001Welcome to the December 11th, 2025 organizational board meeting of the Banning Unified School District Board of Trustees. The time is 5:30. Please be advised that a recording or broadcast of this meeting is being made at the direction of the board. Clerk Angiano, please take role. >> Trusty Nales, >> present. >> Trusty Troutman, present. Clerk Angiano, present. President Ruiz, >> present. >> And Trustee Martinez Lara is absent. Please let the record reflect that we have a quorum. >> Item 1.2, election of president. This item is for the board to nominate and elect a board president for the 2026 calendar year. >> At this time, will we begin the nomination and voting process for the office of president of the board of trustees? Mr. Davis, will you please share how this process will work? >> So, good
002evening members of the board, our community. So, I just want to go over the protocol for our organizational meeting. So tonight from the dis uh if there is a nomination for board president that's what we're going to start with uh that nomination has to be seconded by another board member. If a nomination is made and there is no second then that nomination dies and it starts over. If there is a first and a second then the board votes and by majority order then that person will become the next board president next clerk and so on. Uh so it has to again be first nomination second and then voted on. If it's voted on and it's not a majority then it starts over and so that's the way the process will go. Good. Okay. Thank you.
003>> Would anyone like to make a nomination? Please state the name of the nominee. >> I would like to nominate you Ruiz. >> Okay. What do I do? Do I have to accept the nomination? No. >> Myra Angiano. >> So, let's go back to uh nomination was made by uh Miss Nales. Is there a second for that nomination? >> Can I make a comment? I absolutely would, but I know how stressful it can be to have that feet and I know sometimes a break is nice in between. So that's my reasoning. I am going to hold off and absolutely no uh bad thoughts on how she did or is doing. She she's done wonderful. Just want to make that clear. and board president Ruiz, you can um let's say reject or say no, I am
004not interested. No, I don't want it. You can say that if you'd like to, but at this point, is there a second? >> I don't care. >> A second. >> Okay. So then since there is a first and a second, then the board would vote. So then I read this. >> Yes. >> I have a first from Trustee Nales and a second from Trusty Yango to nominate Shelley Ruiz for the position of board president. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed say nay. Any abstensions? Motion passes. I guess congratulations to myself. >> Well, you didn't reject it, so >> Okay. Um, thank you ladies for your confidence. Um, >> I think I have to go down. Okay. 1.3 Election of Board Clerk. >> This item is for the board to
005nominate and elect a board clerk for the 2026 calendar year. At this time, we will begin the nomination and voting process for the office of clerk of the board of trustees. Would anyone like to make a nomination? >> I nominate Laura. Is there a second? All second. I feel like everyone's like super quiet. I have a first from Trusty Angiano and a second from myself to nominate Laura Troutman for the position of board clerk. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. Abstensions. The motion passes. Congratulations to Laura Troutman. Um, is this one right? Item 1.4, election of voting representative at the annual county committee meeting on school district organization elections. This item is for the board to nominate and elect a voting representative to attend the 2026 annual county
006committee on school district organization elections. At this time, we will begin the nomination process to elect the representative to the annual meeting. Would anyone like to make a nomination? Please state the name of the nominee. >> I nominate Myra. >> I second. We both second. We'll tie. I have a first from trustee Troutman and a second from Trustee Novales to nominate Myra Angiano for the position of board representative. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Abstensions. Motion passes. Congratulations Myra for the 2026 board of trustees representative. >> And then it's for seen on CSP as well. I have no idea what is she about. >> There's an annual meeting and notification will be provided to you. Yes, ma'am. >> Sorry, there are a lot of pages. I'm
007trying to um Okay. Item 1.6, adjourn organizational meeting. Do I have a motion to adjourn the organizational meeting? >> Hold on, Shelley. Sorry to interrupt. Go back to 1.5. >> What page calendar? >> Oh, page page six. Oh, just a just a little slight detail. >> Sorry, so many pages. Okay. Item 1.5, board of trustees 2026 regular board meeting schedule. This item is for the board to adopt the proposed board of trustees regular board meeting schedule for the 2026 calendar year. >> Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 1.5? >> I move. >> I'll second. Is there any discussion or questions? I have a motion from Trusty Troutman and a second from Trusty Nollas to approve item 1.5. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say
008nay. >> Abstensions. Motion passes 40. Now item 1.6. Motion to adjurnn. Do I have a motion to adjourn the organizational meeting? All motion. >> I second. I have a motion from myself and a second from Trusty Traman to adjourn this meeting. All those in favor say I. I. All those oppose say nay. Abstensions. Motion passes 40. The organizational meeting is adjourned at 8 sorry 5:38 p.m. Wishful thinking. Thank you for your patience. The December meeting is always a little weird to navigate. All right. Item 2.1, call to order. Welcome to the December 11th, 2025 regular board meeting of the Banning Unified School District Board of Trustees. The time is 5:39. Please be advised that a recording or broadcast of this meeting is being made at the direction of the board. Clerk Troutman, please take role.
009>> Trusty Angiano, >> present. >> Trusty Martinez Laura is absent. >> Trusty Nollis, >> present. >> President Ruiz, >> present. >> And I, Laura Troutman, am present. Please let the record reflect we have a quorum. >> Item 2.2, pledge of allegiance. We now invite our cadet core to present the colors ahead of the pledge of allegiance. Right. Face forward. March. Left, left, left, right, left, left, left, left, right, left, left, left, left, right, left. Mark time. March. Color guard. Alt left. Face. Freeze. and go. >> Please place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Order. Colors. Right. Face forward march left.
010Oh, he's missed. Item 2.3, adopt agenda. Are there any changes to the agenda? >> There are no changes to the agenda. >> Are there any board requests to change the agenda? Do I have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda as posted? >> I'll move. >> I second. I have a motion from Trusty Nollis and a second from clerk and Troutman. Sorry. All those in favor say I. I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. The agenda is adopted with a 300 vote. Item 2.4 student presentations. I would like to invite Dr. Cosy Bush to the podium to introduce this evening's student presentations. Good evening, President Ruiz, Clerk Troutman, distinguished members of the board, executive cabinet, and the greater Banning community. This evening, we have some amazing students who've come prepared to share
011some marvelous happenings at their respective sites. We're first going to begin with Harlem Briggs, who is a fifth grade student at Heimmerling Elementary. Good evening, board president Ruiz, members of the board, Superintendent Davis, and members of our community. My name is Harlem Briggs and I am proud to represent Himmering Elementary School school, home of the marvelous Mustangs. Our students have been very busy with many fun and exciting activities this year. We recently took part in our 54th annual turkey trot. It was a great event that helps promote health and school spirit and it was even featured in the record gazette which made us feel like celebrities. Thanks to gorgeous donations from the Morango Band of Mission Indians and Grandma's Kitchen Country, the winners in each grade level received prizes. First place won a turkey, second
012place won a pie, and third place received Hershey chocolate bars. On December 6th, our school also joined the city of Banning for the annual Christmas parade. Bright lights and festival of joy. It was a special night filled with bright lights, music, family, and fun that invited everybody to enjoy. On December 9th, our students also participated in our school spelling bee. Our winners are now studying hard to represent in the district spelling be. Right now, students are also participating for our holiday program, which will take place over three days, December 15th, 16th, and 17th. We would love for you to come join us if you are able. In the classroom, students have finished their midyear I Ready testing, and many are excited for the I Ready celebration for students who made 50% growth in English language
013arts or math. This celebration will include music, treats, and lots of Mustang Pride as we celebrate our hard work. Students are also working on their history day and science fair projects over winter break so they will be ready for the district competition. Thank you for letting us share the wonderful things happening at Hemling Elementary. For all our students and staff, happy holidays and have a marvelous Mustang evening. All right. Representing Nichollet Middle School is our ASB president, Duritzi Morales. Good evening, Board President Ree, distinguished members of the board, Superintendent Davis, and members of the Benning community. My name is Uditi Morales, and I am proud to serve as Nicollet Middle School's ASB president. Here are some highlights from this past month on our campus. We kick things off with our spirit day, twin day, on
014November 19th. We took lots of pictures with lots of students matching with their friends such as wearing red, navy, and gray. We were surprised with some native dancers as well. They gave us a wonderful show sharing their traditions. Unfortunately, our food day was cancelled, but it is rescheduled for December. In athletics, cross country wrapped up their season, volleyball also wrapped up their season, and cheer still going. Girls basketball triyouts will be starting soon. And our flag football boys have won their playoff games and are now going to the championships. We would love for you to stop by for a photo op and show off your dance moves at our dance tomorrow. Join us from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there. Also, join us at our winter fest from 5:30 to 7:30
015on December 17th. Looking ahead, get ready for food day or winter dance, winter fest, and our spirit week where we have a wicked countdown for the holidays. Thank you for your support. Let's make it another great month at Nichollet. All right, and moving on, representing Kum's alternative, Jasmine Verdusco. Hello from Kum's December 11th, 2025 board presentation. Good evening board president Ruiz, distinguished members of the board, Superintendent Davis. Um, I am Jasmine Verdusco from New Horizons High School, a proud member of the class of 2025. I am honored to be this year's kum student speaker sharing our district message and some of our highlights. Congratulations are in order for the December student of the month for BIS. Raquel Kamacho. Her grades and contributions to BIS truly remind us we are banning. PBIS Horizon's Pride theme days
016continue. The first was persist persistence day. Tomorrow is respect day. Leadership students share lessons they create such as working till you get the task done and treating others how you want to be treated. So far pride dress up days where favorite westerns wear and tomorrow's dress to impress. This month kums traveled to the living living desert zoo and gardens in Palm Desert. Students were able to experience firsthand the science of desert cons conservations through preservation, education, and appreciation. Thank you Dr. Lee, Mr. Sanchez, and Miss Hilda for making this possible. Shout out to UC Mast's gardeners, Miss Delene Van Falsine, and Miss Jane Joanne Roberts. With their help, Mr. Whitikin and Miss Riddle's gardening classes have dug new garden beds, built block walls, designed drip systems, and planted sustainable fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Guest lectures
017topics include the hanging gardens of Baby Lon and raising chickens and harvesting fresh organic eggs. Class favorites hands-on lessons were making organic organic lavender lemonade with homegrown mint and baking homemade bread. Dr. Lee said these projects continue to reinforce the idea. Give a man Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Watch for a garden expansion and more surprises thanks to the generous grant provided by the Blues Zone. A communitywide initiative to help communities and their residents live longer lives by making healthy choices. The Kums family participated in a banning help inc food pantry Thanksgiving canned food drive. Vice President Micah England told Kums, "Your contri your contribution of 189 pounds of canned food helped make a meaningful difference
018in the lives of the families we serve." Please know that your students kindness nourished far more than meals. It nourished hope. Thank you for allowing me to share Kum's alternative report with you. And rounding out our presentations this evening representing Banning High School is Mariah Gator, our commissioner of spirit. Good evening, board president Ruiz, distinguished members of the board, superintendent Davis, and members of the banning community. My name is Mariah Gator, ASB Commissioner Spirit, and I am pleased to share a brief update of our school life and activities at our school. As we enter December, this month traditionally holds a lighter activity schedule. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that allows students to focus on academics as they prepare for upcoming finals. Teachers across campus have been offering additional tutoring and intervention time
