001Zesty Harper: Mic on mics on. Mark is here. All right. Good evening. I'm going to recall our open session meeting back to order. Thank you all for being here tonight. We are going to do the Pledge of Allegiance. And from North Broadway I believe, Aile Gonzalez, can you come up to the microphone to lead us in the pledge, please? Student: I pledge allegiance to the flag of United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much. Okay, so roll call. We have all members present, but we have one remote because Mark is out of town because his son graduated college. So he is remote. He can still hear everything and he can participate as well. But
002we will do a roll call vote on every item tonight. We do have a report out of closed session, Frank. Frank Huston: In the matter of anticipated litigation, claim number 26-06401, the board voted to reject the claim by a vote of five zero. Additionally, in the matter of anticipated litigation, Special Education Settlement case number 2025-26-03, the board voted 5 to 0 to approve the Special Education Settlement Agreement. And lastly, in closed session, the board took action to approve the recommendation for appointment of Brian Morris as the Director of Maintenance and Operations beginning April 24th, 2026 by a vote of 5 to 0. Congratulations. [applause] Andrew McGuire: Mr. Morris, would you like to come to the microphone? Brian Morris: Okay. So good evening, board president Miss Harper. And board, Mr. McGuire and cabinet. Just a quick
003disclaimer. I'm probably better at fixing things than public speaking. So with that, when I started with the district 11 years ago, I quickly realized that it takes a team with camaraderie and compassion to provide the level of support for our students and staff to achieve successfully. Fast forward to today, we have developed that team. As a matter of fact, I probably wouldn't be standing here in front of you tonight if it wasn't for them. Now, with this opportunity, we are poised to catapult our service to the next level and ensure that achievement keeps growing. So with that, I want to thank you and I'm extremely excited for the future. [applause] Andrew McGuire: Thank you. Zesty Harper: Congratulations again. You're going to do a great job. On to the approval of the agenda. I have one
004item we are going to pull which is E for the sunshining for CSEA. Does anyone else have any other changes? Otherwise I'm looking for a motion. Doug Paulson: I would move approval with changes as noted. Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Okay. And roll call. So Doug. Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: And I vote I as well. Agenda is approved. I'm looking for an approval of the minutes of the March 19th meeting. Doug Paulson: Move approval of the March 19th. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Doug. No, that's. Doug Paulson: The regular meeting. Sorry. Frank Huston: I'll second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Now for the vote. Doug. Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty
005Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote I as well. Minutes are approved. Now, I'm looking for a motion for the minutes of the workshop on March 21st. Joan Gardner: Move approval of the Board of Education workshop of March 21st. Thank you. Joan. Do I have a second? Frank Huston: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Doug. How do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye. Zesty Harper: Minutes are approved. Now on to our favorite part of the evening, The Recognitions. Rick Oser: Good evening, Board President Harper, board members, incoming superintendent McGuire, and cabinet members and audience members. Yes, definitely. One of our favorite parts of the evening. Student Excellence Awards. And first
006up will be Principal Power, who will recognize North Broadway. Megan Power: Good evening, President Harper, Mr. McGuire, cabinet and board members. I'm Megan Power, the proud principal of the NB Ranch. Got a lot of staff members and community members here. At NB ranch there's so many great things that are happening as we continue to build a joyful, student centered learning environment. Each week, our students participate in explore classes and through our monthly mixed grade level roundups, we're intentionally building a strong sense of community and connection across our campus. We're continuing to grow our garden and environmental science focus. Revitalizing our school garden this year and creating more hands on learning opportunities for students. School wide we're emphasizing kindness, strengthening foundational reading skills, and ensuring that every student has the skills necessary to succeed. As a
007staff, we've been doing some deep work around our framework for the future and learner outcomes, and we're actively bringing that vision to life in our classrooms. We've got some classes that are starting goal setting practices and are increasing opportunities for project based learning. Most importantly, we're creating a school where students learn through joy and curiosity. Three years into our redesign, the seeds are planted, the roots are strong, and we're excited to keep growing something special at the NB Ranch. And I'm honored today to recognize some of our students. Can I have our North Broadway Ranch students getting recognized join me. We have Maria Martinez. Is Valeria here? All right. We're going to first start with Maria. Maria Martinez is a third grade student. Maria is being recognized as an empathetic collaborator. She consistently demonstrates empathy
008and kindness, thoughtfully supporting her classmates through her daily actions. She's a collaborative team member who actively listens, engages with others, and values diverse perspectives. Maria's caring nature helps create an inclusive and welcoming classroom where everyone feels respected and supported. Thank you so much and congratulations, Maria, for being an empathetic collaborator. [applause] Zesty Harper: We're going to give them that after that. Megan Power: And next up, we have Valeria Ruiz, our fourth grader. Valeria is an effective communicator who always shares her ideas clearly so her classmates can understand her. She is a kind listener who always pays close attention to others and uses their ideas to help the whole group learn more. When they have reached out, when they have a reach out or a class discussion, she joins in thoughtfully and makes sure everyone feels
009included. Congratulations, Valeria, for being an effective communicator [applause]. And our last student is a fifth grader. Aile Jimenez Gonzalez and Aile is being recognized as an empowered learner. Aile is dependable and a conscientious student who consistently completes her assignments while maintaining excellent focus during class. Her kindness and organizational skills make her a valuable classroom member. She helps keep her peers on track and always knows what she needs to do without any reminders. Aile's commitment to learning is evident in how she takes responsibility of her work. It's so nice to see Aile take responsibility for her learning each and every day. Congratulations for being recognized as an empowered learner. [applause] Audrey Frank: So parents, I'm going to take a picture and then and staff. And then if you want to come up and take a picture
010after me. That would be great. Okay. Okay. Okay. Parents and staff, if you'd like some pictures, please. This is your chance. Rick Oser: Thank you principal power. Next up, I would like to call Principal Santiago from Farr Avenue Elementary. Soo Yeohn de Santiago: Okay. Thanks, everybody. Sorry about that. Hello and good evening. My name is Mr. de Santiago. I'm the proud principal at Farr Avenue Elementary. First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Maguire, President Harper, board members and cabinet. Thank you for your time tonight to recognize our amazing Falcons. Thank you to all our dedicated staff and parents that are here tonight to celebrate our students. For our staff, parents and students, please stand and let's give them a round of applause [applause]. We are proud to recognize our three Falcons tonight from
011fifth grade. Our Falcons can please come and stand next to me [applause]. All right. Perfect. We're doing a pep talk, just FYI. All right. I want to take a moment to highlight Farr before I highlight our amazing Falcons. So Farr Avenue Elementary is a beautiful school with a caring for our family culture. We are all hands on deck and put our Falcons first. We provide a dual language program, English only classes, special day classes and offer specialized academic instruction. We are also a community school focusing on four pillars around family engagement, expanded learning, student supports, and academics. In this slide, I've highlighted our many proud moments of Farr. And under the Family engagement section, you can see we started our English as a second language program for our families and currently have 25 students enrolled.
