understand a concept, but adapts to whatever is being asked of her without losing her own sense of art style. Everything she creates is a reflection of who she is. Skyla has also participated in the forestry challenge in San Bernardino with the forestry um class here at Sequoia. She has maintained a 3.0 GPA and has petitioned to return to Golden West in the fall. Great job, [Applause] Sky. Sequoia's next student is Joby Castro. [Applause] Joby Joby is an invaluable member of the Sequoia High School team. Joby was nominated by his ASB teacher, Miss Dart. Joby has improved incredibly since arriving at Sequoia. He is a member of our basketball team and is also in our student leadership group. Joby has
026taken his education from dark nights to bright days as he earns credits and is closer to achieving his goal of graduating. Joby will attend COS after graduating from Sequoia. Congratulations, Joby. [Applause] All right, next up we have Vicelia Charter Independent Study with Mrs. Carly Hawkins. [Applause] Good evening. First tonight for overall achievement, VCIS would like to recognize Shad Alsadi. Shod is an exceptional student with a 4.30 weighted GPA and number one in her class. She recently earned the state seal of biiteracy in Arabic and is also currently working on mastering Chinese. Since moving to the US in 2020, she has shown remarkable dedication and determination in her academics. She'll be graduating a year early as a junior, having completed her A throughG requirements and meeting CCR. She has also successfully completed four College of the
027Sequoia courses, three in fashion and one in sewing. Shaw will continue her education at COS, pursuing her passion with a major in fashion design. Congratulations to Shad [Applause] Alsadi. Next tonight, VCS would like to recognize Kamora [Applause] Barry. Kamora embodies dedication, passion, and a love for learning. She's currently ranked fifth in her class and is always challenging herself academically. Her perseverance and kindness have made her a standout student. Kamora approaches every challenge with grace and determination. While attending VCIS, she continued to pursue her passion for volleyball, competing at her home site for Golden West all four years. She will be attending Santa State University in the fall and pursuing a degree in the field of psychology. Her hard work and passion for excellence have been remarkable and I have no doubt she will continue to
028achieve great things. Congratulations to Kamora Barry. Tonight our first USAV recipient for VCIS is Diego Alonzo. Diego moved from Redwood to VCIS during his sophomore year so he could pursue his dream of professional soccer in Argentina. We have seen Diego's growth, perseverance, and dedication firsthand while living abroad independently in Argentina to pursue his soccer career. He maintained strong academics enrolled in our virtual learning program at VCIS. We are proud he is graduating early as a junior with a 3.56 GPA. Diego is college and career prepared and an A throughG completer. His commitment to community service by offering free soccer clinics highlights his character. Focus on a future in sports journalism and business. Diego's ambition and perseverance make him a deserving candidate for this award. Congratulations to Diego Alonzo. And last but not least tonight for
029USAV, uh we would like to really talk amazing things about Alberto Zamoro Rios. Alberto is a four-year Eagle starting as a freshman at VCIS. He is ranked third in his class and is challenging himself with AP pre-calculus this year. In fact, he took his exam today and said he crushed it. He met all his A throughG requirements and is looking forward to his college career beginning in the fall. Currently, he is in our medical assistant program and is almost finished with his externship at Sequoia Regional Cancer uh cancer center just across the way here where a supervisor notes he is the strongest student intern she has ever had. His MA pinning ceremony is next week at Mount Whitney High School. We are excited to celebrate him. Alberto is going to do great things in the
030future. Congratulations to Alberto Zamora Rios. All right, next up we got Golden West High School, Mr. Michael Lambert. Good evening. I'm excited to talk about some amazing trailblazers this evening. Our first award winner is for performing arts and that's Olivia Sapion. Olivia is the recipient of the performing arts student achievement award for her outstanding commitment to Golden West performing arts. A four-year member of both dance and drama programs, she has led as the illusions team captain, choreographer, and drama club president. Olivia's contributions include performances, event planning, and studentled choreography and direction. She exemplifies leadership, integrity, and dedication in all she does. Golden West Performing Arts thanks Olivia for her loyalty, service, and for consistently going above and beyond. Olivia say goodbye. Our next award winner is Anhelica Werta de Laquva for visual arts. And Helica
031has exemplified all the Golden West pillar qualities and has shown ex exceptional artistic talent during her two years in the studio art program. Starting in art one as a junior, she quickly advanced to the senior level studio art class due to her outstanding performance. Her digital art for Westside Story was chosen from 34 entries to represent the play and she was also selected for a local high school art competition. and Helica's creativity, dedication, and talent have made her a standout student. And Helica Wera de la. Our next recipient is for industrial education and that's Scott Martin. Scott is a multi-year industrial ed and a student. His involvement in the programs and internships over the years have not only boosted recruitment for our programs, but has been a shining example of leadership to the lowerassmen. Scott
032will be continuing his learning in the industry at Wiotech, where he plans to become a certified mechanic. Scott Martin Our next award winners for reading growth and that's Renetti Lou. Unfortunately, he couldn't make it, but there's some great things I want to say about him. Renetti came to the United States from China where he was when he was a freshman. His English was very limited and he did not have friends at school that spoke his language. Renetti is now a senior and he's excelling. He's currently has a 3.6 GPA and is taking an AP course. His English reading proficiency has made tremendous progress over the four years. We wish Renetti continued success as he transitions from Golden West into college. Renetti Lou. Our next award winner is for social science and that's Sale Bridgeford. SA
033is mature, intelligent, and a driven student known for her leadership, reliability, and strong work ethic. She's ranked number two in a class of 444 or 442 students, and excels academically, particularly in the AP social science courses, and is on and is a top student in AP government, polyai, a CSF life member, and an NHS. SA is also highly involved in extracurriculars including softball, orchestra, and mock trial. Her dedication extends to the community, volunteering for events like the Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament and the Veterans Wreath Project. SA Richford. Our next award winner for agriculture, Lzth Rya Rangel. As the A department says, we nominate Miss Lzth Rya Ranguel to represent the Golden West agriculture department. She consistently demonstrates outstanding performance in her agricultural studies inside and outside of the classroom. Lzth is dependable and incredibly
034dedicated to the FFA program. As a respectful and responsible student, Lzth is our current FFA chapter treasurer and a farm intern for the past three years. Aspiring to be a veterinary pathologist, her passion for agriculture and dedication to learning make her an ideal candidate. That's Lzth Ryanga. Our next award winner is our USAV Spring Award winner and that's Danielle Anders. Danielle brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a quiet confidence to ASB, making everyone feel seen and valued. She leads with kindness, creativity, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. Whether working behind the scenes or energizing her peers, Danielle's positive spirit is contagious. Her dedication to school culture and ability to build community simply by being herself leaves a lasting impact. Danielle Anders. Our final award winner tonight is also USAV Spring Award winner, Caitlyn Sber. As ASB
035treasurer, Caitlyn brings bold confidence and resultsdriven mindset to student leadership. Her strong presence, financial precision, and high standards inspire those around her. Caitlyn's sharp thinking and dedication to elevate every event she supports make a meaningful impact on our campus. She's more than a leader. She's a true difference maker. Caitlyn Sber. Yeah. And I love Next up, we have Mount Winny High School, Mr. Alex Maren. Go Pioneers for visual and performing arts. Giovanni Haime Chavez. Giovanni has served as a color guard captain for two years and is exemplary leader. He is also an active member of choir and orchestra, consistently giving his absolute best in every performance. A dedicated performer, Giovanni devotes countless hours to rehearsing and taking on leadership roles in nearly every ensemble part. He holds key leadership positions as captain of the color
036guard, section leader in both advanced and intermediate orchestras and a strong presence in choir. Giovanni visual and performing arts. Kaia Francis Gil Ka has been a vital contributor to every program she's been part of during her time at Mount Winnie High School. She sets high standards for herself and inspires those around her to do the same. Guided by strong moral con convictions, Kaia consistently acts with integrity and professionalism. She is a leader in the dance program, serving as a student director for two years, captain of the dance team, choreographer for staff dances, pioneer partners, and social media manager for both dance and vapa accounts. A natural performer, Kaia is passionate about sharing her love of music, dance, and theater. A true triple threat. Ka consumer family studies. Noi Marita Santa Cruz. As a culinary arts
037pathway completer, Noammy consistently demonstrates leadership, reliability, and strong work ethic. She brings a positive attitude and a genuine passion for learning every task. An active member of the Skills USA, Nomia has also completed an internship with Kawia Health's food service department, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Her ability to lead by example and inspire others has set a high standard at Mount Whitney High School. No Emmy industrial tech. Christopher Debbach Christopher has completed the four-year engine power and technologies pathway with two years in the a mechanics pathway. Also competing in small engine contest for two years where he has placed in the top five in individual scores. He also was a team member of the equipment technician contest in April and placed third high individual. As an active FFA member, Christopher also participated four years in band
038playing the saxophone, four years on the golf team, two years team captain. Christopher shows hard work ethic and leadership skills needed in today's industry. Christopher Debbach for reading growth. Estrea Cerrilla nominated by countless teachers. She is a wonderful young lady, always present, on time, ready to learn. She has great work ethic and is a positive influence to all her peers. She has grown several reading levels from September to January and continues to exemplify a tenacity for growth esta for the department of social science. Jana Lynn Gilkinson. Jana has been a dedicated student in social science for the past three years, scoring an A or better in world history, AP US history, and AP government. Her passion for history and desire to gain knowledge has been evident to all social studies teacher who have had the
039privilege of calling her a student. There are many reasons for her nomination, but most importantly, Jana has been a bright spot for our department and helps remind us all why we love teaching. Jana agriculture. Cheyenne Andrade Cheyenne is a four-year program completer for the a science pathway and will be a threeyear certificate recipient in a construction as well. Cheyenne has raised market lambs for the past three years. Is currently the FFA secretary and has competed on many teams such as cotton judging, cooperative uh cooperative marketing, agro finance, and opening and closing. Cheyenne is a hardworking student, positive attitude with all in all her ad classes. Cheyenne is dependable, dedicated, and a leader in a dedicated leader in our program. Excuse me. If she always sees something that needs to be done, she does it. Cheyenne
040USAV Heather Madera, a junior who has been incredibly helpful in ASB this year with the creative spirit and unique talents. She has contributed to many projects. Most notably, Heather has served as our sound and tech manager all year, supporting games, lunchtime activities, senior nights, and rallies. She consistently stays late to get the job done and never hesitates to help, always responding with a simple, of course. We're so grateful to have her for yet another year. Heather for USAV, Paige Robersonson. A senior in the Academy of Health Science, an ASB member, and our senior class president. Over a 3.6 GPA, she has shown impressive growth and leadership. Paige takes on challenges with calm, positive attitude. Whether planning events or managing a rally or audio video, her communication is clear and consistent, and she's a valuable asset