019to ensure students that they have the support they need to finish the semester strong. Their commitment has been greatly appreciated by the student body. Last month we hosted our second food fest which was a tremendous success. This event provided a excellent opportunity for clubs and student organizations to raise funds, showcase their cultures and interest, and engage with the school community. We are grateful to everyone, students, staff, and families to who contributed to making it such a positive and memorable event. Our second blood drive of the year was on December 10th, 2025. Students were eager to participate and support in this meaningful cause, demon demonstrating once again the spirit of service that defines our campus. With winter break approaching, students are excited for the chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. In
020the meantime, ASB is dedicated to spreading holiday cheer throughout campus through small activities, decorations, and positive messaging to keep moral high during this busy academic period. Thank you for your continuous supports of our students and school community. We look forward to a successful end of our semester and an even stronger start in the new year. Thank you. That concludes our student reports for the evening. Thank you. Item 2.5, student board member comments. I would like to invite our student board member to share her comments. Do you want to do it from there? Let me do I know it's making me really nervous. Good evening, board president Ruiz, distinguished members of the board, and superintendent Davis, and of course, members of the banning community. My name is Mary Ade Ferto and I'm a proud member of
021the associate student body and the senior class and so much more here at Banning High School. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to stand before you today and to represent not only my senior class but the student body as a whole. In honor of the semester coming to an end, I would like to identify some improvements that have been made this semester. Students are excited that the senior cafe is still in development. We truly appreciate the board and the principal for their support for this initiative and for keeping it forward as it benefits students. We hope it provides meaningful opportunities for the seniors who come after us. Initiatives like this show that the board is invested in enhancing the student experience and fostering community. Students are also grateful that discussions about expanding electives remain
022active. Many students are eager for a wider variety of electives which allows them to explore new subjects, discover passions, and stay engaged in school. While we understand scheduling and staffing challengings, continue to pri continuing to prioritize electives will ensure a well-rounded educational experience. I also want to highlight the AP readiness program which was introduced to Bannon High School students this school year. I attended the most UC the most recent UCR session for AP biology and it was extremely helpful. Programs like this show us that a difference in structure can help students tackling challenging courses. Although there is still much improvement to be made, all of these initiatives, the senior cafe expanding electives, and the UCR AP readiness program shows that the board is actively listening to the students and are prioritizing their health, their education,
023and their overall well-being. Keeping students at center of planning ensures these program truly meet their needs and have the greatest impact. In closing, thank you for your time and continued commitment to students. By building awareness and accessibility into programs like this, we can create a school environment that where every student feels safe, heard, and protected. And of course, merry Christmas and happy holidays. Thank you. Item 2.6, opportunity for community comments, close session items. Did we receive any community comments for close session? >> No comments for closed session items. You have one I gave you and I have a second one, but not close session related. >> Okay. So, as a board, we did discuss um we had not been following the rules. So, we will be following the rules starting now. Any close session comments
024will be made before we go to close session. Any open session comments will be made after we return. Item three, close session. The board will now go into close session. The time is 556. We are back from close session. The time is 7:25. Clerk Troutman, please take role. >> Trusty Angiano present. Trusty Martinez Lara is not present. Trusty Nollis >> present. >> President Ruiz >> present. >> And I, Laura Troutman, am present. Please let the record reflect we have a quorum. >> Item 4.1, report from close session. Uh, clerk Troutman, please share. Item 3.1. In close session, the board received information and was updated. In close session, the board of trustees approved the expulsion of middle school student case number 2025-26-2. The student apologize. Um, it was first Was we this one? Oh, this one.
025Apologies. One second, please. Okay, sorry about that. Item 3.2 in closed session, the board received information and was updated. Item 3.3 in close session, the board received information and was updated. Item 3.4 Four. In close session, the board received information and was updated. >> Item 4.2, opportunity for community comments. We have received two community comments. At this time, I would like to call forward Renee Torres. He's not here. Individuals who wish to address the board on matters which affect the district and its programs are requested to complete a request to address board of trustees card and submitted to the administrative assistant. Speakers are asked to limit comments to 3 minutes. While the board welcomes input from the community, they will not respond or take action during public comments. The board may decide to refer matters
026to the district staff or take under adisement for a future meeting. All speakers are reminded to be respectful and courteous. Okay, excuse me. Um, Tanisha Mareno. Good evening, Banning School Board and community. My name is Tanisha Moreno and I'm here as a committed parent, community member, and advocate for the young men in our Banning High School football program. I respectfully urge the board to approve adding a wait room period to the sixth period team schedule for banning high school football. This is our son's first year as a varsity athlete after transferring from Bulmont High School. We've seen firsthand how much structure, discipline, and motivation this program has already given him. And I also have the privilege of serving as a youth leader at Thrive Church and here in Banning. I've witnessed the positive impact this
027program has made for other athletes in our youth in our youth group as well. Football is far more than a sport. It's an outlet, a safe space, and a lifeline for many of these young men. In a community where distractions and negative influences are readily available, football provides a positive, productive alternative. It keeps them engaged, teaches accountability, and surrounds them with mentors who genuinely care about their futures. Under the leadership of Coach Niss, the program has transformed into a model of excellence. The team has earned back-to-back league championships in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. A testament not only to talent, but to the discipline and commitment that these athletes demonstrate every day. This momentum did not happen by accident. It comes from intentional training, structure, and preparation. All of which require consistent access to the
028weight room. Strength and conditioning are not optional pieces of a football program. They are essential to player safety, injury prevention, and competitive success. Yet despite the proven value, the administration has indicated that weight training is not important enough to be included as a sixth period team class based on the lack of action and implementation of it for being requested as the last three years. Respectfully, I disagree and more importantly, the results disagree. Championship programs are built by prioritizing the right things. Student safety, athletic development, academic structure, and consistent training. Adding the weight room period is not a luxury. It's a necessity and an investment in student safety through proper strength and conditioning. Athletic excellence and continued competitive success, character development and discipline, academic accountability as in season athletes benefit from built-in structure. In our community,
029which needs positive outlets now more than ever, these young men deserve every opportunity to grow, succeed, and stay on the right path. Football keeps them busy, focused, and surrounded by strong role models. By approving the wait room period, the board sends a clear message that banning unified value, student growth, student safety, and the continued success of a program that has made our city proud. I respectfully ask you to support this request on behalf of not only my son, but every student athlete who relies on this program to shape help shape their future. Thank you for your time, for your leadership, and your commitment to our students. Item 4.3, BTA comments. I would like to welcome BTA President Anthony Garcia. >> Yes. Anthony, if you could hear us, you're on mute. >> All right, I got
030it now. >> Good evening, everyone. Unfortunately, this week we lost one of B USD's best. Mr. Mr. Van was an inspiration to so many in this community. For me, Mr. Van was largely responsible for the AP program at Manning that allowed me to pass six AP tests and enter in college with over 24 units. Mr. Van taught me how to write, a skill that has been vital to my college success and still serves me in my job capacity each and every day. Mr. Van gave me a passion for history and is the reason why I am a history teacher today. Above all, Mr. Van taught me not to accept things that should not be and to advocate to make them right. My condolences go out to his family and I hope they know just what
031he has meant to me and so many others. Thank you. >> Thank you. Item 4.4 CSA comments. I would like to welcome CSEA President Jennifer Serrano. Good evening. Um, Jennifer Serrano, president of CSEA Chapter 147. Um, it is my honor to introduce the newest board of this chapter. And I'm going to start with the president, which is Mario Kadina Rico. First Vice President Beverly Kinonis. Second Vice President Belinda Frasier. Secretary Sherry Dawson. Treasurer Selena Fontes, Chief Union Stewart Rufus Connor Casades, and uh Chapter Relation Public Relations Officer Travis Warren. give a a round of applause for the new board. And as always, you know, I always like to remind everybody what it means to be a leader. And um I think you have a great group here. Don't fret, I'm not gone. I become the
032immediate past president. I still have a seat on the board. So I will still be uh with this board as along their journey. Um, I love my poem about leaders and I'm going to read it again. Um, and this time it not only holds um meaning for the board of trustees, but it's also going to the new board. And please listen to the words and feel these words. Leaders have to do the hard things. They have to make the call you're afraid to make. You have to get up earlier than you want to get up. You have to give more than you get in return right away. You have to care more about others than they care about you. You have to fight when you're already injured, bloody, and sore. You have to feel unsure
033and insecure when playing it safe seems smarter. You have to lead when no one else is following you yet. You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is. You have to look like a fool while you're looking for answers you don't have. You have to grind out the details when it's easier to shrug them off. You have to deliver results when making excuses is an option. You have to search for your own explanations even when you're told to accept the facts. You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot. You have to try and fail and try again. You have to run faster even though you're out of breath. You have to be kind to people who have been cruel to you. You have to meet deadlines that are unreasonable and
034deliver results that are unparalleled. You have to be accountable for your actions even when things go wrong. You have to keep moving towards where you want to be no matter what's in front of you. You have to do the hard things. The things that no one else is doing. The things that scare you. The things that make you wonder how much longer you can hold on. Those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between living a life of mediocrity or outrageous success. The hard things are the easiest things to avoid, to excuse away, to pretend like they don't apply to you. The simple truth about how ordinary people accomplish out outrageous feats of success is that they do the hard things that smarter, wealthier, more qualified people don't
035have the courage or desperation to do. Do the hard things. I think you'll be surprised how amazing you really are. And I will leave you with one final quote. May you be pr proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference that you make. Thank you. Item 5.1, superintendent's comments. Good evening, board president, members of the board, our community. Um, it's going to be kind of a hot mess a little bit, but that's kind of me sometimes. be all over the place. I want to start by just talking about our student speakers. Um, I love it when I I see our students in the flesh and they're talking, but I I want to specifically focus on on Harlem. That is an awesome name. Harlem from Heimmerly. He didn't skip a beat.
