001Good evening and welcome to tonight's meeting of the board of education. The meeting is called to order at 4:30 p.m. in open session. Roll call, please. >> Student board member Iwan Yang Wu. Miss Armstrong, >> present. >> Miss Centron, I'll come back. Mr. Critfield, >> present. >> Mrs. Garza, >> present. >> Miss Stewart, >> present. Miss Cron present. >> Tonight we do not have requests addressing close session agenda items. Is there anyone else that would like to speak? All right. At this time, the board will recess to close session. Open session will resume at approximately 6 pm. Welcome back everyone. Tonight's meeting of the board of education was called to order at 4:30 p.m. in open session. We then adjourned to close session and will now reconvene the meeting in open session at 6:28 p.m.
002Board Clerk Critzville will update us on close session topics. >> Thank you, Madam President. Topics discussed in close session were uh anticipated litigation, labor negotiations, public employee discipline, dismissal when release. The board took no action in close session. >> Thank you, Clerk Critfield. Okay, so pledge of allegian principal, Dr. Sorry, I didn't write this and I didn't bring my glasses. Sorry. Um, and I was going to call you by your first name, but I know that would not be professional. So, will you please lead us in the flag salute? >> Absolutely. Everyone, please rise and put your 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. You
003may be seated. Thank you. Um, do we have any replacement pages tonight? No. Do we have any amendments to the agenda? >> Okay, we have no recognition. So, we are at our student staff spotlight. So, tonight we will be recognizing Jolene Liera from Somerset High School. Awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Good evening, uh, board president Amy Stewart, members of the school board, Superintendent Dr. Simon, uh, cabinet members, and guests here tonight. Thank you for inviting me to spotlight one of our awesome Somerset Saints, uh, Jolene Liera. I'm Dr. Jamie J, and I'm proud to be the principal of Somerset High School. So, while it's true that all students come to Somerset behind in graduation credits, it's important to understand that students have various reasons for this being the case. All of our
004students have experienced adversity in some form or another very early on in their lives. Some of our students have experienced the loss of a parent. Some have struggled with poverty and others have had to deal with difficult family dynamics. Another significant reason that students end up meeting uh needing credit recovery is because of medical issues. This is the case with Jolene. She started with the Belfflower Unified School District in seventh grade at Belfflower Middle School and had a normal school experience until she started to feel sick all the time in ninth grade. Uh the sick feeling caused her to miss school enough that her mom decided to transfer her to Los Flores in 10th grade. Independent study was also a struggle for Jolene because of her increasing physical ail ailments of an unknown cause. After
005transferring back to Belfflower High School, she continued to struggle with attendance and focus because of her illness and so she became behind in credits. The cause of the medical ailment was not discovered until the end of her sophomore year. It was then she learned that she had to have emergency surgery to remove a defective kidney. Without the surgery, she would not live to see graduation. After recovering from life-saving surgery, she transferred to Somerset to make up her credits. Jolene has been such a wonderful asset to the Somerset community. She has a wonderful positive attitude despite all that she has gone through. In fact, she even told me in the e uh in the ICU they told her that they couldn't believe what a great attitude she had about the whole thing. She joined the ASB.
006She reads the daily announcements to the student body. She participates in wood shop. She contributes to the school by helping make the yearbook. She takes all of our photographs. She got on the key club. Um, uh, she she started the key club. She got it up running again and was able to get a $500 donation from the Kuanas towards the building of our annual haunted maze. She's an active student who works to make school more enjoyable for her peers every day. We're so very fortunate to have her at Somerset High School. Some of the staff who could not be here tonight um, made a short video to share some more great things about Jolene. My name is Maria Vatitali and I am currently Jolene's English teacher here at Somerset. When I first met Jolene last
007school year, she was not always on track and not fully focused on getting her credit recovery process going. She was kind of off to a slow start. But fast forward to this school year and I've seen tremendous growth, not only academically, but also socially and in her interpersonal skills. Jolene is now working diligently on her credit recovery. She's involved with ASB. She's also an active member of the Key Club. And so, if I could think of one word to sum it up, I would say the word growth because I've seen tremendous growth in Jolene from last school year to this school year. >> Welcome back, Saints. Uh this is Mr. Praa, your science teacher here at Somerset High School. And today we are spotlighting the saint of the month, Jolie Leera, uh, who is a
008very resilient student. Every time I see Jolene, she's either doing her work, catching up on credits, or helping out the ASV. Um, Jolene is a very active saint. Uh, I think that she's an upstander. Uh, and she's a student, uh, that we should all try to emulate and look up to. Uh, thank you Jolene for your hard work. Um, and we want to see more of that. >> Miss Egan, I'm Jolene's English teacher. I wanted to just let all of you know what an inspiration Jolene is. She is a mover and shaker at on the Somerset campus. She is involved in Key Club. She's inspirational to the students. She gets them involved. She's an idea person and she's just so enthusiastic. A word I would use to describe Jolene is initiative. She steps up in
009participating in our school events and activities and she's shown to be a leader and and acts on the opportunities that are offered to our students here on campus. So keep it up all of you. >> Congratulations Jolie for this recognition of being one of our spotlight students for Somerset. As your counselor, I have seen the dedication you have made in increasing the amount of classes in order to complete your credits towards graduation. Also, your school involvement with ASB is very much appreciated. I am happy to see you focus in school and looking forward to see which college you decide to attend. Thank you and congrats. Yes, my name is Brian Amada and I am the ASB director and I want to congratulate uh Jolene for being our blockbuster. I'm very impressed with her uh demeanor
010of being uh open-minded and taking leadership. Uh she has totally in the beginning very quiet and has really stepped up to the plate to have her peers follow her in a good direction of being, you know, a successful saint. And uh what really steps out for me is that she's always happy and always funky and you know um just greets everybody with a a happy um aura per se you know of uh being being an individual who wants to share and and share her knowledge. Thank you. And uh congratulations. >> All right. I told Jolene she's got to come up here. [Applause] >> Hi, my name is Jolene. I'm a senior at Somerset and I just want to say I'm grateful to be able to redo my credits and um for them to give me
011an opportunity so I can go graduate with my friends and at my home school. Even though I really do like this school, they give me opportunities to find good friends and to be more open to other things that I usually wouldn't have done. And I'm grateful. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. We're so happy that your health is doing better and that you're doing better. Would you like to take a picture with us? Okay, awesome. If we could take a picture as Thank you. Thank you again for being here. Okay, so we're moving on to our employee representative reports. We do not have a report from BTA tonight, but we do have one from CSCA. So, can communications officer Anthony RmIrez please come to the podium? Thank you. First of all, thank you for that preemptive
012applause back there. Not sure what not sure what prompted that. Anyway, uh board president Stewart, board members, superintendent Simon Cabinet, uh BTA representatives, PTA is back here somewhere and community residents. Good evening. My name is Anthony. I am here uh as a representative of the chapter 32. I am the communication officer. I am here to comment uh actually on agenda item 12.3. We wanted to get ahead of this item before it comes in front of you. Uh 12.3 is the security services contract on the agenda between the Belfar Unified School District and Black Knight Patrol. Uh CSEA submitted a demand to bargain notice on the effects of having armed security at our high school campuses. Prior to today, there's only been one meeting, and that meeting only superficially discussed the roles and duties of both
013Black Knight and our camp campus security staff. At the start of the meeting, CSEA President Michelle Quayar made sure that everyone present understood that it was not a negotiation session. BSD council agreed. CSEA leadership understands the nature and process of bargaining very well. That meeting in no way satisfied the requirement to bargain the effects of firearm armed security patrolling around our campuses or working with or near our own classified staff. In fact, that meeting raised some serious questions about the allowable use of deadly force that you could be authorizing. We are concerned that this change to any district policy regarding weapons on public school grounds has not been clearly explained to teachers, classified staff, or the community. and also that this contract would potentially put anyone who steps onto high school property in close proximity
014to an altercation involving the use of at least one firearm. Safety is of the utmost importance to all of us here at Belfar Unified School District. We have some hard questions that we think need answering, especially since these armed guards will in fact be working in the same physical locations that our campus security and staff currently work. If you choose to vote to put armed guards at our two high schools, then we look forward to the bar to bargaining the effects of that decision. The resulting bargaining agreement with the district will help ensure all employees are following the same clearly defined policies and procedures. Thank you for hearing our thoughts on this serious issue. >> Thank you. Um, next we'll move on to our superintendent report. We do not have PTA communications tonight. So, Dr.
015Simon, >> thank you uh, Board President Stewart, our esteemed members of the board, honored guests, and members of the Bellflower community. The past few weeks have been marked by enthusiasm and joy within our school district. On September 9th, 2025, our South Elementary Schools conducted their back to school nights during which I, along with board members and several cabinet members, attended several schools. I was able to join Lindstöm's and IC's back to school nights. It was terrific to watch principal Sue Curtis and also Sam Plattis as they welcomed students, parents, and guardians. On September 11, 2025, our North schools conducted their back to school nights again during which I along with board members and several cabinet members attended several schools. Um, I was only able to attend one school and that school was Ernie Pal. And
016it was a pleasure to meet students, parents, and guardians. On September 11th, our Bellflower High School football team played Whittier High School at Ronnie Stadium, and they pulled out an amazing win. On September 12th, our Mayfair High School football team played Lakewood High School at Lakewood High School, believe the milk bucket game. Although they did not achieve victory, our community demonstrated admirable support for the football team. I also had the wonderful opportunity to visit three schools on Monday, September 15th and Tuesday, September se September 16th. And those schools included IOC, Foster, and Lindstöm. And I want to give a special shout out to the incredible teachers who I met, who I observed, um, who inspire our students every day. in ILC. David Zabala, our fourth grade teacher. I always enjoy going into Mrs. Zabala's class.
