Escondido Union School District Board of Education Meeting - March 5, 2026

001Zesty Harper: It is 6:00. I am going to call the board meeting of the the meeting of the Board of Education to order. Do we have any public comments for closed session items? No. Having none, we are going to adjourn to closed session. Thank you. Good evening. I am going to reconvene the board meeting of the Escondido Union School District. We would like Isla McClendon from LR Green to come to the podium to say the Pledge of Allegiance. [applause] Student: Put your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin All: 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. Zesty Harper: Thank you Isla. Okay. All members are present. And we do have a

002report out of closed session. Frank Huston: In the matter of existing litigation. Case number G I or correction G121628. Claim number 20-05436. Board voted to approve the settlement agreement by a vote of 4 to 1. In closed session, the board considered dismissal charges against a classified probationary employee and took action to approve those charges and release employee number 675841 by a vote of five zero. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Do I have any changes to the agenda? Otherwise, I'm looking for a motion. Doug Paulson: Move, move approval of the agenda. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: We approve the agenda. Do I have a motion for the minutes of February 5th? [inaudible] Thank you. Mark. Frank

003Huston: Second Zesty Harper: Thank you, Frank. All those in favor of approval, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Aye. Motion passes, five zero. Approval passes. And then a motion for the approval of the minutes of February 19th. Doug Paulson: Move approval of the study session, February 19th, as presented. Mark Olson: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Mark. Thank you. Doug. All those in favor? Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Thank you. The minutes are approved. Now, to the best part of the evening. We have our recognitions. I'm going to turn it over to Ed Services. Rick Oser: Thank you, board president Harper. We are very excited to recognize students from three of our wonderful schools this evening. First up is LR Green. And at this time, I'd like to call up Principal Underhill,

004who will give us an overview of LR Green and everything that's wonderful happening there, as well as three of their amazing students. Crystal Underhill: Yes, so many amazing things at LR Green. Good evening EUSD. Quite the audience today. Good evening, President Harper. Doctor Ibarra, Mr. Maguire, cabinet and board. My name is Crystal Underhill. As you heard. And I'm honored to be the principal of LR Green Elementary school. We have a few amazing Griffins that we will be celebrating tonight, so may I please have up at the podium with me, Lauren, Isla. And Isabella. I'd like to take a moment to ask all parents, teachers, staff and members of the LR Green community to please stand. [applause] It truly takes a village, and it is such an honor to be part of such an incredible and

005supportive community. So thank you all. Thank you. You may be seated. Okay. We will begin with a little bit about LR Green and why it is truly a special place. It is a place where we learn and inspire and and grow together. We are continuing our redesign journey through RIASEC, where we connect what we are learning with real world, meaningful experiences. We are meeting professionals within our community and helping students see what's possible for their futures. A huge thank you and shout out to Bear Valley Middle School for continuing to collaborate with us in creating hands on, RIASEC experiences for our students. We truly believe that by doing this together, we're setting our students up for success long after they leave LR Green. So now we will get to celebrate some of our amazing students

006right here from our school. First up is Lauren Dalley. Lauren is always committed to completing her schoolwork with the greatest care and is a respectful, thoughtful, and considerate member of our school community. Lauren sees herself as a social person. When she grows up she would like to pursue nursing, teaching, or becoming a hairstylist [applause]. Congratulations, Lauren. Up next, we have Isla McClendon [applause]. Isla is a model Griffin, who participates in class discussions, does her best schoolwork and contributes to her contagious, happy disposition to the dynamics of her class and school. Isla sees herself as a realistic and artistic person. Even though Isla takes dance lessons every single day of the week, when she grows up, she would like to pursue becoming a chef [applause]. Okay. And last but not least, we have Isabella Guzman-Perez [applause].

007Isabella is a student who cares deeply about her academic work. Her hard work and commitment has enabled her to become the most improved mathematician in her class. She is a positive force in her classroom culture. She smiles, helps others without being asked, and even comes up with daily original jokes. She is an accomplished dancer who sees herself as an artistic person and therefore plans on becoming a dance teacher. Congratulations. [applause] Rick Oser: Thank you, Principal Underhill. Next up, we have Principal Sylvester from Miller Elementary School. [applause] Katelyn Sylvester: Perfect. All right. Welcome, everyone. Good evening, President Harper. Members of the school board, Doctor IBarra, Mr. Maguire and Cabinet. My name is Katelyn Sylvester, and I have the pleasure of serving as principal at Miller Elementary School. I'm honored to share a little about my tiny

008but mighty school, Miller elementary. Before we open, can I have my three students come up and stand next to me? So Anthony, Frieda, and Javir. So Miller may be small, but we have so much to offer. Our size allows us to build strong relationships, truly know our students and create a community where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. One of great. One of Miller's greatest strengths is our committed staff. On average, our teachers bring 15 years of experience in Escondido Union School District, and many have spent most or all of their careers at Miller. Additionally, a third of our staff is supported by paraeducators, providing instructional and social emotional support to meet the diverse needs of our students. The dedication of these educators is what makes Miller a special place for our students to

009learn, grow, and thrive. This year, we are on a journey of redesigning, reimagining learning experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and connected to the future of our students the future our students will step into. We are excited to continue sharing this work with our community. And speaking of students, we currently serve 365 students who bring curiosity, resilience, and leadership to our campus every day. They persevere through challenges, support one another, and take pride in their school community. Walking through our halls, you can feel the strong relationships, energy for learning, and sense of belonging that defines Miller. Miller elementary may be small, but our impact is big. Through the commitment of our staff, the strength of our community, and the brilliance of our students, we continue to build a school where leadership, empathy, accountability and determination are

010at the center of everything we do. To celebrate our amazing community, I'd like to invite our staff and families to please stand and be recognized. [applause] Thank you. And you may be seated. And now, I'd like to take a moment to recognize a few students who embody excellence at Miller. First up, we have Anthony Gaspar from the fifth grade. Anthony is a highly motivated and resilient learner who arrived last year without any prior knowledge of English and has since made significant progress through consistent effort and active participation. Anthony learns best through clear modeling, repetition and opportunities to ask questions, which he uses confidently to deepen his understanding. His strengths include a strong work ethic, attentiveness, and supportive attitude towards his classmates. He continues to develop academic English vocabulary and fluency and communicate with his peers.