036Not one. He was just focusing on it. And I was waiting for like some nervousness or anything. He's just on it. So, uh, Mr. Baker. Um, Yena Civon, please let him know. He's done a great job and his parents, awesome job. And and and that's really an indicator when when you see our students speak, when you hear them, that's an indicator where we're going as a district. Um, they're they do an outstanding job. Next, I want to talk about This is why I'm a hot mess. I'm all over the place a little bit. Um, want to congratulate our our student our student our board member Shelley Ruiz, our clerk, Miss Troutman, and Miss Aiano, our board representative. Congratulations to you on your new roles or same role uh this coming year, which means that you
037have to continue to spend time with me. I know, which is a joy. Uh, next, Jennifer Serrano. So, thank you for sending me that information. I remember the first time you read that. I was just blown away, but now I have it. So, thank you. I want to thank you. It's been 5 and a half years since I met you and uh we've been through a lot together. Uh but you've always been upfront. You've always been fair with me. You've always been kind and I appreciate your leadership. Sometimes people have no idea what they're getting themselves into. You have to deal with things that no one else knows, no one else has to deal with. and you have to kind of work through these challenges even though you may have a differing opinion, but your
038responsibility is still there to protect the members. So, uh, the relationship that we built is real. It's not fake. I know you're not going anywhere and, uh, I don't plan on going anywhere either. Uh, so I just want to thank you for the time and the commitment that you've given to our district and our students. Next, I just want to briefly talk about CSBA, the California School Boards Association annual uh education conference uh that took place uh last week. I don't even know where I'm at in space, but uh had an opportunity to spend time with a few of our board members and that's really critical time. As principles, you go with your team sometimes. Those are critical times where you spend talking about some deep kind of things. uh we're in a trajectory in
039banning of upward motion and that's because of the work and the time and the conversation that we have. So I want to thank our board members for uh spending that time having those real honest conversations. Uh and they aren't always just as easy. Sometimes they're challenging. Uh >> oh. Oh, I'm being told they're sometimes they're difficult. Um because sometimes we always don't see eye to eye. But it's important to speak your truth and share where you're at. That is really important. And then to listen to that. So I want to thank you for your time. It was time well spent and I think we will benefit continue to benefit uh gain from those kind of conversations. Next, where am I at? Um cross country Thomas Carr. So Angel posted this article. Uh he had I'm
040going to tell you 15 minutes and 47 seconds. He ran 3.1 miles. I can't even get to the car in 15 minutes. And so there's a picture that was posted and it just he he's holding up this trophy and it just looks elated. So our students were progressing our sports programs. They're doing outstanding jobs and I'm just really proud of the work and proud of our students. the student board member Maria Da uh came and talked about some things that she's mentioned in the past and is my understanding she's working really closely with Mr. Paw the principal and the staff to work on these things step by step and I want to be clear about this nothing is perfect and nothing ever will be perfect. So stop thinking it's going to be perfect. Think about
041the growth. Look back in what happened last time and where we are now. That's how you build momentum. You don't build momentum by complaining and saying nothing is happening. You build momentum by looking at what happened in the past and where we're going. And we're strong collectively. So we have to build each other up, not tear each other down. And so that is evidenced by the work of our students and our staff. Band. I keep hearing I keep getting these emails about band these awards. Uh where was I at? Oh, at the parade that I'm going to talk about in a second. I don't see the family here, but we were uh on the bus on the on the school bus right in the parade. So, I got off the bus cuz I saw the
042band coming and I kind of followed them and just to hear those drums and feel that emotion was very prideful. Um and then I see the staff and parents helping it. It takes a whole community. So, I want to thank our staff and our families for what they do. But that parade, I had not experienced the night parade. I've been in some day parades. I hadn't seen that many people on the streets and banning ever. Ever. The feeling was euphoric. If you were there, you felt it. It was powerful. It's saying we are a community. We are together. We are strong. And we're moving collectively forward. It was one of the best experience I've had in a long time. So, thank you for being there. Thank you for being out there. And we're definitely uh
043banning strong. Let me see. Cross country board school parade student board member. Okay, the last thing I want to say is um last Friday uh we received an award Nichollet Middle School. I don't see any staff here from Nichollet. I I do Mr. Downer. No, he's at the high school. I'm a year behind. Um Jeez. Um I would say Mr. Worthington. No, he's not at the Nichollet either. So, Nichollet received an award. It's called the schools to watch award. It is a state award and it is a national award that is going to change things for not just Nichollet but our community. They have done an outstanding job and the work and I just want to talk a little bit about the criteria in terms of what they've done. So, in order to be eligible
044for this award, you need a 3.4 or 4.0 in all sections. And these are just a few sections. Creating a personalized environment, focusing on student development, access to service for healthy development, and and lastly, fostering curiosity, creativity, and social skills in structured and support in a supportive environment. I am really proud of the students, the staff, the administration of Nichollet Middle School and you're going to see what's going to happen at that school because of that because I've seen it happen in other schools. So, it's something we should all be proud of and then really congratulate Nichollet Middle School for receiving the schools to watch national award. Please give them a round of applause. >> Thank you. Item six, consent calendar. The recommendation is to approve consent calendar agenda items 6.2 through 6.4 as provided.
045All matters listed under the consent calendar agenda are considered to be routine and enacted by one motion and vote. There is no separate discussion of these items prior to the time the board of trustees considers the motion unless a member of the board or administrative staff requests that specific items be discussed and or removed. Do we have a motion and a second to approve the consent calendar agenda as provided? >> I move. >> I second. >> I have a motion from clerk Troutman and a second from Trusty Angiano. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 40. Item 7.1, Hammerling Elementary School presentation. I would like to invite Mr. Baker and his team to share tonight's presentation. Good evening. And uh before I get started on that, I'm going
046to compose myself because that was some news. Mr. Van is someone that impacts our entire community. He was one that I I remember my freshman year of college, we had to write in our literature class a letter to the most impactful teacher at our high school and Mr. Van was the teacher I wrote to. He impacted so many students in the Banning Unified School District. And to hear that tonight, I I was punched in the gut. So, I I do apologize for my emotions. I'm going to get it get it together. I am. And I'm going to be all over the place. I do apologize. But we are going to get to the Himmerling Elementary presentation and talk about the wonderful things that are going on at Hammerland. But before I do that too, I
047am going to apologize to the board and our entire community for the distraction of this afro that I have on my head. Uh just want to put a disclaimer out there. My barber is out of town and I I was unable to get there. Um so don't let that be a distraction and let's focus on the presentation of all the wonderful things that are going on. Um, and also my my heart, my thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Vanhuville family. Um, and it's it's a tremendous loss to our community. Um, with that being said, uh, I am Johnny Baker, the proud principal of Himmerling Elementary, uh, home of the marvelous Mustangs. And I'm assuming there is a clicker here. Um, do I need to hit presentation? Is it up there? Okay. Okay. Well,
048I mean, can we I need a little love. Okay, there we go. I I love that you're still Johnny Baker. I I can only be me. So, I got to do that. Okay. So, you just got to let me know. Just got to let me know. Slideshow. Okay. There we go. Well, good. I I need a I I need a laugh after that. I do apologize. Good evening, President Ruiz, uh Clerk Troutman, distinguished board members, Superintendent Davis, Cabinet, community. Um, as I stated, I am Johnny Baker, the proud principal at Herling Elementary, home of the marvelous Mustangs. Tonight, I'm going to be talking a little bit about what's going on in Mustang country. And we always want to start with our mission and vision. And we are aligning our mission and vision at Himmerling with
049the district's mission and vision. Um, and I'll read it to you here, uh, just so we can make sure that our community is fully aware of what our mission is. The Bannon Unified School District is a diverse community that collaborates to develop responsible, respectful, and prepared students to achieve their full potential. Our vision is prepare, inspire, and educate. Um, we did have some PLC training uh with Solution Tree Districtwide, and we will be revisiting our vision um and really expounding on that prepare, inspire, and educate and and what it looks like at Himmerling Elementary. So currently we do have our grade level leads working with their team to really talk about what it looks like to prepare, inspire, and educate our grade level students. And then we will come back together as an entire team
050to talk about what it looks like as a whole um to update that and give you something to to inspire our students and our community to send their kids to Himmerang Elementary. Our goals and priorities are aligned with the district uh goals and priorities as well. We focus on academic achievement, the culture and climate and community and family engagement. Academics uh we're focusing on AVID strategies, improving our writing through uh Jane Schaefer writing, the Irvine math project, building on the strategies that are enhancing our curriculum. uh this isn't uh replacing our curriculum. It's improving the strategies that we're using to enhance the the standards that we're teaching. Um we continue to uh we're going to continue to build the rigor across all subject areas as well. Uh and that that's one of our focuses in
