001like that Good evening, good afternoon everyone. Welcome to our regular board meeting and we're going to begin. It is 5:30. Uh can we all stand for I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As you can see, Juan isn't able to be with us today to complete the meeting at a very emotional moment. His sister got in today as an RN, so he's at her graduation. And he sends his apology that he's not able to attend today. We'll hope he's Juan Castillo, president. Lorena Delgadillo, clerk. Present. Christina Clark, member. Present. Luisa Arriola, member. Present. Gladys Anaya, member. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you. Um we will move forward to 2.1, the career recognition celebration.
002Good evening, uh board members and members of our community. Uh tonight we would like to begin our meeting by celebrating this extraordinary group of individuals that have been in our district for many, many years and it is uh an appropriate time to bring them on to our board meeting to not only celebrate among your peers, but also by our community. Um within them we have individuals that worked with us for 10 years, 20 years, 25 years, and almost 30 years, which is amazing. And just the way some of our principals were hugging them is because this is a big family and they're they're here and they've been together and dedication that you've given to the elementary family. Uh what we're going to do is we're going to ask your retiree immediate supervisor or principal to
003come forward to the podium one by one so that you can say some beautiful words and help us give them a commemorative clock. And then we'll take a nice little picture, all right? So that's what we're going to do. We're going to start with Mr. Jorge so that he can recognize Patricia and then [snorts] members of the team uh stand in front of the table so that we can recognize them. Do you want me to follow him up? Can the flowers be here? Hi everyone. Jorge so that you can say some words. Hey, hi. Um buenas tardes. Good afternoon everyone. Um Um Patty, I met Patty back in 1999, 27 years ago. Thank you. >> [applause] >> She has been here 27 um and as a director, I mean like almost 18 years, not well
004going on 19, I'm sorry. And um all I can say she's exceptional. I never never never never had an issue with her at all, not even a single one. >> [laughter] >> Honestly, so I'm going to say I wish all of the employees could be like that. Yeah, why not because she is super nice. >> [applause] >> That's all I have to say. We never had a problem. You can say something. Yeah, you can get this here. No pues muchas gracias a todos. Trabajé muy a gusto. Y quiero darle las gracias a todos. Listo. >> [applause] >> Sí. >> [applause] [applause] >> Now, I'm going to have Ms. Laura Rosario come forward from our director of federal I'm not federal finance finance to come in recognize our next retiree. Melissa Porchas, if you can please
005come up. >> [applause] >> So, Melissa hired me more than 5 years ago. And I just wanted to say how thankful I am of the opportunity that she gave me. She has been my biggest mentor, my biggest supporter, and I appreciate all her help. I wish her many blessings in retirement. It's well deserved. She has many years you all know you've worked with her for 20 over 20 years. So, she's had many years of successful service here with the district. And and thank you. Thank you for making me part of the team. >> [applause] >> Before Melissa says any words, she You're never going to say anything. Perfect. Done. >> [laughter] >> Um we had a a little luncheon last week um as part of our office and so she was given her clock then,
006but we still want you to get some flowers and enjoy them, okay? Thank you so much for accepting me into your family, Melissa. >> [applause] >> So, we're going to go with Mr. Muñoz so he can recognize a couple of retirees from his school. So, good evening uh board members, uh Mr. De La Rosa, audience. I would like to start by saying that I want to It's my privilege, my honor to recognize two amazing, beautiful, caring, dedicated educators. Um and before I call them up, I'd like to just read a poem. It says, "In the world of knowledge, you light our way, guiding us through each and every day. Your tireless effort have made us grow. Thank you for all the love and support you show. With every word and every smile, you make our
007learning journey worthwhile. Thank you so much, teachers, for all you do. Your guidance, our dreams we can pursue. You shape our minds with love and care, making learning an adventure beyond compare. Your unwavering commitment to our education has laid a crucial foundation. Your impact reaches far, far, and beyond. We share a loving bond. So, a very happy retirement day. Thank you for shaping our way. We appreciate you with a grateful heart. You are our role model from the very start. Congratulations, Ms. Nuno and Mr. Sepulveda. Can you guys come up, please? I'd like to say that both of them have 42 years of education that they have dedicated to students and shaping lives. So, congratulations. Oh my god. This is very hard for me. My heart is been always, always, always on teaching. Especially with
008my little ones, my kindergarteners. I know that I'm going to miss them a lot. As well as my co-workers, my principal, who's been very, very nice to me, very, um, uh, nice person, very uh, uh, understanding and very good role model for us, too. And for all of you, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to serve my little ones that I'm going to keep [clears throat] in my heart all my life. >> [applause] >> That was a little bit shorter than that one. Uh, well, thank you you guys for giving us the opportunity to make us feel special in our day. Uh, we have uh, the privilege to work in this school district. It was amazing. I worked for several school districts and believe me, some people mention that that you're in
009the best school, but this one really is the best one. You feel that uh, that support always helping for us as educators. And they help us to grow as a person, a human being and as a professional teachers. So, thank you very much. >> [applause] [applause] >> Up next, we have Ms. Mayora- Mayoral uh, present. If she can come forward, please. Uh, SMS uh, where she has been, please give her a round of applause. >> [applause] >> Let me give you a hug first. Congratulations. Um SMS had an away game and of course the administrators are on their way to try to make it in say a few words, but we understand the just the sacrifice that you've done for the past 5 years as an IA. We all know the work that goes around
010uh supporting the teachers, supporting the students. Um I can honestly tell you principals uh teachers super mega depend on people like you to make our schools run the way they do. So, congratulations for serving us and for now, you know, spending an amazing time with your family as a retiree. Muchas felicidades. >> [applause] >> And then I have Miss Garcia present. Thank you for being here, Miss Garcia. Well, she's one of my Ah, perfecto. I'm sorry. Oh, Miss Castro got here in time. Okay. Miss Mayoral, I just want to say thank you so much for everything you do. You have been amazing with our exceptional students. You started back at SMS. I know you you've been employed with us 5 years, but you were a substitute for 20 years at SMS before we pulled you
011in to hire you in the ESS department and you I mean I'm going to miss you so much. The kids are going to miss you so much. I don't know if we're going to be able to replace you. So, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. >> [applause] >> Good afternoon, everyone. I apologize for being late. I'm just coming from a game in Crane. Um Miss Mayoral, um I what can I do to keep you next year? >> [laughter] >> Please. Miss Mayoral, we we are going to miss you so much. You have done so many for our school and um the kids love you. We love you and I just want to say thank you so much for everything that you do for our kiddos. You love them. We love you