017He is so engaging and his students are always just aligned with what he's doing in that classroom. Patricia Salvadar, Zaldavar, excuse me, and also Lara Estrada at Foster, Karen Bumgars, Miss Silva, Miss Friselle, Miss Porchuna, I think I'm saying that correct, and also Mr. Greenwood had a pleasure of observing and walking through their classrooms. And again, each teacher was very welcoming. Then at Lististram, U Mr. Tega, Kim Ashton, Laura Cummings, Nick McEwin, Cindy, can pronounce your last name. I don't want to butcher it. My apologies. They call her Cindy M at the school. And then also Dr. Kirsten Robertson, TK teacher at Lindstöm as well. And I had a an opportunity to take a wonderful picture with the TK students in the classroom with Sue Curtis, the principal, and also with Dr. Kirsten Robertson as
018well. And I want to send out a heartfelt shout out to Ismeralda Alvarez, the secretary in the elementary office, whose friendly, cheerful, and professional demeanor shines brightly in every interactions with our parents, our guardians, the community and staff. I've received a lot of um just call outs and shout outs and affirmation of her amazing behavior and demeanor. So, I want to give Mrs. Alvarez a shout out as well. I had the privilege in participating in the PTA meeting this past Tuesday also with our board member uh Miss Renita Armstrong and deputy superintendent um Mr. Ryan here we we got a chance to engage with the PTA presidents to delve into uh my 100 day plan and focusing on two pivotal questions. What is currently thriving and where can we elevate our investments? And then also
019um our deputy superintendent had an opportunity to engage in some things that were happening and got to acknowledge the PTA fair that took place this past Saturday as well. And again, I want to just truly extend publicly a huge thank you to my incredible cabinet whose unwavering dedication and long hours exemplify their commitment to our students, to our parents, to our guardians, and the community. And again, I just want to say publicly your efforts are deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for President Stewart. >> Thank you, Dr. Simon. All right, moving on to committee updates. Um, first and foremost, Dr. Simon, I noticed on our Friday memos, we used to have a link to our communication for our committees, and it would have what the committee was, who was on it, and when the next
020meeting was. And I noticed that that has disappeared. And I would really like it to come back so that we can keep track of these committees because we haven't had a um meetings for a while, and I know we're just getting ready, you know, we're just the school's starting, so I get it. But I'd really like to get these committees back going. So, if you could find that or what it used to look like or I can talk with you about it, but I'd like to get that back on our Friday memo, please. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. All right. So, starting with alliance, I know we definitely want to continue alliance um with our president and vice president. That's how we've set that up. So, I don't believe we've scheduled those, but typically we have
021our unions um pick the topics for us. So, hopefully they can start uh collaborating with you on that. Um are there any other committee updates? Kirk Critzfield. Thank you, Madam President. Uh just one, we had a Calapse meeting and I I've mentioned it uh last meeting, but we did vote to amend our bylaws um to uh expand courses uh to the middle school for our Cal Apps uh program. So, that's uh something that will be coming before this board uh very soon. Um next meeting, next meeting. Um, and then it'll be as long as this board agrees to it and then Lynwood board uh in partnership agrees as well. That's something that I think that'd be a great benefit to our course offerings and getting younger kids uh exposed to different trades that will serve
022them as they move into high school. So, that's something I wanted to report. Thank you, Madam President. >> Board member Armstrong. Well, I I met with the um LA County Schools Trustees Association. It was basically a planning meeting. Uh however, afterwards, we did um uh have a have a mixer. So, in the future, I'm going to share some dates and that way if if you all are available, you guys because you're members, too. So, so you guys could come out and and explore some of the um some of the programs that we're going to be like offering. So, we we're just in the planning stages right now and getting our dates together, but you'll get that information, put it on your calendar if able to take advantage of it, come out and join us. Okay,
023that's it. >> Thank you. Are there any other committee updates? All right, moving along to public comments tonight. We do have a request addressing open session agenda items. Can we please have Oh, let me read this. I'm so sorry. While meetings of the governing board are not public meetings, they are open to the public. Individual speakers will be allowed three minutes to address the board on each agenda or non-aggenda item. The board will limit the total time for public input on each item to 21 minutes as per board bylaw 9322.2. All right. Sorry. Can I have Mr. Louie Curio, please? Thank you for being here. Uh, good evening board. Uh, this is regarding Ernie Pow and the principal at Ernie Pow. Uh, it's going to need a whole lot more than three minutes because I
024believe our students deserve a whole lot more than that. Uh, when Miss Cummings left, she left Ernie Pow as one of the best elementary schools around. When Miss Gavlan came over or uh Gavlanes came to us, uh I approached her and I told her, "You got big shoes to fill." You know, everybody was happy, students, staff, parents, and in one year, okay, that school has gone down big time. You know, teachers, good teachers have left Uh there's been morale that's gone down. Some of the teachers right now can't work with her. Obviously, she's not a team player. You know, I we all believe it's all selfishness. You know, um don't want to speculate that it's a power trip. She she's going there, but it's a lot. And you can tell, you know, there's some teachers
025that have left this year. There's some teachers that don't like working with her now. You know, um there there's there's plenty, you know, there's teachers that are going over there to open back gates, no keys. You know, kids are out there in in the heat waiting for somebody to go go over there. There's uh traffic going on in the back for uh the special need kids that I don't know if you're familiar with Ernie Pow and the back gate. So now there's cars coming in and out. There's teachers out there um playing traffic control. They're not certified for that. If a if a student gets hit, hey, that's not my job. I'm here to teach. I'm not here for traffic control, you know. Um, she does off-the-wall stuff. She she for special uh Christmas uh
026concerts. She takes her daughter to go sing. You know, we're there to see our kids, not hers. You know, the morale's down. The the teachers when the teachers are willing uh to be part of a team. Uh everybody's happy. When they're not, it affects our students. It affects the community. It affects the parents. And we see all and hopefully you guys can see something that maybe we're not. And then honestly, I'm here to see what we can do to remove her. If I need to come back and speak some more next week or whenever, I will. And I'm going to keep coming back because I feel that our community and our kids deserve a whole lot more than that. If she needs to be removed and get somebody promote somebody that really cares with heart,
027then let's do so. We don't have to go to Beverly Hills or anywhere else to get a good education for for our kids. We can get it here. It was happening before. Why should it stop? We're here for our kids and that's it. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate you being here. [Applause] All right, tonight we're moving along to our public hearing. Our first public hearing is 11.1, a resolution sufficiency of standards align instructional materials for 2025 2026 grades TK to 12. Dr. Simon, I think we have things. No, >> I think we just read the script just to see if anyone has any public um if anyone wants to speak, they can come to the podium. >> Oh, I was told by Mr. we'd have a presentation first and then I would open
028it. Second one. You didn't say that. Okay. All right. So, I'm going to open up this public hearing if anyone would like to speak. All right. Hearing none, I'm going to close the public hearing and I'm going to open it up to my colleagues if anybody has questions or comments. All right. So we Andrew, Mr. Sura, is this the one we're combining? Do I'm going to roll call then? Yes. Awesome. All right. Roll call, please. >> Student board member Ewan. >> Miss Armstrong. >> I, Miss Cintron, >> I. >> Mr. Critchfield, >> I. >> Mrs. Garza, >> I. >> Miss Stewart, >> I. All right, moving along to our next public hearing is 11.2 two, a public hearing to consider a resolution approving the mitigated negative declaration and adopting the mitigation monitoring and reporting program
029for the Mayfair Middle School athletic field improvements project and approving the project. And there's the presentation. Dr. Simon, >> thank you. And now I would turn it over to our general counsel, Andrew Sera. >> Thank you, uh, Superintendent Simon. This evening, the board will consider the approval of the mitigated negative negative declaration as part of the sequel process for the Mayfair Stadium project. This includes mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the project as well as overall approval of the project. And this evening, uh, Mr. Michael Milroy from Ultra Systems, who are the they are the consultants that have been assisting us with this report, will go ahead and provide a presentation to the board and the community. um followed by um a combination of major action under this item as well which will basically be
030a vote by the board to approve it. >> Thank you for the invitation to speak to you tonight. >> You can raise that if you want. >> Thank you. Thank you. So existing the existing conditions uh in and around the project site uh include a track with football uh soccer field and bleachers, a baseball field, a softball field, a practice field and along the right hand side well pardon me within the red um polygon along the right hand side of the red polygon you can see the polivity lateral storm panel and the project site. Well, the project site is surrounded by the balance of um Mayfield um um Mayfair uh high school on the left and then single family residences uh on the nearly the balance of the surrounding and then Lindstöm Elementary School at
031the bottom right. Uh, varsity football games are currently held at Belfar High School Stadium, Ron Erie Stadium. The proposed project includes a new track and field with uh synthetic turf, new stadium bleachers with a capacity of 1,711. A new baseball field with dugouts and bleachers. A new softball field also with dugouts and bleachers. Two new practice fields. a new restroom and concession building and two new ticket booths. Now the pallet lateral storm channel uh next to the east side of the campus that is shown in the site plan here on the right side of the slide that is shown as a surface parking lot. So the stor the existing surface storm channel would be converted to an underground reinforced concrete doublebox culvert and with a surface parking lot with 311 parking spaces built above built
032on top of the culvert. So the secret process we started out in March of this year um with several technical studies including air quality and greenhouse gas analysis, biological resources, cultural resources, noise and traffic. And we also started work on the initial study. Public participation included the initial study was circulated for public review between August 11th and September 10th. There was a community meeting on August 28th and then the board hearing the board hearing here tonight. The findings of the initial study in included that impacts are less than significant with mitigation incorporated for biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, specifically paleontological resources and tribal cultural resources. impacts to all the rest of the environmental factors that are examined in an initial study were either less than significant or no impact. Aesthetics, agricultural resources, air
033quality, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous materials, hydrarology and water quality, land use, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, pardon me, u hazards and hazardous materials got moved around there somehow. Transportation, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. Now we'll look at uh take a bit of a closer look at a few of those uh environmental factors regarding biological resources. There would be 35 green ash trees removed from the east side of the campus and that is the pink area. You can see the palivvery lateral storm channel immediately to the right to the east of that pink area. Impacts to nesting birds would be significant without mitigation. The mitigation measure required is a pre-construction breeding bird survey and impacts would be less than significant after mitigation. The trees would be replaced. The project planting
034plan includes 39 trees and over 400 shrubs. Noise impacts from operation of the proposed facilities would be less than significant. There would be no increase in the use of the facilities except for varsity football games transferred from Belfar High School to Mayfair. There would be no increase in enrollment at Mayfair High School and events would not be scheduled during the mo during the most noise sensitive time of day that is after 10 p.m. Regarding transportation and related air quality and noise impacts for a major event. The the um attendance currently at Ronnier Stadium at Belfar High School is 880. The estimated attendance for a major event at Mayfair High School is 915. The net increase in uh attendance is 35. Net increase in vehicles is 11. For a minor event, the estimated attendance at a