012This year we have provided a lunch and learn for our third through fifth grade parents focused on CAASPP assessments and engaging multiplication games they can play as a family at home. We also started a Farr cheer team and continue our beloved tradition of offering by after school. Under student supports, we have our store leaders running our SOAR store where they earn SOAR tickets to purchase positive incentives. You can also see our SOAR leaders leading our monthly SOAR assembly, creating a culture that is student centered and promotes their leadership. Finally, we are proud to highlight our sustained academic growth year after year, driven by a clear instructional focus on writing and the implementation of tier two academic vocabulary. As a result, our Falcons achieved a 7% increase in English language arts on the CAASPP assessment and
013a 3% increase in math. This has been a collective effort that involves every member of our FA community, staff, families and students. Now for the stars of our show. I have five pages. All right. We have a little feedback. Okay. All right. Our first falcon is Elisza Mejia in Mr. Sandoval's class. Elisza's love of learning, willingness to strive for excellence and compassion to help others academically make her an exemplary student at Farr Avenue Elementary. In addition, according to the I-ready assessment, Elisza is a sixth grade level in Spanish and math. She's an eighth grade level in English. Finally, she helped our Farr STEM team win two medals and this year's Stem challenge. For all these reasons, I am proud and honored to give this award to Elisza Mejia [applause]. Let's give her a round of
014applause. Applauso felicidades. Our second Falcon is Fenix Montes and Doctor Yo's class. Fenix brings a steady light of kindness, perseverance, and quiet confidence to the classroom each day. As our SOAR leader, he leads by example, showing what it means to stay positive, work hard, and lift others up. He is kind, responsible and deeply caring. Students look to him for guidance because of his intelligence and respect for others. Fenix's top is our top math student in this class and is always ready to help any classmate. Let's give him a round of applause [applause]. Okay, so our third Falcon is unable to be present today, but I'm still going to share the opportunity to highlight him so we can share the recording to the family. So our third Falcon is Kevin Vega. He is a friendly and
015respectful student who treats everyone with kindness and charity. He is a kind and positive role model others look up to and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He has met new challenges this year head on with the positive and hopeful outlook. We cannot wait to see the great things he accomplishes in his future. Congratulations Kevin Vega [applause]. I also want to say we do have our teachers from each classroom here tonight. So I want to recognize Mr. Sandoval, Doctor Ulloa and Miss Hughes. So thank you. [applause] Audrey Frank: Okay, take a picture and then I'll call the parents. Come on up. Teachers, if you want to come and take pictures. Rick Oser: Thank you, Principal Santiago. Next up is Principal Pittard, recognizing Oange Glen Elementary. Lisa Pitard: All right. Good evening, President Harper,
016Mr. Maguire, board members. Cabinet. Orange Glen families and staff. I am Lisa Pittard, and I always have the honor of being the proud principal of all of my Owls. I would like first to say thank you to all of my families and staff members for coming. Would you please stand and be recognized for taking your time out on a night? [applause] Yeah. So I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight the many reasons Orange Glen is the school to be at, and I too have five pages, but that's because I used a font size of 48 [laughter]. Orange Glen Elementary, home of the Owls, is a vibrant and welcoming community where empowered learners thrive. Every day students are encouraged to grow as critical thinkers, asking, asking questions, exploring new ideas, and building the confidence to
017take ownership of their learning. Classrooms are filled with curiosity and collaboration, supported by a caring and dedicated staff who go above and beyond to champion each student's success. Teachers and staff foster a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported and inspired to reach their full potential, Orange Glen Elementary offers a rich array of expanding learning opportunities that inspire students to discover new passions and talents beyond the classroom. From the vibrant traditions of Ballet Folklorico to the hands on excitement of mad science, students engage in experiences that spark creativity and curiosity. Artistic expression flourishes through a variety of art programs, while athletics like rugby and soccer promote teamwork, confidence, and healthy lifestyles. With so many options to explore, every student has the chance to find something they love, build new skills, and feel a deeper
018connection to their school community. Beyond the classroom Orange Glen shines through a strong sense of community. A robust PTA brings families together by organizing memorable events like a magical winter wonderland and a lively spring fling dance, creating joyful experiences that students look forward to all year long. These celebrations, combined with the school's commitment to excellence, help make Orange Glen students some of the best in town. Kind, motivated and ready to make a difference. Now the best part. Would my outlets please join me up here? [applause] Right there. All right. First off, we have Hilda Chon Garcia. Hilda is a true shining star in kindergarten. She comes to school each day ready to learn, and consistently gives her best effort in everything she does. She is kind, helpful, considerate, and always polite, making a positive impact
019on everyone around her. Hilda excels academically and approaches challenges with determination and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the future, and the many ways she will make the world a better place. She truly makes every day brighter at Orange Glen elementary [applause]. And now for Brizette. Ramos. Brizette has made wonderful progress this year and we are very proud of her growth, especially in ELA where she is now reading at grade level with strong comprehension and connections to text. In math, she is successfully solving double digit addition and subtraction problems with regrouping and uses a variety of strategies with confidence. She is kind, respectful, and follows routines well both in and out of the classroom, and actively participates during circle time. Brizette is a positive role model to her peers, showing
020patience, kindness, and support, especially when helping others who need extra care. She also enjoys her time in the general education classroom, where she continues to do well and brings enthusiasm, creativity and a love of learning to everything she does [applause]. And finally, we have Josiah Pardo. Josiah Pardo is more than just a dedicated student. He is a role model. He leads with his heart, works with determination, and represents the very best of Orange Glen. While many students excel in one of these areas, he balances them all with a maturity that is rare for a fifth grader. He has a unique gift for making others feel welcome. Whether he is volunteering his time at an after school event or simply helping a new student find their way, Josiah ensures that Orange Glen is a place where