012and are you sure she cannot Okay. Thank you Miss Mayoral. >> [applause] >> Um, I just want to thank um Miss Garza, Mr. Moreno, Miss Middleton. They give me the opportunity. I was a long-term sub for them for more than 10 years. Um, I love my kids. I love teaching reading and writing. Um, and thank you for the opportunity. >> [applause] >> I wasn't going to do it but I'm going Because it's uh uh I wasn't going to sleep good today so uh Miss Mayoral, test one, two, there we go. Miss Mayoral, I just want to tell you cuz we kind of came on board to SMS around the same time. And once I knew you were like family because your brother wrestled then I knew that we automatically had a connection. So, one thing
013that I would tell Miss Garza and Miss Middleton and told myself that in my learning experiences as a an administrator at Somerton Middle School going through the ups and the downs, I could always go to you and talk to you, gauge how the school was. You'd give me a good hug and we'd move on and I knew I could always go count on you to have a conversation about how the school was, a conversation about your family, a conversation about wrestling. And you always settled me down and you were that that that kind of like anchor that would keep it real when we were making decisions. And I still remember every year uh we haven't hired a teacher right now cuz we got my daughter she's waiting because we know we know that you would
014just be right at the front door and you'd get your class ready in a day right we'd be like at HR 8 can we get her for no you only get one day my daughter one day and you would have that classroom ready for kids every single time and I was we were always so impressed by your ability to adapt whether it was ELA writing science you you didn't even care about that it's just the fact that you stepped in and and you worked that so you meant a lot to me as I was going through the middle school and my learning experiences I knew that I would always be able to count on you for a for a pat on the back a conversation of keeping it real and a connection so I do
015appreciate everything that I learned from you and the experiences we shared so thank you so much for that >> [applause] [applause] >> For the retirees you are welcome to stay but you can also demand to be taken to dinner if that's what you want to do you are not going to hurt our feelings so congratulations to everyone you will be greatly missed, but thank you so much. >> [applause] >> Take her to a good place. There is a box in the back for your clock if you want to take it. For their clock. Mr. Wong, we're missing Connie Duarte, right? Yes, she couldn't make it today. Thank you. We're going to move on to 2.2 District Reorient Group. Ms. Lopez. Yes, we have Ms. Lopez. Hello. Can you hear me? Or Se puede? Si? All
016right. Um a few minutes ago when I arrived, I was talking to Ms. Lidia Rodriguez and she mentioned, "Are you nervous, excited?" And I I said that more than nervous, I was very excited to be here in front of well prepared people and I feel very honored of what I just see with the retirees. I wanted to congratulate them, but they they are there. But congratulations to to everyone who's retiring. It was very emotional to see their um what they have go through and I just I don't want to say that that I see myself in that point, but that but I I feel like very I don't know. It it felt It felt very emotional, very very nice to my heart. And And to add up to good things and successful things, today I'm
017here as um let me introduce myself. I am Miss Lopez and I am the TDS music teacher and I'm also very proud to say that I'm the coordinator of the folkloric dance program at the district. And we recently have something did something that changed our position within the group that I would love to share with you, which was a complete success. Um 2 years ago I had the chance to go to the Tucson International Mariachi Conference as a just as a student, right? And I was dreaming about taking a group of kids to that place, but I didn't know it was going to be that quick, but it was and we made it possible because of the great team that we have. So, if we could please move to the next slide. Okay. So, to
018take students to take 30 students that just started back in August, it was kind of challenging, but at the same time I knew that they were capable of moving to the next level like taking more professional classes and and the fact that they would travel and see professional uh teachers on different areas, it was very exciting, but it required a lot of preparation. Um starting with the fact that we needed to see transportation cuz we were moving we were going to Tucson and staying there for 3 nights. So, um I want to give a special thanks to the Somerton School District because of their support. Miss Miss Rodriguez, Mr. Duran, Miss Say, it was it was all possible because of you and your guidance. Um we were able to have our transportation and our registration
019out of title four. So, I'm very thankful for your support. Um we have a great booster club that is very committed to our kids and all the parents are very um committed to do fundraising, which we did. We did a lot of fundraising and Buster Club Buster Club paid um for the meals and the luggage and all of the snacks and I also want to thank Mr. Cano cuz thanks to food services we got a lot of snacks and two volunteers. So, we were like all of the needs of our students were were completed because of the help of everyone. Um I would love to thank our principals because of your flexibility and also your guidance and more specifically I want to give a big shout-out to Mrs. Felix because Mrs. Felix helped us as
020a great mentor for this trip. I started as a teacher 3 years ago and I'm building my experience but I've never had experience to take students to a trip and thanks to Mrs. Felix we were able to to make sure that we were like checking everything that we needed to do to make sure that our students were were safe, our students needs were completed and and all of those things. This obviously required a lot a lot of help with the parents. We had multiple parent and student meetings to talk about expectations and the things that we would have to do and we had to had a conversation with our students, right? Because we were going to stay there for 3 days. There was no coming back once we once we were there and we were
021going to be like fully dancing from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with minimum breaks. So, it requires a lot of physical like commitment from them and they were very very excited. Some of them just said that if they were kind of nervous like the first the like the 2 days before the trip but they were more excited to go so they went and they had a great experience. And now with chaperones I we picked five chaperones because we took around 26 students, so we were thinking about five to six students per chaperone, and I want to say that I I was very, very thankful with them. Especially with Ms. Navarrete, which is our president from from the booster club, and Ms. Serrano, which is our treasurer. We never needed like something or that we were
022missing something because they knew exactly what to do, and every chaperone knew exactly what to do. We made We made sure all times that our students were safe and and that they were happy, and I think that was a complete success just because everybody knew exactly what to do and the commitment from everyone. It was all possible because of the teamwork. That's That's what I want to say. Now, moving up to the next slide, we have our experience. For most of the students, they've never gone somewhere without their parents, so it was challenging at first, as I say I'm as I'm saying like some of them were nervous, but as we went, um everything started to change for them, and our main goal in the beginning was just to give them the opportunity to dance