035uh minor event at project completion is 60. Uh existing conditions estimated is 50. The net increase in spectators is 10. Net increase in vehicles is seven. Regarding spill lighting impacts from field lighting, there would be field lighting for the track and field, not for the other, not for the baseball uh field or the soccer field. The highest spill light level is 0.42 42 foot candle along the east side east site boundary where the you see the red arrow pointing along Kanehill Avenue. The threshold of significance for spill light is 0.8 foot candle and the photograph there shows existing field lights at Ronier Stadium. And that concludes my uh presentation and board president. I also wanted to add that there was a letter submitted by the city of Belfflower uh response to comments that we basically
036responded to their comments initially. They provided a response letter to that. The letter will be introduced into the record as well. Um and I believe uh Mr. Milroy had um two answers to the questions that were posed in this letter if I'm not mistaken. >> Yes. Thank you. So there were there were two and by the way this was this was an error on our part. We did not uh the uh response to documents comment uh document that we sent to the city of Belfar yesterday did not have responses to two of their uh comments. The first comment was about uh traffic impacts specifically um vehicles exiting the proposed uh parking lot. the driveway, the exit driveway from the parking lot would be onto All Street. Uh, pardon me, Ellington. Yes, Ellington Street. The the
037the comment asked whether there would be sufficient gaps in traffic on Allington uh for cars exiting from the parking lot. We believe there would be sufficient gaps for a few different reasons. Uh the main reason being simply that ma major events at uh Mayfair would would occur after the general uh peak hour, the general traffic peak hour. Also, there was a uh traffic count on Ellington between um between Woodruff and Carpenter done last year by Newport Traffic Studies. They counted 12,184 vehicles per day. The capacity now uh Allington, that segment of Allington is four lanes. The capacity of a four-lane street is 5,600 vehicles per hour. So between those for for those two reasons, uh we believe there would be adequate uh gap traffic gaps on Ellington for exiting vehicles. The second uh comment in
038the uh letter that the city of Belfflower submitted today was about noise impacts from speakers on the fieldwide posts. And uh I had my noise manager at Ultra Systems do a bit of research on this topic uh today and in uh studies of noise from speakers at stadiums at a few other high schools that that he looked at the noise in the residential neighborhoods next to the uh high schools was 15 to 20 uh A-rated decibb or dba. Now, A rating is uh decibbed slightly to match the sensitivity of the human ear. Uh 15 to 20 A-rated decibb above the noise levels without the events that the noise was in the low 70 uh decibel uh range in the uh neighborhoods, which is which is quite noticeable. Uh the way to uh decrease the noise
039levels uh that the surrounding re residents would would hear would be to point the speakers toward the spectators in the stands and away from the surrounding neighborhoods. Now uh Mr. Sura, we can easily add a project design feature. There's no reason even to add a uh mitigation measure. tomorrow when I get to my office, I could add a project design feature. Uh would that be sufficient? >> Yeah, and we're looking to basically address the the concerns that have been raised. So, in doing so, as long as the uh design of the project isn't substantially changed or materially changed, it wouldn't be an issue to address. So, that is something that we will be doing to make sure that it addresses the concern that was expressed. Um with that being said, uh the report does total
040roughly 200 pages. Uh it is a very comprehensive report. Um it has been available for the public to view for a period of at least 30 days. Um we have taken all the steps to try to address the concerns that have been raised response to the comments. Um you know we do have legal uh counsel that have assisted us in this process as well. And so at this point, uh, we present it to the board for your approval, um, and basically to allow this project to, uh, to get underway. So, that being said, it would be appropriate to open the public hearing at this time. >> All right. So, I'm going to open up the public hearing. Is there anybody that would like to speak in favor of this? Seeing none, is there anybody that
041would like to speak against this? Is there anybody that would like to speak? Okay, I'm going to close the public hearing and I'm going to open it up to my colleagues if you have questions or concerns. And we're going to start with Clerk Critfield. >> Thank you, Madam President. I do have a question. I'll take advantage of the fact that you're here because I know you've looked at this a lot. Could you with a with a element of precision explain to me uh our school boundary along Kain Hill where exactly the boundary of this project is and where our uh boundary is. >> Okay. Yes. Actually, so the uh Paladver lateral storm channel that you see immediately next to Canhill Avenue there, that is Los Angeles County Flood Control District property. That's that's not actually
042district property. So the now but now the storm channel is part of the project site because again part of the project is converting most of the storm channel and when I say most of the storm channel if you look at the site plan on the right side of the slide you see the turnaround down at the south end of the parking lot. the turnaround is. And you can see actually immediately to the right of the turnaround, you can see a little bit of the storm channel extending down to the south end of that uh site plan. So, pardon me. That that turnaround is actually um it's close to the edge of the uh track and field there along kind of the northern um half of the east edge of that track and field. So, the
043and the um let's see here now I'm going to advance through. Okay, there. So, there is the uh project site boundary. Now there there's one more thing I will mention the kind of rectangle that extends across Ellington Street that is to we we we don't really expect that the project site is going going to extend all the way across Ellington. That was to account for possible staging so on and so forth. Um the the project certainly does include construction of a driveway from a uh proposed parking lot onto uh Ellington Street. Got it. Uh for with this slide here, now you're not going to be able to zoom in as far as I would need, but >> so the I I understand the red line is the project boundary. >> Yes. >> Um my my
044my interest in asking the question is I know um there's uh currently no walkway along All Cane Hill down and I I find it to be a safety thing. So it's so the the uh the debate is really where is our boundary? I know there with the storm drain there. So, does our our boundary our area of responsibility stop before the um current uh waterway and anything on the outside that would be city property? Or is that sliver where the fencing is and where the uh roughage is along is that our responsibility or is that within our boundary? Like where is our legal boundary? Does it extend over the waterway or not? the current legal boundary does not pardon me the the district's current property does not extend over the waterway now but again part
045of this project will be uh conversion of the of of most of the storm channel there to an underground doublebox culvert the the school um the school boundary then would be extended eastward to include the parking lot >> now does that go all the way to the curb of Canehill because right now the the waterway stops then there's a a chain link fence and about a five foot gap before you hit the curb. What I'm really my interest is that five foot gap where I think would be great for a walkway and it's more of just you know how do we collaborate with the city and make that happen if it is city property or if it is our property. So, does the project currently go all the way to the curb where the fencing
046for the parking lot would be on the next to the curb of Cane Hill or is there still going to be that gap? >> I don't know the answer to that and that would be something for the district and the city of Lakewood to uh discuss and uh >> Okay. What you are saying is once we do >> the once we cover the the waterway with the parking lot that >> becomes like that is our new boundary. >> Correct. The the the east edge of that uh parking lot to my knowledge will become the new the new district boundary there. >> So that boundary do you know how far away that is from the street? >> I don't know. >> Okay. Is there a way we can get that >> Can we get Mr. Sura
047really quickly? I know he wants to say something. >> Yeah. So, what we can do is we can basically survey the uh the area and determine where the actual jurisdictional boundary lines lie to be able to determine whether that um portion of um potential walkway sidewalk would fall within the the jurisdiction of the district or with the city. But regardless, at that point, it could still be a collaborative uh engagement between the district and the city to be able to construct that to allow for more pedestrian access along the east side of Cane Hill. >> Thank you. >> And and I don't have a way to to answer this right at the moment. Uh uh perhaps I don't know if uh Mr. Uh, Surga, uh, there's I I I don't have a uh computer with
048me, but on your computer, the the LA County Assessor's Office has an online interactive map, and it's uh Los Angeles, well, LA County Assessor, and it's P A I S. It's spelled just like pais in Spanish. And it has a map of parcel boundaries, and it could be you can zoom into it. you can get a it won't tell you exactly how many feet from the curb the city's uh jurisdiction extends, but I mean it's going to give you a fairly accurate uh uh picture of of of how far away from the curb the city's land extends. >> Yeah. And again, this is something that I would have to do a little more research in because the question would come into whether it's a city easement over that property. who actually owns a property. Um,
049it's it's can get a little bit more techno, especially with the flood control channel there. So, it's something that I'll have to get back to you on and give you an answer to. >> I'd appreciate that. >> I believe the architect wants to speak now on this or now, >> Mr. Bender. >> Okay. >> And and he So, Mr. Robert Bender is uh a part of this project. uh his uh firm is the one that drew the plans up and does have a strong degree of expertise with terms of the actual specifics of the construction of the project. >> Thank you for being here. >> Uh thank you Mr. Stewart and uh Dr. uh Simon and the board staff and the board. Uh to respond to some of the questions, particularly the one Mr. Brad
050brought up but not read recently. Um, the distance from the curb to the property line, which is the Mayflower High School property line, is six feet. There's a six-foot ride ofway all along Cane Hill. That is a secondary rightway. It is not the city's position to put a sidewalk in any residential secondary right away. So, that is something the city would have to address and the city would have to answer. It is not district property. That's not something that you can go into and put a sidewalk in. >> Great. No, that that's exactly why I asked the question because I I do think that there's a a need for it when it comes to safety, the kids walking to the elementary school at the end. So, if we're doing the all the construction, might be
051a great opportunity to collaborate with the the city, you know, while all that's going on. Uh for the district to uh move into the dis the right of way would require encroachment permits, would inquire uh additional traffic studies, additional expenditures of funds in order just to uh give the city the information that they would need to even partner with the district in providing a a sidewalk. I'm sorry. Just for clarity, when you say go into the rightway, you're talking about going into the street. >> No, the right of way is the curb is in the street. >> Yeah. >> Six feet from the curb is the property line. That's six feet is al is what's called right of way, but it's also called parkway. >> So, no, I'm talking about inside like So, you're saying
052that I'm talking about on this side of the curb right now. There's a five foot gap with a a chain link fence. >> Correct. >> I'm talking about that. I'm not talking about like going into where the cars are would park or or drive. I saw your email response. I think that might be the confusion. I'm talking about on our side of the property. >> On our side of the property. >> Yeah. On our side of the property, the curb is up against the fence. The fence I was asking property line. Thank you. >> U. So, uh, if there's any other questions at the board, I would appreciate it. Uh, I've worked with Mike, Mr. Milroy here on several answering several questions and dealing with Andrew as well, uh, and trying to get this, uh,
053SQL report accurate as possible. There's still some inaccuracies that I've seen, but I think we can overlook them for the time being. Okay. >> Thank you, Andrew. Anything else? >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Anything else from board members? So, we're taking this into major action and we're going to vote. Correct. >> I'm sorry. Okay, Vice President Garcia, sorry. It's okay. Um, so the questions I have are the first one would be uh what safeguards are in place to ensure um that this project doesn't disrupt existing instructional time or student safety during the 14 months of construction? So with the construction the construction um the entity who the award of the construction of the project will go to will basically be required to maintain the safety of the construction area. Uh that's when within their responsibility.
054Um they will have certain uh protective measures put up to prevent students from crossing over into the construction area. um you know, as much as that's humanly possible because I think we all know that sometimes people like to traverse into areas they're not supposed to. But while there's active construction going on on the site, there will be individuals there monitoring, making sure that the students are safe, um that they're not crossing over into the construction area. As far as disruption, the reality is there will be a degree of disruption because there will be machinery that's you know on the property building constructing and and so on. But they are trying to keep that to a minimum along with other factors such as for example dust mitigating that impact and and so on and so forth.