011He shows a strong interest in improving his language skills and overall academic performance. He has participated in after school explore classes, highlighting his goal of extending learning beyond the classroom and continuing to grow as an independent, confident learner. Congratulations, Anthony. [applause] From the fourth grade in Miss Tello's class, we have Frida Bernabé Pescador. Frida is a hard working student who loves coming to Miller and enjoys coming to school every single day. She advocates for her peers and helps them without any prompting and at times without staff noticing until much after the fact. Her strengths include asking for help and her attentiveness to the classroom environment by helping clean the classroom and showing exemplary behavior, she hopes to participate in more. She hopes to participate more in her school community by joining ELOP and has made

012goals to improve her learning. Congratulations, Frida [applause]. Last but not least, from our third grade is Javir Besong. Javir is a hard working young man who truly cares about being successful in school. He takes pride in his work, actively participates in classroom conversations, and confidently asks and answers questions. He is always willing to help his classmates and both polite and respectful to adults and peers. Friendly and likable, he has many friends and brings fun energy to the classroom with his great sense of humor. Outside of school, he enjoys staying active by playing soccer and is a wonderful, caring member of his family. He's a positive role model and a joy to have in class. Congratulations, Javir. Rick Oser: Thank you, Principal Sylvester and the Miller community. And next up is Principal Loh from Reidy Creek

013[applause]. Megan Loh: Good evening, Doctor Ibarra. Mr. McGuire, President Harper and members of the board of trustees. I'm Megan Loh, the principal over at Reidy Creek. And I am honored to be here tonight to celebrate three students who are very deserving of the EUSD's Student Excellence Awards. I'd first like to acknowledge our cabinet members and invite our families and teachers to stand up, to be recognized [applause]. You may have a seat, and I'd like to invite our three students to come up Dexter, Xander, and Serenity. So before recognizing our students, I'd like to share a little bit about the school community that they represent. Although this is only my third year here at Reidy Creek, it did not take me long to realize just how special this school is and how much we have to

014offer our students and our families. One of the things that makes Reidy Creek so special is the strong sense of community on our campus that makes everyone feel connected. Many of our staff members have been at our school since it first opened, and they care deeply about supporting every student who walks through the doors of our campus. That that connection extends beyond the school day, with a very supportive parent community and an active PTA that brings families together and helps enhance our instructional programs. Reidy Creek also places a strong emphasis on building a solid academic foundation. Our teachers work hard to ensure instruction meets students where they are and continues to challenge them to help them grow. This year, we've had a year long focus on strengthening writing across all three genres while still creating

015opportunities for for students to think critically engaging, meaningful conversations and develop a love of learning. We also provide many opportunities that enrich learning beyond the classroom doors, including education through music or ATM are very well known Fave Art program and our extensive After School Explore program, which offers over 35 classes where students can explore interests like entrepreneurship, coding, clay making, and art. Well, there are many things that make Reidy Creek special. The heart of our school will always be our students. Tonight we have the opportunity to celebrate three of them who truly represent the spirit of our school community and our leaders of the Coyote Pack. The first student I would like to recognize is Dexter Tran [applause]. Dexter demonstrates critical thinking through his daily editions connections, and questions in class discussions, and he effectively

016communicates those ideas while collaborating with his peers. He takes ownership of his own learning through his initiative and creative problem solving, and is a good citizen and an ethical scholar. In all these ways, Dexter exemplifies all of the learner outcomes in EUSD's Framework for the Future, and for these reasons, he is our third grade recipient of the Student Excellence Award. Congratulations! [applause] Our next student is Xander Rull. Xander consistently demonstrates strong academic achievement, stays actively engaged in learning, and shows kindness and respect towards his peers. As he approaches his work with enthusiasm and takes pride always in doing his best. Xander's positive attitude and caring nature make him a role model in the classroom, and the fourth grade teachers could not think of a better candidate to receive this award than Xander. Congratulations [applause]. And

017last, we would like to we would like to celebrate fifth grader Serenity Torres. Serenity exemplifies student excellence. She gives 100% every single day and consistently puts forth her very best effort in all that she does. Even when reading feels challenging, serenity works hard, shows perseverance, and never gives up. Serenity is a student of strong character. She does the right thing even when no one is watching, and is thoughtful and inclusive, always making sure that others feel welcomed and valued. Serenity wants to be part of the group for the right reason, and she leads by quiet example. Her dedication, kindness, and integrity make her truly deserving of the Student Excellence Award. Congratulations [applause]. Rick Oser: Thank you. Principal Loh and the Reidy Creek community. Zesty Harper: Thank you, families, for being here tonight. And congratulations once

018again to our outstanding students. Students, make sure your parents know that we said it was okay to stop for ice cream on the way home, but we we are going to take a ten minute break so you can take more pictures and then give everyone time to sit down. But please feel free to go home and get your homework done and see you tomorrow [applause]. Hello? Okay, we are coming back. Did we get everyone's card? Everyone's turned in their card that wants to speak? Okay, because I have 22 cards, so that's very. We can we can handle that. So we're going to leave everyone at three minutes, the normal three minutes to speak. If we stay for staying at 21. 22 cards. So just make sure you wrap it up by three minutes. And we

019appreciate everyone being here. First one up is Angela. Public comment speaker 1: Good evening members of the EUSD board, Doctor Ibarra and Mr. McGuire. I'm here to address the district's requirement that an incident form be completed by school staff, be completed before school staff will act on a concern, even when a parent has already provided a detailed, documented report. This practice places an unnecessary and harmful barrier between students and the support they deserve. When a parent brings forward a serious concern documented in depth, the school has both an ethical and professional responsibility to respond. Requiring a child to complete an additional form before any action is taken does not strengthen the process. In many cases it silences it. This requirement is also inequitable. Not all students have the ability, emotional regulation, literacy skills, or executive