023from professional dancers and get professional dance skills and culture, etc. However, when we get there, we all realized that we were developing more um like more skills that we didn't expect that happened, but did happen. One of them was to their teamwork. Uh during the mornings, just sharing one quick thing. During the mornings, we had to do their hair, right? Because we were wearing buns, and if they had to look professional. On the first day, we as chaperones and we well were helping the kids, but on the third day, they were all doing it by themselves. Like like the middle school girls were helping the little ones, and then the little ones were helping the other little ones, and it was so uh very very sweet cuz we learned that we were creating uh community,
024like a sisterhood, brotherhood between all our students. Now, moving to the next slide, uh during the conferences, they had the chance to go to mariachi concerts. Uh in the first picture, we see Mr. Quintero. We also uh had the opportunity to take some teachers that are part of our folkloric um instructors, and Mr. Quintero was the SMS music teacher and also the band director. Um students, as I'm saying, they were dancing from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30, so it was very very difficult for some of them on the first day, but on the second day, they get along, and on the third day, they they were already doing whatever they were expected to do. But you can see that they were all excited every time. Um we had three levels. I want to say
025that like um 40% of our kids were on level one, and they were performing Baja California Norte. Now, in this part, I want to say that there was just one change that we had to do during our trip. Something unexpected unexpected happened, and it's that on the last day, there was a conference, no, sorry, there was a performance on stage that would happen around 1:00, but we were leaving at 11:00. So, we had to speak to transportation to change the the time because we wanted to make sure that our students had the chance to participate on stage. Some of them were very nervous, but once they did the rehearsal, I had one student that is in the corner right there, the little one. She was very very excited, and I and I think that I'm
026never going to forget what she said to me. She got out of the stage, and she said, "Miss Lopez, that was so amazing. Can we do it again?" Like she was but but she was almost like crying of happiness. And it's the fact that we give them the opportunity to to perform. And the the lights, the the scenario, they were feeling everything, right? We had our boys right there on level one, and they were all very very excited. So, now moving to the next the next slide. We have our students for level two, which was most of our students. They were learning about Veracruz estilo fandango, and they were also very very excited. They got to wear their Sorry, their rebozos. They perform, and they were all looking very very professional. I'm very proud of
027them. And then on level three, which was the hardest level for students that are minors, um we only had two students, but I'm very proud to say that they were they were one of the best. They they were doing such a great great job, and and I realized that I didn't make a mistake by putting them on level three. At first, I was like, "Should I? Should I not?" Cuz I don't want to put so much pressure on them, but once I saw them on stage, I realized that I made the the correct choice like by hiring my expectations, which they met. And now on the next slide, we see our students thriving during this convention. They look looking very very professional. Um this was a great trip for them, and I realized that we
028are ready to do more things like parents were super excited, and I was telling our our principals that um everything was a success. We had no incidents. And parents started to be like to dream more and to dream bigger about things that we can do for next year, and maybe why not? We can travel more, or we can do more fundraising, etc. But they are very committed, and I'm just very grateful to be part of this project that as the at the beginning we were thinking about the possible outcomes that we would have, right? If it was going to work or not. And now I can say I can proudly say that it's working and it's working very, very well. Our students are very excited. Today we had a showcase at SMS and I was
029telling Mrs. Mrs. Felix that our students that were in the audience were going crazy for students that were performing. And our our performers were feeling like artists. Like they were they were really feeling like artists. The band did a great, great job and the folkloric dance team great did a a beautiful job, too. Now, moving to the next slide. We have an upcoming event this Thursday, which is the Mother's Day concert with featuring the Somerton School District folkloric dance team and the marching band. And we want to invite everyone in our community to this event, especially to our our moms from the from those uh from those programs. The entrance will be $2 and that that fundraiser that we do is going to help us to our our folkloric dance team and to the marching
030band. And also um ESS booster club will be participating. So, if you could go and and and be there and support us, we will be very, very happy to to welcome you in. And then for this summer for this summer we are having a summer dance academy from starting on June 1st to June 12th and we're welcoming every third grade, like now third grade classes to seventh grade, which the next year will be fourth and eighth grade. Yes. There's those students are welcome to join us to the summer dance academy. We're going to have four teachers, which are going to be teaching four different regions of Mexico and all students are going to be rotating, so they get to learn everything. We're going to have uh state of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Nayarit. It's going
031to be very, very exciting. Um and yes, we have shared that information with our principals and with the secretaries. And now the students know because of the showcase. Um and yes, that's I think that's it. >> Thank you so much, Ms. Lopez. >> [cheering] >> That was our last day, the performance day. You can see that every girl is wearing their leotard. All everyone is wearing their black attire, looking very, very professional. You do have You should have have seen them. They were They were the cutest kids and yet the most professional and disciplined kids that I've ever seen. So, I'm very proud of them and the outcome that we have had through thanks to the hard work and the support from everyone. So, thank you. Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> Thank you
032very much, Ms. Lopez. It takes a lot of commitment. As I shared before at our celebration at SMS, you know, being a past a dancer of ballet folklorico, even you can't tell, but I was. Um for over 12, 15 years. And so, um it was an amazing experience. And even if I listen to the music now, I know exactly how to how how the steps go and and the discipline it takes. So, thank you so much for what you do. Any comments? I would like Ms. to prove it, please. Cue the music. >> pictures. I have pictures. I'll join you. >> [laughter] >> I have a comment. Uh when I first got here as a board member, I saw the transformation from when Ms. Roldan came in until now, the passion that Ms. Lopez has.