055So that very much so falls upon the uh construction company to maintain that along with the project manager who will be overseeing the uh project as a whole and both those items are on your uh agenda tonight as well under consent. >> So the people who will be um standing in front of that project to make sure that our students don't walk into that area um will those be do we know of if those will be our employees or will they be the construction employees? it will be from the construction company. If I can give you an example, uh when they do road work and they set up, you know, cones to protect the workers that are working in the area, they generally have someone there monitoring to make sure that traffic is actually going
056around those cones to ensure the safety of the workers in that area. Similarly, there will be individuals there to make sure that any uh construction that's going on is not impacting the the school itself and that the students aren't crossing over into the construction zone along with fencing and so on. >> Perfect. Thank you. Um so, next question is how will construction over the 14 months be phased to avoid disruption of instruction and athletic programs? >> Uh so there will be athletic programs that will be disrupted uh during the construction of this project. Um currently it's phased as the construction of the um actual stadium and fields will take place first because there's a moratorum on building in the flood control channel area uh until April 15th of next year. So we can only build
057in that area between April 15th and October 15th. Um accommodations will need to be made for the various athletic programs that generally use these fields. Uh this includes baseball, soccer, football I know plays at uh Belfflower High School, but the district will have to be able to find scheduling and space available to accommodate those other sporting programs. >> And Vice President Carlos, if I can add to Mrs. Surga's comment, uh we have been working with the athletic director, the principal, and staff in regards to um finalizing a schedule, right, for teams that are going to be impacted. Uh Dr. Dr. Ryan Smith, our deputy superintendent, has taken over those meetings um to ensure that we are moving in place. And we know that October 1st, if the board, right, approves today, we'll move forward with
058um scheduling and moving those sports teams to a different location. >> Thank you for that information. Um my next question is, um are there projected ongoing maintenance and operation costs with this um project? All the costs that are within the project are part of the construction budget. So the maintenance FM uh director Patrick Turner is being brought along on the project walk. Um we'll be working right alongside the project manager that that we're hoping uh is approved tonight and we will you know come against any maintenance or operational things that we have to take care of while the project is ongoing. >> Thank you. Um my next question is um is there a clear communication plan for residents to raise concerns during the construction and future operations? So, uh, in terms of a structured, you
059know, comment or complaint area, that's something that the district will have to develop. At this point, again, with with regard to the SQUA, um, it's just specific to the mitigated actions that need to be taken to allow this project to move forward as construction unfolds. Um that's certainly something that if residents have uh an issue, we welcome them to come in and let us know so that we can address those issues. Construction on a scale like this does have some impact to to surrounding areas as as we all know what whatever they may be. Um but the goal is to allow them an avenue to be able to make those concerns known to us so that we can address them either with the project manager or the construction company. At this time, I cannot say
060that there's a link set up on on the website, although that's something that we can certainly look into. Um, but yeah, whatever concerns or or complaints or comments come in, they will be addressed by the district. >> And that's easy for us to set up an email for the project manager to respond to concerns by our community. >> Okay. I Thank you so much. I'd be very interested in seeing that when it comes up. Thank you. Um, I believe those are all my questions. Thank you so much. >> And um Clark Crushfield. >> Thank you. Um first of all, thank you uh to both of you gentlemen and staff for working so hard on this. I I know we've been it's been a couple years in the making. Um and I I appreciate all the
061work to get us to this point. I think it's really really an important uh step in this whole process obviously. Um I do have one question. Uh, so I'm a visual learner. Um, when it comes to I mean I know the the all of the the plans are great and really tell us what's going to happen, but how it's going to look and how we're going to make it uh you know brand it and how how it's actually going to look at what point of this process can this board get renderings of what is actually going to be constructed um for this project like which I don't know who who catches that ball in the different uh capacities. But um who does for projects? Do you create a a rendering? You got one of those
062big signs you you put up and say, "Hey, coming soon. This is what we're going to look at." Or I know some companies have like video renderings and they get all fancy. Who does that? the architect's responsibility uh for this particular project though the the scope of the rendering that we provided was that site plan that is currently published on the district uh website uh we didn't get into 3D renderings uh as it was a sports field uh there was no buildings involved and only bleachers were really the the major part of the uh construction and and the stadium um I can go back and we can look at uh the possibility of providing some kind of a rendering from the 3D graphics that we have prepared. >> I would I mean that's something I
063would be interested in. I don't know if the rest of the board but and I know I was looking through the old plans, you know, just last night. I know it's evolved a lot since when it was first discussed, but I I would be very interested in uh getting uh some visual plans. Typically what we would do uh there's a uh a project site sign that's built into the contract right now with the uh general contractor that he's to provide the project identification sign will contain an image. Right now it was planned to just provide the same image that is on the district website but that's typically where a rendering of a future project would go. Unfortunately, we haven't generated a rendering for the future project in that like we did for steam, we did
064a significant amount of renderings, right? >> But for this project, we didn't. >> Yeah. Because I'm curious because even like the concession stands, the different buildings that are going to be up like, you know, are we going for the steam building look? We going for old school look? We don't know what it's actually going to look like. Um, >> well, I personally did my own 3D renderings when I was designing the the concessions building. So I have my own documents that I created. It's not something that was published though or not something that was created in a presentation format. Got it. >> Just really really design hand sketches. I So I I can visualize it in 3D. So it's very easily to possibly take what we've already prepared and put it into a 3D format.
065>> Okay. >> And colorize it possibly for the district. uh giving you a bird's eye perspective of maybe what the entire project's going to look like. >> Yeah, because I mean just I think the was it St. Joseph's the one off of Clark there like they kind of had similar bleachers but they it's branded you know like the colors it's it's very you know that school. Uh I think it'd build a lot of excitement for the community to see you know the good work that's going to be done. I'd be interested in if that conversation could happen or if anybody else is interested in it. Oh, that's something I could work out with uh with Dr. Simon and uh Miss Arcus. I'll see if we can come up with a uh a quote or a
066presentation that would go to the board and and possibly be placed on that identification sign for the public knowledge. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? All right. So, that is moving us along to our major action 12.1. Can I get a motion to approve item 12.1? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Student board member E1U. >> I. >> Miss Armstrong. >> I. >> Miss Centron. >> Hi. >> Mr. Critzfield. >> I >> Mrs. Garza. >> Hi. >> Miss Stewart. I All right. So, moving along to our next major action item 12.2 resolution of intent to consider future bond measure. Dr. Simon. So, this resolution was brought forth uh to the board um with the intention of considering a future bond and election and resourcing the investigation of a
067potential bond me measure. So, if you're open to a future bond, this is a resolution that will allow you to move forward and do so. >> Any questions or comments from board members? >> Yes. Um I I have one. Um I would um so the intent for a future bond measure um I I would love to have a bond measure put on there. But um what I what I would want the staff to work on the cabinet is to really have a you know I want some defined projects. You know I want I want the vision. I don't want to I'm I'm not willing to present blind aspirations to the public. I want to know what the money would be spent on. I do not want to put the cart before the horse because see
068our constituents and our community they will be they will ultimately be the pay the payers of this. So, they are really going to have to have an input on what they're willing to to spend money on. And it's going to, you know, it's going to be generational. So, I would love for you guys to have a a plan. And I'm not talking about a master's facility plan. I'm talking about, hey, what can we do? You know, uh, honestly, that that's what I want. I need something that's going to be concrete. >> Can we get Mr. Sur in real fast, please? >> Yes. So, um, the district is currently working on a facilities master plan, which will be the document that is used to identify projects that are most in need of the bonding measure. If
069the board wants specific projects on that bond in particular exactly where the money is going to be used for, uh, that's certainly a possibility. It's never really recommended because between the time that decision is made and the time the the bond uh proceeds are actually dispersed, a lot of things can change. So that's why generally uh and bond measures, you have a kind of scope of of projects that you're looking at or um areas that you're looking to to enhance. So I I would recommend not going into necessarily specific, but focusing on the areas where you're looking to improve the districts in terms of facilities. >> Did you have another comment? Go ahead. No, no, that that that's good because we need a scope. If we want to go and change the facade on all
070the schools, that's fine. You know, um whatever it might be, you know, if you talk to some community partners, they they may have a grand idea. You know, like myself, I mean, we don't we don't have a pool, you know, it would be great to have a swimming pool, but you know, there lies, you know, a conversation, you know. So that's all I wanted, you know, let's let's do something really good with this with this money that we are going that we're going to want. So yeah. No, I know for a fact. Yeah, Andrew, we we can't have everything like, oh, we're going to do A, B, and C, but let's have a a focus, not just the master. Yeah, you do the master's facility plan. Yeah. And and and and derive from there what
071we really want. That's all I'm saying. and you'll have my support. >> Vice President Garza. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, can you remind us what is the the process in going out for this bond? What comes first? What comes next? So that way for myself just a kind of refresher. Um, and then also for our our um public please. Um so generally with the bond process um much like last time we will engage bond counsel who will present to the board um different aspects of the bond the amounts that you're looking to put on the measure um and basically kind of go through all the details of what that entails. Um after which time the board will have to pass a resolution to put the bond uh measure on the ballot that requires uh
072a four-fifths vote and after that it's basically just generally working with bond council um to go through some of the educational process for the community. uh the district can't engage in campaigning necessarily for for the bond, but can provide educational material for the community members, especially when it comes to what the bond proceeds would be used for. Um so the process is it can be pretty condensed if you're running on a a quick timeline, but as opposed to the previous year, we do have a lot more time now to be able to engage the community, to get input, to get feedback. Um it really this is just the first step in and starting that process. So at this point it the resolution of intent basically starts the um engagement of bond council and that process
073of going through some of the public hearings some of the presentations up to the resolution and then the educational campaign. >> May I ask one more question? Thank you. Um so where in that process can you tell us that uh facilities you know um report would be? >> So that that report that report is is forthcoming. Um certainly I wouldn't I wouldn't recommend that we uh jump straight to the resolution to place the bond measure on the ballot without having that report in place. So my goal is that by the end of the year that'll be ready to go and that'll allow us sorry enough time to be able to actually go through the bond process in a very uh deliberate manner >> which is what we're doing right now. Correct. That's why we're working
074on that. >> And just to add to that I would like to add ask our deputy superintendent to respond. >> Uh happy to and just to to build upon and Andrew's answer. So essentially the resolution tonight is giving direction to staff to kick the process off to prepare um things and put things in order for the board to make an informed decision about putting a bond measure on the ballot in November 26. So what would happen assuming some of the items are passed by the board this evening um is we would begin the facilities master planning process which would probably take five six months perhaps somewhere in that neighborhood. Um we would also engage in some community polling which is also quite important. The last time the board went through this they engaged true north
075polling specifically um to kind of gauge community feeling input that kind of thing as far as support for a bond measure. All of those parts things would come into play ideally. Um Mr. Sria is absolutely correct. We do have much more time. Uh last time we did this, we went right to the kind of the wire in in August, I think, was when the the actual uh ballot measure or the the resolution came to the board. Ideally, we'd like to have something before the board um late April, May, somewhere in that neighborhood. It could get pushed back a little bit, could be pushed forward. Just depends on kind of the eb and flow of the process leading up to that point. Uh part of the facilities master planning process is to help also inform a
076project list, if you will, that would also be part of the um process for the bond initiative. >> I'm sorry. Really quickly, Carrie, can you turn off the podium, please? There's so many on here right now, it's really difficult. And I'm gonna go to Kurt Critzfield. Thank you so much. >> Oh, she got it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, so going having kind of gone through this process last time, I I feel uh so I I love the energy uh that Miss Armstrong brings to it like because we want everybody to support this and we feel like we need to have something really shiny. Um, but I remember when we did the polling with True North last time, it was actually the things that were pretty um I don't want to say
077boring, but very uh you know uh it it was like repairing the ACs, repairing the roofs. It was things that were safety oriented that pulled the highest because I think we got to give our community credit that they understand that facilities age and our facilities are old. So, I I do like the idea of visioning and and uh all that, but I think having gone through the the process before, I think there is a lot of community support for this and we're not starting off at zero because even though the last facilities master plan that I was I was looking through the other night, I think it was in 23. Um it it wasn't as thorough as we want we want and we're and we're going to do this time, but there was $36 million
078in just like the level one uh category, which is all safety category. you know, there there's things that we're spending on that we we could have been addressing just, you know, a couple years ago or last year right now. Um, so there's plenty in just that safety category. And then the total of all the five categories of that that was recommended in the bond, uh, the facilities master plan last time was like $160 million. So, I would, you know, just say that I know and in a non-presidential year bonds, you know, uh are a little less popular, but I think it's really important that we uh communicate with the community that it really is a need and it's for those students and we have to, you know, do a lot of the things that may