020functioning capability to complete such a form in a moment of distress. Many students in our special education community, including those with autism, anxiety disorders and other disabilities, may not be able to effectively advocate for themselves in that way. A system that depends on a child's ability to fill out paperwork before adults intervene is a system that fails our most vulnerable students. A few weeks ago, I witnessed something that deeply concerned me. My child, who has autism and diagnosed generalized anxiety, generalized and social anxiety, was sitting in a school office in visible distress. She was shaking. She was picking at her fingers and her scalp. Behaviors that manifest when her anxiety escalates. Instead of responding to her emotional state and to the documented concerns I had already provided, she was told she needed to complete an

021incident form. She was then placed in the lobby in front of others to struggle through that form, while clearly overwhelmed. That experience was not supportive. It was not trauma informed. It did not reflect care and it does not build trust. If we expect students to report concerns about their safety or well-being. They must feel heard, respected and protected when they do so. When adults create procedural obstacles during moments of vulnerability, we send a message that compliance with paperwork matters more than a child's emotional safety. I'm asking this board to review and revise this practice. Parents documented reports must be taken seriously and acted upon without requiring additional barriers to students. Processes must be equitable, accessible, and responsive to students with disabilities. Our policies must reflect compassion, not rigidity. If we want students to trust adults

022with their safety, our actions must show them that their well-being comes first. Thank you [applause]. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Angela. Can I get Connor Cain and Noah Carpenter? Public comment speaker 2: Good evening board members and superintendent. My name is Noah. This is Connor, and we are students at Classical Academy Middle School. We are proud to be here representing our ASB Student Leadership Program. We are excited to share some of the ways our school has been giving back to our community this year. At our school, we believe middle schoolers can make a real difference. This year we've worked hard to turn that belief into action through several community service projects. In the fall, we partnered with the Escondido Police Department for our Trunk or Treat event. As a school, we collected 2541oz of candy to

023help make the event fun and safe for families in Escondido community. It felt amazing to know that our donations helped bring smiles to so many kids. We also hosted a toy drive in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Our students donated an incredible 632 toys to help make the holidays brighter for children in our area. Every day the pile of toys kept getting bigger, and it was exciting to see how much our school came together to give. It really showed how generous and caring our students are. Public comment speaker 3: My name is Connor. Just this past week, we concluded our Humane Society drive with the San Diego Humane Society. Students have donated pet food, blankets, toys and other supplies to help animals who are waiting for their forever home. In total, our school

024collected 225 items for the Humane Society. It's been truly inspiring to see how much our students care not only about people in our community, but also animals as well. And we're not done yet. In March and April, we will be hosting a canned food drive in partnership with the North County San Diego Food Bank to support families in our community. These projects have taught us that even though we're in middle school, we can still make a big difference. We are proud of the impact our school has made so far this year, and we're excited to keep finding new ways to serve our community. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share and thank you for supporting our school as our charters authorizing districtb [applause]. Zesty Harper: Next speaker is Bonnie Wagner and then followed

025by David Wagner. Public comment speaker 15: Thank you for hearing me. I'm a community member in EUSD. I used to teach for this district before I moved and taught for a different district, and I enjoyed my time here. But what I remember is that every time the teachers contract was argued, there was kind of a bare minimum cost of living increase that we had to fight for. And then I find out that tonight, this board is voting on a 500% increase in their own pay. Now, I'd like you to think about what message that sends to your staff. And whose work has value. The point of a school board is fiduciary. Fiduciary responsibility. You're spending my tax dollars to support every student in this district to the best of your abilities. And I fail to

026see how a 500% raise for the school board serves the students directly [applause]. I believe. I believe that that adds up to $96,000 a year, and that's probably roughly the cost of the two classified positions that you have on the docket to cut tonight. And those classified positions are probably paraeducators who have one of the hardest jobs in the district [applause]. They work so hard. I worked as a parent for a year in between teaching, and I still have the scars from it. Literally, they leave scars on your body. And the idea that we can't afford to have staff who directly serve students, who work with students every single day and support the students in their educational goals. But we can give ourselves raises. That's unnecessary. Please vote that down. Thank you [applause]. Zesty Harper:

027David, before you speak, I would just ask the audience to refrain while they're speaking, because that takes up their time and I don't want to rush them through. We can definitely have an applause or your response after they speak, but I don't want to take their time away. I understand your enthusiasm for what they're saying, but I would like to be respectful of a lot of people timed out their speech for the for the minutes that we allow. So I would just ask you to withhold it until then. Thank you. Okay. Continue. David. Public comment speaker 5: I would note that the last speaker was a minute under time. Zesty Harper: No, that's fine. I'm just saying, some people, some people manage their time and they need the whole three minutes. And I don't want

028to rob them of that. Public comment speaker 5: Understood. I'll keep mine short. Thank you. Interested citizens, students, superintendent and board members. I. On the subject of the the board raise and the underserved students and the cut in staff I'm a citizen and a daughter of. Both my daughters are teachers, and I'm a grandfather. And I just don't see how the figures on these posters of times five raise. While the student needs are are unmet and staff is being cut, however reasonable and and for all I know, fair that is to the members of the board and I assume it is, I just don't see how that ends well in this climate. And that's all I have to say [applause]. Zesty Harper: Next. Next is Leila Sackfield, followed by Amber Lee. Public comment speaker 6:

029Good evening, superintendent, cabinet and staff and my community. My name is Leila Sackfield. And as you know, I spent over three decades serving the students and families of this district as a teacher, site administrator, district administrator. I care deeply about the culture and the values of this organization. I guarantee you there is no one who cares more. I want to begin by saying that I do believe in increase in compensation for school board members may be warranted. I know firsthand the work of governance. It requires time, preparation, and thoughtful decision making. However, increasing compensation to $2000 a month at this time feels excessive, particularly in a district with a long standing tradition of me-too-negotiations. Historically, when one employee group receives an increase, others receive the same, including administrators. That practice has reflected the culture of

030this district, and that culture has been long promoted. That culture includes the notion that we are a family and a community, that we value each other, and the role each plays in the success of the organization. A more reasonable approach might be to follow that same principle. Another option worth considering is perhaps a tiered structure. A base amount for attending regular board meetings and study sessions, with some additional compensation for attendance at other meetings, conferences, or site visits. That would more accurately reflect both the level of commitment and time spent by the members of the board. Being compensated $2000 a month for preparing for and attending on average, two meetings a month risks sending the wrong message about public service, particularly to the hard working employees. Throughout my life, I've tried to model servant leadership.