033I can hear it in your voice and in the discipline that those young girls have and the the guys who have all that participation when I saw that showcase in at SBS, it was amazing to see because it does take does take a lot of work and not be afraid and thank Mr. Little for not being afraid of um and bringing these performances into the district because that's going to keep the kids out of trouble. It's going to motivate them in their academics. So, the fact that you're impulsing performing arts, it's going to take the district to the next level. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to move on 2.3 comments from the audience. Do you have any comments? Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. We have Jay Baltierra. Okay. And the topic would
034be about the Esperanza Center. Good evening everyone. Somerville School Board District and everybody in attendance. I'm I'm just humbled and and grateful to see how the retirees and the wonderful job of the body for polio and and all the teachers present. I mean, it's just encouraging to to be here and I'm just honored to to to share what I have to share. But honored to be here because it's just it's just amazing amazing and encouraging. So, um Just wanted to touch base on a few things. Um My name is Jay Baltierra and I represent Esperanza Center. I'm not sure if everybody is familiar with Esperanza Center. The last time I addressed the board was at the um um the tribal council meeting and we're in the process of getting our non-profit number. Thankfully, we got
035a non-profit number, so we're excited. So, we're starting to get ready to start getting all the money to start building. Uh is everybody familiar with the Esperanza Center? Kind of sort of? Okay. You can jump a little bit. >> Yes, I'll do a recap. I do have a few papers too if I could just Yeah, I got one. Okay. So the Esperanza Center is going to be a multi-purpose rec center complete with education, recreation, and teaching the kids a trade. So in the event of that we're trying to help both adults, well you know the parents and the kids to find a successful avenue in their life as well as you know be that that helping the parents do like you know certain curriculum that's going to help them to be productive parents and be
036able to assist their children in in the everyday life because sometimes that could be a struggle too. So the the age limit that we're going to be going is 8th grade to 12th grade and it's going to be on the Esperanza Park. That's why we're calling it the Esperanza Center. It's going to be a multi-purpose rec center like I mentioned with complete with education, recreation, and teaching the kids a trade. Um and it's going to be a wonderful thing. It's going to be like ping pong, pool tables, foosball when they first come in, a little area like a cooking place so they can learn how to do foods foods A and B and then for the youth that are struggling in school, not you know I'm sorry teachers but you know the the children that
037aren't really able to make it and function in a traditional type of school setting there's going to be like a like a K-12 you know kind of opportunity for them that where they could still further their education and then the top floor is going to be like teaching them the trades. There's going to be construction, it's going to be electrical, plumbing, tile work, and many other different you know apprenticeship works that they could do to learn a trade and then what else? It's going to be like a little multi-purpose rec center of course like I mentioned and then on the Esperanza Park there's a baseball field, a the soccer field, and then the basketball. So, and so we're looking to get all that going. The project should take about 2.5 to build. So, you know,
038hopefully by the grace of God we can get that money. But, uh we're in the process of raising that funds right now. And um I just wanted to give a quick recap of where we're at right now. So, we did get our nonprofit number. And um also um the center is just going to be a wonderful thing. It's going to be an avenue that's going to be Oh, my time's up. Sorry. So, uh I'll make it uh just in closing. Um so, we're in the process of like I mentioned getting the nonprofit I mean the the funds to build. Uh that's going to take quite a bit of money. But, you know, we know it's possible. Um we have a wonderful board who's who's, you know, helping making this happen. Um we are nonprofit number
039if anyone wants to donate I'm just kidding. >> [laughter] >> So, uh very very quick in ending. Um I just wanted to give a presentation as to where we're at right now. You know, thankfully we do got the nonprofit number. We're going forward. And I also wanted to ask the board wants to ask if um if the Sunnyside School Board District would be willing to donate the land to the Esperanza Center. If that's something that, you know, you guys would be interested in doing. If not, that's totally fine. But, um and we're grace grateful that you guys are allowing us to build on there. But, just some food for thought. If you guys wanted to do that, that would be awesome. And, you know, and if not, that's fine, too. But, just wanted to bring
040that to you guys' attention to see what you guys' thoughts are on that. And yeah, in a nutshell, that's just it. Thank you for this time. You know, I'm I'm I'm grateful for this. Sorry I went over. But, um just wanted to let everybody know where we're at and just grateful for this partnership. And a little food for thought just if you guys wanted to get the park off your hands. We're a nonprofit organization that where you feel free to donate to us. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to continue on with 3.1 report from Mr. Duran. Uh good evening again. Uh, just some reminders and a lot of these reminders are, um, events. Great events that are closing off our school year. Of course, promotions are coming up. I think starting They started already.