021everyone feels they belong. Audrey Frank: Okay, here we go. I brought my glasses. There's a whole bunch of people that come up. Zesty Harper: Congratulations to all of our students this evening. We are so proud of you. I do want to give a little shout out to Orange Glen, because I've been spending a lot of time there in this last year. And the, the energy on campus is infectious. You have a tremendous staff who's willing to support you and the students are really energetic. And then I can't wait for the update on the killdeer if when the eggs hatch, Joan Gardner: They have not hatched yet, but we are expecting babies within anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Zesty Harper: Okay, so they have a bird that created its own nest right in the pretty
022much the walkway of everyone. And so they have it roped off and they're monitoring the situation closely with all the eggs. So and by the way, it still does have, I think, the best playground in the district as well. So what we're going to do right now is we're going to take a five minute break. So all of you that are here for the recognitions can go home and enjoy yourselves and tell your parents that you need ice cream. So have a good night and we'll be back in five minutes. Audrey Frank: So when in this part. So they just do the regular public comments and then they come up for the sunshine. Right. Yes. Okay. Zesty Harper: Is that the hearing? I'll open the hearing. I'll close the hearing. Doug Paulson: Miss Harper, we
023can start as soon as North Broadway finishes. Zesty Harper: It's Farr. Audrey Frank: Oh. Look it. Thank you. Andrea, because I was not doing well. Zesty Harper: I turned it off. All right. We are going to go right back to recognitions for one more moment. If you want to come back up to the podium, we have one last addition. Soo Yeohn de Santiago: So thank you so much for the opportunity to recognize Kevin. So Kevin Vega si puedes pasar por favor y gracias a nuestras familias aqui. All right. So Kevin from Mrs. Hughes's class, Kevin is a friendly and respectful student who treats everyone with kindness and integrity. He is kind and a positive role model others look up to and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He has met new challenges this
024year head on with a positive and hopeful outlook. We cannot wait to see the great things he accomplishes in his future. So big round of applause. Muy grande para Kevin Vega. [applause] Thank you for this opportunity. Go Farr. Woo hoo! Zesty Harper: All right thank you so much. Doug Paulson: Miss Harper. We will need another five minute break following that recognition. Thank you. Kevin. Zesty Harper: Okay. Moving on. Thank you. Doug, I don't have any public comments for this evening. Perfect. Do I have a report from CSEA? Noemi Navarette: No story time today though. I will give everybody a break. It's been a week. But we do want to. Well, hello, my name is Amy. I'm the president of CSEA chapter 150. Thank you for your time. We want to highlight Ace Week. For those
025of you who do know, do not, do not know what ace week it is during classified week where someone in a management leadership position gets to shadow a classified staff. So I want to take this opportunity. I know there's a lot of people on Zoom invite those in leadership positions to sign up. How do you sign up? Theresa Moayedi. Right? She's collecting names. Yes, she's collecting names. So if you would like to sign up, it is May 17th through the 22nd. And we do celebrate it with a luncheon in our beautiful garden out here. So we will be having lunch together and we'll be celebrating that opportunity to, for those in leadership positions to see what it is that classified do every day. So I do invite you those in leadership to join also classified
026staff, sign up. Because if you, if you want those in leadership positions to know what you do to understand what you go through every day we have to give them those opportunities, right? To, to shadow you, to hear from you. That is the best way to build those relationships. So so sign up. The other thing I want to highlight today. Today we had a quarterly meeting with our school board and cabinet. And so I want to to thank you for meeting with us. And I appreciate your frankness as we continue to discuss the concerns of classified staff. This is a long conversation. This is a journey. There is no solution today. There's no solution tomorrow. We just continue to work forward, right? As a team, as a collaborative team, to ensure that all voices are
027heard, to ensure that people feel supported in in our district. So I want to thank you for meeting with us. I know it's always difficult to hear things. And we just want you to know that we appreciate you taking the time and, and that that is very valuable to us. So I thank you. I also want to highlight the relationship we have been able to grow with EEEA. We appreciate your, your advocacy and your support. I know Brandi's not here, but they have just been instrumental in helping us continue to move forward. That again that collaboration really means a lot to us. As you know, classified staff for those of us who are classified staff and sit in leadership positions within the union, we we have a regular job and then we do we do
028the role of, you know, whatever eboard position we have as a side gig. And so as volunteers and so we really appreciate EEEA and Brandi, you know, kind of guiding us sometimes we, we do need that push and that pull. So we appreciate that very much. So thank you everyone, and have a good night. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Do we have a report from EEEA? Okay. Love it. Perfect. The next item then we have is the public hearing for sun shining negotiation proposal from EEEA. I'm going to open up the public hearing very officially. Hello. Krystal Zinn: Good evening, President Harper. School board members, Mr. McGuire and cabinet. My name is Krystal Zinn. I am the new EEEA bargaining chair. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. From afar. This evening, EEEA will be giving our
029official notice of the articles of our contract that we are going to open up for negotiations. We are opening up the following article ten, which is work hours, work year, article 16, which is employee benefits, article 17, which is salaries. And we will be revisiting the MOUs that are currently in place. We look forward to a cohesive and collaboration negotiations process. Any questions? Perfect. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much. Krystal Zinn: Anytime. Audrey Frank: And the and the district would like to add we will be Sunshining article 14, which deals with evaluations and article 22, which deals with PAR (Peer Assistance and Review). Zesty Harper: Thank you. And no other comments? Okay, I'm going to close this public hearing. And all written communications have been distributed. Now we are moving on to the consent agenda.