079not be as shiny. But I I think it is good to dream big and and create new opportunity for students. But I think we're on the right track and I I know uh we're ahead of the the ball this time and I just hope that we can uh all together, you know, inform the community and get the support that we need so this passes because we really do need it. >> I definitely would be in favor of this. Obviously, last time I was in favor of this and for me it's not really about the bond. It's about giving our voters the chance to voice their opinions. It's about our community. we can put it on the ballot and they cannot pass it, but at the end of the day, we should give our community members
080the choice and last time we didn't and I regret that and I feel like they should have the choice. So, I would be in support of this as well. Board member Centron, >> thank you. I actually want to piggyback off your comment because I I absolutely agree with you. um being one of the parents in the community that supported the bond the last time uh very engaged in the process with the surveys and with the forums. Um I was very disappointed that uh the the the people on the dis before uh not all um just it just didn't pass. So this one um I think all of us I'll no let me rephrase. I think um by having such a strong bond that can address our facilities and the student needs um and satisfy exactly
081what we need um I'm for this bond 100%. I was before and I still am. So thank you for bringing it forward. Anybody else? All right. Can I get a motion to approve item 12.2? >> You have a motion. Can I get a second, please? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Student board member Ewan Gan. Woo. >> I. >> Miss Armstrong. >> I. >> Miss Cron. >> I. >> Mr. Critchfield. >> I. >> Mrs. Garza. >> I. >> Miss Stewart. >> I. All right. So, moving along to our ne next and last major action item. Um 12.3 Black Knight Patrol Security Services Contract. Dr. Simon. >> Thank you. I would now uh hand this over to our general counsel, Andrew Sura. >> Thank you, Dr. Simon. Uh this evening, the board will be looking
082at the contract for Black Knight Security uh Black Knight Patrol Security Services. Um, since the last meeting where this item was discussed and direction was given to develop a contract, um, I have met with Black Knight Patrol, uh, gone over the terms of the agreement, um, reached an agreement that they have executed and agreed to. At this point, um, the board approving it would allow the contract to move forward. Since that time, we have also met with uh district security personnel and black knight patrol to discuss some issues uh some concerns that were were brought up. And I I do want to make clear because I did promise I would. It was not a negotiation. So that's not what the the scope of that meeting was. It was basically to engage Black Knight patrol, have
083district security personnel ask questions, try to get a better understanding of operationally how things would look, roles and responsibilities, things of that nature. The discussion, I think, was productive. A lot of questions were were asked and a lot of things were addressed such as, for example, how they would communicate. Um, and it was discussed in that meeting that Black Knight Patrol would also have district radios so that they can hear and kind of understand what's going on inside the campus. If there's need for aid, they can address that immediately. Um, so just general topics such as that. Moving forward, if the contract is approved, there will need to be more meetings between district security personnel and Black Knight Patrol who have yet to select the individuals that will be serving in the capacity uh of
084security guards at these school sites. Uh but once that selection is made, those individuals will be able to meet and get together and discuss operationally how things will look. Um, and you know, there's there's a process to unfolding something like this when you're adding a new element into the security service of the district. Um, but that being said, the contract itself has been prepared uh for the board's approval. And if you have any questions regarding the terms or anything that's uh in that contract, I am more than happy to answer them. colleagues, any questions, comments for uh Vice President Garza. >> Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say I this is uh from what I can tell. I'm not a lawyer, but it really is a really good contract. I am very happy
085with it. Thank you so much for working on it, um council, and um I'm all for it. board member Centron. >> I do have a a few questions. Um, so my first question is uh just to kind of get I know there still needs to be discussions and there still needs to be a lot of work after this, but I think uh my questions go to what the idea and the concept and the theory behind this would be. So please keep that in mind when I ask this. Um, how will Black Knight coordinate with our existing district security staff and staff administrators to ensure clear communication to avoid overlap and confusion during critical incidences on our campuses? >> Yeah. So, the the matter was brought up in in the meeting that was had and again
086I think the um kind of quick answer that was arrived at was the fact that they would be using district radios to be able to communicate. Um in addition to that the there was a question posed regarding how would that communication take place. For example, generally in law enforcement you have radio codes that you use to communicate um things that are going on. Black Knight Patrol does uh use radio codes if needed. They also use plain English wherever needed. So this is one of those things where they would have to get with district security staff and figure out what the system of communication is within the district. if they do use radio codes or if they use radio codes that are different from the ones that you know typical law enforcement agencies would use. That
087being said, um it really is about allowing the two entities to come together >> to figure out what's most effective for them. um because the goal is to enhance and provide additional um kind of help to current district security staff with the overall goal of making the security in our district and our school sites safer. Um so yeah, in terms of communication, radio is generally the most optimal way to be able to communicate when people are not within um hearing distance or even shouting distance of each other. >> Okay, thank you. My next question is um what are the measurable outcomes or benchmarks that the district um can expect from the contract in terms of improving school safety? So do we have any measurable benchmarks from now until six months down the line to the
088end of the contract >> since it is a one-year contract. >> Yeah. So I think you know discussions were had what needs to be done is you need to create a baseline of what's currently in place um number of incidents response to those incidents outcomes things of that nature to be able to kind of have something to gauge on at least you know in terms of numbers or tangible information. The reality is a lot of it also is going to come down to community feedback, student feedback. um how do they feel about the additional security presence? Is it something that's enhancing their educational opportunity? Do parents feel safer sending their students to school? These are all things that we will have to collect throughout this year >> to ascertain if this program has been beneficial
089for the district or if it has not. Um these are processes that we will set up and are going to put in place to be able to elicit feedback from not only students and staff but the community as well. And ultimately at the end of the year our goal is to compile all that information and provide a comprehensive report to the board as to how that this year has unfolded with these new services. >> Thank you. You did answer my next question. So um feedback was the my next question but um you answered that. Uh my last question um and I do have some words after uh what opportunities and I know it it does say it in the contract but I want to just say it out loud for community members to hear it
090and understand it a little bit more uh better. Uh so what opportunities exist for the district to build capacity by having Black Knight providing training um to our own security staff so that long term we can move forward into the in-house model. So we don't necessarily have to continue this contract down the line. >> Yeah. So um in that capacity there's there's really two types of training that you can receive. One is formal and one is informal. Informal is generally interactions between Black Knight uh patrol security guards and our district security um on a day-to-day basis. Things that come up, discussions that they have, debriefing incidents, things of that nature, kind of looking back at what could have been done better. Those are informal types of training that will naturally take place um throughout the
091school year. more formal approaches such as, you know, a number of hours in training on arrest and control techniques or um deescalation techniques, things of that nature. That's a service that Black Knight uh patrol does provide. However, at this time, we've felt that it would be best to allow district staff to um kind of build that relationship, that rapport with the security guards from Black Knight Patrol, and they can work together to kind of identify what areas they would like training in or or if any, and then Black Knight will be able to step in and provide that training to uh district security personnel. Again, we leave that up to them to decide where they feel it would best fit what they're trying to do. and that's you know basically enhanced safety within uh the
092school campus sites. >> So at this time I can't say specifically what those programs will be because right >> that's a discussion that will be had at a later time. >> Okay. But we it so but what you're saying is that it's able to be customized to our needs based on campus. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Perfect. Um thank you so much for answering my questions. Um, so I don't have any more questions, but I do have a statement that I think it, you know, it's better written than me just doing it off the cuff. Um, so again, I just want to thank the cabinet for all the hard work that you have done to make sure that this contract is appropriate for our district and the input that has been given by our staff, students,
093and families. It's a very important issue and I want to be clear that the safety of our students and staff is and will continue to be the top my top priority. I will always um I also understand the concerns that have been expressed about how armed security may impact our school environment. Um this contract represents a temporary but necessary step in addressing urgent safety needs on our campuses. That said, it is not the final solution. I see that this is an opportunity for our district to gather feedback, to monitor closely how these services are carried out, and to hold Black Knight accountable to the highest standard of professionalism and student centered practice. My hope is that over time we can move forward in building our own in-house team of highly trained professionals, individuals who see
094this work as a career dedicated to keeping our campuses both safe and welcoming. In the meantime, I want to stress that this measure is about enhancing the support we already have, not diminishing the important role our district security staff play each day. As we move forward, I will be looking for clear accountability, transparency, and regular opportunities for our students, staff, and families to provide feedback um on this partnership. Safety cannot come at an expense of trust and I believe we can and we must have both. So, thank you so much. That's all for me. Thank you, >> Member Armstrong. >> Yeah, I just have a question. Um um are are we are we planning to negotiate with CSEA and if so when about this matter? So that's um basically a discussion that we'll need need
095to have with CSCA and figure out timeline and and kind of go from there. At this point there's nothing on calendar uh to complete that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Student board member. >> Um I don't know if this was mentioned. I remember hearing about feedback and I don't know if this was specifically mentioned but what what would be the ways that feedback would be collected. Uh so I think the the most apt way is to allow certain forms to be available both online and in physical print at the school sites where individuals could leave feedback. Uh another way of kind of gathering data and feedback is any information that school site administrators or any district staff receive uh would have to be relayed to you know the new security manager position that if approved
096today would be uh created and they would be responsible for making sure that any comments or concerns or you know even praises that are raised are all collected so that it can be documented to be provided back to the board in that comprehensive report. Um, in terms of other types of feedback, realistically, um, other than creating opportunities for people to leave feedback, there's very little we can do to actually solicit that without putting out a survey, which if the board would like to do, we can do at, you know, inter certain intervals. just to send out surveys to the students, to the staff, to the community, and collect the uh the results of those and be able to actually provide an analysis of the feedback that we've gotten from the respondents. So, um there's a
097couple different options that we have. I think the most basic one is to provide a place where people can go to leave feedback. Um a more comprehensive one would probably be to do couple surveys throughout the year to kind of get that feedback as best we can. And another question, when uh do you expect this to be implemented into uh onto the campuses? >> So the target date was uh was or is October 1st. Uh that being said, it could very well get delayed by a couple weeks just to allow the individuals selected by Black Knight uh patrol in conjunction with input from the district as well to allow them time to meet with district uh campus security, acclimate themselves to the campuses and basically allow for as much preparation before they are actually physically
098on campus. uh a conservative estimate would probably be mid October uh to the end of October, but the goal is has always been October 1st. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? All right, I'm going to start with my questions. My first question is, can you remind the public what exact licenses, training, and certification these guards will have, please? >> Uh yes. So, guards have BSIS uh guard license, BSIS baton permit, tear gas OC certification, taser certification, CPR first aid certification, and BSIS exposed firearm license. And that's only for the armed security guards. In terms of training, they do receive four hours of powers and arrest, powers to arrest, uh, four hours of use of force and deescalation, four hours observation documentation, four hours of public relations, two hours sexual harassment prevention, two hours documentation and
099report writing, two hours handling difficult people, two hours crowd management and control, and then in accordance with S SP1 1626, which is state law and kind of um within that purview of school security guard training. They do receive a total of 24 hours of which four hours are role and responsibility of school security officer, eight hours laws and liability, three hours security awareness and educational environment, four hours mediation conflict resolution, 1 hour disasters and emergencies, three hours of dynamic student behavior, and they are tested at the end through an examination that they have to pass. So, it sounds like they have a lot of in-depth training and it sounds like they do a lot. Yes. From what I'm hearing you say, there's a lot of hours of training. >> Yes. And and that's part of
100the the whole goal is to be able to have individuals that have this level of training, you know, that could actually come on to or be present on the campuses, which the goal is to enhance the capabilities of our own security staff in the overall goal of maintaining school safety. >> And school safety is really important. Um my question is with this being so important they do all of this training why do they not have any protection or insurance against sexual abuse or molestation? >> Uh so as was stated um that aspect of the contract was asked for and in the negotiations a price was given that would have cost an additional approximately $40,000 for that insurance. Um the kind of compromise that was reached was that with their general liability insurance and their professional
101liability insurance, any incidents would be able to be covered under those policies. Um and there was also discussion as to how those sexual and assault molestation cases generally come into play. And yes, it's been a very big problem for schools as of recent due to change in state law that allowed individuals who failed to file government tort claims on time to actually be able to file those kind of retroactively. And some go back as far as 30, 40 years. Um, and those are the ones that have led to a lot of the major settlements, amounts for settlements that have originated from those sexual uh abuse and molestation cases. Um, >> you would think with all those laws and them opening up that that would be something that they would really want to have, wouldn't you?