041But, promotions are coming up. Um, I know tomorrow there's one, Friday there's another one, and then next week is full of promotions. So, um, I would invite you to, you know, contact Mary if you would be able to attend to some of these. Um, I want to, again, this this this My report is about events and and more than anything is to really acknowledge that we don't stop. And it really is due to the amazing work of everyone who's sitting here. All this team does not stop, and it all it's always working towards making sure that our district and our community shines. And so, I invite you to please follow our Facebook pages for all the events that are happening that are showcasing just the amazing things that our students are doing, that our teachers
042are doing. Uh, and continue to push that. Share those posts for us as well if you can. Um, we do have coffee with the superintendent, um, this coming Thursday. Uh, at 10:00 a.m. at ELC. And, uh, we're really happy because we'll get a chance to be at the promotion earlier, and then we're going to jump into the coffee with the superintendent. During this coffee with the superintendent, uh, I have invited everyone who's involved in coordinating the summer program so that we're able to share more information about all the different, uh, summer programs that we will be implementing this coming summer. Um, we met a couple of weeks ago, those of us who are, um, coordinating the summer program. And and I'm going to put Mr. Velasco on the spot. He's like, "This is the first
043year that we've had all these programs happening at the same time." And we're like, "Yes." And that's that's really good because we're trying to capture all this the students that we were able to capture in our community. So, that's that's great That's something great that we're doing. And so, if you can make it to the coffee with the superintendent, you're invited. Um, and as you know, board members, we will be having our board retreat on Saturday, June 6th, starting at 9:00. I've already recruited a couple of principals, and I'm really grateful for you guys' support. And if you still feel that you're open, principals, that day, and you still want to join us, by all means, please do. All right? It'll be a great experience. With that said, I have That's it for me, and
044unless you have any questions. Questions? Thank you, Mr. Dunn. Let's move on with Ms. Say. All right. Good evening, everyone. I just wanted to report the Somerton's showcase that we had at Sun Valley on the 27th was really outstanding. I just want to give a shout-out to all the principals, everyone, all the directors who were there. You did an amazing job, and it wouldn't have happened without you. Mr. Muños and and the maintenance team and everyone got together to plan everything, and it it just turned out really nice. We learned some things that we'll do better next time, but it was outstanding. And thank you, board members who came that night, too, to to support and see what happened. Our folkloric dancers danced. They made the night fun. Got everyone else out there dancing, as
045well. Our band really performed, and we had a little splash in the community. We've heard a lot of good and positive things, and we've also had over 10 different registrations so far, so they're starting to slowly come in. And so, we're excited about that. And you know, the team we had gone out and walked the neighborhoods. We hit about 760 homes with our little flyers and postcards and things to let them know SVS is there, and Orange Grove and Somerton. So, great job. So, I just want to thank everybody, because it wouldn't have happened without you. So, good job. And you're going to see a lot more social media. Well, you probably already have seen. We've had a lot more videos, a lot more things. We're trying to get as good as uh Muños, the
046TikTok principal. And uh >> [laughter] >> We are learning. He's got it down. So, we're working on, you know, really highlighting all of those amazing things. I think that um so much hard work goes sometimes under the radar, and we're really trying to make sure we celebrate everyone because it's just un- undying, the hard work that is done in the um persistence and grit that we have in our district. So, that's all I have. If you have a question Questions, comments, concerns? Thank you. Thank you. We're going to move on to 4.1, board member reports. We're going to start with uh Sarina. Uh good evening. I had the pleasure of uh joining the showcase at SBS. There was a lot of parents, and having these events in in San Luis is very powerful because, like
047I said, some of my constituents do say that they there's a disconnect between the the district and the school. So, having those events really played a big a role. Um like I said, the folklorico was amazing. I was also able to secure some some donations for teacher appreciation for SBS, and thank uh Miss Neva Rydal for the donations to Bobby Soto and Palm Desert uh construction for the catering they did at SBS. So, thank you. That's great. Thank you. Sarina? Hello, everybody. Um I had the privilege of attending the Teacher of the Year banquet a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty inspiring to be surrounded by all those teachers and educators. Um you all deserve recognition, so that was a really nice night, and I was honored to be there as a board member.