041to our ASP. She will truly be missed. Paige, I got you. I got you. Thank you, Mount Wy. Next up, we have Redwood High School, Mr. Dr. Brandon Grid Iron. Well, I'd be remiss if I didn't say go Rangers after that. There we go. All righty. Our first student representing our visual and performing arts is Hunter Wallace. Hunter is an exceptional musician, student, and leader. As principal trumpet in the Redwood Wind ensemble and symphonic band, the second trumpet in jazz band, he shows outstanding talent, dedication, band demands independence, and Hunter excels in managing time, finances, and musical growth. He also maintains a 3.75 GPA in rigorous courses and an active on campus. Intelligent, mature, and driven, Hunter is well respected by his peers, staff alike. His positive energy, leadership, and strong character make him a
042standout student. Congratulations, Hunter. representing visual and performing arts and drama. Molina Curo. Molina has been deeply involved in every aspect of Redwood Theater's program. Acting in plays, designing costumes, assisting in musicals, and supporting drama 1 and stage craft classes as a teacher's aid. She's Mrs. Galvan's right hand and driving force behind the program. Molina's unmatched work ethic, kindness, proactive spirit shine through as she volunteers across Vapa, including elementary and community programs. She aspires to be a teacher and truly embodies Redwood's tradition of excellence. Congratulations to Molina representing consumer and family studies. Alexis Gonzalez. Alexis is this year's consumer family studies outstanding student. A responsible and hardworking senior, she has completed both the child and development food services and hospitality pathways. Alexis is known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to work well
043with others. She currently takes food services and hospitality services as a teacher aid. Her involvement includes a Ranger Station Cafe. Alexis is a great communicator and brings joy to those around her. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in an ultrasound technician. Congratulations, Alexis. So, our next student, Libertad Lopez, cannot be here, but he is representing industrial technology, and I'd like to say a few words about him. Libertad services as a teachers aid in advanced metal shop and often acts as a shop manager during first period. Also assisting an auto shop, a dedicated ACE Academy member, she previously took construction management and now pursuing an internship in field. She loves her passion began by helping her father with home projects um sparking interest in design and hands-on building. Uh responsible and creative, Liberty also
044demonstrates deep empathy. Personal experiences with friends and mental health struggles have shaped her into a compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient young leader. Congratulations. Representing uh a remarkable growth in English is Gab Gabriel Gomez. Gabriel has shown remarkable growth in reading this year, improving in both fluency and comprehension through consistent effort and dedication. He confidently participates in class read alouds, encouraging his peers and demonstrating enthusiasm for learning. Gabriel's willingness to take academic risk for strength in his skills is positively influenced our in our classroom culture. Beyond academics, he is respectful, responsible, thoughtful student who leads by example. His leadership and personal growth have made a meaningful impact on our class and highlight his strong character and commitment to learning. Congratulations, Gabriel. Representing social sciences, Elvis Shong. Elvis has nom been nominated by the social sciences award due
045to his work ethic and commitment to deep historical analysis and critical thinking. His ability to weave the historical narrative into present- day context showcase not only a profound understanding of the past but also remarkable ability to apply those insights meaningfully. He graduate his graduate level in interpretations and observations bring an amazing perspective to community circles and socratic seminars every week. He is a true definition of a scholar and he exemplifies the very essence of academic excellence in social science. Congratulations Elvis representing agriculture. Satie Henfield. Sadi is a dedicated uh is a dedicated student as president of our FDF FFA chapter. Her leadership has elevated the chapter, inspiring creativity and growth. Sadi is an active livestock projects showing market lambs and the taller county fair and involved dance force CSF and local dance studios. Despite her
046many commitments, she maintains an impressive 4.19 GPA. Known for her humility, positivity, and strong work ethic, Sadi is represented by all. She will attend Pepperdine University and truly embodies what it means to be a true Ranger. Congratulations, S. Our USAV student of the season is Sophia Diaz. Sophia is Redwood's outstanding student. She's a natural leader. She leads by example, always striving for excellence and stepping up to help others. Sophia is smart and dedicated and kind, and her re and excuse me, her impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Um, our freshmen look up to her more than she knows. She continues to inspire those around her every day. We're incredibly lucky to have someone like Sophia on our campus. Someone who not only sets the bar high, but also helps other rise to meet it. Congratulations,
047Sophia. And our last student, our USA of the season, Adrien Lopez Guzman. Adrien has truly stepped into his own as a leader this semester. He's pushed past his comfort zone, embraced challenges, and grown tremendously because of it. Adrien leads with clarity, purpose, and has a great sense of humor that uplifts everyone around him. He's kind, focused, and brings positive energy to every task he takes on. We're proud of the leader he's becoming and excited to see him continue to grow, thrive. And Adrian's journey is just the beginning, and we're lucky to witness it. Congratulations, Adrian. All right, next up we got El Diamonte High School with Mrs. Kim Nelson. Come on up. The best school LD Monte was safe for best was safer last night. I just want to say that. Eldiam Monte's outstanding band
048student is Christian Cruz. Christian is the Oh, let's get Christian is the type of student who reminds teachers why they teach. He leads by example with excellence, heart, and purpose. Christian shines in every ensemble he joins. Two concert bands, multiple honor bands, our jazz band, and as a field show Soulless. A proud first generation Latino, he carries his identity with strength. Remarkably, Christian is hearing impaired, a challenge that has never held him back. Instead, it fuels his relentless drive to grow, inspire others, and pursue his dreams in music with passion, resilience, and unmatched dedication. He is truly extraordinary. Please help me congratulate Christian. Eldanty's outstanding choir student is Emily Cantou Ruiz. Emily is an exceptional student and leader. A four-year choir member and this year's choir president, she demonstrates outstanding initiative, leadership, and musicality. She
049sings in three choirs, assists with the beginning girls choir, and is strong and is a strong role model and communicator. Emily sings with great heart. Her dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to support others have impacted our program. With her passion and commitment, she's on her way to becoming an outstanding choir director. Her aspiration. Please join me in applauding Emily. Isabelle Martinez is the outstanding student in orchestra. Isabelle has been chosen to receive this honor for her outstanding dedication and leadership in the orchestra program at LDonte. Over the past four years, she has consistently supported her peers both in and out of class, earning admiration from her fellow students. Isabelle's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is evident daily. Her success in orchestra reflects her hard work during rehearsals, playing tests, and concerts. Her
050positive influence will remain as she graduates, inspiring younger students to lead with kindness and dedication. Please join me in congratulating Isabelle. The outstanding consumer family studies student is Angelene Ramos. Angelene is completing her final semester in the retail food service and production pathway. A pathway completer, she excelled in all three courses and was a role model to her peers. This year, she interned at the Four Creeks coffee shop at the district office, demonstrating strong leadership, problem solving, and customer service skills. Angeline is a team player player and leader known for her reliability and quick thinking. Her positive rapport with classmates and customers has made her an asset to the program. She has a bright and promising future ahead. Please join me in congratulating Angeline. LD Monty's outstanding industrial arts students is Jake Avala. It is
051with great pride that I recognize Jake for his dedication and performance in the automotive technology program. His commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn have stood out. Jake has demonstrated technical skill, problem solving ability, and a true passion for the automotive field throughout his studies. Whether in class, the shop, or his internship, his positive attitude and drive set a high standard. With his talent and determination, Jake is poised for success. The industry's future is brighter with students like him leading the way. Please help me in congratulating Jake. The outstanding student in social sciences, Addison Trip. With an impressive 4.53 GPA, Addison has thrived in AP, dual enrollment, and concurrent courses while attending LDonte. She is a proud member of the California Scholarship Federation, a leader in link crew, and a dedicated member
052of the girls soccer team. Addison will attend UC Santa Barbara Go Gauchos this fall, majoring in pre-economics. Her exceptional work ethic, strong leadership, and kind art have set kind heart have set her apart. Addison's drive and determination when will undoubtedly lead to continued success. We are proud of her achievements. Congratulations, Addison, on all you've accomplished in what lies ahead. The outstanding agricultural student is Isabella Flores. Isabella has been an active member of the Eldiamonte agricultural department in FFA serving as chapter secretary, vice president, and currently president. She was also the 2023 24 King sectional FFA vice president. Isabella has participated in numerous judging teams including cotton, citrus, dairy cattle, and a pest control. She was named first high individual in California for cotton judging, all while maintaining an impressive 4.35 GPA. Isabella's dedication and leadership
053make her an outstanding FFA member and student. I proudly present her as the EDHS's outstanding student in agriculture. The spring USAV student of the season is Robert Dan. Robert is an exceptional addition to LDonte High School as an exchange student from Romania. He has fully embraced the experience of attending high school in Vicelia while enriching our camp while enriching our campus with his culture and perspective. Robert is an outstanding student, athlete and leader actively involved in key club, tennis and ASB. He consistently goes above and beyond, continually seeking ways to serve school, his school, and his community. Please help me congratulate Robert for his spirit, involvement, and lasting impact on our campus. I have a few award recipients that were absent this evening, but I will make sure I share the kind words from their
054teachers and give them their medals. Ladies and gentlemen, our outstanding LDonte miners Great. Again, congratulations to all our student award uh achievement award winners. you know, it's just so um heartwarming to hear all of the stories and just the hard work and dedication. So, congratulations to them. Moving on to focus on student learning with 5.1 spotlight on good things happening in the district along with all the things that we've seen so far. Uh presenter, our superintendent, Kirk Shrum. I will talk slowly for a moment while we transition uh some folks out and and our staff in, but also just want to reiterate uh our appreciation for all of our leaders, our teachers, and our parents for just such amazing accomplishment of our students. Um hearing those stories really is you don't recognize every day just
055what's happening amongst 30,000 kids. And then when you hear some of those stories of what is happening in our classrooms, it's really amazing. And I just wish sometimes everyone could hear that because that's the true story of what's really happening every day in and out across our schools and across our campuses. So, thank you for that. And we're going to continue the amazing stories of what's happening across our district and in our spotlight. It is a little bit longer tonight. As you know, this time of year, there's a lot of amazing things happening, awards, recognitions, celebrations, and so uh we don't want to leave anything out. And uh so we'll take a few minutes to do that and then uh we'll wrap up the spotlight in our next board meeting on June 10th. We take
056a little break from it and then reemerge with it, uh back in when we're back in late July and August. So to get us going here, want to start with our English language learner celebration, Annie R. Mitchell. So last month, board, you're aware, we had our biiteracy night. We recognized students from all across the district. We talked about that, but many of our schools also chose to celebrate those students at their school assemblies, uh, which is also part of our strategic plan that you're going to hear a little bit about tonight. And so, congratulations to these students and thank you for our schools that took the extra time to highlight them there. Of course, this is the time of year for state testing. I know we're all excited about that. Woo. Show what you know.