030I have two items that I would like to mention before we vote on the consent agenda. But does anyone else have anything they would like to pull or have questions on? All right. First one is the California Day of the Teacher. I'm going to turn it over to Rick. Rick Oser: Thank you. President Harper and board members again presented in front of you is a resolution for for California Day of the teacher, which is identified as May 13th, 2026. This is a day to recognize the amazing efforts of our teachers and what they do day in and day out, to help each and every one of our learners reach their unlimited potential. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much. And it kind of feels like Mother's Day, where one day doesn't seem sufficient to thank them
031for all they do. They do. But again, we have that resolution for the California day of the teacher. And then the second item I would like to pull is the classified employee week item. And Noemi took my thunder because I wanted to piggyback that the day, that the week, the classified week will be May 18th through the 22nd, which will coincide with Ace week. So I also encourage everyone to join and to take part in that, because you really get to learn what a tremendous job our classified employees do each and every day all through our district. And things you didn't even know because it's at night when you're asleep. So we look forward to May 18th to the 22nd. Absolutely. I think you have to come up with something really good for Doctor Ibarra's
032last ACE day. I mean we need to get. I mean, he's been on a roof. I think he's done plumbing. You guys will have to come up with something really good for his. Maybe his, all of them. We'll just keep them out all day long. So we are excited for that. And we do encourage everyone to sign up and classified employees to sign up so we can shadow you. We always learn so much from Ace Day. And then the celebration at the end where we get to talk about what we've learned and it really expands our horizon. So thank you. So with that being said, Doug, do you have a comment? Doug Paulson: Yeah. Could I please just ask for somebody to speak a little bit because I think this is important, at least to
033me, about the upcoming agreements with the YMCA for the Aquatics Program, summer program, and the different summer programs. Rick Oser: Certainly, Trustee Paulson, we're really excited to continue to provide countless opportunities for our students. As we know, our school day is jam packed. Great teaching and learning happening throughout the school day, but we're also very fortunate to have a robust EXPLORE program that extends to school day before and after school, as well as the school year. And presented as part of the consent consent agenda item is a agreement with YMCA. This agreement actually has three components to it, and all of it adds to our already very, very robust summer program as well as our after school program. One of the components is to extend and have a four week summer pool program to run
034throughout the or during our summer program. So this will actually take place in the time beyond the 3.5 hours that students have with our classroom teachers. And students will also have the opportunity to go to the pool program. We just ran a similar program during the spring break where kids were enjoying the the beautiful Escondido weather. At the, at the pool. Another component is to have a sixth week of summer programing for students at the sites who received the additional 21st century supplemental funding. And this will run off site once again at the Escondido YMCA campus. Camp will use the gymnastics gym as well as the pool. And then the third component. This is something new to our summer programing. We will we're requesting to engage in an agreement with YMCA for Camp Raintree. So
035we will have students for the first time going to Camp Raintree which is a horse camp. And so and once again, this is already on top of our, our very robust summer offerings. So really excited about that. Doug Paulson: And you think you're excited about that? I hope that our families and our students are equally excited. I am particularly gratified to see us going up to Camp Raintree. I think that will be the first time that our district has done that. A beautiful camp in in Julian and the kids will be riding horses. And the fact that we're giving them that opportunity is outstanding. I mean, riding horses, bows and arrows, fishing, boating, all sorts of stuff. It's a great thing. And with that, I'd like to move to approve the consent agenda. Zesty Harper:
036Thank you. Doug. Do I have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Aye. And I vote I as well. So the consent agenda passes. Moving on to discussion and or action. I'm going to turn it over to Business services for our Independent Citizens Oversight Committee appointment. Andrew McGuire: I'll take it for business services. So our Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, it's a committee that we have as part of the agreement with our community for our previous general obligation bond for our facilities program, proposition E. And currently our Independent Citizens Oversight Committee has had some people have termed out, they've been on the, the board or this committee for three consecutive
037terms already of two years. And so we need to start filling those positions up so that we can maintain a quorum for them to be able to provide that oversight of our activities around our facilities bond program. So tonight we have a member that just joined us Brendan Nailon, who qualifies. And you have to have a make up of the committee has to be of different categories active business person, senior community organization, representative, taxpayer association, PTA representative. And Brendan actually qualifies as an active business person representative. And so tonight, the vote before you is to approve a recommendation to add Brendan to our ICOC. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Any questions? Any questions then? I'm looking for a motion. Thank you. Frank, do I have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Doug,
038how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye. Zesty Harper: I vote Aye as well. We approve the appointment. Welcome. And we appreciate your service [applause]. I will turn it over again to business services for the LR Green sports field. Guaranteed maximum price. Andrew McGuire: Okay. At a previous board meeting, the board approved a contract for pre-construction services with Lusardi, and they were working with our facilities department and others to develop the project that we are doing on the field that we own behind LR Green. If you're familiar right next to Kit Carson Park, and that project would consist of a large grass play field, a covered hard court about a basketball court with a shade structure on top
039of that, as well as an independent bathroom building back there. And this would be used for our after school program to think we have our rugby league and they. And they gather at a school for their their championship games or just even the regular games. This provides another opportunity, a great purpose built sports field for our rugby program, a growing soccer program, and all the other things that we can do out there, as well as things we can do on the hard courts. And so this was funded out of our ELOP funds. And so the vote for you tonight is after the negotiations with the company and that the design process determine our guaranteed maximum price. This is all part of the lease lease back process. It's very procedural and legal in, in nature. And
040so we're asking you to approve the, the GMP, we call it of $3.3 million for the building of all of those things that I just described to you behind LR Green. Zesty Harper: Out of ELOP funds? Andrew McGuire: Out of ELOP funds. Zesty Harper: Okay. Perfect. Doug, do you have a question? Doug Paulson: Move approval. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Doug. Do I have a second? Frank Huston: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote Aye as well. Motion is approved. One more time. Notice to proceed. Lusardi construction company. Andrew McGuire: Okay, so thank you for approving that. But it means nothing if we don't tell them they
041can start the work. And so now, as part of this process for lease leaseback, the board must vote to send them a notice to proceed to begin this work. Zesty Harper: Okay. And then what's the timeline for this to be completed? Andrew McGuire: That is a great question that I'm going to ask Roy Nakamura to come to the podium and answer. He likes it. Roy Nakamura: Good evening, board members, president Harper, Mr. McGuire and cabinet. We anticipate having this project completed before or at the end of summer. We're going to be doing it in two parts. One is the field, and the other part will be your canopy and the parking lot, because I've broken it up into basically four different projects. So we'll have that restroom. That'll pretty much be the last one, but
042we anticipate having the field up and ready by the end of summer. Zesty Harper: Okay. Thank you, thank. Andrew McGuire: You, thank you. Roy. Zesty Harper: Thank you very much. Any other questions? Because we'll make him come back up. If we do. Andrew McGuire: Wait till he sits down first and then call him back up. Zesty Harper: Do I have a motion? Joan Gardner: So moved. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan, a second. Frank Huston: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Doug. How do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. We are in approval of that. Okay. Human resources certificated reduced workload program. Audrey Frank: Yes. I'm looking for the to approve the
043last four for employees who are other two pairs for our reduced workload program. Zesty Harper: Any questions on that? Okay. I'm looking for a motion. Frank Huston: I motion. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: I'll second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Doug. Doug. How do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. Passes five zero on to declaration of need for fully qualified educators. Audrey Frank: So this is for the 26-27 school year. We need to each year file a declaration of need. Setting a parameters for in case we have an employee coming from out of state or that's not quite there, that has all the credentials, but