102Because I know you told me that it would be recommended that this would be recommended that these companies have that and we all watch the news and we see sexual abuse and molest molestation cases. So, it would be recommended, but for this contract, we decided not to take our own recommendations. So it was the contract that was basically negotiated and what's being brought before the board today. Um certainly if that is an issue that the board um cannot you know accept or or move forward from um there's there's no obligation to approve the contract. It's just the best one that was presented given the negotiations and circumstances of this current contract being put before. >> Well, it seems like we're going to see if this board wants to take in contract without sexual protections for
103our children. My next question is if the armed guard goes on campus, what will they do with their firearms? So, I'm going to give you a few of these. I just would like maybe a general summarization. Um, are there specific guidelines when they can pull their firearms out? When do they decide to go on campus? if there's a lockdown, do they go on? If there's an active shooter, do they go on? If there's just fights on campus, do they go on? Um, and again, if we could get just a short description um of what they would do in each situation. >> Um, so as far as critical incidents, for example, active shooter, they would go onto campus and they would address the the threat. If there's a fight on campus, we had this discussion in
104that meeting. It would be up to district security personnel to call for or site administrators to call for assistance from Black Knight patrol. They will not on their own accord go into the campus for a fight unless they are asked for um via the radio and trying to think the other scenario that you're >> um just when they decide when would they decide to go on campus? Like I know you just gave me active shooter and I know you gave me if there were fights but when does that security guard decide I'm going on campus or I'm not going on campus in what situations? >> So the only situation which they would go on a campus without being asked onto campus is that of a critical incident which would be an active shooter or any
105incident that you have a threat to life. Other than that, every other situation um that I can think of at this time would have to be them being asked to come on otherwise they will not make entry on their own accord. >> And another thing was that we talked about um our CSCA working with you know them and they were really comfortable I was told but it didn't sound like they were very comfortable when they spoke tonight. But I know we said that um my question was what what will we be able to do with working with staff on roles and responsibilities and I was told that we haven't really got there yet and we will basically um get through everything and we will see what happens. So in terms of roles and responsibilities, the
106responsibility of Black Knight patrol um has been basically told to them that they are responsible for patrolling the perimeter of the school campus sites. So that includes during school hours when students are in school and you know there's not much going on, they patrol the perimeter, look for suspicious vehicles, individuals loitering about. Again, they're always prepared to answer any calls that come from district staff inside the campus that request assistance for there. They're going to be there for when school lets in and lets out to assist with that. And basically just general patrol functions throughout the day um as needed. If site uh administrators would like a specific area to be patrolled at a certain time because they've had associated problems, that's when they would let Black Knight Patrol, hey, this area is, you know,
107been a bit of a problem for us. We'd like you to patrol that area at these times. Unfortunately, those things generally tend to come up as this program is already unfolding. Um, as much as possible, we're going to try to have those meetings to kind of address the issues at the specific school sites beforehand, but the reality is things come up from time to time and that's where they have to be fluid and be able to assist wherever they're needed. >> So, the reality is things come up and we are going to analyze the shortcomings as they come with armed guards with weapons. That's what I'm being told or is that's what I'm hearing. Yeah, understand though these individuals are armed, yes, but they do have training in using those firearms and when to use
108them, not to use them as was described earlier uh in the training that they receive. I I mean, yeah, if if the board wants to to go unarmed, that's certainly an a possibility and opportunity. That's just direction to me, and I'm more than happy to go back out and request unarmed. It was just it was asked of me specifically. This contract is from the board and I understand that and it's for armed security. So that's what we're discussing. I just want to I understand all their training. I just want our public to know that we are going to address the shortcomings as they arrive. Correct. Because that's what I was told as a board member and I just want to make sure that that's accurate. >> Yeah. Those are specific to the instances that cannot
109be addressed ahead of time because they cannot be predicted ahead of time. And we also agree that we did meet and we discussed with our CSEA but negotiations have not taken place on this contract and we do not know how they will interact in different situations. Correct. >> So negotiations have not taken place. I do want to be very clear about that as well. >> Um but discussions were had regarding roles and responsibilities and interactions in more or less hypothetical situations. But >> you know in the hour that we had there you know we discussed everything we could within that time frame. Correct. So, we spent one hour having discussions with CSCA about armed guards and we don't have definitive answers on the exact roles and responsibilities of all of the hypotheticals that we may
110see. >> And I I will say >> yes or no. Yes. Right. I just I'm trying to get to the point of it. >> I I can't I can't speak to every hypothetical and they were >> not I'm just talking about the meeting. We had a one-hour meeting about something as big as this. I just want to make sure our public understands what we're voting on tonight. Thank you. Um my next question is what will they be doing when they are not um before and after school? So when the students are on campus, what will they be doing? So again, their role will be patrolling the perimeter of the campus and addressing areas that have been identified as a concern by site administrators, looking out for suspicious vehicles, individuals loitering in the area, and realistically,
111you know, being on standby for any calls for assistance that they get from campus security inside the campus. >> Um, the next question I got from community member is, are the bullets normal bullets? Are they non-lethal bullets? what type of rounds would they be using? >> Um, so bullets uh in the firearm are lethal bullets. Um, generally hollowpoint bullets are used because with full metal jacket or other type bullets you have penetration issues. Hollow point allows the bullet to um not exit the body. So you don't have any potential for uh collateral damage. And again uh it is a firearm at the end of the day. The goal is to never have to use it um but only use it when it's necessary to preserve life. >> Okay. Um those were really all my questions.
112I have a statement at the end, but I do want to say that in hearing CSA and talking with their um executive cabinet myself. I do feel that it's very disingenuous to tell us as a board that they were very comfortable with that discussion because they were not. So I would just like to say that publicly as well. Clerk Critfield. Thank you. Um just for clarification the there in their presentation there's a uh integration period right. So when the contract starts there's a period where they do the more discussions and collaborating before they actually start their patrols or start doing the job. Correct. >> That is correct. And the board knew that, right? >> It was in the presentation. Correct. >> Thank you. Um I this conversation's been unfolding for years. Um for me, it's
113it's a step forward to making our campus our campuses safer. Um but it's just one step. And I think in pushing for just this one step and actually taking action after so many years of discussion, I think it's uncovered and shed light on other areas that can be better. And I don't know if that light would have been shed unless we were having this discussion. So I think it's really important to note these conversations and all of these uh things that we're kind of saying as reasons not to do something, we wouldn't even be talking about them unless we were talking about this contract. So I think there's a lot of good that comes out of saying, "Hey, we're going to focus on school safety, which we say is a top priority, and actually have
114something on the agenda where we can discuss it." So, I think it's been a good opportunity to hear opinions and uh and talk about that. And on that, I mean, just last week, the personnel commission took up took it to their attention and uh looked at the job descriptions and I want to say thank you to Dr. Smith and Dr. Almos uh because I I saw the revisions in the job descriptions. I think they're much more clear. I think they're I think it's really good work. and also in developing a new position as security manager to improve. It's all about support for our students. For me, this doesn't go beyond the what should be uniting thing of just student safety. My interest in in this contract doesn't stop at this contract. I think that a
115lot of the things and a lot of the points that you know my colleagues are making are very good points and we need to address those too. and I'm just as passionate about fixing those things as I am taking a first step. Um, so even with the different uh perspectives, which I do appreciate, uh, my vote is rooted in the simple truth that families deserve to know that their childrens are safe when they go to school. And I want to be clear that my my support reflects a commitment to creating the learning environments where safety really is one. And we're able to show it in our budget. We're able to show it in our action. where we show it in our conversations. Um, so I'm supportive of this and I know that there's been debate
116and there's different perspectives and I think that's fine. Um, but I I think I don't think there's a person in this room that doesn't think uh student safety isn't important. I think we all have different opinions on it and that's great. And I think these conversations need to keep happening and see how we can do even better and re and recalibrate and re-evaluate regularly and get better reporting and and get everybody on the same page of how we do it. But I am proud that we're actually taking a first step after so long. Uh but again, that's all it is and we're going to grow from this together. >> Vice President Carza. Thank you, Madam President. Um, I want to piggyback on what my colleague board um member Krishfield is saying. I agree. Um, none
117of us ever wanted to make this decision. It is not a easy decision to make as a board member. You have a bad decision, I mean a bad option and then you have a worse option. At this point, we kind of have to pick our poison. And at right now um it is very important that we are able to secure our campuses outside their perimeter as well. I know that although there was a very large news story last week that actually also speaks to why we were doing this. Um there was another story that I think should have been highlighted as well. There has also been another attack on another school where three students were injured and I as a teacher right now I can tell you that I fear every single day that I
118go on my campus and that I have to be the one to be in the middle of my students and whoever if ever god forbid anyone comes into my classroom I know I would do that. My family knows that. I have had a conversation with them so they understand what I would do for those kids. So please do not misunderstand that by us saying this and asking for us to go forward on this that we do not understand what we are asking of our staff and of our teachers. But we do not want our teachers to be the ones to be placing themselves between our kids and that shooter if that ever happens. It should be somebody who knows what to do so they do it outside, not inside. That should never ever happen in