048So, it was really neat. Um I finally got to go to one of the Somerton Thriving Achievers. I knew about it, and I would see pictures, but Miss Clark would always be like, "You need to come. You need to come." But I just couldn't ever. So, I made an an effort to go with this last one in May, and I loved it. Even though Mr. Muñoz made us speak, I was okay with that. So, it was nice to see like from the little little tiny ones to the the older lady who was so excited to get her award. I'm like, it was the cutest thing ever. Um you never stop learning, so um the stage, everything was decorated gorgeously. If you guys haven't seen pictures, you need to check it out. Um So, thank you,
049Mr. Muñoz. That was amazing to watch. And then last minute realization that I ended up helping at the Teacher of the Year breakfast at TDS last Friday 6:00 in the morning. It was fun. I got to rearrange furniture, put up balloons, and make eggs in a preschool. I've never done that before. That was fun. Um so, it was just neat to watch the teachers enjoy each other's company, and then watch all the little ones walk by and be like just waving at everybody. So, it was It was fun to be in the in the school setting. So, thank you, Ms. Felix and Ms. Solomon, for allowing me to go. Um And that's it for me. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. Um Madison School District sure keeps me busy. >> [laughter] >> Thank you so much,
050Ms. Clark. I have made a very conscious effort to be wherever I'm invited, and I love to see the pride that each site takes in decorating for Thriving Achievers, um for the presentations that everyone gives. I was able to attend the showcase for a little bit. Um our local Teacher of the Year, I saw the folkloric dancers. They looked amazing. My two little neighbors that they always run up to me, "Christiana, you want to buy a ticket?" And you know, I'm always in support of them for sure, and they looked oh so gorgeously darling. Um also attended the Yuma County Teacher of the Year. It's always great to see, you know, old faces. I've been in school, you know, environment for over 24 years, so you know, you meet a lot of people, you see
051a lot of faces, and it's always great to see those faces. Um Thriving Achievers, uh the last one. I think I only missed one or two this year, so I I'm going to try my best to make them all. Um I think I let Mary know I'm going to try my best to make all the sixth grade graduations, so bear with me. I I have you all in my calendar, okay? And it's a busy calendar. So I I will do my very best, but thank you for all your efforts. The top 20, that was a great event, super nicely decorated. I loved how the former principals of these eighth graders presented their own students. That little detail made such a big difference. Thank you all for being there, for continuing to support these kids, because
052man, they're going to the sky's the limit for them. So thank you all for such a wonderful school year. I did see all of the teacher of the year, um sorry, teacher appreciation things that you did. It's something that should happen all the time, but unfortunately it can't, but you know what? You guys did an amazing job celebrating your teachers, and and for that I'm very thankful from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you. Thank you so much. Thank you, and I can't I can't beat that, but [laughter] um I do have a few notes here. Um I do attended the teacher of the year um banquet. It's been quite a few years that I had been there, and um it was more of a personal note as well. My
053nephew um was selected um by his peers from Hillridge to be the the new teacher of the year, and and I know you don't know my nephew, but growing up he was a very shy uh child, never spoke, never um when he was growing up, and I have to tell you about it, because it's so important how an impact of a teacher makes, right? I'm going to motion. He as he grew up um he always had to have a buddy with him. And that buddy had to speak [clears throat] for him. And just to see him be nominated was amazing. And my sister cuz not here, she passed away 5 years ago. It was very emotional. But with that said, you know, our teachers here everybody should be a teacher of the year. And um
054and in my book you are teachers of the year and of the century, of the world. And And thank you. Thank you for all that you do. It's not easy. I know I was here. I I know what it is and and I dedicated 10 years of my life as a teacher and and was nominated twice and it's just a beautiful feeling to know that you have your colleagues that respect you and look up to you and and that you also look up and and use them as a guide. So, thank you. Thank you, principals. I saw all the um I wasn't able to attend your celebrations for your teachers, but dang, you know, that that's wonderful and I missed it. You know, I I texted my old principal and I'm like, "Hey, it's teacher
055of the teach it's teacher week. What are you going to get me?" And you know, we still have that great communication I have that great communication with her and and it's that love and that connection that that maintained as I left the the teaching profession to go into administration. But and I'm and I'm really hopeful and I know and I'm confident that you have also made that impact to your teachers. So, thank you for all that you do, principals, as well. Um I again didn't make the showcase, but I did hear really really good things. Um I was at a meeting here at the city and I was on Facebook trying to find it and see what you guys were doing and and um and I was talking to a couple of parents that were
056there and they loved it. It they thought it was a really great idea and it was and it is a great idea. So hopefully we continue to do it um, again. Um, let's see here. Coming this is our last meeting of the school year. Uh, I think it in my eyes it went by fast. I don't know about you if you think it went by fast, but I think it did. And I'm very confident that what we're going to see after we get all the reports back and and then the data, it's going to be amazing and it's because of you. Thank you for everything that you do. Um, I promotions so difficult for me uh, to attend the morning ones. I am going to make the best effort to make the evening ones and
057I know it's um, Orange Grove and TDS are the only ones that have it in the evening. So they're on my calendar and I will try my best. I know TDS conflicts with my other meeting, but I will be there and probably have to hide and leave out early, but um, we'll see how it goes. Um, and also SMS, this is going to be my first time in what? 13, 14 years that I'm going to miss it. Um, my nephew is graduating from high school in Tucson. And so we are his only family. So we are all leaving to Tucson. My my mom, we're going to put her in a wheelchair and in the car and we're going to drive off to Tucson and um, be present at my nephew's graduate high school graduation and
058he's going to the U of A. And um, so we're very proud of him. Thank you with that. Um, again, I wish you a happy, safe summer and if you want to come during our meetings in June and July, you're more than welcome. You know when they're held. Uh, with that said, um, let's continue on with our consent agenda. Any comments, questions, concerns on the consent agenda? Since there are no comments, questions, or concerns, do I have a a motion? So moved. So Uh Miss Yeah. I'll just give Mary go ahead. We we would like for you to recuse yourself. >> Yeah. You you want me to recuse myself? >> I got you. Thank you. So can you state that on the record, please? Cuz you said you and so there's four of us. >>
059The The recommendation is for Miss Ederle to recuse herself from an item uh on the consent agenda. Okay, great. So um with that noted on the um record, we still have a quorum cuz there's three of us and so Miss Mrs. Anaya made a motion to approve the consent agenda as stated. Second. And was second by Miss Clark. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. And let's move on. Let's go to the action items in 6.1. Approval of revised fiscal year 25-26 budget. At large. Hi, good evening. So this is the the first and final revision of the FY26 budget. Okay, so if we look at the numbers that we adopted back in June, um those are your M&O and your district additional assistance, which is our capital. And
060our revision that we are going to be submitting is um on the right side. The next uh slide, please. So the difference in the adopted and the revised, first of all, there was a 2% inflation increase that was approved by the um the state. >> Is this the right one? I think you missed one Tony. Yes, that one right there. Thank you. So there was a 2% increase to MNO that was approved by the state legislature. So the new base support level for this year was $5,113.26 per ADM. There was no increase to capital but we did get one-time funding of $69,773. The amount for capital remains at $549.45 per previous year ADM. Any questions so far? So again, these are the numbers. These are our adopted ADM numbers. Those are the revised ADM numbers.