051our AVID strategies as well. uh focusing on inquiry and um looking at uh the the types of questions that we're asking our students to to get them to think a little more in depth about the different subjects that we're doing um to build a a better climate and culture. We're focusing on PBIS strategies um our morning seal circles. Um, I really want and I'm going to talk a little bit about uh more on this in a different slide. Um, because we do have seal circles in all of our classrooms and there was a picture I I didn't take it. Um, one of our cabinet members took it and I was trying to get it so it was in the presentation but Mr. Davis actually joined one of the circles and was sitting on the carpet
052with our kindergarten uh group during our seal time and having conversation. Um so when I do find that um because he loves pictures, I will make sure I share that with the team. Um and we are building our community and family engagement um uh to enhance the the parent groups. We are always trying to build uh and increase our parent engagement and get parents out to be a part of the the school. Um we we always want to put in the forefront. This is not about us educating your students in isolation. It's a partnership. We have to engage our parents in that communication and collaboration when we are trying to educate our our students. So we are definitely taking that. We are taking the I'm going to start with looking at the data right because
053that's what we talk about and that's the direction that we are going as an entire district. We want to focus on the data to drive what we are currently doing and to see if it's working and if it's not working let's do something different. Um so looking at this we are looking at the percentage of students that have met or exceeded ELA and math standards uh for last year's CAS data. And as you can see we had growth in all grade levels. Now the green math in fourth grade is highlighted because across the district our fourth grade students struggled in the area of math. Um we did show growth in the area of math at hemorrhling last year. It was 3% but it's still growth. We talk about it all the time. We want to
054make sure that we are looking at the growth, celebrating the small things, and continuing to to build on what is working. And with our educational services team, um, and through our Irvine math project, being able to pull all of our schools together and have those conversations with every fourth grade teacher in the district, they're able to have conversations like, "Hey, what are you doing at Himmerling? what ho how are you getting this growth? Uh what are you doing at central and and they're able to have those conversations um which has been something that has eluded us for many many years. Uh we've we've tried it in the past to have those collaborative sessions and they tend to be a venting session versus a collaborative growth session. And we've turned that corner and being a part
055of those conversations. It is a conversation about how do we grow? How do we continue to do the things that we need to do to make all of our schools thrive? So, I I do want to do my hat to our educational services team for making that happen and really fostering that collaboration. I also wanted to look at the distance from the standard. So, looking at this slide, the zero is grade level standard. That's where we want all of our students to to be. And if you see year-over-year, we're seeing growth towards the standard. Now, again, we made some small growth in math, but as you see, we're still 66 points away from standard. We still have a long way to go. And that's why that is one of our focuses is we're still focused
056on math instruction, implementing better strategies to ensure that students are going to continue to grow in this area. Academic achievement, building our teacher capacity. We have all of these different PDs that we've been doing. Um, and I I will I will say I was skeptical. It's like this is a lot of stuff, but it's much needed professional development that our teachers need. We we're working on just finding that that balance, right? Because we need teachers to be in the classroom teaching. So, we we have to find that balance and I think we're we're working through those issues to find that balance, but we we definitely are participating in all of the uh professional development that is being provided. Jane Schaffefer writing, the Irvine math project, and again, being allowed to come together as grade level
057teams across the district has been tremendous. Um, so again, I applaud our team for making it happen. Um, one area where we are going to continue to grow and where I'm going to continue to grow as an instructional leader is in the grade level PLC times and making sure that I am interjecting myself in those meetings, having those conversations and pushing the envelope and making sure that teachers are really challenging our students. Um some of the new initiatives that we are also uh dealing with are the learning without tears uh which is our cursive handwriting. Um that is come back in third through fifth grade. Uh I I wish it would have come back a little earlier so my kids would have learned how to do cursive because they don't know how to sign their
058name. When I asked my son to sign his name, he printed it. Go figure. And then we have the multitudes dlex dyslexia screener. Um we we might have to look at that and I know we are looking at it because that is something that the state is mandating that we do. Um but it is challenging for our teachers to now find that time and and get all of those students done. It takes away from our instruction. So hopefully we will figure that piece out. Um, also going into our uh academic achievement, we're continuing to focus on intervention. So, our intervention our our our intervention program. Um, we we do appreciate the addition of a math intervention teacher um because that is our area of growth and we really need that support. Um, so we appreciate
059adding that additional uh intervention group. We're focused on those students that are um our tier two students that are maybe two grade levels behind six week cycles and then we we revisit if they're making that progress. If not, we continue. If they are, we move them out and bring other students in. Um we're continuing to have our tier 2 and tier three intervention meetings um to support those students uh with behaviors that they need support in. Uh we actually have a tier 2 meeting tomorrow morning that we are excited for to really provide those supports and keep kids in school. We we don't want and and we'll get into the attendance piece a little bit later um on a on some other slides. We need our kids in school and we need their behaviors to
060reflect positive engaging activities in the classroom and not disruptive. So we are working with our tier 2 team to provide those supports to make sure that we can one support students in keeping them in the class but also holding them accountable for their actions and supporting teachers. Um we're also continuing with what we call Mustang University and this is where we have our students group by their learning level. uh and they they are in small groups across the grade level with our teachers. Uh and we're continuing our schoolwide AVID focusing on building rigor with Costa's levels of questioning which we talked about a little earlier, our collaborative structures and also um college conversations. Our team went to another school last year and they actually saw this curriculum that they really liked. We did purchase it
061and it finally came in. So, we're looking to have our college conversation starting in January. Um, also continuing on with our student celebrations. We have our trimester awards, our Mustangs of the month, and we will be having our I Ready growth party uh in January. So, we will have one in January and then one in May. So, our mid uh they just wrapped up their uh midyear diagnostics. So, we will be looking at those students that made a stretch growth of 50% in either math or um ELA and we will be bringing them in to a dance party. We'll have treats and we'll also um give out prizes for the top four in every classroom. Um, and we will do that again in May because we we really want to celebrate students that are making
062that growth. Excuse me. So, moving on to our goal to climate and culture. Again, we have PBIS expectations schoolwide. We have a school uhwide assembly that we do every year to make sure students understand our expectations um in every single area of the campus. And we always reiterate it in our morning announcements. Um and in the during our morning uh slides, teachers go through all of those. We also have some seal slides and our focus is for the month. Uh, and then we also for our Mustangs of the month, we have lunch with the principal. And my I do apologize, my pictures didn't make it to the presentation. Um, but we do have some wonderful pictures of all of our students at those lunches. Um, even on Halloween. So, I told you we talk a
063little bit about attendance. Um, attendance is huge. Uh, that is one of our our areas. If you look at the California dashboard, um we are red when it comes to chronic absenteeism. So that is one of our focuses is trying to improve our attendance. Um so our attendance team is working hard to reach out to parents holding those SAR conferences. Um we're also doing the short-term independent study. We're making sure all of our students are invited to our Saturday academy. Um, we do daily attendance shoutouts in the morning for all of those classes that um have perfect attendance for the day. And we also have what we we have trophies for every CLA grade level that actually has the highest percentage for the month. And if the class that holds that trophy the most months
064for the year will achieve a pizza party. Um, we also have a prize for the class, the entire class for that month that has the highest percentage for the entire school. And we're always pushing it because of all of these things that we're doing in attendance through the district's attendance incentive program. We actually gave out over 330 attendance awards at our first trimester awards assembly. That's over 2/3 of our entire enrollment. So we we are doing some great things with attendance. Um and every time I'm in front of our parents, I I push that. And while we're giving out that many awards, I also put in front of our parents that these things are not a substitute for your student being in that seat every single day on time. Yes, they can do short-term independent
065study. They can show up to a Saturday academy, but it's not going to give you the same academic engagement that you're going to get if you come to school on a regular school day. So, I continue to encourage our parents to make sure that their kids are coming to school. While we while we have all of these avenues to make up attendance, we need them in the seats when school doors are open Monday through Friday. Um, I wanted to make sure I I said that in this presentation for all of our parents out there in the community because I I feel strongly about that. I I agree wholeheartedly at what we're doing to actually increase our attendance um our ADA, but we we have to get our kids in the seat to to drive instruction.