044is maybe missing their CLAD. This allows us to do temporary things with the CTC. So we need to let them know ahead of time what we may need. And that we have kind of five people in the pocket. So I'm looking to seek approval of that. Zesty Harper: All right. Doug Paulson: May I ask a question? On page I think it's page three. We've got an estimated number needed of agriculture teachers. Zesty Harper: The Ranch. Doug Paulson: Help me out. Audrey Frank: I think it's the form and what is required by. So we have to put something in. But that doesn't mean we're going to use it. This is just in case something comes up. If the Ranch wanted to do something with agriculture, we don't know what's going to happen in the 26-27 school
045year. So this just allows us to have those things open. And if we do need to use it, we can, but we don't use nearly all of this. Doug Paulson: Okay. All right. It's a CTC form, I get it. Audrey Frank: Yeah. Doug Paulson: Thank you. Zesty Harper: Do you want to move? Doug Paulson: To have an agriculture teacher? Absolutely. Move approval. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Do you have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank. Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark. Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. Motion passes five zero. One more time. Audrey Frank: Oh, okay. So. So I'm looking at seeking approval for a new job description, which would
046allow for a teacher on special assignment, which would have the ability to that it's a content area specialist, which would have the ability to coach teachers as well as do and do provide direct services to students in that focused area. I forgot about that. Zesty Harper: And is there a specific focused area? Audrey Frank: It could be language arts. It could be math. It's what it could be science. It's what the school decides they need. But this kind of gives a generic job description so that we could focus and have for example, a literacy specialist that has a literacy credential, we could seek a more or a math person who has a math credential that could also could coach teachers as well as work with students. Zesty Harper: As a district office specific or is
047it site? Audrey Frank: This is site specific. This is at the site. Frank Huston: So we're not at this time looking at possible employment. We are only looking at the job description. Is that correct? Audrey Frank: Correct. But we do have a grant and I'll let Rick talk about that. Rick Oser: Yes. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this. So this is in response to a grant that the, that two of our schools have recently received. The grant is actually called the literacy specialist reading coach grant. And currently our job descriptions if it's a TOSA, if it's a coach, they provide professional development. If it is an intervention teacher or impact teacher, they provide direct services to students. The intent of this specific grant is to actually do both is to coach teachers, but
048also provide direct services. And so in creating this general content area specialist Tosa position, it will give us it'll give schools the flexibility to, if they so choose, to hire a certificated staff member who specializes in the content area, who can also provide direct services. So it's kind of the, the best of both worlds and also in creating the job description generically in the event that we have a math grant in the future or a science grant it'll give schools that flexibility. So it's just providing a little bit more flexibility than our current two positions that address these areas of needs. Doug Paulson: And where is the grant coming from? Rick Oser: From the state, from California Department of Education in the area. The grant is actually titled Literacy Specialist slash Reading Coach Grant. And
049yes, so currently Lincoln Elementary has this position has received this grant three years ago during their third year of the grant implementation. And two more of our schools, Pioneer and Central, have recently been recognized to receive this grant based on the socioeconomic status and English learner population of the community. Doug Paulson: Okay. So but this is a position that is specifically tied to that grant funding. Is that correct? Rick Oser: The the job description watch actually gives us the flexibility in the future for this type of position. However, when we met with the principals of the school, reviewed the grant details, reviewed current job descriptions. What really was discussed was a need for something that was blended, that gave a little bit more flexibility. I'm currently at Lincoln Elementary. We have an incredible TOSA in
050that position. However, that TOSA, because of the job description, is only, not only, is providing professional development and coaching to teachers there, it would be ideal if she was able to also directly serve students and also in a coaching role. So giving like demonstration lessons. Andrew McGuire: This item is just to approve the job description that we can then use for a variety of purposes. The grant for those two schools, the new grant will be the first use of it, but there could be other uses later in different subject areas. Doug Paulson: Absolutely, absolutely. I just wanted to clarify what the intent was because with the budget as it is, I don't want any new rumors spreading. So thank you. Joan Gardner: I make the motion that the board the teacher on special assignment content
051area specialist job description as presented. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: Second. Zesty Harper: Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: And I vote aye as well. Motion passes five zero. On to superintendent's office. Revised governance handbook. Andrew McGuire: I'm taking those two. Zesty Harper: You got both? Double duty. Andrew McGuire: So the product one of the work products from that workshop that we had on March 21st that we approved the minutes from earlier today, was going through the board's governance handbook and updating that after some of the discussion that we had. And so what's before you tonight is the updated version of that based on our conversation.
052You guys have had it for review for some time now. And so it's up for discussion. And if we all you all agree then for vote. Zesty Harper: I just want I wanted to make a comment on this because some people might not be aware of what we do is that we as a board meet once a year with a representative from CSBA who really guides us in working on our norms, working on our relationships with each other, because the goal is to have a efficient board who is able to focus on the business of the district. And as we have seen in the past here, we can easily get off track. So we work hard. I think as a board, we work very hard to maintain our relationships with each other, with each other,
053maintain our respect for each other. So again, so we can focus on the business of the district and us not impeding it. So in this handbook is how we operate our meetings, how we operate discussions. So it's, it's quite an interesting read if you want to pull it up on the, the agenda, but we updated it to reflect any changes we've had. And that's why we review it. And again, I was going to bring this up in my board report, but our facilitator, Luanne Rivera, she is retiring this year. She has served, she has been here as long as I've been here helping us with our board workshops. And I think she's a valuable asset and we appreciate her wisdom. And what she has directed us and guided us in, in this. So. Okay. Do
054I have a motion? Frank Huston: I'll motion. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Do I have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Doug, how do you vote. Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank. Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. It is approved five zero. On to superintendent's office again. Heritage K-8 Charter School Renewal Petition July 1st, 2026 through July 30th, 2031. Resolution number 2025-26-13. Andrew McGuire: So at our previous board meeting, we had a public hearing and a presentation for Mr. Shawn Rohner from Heritage. And that was in the two board meeting process, public hearing. And now for vote to approve as presented and district recommended to approve this renewal of their charter petition through the dates
055that you mentioned. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Is there any questions? All right. I am looking for a motion. Frank Huston: Motion to approve as presented. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank, do I have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank. Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark. Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. Motion passes five zero. On to Business Services board policies. The second read. Andrew McGuire: Okay. All right. So this is the second reading of the board policy 3515.4 the recovery for property loss or damage. This, we just had some typos in the last time in the first reading, we have corrected that, but this one really just changes the language and
056cleans it up to some degree, where instead of the district, it's the superintendent or designee that shall seek reimbursement of damages with the limitations. There's some spelled out here from the parent guardian of the child who's responsible for damaging property. It's not this is a very rare occurrence. It's not a regular practice. Just want to make sure that points made. And then also updating the language here where it once was a homeless student. Now it's a student experiencing homelessness that were precluded from collecting fees for this damage to property or loss of property from students who are currently or formerly have experienced homelessness. And so that's the update to this board policy tonight before you for second read and hopefully a vote. Joan Gardner: I'll make the motion to approve. Zesty Harper: Thank you Joan.
057Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Doug. Doug. How do you vote? Aye Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: MarK. Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. Passes five zero onto first read. Andrew McGuire: Okay. The next one is related to our, we call it CUPCCA commonly, the uniform public construction cost accounting procedures. So this board has adopted that many years ago. Which changes the bid limits, things like that, that we operate under when we contract for public works projects. The change here tonight in, in this board policy actually brings in something I'm kind of excited about. And that's where generally speaking, what we're supposed to do when we, when we go and work, do a major project is we, if
058we want to do it ourselves with our own employees, you know, we have to look at the cost of the labor and the materials and all of that. And if it goes over the bid limit, then we need to go out to bid. But now the board, by adopting this board policy, the board then may take action, as we've done before for various reasons, but we could take action to reject all of those bids and declare that this project can actually be performed by the employees of the district. And so that does give up. Now we're talking about when we go out to bid in those bid limits, we're talking about some large scale projects that may not be within the capability or capacity of our maintenance department, like tearing a whole roof off and
059reroofing. You know, you bring in specialists for that. But in the occurrence that there is something that's above bid limit and cost, but is something that is within our capability, under our new director's leadership, the board could take action to not have that go to a contractor, but to stay in-house and be done by our employees. And so that's the update to this board policy before tonight for first read. Doug, you have some questions? Doug Paulson: Nope. Zesty Harper: No, I'm excited about this because, I mean, I'm going back in history, but the fence at Oak Hill that we had to go out to bid on, if Joan and you remember this would have saved us a lot. So anyway so do I have a motion for approval? Joan Gardner: I'll make the motion. Zesty
060Harper: Thank you. Joan. Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: Second. Zesty Harper: Doug, how do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye. Zesty Harper: Joan. Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank. Frank Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark. Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well. Passes five zero. Next policy. Andrew McGuire: All right. This next one for first read is an update to our existing board policy around debt issuance. Things like our general obligation bond and other debt creating programs that we are not interested in doing. And I know our board is not interested in either. Things like the cops and trends and revenue bonds and things like that. So this is not giving us approval to do any of that. But if we were, it updates some of the reporting requirements. If we were
061to have any of our our any kind of debt that we have that we have to provide reporting. Also the board having to take action to state publicly the method for sale of any of our bonds. The competitive negotiated or private sales, things like that. So it just brings more transparency to the process of issuing debt. Joan Gardner: Also remove some references to the California Constitution. I don't know why that specifically was, but. Andrew McGuire: It might be because statute is now covering those items more clearly than the Constitution. Zesty Harper: All right. Any other questions? Looking for a motion? Doug Paulson: Move approval. Zesty Harper: Thank you Doug. Frank Huston: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you Frank. Doug. How do you vote? Doug Paulson: Aye Zesty Harper: Joan Joan Gardner: Aye Zesty Harper: Frank Frank
062Huston: Aye Zesty Harper: Mark Mark Olson: Aye Zesty Harper: I vote aye as well passes five zero on to members reports. Doug can you get us started, please? Doug Paulson: All right. Well good evening everybody. I will just start off on Saturday, March 28th at the Stem challenge. Just another great year of, of watching students compete. There is nothing like a little competition to get people really interested in really going as usual, the, the, the level of competition, the level of knowledge of the students was impressive. The organization of the entire day and the fact that the parents came and did not leave the entire time, I think says a lot about that competition. So that was absolutely outstanding and appreciate everybody involved in that. Then on to the following Sunday, because everybody knows we
063have Sunday school in our district, and in this case it was once again at Rincon or Rincon Middle School with the Rugby Championship. Congratulations to Mission Middle School for winning the middle school portion of that with with with. Yes. In, in fine fashion and lots of Conway Elementary School students playing for Mission Middle School. So that was really good. The board governance workshop, as Miss Harper already said, was really good. Very good. When we are making sure that we are doing as much as we can to provide positive governance and really remembering what our role is, what our role is not. And that was Luann Rivera's last one that she will be doing with us, I think her last one. And I remember what was, what's really cool about CSBA and Luhan in particular is
064that I remember back to when she was on the Ramona school board for a long time. And you know, you get a lot of experience. I've taken several classes with her outside of this this district. And when you learn what can go wrong in school board meetings and with school boards, it's really important that we keep an eye on it and make sure that we're staying in our lane and doing those things that, that foster positive educations. I don't know what order the rest of it comes came in. I was able to go and watch the Mission Middle school trout release at Lake Wohlford and I enjoyed that. My granddaughters enjoyed that very much. I will point out that my Facebook post about it was printed verbatim in the times-advocate, along with one of my
065pictures off my Facebook account. So that was great press. I was able to run into a group from our sea camp at the San Diego Zoo. I, I, I am sure that the correlation there was the polar bears because polar bears are marine mammals. And that's the correlation between sea camp and the zoo. But just a great experience for kids to be able to be down in Mission Bay for a week long camp. And that is something that I've known a lot of a lot of kids who have done, but their parents have had to put out a great deal of money. I'm sorry, but sea camp. That's a wealthy kid's event. That is an event for wealthy kids. And the fact that it was our students going. At no cost. It was something very
066special to me. I did get to go to the middle school band concert, which was, as usual, really, Really good. Very much enjoyed that. Went to the Rose Elementary School open house and that was fantastic. One of the things I just want to spend a minute on that I'll probably spend a little bit more time on in the future is some reflection. As you may know, I, I recently retired after 30 years in the high school district. Spent a lot of time I was sort of, I sort of started right before No Child Left Behind, right before we moved to a standards based education system. But more importantly, before we move to a standard a, a testing mode of education, where what we're most concerned about is test results. And I sort of went through
067in my career that entire transition from you're going to school and you're teaching the best you can and you're, you're doing those traditional things to all sorts of new ways of educating kids. And what's interesting now we're about 25 years beyond that. We've been doing all sorts of new things for the last 25 years. We've seen, you know, the whole PBIS system. We've seen the onset of large amounts of screen time. We've gone through this whole thing of, oh, kids are going to be taught by computer. It's going to be all online. We've gone through new math programs, small group instruction. The really cool thing right now is that we are far enough into this particular, to these different new activities that they're starting to be some very good research coming out about what the