031I just completed service as a personnel commissioner here and I'm very grateful for that. I currently serve as the chair of the California Center for the Arts Foundation. I'm the senior warden at my church. I am a monthly volunteer supporting interfaith community service. A field trip docent for the Escondido History Museum. I volunteer regularly with the Education Foundation and the Rotary. These are a few public service opportunities that I'm happy and proud to embrace. In serving in these roles, I spend at least 30 hours a week in service to the community. My only compensation as a personnel was as a personnel commissioner, and it was $50 a month. I say that not to diminish the work of you as board members or to brag of my service. I appreciate the time and dedication you give,

032but I share this to remind us all that it is an honor to public serve. I urge you to reconcile, to reconsider this proposal, and explore options such as the Me Too approach or a more balanced compensation structure. Please remember why you chose to serve. I hope it was to serve children, and I believe thatas public servants, we should nurture public servancy in our community. I was formed by this very district to do so. Thank you [applause]. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Public comment speaker 7: Good evening. Shocked is the only word that comes to mind when I hear that the school board is considering increasing its compensation to $2,000 per month, while the majority of you participate at a minimum level required, if that. When I look at the level of involvement many of you

033have in the day to day success of our district, it's difficult to understand how a 400% raise could be justified when those of us with boots on the ground were recently approved a 0.75 raise. Let me repeat that 0.75. Thank you for that, because I still have to keep my part time job while also working explore four days per week. I don't have the option of showing up to work to do the minimum, but it's good to know that later in life I might one day sit on a school board. The difference is that if I ever do, I will serve with the same work ethic and full commitment that I bring to honoring students and teachers every day. Speaking of commitment, where's our commitment to student achievement? We have incredible teachers, families, classified staff

034and students in this district. Yet we have many programs that have only been partially implemented. Programs such as DLP, SEI, SAI, engaged and have full support. That support includes updated materials that help student learning, not just additional assessments. I do want to say thank you for finally getting this science curriculum adopted, and I sincerely hope that the rumors are true: we'll be getting new language arts adoption soon that will help us be more successful. Beyond that, with the school board and cabinet, we should be actively exploring how to provide every school site with a math intervention teacher, a reading intervention teacher, and at sites with specialized programs such as DLP, a Spanish language arts intervention teacher as well. This school board and cabinet should be working together to find additional ways to restore educational supports.

035I know the response will be that there isn't enough funding yet. We are sitting here just discussing redirecting funds from community schools in order to support $2000 month pay increase for board members. Yes, I understand that the board members have not received a raise in several years, but even if raises have been taken at normal incremental rates, it would still not equal the proposed $2400 a month. And those increases continue 5% annually. Congratulations, you now have all found the perfect secondary job. While our classified employees, who are held to much higher standards of attendance and participation, are earning 19 to $27 per hour compared to an equivalent rate of your $222 per hour. Do I have to stop? Okay, sorry. Let's also talk about how we're supporting students. At my site alone, the district has

036brought in nine outside vendors for Explore. While these opportunities may provide enrichment they are addressing, are they addressing our growing behavioral challenge and the very real need for academic intervention? Students learn best through the strong relationships with their teachers. Yet many of these vendors do not have access to parents, teachers, or behavioral support systems when issues arise, and these behaviors during the day are simply carrying over to these programs. As teachers, it becomes difficult to fill our academic intervention groups when we are competing with art classes, soccer, rugby, and other activities. While these programs are wonderful, is it answering our true goal of trying to improve student achievement and build meaningful connections? We should ask ourselves whether our current approach is achieving that goal. Finally, Doctor Ibarra, congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Thank you for

037the courage it takes to remain focused on building a foundation for the future, even as you prepare to leave. As someone who is currently doing something similar in a volunteer leadership role I've had with a major youth organization, I understand how difficult it can be to step back while still trying to support the work moving forward, and you are doing so with dignity and I appreciate that [applause]. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Next up, Robin and then Anne Wade. Public comment speaker 8: I'll be fine. Hi. Good evening. Hey, 1984 was a long time ago. I know because I work with fully formed humans who were not born then. So I also celebrated a significant birthday that year when I share with you. But then you go, why didn't you retire? And then I'd have to

038go, because I can't afford to. In any event, I don't think any of us want to begrudge anybody a raise. We. You get a raise and we get a raise too. Right. But next. But it's. It seems as though we had to fight really hard to get not much of one. So the inequity of, well, it just seems inequitable to have that not be the case for you. So next time, perhaps if you're considering approving raises for us, you're as generous with us as you are willing to be with yourselves. Thank you [applause]. Public comment speaker 9: Good evening, school board members. You don't know me. You don't know what school I work at. You don't know how many decades that I have been a teacher. You certainly don't know my students. You don't know

039what they're learning, what they care about what kinds of answers they give in class. You don't know because you are never there. You have never been in my classroom. You've never sat in those hard blue plastic chairs at the desks that are too small for eighth grade bodies. You've never listened when we reviewed for a test, worked in collaborative groups, or written to world leaders. You simply were not there. The only time I have ever seen a school board member show up at Rincon Middle School is on promotion when the community is there. Is it because they vote? Have you ever taken the time to actually speak with our teachers, our counselors, the custodian, our noontime Supervisors, our librarian. And I don't mean the curated two minute walk through by a nervous principal. Oh, don't

040look over there. It's sparkly over here. You got time. Feel free to clap. I mean, real conversations. Like during the staff room over hours when we have lunch or prep. Have you ever thought to ask us, what do we need to do our job to make it just a little bit easier? Have you ever thought to ask how much more work a micromanaging administrator adds layer after layer, task after task, requirement after requirement? Have you ever thought to ask any of us if we could use an extra 2000 a month? Has it ever occurred to you that maybe just sitting in a board meeting is not enough work to justify a 400% raise? Shame on you if you haven't. You don't know me, but you really should. We are all worth getting to know. Maybe