066Uh, another glow that I really want to share with you is our wellness center. Um we we do have a wellness center and I believe our student board member has talked a lot about wellness for our students but we also have to look at the wellness for our teachers too. So this wellness center is not only for our students and you see our students here they are doing yoga. So, all of our our teachers are allowed to send students five at a time uh during their recesses to actually do yoga and relax with our counselor uh Miss J. And on Fridays, we actually have at 7:45 I want to it's yin yin yoga. So, more so the the stretching so that way teachers aren't really getting all sweaty and it it's really just because it's
0677:45. It's right before their shift. So, we want to make sure they're fresh. It it's just some light stretching for them to be able to just relax and be calming and move on. So, we we do have that area set up to ensure that we are taking care of our wellness. um students and staff. Our final area is community and family engagement. So we are continuing with our sunshine committee which is our our parent volunteer group. They come out and a few of our classified staff who are also parents. Um it's a a great group of volunteers. Um, and any parents out there that want to join, please come out because we definitely need the support and the help for all of the wonderful activities that we we continue to plan. A few of the
068uh events that we've already had include our fall festival. Um, we've participated in both parades, the stage coach day parade as well as the city of lights parade, um, which was excellent, uh, our turkey trot. And we'll have a ton of other events that we have coming up over the the course of the next few months. And if you're able to come out and join us, we would love to have you. Um, and we're always looking to continue to expand the support because we we want our families to understand that we're we're partners. This isn't about us as the teachers and educators and you as parents. No, it's about all of us working together to support our students. Um, so that's all I have. if you have any questions. I know it was 50 minutes
069and I'm sorry. Okay. Well, only one person, the one that had the timer, but it's okay. We won't say any names. Do >> you guys have any questions or comments? >> I just want to say um I think it's awesome that you have a yen yoga for teachers. I don't think I've heard other school sites have something for self wellness self-care for their teachers um the way that you presented it here. So, thank you for doing that. >> Thank you. And I I didn't put it in there, but we are working on creating a steam lab as well. Um so, I know that would also be a good hit. We we have a room that we're trying to set up as our steam lab and also a space for our um itinerate teachers to come
070on and have a space of their own and kids can go in. Um because right now what we're finding is our kids are are missing out on some of that itinerate time because they're having to go from class to class, having to set up, clean up, and then travel to another class. 50 minutes goes pretty quick. So, we're trying to find a space for them to make it their own, too. So, thank you guys. >> This is very impressive. I have just a real quick questions, just two that come to mind. Um, and thank you for this steam area. I'm looking forward to project-based learning and um >> as are we. >> Yeah. >> The um the career section, you know, you talked about college having college section. Is there something that motivates children or
071teaches children um other careers that are out there? Um I know that that's a struggle. You know, you ask children what they want to do. Oh, they want to be a teacher, they want to be a doctor or a lawyer, whatever they see. but giving them other ideas and introducing other types of careers that don't necessarily take a college degree just so that they are thinking about their next steps. I'm always thinking about students next steps. So maybe we can find something that will help them. So, I will, like I said, we we just received the college conversations book that the the team was looking at last year and they ordered for this year. Um, I haven't had a chance to really go dive into it. I wasn't a part of uh that that team
072at the time, but I will take a look at it and and see if that curriculum actually talks to those points. Um it's it's very structured conversations and I want to say they're they're like 10-minute conversations about college. Um so if that I I will get you more information. >> Okay. Because possibly if teachers can introduce certain things in their you know in their lessons correct >> you know to make it real. >> Absolutely. >> I think that that would be impactful for our students. >> Um I had one other question. Um, you talked about the incentives and I think that's fabulous, but um, one of the things that I'm wondering is are we talking to students or we incorporating how valuable it is for students to be there every minute that they're doing incredibly
073valuable work. The most important job that they will have in their young lives is attending. And I I'm just kind of wondering if we have those conversations with them. >> Oh, absolutely. We we have those conversation again every every chance I get with students and parents. That's the first thing that I'm going to say every every time I'm in in our awards assembly and we give out 330 uh attendance awards. My my next comment is this is this is great. They worked hard to achieve this, but this is what we need. We need them here every single day on time and not leaving early because there is no replacing instruction. There's no there is no replacing it. Short-term independent study doesn't replace a teacher teaching a lesson to our students. >> So, the only way
074they're going to get that is if they're in the class when teachers are providing that instruction. So, I thank you very much. >> I will sing that from the hilltop. So, thank you. >> I I have another comment. They they made excellent points and I I have to touch on I'm so glad we're bringing back cursive. It's so important. I mean, I I I did teach my kids to sign their names because when they buy a car or buy a house, I feel like they need to that's something they need to know. So, I'm very glad to hear that's coming back. So, I'm >> agreed. I'm >> very happy about that. Thank you. Those were questions, sir. >> Good job. >> Those are questions. >> Item 7.2, business services, notice of public hearing for granting
075an easement to Southern California Gas Company. The board of trustees will now conduct a public hearing for granting an easement to Southern California Gas Company. Now is the time and place for the hearing. I declare that the hearing is now open. It says invite him up after. I was just reading my script, sir. The time is 8:13 p.m. At this time, I would like to invite Mr. Herrera to the podium to share information regarding this item. >> Thank you very much, President Ree. So to provide some background information on this particular item, it is step one of two for the public hearing to grant the easement of the property that's located on the southeast corner over at Kum's Alternative Ed. It is a 47 by 12 ft space by 164 ft that would be dedicated
076for the equipment of monitoring and providing increased safety for a high-pressure gas line that is located offsite just adjacent to the property there. Um and so in this process here uh we're going through this first process to again allow the public to provide any community comments. >> Were there any public comments received regarding this item? >> No comments were received. >> Is there anyone here and now that wants to make a comment at this time? Hearing that there are no comments, I declare that the public hearing is now closed. The time is 8:14 p.m. Item 7.3, business services, first interim financial report for 202526. Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 7.3? >> I'll move second. >> Go ahead. I'll let you read it now. This item is for the
077board to approve the 202526 first interim financial report. I'm like at this time I would like to invite Mr. Herrera to the podium. >> Oh, there he is. Good evening, President Ree, Clerk Tropman, distinguished board members, Superintendent Davis, members of the banning leadership team and the banning community. Today we are presenting the first interim financial report and as we always like to start our presentations is highlighting the students over Hoffer Elementary visiting the library over here in Banning. And so I hear that it's a great space. I'm yet to visit it, but definitely excited about the expanded learning opportunities that we have here in our community. And before continuing on, I also would like to send a special thank you here to Mr. Ramos who'll be joining us shortly and M. Shook for working with
078the team and developing the report. It does take a village. I've said that time and time again. A lot of folks involved. Um, so thank you to program directors, site administrators, and all the classified CSA staff in supporting all of the figures that are rolled up into the financial reporting. This is the framework, the financial framework and reporting that's necessary to fulfill the district's mission, values, and vision of preparing, inspiring, and educating our students. Looking at the illustration on the third slide of the deck here is honing in on what is the budget cycle. We are currently at about the 3:00 hour presenting the first interim. This is our first real look at our budget where we take into account the rollover balances from the unodudited actuals from 2425 also recognizing revenues that were in
079last year that carry forward. It is based on a conservative conservative um different types of assumptions including enrollment, attendance, and staffing and is looking at a three-year projection. I'm happy to announce that the district is reporting a positive certification, which means that the district will meet its financial obligation for the current and two subsequent fiscal years. Right. So, now I'll hand it over to Mr. Ramos to talk about enrollment and some great news with attendance as well. Thank you Mr. Herrera. So with the enrollment projections in the graph provided on the left hand side we provide a look at last year. So during the 2425 fiscal year we had a student enrollment of 4,248. Now moving on to the next bar on the right. In the current 2526 fiscal year we're actually at 4264. There's
080some really good news to report. Uh when we developed the adopted budget in June, we were projecting our student enrollment would be 4,246. We actually came in higher than that. So we're at 4,264. Um and as of uh December 1st, we're actually higher than that. We're at 4,289, but that'll be recognized in the second interim financial report. Um, for first interim, we took a snapshot of enrollment and then that's the 4,264 students. It's important to note that we had an increase in the transitional kindergarten enrollment of 22 students. Um, now alls I can think about right now is Mr. Baker um, screaming from the hilltops about you have to get your student in every day. I think it's an excellent message, but it goes to the next bullet down in the average daily attendance. Um,
081the Banning Unified School District has traditionally been maybe about 93% average daily attendance. We've exceeded that. And so that is such an amazing accomplishment and and and it goes to, you know, we have the instructional leaders at the school sites um singing from the hilltops, bring your students to school every day and the students getting here and their families supporting them. So such an amazing thing. Now we also have the attendance recovery program which allows the students to make up some time if needed. So let's go ahead and take a look at our revenues and expenditures in the combined general fund. The general the general fund consists of unrestricted funds as well as restricted funds. And when we bring them both together, that's our combined general fund. In the table on the left we have
082total revenues at 90 million and over on the right we have excuse me total expenditures at 100 million. I do want to highlight that in the unrestricted general fund alone by itself uh we have 1.4 million in one-time expenditures and that's made up of a variety of things. We have certain projects that are only going to happen this year and then we'll remove those expenditures in the following year. uh but we also have some carryover funds that we're spending down. Now, when you take the unrestricted general fund alone and you remove that 1.4 million in onetime expenditures, we have a deficit of 1.1 million which is reduced and and we'll dig into it a little bit in a future slide. So, with the first interim budget and as Mr. Herrera said, "This is our opportunity
083to um actually bring all of the revenues up to date, all of our expenditures. When we adopt the budget in June, we have estimates of how the year is going to look, but now we're in um December." And so we take a snapshot as of October and we say, "Here's our updated revenues as well as expenditures." So in the adopted budget we had a revenues of 86 million but within first interim we have 90 million and so that difference is an increase of revenues of 4.5 million off to the right that's the difference column. Some of that includes an increase to our local control funding formula as a result of the higher enrollment and that higher average daily attendance. it is bringing in additional revenues into the district as well as we recognized the latest
084federal and state uh program revenues. Now within expenditures, we were budgeting 94 million back in June. However, we're at 100 million and the difference there is 6.1 million in increased expenditures. We did have some uh needs for additional support um in some teacher positions as well as some special education positions, some pareducators and instructional aids for the transitional kindergarten program. Those were not included in the adopted budget. So we brought them into the first interim financial report as well as we have some carryover expenditures that we are spending down. Now, I'd like to bring your attention down to the bottom in the green bar, uh, which reflects our reserve for economic uncertainties. We were budgeting in June to have a reserve of 6.5 million, which is now increased to 7.2 million. It's a 29% change,
085less than a percentage, um, but we're showing it's kind of in the ballpark, same area. Now, restricted and one-time funding. In this slide, the table shows some of the one-time funding sources that the district has received. Now, the state designed these programs and I I know that at the school sites like Hemerling, they have dance parties and they have pizza parties, but in fiscal we sit around trying to remember these one-time funding names such as student and Dr. Cosy Bush, keep me honest if I get this wrong. we quiz each other, but it's the student support professional development discretionary block grant. That is one of the one-time funding sources as well as the learning recovery emergency block grant and the arts and music instructional materials discretionary block grant. I think they try to see how