057So you see a lot of events, a lot of spirit on our campuses. I was at one school where I saw on the door parents had written letters to their students to wish them uh luck. And so um you know just you see some examples here. Goan had a show what you know rally. But you see this all across our district uh to help our students know um these tests are important because it is not only about showing what you know, but there's not an industry or a profession that you're going to go in that doesn't have some sort of certification. And so learning early on like how to achieve, how to show your best set you up for future success. We're thankful to have a strong parent teacher association. We have increased the number
058of schools uh that have a PTA this year. That also is part of our strategic plan with parental involvement. Uh wanted to highlight here some photos from Ann Mitchell book night. We have Willow Glenn Bookf Fair and VGO night. These PTA sponsored events help families connect with each other with teachers and administrators. Thank you to our PTAs and our community groups for your support of our schools. Uh we just heard about a few of our outstanding students from Vicelia Adult School that each year they hold their adult annual education celebration event where they recognize staff and students. Um couple of us have had the chance to go to this over the years. Over 40 industry partners also attend the event giving students opportunities to form connections with potential employers. Currently there are over 2500 students
059enrolled at the adult school. uh 38% of them become employed after completing their CTE program. We also thank our service organizations in the community and want to spotlight a few of them here. This month, three Denton students were selected by the Lions Club for their excellence in riding on the topic, what the American flag means to me. Students were honored at a Lion's lunchon with their families at Amigos's restaurant. The Sequoia Vicelia Kowanas Club presents students of the season awards to all five middle schools throughout the year. Families are also invited to attend that event. The Hope of America awards are awarded by both the Sequoia and Downtown Vicelia Kuanas to all five middle school students. So, thank you. This is just a sampling. Thank you to these community organizations for your support of our
060students in our schools. Also, the county hosts several events throughout the year for academic competition. You see here one that many of our schools participated in. Uh uh the reading revolution and proud of Denton Elementary here. Their team A received first place and team B received second place. So obviously they they rocked the reading revolution there and they took those awards. Their fifth and sixth grade students read 12 chapter books to prepare for this competition. Congratulations. Continuing those type of events, we have the science olympiad. Students launched rockets and hot air balloons, floated paddle boats, and completed tests on subjects such as ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar ar architecture, astronomy, biology, and others. I'm proud to say Vicelia unifor unified teams
061took home nearly all the top spots. I mean, we are we are the best. Orove placed first and fourth. Annie R. Mitchell placed second. Hurley was fifth and Denton awarded sixth. This is a testament to the culture we have created around our STEM programs and the teachers who build excitement for these students. And again, I can't help but pointing out the connections as we think about which schools have these events ties directly to some of the things you're going to hear tonight in our strategic plan report because we want all of our schools to have these advanced learning opportunities and we're uh on a journey to make that happen. Again, another example of these type of events that takes teachers, sponsors, and others to put together. Redwood and Mount at Mount Whitney FBLA teams, Future
062Business Leaders of America, attended the 2025 state leadership conference. Redwood students placed in the top 10 42 times and finished 10 out of 91 chapters. Overall, from the schools, 18 students qualified for the National Conference this summer. So, congratulations to these students, and we look forward to hearing how they do this summer. This month we had two outstanding freshmen from Redwood High School recognized on KSE24 Character Matters. Ava Dodson and Sophia Mesa Mesa have started a club dedicated to raising awareness around the dangers of vaping. These students are on a mission to educate their peers sharing facts and projects that undercover that uncover the truths about vaping. Congratulations to these two students for their work and dedication and we can't wait to see what you do next. At College of Sequoia, our CTE expo, all
063VSD students currently in a CTE course attended this event. 20 students from every comprehensive high school placed in first, second, or third place in the competition, showcasing their dedication to their craft. Well done to these students and instructure instructors for their dedication to advancing their career. Also proud of our students. Here we have the 18th annual access to higher education for foster youth youth event that was held at the college of sequoia. This event allows students to learn about post-secary education opportunities tailored to their needs. Students are invited to submit artwork, essays or portraits about themselves and the recognition. Four VUSD students earn competition awards and two were selected as scholarship recipients. You can see some of those students on the screen. So, congratulations to our foster youth for that event. Well, once again, I
064feel like a little deja vu here. If this sounds familiar, it's because for the second year in a row, VTEC won the FFA National Chapter Award. I don't know if we have any of the folks still here, but their principal and maybe some of the staff. So, congratulations to this award. 390 other chapters in California modeling excellence in leadership personal growth through agriculture education. Congratulations to these students. Again, a little deja vu moment, right? Getting from very familiar with Sarvana, who is a eighth grade student, Oak Grove. he has now won the county um and you know we've talked about him winning the district and he'll move on uh to um the state or no excuse me to the national which takes place later this month. So we will update you all when you walk
065into Oak Grove. You see his trophy right there if you remember he's brought it before. Uh so we'll see where that goes and we'll certainly keep you updated on his progress. So, also a great honor for one of our students. Earlier this this month, uh, Congressman Vince Fong presented a principal nomination to 17-year-old Joanna Lee from LDA High School for the United States Naval Academy and an alternate for the Air Force Academy. A nomination from a congressman is the strongest endorsement a congressional office can give in the service academy nomination process. So, congratulations to Joanna for this achievement and we wish her luck upon graduation. Also, another great highlight event that many of us have the chance to attend each year. Over 300 seniors from our high schools earned a lifetime membership recognition for their
066academic excellence of three holding a GPA of 3.6 or above for all three qualifying years in high school to receive the California Scholarship Federation Life uh recognition. In addition to that, they have to do some other things as well to earn that. Now, on top of that, several of our students made it to finalists to receive what's called the Seymour Award. This award is regarded as one of the highest scholastic honors given to high school students in the state of California. I'm proud to say that Jillian Fifold of LDE High School was selected as the recipient for the Central Region. So, congratulations to all these students for this incredible achievement. Very proud of them. And each year I keep looking because we keep increasing each of our schools the number of students who qualify for
067this and that's my expectation. I may or may not have a mini competition going on in my head to see who can increase the most each year but that's another example of the great work it takes teachers and sponsors to do that work and so I give them a shout out for their dedication and that's what gets students into those opportunities. Another great opportunity to showcase our talent well aware each year. Uh and and I I learned this a while back, but the the Slick Rock Student Film Festival actually originated many years ago in Vicelia Unified and then has grown into this amazing amazing regionwide event. So this year the festival received over 400 film entries from 47 Central Valley Middle and high schools. 80 films were top five finalists throughout 16 categories. Both LD
068Amante and Redwood high schools were category winners and Redwood captured best of show in the high school category with their entry, the orbit. In addition, La Hoya Jazzband provided live entertainment during the event. Congratulations to all these students and the skills they're getting through these programs and others are going to help them on whatever path they choose to to pursue. Um, every now and then because we have exceptional staff, we hear about uh recognitions and so proud to highlight here uh work-based learning coordinator Karina Melo was awarded the Liberty Bill Award by the Tallery County Bar Association. This honor award honors a non- lawyer who has made an outstanding contribution toward promoting a deeper understanding and respect for rule of the law, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting the legal systems in meaningful ways. She was
069selected because of her support with the Academy of Law and Justice. Uh so congratulations to Karina and thank you to the Tallery County Bar Association for that recognition. Speaking of again staff recognitions this month, this month we had two educator of the week recognitions from Kce24. Uh, we have Ben Goodman from Vicelia Charter Independent Study and I believe he's here. And Rebecca Parker from Houston Elementary. Oh, you're here too. Often I have been in those classes. I can attest to student engagement and involvement. That's what I believe sets them apart. They were selected for being exceptional educators who build great relationships with their students and colleagues. very proud of them and thank you both for being here tonight. Thank you. Now again continuing uh we amazing staff. So had the opportunity along with a couple
070of board members a week or so ago to attend bus driver appreciation day where we celebrated all of our dedicated drivers. Now you can see in there uh there were some recognitions that were given in addition to some excellent barbecue. Um this is what's really so impressive. So four individuals had over 20 years of accidentfree service and then there was one remarkable individual who had had over 30 years of experience behind the wheel. Uh so very much appreciate the work they do and what an amazing record of safety that they have. And tomorrow we'll be doing some district service recognitions. uh and sites also host their own for service uh for individuals where they receive their employee service pins and other things. So, thank you and and thank you for the invitation to be part
071of the bus driver appreciation day event. Now, there are a few folks every year that decide, you know, I've had an amazing career, but it's time to travel or time to spend time with the grandkids or whatever it might be. And so, we had a great opportunity overall this year. We have 32 employees who will be recognized for their service as as they are retiring or or from our system. Uh this represents together nearly 700 years of combined knowledge and experience. So I want to thank them for their commitment to Vicella Unified and know they'll be enjoying their retirement soon. And please reach out to human resources if you're interested in subbing or any other part-time work. But congratulations to those individuals. We recognized them the other night uh at uh LDiamonte. Also continuing some
072recognition, we had several administrators recognized by the Association of California School Administrators. Uh so proud to to share them here. We have Martha Diaz, uh Britney Valencia, and Sylvia Duval who each received uh an administrator recognition. So thank you and congratulations to them for their work. Also continuing that recognition at our community advisory committee annual awards lunchon. Now this is uh from our uh special education uh selfbug group that's within the county. They recognize administrators, parents, and others for their outstanding support. Several folks from our district were recognized. First of all, principal Dory Bingam from Shannon Park Shannon Ranch Elementary was honored for creating inclusive opportunities for students with exceptional needs on her campus. Parents Steven and Kim Vim were recognized for their continued efforts and meaningful contributions to their working relationship at Lynwood Elementary
073School. And then in addition, Alex Alvarez, who's an 11th grader from LD Amatee, stood up and gave a speech about what it means to have autism and how and what he wanted people to know about that. So, all in all, it was an amazing event. Very proud of those students, sta parents, uh, and our leadership. Elementary track uh tra championships were recently held where students from all of our 27 elementary schools come together. Uh at the Mineral King Bowl, Royal Oaks emerged as the 2025 champion. Lynwood secured second and Cottonwood Creek rounded out the top three. And then at Vicelia Community Stadium, we had Hurley followed by Shannon Ranch and Oak Grove in third. But congratulations to everyone and again another example of students, staff, teachers all coming together and parents for a great great
074day. Also proud of our students for the sportsmanship. Yes, we have competition amongst our schools, but I think one of the things that's unique about Vicelia is it's friendly competition. Um it's about how do we help each other be their best and and and a little positive jab here or there, but it's about coming together in the end. And this is another example of that. Elde hosted Mount Whitney in what turned out to be an shining example of sportsmanship. Elde celebrated teacher appreciation night honoring impactful teachers. In addition, senior Natalyia Negron, herself, a former patient at Valley Children's Hospital, organized a food donation drive to benefit the hospital's pantry, reflecting the team's commitment to service. The night reached an emotional high when the Mount Whitney softball team did tr something truly special for LD Monte
075freshman Jasine Zavala. The beloved team manager and the heart of the squad. In a touching gesture, they invited her to step up to bat. The unforgettable moment was a beautiful act of unity showing how both teams come together to celebrate inclusivity, belonging, and the power of sports to uplift and inspire. So, thank you to our teams uh and our students for the leadership that they show all of the time. Our over the weekend our high school theater students presented their work in our 10th annual high school performing arts showcase. Uh awards are voted on by comprehensive high school sites by the students for different categories. It's an amazing event. Congratulations to our students and staff advisers for their work. Our all district honor band concert also took place recently. 85 of the best band students
076coming together to form one large ensemble. students from the high school sites practiced for a week, came together for one night only to put on the show for the community. Um, and so very proud of them. So, typically they compete against each other, but here they are coming together to form one. Uh, in other news, Redwood High School Wind Ensemble has been accepted to perform at the Carnegie Hall in April of 2026. So excited about that. Uh, students also will receive leadership training and join two other high school bands to create an honors ensemble. So, congratulations to all these students for pushing their talents to the next level. Another event that's pretty standard here, uh, but isn't common everywhere is the opportunity for all of our sixth graders to go over to College of Sequoia
077to experience life. They hear about scholarship opportunities, about majors, and experienced performances from the college's fine arts division. So, thank you for our uh, division student equity services for organizing our transportation team. I forget how many bus runs there were that day to get all of our sixth graders there and back. Uh so a huge logistical lift, but a great opportunity for our students. Another event that's now becoming, I think, maybe third year or so in the row. Uh we're proud of our American Indian senior recognition dinner held in late April to celebrate the achievements of graduating Native American seniors. A total of 41 seniors were invited to attend the event, more than double the size from the previous year with 90 guests attending. Each senior was gifted a native blanket presented by their family
078members. This tradition marks a milestone in a young person's life and symbolizes their deep connection to family, community, and their ancestry. It's a heartfelt and memorable way to honor their accomplishments and their transition into the next chapter. Congratulations to these students and thank you to Sequoia High School uh for hosting that event. Also again another example of community several resource fairs this month. Our family and community resource center hosted spring into summer resource fall. Approximately 56 families and 110 students attended. Go elementary held a resource fair also to provide families with vision flu screenings and other resources. Thank you to our staff for these opportunities. uh civic sill of engagement board. You've heard us talk a lot about this and how we work work each year to increase the opportunities for students to receive this
079recognition. Again, we continue to grow. This year, over 150 students will receive this state seal on their diplomas, allowing them to rise to the top during college evaluations and potential job opportunities. Nine projects were selected to be presented at an engagement showcase a couple of weeks ago. I had the opportunity to attend that and listen. It was awesome. Students picked passion projects and worked on their presentations as part of their civics class. Congratulations to all these students and those that had the opportunity to present uh at the district level. Also recently our college career technical education department hosted our VPI Vicelia partners in education lunchon celebrating this year's industry partners. um this year. So during this event, industry partners, one industry partner from each pathway is recognized for mentoring, guiding students, uh all of those
080things. Also, 10 student interns received scholarships from the CTE department. So the food, decorations, music, even the awards were all put together by our students, which I think that made it just even more meaningful. and hosted at Mount Whitney. It was amazing step up this year of that event and I look forward to uh next year. Now, obviously, as we get into this time of year, we have lots of observances um and uh events that we spotlight on social media. So, I'm going to go through these and uh also recognize every now and then we we miss one because there are so many. And so I want to acknowledge our librarians as they also celebrated their uh recognition day in this past month. So in addition to that, our observances included uh Asian-American Pacific Islander
081Month, mental health awareness month. I had that ice bucket challenge to help us with that. Uh school principal, I think some of the staff enjoyed that event. uh school lunch hero national teacher appreciation week teacher appreciation day California teacher of the year Cinco de Mayo graduation countdown which obviously is continuing um some more social media highlights that we had our administrative professionals day speaker your mind four creeks uh or excuse me high five Friday at four creeks the speaker your mind ice bucket challenge there it is I thought it was there thank you to Leslie Kavala for the nomination our city manager uh I return the favor to uh Dr. for Brent Calvin over at College Skoa. Uh spotlight on social media. We had autism acceptance month, school principal day, uh lunch hero day. Uh
082our cat countdown has begun. I mean, folks, we're less than four weeks away. Hard to believe, right? Here it comes. Get ready. Um also, families are receiving regular updates to prepare them for those events. uh UC Cinco de Mayo teacher appreciation day, National School Nurse Day and Mother's Day. And so again, a long report, but there are a lot of things to celebrate and be proud of in Vicel Unified. So, Madame President, that concludes our May spotlight. Thank you, Superintendent Shum. Moving on to 5.2 to Vicelia Unified Forward 2030 actions for 2025 2026 and back to Superintendent Kirk Shrum. You're stuck with me just a little bit longer and then we'll get some different voices up here so you won't be with long. But this is a report that's been a long time coming. Um
083and I'm very very excited to share. Now normally this time of year we talk about sometimes in isolation what's new for the upcoming school year. But now because we have a strategic plan, the first phases of that plan, some of our actions will actually begin to be implemented over the summer and into the fall. And so this is really now this now you're going to begin to see throughout the district and our community intentionality around what we're doing within the district from our board approved strategic plan. And so tonight I'm going to we've we've updated you a little bit on the the when stuff's going to be researched designed. That's available online for our community. You can go online to the website. You can click and see all of that. Uh we've talked about when
084you're going to receive updates on how we're doing uh with accountability. Tonight we're going to talk a little bit about the actual things that we're going to be doing. So you recognize this. We've talked about this is about how we bring our beliefs, commitments to life through our strategic plan. And so that's what we're going to focus on tonight. Pieces of that strategic plan that are now going to be manifested throughout our district. This is kind of that leadership journey on a page. Again, our our beliefs, our commitments, our commitment for student learning with our vision and mission turning into every student learning every day. That's the strategic plan. And then how we're going to share updates are those two ways, right? As a board, you set five-year goals that we'll report on each year.