041you should show up. You owe it to our students to do better [applause]. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Next up is Felicity Potter, followed by Isobel S. Public comment speaker 10: Hello everyone. My name is Felicity Potter and I'm really proud to teach at Del Dios. I looked around my classes today and I watched as the paraeducator helped student after student after student with their work. And then I walked outside to go out, and I saw the MTSSs help students get to their classes, and the students trusted them. So they allowed them to walk them to class when they didn't necessarily want to go. I walked over to the office and I saw more kids calling home, and I saw kids getting the magic ice. It's going to solve everything. And one of the other dozens

042of things that we do every day in our campus. We're the ones helping our students every single day. And when we ask for more support or more money for supplies, we are told quite often that there is no more money, no more support, no more supplies to be had. And in fact, next year there's going to be even less. Then along comes AB 1390, and suddenly there's a need and the money for everyone here to get a 500% increase, suddenly that money appears. This feels like a real slap in the face to those of you, of us who are working so hard every day with each and every one of our students. Teachers received a 0.75% increase, which we had to fight tooth and nail for. Raising the Board of Education stipend by such a

043significant amount shows that the money has always been there, but it's the will that has been missing. It's the respect for those of us who work with students every single day that is missing. Sorry, it doesn't. Ab 1390 allows for an increase. It does not say it has to be a certain percent or a certain amount. It allows for an increase. It can be. It can be an increase of 5%. It can continue on though. So if we start here, where are we going to go from there. We need transparency. We need the checks and balances on this subject for, to I'm sorry, for a board to vote on their own raise is very tone deaf and doesn't support the schools and the students directly. If a raisin is indicated, which I'm not saying it's

044not, we should slowly give that as we have the resources rather than taking them from us from those, I'm sorry, taking it from those of us who are on the front lines teaching and caring for our students every single day. Thank you [applause]. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Public comment speaker 11: Hello. My name is Isabel and I'm a paraeducator. I do agree with the board that they should receive a raise. Just like Paras. Just like teachers and all staff need a fair raise. Classified staff was given a 1.5% raise. This is $0.40 for me. 40 pennies. Starting Paras makes 16.85 an hour. With the raise they make $17.38 an hour. Downtown San Diego, the minimum wage is $20. So they start at 20 and they just received a 5% raise. Teachers are given a 0.75%

045raise. The board should receive the same raise that we have been given. This is extremely low, but this is what the board approved. Next year, the union, the board and the district can negotiate fair raises for all. Thank you for your time. [applause] Zesty Harper: Next up is Emelita, followed by Marie Davis. Public comment speaker 12: Hello. If you didn't know the teacher before me, you will not know who I am. My name is Emelita Mondragon. I'm a crew leader. We are eight in total. And this is the first time in 15 years that I've attended something like this. And our department as well. And they're not even here. They're two board or two rooms down the hall. But we. Well, I think it's important for us to be here because we don't agree with

046your 400% increase. Bear with me. Bad speaker. Off camera person: Thank you for representing us. Public comment speaker 12: Thank you. We've taken our our lunchtime and an additional PN time with 30 whatever, 30 minutes or whatever. To make ourselves present here because we don't agree with the percentage that you are trying to give yourself. We are the lowest paying district in all San Diego County. You tell us there's no money. So I'm happy to to know that you guys found money somewhere to give yourself that increase. And but there is one thing I want you guys to know that if you you need to lead by example. If you give us the point, 0.75% increase, you should lead by example and take the same thing. One last thing I'm going to mention. Sorry, I'm

047very nervous. I've never done anything like this, but. [applause]. I've seen most of the people in this room, but I've never seen you at all in any of our schools, so it's nice to finally put a face to the name. So thank you for everybody that's here because I know and I've worked with most of you. I've have our department right now is really low staff. Most of us are working double shifts. I'm working in the morning. If there's stuff to do on the weekends we're here. Our department's hardly ever seen, so I'm glad they're here and in the other room. So my team and M&O know is here to represent first time ever. So that's all I have to say. [applause] Public comment speaker 13: Good evening. I come before you to talk about

048some math. I'm a math teacher. I've been teaching math for a very, very long time. And what I see amongst our school board, our teachers and classified staff. It does not seem fair. It is not equitable and it is abominable. I feel so ashamed that you would think so little of our classified staff and teachers to give us so little a raise whenever we were given a cost of living raise. It's usually lower than COLA and there's people struggling to feed their families. They are struggling to pay for health care. You even told our our classified staff that they should go on public assistance for their welfare, for their medical, and they work hard. We cannot do our jobs without them. And you guys, if you want to raise, I get that. Let's be transparent.

049But we need to be financially responsible. This is completely irresponsible and uncalled for. If I asked for that kind of raise, you would tell me to go pack and take my stuff with me and I'd have a lot to take. This is only a portion of my work for today. I have much more in the car. I do not get compensated extra. I get paid for teaching four courses as I do for one. That's right. And I don't complain. I love being with my kids and they love looping with me, and they're sad to tears when they don't get me for eighth grade. But let's be real here. Let's be fair here. Let's make our employees feel valued and say it with our paychecks. Say it in how you treat yourself and say how you

050treat us, because what are we supposed to do? We give of our time. We welcome children in our classrooms. We welcome them after school, and then we go home to our families and try to be as present as possible with all of this, without complaint. We stay up late at night, so maybe we can get that time with our family. And then after they're off to bed, here we are again to do best, do all of our mandated testing and all the other things that we have to do and that are good to do for student achievement. And in the meanwhile, we do not have the resources that we need. I teach bilingually every day in my classroom. I don't have a Spanish credential, but it's what my kids need. I do not have an

051aide to assist my students And to cut positions and to raise your pay. And there's not enough stuff there. It's not fair. You need to do what is best for students before you do what's best for yourselves. And I mean no disrespect, but it's just not fair. I get sad that I don't have enough time to spend tutoring with my kids every night with with my students because of my big workload. It's just not fair. Put them first. Show the employees that they matter because we do. Work with us. We'll work with you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Next up, Jamie Russo and followed by Chia Grossman. Public comment speaker 14: Good evening. Here we are again. I feel like this is the only time I get to see you and interact, if you can even call