086long they can make that name. Now, some of these one-time funds um are actually they're being used to um form and support the student achievement, which includes the coaching and intervention program. And so, as Mr. Baker was saying, um it's doing it is having such a heavy and positive impact at the site level, and it's due to these one-time funds. We are funding that program out of here. So, in the 2425 fiscal year, we had 1.3 million in funds being used one time. Now, in 2526, we do have some um timelines we're working with. And so, you're going to notice an increase in that one-time funding we're using this year. And then we're using 3.1 million in the 2627 fiscal year and 2.5 million in the 2728 fiscal year. So although the funds are one
087time in nature, they can be used over a series of several years and and that's what you're seeing in the table. So I'm going to go ahead and hand it over to Mr. Herrera to review assumptions and projections. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Ramos. And uh he usually does get an A on that quiz. We do really talk about budgets and the very interesting naming convention of some of the new funding sources. And I'll bring it back here to this slide. And as Mr. Bacon me mentioned earlier and having the math intervention teacher, these are the resources the district's utilizing that are one-time in nature to be able to build those programs and provide the additional supports for our students. And that is the nature in which the district's receiving those those dollars, those
088revenues. And it's very similar to the latest information provided at the state level in terms of how the state is using their onetime dollars to support the initiatives as well at that level. And so now we dig into what is known as the multi-year projections, also known as the MYP. Um, here we have a series of assumptions. Want to go back to the comment about the attendance and the increase in percentage to 94%. Including the enrollment increase um that we have materialized. Our funding methodology has changed from an average of the current and two past fiscal years to now a current year. Meaning that's the highest ADA within that threeyear span and in the subsequent years based on the prior year and the change in methodology did result in increased revenues about 1.9 million for
089the current fiscal year and that does transcend into the multi-year projection. Another one of the highlights here and one particular figure that we honed in quite a bit in school business is the cost of living adjustment. This is the ongoing funding that the districts receive as part of the local control funding formula. They have been adjusted to the latest projection as provided by the legislative analyst office. Um so there's been a slight decrease in year two which is 2627 and a slight increase in 2728. These numbers are not final at the moment. those economic factors will be available towards April of 2026. Very briefly, uh this is the multi-year projection in form of figures and I'm happy to report that we are consistent with the projections from June. Uh there's been some fluctuations in terms
090of just revenues and expenditures. However, when balancing the budget, uh we are meeting our reserve for economic uncertainties in the third year out at 4.5%. As a reminder that is a district's policy, there is a state requirement of 3%. But when we drill down into the unrestricted balances which is the more critical component of the general fund in a way is uh do demonstrate that there are uh some deficit spending in the current and subsequent years. However, Mr. Ramos did talk about the one-time funding and how that does impact excuse me the onetime expenditures and how that impacts the overall deficit but working through continuing to increase our attendance to continue to increase our enrollment always always looking at how we can reduce expenditures uh maximizing resources for students yet again here demonstrating that we're
091meeting the reserve economic uncertainty requirement of 4.5%. And so this is a table that looks a little bit different to what we've seen in past presentations. And the reason for that is to be able to connect the figures and and have the information flow a little bit better from the ending fund balance to then a component of our fund balance that is called non-spendable for revolving cash and stores and then restricted balances. So from for example under first interim from the 31.6 6 million. We then reduce what is non-spendable at 12.4 and then we have a series of commitments. These commitments are by way of presenting the budget in June. However, it's a delicate balance as we are reporting the budget in June. But then we have the anodited actuals. The anoded actuals is our
092final numbers for the year. So again, first interim is our first look now carrying forward those balances. That's why we see those differences in the total commitments and then the overall assignments which is really restricted programs that reside on the unrestricted general fund. That's why they're in a way tucked away and dedicated for those um restricted programs that are residing in the unrestricted general fund altogether. Uh we did have a decrease in our any fund balance posision. However, because of the balancing act within the non-spendable compon and commitments and assignments, we are seeing an increase to the reserve economic asserties of about $700,000, which is the equivalent of 7.19%. And so with that, next steps are to have the board approve the interim for 2025 26. We will be hearing from the governor in January,
093and that would be the preliminary proposal for the new fiscal year 2026 27. uh this is usually uh rolled out by January 10th of the year of the new year. The 20242 financial audit report will be presented in January and the next reporting period will be in March with that. Are there any questions? >> I I do have a question. Um I see that we have 7.19% um I guess is this actual or projected for the um reserve for economic uncertainties. Is that an actual? >> That is a projection and that's a great question because um unodudited actuals is the only reporting period where we're reporting actual information from the past. All subsequent reporting is are all projections based on assumptions. Correct. So there are projected figures. >> Okay. Thank you. The the second question
094I have with this is if we are if we have one-time funds and we have grant funds um is any of this are we being penalized for having such a high um reserve because I know the state is 3%. I'm just wondering if we use this money um or we don't use this money are we being penalized? >> There are no penalties. As a matter of fact, districts are advised to have reserves at about 2 months of overall operating expenditures, which is roughly about a good 14 millions for the district. Um, that's just a recommendation. And so, to answer your question, there are no penalties. We want to maintain our fund balance as um as high as possible. Of course, making sure that every year we're dedicating those resources to the students for that year.
095And again, it's a balancing act in providing services and also maintaining fiscal viability. Um, so hopefully that answers your question, >> but especially since we're such a small district, just making sure that we are utilizing the funds that we need. I mean, I think this is great, but I'm just kind of wondering where that balancing is that we give enough to special ed that we give enough to um our busing, we give enough, you know, to the field trips and everything that we need. >> Yes. and that is a very delicate balancing act in terms of meeting the needs of students. Um I'm glad you bring up the special education program. There has been an increasing need in our student population as a result as it uh relates to the increase in student population with
096the higher needs. And so we have actually projected an increase of about $2 million to the special ed program. And so that again that's part of having finite resources and balancing out the scales if you will when it when we talk budget. Um and so yes that that is part of why we meet and gave the special thanks to our program directors because we work hand inand addressing the needs what budgetary requirements they have in their programs and then making it balanced out with the budget. And that's what we're presenting today a balanced budget meeting the district's internal reserve for economic uncertainties. And just to clarify, the 3% is the minimum is is that's the floor. However, we want to make sure that we have a soft landing should there be a downturn in the
097economy. >> Okay. Thank you. But we also want to make sure we have competitive wages to maintain our staff. That is excellent. >> Absolutely. And we worked hard uh alongside our labor partners and being competitive and providing the um salary increases as it relates also to the cost of living >> and also new programs that we want to keep ourselves competitive with other districts like AI and other programs that Mr. Davis is very fond of. >> Absolutely. I do have a question um on slide eight if we can go to that. Can you help me understand for the resource of the dual enrollment opportunities middle college grant? It's already fully spent for 2027 28. I don't understand how it's already spent and we're not there yet. And a follow-up question is do we foresee this
098grant renewing? Is this a program that we're going to be able to continue for our students? Like what's what's the plan? >> That is a great question in terms of how it's illustrated on the table and and what it really means here. And so in particular, uh resource 7339 dual enrollment opportunities. It will be fully spent by the third out year 2728. And so what we see here are the expenditures that are allocated on an annual basis for that program. and it is a 5-year grant that we applied for about three years ago now. Um, and uh, that will be something that we'll be discussing with the educational services department to see if we can reapply for the grant um, and or find other resources to maintain the same level of service we've have so
099far. >> Now, if it's annually what is spent since it's been increasing, does that mean that we have more students participating in this program or why is it increasing? And so there's overall increase of costs in general um that are usually formulated into the projections and there's also been some fluctuations in the actual um number of students and based on the hand signals there I'm seeing that there has been an increase um and so yes that's usually directly correlated to the participation in the program. >> And then do we know the deadlines for possible renewal of the grant? Like we have those already calendared in so we don't miss them. We haven't seen any updates just yet, but we are monitoring and always looking because the grant will be coming to a close soon. So,
100we are anticipating that there will be another window for an RFP that we can apply for. >> Okay, great. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? No. My turn. Right. I have a motion from Trusty Navalis and a second from Clerk Troutman to approve item 7.3. All those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 40. >> Thank you, Mr. Herrera. Item 7.4, Business Services, annual certification of signatures. >> This item is for the board to approve the annual certification of signatures. Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 7.4? >> I move. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion from clerk Troutman and a second from Trusty Nollas to approve item 7.4. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say
101nay. Motion passes 40. Item 8.1 educational services 2025 dashboard presentation. I would like to invite Dr. Cosy Bush and team to the podium for tonight's presentation. Good evening again, President Ruiz, um Clerk Angiano, distinguished members of the board, Superintendent Davis, um executive cabinet, and the banning community. Um I will be sharing some highlights from our 2025 school dashboard. Um this is typically how um we as a district um are measured in terms of not just where we are um as you heard Mr. Baker talk about um data for 2025 but it also looks at growth which is very important um and our mission statement um which I will not read but um it always grounds and centers us and we should always be aware of that. Um just in summary um as I mentioned the
102dashboard shows growth from 24 to 20 to 25 can't speak tonight. Um and it is also always based on two items. Where are we in terms of status? How did students do in the most recent year? And then what kind of growth did they make from the previous year? Um and we can see there it ranges from very high to very low. um increased significantly to decrease significantly. Um one point of note um we always want our measures um to go up but there are two areas where we want them to go down. We want chronic absenteeism to go down. We want suspension data to go down. And so let's go on and jump in. Um and you will see here for English language arts. Um this takes into account the SBA data that was
103shared um a couple of months ago. And again as was mentioned in the Himmerling presentation, what the dashboard looks at is it takes what is the scale score that a student in third grade or fourth grade or fifth grade in English or math or science, what is the minimum scale score they need to score at a MET standard? and it averages all of those across grade levels and subjects. And you'll see here for us um we are at a yellow and the great news is that um we increased by nine points on average of our students who take ESPback and so that's always great news because we want to see growth um for mathematics which we know um has typically been the challenge and that is not just for banning um we're aware of that
104and we know our areas of weakness and strength um we have maintained and so that means we didn't score in a threshold to place us in a growth category but we didn't go backwards and so we're well aware of the areas of growth we need to make in math and we know where our highlights are um at our high school level our 11th grade students knocked it out of the box in terms of the amount of growth they made and so we know we are doing things we're doing some of the right things and with our professional learning communities the point of those PLC's is to look at instances of success and replicate those and bring them to scale our English learner progress indicator. This one is a a a amazing highlight because we if
105you recall we regressed last year but we are now making that progress back up. As you see we've got 40.6% 6% of our English learners who are now making progress on the ELPAC. Um, that's very significant and we're proud of that. Um, and we're expecting to make continued growth. Our college and career indicator, another one we're very proud of. Um you'll recall we had a little regression but we're make actually we've passed where we were two years ago for our college and career indicator and we want to continue to see this increase and really what the college and career indicator looks at it looks at several different factors for high school students in terms of um are they taking AP classes are they taking CTE classes um and then for career are they and pathways.