085How we're doing to tracking to that and our priority student or excuse me, our that's our priority student outcome. And then how we're doing on what we said we were going to research, design, implement, and monitor. Those are our progress indicators that we'll update you twice a year on. And so that's part of how all of that fits together. So tonight, what I'm really excited about is what's going to be happening, those tangible things people can really begin to see. So two ways this happened. There are actions within the strategic plan that you will see have implement under the year 2526. Now some of those may have implement under more than one year. So that means it's a big action that may take more than one year to have it all completely 100% done. So
086what you're going to hear about tonight at a high level are some of those things that are parts of those actions that are going to be implemented according to our calendar. But another thing that we did is prioritize some of those actions. How did we reach that decision? So during the past few months, we heard from student advisories. You've heard some of our students report that here at the at the board table. Our parent and community groups and our staff. I did a superintendent connection visit to every school site over the past few months. And so some of the actions that we're highlighting tonight reflect that voice. We reflect the prioritization we heard from those groups. So the actions we're bringing reflect that. And so a few of those I want to point out. Over
08750% of the staff across 42 schools rated student behavior as one of their top three most important issues. So, you're going to hear us talk about some of the things we're going to focus on this fall related to student conduct and student engagement in theme two that Natalie Garza will talk about. 25% of our staff mentioned teacher and staff resources, training, and support in their top three issues. And so, from instructional resources to classroom technology, you'll hear some of those things reflected in all three parts of the report tonight. And so all of this represents hundreds of hours of work across our district teams to ensure that we deliver on our commitments and make progress toward our priority student outcomes. That we are intentionally prioritizing time and energy around some of the actions that we
088feel are most needed, but are also most prepared to carry out effectively. Student impact. Most arguably, most importantly, these actions have been prioritized to ensure our actions, our efforts are directed toward these things that will most positively impact our students. Every action you'll hear us discuss tonight connects to and is focused on ensuring that every student is learning every day. So, I'm really excited to kind of unveil in a way some of what we're going to see that is going to be new in the 2526 school year, but is directly connected to our strategic plan. And obviously, this isn't everything, uh, but it is some of the main things that are going to be happening. So, I'm now going to turn it over to our administrator of teaching and learning, Brienne Phillips. Good evening. Tonight,
089I'm honored to speak about theme one of our strategic plan, high expectations, high achievement. You will see that this theme is deeply rooted in our mission of every student learning every day. The actions we will review tonight, as Mr. Shum said, will directly impact our classrooms this upcoming academic year. VUSD is committed to building a system that increases rigor in literacy and mathematics, ensuring that every classroom is highly effective, and expanding access to advanced coursework and enriching experiences that prepares our students for success beyond graduation. High expectations, high achievement is not simply a strategic plan theme. It is our collective promise to our students and our families. We are striving to ensure that promise is fulfilled in every school, every classroom every day. Over the course of the past two years, we have been laying
090the foundation leading us up to the work of a highly effective classroom. In 2023, we launched our balanced instructional models in literacy and mathematics. We will continue to build on these models in all of our other content areas. This academic year, we focused on our tier one embedded practices. We estab which established quality first instruction, enhancing student engagement, supporting differentiation, and fostering a growth mindset for all students. Each of these components has been crucial in guiding our effort efforts towards designing and implementing a highly effective classroom. While we are in the initial stages of researching and designing, early indicators are lifting up that a highly effective classroom is comprised of an instructional infrastructure, learning engagement, and classroom environment. The work of building a highly effective classroom is not about us starting over. It's about refining
091what works and scaling the excellence in our district across all schools and all grades. This academic year, we are building a robust instructional infrastructure anchored in high lever components such as structured literacy and math blocks as well as our balanced assessment system. Our action to design and implement a highly effective classroom is central to our belief that student success begins with daily classroom instruction. Bicelia Unified is a data-informed system committed to continuous improvement and equitable outcomes through a balanced assessment approach. Our system goes beyond measuring student performances. It provides us insights into instructional practices across classrooms, schools, and and at the district. It distinguishes between district-led assessments aligned with our strategic goals and sight selected assessments tailored to the individual school needs. We are developing a robust professional learning plan, ensuring that educators are equipped
092to effectively use data. This includes training on data analysis protocols, leveraging our assessment platforms, and implementing tiered systems of supports for students. PLC's are pivotal in this process, using assessment data to support teachers in analyzing results, identifying students needs, and adjusting instruction in real time. Having clear, consistent, relevant data empowers our PLC's to rep respond strategically to student learning. While we continue to explore best practices, we are actively refining our assessment system for teachers. This offers actionable insight to guide instruction. For student, it supports personalized learning. For families, it provides clear and transparent communication about progress. We are currently designing and implementing comprehensive literacy and math plans to ensure every student receives rigorous, coherent, and standards aligned instruction across all schools. We've established a strong foundation by adopting highquality standards aligned resources that go beyond
093instructional tools. They reflect our commitment to consistency, access, and meaningful learning for all students. To ensure effective implementation, we are providing comprehensive professional learning for educators, focusing not only on using resources, but also on evidence-based practices like the science of reading. This learning will empower our teachers to understand language development and tailor instruction to meet our students needs. We will be launching the year with defined structured literacy and math blocks. These blocks provide consistent designated periods for focused instruction, ensuring that students receive sufficient time to develop essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Next year in our next year, students in our classrooms will engage in rich learning experiences where they build their core knowledge, develop essential skills and engage in critical thinking. Whole group instruction will connect directly to grade level te standards and
094text, ensuring that every student has access to rigorous content. During small groupoup instruction, students will receive targeted supports whether for intervention or enrichment based on based on data from ongoing assessments. Our teachers will have access to the support and resources they need to deliver highquality differentiated instruction that meets the diverse needs of their students. I'm excited to end with our action on designing and implementing um an advanced learning plan for elementary and middle school um that expands our opportunities for all students to engage in en in in enriched and accelerated learning. This academic year, it was our initial goal to ensure that every school offered at least one advanced learning opportunity. I am excited to report that as of February on average sites offered seven advanced learning opportunities ranging from the spelling bee, robotics, odyssey
095of the mind and many other options. We're also working cross-dep departmentally with our extended learning opportunities program to explore how we can continue to enrich student experiences outside of the school day, ensuring that advanced learning is not limited to the classroom. For the 2526 school year, a significant s systems level shift is that for the first time, every school site will write a goal related to advanced learning in their school plan for student achievement. This ensures that ev that each school is intentionally planning for enrichment and challenge. It guides district level support and resource allocation. This work is not about isolated programs. It's about creating a systemwide culture where advanced learning is expected, planned for, and celebrated. I would now like to welcome up Natalie Garza, our executive director of student services. Good evening, board.