061And some of the things that also went into those revised numbers was the FY25 carry forward. Um that increased again, we're only when we adopt in June, we don't have the final numbers because we still have the whole encumbrance period. We still have June, we still have July and August to pay things and post any revenue that we have coming in and so that brings us with our carry forward. So we carried 1,693 and that is roughly 7.2% of our FY25 budget. And so we're still we like to keep it The recommendation is 4% but we do like to keep it a little higher than that. Any questions? Okay, so for the district additional assistance, the difference was just the one-time funding and then the also the budget carry forward and then our interest. We
062do earn interest for um capital funding and so that all goes into our um into our budget. We get the budget capacity for that. And so that brought us up to the 3 million. And then just to review our taxes, our primary assessed value from FY25 to FY26, and then our primary tax rate from FY25 to FY26. Any questions? And then this is what our primary tax um breakdown comes [snorts] to. So the equalization is the 1.56, and then we have our TRCL and our adjacent ways, and that gave us the 1.7142 for our total tax rate for FY26. And that's it. Any questions? Any questions? No. I need a motion to approve the revised fiscal year 25-26 budget. So moved. Motion was made by Mrs. Clark. Second. Seconded by Mrs. Anaya. All those in
063favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. 6.2 consider, discuss, or amend if desired um to adopt a resolution ordering a call for special bond election to be held in and for the district and authorizing the superintendent to comply with certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Included in tonight's agenda is the proposed bond resolution that was presented and reviewed in detail with the board during our March 23rd uh work study session. The proposed bond would support district needs related to new construction, technology upgrades, maintenance projects, uh transportation and school safety improvements. Since uh the time board members have had the opportunity to review the supporting documents and information provided, our bond attorney is also present uh via telephone uh this evening to address any questions or provide clarification
064as needed. We do have Ken from Stifel Public Finance uh available. Uh at this time I'm requesting board consideration and possible approval of the $20 million bond resolution. Does anybody have any questions? Mr. Lorona, I have a question. So, have you or are you um required to form a committee? Yes. Do you have a committee? Not yet. So, we needed to have this meeting and if uh the bond is a consideration, then we move forward in in creating that pack. Okay. And how many members do you need in the committee? It's not specified. They do need to have a a board per se uh that runs it because I do have to step away from um from the process. Um the last time we had it a couple of years ago, it was a it
065was about 10 individuals who were supporting. Okay, great. And it's very important that we understand that the $20 million is very little, but it is a start and our community is growing. Our our district is growing, not just our community cuz we we embrace two communities, but the district is growing and and we need to provide this for our students and and the families. And so, I think this is a good thing to do, in my opinion. But I do need the board's um recommendation or um vote, nomination. Motion. Make a motion to adopt the resolution regard resolution ordering and calling the special bond election. Motion was made by Miss Clark. Second. Second by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Nay. Anybody opposes? One nay. May we okay? Yes.
066Thank you. Motion carries. Uh 6.3 approval to offer notice of appointment for fiscal year 26-27. >> Miss you if you if you may No, um can we have Ken? Thank you so much. Are you you can disconnect. >> Thank you. Thank [laughter] you. Thank you. So much for your time. Have a great evening. >> Of course. It's a pleasure listening in. Thank you. Look forward to working with you guys in the future. Thank you. Have a nice night. Same to you. 6.3 approval to offer notice of appointment for fiscal year 26-27. The recommendation is we approve the notice of appointment as presented. Okay. Um no problem. Great. And these are the people that we definitely need. Need a motion, please. It's a motion. Motion was made by Mrs. Anaya. Second. Second by Miss Clark. All
067those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. Uh 6.4 approval to offer contracts to certified staff for fiscal year 25-26. Um there was a typo there. Sorry. The the recommendation is to approve uh to offer contracts to certified staff for the fiscal year 26-27. >> 26-27, Miss Clark. Thank you for the clarification. I need a motion for um to offer contracts to certified staff. So moved. A motion was made by Ms. Clark. Second. Second by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. We also need them to 6.5 discussion, consideration, and possible action to approve or deny the release of a teacher of a contract for fiscal year 2026-2027 effective May 22nd, 2026. The recommended action is to approve the release of the teacher
068from contract FY26-27. Resignation will be effective on May 22nd. Uh you will find additional documentation in executive content. Thank you. Need a motion, please. Motion to approve the release of the teacher from contract fiscal year 26-27. Resignation effective 5/22/2026. Thank you. A motion was made by Ms. Clark. Second. Second by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. Uh 6.6 discussion and possible action to wave or fine 1% to teacher for release uh fiscal year 26-27 contract and this is related to the 6.5. The recommended action is to fine uh the 1% of the teacher's FY26-27 contract which adheres to policy. Thank you. Need a motion. Motion to fine the 1% of the teacher's FY26-27 contract. A motion was made by Ms. Clark to fine 1%. Second. Second
069by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. Uh 6.7 discussion and possible action to approve or deny the release of teacher from Excuse me, what? No. Uh fiscal year 25-26 effective May 8th. The recommended action is to approve um, the release of the teacher from uh, the contract. Resignation will be effective uh, May 8th, 2026. It was already passed. So, I need a motion. So moved. Motion was made by Mrs. Clark. Second. Second by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Anybody opposes? Motion carries. 6.8 discussion and possible action to wave or find 1% of teacher release uh, contract for fiscal year 25-26 which is related to the 6.7 item. >> The recommendation is to find the 1% of the teacher FY