106Um, what percentage of our students are participating in apprenticeship programs? And it looks at all of that information and tells us what percent of our students are considered to be prepared or not prepared. And so, um, even with programs that we've, the board has recently adopted such as, um, Tomorrow's Talent, um, we have so many things in store already set up in terms of connecting our students with local businesses for some possible apprenticeships on the career side. And so, as Miss Navalis mentioned, are we making sure that we're balancing and providing opportunities for students to see college? Absolutely. And career as well because we know in this growing and everchanging society many of the jobs um we don't know what kinds of jobs are going to be um years from now because it's changing constantly
107because technology is changing constantly. So, another bright spot for us. Chronic absenteeism. Um, you'll see that we have a decline there um in the percentage, which is a good thing. Um, we're at orange. We want to continue to see the percentage drop. And just as um a quick aside, it's already here. Chronic absenteeism would be the percentage of students who are absent for 10% or more of the instructional year. So that would be 18 days if I did my math correctly of the 180 days. Graduation rate. Um this looks at the percentage of students who get a diploma um in four or five years. Um and we had a slight decline here. Um but we are still pushing to get all of our students always pushing towards 100% of our students walking across the stage
108with the diploma. suspension rates. Um we also see a decline um of just a little over a half percent. Um we're at yellow. And again, the suspension rate looks at not the total number of suspensions, but how many students were suspended at least one time or more. Any questions about our 2025 dashboard? >> Yes. Do we know why graduation rates have declined? >> Yes, we have had some challenges in terms of making sure um when we're going through our cowpads numbers um that we're accurately transitioning students over, for example, who've attended summer school to the next year. And so even though those students actually graduated, it may not have shown up in the actual cow pads data. And so the students graduated, but in terms of how they were coded in the system, it impacted
109that percentage. So this is an issue that um like cuts straight to my core that I have some I don't want to get into it but have have we calculated those students that amount of students since they've graduated and we put that into the percentage have we calculated that do we know what that is >> um for that it would have resulted in a much obviously a much higher um rate um in fact it for the school that it impacted it would have been closer to 100%. >> Okay. So, if if staff can do me a favor and put those students in to see what the overall calculation would be, I would feel a lot better >> because uh that's huge. That's monumental and that's that's how we're being looked at. And I know, you
110know, we've had conversations of a as a board about the graduation rate and how important that is and to have that >> issue show up like that just really hurts. >> Absolutely. Um is the Calpads is that live document right? >> Cowpads is the CalPADS is a system in terms of pulling all of our data where all of our >> you can input. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um so what are the steps or what's the plan? What do you guys >> so that we don't have this mistake? >> Absolutely. >> Hear from today. So our plan is a plan that involves um multiple departments um to have multiple sets of eyes um and to make sure that um we're not just one person is looking at it but we then have another set to verify
111um to make sure that if we have as a school site if you're saying that we've got X number of students then we need to triple check and make sure that we've got those students correctly. ly labeled in CowPads and that it's done accurately and it's done well within the threshold of the deadline so that if there are issues, which they're always going to be, that we'll at least have time to address them and get them corrected in the system so they show accurately how they're supposed to show. >> That's great. Um, are we going to have a weekly update with the new numbers then? >> Yeah. Yes, we can add that in our update for next week. >> Okay, awesome. Thank you. >> Um I have a couple of questions. Um the graduation one
112has obviously been answered, but um we're I'm deeply concerned about our math scores. I mean, deeply concerned. And one of the reasons I am is now students are being judged and how they get into college based on the math scores because of AI because you know of technology because there's so many things that are important. Um I see us doing pretty well at the beginning. Um there's a dip between third and fourth grade, >> right? >> My you know, one of the things the difference between the arithmetic and math language. I'm wondering um how closely we're monitoring our scores for the CASP versus our I Ready. And and I'm just going to be really honest about this. I ready is a way to talk about this but I'm going to go back to intervention is
113a second the second best and the best is the first practice the first initial teaching >> instruction >> very first and I'm wondering if we are looking at um how we how we're changing our teaching strategies how we're talking to our students how we are posing the questions how we are looking at facilitating. There's a huge difference in the way that we used to teach and the way that we need to teach for the future. And I'm just going to keep harping on this because it's it's very very important for kids to see the connections between arithmetic and math. And I'm I'm just very discouraged about the 106 points below standard. You know, that's to me that's a lot. And I and I really am wondering if we're asking the right questions and if we
114really are being honest with ourselves uh about this because I think that doing that we can do better. >> And that's a wonderful question. I am going to invite Mrs. Cole Fajabi to come up and talk a little bit about the great things we're doing with Irvine Math. And while she comes up, I just want to share I've sat in on some of the professional learning sessions with Irvine Math and I will tell you the LA I think it was kinder. Miss Kaiser left um it was the kinder session and the point of it is to get teachers actively involved in the process and thinking about how can I put together a lesson for students that is going to make what's very abstract concrete which involves a lot of manipulatives. Well, how many years have
115we been doing the I was I just want you to know I was very heavily involved as a coach in the Irvine math project and also in the vine math project itself. So I'm a huge proponent and fan of the Irvine math project. But I'm wondering how many years have we been doing this? How many years have we been doing the Irvine math? >> Third. >> Okay. Our third year. >> Sorry. The secondary. >> Third year. >> At the secondary level. This would be the third year and I firmly believe that is why secondary has made significantly more growth than elementary. Okay. >> We first started the Irvine math project at the high school and at the middle school and they began to make growth. So we moved it down to elementary and now that
116it has been in elementary for about two years and since we have brought Irvine Math Project in, we have made growth for the two years that we have had that um supplemental program. But one of the big things as you talked about is not just Irvine Math Project that we've brought in to help our math scores, but it's the FIABs. This is the first year that we are consistently across the elementary board that we're having FABS which is identical to the cast because >> can you tell everybody what that means? >> Yes, it's the focus interim assessment block. Thank you. And it is what we are doing from the actual TOM's website, which is the state website. And it is actually showing them the questions, the way they're going to be worded on the test.
117Because a lot of times it's not that the kids do not know the answer, it's that they are a little tricked by the way it is worded. And so that stops them from answering the question correctly. So that can be a gamecher by actually exposing them early enough to say this is the way the question is going to be worded. It may be multiple answers. It may be only one answer because sometimes the way it's worded again confuses them. So we're bringing that in at all elementary schools and we're doing the same same lesson. For editing we just did in language arts and then for math we did the fractions I believe. Next one is fractions. Yes. >> Can I can I just >> can I say it this way for for some of us
118who don't live in this instructional world? >> I do, but for some that don't. >> Imagine being going to school and learning a certain way. You're tested a certain way. Then here's this big stake test which creates anxiety, all of those things. >> You get into the platform >> and you're disoriented because nothing there is noticeable. Nothing there is recognizable. >> It's familiar. This is a conversation that came up last year, I believe, >> right? >> Uh we had someone come in and kind of talk to us about this. So, we haven't been giving our students an opportunity to understand what the sandbox looked like in order to play effectively. >> And so, now because of this shift, now our students will be oriented in an appropriate way to be successful. Not that they didn't
119have the skills, but to be able to be in an environment to understand it to be more successful >> and have access because there's a lot of tools that they can use and a lot of them are unaware of how to use the tools. How do I get to the calculator? How do I get to highlight? So now having them be familiar with that site and that sandbox. they now can understand how to really truly answer the question because yes my teacher did teach me this and this is what this question is saying and this is how I can access and get the right answer. >> Okay. said when we teach teaching in different ways asking the same question in different ways or giving different examples so that students have that opportunity before that we
120get to the sandbox um before we get tested on that um asking them to explain to each other having those cohort groups dialogue and looking at problems from different perspectives is all part of what I'm talking about as far or as a paradigm shift for um for changing the way we teach, you know, and and I'm just thinking that just asking this isn't a criticism for me. This is a >> right. >> Okay, this is what's happening. How are we going to we're all very intelligent and very dedicated, >> right? >> How are we going to solve this by just tweaking? And we've talked about this and and I just want that to be in our dialogue. And one of the big ways to do that because we had a professional learning at the county
121and they sat us in a group and they asked a actual middle school math problem that's on the test. I was lost because that is not my area. If you ask me ELA or if you ask me social studies I'll be okay. But what really helped is that we were able to lean on each other first. They asked us in a collaborative group so I could see how Dr. Kazy Bush was approaching it and how Miss Torres was approaching it who has a math ground and make me feel more comfortable. So that is something that I talked to the staff about like let's first put our students together so that they can learn how to lean on each other and get it from a certain way instead of always our teachers being in the front
122and giving them a whiteboard and say okay solve this. Sometimes we need to be in that collaborative group and reduce that effective filter so that we can feel comfortable on how to approach the approach the problem. And that's what we're doing of teaching our teachers and our staff and building their capacity of the various ways that we can help our students. >> And I agree as a middle school math teacher. >> Yes. Um, I think it's really important for our students to be able to dialogue and to be able to look at problems and not just in middle school, but from the very beginning and talk about the different ways and you know, how would somebody else approach this? >> Absolutely. >> So, and having those teachers be facilitators. I'd like to see >> as
123we ask these difficult questions of ourselves, I'd like to see this 106 points below standard be reflected be much higher in the reflection of us asking those honest questions of ourselves. >> Absolutely. >> And Miss Novales, what it actually is, it's a spark. It's a call or request for action for us to think differently about how we're doing things to change the outcomes. I have a blow torch. >> I I bet. But that's what it is. And so I I think you get that, Marcy, and you understand that. And our teach I think our our teachers want that, >> right? >> And so it's just how do we collectively create it? And I think that's what is happening. >> Yes, it is. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Well, I like that. Engage.