096You've gotten to hear about theme one and I'm excited to talk about theme two. Empowering students, engaging families and the community. Vicel Unified has amazing students and we believe that student success is rooted in positive meaningful relationships. The kind that affirm each student's worth, nurture their well-being, and provide for the support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. To achieve this, we continue to build systems and opportunities that ensure students are seen, heard, and supported. This evening, I will share whether through student acknowledgement systems, making our conduct code more accessible, transition planning, family outreach, or expanding opportunities for student voice. We are working together to create environments where every student can succeed. B USD has outstanding students and we want to celebrate them. Currently, we are reviewing existing recognition systems. We are committed to implementing
097a consistent district-wide student recognition system that celebrates a broad spectrum of accomplishments in all schools. This system will move beyond traditional areas such as academics, athletics, visual and performing arts and character to also honor student contributions in leadership, service, innovation, and personal growth. This will ensure that every student will have a meaningful opportunity to be seen, valued, and celebrated for their unique efforts and achievements. As part of our commitment to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive school environments, we have a comprehensive student conduct plan. This initiative is designed to promote consistency, clarity, and fairness in how we support student behavior across all campuses. A key element of this plan focuses on equipping teachers with training in tier one embedded practices emphasizing the intentional use of routines and procedures to estab establish positive classroom environments. We know
098students who are engaged in their learning are less likely to engage in offtask or disruptive behaviors. To reduce distractions and support a focused learning environment, we will ensure that the board's cell phone policy is clear and visible. This will ensure consistent expectations and discipline steps that are uniformly applied across all school sites, helping students and staff stay aligned. In addition to structured policies, we are also prioritizing positive communication through regular civility talks. These conversations held with students at each campus reinforce respectful behavior and a sense of responsibility within the school community. Students are not only reminded of expectations, but are also engaged in understanding the why behind them. Our conduct plan includes a set of clear and consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior applied across all campuses. This supports a fair and predict predictable approach to
099discipline that builds trust with students, families, and staff. To reinforce this system, conduct code posters outlining behavior expectations and consequences will be displayed in every classroom. These visual cues serve as daily reminders of the shared norms that guide our BUSD school communities. As a system, we are ensuring our district-wide conduct code is clear, fair, consistent, and visible. This comprehensive approach is about more than just rules. It's about building a culture of respect, accountability, and support where every student is set up to succeed every day. Listening to our students and truly understanding their needs is one of the most important things we can do to support their success. While having a student board member at the table is a meaningful step. Thank you for being here, Riley. We recognize that there's more we can do to
100ev elevate student voice across the district. This year, we've taken intentional steps to expand those opportunities. We've hosted six superintendent advisory meetings, creating regular and purposeful spaces for elementary, middle, and high school students to share their experiences, provide feedback, and influence the direction of key initiatives. At the high school level, we've grown the USAB student representative program, broadening participation and ensuring diverse representation from across our campuses. This work is far from finished. As we move forward, student voice will continue to shape how we design and implement our initiatives. And next year, all feedback will be shared with site principles to further this work and strengthen school site ownership. Our goal is to ensure that students are not only heard, but actively involved in decisions that impact their educational journey. As a board, you made clear
101through your priority student outcomes that you wanted to see all of our students actively engaged in school-based activities. We believe that students thrive when they feel connected to their peers, their schools, and their passions. This year, we made a priority to ensure that every student has access to at least one meaningful activity that supports their growth beyond the classroom. We have implemented a way to gather data about how students are engaging in activities with their schools. Whether through expanded learning opportunities, arts, sports, leadership, or clubs, our goal is the same, to ensure that every student feels connected, valued, and involved in school life. These meaningful activities not only enhance the student experience, but also support academic achievement and overall well-being. By intentionally monitoring student participation in these activities, we're able to identify students who aren't
102yet connected to a meaningful experience and take proactive steps to help them discover their interests and build a sense of belonging. We know when families are informed and engaged, students are more likely to succeed. That's why this year we focused on creating a more accessible and connected experience for families across the district. To support this goal, we've been designing a centralized one-stop shop platform through Powers School where families K through 12th grade can easily access the tools they need to stay involved in their child's education. This platform will provide families with real-time access to student records, grades, attendance, and assignments, giving them a clear picture of their child's academic progress. Just as importantly, it will offer direct messaging features that allow parents to communicate easily with teachers and school staff, building stronger, more timely connections
103between home and school. As we move forward, we are actively developing a plan to launch our new communication platform. This plan will include staff training and clear guidance for families to ensure a smooth transition and effective use of the tool. Our goal is to strengthen the partnership between home and school because student learning is most powerful when communication is clear, consistent, and collaborative. And finally, I'd like to share how we've supported some of the most critical moments in a student's educational journey, transitions. Our data clearly shows that these periods can be challenging. So this year we took a proactive approach. We intentionally designed transition experiences at key points to help students, families, and staff build meaningful connections with their new schools by planning thoughtfully and collaboratively. We aim to ensure smoother, more successful transitions as
104students move to the next stage of their education. For our youngest learners, we focused on early and consistent support. For students requiring more personalized support, over 200 transition meetings were held or scheduled to ensure their individual needs were addressed as they moved into transitional kindergarten or kindergarten. To welcome families into the school community, we hosted TK open houses with over 300 families attending districtwide to get to know their new campuses, meet staff, and build early connections. We also launched our new TK summer roundup program to ease the preschool to kindergarten transition. 148 students are already registered across two sessions and space is still available. So if you know anyone, ask them to sign up. To further support readiness, we created a virtual parent university which provides families with accessible resources and guidance to help prepare
105their children for TK or kindergarten. At the upper grade levels, we worked within our feeder system to design thoughtful sightspecific transition plans for students moving from sixth to 7th grade and 8th to 9th grade. These plans included a variety of supports, including high school administrators and support staff visiting middle schools during lunch to build early relationships, counselors leading registration meetings and guidance lessons, and students participating in off-campus experiences such as college visits and team building outings to boost confidence and foster a sense of belonging. Across all these efforts, our goal remains clear. create intentional, supportive transitions that ensure every student feels connected, prepared, and excited for their next chapter in school. Now, I'd like to introduce our chief operating officer, Eric Ker, who will share about theme three. Good evening. Uh tonight I'm honored to
106speak about theme three, excuse me, of our strategic plan, organizational efficiency and effectness. Effectiveness by Unified has amazing students and we believe that fidelity to this theme is critical to our mission of every student learning every day. Our focus within this theme centers around resource and operational management and human capital. There are many initiatives within this theme that address equity, allocation of resources, policy and practices, safety, technology, human capital management, and community alignment. While many of these actions in the theme will not be implemented next school year, I wanted to cover some critical work that we're advancing ahead of implementation because the work is essential to support students and staff in our initiative to enhance technological resources and systems. Uh we'll begin work next year on our action to establish standardized technology specifications for every
107facility, classroom, school common space, and office ahead of full implementation. We've heard from students and staff that state that state-of-the-art technology is critical is a critical component of effective instruction. So, we're advancing the work to replace all outdated instructional technology in instructional spaces with our standard TV monitors that we have in new and modernized schools, very much like the monitors here in this room. This work will take place over the next year in our initiative for safe, secure, and innovative facilities. Part of our action to establish and execute a safe a standard safety and security equipment plan will implement the Verata single point of entry intercom system as well as updates to our transfinder system ahead of full implementation of this action. The Verata single point of entry intercom is wrapping up installation at all
108school sites and admin sites. And this past year, we conducted a successful pilot at four sites and we've captured all the necessary data for full implementation for the 2526 school year. With the implementation of this system, the single point of entry at all school and admin sites will be locked and the public will gain access through the intercom system. They'll press the button which will alert staff at the front desk who can converse with the visitor via the system. They'll v view view view them on the camera and ultimately be able to remotely unlock the door to allow access. The staff ID cards will also be used uh for access by staff. Training both virtual and p and in person will take place in June for school sites and in July for admin sites. The
109district-wide launch of this system will be in August of the 2526 school year. We'll also continue implementing our transfinder with updates where students uh 100% student scanning as well as our back- toschool hotline so that families can access transportation information ahead of the start of school. This slide just has a picture of the one pager on the left uh that has the instructions and those will go out to the school sites that'll also live on our website. In the center is actual picture, a picture of the device that is installed at all of our schools and admin sites. And then at the far right is a draft of some of the uh district branded signage that will be posted there. Um we'll also be providing the sites and the site admin with talking points for
110the family as well as kind of instructions on how to roll this out uh based on the input from our four pilot sites. Our next initiative uh number four to ensure that all district facilities are safe, secure, and promote innovation. As part of our action to establish and implement and maintain standards for all athletic, CTE, and VAPA facilities, we're happy to announce that we'll be replacing the scoreboards in both the Mineral King Bowl and Community Stadium with state-of-the-art video scoreboards. We're currently wrapping up the design and we plan to have a final plan to the board for approval in the coming weeks. We anticipate the work to pl take place this December through May. While we know that this work will cause some disruption to athletic programs and other events, we've worked diligently with staff
111and school sites to keep these uh disruptions to a minimal. Our next initiative for safe, secure, and innovative facilities. Um, and finally, board, this is uh really around our facilities plan. You've already taken action on the short-term plan. Uh, but it is an action to implement a facility plan to address growth in the community and modernization of our facilities. As you know, the short-term plan included several steps to help us address the overcrowding at multiple schools across the districts. One of the first steps that you took was an adjustment that will go into effect to the boundaries at the start of this new school year, which better utilizes the district's facilities. The divisional teams have worked very hard to ensure clear communication has taken place so the impacted families are aware of this change. In