07026-27 contract. Thank you. Make a motion to find the 1% of the teachers FY 26-27 contract. Motion was Yes. Motion was made by Miss Clark. Second. Second by Mrs. Anaya. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Anybody oppose? Motion carries. 6.9 discussion and possible action to approve the governing board members 2026 political agenda to submit the top five priorities to the Arizona School Board legislation committee for consideration which is due Friday. Oh my gosh, Mary. And I wrote them down and it's on top of my desk. They're due on Friday, so. They're due on Friday. Can I Yeah. Well, we can discuss them now if you like. Go ahead. Um, I chose uh, the to fully fund the full day kindergarten under the first uh, tab the adaptive first tab. Mhm. And then
071I also chose to fully fund preschool programs. I mean, I don't know if anybody else wants to say under the same category. I also under the next category chose to maintain exclusive local authority over any measure that would propose to consolidate, unify, or restructure school districts. And then, under the improved opportunities and outcomes for all students, I chose to support legislation and access to funding that would allow school districts to offer school meals to all students free of charge. Those are my four. I didn't choose a fifth. That's fine. >> [cough] >> Did anybody else have any others that they would like to um I like Christina's, the first three. But then, well, actually all four. I shouldn't have said it that way. All four, but then on the first little area, Yeah. uh student
072support staff dedicated to enhancing safe and effective learning environments. Yes. Is that all you have? Do you have any? I'll give you mine on Friday. Yeah, I have mine, too. And And can I email them to you tomorrow? Yes, please. Okay. Yeah, I had them all nicely highlighted. Nice and ready. Okay, let's move on. Um So, we don't have to take an action on this cuz we're going to submit those to you, right, Mary? Yes, correct. Uh seven. Any recommendations for the board for future agenda items? Please email it to our board president, Mr. Juan Castillo, and also to Mr. Rudon and Mrs. Say. I have an announcement before we adjourn the meeting. Uh go ahead. Okay, I'm going to read something. I usually say it off my heart, but I didn't want to miss
073any of these points, so I'm going to read this. It's an announcement, so pay close attention. Serving on this board was never about sitting quietly, occupying a seat, or agreeing with every every everything placed in front of us just to keep people comfortable. For too many years, this is exactly what happened. Decisions were made, voices stayed silent, and this district remained in survival mode instead of growth mode. I did not come here to be silent. I came here to advocate for teachers, students, staff, and this community, even when it was uncomfortable. Real Real leadership is not measured by how quiet you stayed. It's measured by the courage to ask hard questions, challenge complacency, and demand better for our schools. When Mr. Duran came into the district, we began to see movement and vision. Before his
074leadership, this district did not even have a grant writer. Today, we are take we are talking about growth opportunities and pushing the district to the next level. That didn't happen by accident. I also want to recognize Ms. Algadillo for standing firm and advocating for teachers when it was when it mattered. Standing your ground in leadership is not always easy, but it matters. As for me, I leave this position knowing I gave this district everything I had. I advocated for teachers not only when it came to salaries or recognition, but also when it came to the realities happening inside our schools every single day. I raised concerns about programs and initiatives that were creative creating overwhelming workloads, not just for teachers, but also supervisors and principals, who were already stretched thin. I believe then, and I
075still believe now, that supporting education means listening to the people doing the work first hand and having the courage to speak up when something is not sustainable. I fought for resources and opportunities for our students. I helped bring donations and support into this district. I pushed for projects that directly impacted our schools, including helping move forward the stage project at Sun Valley Elementary, a commitment I made to the PTO and school community because our students deserve spaces that make them feel seen, celebrated, and valued. Um this is not my farewell tonight. My final day as a board member will be the last day of the school year, but I leave knowing that one thing with certainty. I never sat on this board just to occupy space. I came to make an impact. And let me
076be clear about something. My decision to step down does not mean I stop believing in this district or stop advocating for Somerton and South County. I will always stand proud of the work we accomplished together and the students and families we serve. But my heart is also leading me towards another important project for my community. Conversations surrounding future redistricting and ensuring that San Luis families and students have proper representation and connections to their schools are deeply important to me. I believe those conversations will shape the future of our community for generations. When communities come together, listen to one another, and prioritize students and educators, real progress happens. But when concerns continue to go unheard, when collaboration becomes difficult, and when communities feel disconnected from decisions affecting their own student schools, then people begin looking for
077other solutions. That is why I will be dedicating myself to supporting the conversations surrounding redistricting and bringing San Luis schools back to the community they serve. Because I intend to be actively actively involved in the work, remaining on this board will create a conflict of interest. I believe transparency matters, integrity matters, and serving ethically matters. I would rather step down honestly than remain in a position where my advocacy for my community could create division or question about my role. I live in San Luis. I know these families. I know these students. I know the pride our community has for its schools. And I know the responsibility that comes with speaking up for them. I walk away proud not because I I was agreeable, but because I was willing to speak, willing to push, and willing
078to fight for progress when it would be would have been easier to stay quiet. Whether people agreed with me or not, my voice was always rooted in what I believed was best for students, educators, and the community. Thank you for all your support. Somerton School District, I stepped out. This is my last board meeting. Thank you. That was my That was my Thank you, Ms. Adelina. Surprised to To me, and um so I have no words at this moment, but uh we will be in contact. Um if there's nothing else, uh our next regular board meeting on Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30. Wait Okay. Yeah. No. That's correct, but there is another proposed date because next month we have the proposed um budget for FY '27, and then we'll need 10 days after that to
079adopt. So, if you guys are okay with June 23rd, that's the 10 days later. If not, then we can consider July 7th. I think that's what we had agreed on, June 23rd, right? Perfect. Okay. >> Please note, June 23rd. Uh with that said, it is 6:42. Meeting's adjourned.