052this that. I'm always over here, and you're over there, maybe listening, maybe not. But anyway, I heard about this stipend increase and started thinking about all the decisions that you make for all of these students. Thousands of students in our district. Decisions that shape their daily lives and their education. And I started wondering, like, okay, they want this raise, but I don't ever see you. I know that that's come up. How how is it that you guys know what our students need? And then I heard from some of our EEEA that that you've told them that that we should invite you to come to our classrooms. And I was like, what? I have to invite them. Isn't like that part of what being a a board member is, is you go and you see what

053the kids need, and you meet them and you talk to them, like, how do you make your decisions? I don't understand. Perhaps. Perhaps you're visiting other schools. Maybe in my 24 years here, you just happen to miss my classroom. I'm not sure. I can't really recall any meaningful visit in that time. You know, I'm not talking about the kind where you walk in the front door and you smile at a few kids, and. Hey, buddy. And then you head out the back door. That's what I get. That's what I get. So I am standing here right now. I work at Orange Glen Elementary. I teach fourth grade. You are all invited to please come to my classroom. I have students reading at first and second grade level. They are not resource students. They don't get

054any help besides me because we don't have the money for people to help them. We don't have intervention teachers anymore because we don't have the money for them. And now we have a combo class at my site, which we used to not have for a little while there, which was great. But then we don't have the money to to not have. Like we have to have combo classes now because we can't afford not to. So the one intervention teacher that my site pays for out of our money, our budget goes to help that combo teacher, which I agree with. But what about my kids? What about the kids that only have me all day and I do the best that I can, but I'm trying to teach fourth grade to kids that aren't necessarily ready

055for it. So again, please, please come. They would love to sit and read with you. They would love to get to know you. I would love for you to see the struggles that we have at our school. But I also am sitting here going, maybe they found money. Maybe you did. You've told us for years that we don't have it, but I'm thinking maybe you found it. So if you did, we would love an intervention teacher at our site. My students could really use it [applause]. So my invitation stands. Come visit our classroom, meet my students, see the students who are years behind the teachers doing everything they can do without the support staff that our schools used to have. And then ask yourselves if you guys really do need that 500, 400%, whatever it

056is, is that the right priority for things right now in our district, or is it still our kids? Because I'm not sure anymore. Thank you. [applause] Public comment speaker 15: Good evening, board members cabinet and everybody here and elsewhere. I've been hearing from a lot of people, and I've had the fortune in my position. I'm back in the classroom. Yay! Back to working until ten and 11:00 at night, every night and Saturday and Sunday. But as a tech TOSA, I was able to visit every single school, every single school. We walked around and we created videos for every single school in their programs. This school, this school district has the most amazing staff, teachers, paras, gardeners, facilities, everybody I've seen, and I've run into a lot of them, have worked phenomenally hard and they give

057their heart for the children. I really have a hard time understanding and increase in your stipend from 400 to 2000. Yes, you can go to 2000 legally, but can you do that ethically? Can you do it honorably? I feel like it's very demoralizing for all of our staff who work incredibly hard. Speaking only for myself and teaching in this district for 36 years. I am at the bottom right corner of our pay scale, and the only pay raises I've ever gotten are ones have been negotiated in the last two years. I've been in this position for 11 years, by the way. In the last two years I got 0.62 and this year I got a 0.67, not even 1%. Plus I'm paying more for my benefits. I was one of the very fortunate ones when

058I started in the district my benefits were fully paid for. And I know I don't just speak for myself I have many friends and colleagues who are in this situation. I understand that the reason is to seek people who are more qualified for the board. Well, I remember probably about 19 years ago seeing board members in our teachers lounge at lunch, hanging out for several hours, board members and Jennifer Walters. I miss those days. I was able to have direct conversation, not just a dog and pony shows we have. So I please I request that just because you can doesn't mean you should. Thank you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Next up is Andrea Sima and then Casey Vogel. Public comment speaker 16: Wow. I just want to say how proud I am to be with you.

059Thank you for being here. Alright. Good evening. If you don't know me, I am Andrea Sima, severely proud community school specialist at Orange Glen. Thank you. Thank you, President Harper, for the allotted time to speak, I appreciate that. Good evening again. I stand before you all tonight, alongside all of my many colleagues, to urge this board. The governing board entrusted with the fiscal health of this district. Fiduciaries. Yes? To exercise the immense responsibility that comes with your position. The proposal to increase your stipends by such a significant margin, while the staff behind you or in front of you all around us, recently held to a .75% increase, suggests a profound disconnect. Yes, profound disconnect from the daily realities of our schools. By the way, I've been notified that sound on the virtual is not good.

060Just so you know. To suggest that a 400% increase for leadership is appropriate while a fractional increase for staff is sustainable. It creates a visible divide. We don't need any more visible division in this country. Let's make sure that we are not creating a visible divide in our district's values. It reflects an optic of self-interest rather than the selfless service this community deserves and expects. We are not naive to the timing of this proposal. If this is tabled tonight, only to resurface when the public eye has turned away, the trust between this board and its educators will be irreparably damaged. Instead of seeking ways to increase personal compensation, I urge you to look at creative problem solving. We have 16 million in Mackenzie Scott funds that, by all accounts, should be generating significant interest. We

061have not had any transparent update on those funds in quite some time. For the 28 years that I have been here, I have heard the doom and gloom projections regarding our budget three years out. Experience has shown that these prophecies of fiscal ruin rarely manifest as predicted. I urge you to stop using these forecasts to justify cuts to the classroom while simultaneously pursuing a money grab from the Community Schools grant. Just because you have the power to authorize this does not mean you have the ethical, and I love that word, thank you for bringing that up, ethical mandate to do so. At the last study session, we discussed evaluative points for spending. Very good ones. Thank you. The primary question for every dollar spent should be how does this benefit the students of Escondido? A

0625 to 0 vote in favor of your own raises does nothing for the classroom. In fact, many of our recent unanimous decisions have resulted in cuts that directly impact student learning. We are a low performing district. Our staff has proposed worthwhile stipends focused on student outcomes that truly deserve your investment. An education system exists to promote the growth of students. I ask you tonight, how does increasing your own stipend serve that mission? I urge you to rethink this proposal and instead work with us to direct our resources where they belong, in the classroom and with the students, where we all are here to serve. Thank you. [applause] Public comment speaker 17: Hi, I don't have nearly as much to say, but it's on the same topic. You guys do have a lot of very important