119our campuses. And I also want to address that by us voting for this does not mean that we are okay with perhaps if it does happen for sexual harassment to happen on our campuses. We will be vigilant and there will be processes and pro and prosecution if that happens ever at all. We hope again that that never does occur. But this is what we're looking at right now. And believe me, I have looked at all of those things. We have, and it's not an easy decision to make, at least not for me. I don't want to speak for anybody else on this board, but I go into that classroom every day knowing that that could happen to me if anybody decides to do that. student board member. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, I completely
120agree with what the members of the board have been saying that this is not the best first step, but is a first step nonetheless to ensuring the safety of students. However, I do feel like there I think there should be an added level of I guess accountability for the security cuz being a Mayfair student, I was there when one of our security got arrested for allegations. So, um in regards to that, will they will the security be mandated or equipped with body cameras? Uh so they do have body cameras uh that they do deploy and specifically for for this role. They have body cameras that they will wear to be able to document things that take place. >> Thank you. >> I have another question for staff. Um, before tonight, has anybody or any board
121members ever asked for any information to see how many issues we've had outside of our campuses? >> Just for a baseline, just to see where we were at before we made this decision. >> No, we have not, Madam President. >> Thank you. Um, I'm going to read my statement when I vote no, but obviously I'm voting no. My biggest reason is we've sat here for three meetings now, not one. Please everybody understand not one person has come up to this podium and spoke in favor of having armed guards and again the needs of our students were to get security on campus and I support our community because that's what they've asked for and I've never seen any email come across my desk or across my email as a board member talking about um being afraid
122of active shooters and things like that. I have seen vaping tardies, academic achievement, bathroom issues, fighting, parents getting onto campus, and again, none of this will mitigate any of that. So, I'm listening to my community and I will not be supporting this. Is there any other comments before we take a vote? Can I get a motion to Oh, go ahead. Sorry, Clerk Critfield. I I will say that I personally have had a lot of conversations where people are supportive and I think that people are concerned with safety. Um especially in today's world uh and I've I've heard a lot of support. So I I do appreciate the optics of maybe those parents don't come to the board meeting and say something. But um I would say you know I think everybody on this uh dis
123has conversations and is representing their community. So I just want to say that >> and I appreciate that just my community that I've spoken with. They're not in favor of this. Board member Armstrong. >> Yeah. I just want to add although all five of my children have graduated from the bellflower schools, I still have family members that attend the schools from the north to the south. And um one of my nieces, she has a kid. I'm not going to say what school, but when I, you know, I told her what was happening, she was like, "Well, you know, auntie, I I I just don't know how I feel about that, you know, about having the armed guards." So, I'm not going to um chew my cabbage twice because I already you if you've listened to
124the board meetings, you know exactly why I would love to have more security on campus because there's so many other ways we could mitigate things or issues. So, and then again, you know, um I feel for my CSEA uh staff also. So, um yeah, I we we there there are a lot of people in the community um and so we all have differing um opinions and I'm I'm just representing what I know. And one more thing I'd like to add is I know we have had since I've been on this board a few gun issues where we've had guns, but I just want to say that one ended up not being a real gun. One ended up being in a backpack where if we had the weapon recognizer, it wouldn't have got on campus in
125the first place. And the other one was in a trash can and never got on campus as well. So, go figure. And then um just my last comment is I understand that we can work around I love those words work around not having insurance for sexual molestation and abuse but at the end of the day to me a company that works with kids that works with school districts they would already have that in place and that's a huge red flag for me. If they don't have that in place I would be questioning what they're doing. Are there any other comments? All right. Can we get a motion to approve 12.3? >> Motion to approve. >> Can I get a second, please? Second. Roll call, please. >> Student board member Ewan Yan Wu. >> I. >>
126Miss Armstrong, >> no. >> Miss Cron, >> I. >> Mr. Critchfield, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garza, >> I. >> Miss Stewart, >> um, I'm going to be reading a statement on my no vote. So, I will be voting voting no on this contract tonight for several important reasons. First, our community has spoken clearly on this issue. Across multiple nights of public comment, not one speaker voiced support for hiring armed guards, and not one speaker ever wrote me an email. Um, while many spoke, many spoke strongly against it, students, parents, um, if I was elected by this community, um, I would be taking seriously my responsibility to listen to their voices and I have not heard support for this contract. So, I cannot support it myself. Over the past three years, the consistent requests I have
127received from students, parents, and staff have been for more campus support, addressing fights, vaping, tardiness, and other urgent issues that directly and immediately affect students. This contract does not address those needs. Additionally, the company in question does not carry insurance for sexual abuse and molestation. for any agency working with children. This is a serious red flag and exposes our district to unnecessary risk and liability and I cannot understand why we would partner with a company that lacks such critical protections. I am also deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on our students. With over 70% of our students identifying as Hispanic and 13% as African-American, I do not believe this contract will reduce stress for our students or our families and make them feel safer. On the contrary, I think it will increase
128their stress. Furthermore, while I have heard arguments that this contract could also help with homeless community members and incidents that we have had, um there have been far more frequent problems with homelessness at our elementary schools, not our high schools. So, this contract would not mitigate those situations either. Um, finally, I want to note that our CSEA employees and other local board members that I have been able to collaborate with have expressed their disagreement with this decision and voiced support with voting no. So, I appreciate that. And for all of the reasons, the clear lack of community support, the absence of protections for children, the failure to meet the actual safety needs on needs on campus and what our parents and students are asking for and the potential harm to our students. I will be
129voting no tonight. An absolute no. And I'm very disappointed. Thank you. All right. So, moving along to consent agenda. Does anyone have any items to hold on the consent agenda? >> Um I I don't have any uh items to pull, President um Stewart, but I do I I don't know when I should say this, but um you know how we have the drug-free schools, you know, I' I've talked about bullying before. I'd like to know when is that going to come around? I I know there's a certain certain time when bullying comes around. >> Could she just ask in her border report or how can that work? Does she need pull? >> Board report would be most appropriate. Yes. >> Okay. So, just ask in the border report. >> Yes. Thank you. >> All right.
130Does anyone have any to pull? >> All right. Hearing none. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> You have that motion? >> May I get a second? >> Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Student board member E1 Yang Woo. >> I >> Miss Armstrong. >> I >> Miss Cron. >> I >> Mr. Critchfield. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Garza. >> I. >> Miss Stewart. >> I. All right. Moving along to board communications. Can we start with our student board member? >> Um, so seeing as there were no student representatives, I guess I'll have to do my part on behalf of Mayfair. So, um, September 5th was Mayfair Senior Sunrise. Uh, although it wasn't really very sunny. Um, it was a nice, uh, nice event where we were able to just get together,
131have fun. We took a giant group picture, and then we're all left to our own devices. After a while, we're all heading back. Um September 11th we had Club Rush which was again another great event where all of our clubs were able to come out you know present themselves and u show off for the um show off for the students. I just wish that there was a little more organization cuz the tables are very much uh first come first serve. And then saving the best for last. Um May for Monsoon Esports uh hosted uh our 13th I of the Storm on September 6th. It was a well attended tournament with I think almost 80 attendants over a variety of games. Our Super Smash Bros. uh bracket which was our main bracket. Uh we had Guilty
132Gear Strive, Street Fighter 6, and a bunch of side games. Um, I know uh board member Critfield has been to many of these events and he knows the the level of community and uh competitiveness that those events have. So, I'd implore um people from different districts um and our district cuz we go up to the college level to attend those events because even though there are people from different schools coming, there's still this nice sense of community. You know, everybody's uniting for the same cause and that's it. Thank you. Thank you so much, board member Armstrong. >> Thank you, um, President Stewart. Um, okay. Well, I did say I did my Laxa meeting that was in my committee report. Um, oh my goodness. Uh, I did, uh, uh, sit in with the PTA council and
133I used to participate in the in the PTA, you know, just the the local school. So it just really felt great being among parents that are, you know, so dedicated to ensure great experiences for our students and I really did en enjoy uh sitting in on the on the on the meeting with them. So if I ever have time again, I hope they invite me again. So I had I you know it was cool. Um I I also went to uh a conference, a cube conference. It's a council for urban educators. Um we had um schoolboard members and superintendents from across the nation and um um we had our very own LA representatives. We had uh Dr. Deborah Duardo. She came in and she um she spoke to everyone and she just shared uh her
134personal experience and she goes from experience to impact. She actually gave a really personal story of how she got to where uh she is right now. It's very very encouraging and moving and uh a story that's that shows how determined she is she was or or she is. Um also we had another speaker uh his name was Bri uh Dr. Brian Stevenson. He he's the founder and director of uh e the equal justice initiative and um his theme was leading with courage. You know he he shared many stories but one one story he he shared a story about his first um first time having to go and and and and talk to um um one of one of someone who was incarcerated and because that's basically what he does. He goes in, he represents, you
135know, people who are kind of poor and just incarcerated and condemned. And he told the story about how he his first ever time going to like be the representative for a client that he really didn't know anything and really didn't know what to do to help this individual or even to make him feel better. But he said um he he said he he just didn't know what to do. But his his what he really figured out during that time was that you know if I could just make a connection with this individual and and just build this relationship um that's actually what helped that person he end up having he end up helping that individual get out of the situation. So you know his thing was like I didn't even know what I was doing
136but I was determined to do my best even if I didn't know what I was doing. And but anyway, he's you know, he's far from that now. Um also, um Colleen Kaepernick was there. He again um going to I guess he's really um uh he's really um trying to spread the word about his uh new company that he's the founder of called Lum Lumi. Um, and so, you know, he's just trying to make sure that he shares, you know, his program of artificial intelligence with his with as many districts as as he could. Um, and um, let's see what else. Oh, I also I also visited um two campuses. Um, I visited the newly constructed Compton High School and Performance Arts Center. Um, it was um a collaboration. Um, this was the school that Dr.