068real impact of those shifts has been. There's some, a lot of very good research about things like what is screen time doing for our students and what is it doing to our students? And, you know, there's a real difference between informal screen time, the social media of video games and the deliberate instruction that goes on virtually, but just some some really good, solid research about what those impacts have been. And that's something that we're going to really need to keep our eye on, because there is not a lot of evidence that over the past 20 years of technology, that there's been a significant increase in student skill levels. Not they are very skilled in using technology, but things like reading, writing, math, maybe those are not increasing. And I'm not I'm not saying that it's
069screen time, but I'm saying it's something we've got to watch. Same thing with small group instruction, PBIs. There's just a lot of new research out and I'm, I'm happy to say that that it's stuff that we need to be watching. I know Mr. Oser is. And Mr. Maguire is watching this and some things that we need to have discussions about in the future. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much, Joan. Joan Gardner: Well that was well said Doug. It's the pendulum always swings back when it's overkill. I also along with the rest of the board, was enjoyed very much our board workshop. It's always a good time to reassess and to recommit. And that's what we did as a board. So it was a, it was a, an afternoon well spent or actually started
070in the morning. So I'd say a day well spent. And I also was able to attend the middle school concert and I'm never disappointed. Those musicians are so good that it's, it's a joy. It really is. And there was some really fine music performed and we have some wonderful music teachers, so I hope that we continue. I hope that the kids will carry on because the high school has. All of the high schools, I believe, have bands as well, so they can continue in their love of music. I also was able to attend. I responded to an invitation to the Juniper Retreat the Jaguar retreat ribbon cutting. However, it turned out to be a ribbon untying, which was safer with the kids who did the the untying. But I will tell you that that classroom
071is a childhood dream. Those, there's going there are going to be lines clamoring to participate, to have some time to spend in there any, any art, any anything they could wish to participate in, a coloring or puzzles or games or fidgets or noise canceling your earphones or just a comfortable places to sit and talk and enjoy there and communicate with their fellow students. So I think it was, comes out of a collaboration. How it came about. And I, I just, I have to take it from the invitation because I don't want to leave anyone out. And it was. Please join us in thanking the Juniper Community School Advisory Committee, which was the impetus. The Escondido Education Foundation, which provided a $5,000 grant, the Escondido Elks Lodge, Lowe's and the Home Depot, locations in Escondido. And
072the amazing, talented parent, Stephanie Carrier, who created a beautiful mural to make the room complete. And when you come in, you. It's you can hear in the background, birds chirping. So it's like being in a forest glen. And the murals were just beautiful butterflies and pleasant colors. And again, comfortable seating arrangements throughout the room that were separate but also collaborative. So I want to go back and see it in use by the students. And the students took part too. And I think that was the best part because they had input into what they would like to see in that room. And, and you could tell. So I wish them much success. And I hope and also Brooke Cottingham, the, the principal made sure to find a way that it would the continuity that it wouldn't
073go away because the big investment was made, and it won't take too much to keep it going in, in good times and in bad. And that's really important for the kids. So that and then I attended the insurance committee, which was in competition with the Rotary Awards. And so it was lightly attended. And I'm sorry for that because we got the results of the survey on on the insurance that came back. And I'd like to see a more detailed report which was promised to us. So I hope that the board will get copies of the full report, not just a synopsis. And then we can have a discussion about it. But the bottom line is, from the remarks that were. And that's something I'd be interested in seeing more of the remarks that people responded
074with is insurance is too expensive, and we know that it's not. It's a common complaint now across the state, across the country. But I'd like to see some suggestions to maybe from those who are participants and how they think we could cut costs in the insurance. I mean, as a committee, we tried to offer some suggestions, but I think it would come would come from from the populace that has to pay those those fees too. It might be a good idea to ask for that. And what else? I think that was about it, except that I noticed and I should have I should have mentioned this when we had the. No, the one when you approve everything, the consent agenda, the the Casa de las Campanas, their donations to our to five of our schools.
075They've donated over $5,000 for books for various schools that that are in need. And I think that's a wonderful gift. I'd love to see. I love to visit libraries and, and see the kids come in to, to take books out and take them home and treasure them. Frank Huston: So and I just want to point out, I, I believe that that donation comes from a group of the residents at Casa de las Campanas, which is the care facility crossing the freeway right by Lake Hodges. And it is filled with retired teachers. Joan Gardner: That's what it was built for. Yeah. And they have continued their interest in in the education of the children of Escondido. Andrew McGuire: If you missed tonight's consent agenda for that, that item, that donation happens on many of our agendas.
076So you'll have other opportunities to bring it up at the consent agenda at a future meeting. Any. Yeah. Joan Gardner: Listed it in this particular. Andrew McGuire: Yeah. They're a regular. Joan Gardner: Yes I know and I know they, they've always been very active. Andrew McGuire: Yeah. Joan Gardner: They used to do read on a regular basis at Felicita School I think. Zesty Harper: That's right. They used to I don't know if they do anymore but yeah, they had. Joan Gardner: A whole. Zesty Harper: They had a very vibrant program. Joan Gardner: But their commitment to literacy is admirable. That's my report. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Frank, do you have a report? Frank Huston: I do. I also wanted to comment on the Board of Education workshop that we had. Had a really good
077time. I think we all do a really good job of communicating, communicating, and keeping everything where it needs to be. Luanne's fantastic. And it'll be a shame that she won't be there anymore. Additionally, I wanted to give a shout out to Noemi and her compadre that she. Normally it's just us And you took your Saturday and you came and you joined us. And I was very appreciative of that because a lot of people don't understand what we do, how we do it. And it was nice seeing you there. I hope you enjoyed your, your, your morning and afternoon. I mean, it's kind of a long day, but I appreciate it. Appreciate you and your compadre coming out there and, and joining us on that. So I just wanted to give you a shout out. Teresa.
078Thank you. Additionally, I want to thank you guys for having the meeting today. We did have some some communications going back and forth. I hope we can continue doing that. I think it's good to have it. And I appreciate your guys's time coming out and doing that also. Additionally, I was at Central School today. I want to thank Principal Cortez. I visited a [inaudible] Miss Peralta's class in second grade, Miss Vaughan's class. And it was absolutely just really nice to see them. Kids were just having a blast and everything was very nice to see. So that's my report. Zesty Harper: Thank you Frank. Mark, do you have a report? Mark Olson: I do. Thank you again. Good to be with you. Thank you for everyone that's made this accommodation possible. I've just finished today the
079first of two days of commencement of my oldest child graduating college. So I appreciate the opportunity to to be with everyone this evening. Frank kind of took my first bullet point about the board workshop. I know we've all mentioned it, but I, I do want to acknowledge Noemi and her team, as well as some members of the public that were there. And I do see them there this evening as well. So I want to thank them for, for taking an interest in participating. Everyone has a busy life and, and that means a lot to us as board members to, to see you take your time out of your day. I also want to acknowledge the meeting we had this afternoon was able to participate in this fashion, and I want to thank the members there.