063things to do, and it's an important job, and it's not easy, but you are fairly compensated. The theme for tonight seems to be put the money where it's needed. I don't know where everybody's head was going into this vote. I can't pretend to know what everybody was thinking. And if the intention was to, you know, pass that 4 or 500% whatever maximum raise. But it did make me think of back in the shutdown when we were getting stimulus checks, and I remember getting this big stimulus check and going, why am I getting this check? I'm getting paid. But it was allowed and it was legal. And my still I was baffled, like, why are they giving this to me? And maybe I'm an idiot. I gave it to a food bank because I did not

064feel right keeping it. I was like this. This isn't ethical for me to to keep this money. So to piggyback on what was said earlier, just because you can do something just because it's allowable. Is that what we do? So I think we need to just sit with that for a little bit. Just because we can. Doesn't make it right. That's all. [applause] Zesty Harper: Next up is Jeanette Gonzalez, followed by Alice Coronado. Public comment speaker 18: Good evening members of the board, superintendent, my fellow amazing teaching staff and support staff. I'm speaking as a person of faith. These. This is my moral compass. I am currently a sixth grade teacher at Hidden Valley Middle School. I have served 27 years in public education. 22 of those years here at this district, teaching all grades,

065kindergarten through sixth grade. The work that I do, the work that we do, requires a high level of spiritual nourishment to reinforce values and act as a guide compass to navigate the complexities of my teaching career. I need wisdom daily to meet the needs of all students. All 165 students that I teach daily, that I correct daily, that I reinforce daily, and that I preach positivity positivity into them daily. I get nourishment, of course, from bread, my daily bread, my daily water. But I also get it through reading. I know I'm not on media. I don't read Brene Brown. I don't read Dale Carnegie. I read the Daily Big Book that has an international calling. I read the Bible, and I'm going to give you a little bit of scripture. In the Bible it tells

066me, it reminds me to love others, to serve, to forgive, to be kind, to be humble. But since you are the people in power, I want to remind you of something the Bible consistently teaches the people in authority like you should avoid greed, reject dishonest gain, and serve others humbly. When leaders become motivated by money or personal gain, Scripture portrays that as a serious moral failure. You were elected into this position as a civic duty, you already receive a robust financial incentive that is fair considering the input of our served in a year. Tonight, I urge and I pray that you reflect on your intentions for this 400 pay increase. Your increase request does not serve the community of Escondido or some of the families that you have chosen to represent. Instead, it serves you.

067And let me remind you, it's a serious moral failure. What you're doing at this level. Thank you and respectfully thank you. [applause] Public comment speaker 19: Hi. My name is Alice Coronado and I've been working here in EUSD for 11 years. I serve as a district wide social worker in our Project Success program, supporting students and families experiencing housing instability and youth in the foster care system. So, I mean, I have maybe a slightly skewed sense of the reality of our families because I'm exposed every single day to the harsh realities and extreme struggles that our most vulnerable students and their families are going through. But even though that may be only as 10% of our student population, the other 80% or so are not too far off from, you know, 1 or 2 more

068paychecks and they could be homeless, too. My point is, I see every day our staff, every school, I talk to everyone on the phone all the time. Every person I've ever worked with in these 11 years in our schools and district office have been so amazing. Everybody cares about the kids and wants to do well and just thinks of in the holistic mindset of community schools and just. I work with so many amazing people. I'm impressed every day. And it's all the people that I know from work who I guess help keep me motivated. Plus the the families, they they're so strong. It's so amazing what I see these parents going through and the commitment to still bring their kids to school, and the gratefulness for the support we can give for attendance intervention to

069help reduce some of those barriers so they can keep their kids in school. It just people are so strong and so resilient and people are amazing. So I just want to remind you that those are the families that we serve and imagine what they could do with an extra $1,600 a month. That would mean the difference between being homeless or housed, literally. So what's my time? Zesty Harper: Oh, you got time? Oh, yeah. Keep going. Okay, fine. Public comment speaker 19: So. You know, I see the staff at all the schools running around engaging with kids. Busy, busy, busy all day long and just working so hard and. And last year, I gotta be honest with you, when I walked into the district office, I think it was at the beginning of last school year

070or the end of the year before that, I don't remember, but I walked in and I saw this construction happening out in the courtyard, and I was like, what? Where? Where are we getting money to build this big, beautiful garden? And I saw that it's named after a former employee. So I thought, oh, maybe her family gave a donation. I really have no idea where all that money came from. To spend a million or more dollars to beautify the district office garden. It looks great, but it literally it hurts my heart every single time I walk into the district office. As much as it did that first day when I saw it and I was shocked, it still hurts me every single time because that garden isn't doing anything to serve our students. Fast forwarding

071to what are better things that we could do with the money? Money in general. Right. Gardens, hamburger barbecues and all the things that that have been money's been spent on over the years. I will share this one example from a school in San Francisco. They're doing this amazing work and this house. This relates back to the concept of classified staff especially noontime supervisors and paraprofessionals and also our. Sorry, I'm getting really nervous because I know I'm running out of time. The after school. After school people that we contract with from the YMCA and, and that take care of the kids before and after school. And they all do such amazing job, too. I see them and just I'm so amazed all the time at how hard working and skillful some of our $16 to $18

072an hour staff are in working with kids. They're amazing. So a lot of the staff in these different kinds of roles like the caf, the nutrition services and the other ones could do something like what I saw in San Francisco. It's amazing. They worked together with their community providers for the after school program and their school employees. They combine the part time positions, which are typically like, we have some of those. They're not making working enough hours to qualify for health care and other benefits. Right. So in this district, they said, let's do it better and let's serve our kids. And in the end, we're going to make more money because everything we do is going to improve attendance and outcomes, because it's going to be a holistic, all day long approach. So the same

073staff that would be maybe a noontime supervisor during the day and a different part time staff working in the after school program and both getting minimal minimum wages and no benefits. They combine that into one position. The person is there all day long from like recess time. Let's just say 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so it's an eight hour full time job with benefits. And they recruit people from the community, which is a lot like what we do, right? We have our noontime supervisors and our YMCA. People are typically people who live here and know the families. And it created this amazing sense of community engagement and caring and follow through from the early part of the day into the after school program so that the staff person is able to know how that kid's