112addition, and because we know at times changes like this are challenging for students and families, we have taken extra steps to support the process. things like special orientation events and unique engagement opportunities to make sure those students transitioning to new schools feel welcome and well connected. Another proactive step we took was to refine our school transfer policies. As you know, here in VUSD, we follow established education code policies that tell that tell us families must be provided educational opportunities at their neighborhood school. Ed code also tells us that families have the right to request a transfer to a different school as long as there is space available at the requested school. The changes to our processes have been designed to make this process much easier for our families and provide equal access to all. And
113finally, as part of the reboundering process, we have looked deeply at our most impacted school, Redwood High School. We want to ensure that we are honoring education code by making sure residents in the boundary are provided space at their home school. The family and community resource team is conducting a residency residency audit for all incoming 9th graders to Redwood. This pilot program is simply asking our families to verify their home residency to help us ensure we stay committed to our established residency policies. These steps, which are all part of the short-term plan, will position us to make accurate and efficient choices for the long-term process that will start this fall. I'd now like to bring up Mr. Mark Thompson to finish us up. In closing, while the official start of the strategic plan is for
114the 2526 school year, as you can see, we are diligently working on setting the conditions for our strategic actions that we will be implementing next year while also actively improving immediate opportunities to enhance our students learning experiences from feedback we are receiving from our students, staff, and community. Over the past few years, you have heard regularly about bright spots and success stories. Tonight, you all you have also heard about success and bright stories. But what you will also are hearing is about how the bright spots and feedback loops are now going to change to our make a change to our entire strategic plan. And that's going to be done through our process of the strategic plan each year being methodical and thoughtful of what we're doing, where we're going, following our research, implement monitor stages
115uh to be systematic and long-term in our planning. We will continue to update you and our community on the ongoing progress of our strategic plan work and how it impacts our educational experiences of our students, staff, and community. Also, we will provide you with how we perform annually on priority student outcomes that were set by you, the board, as well as state performance results to monitor student achievement. Board, we are po uh poised and ready to radically improve our student outcomes with long-term systematic change. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment and committing to your vision to ensure that every student is empowered to achieve academic success uh academic and future success. At this time, we'll remain for any questions. Obviously, we have a whole team, but if you have any questions, we can
116bring up different partners. Thank you. Any questions? Go ahead, Trustee Young. Hi, I have a question on page four for the graft, the prioritization of actions. Okay. Yeah. Oh. Um, what uh individuals or groups of individuals report for that? Mr. Dylan. Sure. So, that graph represents all of the staff members who participated in the superintendent connection visits that took place over the last 18 months. The graph specifically highlights those uh issues that were elevated as one of the top three issues from one of those all of our 42 school sites. Um because one of the things I noticed is uh behavioral support uh consequences for behavior. I'm assuming it's cut off, but I'm assuming that's the term. Staffing and assistance and then student behaviors uh which a a lot of those are linked to student
117behavior. Um I know back uh last year I had a lot of input from teachers and individuals about behavioral issues with uh Visa Unified. Um, is there any reasoning for why that perspective is that way? Um, just from my own perspective, I haven't seen any wide spread evidence of that. So, I'm I'm curious why uh we're saying that the staff is feeling that's Sure. No, I think I think that reflects um you know, we know on each campus we have the majority of our students to your point um are doing exactly what they need to do. Uh but we also know that we have some students who uh despite classroom uh support um may need extra additional support. And what I heard throughout the visits was from our teachers, hey, you know, we just need
118more specific training and support around what do we do? How do we make sure the routines and procedures we're setting up in our classrooms are effective to even capture more of those students so that they don't uh become a challenge. And so one of the things what you're seeing in the priorities that we're or the actions that we're prioritizing are several things. First of all, a new intentional effort around how we train staff before back to school on setting up classroom routines, procedures. Most teachers will tell you if if you don't do that well at the beginning, your whole year, you know, is going to be interesting. And so we're going to be having intentional training, which hasn't been a district-wide focus before on those things. cuz that's one of the things that the action
119talks about that we're doing and enhancing. Uh the other piece again all these are interrelated. You noticed in there pieces around the cell phone and pieces around the code of conduct being clear with consequences. So one of the things and and you know while it sounds simple it really is not in the sense of our code of conduct will now be moving into more of a chart flowchart type form so that parents and teachers can see what is classroom managed when does it become office managed and what are the range of consequences for that because what I heard from a lot of teachers at the sites are we just want to know what's happening when certain things happen. So, it's a matter of reformatting those things so that they're more accessible, the visual reminders. The
120other thing I heard is, hey, you know, how can we be consistent on each school site and around our campuses? And so, an example of that would be what you see with the cell phone policy, which I also heard from a lot of teachers and a lot of parents and students, you know, inconsistencies. And so we're essentially saying as a district, our policy says cell phones must be turned off or put away during classroom instruction. We're not going to take cell phones from students. I heard that clearly from our student advisories and our parents. They want there to be the access at the appropriate time. And so now there won't be a cell phone um implementation left up to individual sites. It will be district-wide. Uh there'll also be visual reminders and posters for that
121that will go in every classroom to help teachers. So it's not this classroom or that teacher. This is what we're doing is a system. It doesn't matter what high school, middle school, or elementary school you go to. Here are your five or six consequences should you have that infraction which will all be visible and shared with parents and families and teachers before we start the school year. So it's not indicative of we have a lot of students that are, you know, out of control or whatever. It was more of we want more consistent practices and more support and training around how we establish systems within our classroom so that all of our students are on task every day. Um, so if I'm understanding you correctly, it's a lot more of how do we manage the
122behavioral issues that we do have. Uh, so more to the support side. Yeah. Um I think behavior has been one of my issues. Um and it has improved vastly I would say since I've been on the board. But now um the you're bringing clarity. You know I think there was a lack of clarity. Um you know what what do we do if a kid does this or the kid does this? The clarity is amazing and I think that'll help immensely. Also, um you tie that with the the instruction kids who are engaged, they will they don't cause as many behavior problems. And so training teachers on those embedded practices and um will help immensely. And the other thing I mean this is like amazing. The other thing I love is we I know we've made
123that effort since Superintendent Shum's been here, but now even more intentionally making sure that each kid is connected to that school. Cuz when you're connected to the school, your your behavior problems will go down because they care about the school and they care about their class and they care about their teacher and that'll make a huge difference. So, I just can't wait till the end of the next school year to see how this all plays out. So, thank you. Thank you. A lot of work ahead. Thank you, President Naylor. like Trusty Belt, if I could also make a comment that the clarity that um Trustee Gamoya mentioned is also for everyone in our community, for all of our parents as well as students that as we as uh Superintendent Schum made it very clear have
124established a code of ethics an expectation of what do we expect every day in every classroom from every student. Now also for every teacher because I think we have a a climate where we think that oh the state of California has made it so difficult you can never discipline bad behavior and that's not entirely true. Yes there's been a lot of massaging of what is acceptable. Of course, we don't have the board of education applied to the seat of knowledge that we had when I was in high school or younger um because we're concerned about it being capital punishment rather than um progressively moving students into a a more positive behavior mode. But what we do have and we are establishing is what's expected, how can we measure it, and that all of our teachers
125and all of our administrators have the support they need to make sure that students really are held to an account. Uh, and that discipline is a part of that. But the behavior is now an expectation. It's on a positive level of this is all we have to do. All we have to do is put our phones away, treat others as we would like to be treated, and we can actually create a positive culture. And I appreciate and I applaud uh I I want to call you deputy is coming soon next month. Uh assistant superintendent's uh comments to um Mr. Thompson that we are moving forward to something that we can measure. We have we can also look at the data as uh Mrs. Garza pointed out and as well as Mrs. Phillips pointed out, it
126it will inform us of then how to treat our students and then thereby therefore give more training for our teachers and administrators to move it forward. Not just saying bring our hands, oh, it's all getting worse and worse. Um, no, it's not. It can get better because we're expecting and also very honestly demanding this is the bare minimum. Let's do this. Anyone else? Go ahead. Uh Trustee Jang, I have one more thing I just uh thought of thanks to Trusty Belt. Um like a lot of the theme too talking about connectiveness. uh what would be like some examples of success criteria for u improving uh like behavioral support in the classroom? Cuz I know like especially for like UVA, we talk a lot about success criteria to make sure that what we're actually practicing is
127having like the desired effect. Try to answer that as best I can. I mean, you know, al along with everything else, our site leadership teams uh look at classroom disruptions. They look at, you know, what's logged in powers school. Um how are we, you know, uh tracking students to the right level of support? Uh other things from students that are in our OCI program, recidivism, like when they come back to the classroom, are they successful? So, lots of different things. Uh you know, also from a district lens looking at how are things consistent from classroom and school. so that we know consequences are are the similar across the board. Uh so those would just be I don't know if I'm adequately answering the question but those are some of the things that we look at
128and monitor. President Trusty Gy and I think uh just to touch on something that trustee goyan said I think the ultimate um success is that students are doing better academically. Um I think you know you brought up a great point that we see students especially sometimes in secondary that from one class to the other they are completely different student. Um and so um even connecting back to um you know Miss Phillips talked about really refining the assessment system and it's so crucial that we know our students academically and it's such a great place to start and really that assessment literacy so we know what to do with the data. Um because when we know our students academically then we can connect to them and in the end it is why we're here. Um you know
129most of our students are probably actually here for athletics or band and not like math class. But um we hook them with those things because really we exist for learning and the more um connected they are the more chances we have to you know hook them and and educate them and show them um you know that they do kind of have that future. Um so definitely appreciate all the work towards that and again um especially you know starting with that assist assessment system cuz all the materials in the world if you don't know what to do with them um or don't know your students then um they're only somewhat effective. So thank you very much for all your work on that and um just kind of my two cents there. Thank you, uh, President Aaylor.