124Woo. Item 9.1, human resources tenative agreement 202526, bargaining negotiations with banning teachers association. This item is for the board to approve the tentative agreements with banning teachers association. Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 9.1? >> I move >> a second. >> You're good. I was just going to do it. Um, any discussion or questions? I have a motion from Clerk Troutman and a second from Trusty Nollas to approve item 9.1. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. >> Motion passes 40. Item 9.2, 2, human resources, variable term waiver for speech language specialist, second semester, 202526 school year. This item is for the board to approve the variable term waiver for a speech language specialist. Is there a motion and a second to open
125and discuss item 9.2? >> I move. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion or questions? >> I'm just glad we're doing a waiver. Hopefully we can obtain more speech therapists for our students. >> Agree. Anyone else? >> I have a motion from Trusty Yangiano and a second from Clerk Troutman to approve item 9.2. All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say nay. >> Motion passes 40. Item 9.3, Human Resources, Memorandum of Understanding, California State University, Northridge. This item is for the board to approve the memorandum of understanding with California State University, Northridge. Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 9.3? I'll move. I'll second. >> Any discussion or questions? I have a motion from myself and a second from Trusty Nollas to approve item 9.3. All those
126in favor say I. I. >> I. >> All those opposed say nay. >> Motion passes 4. Could I just make a comment on that? Um, this is a really good program. My daughter went through this program and um, I'm excited that we're going to have this here. Excuse me. Item 10.1, business services contractual agreements. This item is for the board to approve and or ratify contractual agreements as provided. Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 10.1? >> I move. >> A second. >> Any discussion or questions? >> I have a motion from Trusty Angiano and a second from Trusty Nollas to approve item 10.1. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 40. Item 10.2 to business services monthly fiscal services
127reports. >> This item is for the board to approve monthly fiscal services reports, bank reconciliations, purchase orders, warrant summary, and commercial warrant registers. >> Is there a motion and a second to open and discuss item 10.2? >> I move. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion or questions? I have a motion from clerk Troutman and a second from myself to approve item 10.2. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 40. Item 11.1 board members comments. >> Can I go first? >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, first of all, I want to apologize for stepping out earlier. I'm completing a program and my students had their winter performance and I couldn't not be there for them. So, I try to do as much as I can, but
128I can't be everywhere at once. But I'm really grateful that Mr. Davis and the board were open and I mean either way I was going to do it, but I dashed. I got there, I saw my kids, I came back and so I just want to apologize for that. Um, and then, uh, regarding Mr. Van, um, I thought I was in a better space regarding hearing of his passing, but hearing Anony's comment and then Mr. Baker and then seeing Shellyley, like Mr. Van was an incredible teacher. Um, I had the privilege to be his student for many AP classes. Thankfully, I passed many of my AP tests as well, so that helped a lot going off into college. He created this safe space in his classroom where you could be yourself. He was extremely intelligent
129and would help us with real life scenarios and things that didn't make sense at that time, but then as adults, I'm like, "Oh, that's what he meant." um but also helped us be books smart to pass those AP tests. Um I think something amazing about our community is that many of our teachers just like Mr. Van were able to be there for families and their siblings. So my brothers had the privilege also to be their his student. And when I shared with them of his passing, you know, they started sharing memories they had from Jeopardy, from playing chess and learning how to play chess. Um, is I just hope that Mr. Vance's family knows what an incredible person he was and the impact that he had on all of his students and in our community.
130And I hope that wherever he is, he's making a riot and having those intellectual conversations and speaking his mind because his heart was always in the right place. Um, and I kept thinking, how do I transition to all the wonderful stuff happening after something so so sad? But I think he would be so excited to hear what's happening in our district, right? Because we are all here for our students. Um, so there's just so much. Um, I'm a hot mess, too, like Mr. Davis, because my paper is all scribbled. But um I want to thank Jennifer for her commitment to our district and our community and always sharing that poem because I hope everyone can find the poem and read it because it's really it's impactful and it really gives you a perspective that as
131a leader sometimes you don't want to forget but then you're like, "Oh yeah, I can relate to that. That really sucked." Or, "Yeah, that's true. You have to speak up." Um, so thank you Jennifer for everything that you've done. Um, I want to welcome the new board for the CSCA as well. Looking forward to getting to know you all and um, working with you. Um, congratulations to Shellyley for being our president again. And um, for Laura for being our clerk, thank you for stepping up and continuing to lead our board meetings and to be there for us as board members. um because it's not easy to do this. Um and on Monday night, I was there with Laura and Mr. Davis for the California League of Middle School Educators of the Year. And it was
132exciting to see Miss Lopez be one of the finalists uh from Nicollet Middle School. Oh, and Cosy Bush, you were there, too. And I think some other people uh from the middle school, the um Dr. Thomas and the two APs. Am I missing anyone? That's good. Okay. Um, but I loved being there to support Miss Lopez because when you saw the agenda, the little pamphlet, you saw the years of service for all the finalists. And Miss Lopez, it's amazing. She has three years under her belt and has already been nominated and made it to be a finalist. and her video that they played each finalist videos and hers had everyone laughing because it was just so raw and real and I can't wait to see what her career where her the career takes her because
133it's amazing to already be in that space so fresh into the career world. Um so shout out to Miss Lopez. Um we've been bombarded with marching band accomplishments and that's always exciting. Again, I know that we can't always be there everywhere, but just being aware of, hey, this is happening. Um, it's great. Our boys black football team from Nicolet made it to the championships and they played Mountain View today. Um, they played really hard. We didn't take the win, but like I told my son, be proud cuz you made it and you got there and you tried your best. Um, so shout shout shout out to Coach Jensen and his team. Um last night Nicolet also had their orchestra band and mariachi performance and it was incredible. Um just the holiday songs and the spirit
134of everyone there like it was a full house like people were standing outside because there was no space. So we need to figure that out. We need to build bigger because we have so much support from our community and our families. Um, the drummers, they had a solo which was amazing. Like I hope you guys can see a recording because you could feel the music. Um, and then the Mariachi band, I know it's fairly new, but it's so great to see them play authentic classic songs that like they reach out to many generations. Like my parents were like, "Wow, that's one of the songs I remember." Um, so kudos to all of our staff that made that celebration happen. Mr. Williams was singing. I didn't know he could sing and he was playing the piano
135and then he had jokes. Um, some were great, some were questionable, but everyone was having a great time. Um, and then Angel just with all his posts because again I know we cannot be everywhere. We can be running around going from one place to the other trying to make it, but just being able to see pictures, to see about what our amazing students and staff and our district is doing, it it sparks you to want to do more, to be excited, to see more. Um, and then the holiday parade with Mr. Davis and the crew that was in the bus. Um, the back of the bus was wild and loud and awesome. The front of the bus, we were really cool. Um, my daughter got to join with us and she had her little stuffy
136that I told her was like, "Your stuffy is famous now." It was waving hi to everyone and the kids would get excited and just seeing our community. We have such an amazing community, you guys. And I am honored to be here and to help guide us um to be better for our students. Um, and so I'm excited lastly to uh attend Central's performance tomorrow morning for winter. So, I'm going to be able to sneak over there and see see our kids. Um, but I hope that everyone enjoys their break. I know I'm counting down the days. The kids are too. And I hope you're re-energized and you spend time with your family and make those memories. And we'll see you next year. Thank you. Okay, first off, I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight
137and staying as long as you did. I'm extremely grateful for everyone's hard work and dedication thus far. A big shout out and congratulations to Nichollet for making it on the schools to watch list. I believe I can speak for the board when I say we are all extremely proud. I was fortunate enough to attend the teacher of the year award in Riverside this past Monday. Congratulations to Maria Lopez for making it as far as she did. To be so young and so good at what you do proves the dedication our teachers have to our students. I'd also like to thank um the Morango tribe for donating so many turkeys to our banning school district. Mr. Baker, I know you started that at Kabazon and I understand you're trying to get that started at Hemorr. So,
138I'm extremely grateful to you for that and I I hope other sites reach out to the tribe to provide for our families as well. So, I commend you for that. Thank you very much. Um, Shelley, congratulations on reelection as president. I know you've done a wonderful job as president this past year, and I know you'll continue to do a wonderful job this coming year. Myra, thank you for the nomination. I appreciate it and I hope I can do as good a job as you did. Leslie, we are blessed to have you on this on this board and I'm very grateful to work next to you and I hope everyone has a great night and happy holidays. I I'm not sure where to begin. Um, ditto to everything they just said. Um, a couple things I
139did want to touch on. It's funny, seems to be a theme of community um, tonight. Um, I wanted to start with positive with Thomas Carr. Uh, when I saw the picture, I immediately thought back to a night that my daughter and I were coming home and we actually saw him running down the street and he was being followed, I'm guessing, by a family member to make sure that he was safe. Um, and I was just like, wow, that is dedication right there. and then it took him so far and it just it gives me the goosebumps to know that's one of our kids like that is really touches my heart. Um I'm extremely thankful to Mr. Mason and all of the things Oh, did he leave? So sad. And all of the things that he's
140done to help improve our athletic department and our program and all of the things that we're doing and going in such a positive direction. Um, I do want to say that questions have been asked about the strength and conditioning classes that have been mentioned. Um, and there are more questions that I personally have and I'm sure the other board members do as well. Um, I'm not going to cry. I want to send my condolences to Mr. Van Huvil's family as well. Um, he was an amazing teacher. Not only did he challenge your mind, but he challenged your beliefs and he challenged what you stood for and he made me a better person for it. Um, my brother had him as a teacher, myself and my niece. Um, he left a lasting impression on everyone who
141ever walked into his classroom, good or bad. Um, and I think it's just speaks a lot to the teachers that we have here in Banning that they love our kids and they dedicate themselves to them. And I appreciate each and every one of you that are in this audience and everyone that works for this district and gives our kids the time and dedication that you do. Um, and with that, merry Christmas. Please enjoy your break. It is welld deserved. Have a good night. Um, thank you Shellyley and awesome. You have been an amazing amazing um, president and I'm really looking forward to the next year and Myra, you did an amazing job. It is such a privilege to work with these ladies. It truly I've only been in this um district for 10 years. I
142was a teacher for 20, but my passion for our students and seeing everything that has been accomplished in the last three years since I mean it's not me, it's it's all of us together asking the real questions. I love the uh give a man a fish and he can eat for a day. Um teach a man to fish and he will he will eat forever. I I am a firm believer in this. I'm very impressed with the way that this district is going because we are asking the hard questions. We're sticking it out. We are discussing things and and our passion is there and it's obvious that your passion is there as well. Each and every one of us. Um we do ask the hard questions. I I love seeing the way that our district
143is growing. From the outside, I wasn't here, but Mr. Van sounds like an amazing teacher. I would have loved to have been his his uh student because he did ask the hard questions and he did make um learning, it sounds like real and authentic. And that's exactly what we need to do for our students. Make learning real authentic so they want to be here. And um I just wish all of you a very merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing incredible changes and fabulous things happening in 2000 um in 2026. I I'm very excited. I hope you all get a very good rest and thank you for hanging in here with us tonight. Item 12.1, future board items. Does anybody have any future board items? I do I'm going to keep pushing for our
144steam. I mean not just as you know maker space but as also as project based learning styles and things like that. That's I actually have one too. Um if on the January board agenda we can discuss AB1390. Anything else? It's been an emotional long night. So do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I move. >> I second. I have a motion from clerk Tropman and a second from trustee Angiano to adjourn this meeting. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Motion passes 40. I can't turn the page. This meeting is adjourned at 9:15