080And Noemi mentioned it earlier. Sometimes those meetings are challenging. But the commitment from your organization to continue those conversations is what's really important. And sometimes those are hard and sometimes there's emotions that are involved. But I appreciate your commitment to continue to come to those and to continue to, quite frankly, hold us accountable. I appreciate that you had on the agenda, the goals and the specificity with which you asked how we were doing with those goals. I appreciate that accountability. It reminds me of the things that I stated that I was going to do. And while I think I have have focused on them more, it reminds me that there's still work to be done. And I appreciate that accountability and not not only that, I appreciate the, the warm nature that each of you
081bring to those conversations, even when they're difficult. And personally, as that meeting wrapped up, I kind of and everyone kind of walked out and then the Noemi came up and said, Mr. Olson, are you still there? And I said, well, I wanted to be there as long as possible. And she said, congratulations to my son graduated. And I kind of said back to her, well, it's a product of everyone there, including her and the team, because he is a product of our district and he is the oldest of mine that will graduate. First one for us. And he I think I've mentioned it, but it hasn't been mentioned. He will be a teacher and he just landed his first job. He will be a dual, dual language teacher. So he's very excited about that. And
082I hope that everyone obviously, we're very proud of him, but I hope that everyone in our district understands that everyone plays a part. And as I was asking him, I he knew I had a board meeting this evening and I said, is there anything that you want me to convey, any special circumstance or anything that you remember? And he said, well, there's there's too many to highlight. There's too many special teachers or staff members to highlight. And he didn't want to share any specific ones because he felt like he would he would forget them. But I know that there are several, not just teachers, staff members, individuals that make his experience in all my children's experience extremely important. So there are countless individuals that I want to thank personally, not just as a board member,
083but from my family for the important impact that they've made in our life and the hundreds and thousands of lives that they continue to, to go on. So he was one of 8631 graduates today. And so a big class. But it was great to be there. And I hope that everyone, I know, it's happening a lot all over the country this time of year of our former students. And I hope that we can all take a moment and pause and be grateful and be proud of the work that each of us do. So I just want to say thanks to everyone for everything you're doing, including the the IT team that's made this possible for me to participate in this fashion. I do look forward to being back in person next month and the months
084going forward, and just hope that everyone has a good and safe evening. And that's my report. Zesty Harper: Thank you Mark. I will try to move really quickly since everyone had really good reports this this evening. I did attend the Good Beginnings workshop which we had it as a good beginnings because we were welcoming Mr. McGuire as the superintendent. And it also works on our working styles together. And again, like Doug said, what our job is as the board, but what the superintendent's job is which oh, what did they say? It's the how and the why. No. What was the saying now? I can't even remember. Yeah I know. We'll come back to that next month. I'm sorry. Of what. But again, what our role is. But. And then also what cabinet's role is. While
085we were here all day Saturday, I do want to give a special shout out to the HR department who I walked in. They were all there on a Saturday who they're working on digitizing all of the files. And they've have been for months, months, a year, almost a year. So again, to, you know, make us more efficient and able to keep better records. So thank you to them. I know we have a lot of our classified staff that work on overtime hours, especially like M and O and stuff like that, but appreciate human resources taking their weekends to do that. I attend I helped in Jamie Russo's class again at Orange Glen. Before the break, I attended the PTA, the PTA meeting in the evening. I also attended the Stem challenge day at Rincon, which
086was great with I mean, they had boats and drones and remote control cars. And then the earthquake tower testing. I mean, they had just so many fun and interactive activities for the students to do and to see the winners. It was fun to watch because I could see all the audience and, you know, all the students really being nervous for their, their name to get called their school to get called so they could get their medals. I attended the community schools subcommittee or steering committee, I'm sorry where we went over the budgets. It, I think it was one of our best meetings we've had so far. I'm not going to say it's because we had the MTSSs and the teacher and the parents join us, but we had a very robust discussion about sustainability, which
087is one of my main concerns that I know I've brought up that, you know, this grant falls off a cliff after three years. And so what are we going to be left with at our schools after three years? What can we put in place that is sustainable and will benefit our students. They had brought up two things at the community school meetings that the Cal State San Marcos has a mobile wellness initiative, and they're going to be at the Farr and the Oak Hill like open houses so Farr on May 28th, they will be there from 5 to 6. So I believe they're giving health checks and wellness checks as well. And then they're going to be at the Oak Hill Spring Fling on May 29th from 4:30 to 7:30. And then this week I
088was able to attend the PTA for the first time. They did an open house where they invited all the new board members for next year to come meet the old, the previous, not old, previous board members and a lot of training. And they had their reps and their mentors there as well. It was a great event. And then I went with Joan as well to the Juniper Retreat. It was a response through community schools. This is a kind of a community schools initiative. Was for requests for alternative recess options. So some students, you know, don't want to be outside. I don't like being outside. I like a nice clump. Yes, exactly. But I mean, they, they really had thought it out and all the donations and the community support they had. I mean, they even
089have a chair there that the students can sit in and it kind of gives you a hug. And they had a lot of quiet areas. So it was beautiful. Very well done, I attended. Oh, and then that same day, I went over to Orange Glen again where I got to spend some time with the MTSS coordinator. Is it a coordinator? No. Community specialist. I'm sorry, there's too many initials in it. I'm. I can never get it correct. Andrea Sima over at Orange Glen. It was great to talk to her about all of their ideas of what they're doing at Orange Glen and how you've really taken on that role. It's I really enjoyed our chat because I learned so much. And I'm really excited about the programs we've put into place, especially the open school
090event you're going to have where you're inviting the community. She even went door to door in the neighborhood and put out door hangers to invite and to invite people and, and elicit feedback as well. So, so many great ideas. So thank you again. It was excellent. And again, I need an update on the bird hatching outside. It's outside her classroom door. And then last night I attended the Rotary Awards where they gave out two awards to each school site for academic excellence and service above self. So congratulations to all the recipients. And that is my report. Turning it over. Andrew McGuire: So every year at the end of the school year in May, as certainly we'll be doing this year in the Kathy Shirley Memorial Garden, we recognize our employees who are retiring after all
091of the career here of service to our students. But I've also have made it a practice here at our board meetings when some of our staff have left us too soon. And so some of our staff has prepared, helped me prepare some remarks here about two of our paraeducators who in the last couple of months have unfortunately passed away. So tonight, I want to recognize and honor Mariana Ramirez from Rock Springs, who is deeply devoted to the students she supported. She had a special gift for connecting with students. She took the time to understand each student's unique communication style and responded to their needs with patience, compassion, and respect. Our students trusted her, bonded with her, and thrived because of her steady, calming presence. Mariana was also a valued colleague, an asset to our team.
092She made a meaningful impact, both personally and professionally. Her thoughtfulness, reliability, and deep sense of care made a profound impact on this team that she worked with. Mariana will be deeply missed and always remembered. Also, over our spring break at Rincon Middle School, Luisa Iniestra was a foundational pillar of our Rincon Seas program. She was always willing to help any student or staff member with whatever they needed. She was attuned to the unique needs of our kids, and her support went far beyond the job expectations of our behavior intervention technicians. Our program won't be the same without her. We are all grateful to have known her and to have had the chance to work alongside her. The caring compassion she provided all of us on a daily basis was very much appreciated and will never
093be forgotten. So let's have a moment of silence for both of these honored people. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much for honoring them. I appreciate you doing that. Alright. Our next meeting will be May 7th in this room at the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center. Thank you all for joining us this evening. We will not be returning to closed session and I am adjourning the meeting. Thank you.