130Um, and thank you to my colleagues for all of our conversation around, um, you know, student behaviors and expectations. Um, I very much appreciate some of the additional clarity that we've been discussing and I hope that as we look towards metrics. I know that we've been tracking and and we have our state dashboard which looks at suspensions and expulsions. Um, but one thing I would like us to also track and pay attention to throughout this process is how we're using trauma-informed practices when it comes to students. uh when it comes to changing behaviors and transforming behaviors, how are we engaging with trauma-informed practices? How are we engaging students in these conversations uh to make sure that we're we're using the best tools possible to make sure student behaviors are are great? So, would definitely appreciate
131um you know, conversations about that moving forward and appreciate staff for all the work you've done. Thank you. Anyone else? Thank you so much for all your hard work. Appreciate it. Okay, moving on to uh general public comment item number six. General public comment on any topic not on the agenda may be heard at this time. If you have public comment on an item listed on tonight's agenda, there will be an opportunity for you to share your comments at the time the item comes up for discussion by the board. Pursuant to board policy, the board will limit individual comments for general public comment to no more than 3 minutes and individual topics to 20 minutes. To comply with the Brown Act, California's open meeting public meeting law, board discussion is limited to items on the
132agenda. Therefore, when receiving public comment for items not on the agenda, the board's role is limited to receiving such comments, and the board may not engage in dialogue with the public. The board thanks the public for its participation in public comment and understanding of the board's responsibilities. It is re recommended that you begin your comments by stating your name. And I have a couple of green slips. So I'll first call Sandra Rhymer Reamer. Oh, okay. Trick Ocar. I'm I okay by stating your name? Yeah. Uh my name is Tar El Sharqawi and uh I'm a teacher at Golden West High School. I teach uh chemistry and AP chemistry and earth science this year. Uh I'm speaking because some of my students asked me to speak for them and um I understand that the district recently
133hired a consulting uh group and I think it's name is Abel. I'm not sure exactly how to pronounce that but um one of the findings it seems that uh they found was that some classes that we have are have smaller numbers and um usually those are some of the upper level classes that we have and so it seems that we have uh an increase we're going to have an increase of our student population next year at Golden West but we don't have a an increase in the number of FTEEs to accommodate the increase in that student population and um I feel like that forces admin to increase the number of students per class and uh is causing a collapse of some of our higher level classes like AP chemistry, uh AP calculus, AP Spanish literature,
134chamber choir. So, all of all of those classes uh next year aren't going to be offered at Golden West. And um so I just feel like we're we're limiting some of our um higher achieving students and um we want to make sure that they have all the opportunities that they have to be successful and competitive. Uh and um we have some students even here. Uh some are in my class and I had um several students this year that ended up getting into really good schools from being in AP chemistry and um got into fields like forensic chemistry. um they are premed students and so um it is something that's concerning if I feel like we're hiring a group to help our students and it seems like this maybe had a a negative effect rather than
135a positive effect on our students. Um and obviously this is only one finding. I'm sure they had some other insights that were valuable, but um it seems like this this issue is something that uh isn't in line with our mission and vision of supporting all of our students, including our high achieving students. And um I just wanted to make sure that I brought that to the board's attention. And like I said, I'm speaking on behalf of my students. A lot of them asked me to make a comment. So, thank you. Thank you. Uh B or VTO Wessle. Hello, my name is Vita Wessle. Um I'm a mom of three young kids. My oldest is finishing up third first grade. Um and we somewhat recently moved to this community. Um, I also have to say this
136is my first board meeting and this was extremely entertaining and the energy was great. So, I think I've been missing out. Um, but honestly, I'm here tonight simply as a parent. Um, I have wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind since the first day we moved here. Um, when we moved here, I did everything I could to get involved. I joined the PTA, became a room parent, volunteered. I'm at pickup and drop off almost every day. I'm extroverted and proactive. And I even work with tools that designed specifically to help parents build in-person community. Um, but even yet with all that involvement, I've noticed something surprising just meeting a lot of moms in the area and um, and they've shared that they just feel disconnected and they're showing up doing all the
137right things and still struggling to form the relationships that they've hoped for. And I've seen this firsthand too with families wanting to connect um but don't have like the structure or tools to make it easy. And as a room parent um it's hard to do as much as you would like to do to help your teachers and your staff without having a school directory or having like direct communication with other parents. um at like trying to coordinate a fundraising basket, a classroom gift for your teacher, um or even like birthday party invites and chasing down phone numbers or sending notes in backpacks has been a little challenging, but um like at one point my kindergarten came home with a friend's phone number that she got from a friend. It was nine digits long. So obviously
138we didn't get in contact with that parent to invite them to the party. But um it's not just about convenience. Last year the US surgeon general issued an advisory about lone the loneliness epidemic with parents especially um how it negative negatively impacts children and we know kids don't thrive when their parents feel isolated and unsupported and that burden can land on teachers too. Um, so you know, a couple things that we can do is, you know, recognize that schools are one of the last universal places where real community can be built. Um, that connection isn't just a nice to have. It's foundational. When parents are connected, kids do better, teachers are supported, and the school is stronger. Um, and if we had a parent directory, right now room parents who are here to support both
139families and teachers don't have a reliable way to reach out to other parents. We rely on Facebook groups or Instagram notes and backpacks. Um, and that system honestly unintentionally excludes dads, introverts, non-English speakers, and frankly a lot of people that are willing to help. Uhoh. Um but yeah, so basically just like coming from deep gratitude um to our teachers, administrators, and staff and the endless work that they do every day. I feel like having a parent directory and being able to connect with each other would take a lot of work off their plates. Thank you so much. Thank you, Christine Robertson. Robertson had it right the first time. It's Robertson. Um, good evening. My name is Christine Robertson. Um, I have been teaching math in BEL Unified for the past 33 years and I'm here
140over the same concern that my colleague brought that at Golden West High School, we are looking at cutting four, possibly even five AB courses from our curriculum. We heard Mrs. Philip talk about expanding access to these higher level classes and yet what I'm seeing in practice is we're cutting those classes. I am the AP calculus teacher. Um what I was told what I was asked why this was happening is that was a district mandate based on information that came from this group this able um and these courses did not meet the the number of students that they needed under those guidelines and that's why they were cancelling them. Now, we've had this conversation as math teachers before, and we understand that these small classes do impact the numbers in the others, but we all have
141felt like it is worth it to have these AP classes because these are our kids that go into our STEM related um course works in college. I have a student graduated last year. She's just started her journey. She wants to become a cancer researcher. I have one that wants to be a math professor. She's uh kind of at the end of her journey, but as a sophomore, she was actually hired as an assistant to a professor and she uh was teaching calculus as a sophomore in college. I have another one, third year um third year in her doctorate program at MIT in microcellular biology. These courses are important. These are the courses that produce these students um that go into these STEM related uh course coursework. We spend a lot of support. We have a
142lot of support for the students that need extra help to get through high school um like our math assist programs. But at the other end, I feel like we are letting these kids down. These kids have done everything that they have been asked to do for years. In fact, to meet the prerequisites for AP calculus, it has to start in junior high because they have to start at math 2 in order to get all the way through to that. So, I am just asking you that as you are considering the master schedules, is this the best way for us to determine what classes are worthwhile? Because these are the courses that get our kids into those highly competitive colleges and also um into those STEM degree futures. So, thank you. Thank you, Patrick Hemphill. Good
143evening board. My name is Patrick Campill. I'm your uh current UTA president and uh I have a short prepared little uh thing for you, but I would be remiss if I didn't briefly uh briefly comment on some of the things that have been uh talked about tonight. So uh quickly on the point of uh some of the earlier things as I travel the district uh behavior is also something that is that I hear a lot about and so I appreciate the sort of holistic look to to start to address um the sort of tier one basic level concerns. I would I would just encourage also though that um we also continue to um remember uh we have we have outliers to that and that there also need to be strong systems in place and continue
144to work on refining those systems for for those outliers because they can be have a big effect on things and so um that was the first point. Second, um I have been involved also in a lot of the trainings with April and the things that have been mentioned tonight and and I understand the needs and the efficiencies and a lot of the things that that play into that, but also uh near to my heart coming from a a small school, a small high school, uh our smallest high school in the district where I taught forever, um I realized that efficiencies don't always tell the whole story. And so, um, I know administrators have been strapped with looking at how to how to meld their things into the the efficiencies that Abel has recommended, but I
145but I also can say with, you know, with confidence that efficiencies don't don't always tell the whole story. And so, um, I appreciate the, uh, the comments of my colleagues tonight. Uh, very quickly in what I have prepared, um, I just wanted to quickly address you tonight and make you aware of an event that's happening and maybe even invite you to attend. um CTA and many of our local units are organizing uh this event in an attempt to be proactive uh in lobbying our members of Congress uh to protect uh federal education funding in the upcoming budget. Um the focus of an event that is being coordinated is to bring attention to this issue and to inform the public of the consequences of the loss of federal education funding. As you likely know, our district
146receives more than $30 million in federal funding on a yearly basis. And these monies include Title One, special education dollars, school meal funding, CTE, all kinds of things. Almost all though that they have in common that they go to support some of our most needy students. Um we don't rely on these monies as much in California as some other states do. Um but it's still a significant part of our budget and like I said, centered around students with with great need. Um to that end, uh this Saturday, March 17th, there will be a fight for schools rally that is being organized at Hanford Civic Center Park at 11:00 a.m. Um it's coincide with a number of other rallies taking place across the state, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento. Ours is the only one being held
147in a non major metropolitan area, so we hope to have a good showing. Um we're there to really um to hopefully make the public aware of what is at stake. Uh we don't believe it's a political issue. It's more of an issue of protecting funding for our neediest students. And so we believe a proactive approach that needs to be taken because we we don't want to see cuts that will end up um meaning horrendous things for our schools when it's too late. And so I would invite you to join if you feel so inclined. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Any other public comment? Seeing there is none, we're going to move on to item seven on the agenda, the consent agenda. Would any board member like to pull an item from the consent
148agenda? So then may I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? I'll make a motion. I'll second it. Is that felt? Um motion by um Trusty Viega, seconded by Belt. Uh announce the vote. Motion passes 70. Student votes yes. [Music] Moving on to item number eight, student representative report. Mr. Riley Armis, Vicelia Charter Independent Study. Welcome. We're excited to have you with us. Um, and you look so professional. So, I'm going to turn the mic over to you. Thank you again. Um, going to do the board report on all the different high schools. Starting first with LDiamonte. Liamonte held its annual minor expo where seniors competed for minor of the year and other awards. The week ended with a spirited rally showcasing student talent and school pride. On May 10th, it saw over uh
1491,800 VUSD students dressed in their finest for a night at the at the bayou. It was a wonderful night for all of USD high schools as they enjoyed dancing, decor, refreshments, and time with friends. EDH or LDE ASB is busy planning the end of year celebrations which include senior brunch, senior sunset and class of 2025 graduation. Eliamante Vapa has held end of year performances the dance on April 24th to 25th, bannon orchestra on May 5th, drama springs showcase uh on May 15th and 16th and choir spring show coming soon. Eldiamonte Vapa students have won many awards at the VHSPAS, the USD art show, and Slick Rock. 126 seniors were awarded 137,750 worth in scholarships at senior scholarship night. 896 minors participated in the EDA at the LDonte annual catchup day where minors raised their grades
150by catching up on missing assignments. Data from the event yielded a 5% decrease in all grades D's and Fs. All participants enjoyed a hot dog with ketchup ketchup, chips, drinks, and dessert. Moving on to Golden West. On May 2nd, Golden West High Schoolo hosted their annual talent show. On May 9th, Golden West hosted their annual dance showcase. On April 15th, Golden West drama hosted an amazing musical. and looking forward to Golden West will hold a senior farewell assembly and senior sunset night on May 16th. Moving on to Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney had their annual VAPA rally on May 9th. Uh Mount Whitney scholarship night is May 15th. Mount Whitney had their cultural food day uh today for students to enjoy a lunch celebrating all of the amazing culture on campus. Mount Whitney is hosting a
151senior barbecue on May 16th where seniors will watch a slideshow of their four years on campus. Moving on to Redwood. Redwood Dance Ho hosted its annual dance show road trip last week featuring exciting performances and strong support from students, friends, and families. ASB held the Battle of the Classes Rally on Friday where students competed in 12 back-to-back games to earn points for their grade levels. Several Redwood students won awards at the 10th annual VHSPAS with winners chosen by students from other high schools. Redwood's BTSC hosted its raising grades event in part partnership with raising canes. The focus of the event was to support freshman students in making up missing assignments and improving their academic performance before the end of the grading period. 624 out of 688 freshmen participated and over,00 students participated in total working
152diligently to raise their grades with the added incentive of earning a free meal at Raising Canes. This event created a positive and productive environment emphasizing the importance of academic accountability and school community partnerships. Now on to Sequoia. In late April, a team from the Sequoia High School attended the California Continuation Education Association Plus Conference in San Diego to accept the prestigious Model Continuation High School Award. During the event, science teacher Miss Sophia Pacheo and PE teacher Mr. Gabe Salana presented in innovative programs unique to Sequoia, both of which were very well received by the attendees. On May 8th, students from Miss Pacheo's forestry class participated in a walking field trip to Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District. During the visit, they learned about various mosquito control methods aimed at eliminating or reducing breeding sites, as
153well as strategies for minimizing the risk of mosquito-born diseases in our community. On May 20th, Sequoia High School will host its scholarship award recognition event for students and their families. and they said, "Congratulation to all of this year's scholarship recipients. Well done, Mountaineers." Uh, moving on to Vicelia Charter Independent Study. VCIS hosted their annual performing arts showcase this past Friday, May 9th, at the LJ Williams Theater. Students from their dance, acting, vocal, and instrumental classes had the opportunity to showcase their hard work and learning from the school year. BCIS is so proud of their math math teacher, Mr. Mr. Goodman, who we saw earlier, who was recently selected as the KSC 24 educator of the week. Mr. Goodman embodies all of the great qualities of VCIS and VUSD. Last night, VCIS celebrated over 90 VCIS
154students at their academic award night or scholarship night. Seniors received multiple outstanding scholarships and over 80 other students at all grade levels received awards for their outstanding academic achievement. BCIS is engaging students in mental health awareness month during the month of May. Students and staff have been participating in dressup days and lunchtime activities to raise awareness of mental health to promote kindness throughout the campus. And then last but not least, VTEC Vicelia Technical Early College. Their Spanish club hosted a Hispanic heritage celebration complete with mariachi band and our families enjoyed the event. On May 2nd, uh the VTEC FFA hosted their annual spring banquet complete with dinner and awards and their scholarship foundation will host the annual scholarship night for VTEC students on May 29th. VTEC FFA will host their annual GOAT yoga session on
155May 30th at 12:05. So that concludes the report from all the other campuses. Um but I also wanted to um share a brief update from our most recent USAV meeting held in April where we focused on a critical component of the student life that we have increasing access and engagement in school-based activities. So our meeting centered around a key action item on the VSD strategic plan which we've talked a little bit about ensuring that all students can participate meaningfully in school activities that help them feel connected and valued. So our medi our meeting f focused on two key questions. First of all, what keeps students from getting involved and staying involved in their activities? So our answer to that was their common barriers included lack of awareness, fear of not belonging, scheduling conflicts and limited
156transportation. And the second question, who tends to be most involved and who tends to be left out? Many students had observed that most uh involved students already have strong connections or are already in those high visibility groups like sports and leadership and students from the un underrepresented backgrounds including newer students and those with outside responsibilities often feel disconnected or unsure with how to get started. So we closed our meeting by brainstorming ways to increase the participation spirit and connection with these activities. These ideas were creating more and unique engaging events, gathering more student input before planning the activities, adjusting prices to eliminate the financial barriers for students, and thinking outside the box to design experiences that reflect the interests of all the students on campus. Thank you for continuing to listen to our student voices
157and for supporting efforts that make our campuses for more act feel more active and connected. Thank you. Very good report. appreciate the update. Um, moving on to nine board member reports and we'll start with Trustee Viegas. Uh, thank you, President Aaylor. I had the opportunity this morning to visit Crowley Elementary alongside Mr. Deo and Trusted De Young where we saw lots of great learning in action uh with Principal Yang. Got to visit several classrooms, first, second, um, I think as well as fourth grade. Um but saw lots of great projects uh math being applied in real life situations and kids really excited about learning. Um so that's one of the the really positive notes. And um on a not so positive note I wanted to highlight um something that was mentioned earlier today which is
158the potential cuts to education here in the district. And I want to say that these cuts are already happening uh as a result of Elon Musk and Doge the Department of Government deficiency. us alongside with this Taller County Office of Education lost grants worth a combined $16.5 million. I'll say that again. $16.5 million uh as part of the teacher residency for rural and urban education or true program and equity excellence and effectiveness in partnership with us here at the district. This was a program that was set to create residency programs to recruit, train, and place highly effective teachers here throughout the central valley. And so these are cuts that are already happening uh to Larry County Office of Education already having to notify staff members that they may not have employment after June 30th, 2025.