137Dre, Dr. Andre Young helped build. He he did the um performance arts part of it. And I tell you that campus, I can't believe they tore that whole campus down and they built it up. It is it is it is beautiful. And um you know it something bond money could do. Um I also visited another school that they had the Davis Middle School and it was just amazing to see the students as we have our own students who you know are really into the robotics the AI the gaming they had all kind of programs and you know it was really inspiring and that's just and Compton is our neighbor. So, um, pretty inspiring. Okay, so that's about it. That's all I did. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Armstrong. Board member Cron, >> nothing
138to report. >> Clerk Crutchfield. >> Thank you, Madam President. Since our last meeting u September 5th, I was proud to attend the Belf High School baseball field ribbon cutting. I also attended the Latino School Board Association conference in San Diego with President Stewart, uh, which was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues so we can broaden our perspectives and best serve all of our communities. Um, right after I had the chance to attend the milk bucket game at Lakewood High School. It was really hard to give the trophy away, but uh, we'll get it back next year. Um, and just this morning I joined uh over at Steven Foster the heroes welcome where a local veteran returned home and surprised his two uh brothers at school. Um, I love that we highlight those moments because
139I think that they're impactful. So uh thank you to Esmeralda and staff for uh putting a light on that. Um I appreciate that for what we accomplished tonight. Uh uh I'm happy that the items passed tonight. I think the bond measure is going to be very important. Um, and I know that we still have a lot more work to do, but I I feel confident in our ability to do that and getting the support that we'll need uh in the future. Um, and on the Mayfair Field Project, I'm so excited about this. Um, I want to emphasize how significant uh tonight is. I know this has been a long process uh with real challenges and lots of questions along the way. uh what we approved tonight ensures that when ground is broking uh all the
140planning, environmental work, the contract all in place. Um and I and I know that there were a lot of doubters and like is it ever even going to happen? Um and I think that it's really uh because I'm I'm pretty impulsive and impatient to be honest, but uh I think that so much work went into the front end of this. I feel very confident and I think it's just really up to all of us to make sure that the project stays um you know is done right and is done on schedule. Um so you know it's nothing that's going to go away anytime soon. I'm really excited about the groundbreaking on the safety contract. I'm happy that it passed. Uh I think safety should always be first. Um and I think uh it should always
141be first for anybody who has the privilege of sitting on this dis. Um, and although I value the opinions we all share, uh, doesn't mean I respect all the arguments, uh, when they're, uh, intentionally misleading or they they serve the the cause of creating confusion or doubt in an initiative that requires everyone working together to achieve the goal of keeping our campuses safe. It should be something that brings us all together. Um, and again, I I I really hope we can get away from the hostile nature that's become commonplace at these meetings. Um, because I I feel that we need to set a better example for our kids. Um, before I close, I do want to acknowledge the the climate uh our students are living in, tragedies in Evergreen, uh, that Miss Garza brought up,
142school shooting, the Catholic school shooting, the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I think these weigh really heavy on young people in often ways we don't always see. Um, a parent wrote me last week uh to share that her daughter who's a student at one of our campuses was singled out in class for sharing her conservative views and for mourning the death while other students uh were cheering. And I think that's unacceptable. I think uh it's really important if we value if we value tolerance, inclusivity, and acceptance, then that means for every single child uh no students safety or sense of belonging in our district should be compromised by who they are or what they believe. Our mission is not to bring political hostilities and and national conversations into the K through2 classrooms. It's to make schools
143safe places where every student can focus on learning and be themselves. Compassion for all students is critical and I think that's a standard that we must always keep in focus and uphold here at Belfflower Unified. Um in short, I think tonight's meeting is really important. It lays a lot of foundations for how we move forward. Uh and we're moving toward a very optimistic future. Um and I'm very excited about that future. So, thank you all for uh coming out tonight. Even you, Peter. >> Wow. Um, Vice President Garza, >> thank you. Um, I was able to attend the Mayfair uh, back to school night. Um, it's always a pleasure to be on campus. I just kind of walked around some classrooms, poked my head in, and said hello to some teachers as we walked by,
144as I walked by. Um, I look forward to seeing our campus. uh that one specifically because we have a upcoming project on it to you know start feeling the love and um see that we are amazing campuses all of our campuses um there's teachers that really want to be there they are there for the kids they want to make this a better place as well as well as their support staff um and their principles I think that um going around and seeing all the joy and the excitement about the new school year um just invigorates our kids and also myself as I walk through there. So um I also was able to uh sorry Belfara High School I actually had um a meeting so I was not able to make it to your back to
145school night but I promise I will be there at your next event. Um, and then also I was able to go to back to school night with uh ILC. It's always nice to be back at the school that I was um employed at and see how you know there are continuing to service our students and their families. And I also was able to go into Ernie Pile um at Another Night and Steven Foster as well. And I believe I went to one more and let me see. Let me look at my notes here. Sorry. Uh yes, and then I went to Woodruff as well. Oh, and Baxter. So very happy that Baxter is now has their um you know every their whole staff together again. Um happy to see that they are moving forward and
146that they are starting off that you know great year school year with um their full staff. Thank you. Have a nice night. >> Thank you. Um good evening. Um, I apologize, but this is probably my longest board report I've had, but I just went to a conference and this is our only way, well, we're supposed to report back what we've learned at conferences. So, this is the only way that I could share what I've learned, so it's going to be a little bit long. I apologize. Um, September 5th, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for baseball. I'm excited for our baseball team to have the opportunity to play on such a beautiful and better and safer field. So, that was really awesome. September 9th, I attended back to school night at ILC. Thank you to
147Principal Platis, AP Rojos, and their staff. They have such a hardworking staff. I walked every class and it was just a really great turnout. The expectations were laid out nicely. They had a lot of parent support and I appreciate them allowing me to be a part of their night. Um, again, I attended the California Latino School Board Conference in San Diego. Um, I have a lot of report because I stayed the entire time. Um, but the first general session was really awesome. It was with Dr. Paul Gothld and Dr. Robin Avalar Lasal. One question that really impacted me was what do we do for struggling learners and what are expectations regarding preparing them for graduation or for college eligibility? And we looked at a few different things. We looked at would we do things differently
148if it was a long-term English learner, if it was an AVID student, if it was a 504 student, a regular gened student, or what if it was your own child? So, we discussed how the approach may be different if it were our own child. We would get them help. We would find tutors. We would talk to the teacher individually. We would help them with homework. We would put all of these things in place outside of class. So my question is as a school district, what are we doing for our current students that looks that similar? Second, they discuss characteristics of high functioning governance teams and student achievement. Some things to remember. The board and superintendent should work as a cohesive team with a common vision anchored in the relentless pursuit of their shared moral imper
149imperative. I repeat, moral imperative. focusing on systemwide coherence, which was kind of cool because we just talked about that. I was talking with John Young about this and having our systems in place. A team effort of three to five broad overreaching or I'm sorry, overarching strategic goals. So, I'm glad that Saturday we're going to be able to expand on this. holding the organization accountable to the community it serves. Building and maintaining a strong governance infrastructure and in high performing governance team there is a share understanding and respect of the roles and a level of trust and confidence that serves on the basis of that relationship which I know we have discussed when we created our governance team handbook and I'm looking forward to um redisussing this so that we can get back on track with
150following our own guidelines. I attended several workshops. The first was one acceleration formula baseline systems studies that advance educational excellence and academic achievement for every student. This was very validating to attend because it talked about having systems in place which we just talked about. They shared resources and ideas to create systems that have resources to ensure the maximum potential for all students. They reminded us on deep dives that it's not to blame anybody, but just to understand the systems that we already have in place that were created and why they are in place. That every system, if it's perfect or not perfect, was designed to get results that it's getting. And that's why we need to look at our systems. And they showed studies that demographics do not determine the destiny of our students. And
151we need to remember that. So they recommended the following questions when looking at our systems. One, what is the achievement profile and the demographics of our students? Two, what are our past practices and where did the systems come from? And three, what can be done to accelerate achievement? They reminded us that any design or structure in place should involve input from all educational partners and community and that we should look to find the root reasons of the deficiency. I attended the next workshop on proactive immigration solutions for K12 employees. This workshop discussed how to protect our employees who are DACA recipients and dreamers in case that goes away. It reminded us that all students benefit from having diverse educators and staff. That the board should consider how we can protect our employees. And that we
152should consider having a lawyer that specializes in immigration policies, especially in this day and age. And that we can also add ad hoc committees to support immigration. And that really there's two options for our employees, green cards or temporary visas. and that HR can help protect them. The third conference workshop I attended was math literacy to inspire liberation. This was a really good workshop. It reminded us to make connections with students and engage with real life experiences that relate to the de demographics of our students to tap into their prior knowledge and their past experiences. We should create after-school programs that are centered and culturally relevant, contentri with field trips and include things related to math like coding, engineering, make sure that there's a lot of affirmation and joy and try to extend math beyond
153itself. I attended another workshop on elevating classified leadership excellence and building board support for essential personal development which I talked to um President Michelle Quayer about. This was probably my favorite workshop of the conference. The main question they asked us was where do we learn to lead? Typically, we learn to lead at home with family members or on the job, but we should build capacity within our CSEA employees because we always talk about building up our community and partnering with them. And many of our CSA employees live in our community and they are keeping the culture and climate of our schools and district intact. So, we should be discussing what qualities we would want our employees to have. We talked about things that we thought as board members there at the conference that we would
154like to see which is teamwork, solutionoriented um collaborative interpersonal skills, communication skills, being culturally competent, team players, how to assess situations and being critical thinkers. So we were asked to think about how we are training our staff and if any of those types of leadership qualities are being shared and taught to our employees. Um, they reminded us that one classified manager could overlook hundreds of employees and that we should invest in training them to be phenomenal leaders and develop a profile of a classified employee that we would like to see. So, their thought-provoking question was, "What skills do we want our employers to possess and how do we implement the things we need to train them?" The last workshop I workshop I ended uh sorry, the last workshop I went to was district AI readiness
155and action, practical strategies for systematic impact. This was already already I can't talk. This is so long. I'm so sorry. Um this was also a really good session. They discussed the difference between AI literacy and AI readiness. The question that we looked into was what knowledge, skills, and mindsets do our students need to be successful in a world where AI is significantly integrated into all careers and daily life. One thing I learned was AI chat bots, which if you don't know, it's like a AI chatbot that they can talk to, are mostly used by people under 17. And that's our kids. And we should pro provide them with the basics being critical thinkers with technology and trying to teach them the advantages of human advantages and connections and relationships with actual human beings because it
156looks like and it sounds like some of these kids are going out for relationships, advice, friendships and we should teach them how to value people. Also, we need to think about maximum coverage for implementation. So thinking about how to inform our community, how we would work PLC's, professional development, and this uh they reminded us, we worked with uh San Diego, one of their unions, uh one of their school districts, and they just reminded us that it's a long collaborative process. It's focused on how we can use this to benefit teachers and students, and it took them about a year, and they went through a long process, but they're doing really great things. Um, if AI can help teachers and we can get teachers and staff to understand that we're not replacing their jobs, we're enhancing
157them. If they can understand that um, how to use these to make things uh, better for them, then they can focus on other skills. So, it will actually give them more time. And it can also be used in our district office. Um they talked about in their business district part uh part of their district how they used it for cost effectiveness, how to find duplicate invoices, tables, charts, spreadsheets, and they helped with organization. So it was just really nice to hear how all the different ways that they use AI in their district. And um I definitely think we should get on that committee and we should start working on that. Um Tuesday, I took part in the Paramount Unified Aspiring Leadership Academy. I was one of the applicants chosen to participate in this year-long leadership
158cohort. This is the second year they have done this and the number of applicants have doubled. They started at 29 and now they have 39. And I'm thankful to Dr. Kotand who is our assistant superintendent of HR. She created this for our paramount employees just to again teach good leadership skills and I hope that we will consider this type of program here in Belfflower in the future. I think it's a really great program. I wanted to congratulate the Belfflower football team. Since the last meeting, they have won two more games. So, they are three and 0, which is obviously much better than we did last year. And my Austin Miller update, he in his second game had four touchdowns, and in his third game, he had two more touchdowns. So, he has seven touchdowns in
159three games. He's doing amazing. So, I'm really excited for them. They have a really tough game against an undefeated CIF champion uh this week. So, we'll see how they do. Um again, I want to apologize for the length of this. And um one little thing I think I'm finally realizing what's happening with this screen up here. So I don't know if we can talk to technology. I think what's happening is it's coming up in alphabetical order instead of how people are going in or at least that's what I think was happening tonight. So if we can ask Christian to look at that. Um I think that's why I'm confused all the time. And then secondly or lastly actually um I just want to address this you know notion that I am just being this hostile
160board member because I think we all understand that these comments are pointed to me and I'm passionate and I listen to our community and I don't think me saying how I feel and asking questions is being hostile. I think hostile is being disrespectful. Maybe calling people names, maybe interrupting and yelling at people, things like that. But I serve my community just like every other member on the deis and I'm gonna be passionate about the things that I believe in because I hear from a lot of people and they believe in the same things. So I don't think I'm being hostile. Um I think maybe I'm being micromanaged and maybe I don't like that and um you know maybe that comes out but I don't think this is being hostile. So, the fact that that keeps
161getting pointed out that I'm being hostile, I just want to say I disagree with that. But I am going to stand up for what I believe in. I do not lie to the public. Nothing I say is inaccurate. There's no hidden agendas. Um, none of that's happening. But I am going to ask the questions that I hear and I'm going to ask the questions that my community members ask me to ask. So, as far as hostile, um, I've seen a lot more hostile prior to me being president, but that's a whole another subject. All right. Are there any questions onformational items? No, I have lost my script. All right. If there is no objection, this meeting will be adjourned at 8:48 p.m. until the next regular board meeting to be held on October 4th. September
162Oh, tomorrow. um until the next board member Saturday, September 20th. Thank you.