159And so if this is something that frustrates you that that angers you, I as it angers me, I encourage you to contact your members of Congress and your representatives to write a letter, to write an email, make a phone call to their office and let them know how essential it is to continue to fund our schools, especially here in the Central Valley. And this is not even considering the potential cuts that we may see to programs for students with disabilities, title one funding, all these things mentioned earlier. And so I highly encourage folks to speak out against these cuts um and to fully fund our schools. And so a call to action, I I encourage folks to get involved uh because as mentioned earlier, this isn't a political a left versus right issue. This is
160about making sure that we have funds to support our staff, to support our teachers, to support our students and our community more than anything. Thank you. Trusty, good morning. Just a couple things. Um, I loved I'm going to highlight a couple things in your report, Riley. I love that, um, kids have a chance to bring their grades up and study and make a push for the last part of the year. And also the whole part where you guys discussed how getting students involved, I think that's really important because if student leaders are are so instrumental in getting, you know, kids connected to the school and so I love that you're doing that. I loved your list and thank you for that. That was awesome. Um I um I am going to Sacramento this weekend um
161for delegate assembly. So Mr. Hemple, I kind of like to get together with you and talk about what you're going to be doing in Hanford because that's a that's an uh that's a um group that um advocates for education. So before you leave, talk to me. And then the only last thing I want to say is I have loved going to schools and visiting schools. I have two more school visits Friday and I just want to thank principles and teachers for letting us come in and bombard your classrooms. I have just thoroughly loved that and thank you for letting us come on campus and and see all the wonderful things you're doing. So, thank you, Trusty Gabby. Well, first of all, thank you, Riley, for letting me know when goat yoga was. Um, but again,
162kind of what Miss uh Trusty Goyan was saying. I mean, yes. Um, the goats are fabulous, but the vibe out there at that lunchtime, I mean, the students and how they're all out there um together and putting that on um for each other. I think it's kind of like a testing break um or celebration. and it's really being on that campus feels like a community and so that's that's awesome. It really just does go back to connecting um to school. So um last two things is that I opened up AXA little or magazine or whatever that one is for educators this month and I saw a picture of our finance department. So, apparently they won um I'm reading this because I don't know all these acronyms. The Association of School Business Officials International for the
163Excellence in Budget Presentation. This is the second year in a row. And basically, I also just bring that up to thank again our fabulous finance team. Um I think they get more awards than you know we can count um or even know of. And um thank you for keeping us fiscally solvent so that we can do all these great things for kids. And lastly, I think by the time our next meeting is, school will be out. So, thank you to staff. Um, thank you to teachers, admin, classified, everybody out there that you know, every day, um, you have that opportunity to positive imp positively impact kids. And thank you for not only what you just do every day, but those times you kind of go above and get to know our kids and help them
164believe in themselves and help them give them the skills to be future ready. So, thank you very much for another fabulous school year. Um, board member Belt. Thank you, President Naylor. Uh, I think I'm on task. I will have to ask our secretary, but it looks like uh I have completed all 42 school sites this year, which was my goal. And I appreciate, as Trusty Goya mentioned, that principles and teachers will let us crash um with sometimes great fanfare. Um, but this last week to uh actually walk into a teacher's classroom who um I won't name him, but um the principal realized that, you know, he he's probably not going to be real excited about three or four of us walking into his classroom. So, Mr. Bell, we'll let you go by yourself. And so,
165well, okay. So, I walked in there and was as minimally as possible interrupting, just said, this is a really short teacher. He's not very short. Um, and if you guys will listen to him, you'll learn a lot about math and I'll leave you alone now. Goodbye. And it was very quick, very brief, the probably the briefest classroom visit I've ever made. But, um, that teacher knows who he is and that I appreciate that he is there teaching high school math uh, to these amazing students. I wanted to also bring up how um, there is so much activity happening, but I had a first this year. I was asked to be a talent show judge for Golden West High School, which was rather um amazing to see the types of talent, the types of activities that
166these students I they had everything you can imagine. And um and it was actually very well done, well attended. Of course, it was it was an assembly. They were all there. All the students were there. But I also wanted to highlight our FFA program continues to be unbelievable throughout Bicell Unified. We went to the Vicel the Mount Whitney FFA banquet the other night. They have over 400 students in FFA. That's remarkable because when my kids were in high school, if you had more than a couple dozen, that was amazing. But that is happening throughout our district. And these students aren't just learning how to raise animals. They're learning everything from judging all types of agriculture, speaking, uh, doing speeches themselves, uh, leadership qualities. It goes on and on and pretty remarkable. The $137,000 you mentioned
167at LD's scholarship night the other night. I want to highlight we have scholarship nights happening at all of our uh, high schools. I How do we thank our community? because like you said, individuals, corporations, uh, service clubs continue to give. This is the one of the most giving communities that I'm aware of that that one high school had 137,000 in scholarships. All of our high schools will have tens of thousands of dollars given to students. But I want to highlight one small company. You may have eaten their burritos and their taqua, but the Reese for Kids Foundation from Reese Foods uh has had a a corporate change. They're moving out of the valley more and more. More of their employees are being reassigned and moving to Texas and elsewhere. But the Reese for kids told
168me, the founder, the president of the foundation told me uh Thursday night, we will always give back to the students in Vicelia and Teraryi because that's where we started. And I think uh where is is Dr. Kim? Are you here? I think there was 25 students given $1,000 scholarships from one company gave $25,000 on that night. It was an exciting evening. It's gotten so big that all of us who made presentations were in a green room down the hall because they barely had enough room for all of the parents and family members to actually sit in their little auditorium. There's many more activities coming. I'm excited to see them all. We'll shake a few thousand hands in the next few days. Um but thank you again as been mentioned teachers administrators an amazing I'm looking
169forward to seeing what all of our test scores results are because we've made two very concerted years of improving students brains working on the right and left um as well as in intentionally uh increasing our literacy our voca our phonics program our math uh is getting more and more uh involved in initi intentionally making sure that we have a need for higher math in high school because we've made a better foundation for the younger ones. So, thanks again to all of you. Enjoy a few weeks off. Not all of you get much off, but some rest days and we'll continue to advocate for our students learning every day. Trustee Leang. Thank you, President Naylor. Uh, I'm going to do all the tired looking principles and admin in the room a solid and reserve my board
170report for next board meeting because we have two that I got to fill up. Um, especially since we've gone a little long. But, uh, I do would like to mention two things. Um, I'm, uh, very appreciative of all public comment that we receive as a board. uh it is very important that we receive very diverse perspectives on any number of items because uh that is how a decision should be made not based off of input received just from a few but from the many. So uh public speaking is not easy and so I'd like to say thank you for everyone that takes the opportunity to inform us and give us their opinion. Uh, last but not least, shortest board report ever. Uh, I would like to say happy birthday to Walt Gaman, whose birthday is
171at the end of the month. Uh, you do a lot for us to show um how we're appreciated and I wanted to say a public thank you to you and happy birthday. Yeah. And that concludes my board report. All right. Uh, trustee and board clerk Odo. Yeah. no report except to say that a school year is 180 days long as I recall and we're in the last three and a half weeks. As I always used to say when I was at a school site, the school year doesn't wind down, it winds up. The pace just increases incredibly during the last couple weeks. So, thanks to all who work for the school district, thanks to the kids for doing a good job and finishing strong and productively uh this school year and we'll go from there.
172I just want to reach out and just thank uh again kind of like trustee said I visited Shannon Ranch and Valley Oak Middle School. I just appreciate the principles Dory Bingaman and Franco Gonzalez for leading us around, taking the time to show us the classrooms and it was nice to see the kids engaged even though we are kind of ramping down. A lot of them were in testing but they were focused and they were trying very hard. Um, one other thing I I attended the peace officers memorial last week. A great event um involving, you know, the community from all of Tallery County, your your PD, your police department, you know, the mayor was there, um, board of supervisors. But what stuck out was I heard this incredible um, choir singing when I first arrived
173and I thought, gee, that sounds so great. Coming to find out, it was our Redwood High School chamber choir that sang. So, I'm just going to give a shout out to Redwood High School chamber choir for attending our community function and all the people that I was around. Oh my gosh, listen to them sing. So, kudos to them and to the director and for everyone involved in that. And I want to say have a great summer. You have three weeks um to the end of school. So, hang in there and thank you for all your hard work. Sorry. Number 10, superintendence report. Thank you, President Naylor. Also echoing again the finishing strong. Uh want to encourage all of our students to make the right choices so that you can participate in those great events like
174promotion end of the year activities walking across the stage for stage for graduation. Um and again uh information is going to families about those events. So, make sure uh to have a good experience that you come prepared, that you don't bring things you shouldn't bring uh for students and for parents and families. And so, again, all that communication will be coming out. Uh we do have a few weeks left and I know that everyone's focused on finishing strong. We know our instruction goes to the last minute so we can make sure until that last day that every kid has what they need uh to also finish strong and be positioned well for the next school year. So, thank you teachers uh and staff for your focus on that effort. And with that, that concludes my
175report. Thank you everybody. Moving on to um administrative panel recommendations 11.1 recommended expulsions. May I have a motion to approve the recommended expulsions? I'll second. We have a motion by trustee Gamoyan, seconded by trustee Gabby. Please vote. Motion passes 70. Student representative abstains. 11.2 recommended reinstatements. May I have a motion to approve the recommended reinstatements? Motion. Second. On a motion by Trustees Young and seconded by Trustee Gamoyan. Please vote. You're waiting for me. Motion passes. Seven. Yes. Uh, student representative abstains. 11.3 recommended review continued expulsions. May I have a motion to approve the review continued expulsions? I'll move. I'll second. On a motion by board member Gabby, seconded by board member Viegas. Have a vote. Motion passes 70. Student representative abstains. 11.4. Recommended suspended expulsions. May I have a motion to approve the recommended suspended
176expulsions? Motion. Who said that? Trusty Vegas. And this and I'll second. Who seconded it? Trusty Belt. Thank you. So we have a motion by board member Viegas, seconded by board member Belt. Call for the vote. Motion passes 70. Student representative abstainates. Moving on to 12 general agenda 12.1 Notice of intent to employ certificated personnel and approval of provisional internship permit requests. Our presenter is assistant superintendent of HRD, Mr. Dr. Ben Dylan, thank you very much. Uh, I'm going to do my best to channel my inner Riley with your poise and elocution. You did a wonderful job this evening. Uh, so the first item here is a request for the board to approve this provisional internship permit or a PIP uh for a specific teacher. Um, the uh request would be that you allow us to
177move forward with this for the individual to receive the permit and uh provide uh this candidate at the time to complete the requirements to demonstrate subject matter competency. May I have a motion to approve the notice of intent to employ certificate of personnel and approval of provisional internship permit request? So moved. I'll second. On a motion by board member Gabby, seconded by board me I mean uh Goyan, seconded by board member Gabby. Call for the vote. Motion passes 70. Student votes yes. 12.2 two, notice of intent to employ certificate personnel and approve a variable term waiver request for adapted physical education. So, as it says, we are requesting you to approve this variable term waiver. This is a very unique position. We have very few individuals who serve in this classification and request that the
178board uh approve our ability to move forward and provide this individual the opportunity to uh be placed on this temporary waiver. Okay. May I have a motion to approve the notice of intent to employ certificate personnel and approval of variable term waiver requests for adapted PE? I'll make a motion to approve. I'll second it. Okay. On a motion by board member Gabby, seconded by board member Belt. All for the vote. Motion passes 70. Student votes yes. I will thank my daughter for reminding me to pick up her hair products on my way home. [Laughter] That's good. She'll appreciate that. So approved. Yeah. Um 12.3 final resolution and decision to terminate classified employees due to lack of work or lack of funds. Presenter Ben Dylan. So board, as a reminder, on March 11th, uh the board
179adopted a resolution which ordered the reduction or elimination of certain classified services due to lack of work or lack of funds. And so in accordance with relevant board policy and education code, uh we move forward in in noticing these employees. And so at this point in time now, as we've moved through the negotiation of uh those impacted employees, we are requesting that the board move forward and approve this resolution, which allows us to authorize um and direct final written notice of layoff to these employees listed on the exhibit uh before May 15th, which means tomorrow, uh informing them of services will be reduced or discontinued as set forth in the exhibit laid out before you. I do want you to note not or know that um in moving forward with approval this uh also ensures
180that any laid-off employees are entitled to applicable reemployment rights as well. Uh is there any public or board comment? May I have a motion to approve the final resolution and decision to terminate classified employees due to lack of work or lack of funds? I'll make a motion. Second on a motion by board member Gabby, seconded by board member Goen. Call for the vote. Measure passes 70. Yes. Um student uh representative abstains. 124 resolution to resend preliminary notice of layoff. Similar to what I shared earlier, the resolution that we're requesting the board approved uh is related to the action taken on March 11th and then uh following up from there, notices that were served to uh effective classified employees at that time uh that their positions would be discontinued for the coming year. At this time
181based on the results of uh bargaining and the effects of attrition, there is no longer uh the need to notice the to lay off or take any action with these 11 employees listed here. And so as a result uh we would be rescending those preliminary layoff notices as as quickly as possible tomorrow. Any public or board comment? Go ahead. Trusty Jung. All right. Thank you. President, um I had a conversation with you Ben uh earlier uh for the benefit of the public, could you kind of reiterate why um these 11 individuals are being rescended? Sure. So, just to to try to make it as clear as possible, when we have any individual in a classification that could be impacted by the effects of layoff, we have an obligation and responsibility to notice those employees. When
182that happens, uh, we notice all employees that could be affected at that time based on the information available at this time. This was back on March 11th. Um, then as a result of that, we work with our labor partners and with those employees to work through the and and bargain the effects of layoff. And what that means is that there are uh changes in FTE, for example, based on staffing allocations across school sites. And so some individuals end up moving into other positions um and are are impacted. Other individuals as a result of that process end up not being impacted uh through that process. And so these individuals who are listed on here are those individuals who were not impacted uh through that process. And therefore there is no effect um to them. And so
183the initial notice that we provided is no longer required at this time. Any other comment? If so, may I have a motion to approve the res resolution to resend preliminary notice of layoff? I'll motion. I'll second. Yeah. Uh we have a motion by uh trustee De Jung, seconded by trustee belt. Call for the vote. Motion passes 70. Student representative abstains. 12.5 resolution of release and non reemployment of temporary employees. Mr. Ben Dylan. Thank you, board president Naylor. Uh requesting that the board uh approve this resolation resolution to release uh and non-remploy one temporary employee uh just for information purposes. Temporary teachers uh at times are placed on a temporary contract uh because they are replacing either a teacher on leave, a teacher who was hired under cate categorical funding uh or serving in a short-term
184position or a limited portion of the year. And so in this case, there is only one position um that we are requesting you move forward uh to release as a result of those those factors. Any public or board comment? Yes, trustee DJ Jung. Yeah, thank you. President Naylor. No, I just have a quick question for my curiosity and knowledge of ED code. Is there a class uh a definition for temporary like a temporary employee? There is. Education code uh 44954 includes that definition and the information include on the BAI shared with the board. Uh and the reasons I just listed are actually found in education code. Oh, okay. Thank you. Sure thing. Any other comment? May I have a motion to approve the resolution of release and nonremployment of temporary employees? So moved. All second.
185on a motion by board member Gamyan, seconded by board member Gabby. Call for the vote. Motion passes 70. Student representative votes yes on 12.6 warrant list March 29th, 2025 to April 25th, 2025. May I have a motion to approve the warrant list from March 29th, 2025 through April 25th, 2025? Move to approve. I'll second on a motion by board member Odto, seconded by board member Gabby. Call for the vote. Motion passes. Six votes yes. One abstension. Student representative abstains. And that me is adjourned.