074day was and help them transition to after school, and then help them give a report to the when the parent comes to pick them up at the end of the after school. Right. 5:00 6:00. Hey, you know what? Your son had kind of a rough day today. And here's what we dealt with. And we worked it out this way. And, you know, it's just an amazing continuity of service that is a model that I thought. Wow. What? Why not? Why not do that? That'd be a better use of money. Thank you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Thank you. Alice. Liz Shulock and then Juan Vargas. Public comment speaker 20: Good evening, board president. Harper. Doctor Ibarra. Members of the cabinet and board. I'm Liz Shulock. I'm a parent in the district. It's great to see so many

075people out here and engaged tonight. When I first heard the board was considering raising their pay from 400 a month to 2000 a month, I was shocked. So I did some research to learn more. I understand board pay hasn't risen since 1984. If board pay had kept up with inflation, though, it would be a little less than 1300 per month, which is far less than the 2000 being proposed tonight. To go from a 400 stipend in 84 to 2000 today. Gradually, over time would have required an average annual increase of about 4%. Have the workers at our school sites gotten an average annual rate of 4% over the same time? I've sat in the boardroom with you, listened to EUSD employees shared their financial struggles in recent months. The pay raise proposed tonight feels tone

076deaf on the heels of what we've been hearing from the folks who are working on our school sites with our kids. As someone who frequently attends board meetings, I appreciate the time and effort it takes you to serve on the board. And a pay raise after 42 years isn't unreasonable. But at a time when some employees are relying on public assistance and cuts are being made to school site budgets, I think the board should consider a more measured approach. 2000 per month is the maximum, not the minimum. Joan, you're my representative on the board, and I've known you to be very budget conscious, and I hope that is the perspective you bring to the vote tonight. You've said you don't plan to run again, but I do plan to run for your seat. So as

077[applause]. As as your constituent, as a parent that's been in this district for 14 years. And as a person who hopes to succeed you on the board, I urge you to vote against the new pay of 2000. It's just too much at this time. Thank you. [applause] Public comment speaker 21: Hello. Members of the board, superintendents, and cabinet. First shout out to all the maintenance workers that are here actually taking time off for their work to be at this important meeting [applause]. I think, you know, those are some of the folks that are highly impacted are classified employees, also our teachers. This is amazing turnout. Thank you so much. So, my name is Juan Manuel Vargas, a parent of two students at our public schools at EUSD and fellow classified employee, actually at the high

078school district. So tonight you're considering giving yourselves a raise. Under California Law, School Board trustees receive a monthly stipend that is capped based on the district size. That cap has not been raised since 1984 and until the passage of Assembly Bill 1390 this year. So currently members of the board receive $400 per month. The proposal tonight would increase that amount to $2,000 per month, a 500% increase. Supporters of the law argue that higher stipends will help retain experienced trustees and attract more candidates, particularly those balancing work and family responsibilities. However, it is important to add some context. When the state raised the ceiling, the intent was to provide flexibility for the districts, not necessarily to immediately jump to the maximum. A more reasonable approach might be gradually increasing the stipend over time, such as through

079annual cost of living adjustments, rather than implementing such a dramatic increase all at once. Another important point is that board members already have access to something many employees in this district struggle to obtain: the option to receive the same health benefits as full time employees, funded by taxpayer dollars. Board members can choose whether or not to accept these benefits. Meanwhile, they are employees who do not have the same option in this district because their hours are kept just below the threshold required to qualify for those same benefits. I believe it is safe to say that these same employees likely make less than $2,000 a month. While some employees struggle to access basic benefits, the board again is considering 500, a 500% raise on itself, costing the district roughly $120,000 a year, not including benefits. When

080I ran for a seat on this board. Your seat, Mr. Olson, I did so with the expectation of without the expectation of compensation. I ran because I believe in serving this community and I plan on doing it again [applause]. I already have a full time job. I already have these benefits. Public service should not be, should be about serving our schools and students, not taking additional resources from the district that already faces difficult financial decisions. If these funds are truly available, they should be directed back into the classroom and student programs where resources have already been reduced, not into the pockets of public servants. I urge you to reconsider this proposal. Thank you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Next up is is it Xochitl and then Alex Carrier. Take a deep breath. Public comment speaker 22: Good

081evening, doctor Ibarra. Superintendent, board members, cabinet and Escondido community. Here, speaking on behalf. So I've been a parent in EUSD. I already lost count, but my son's already 19 in college, so I'm now an employee for five years. I'm very grateful that I had this job. Right? Post Covid is when I started. I've been from job to job, like, tiny part jobs because I want to be a present parent. So then Covid happened, and the opportunity. I've always been a volunteer at the schools because I know he knows the impact it has on being a present parent, you know, going to the meetings. And, you know, being a parent leader, I didn't mean to become a parent leader. But, you know, the presence is what, you know, the teachers see and empower you to. So

082anyways, you know, people would tell me apply to be a family liaison. And I was like, no, no, like my kids come first, my kids come first. But obviously I needed to make more money. So I applied and I got the job. I work at my kids school and I love it there. I they empower the kids to be upstanders, not bystanders. They empower the kids to be leaders and stand up for what is right. So that is why I'm here. I'm here because to represent all my fellow coworkers and you have such a beautiful staff community. Like, we are hard workers. We are heart workers because we do this because we look out for the future and that is our kids, right? How? How? If we want to make a difference, it has to

083start with us. So that is why I'm here today. And you know, after getting the email with notifying us that you guys were getting up to a 400% increase, you know, that just brought up, like, so much, so many feelings, anger, confusion, doubt, like belittlement. Because even though I'm not supposed to stay right after hours to do my job, I do it because I love it. I do it because the, you know, I can't reach the parents at certain times during the school hours, like they're going to answer after hours. So I do all that stuff because I understand I'm them, you know, they I understand them, I know their struggles. So it's just like you know, it makes you feel so hard because that means I'm not present for my kids, right? They. He's

084here, you know, like, I bring them with me all the time, and they don't understand right now what I'm doing, but I do it for them, you know, like, so I make around $3,000 a month. You know, the living costs in Escondido is a little over 6000. Like, the math is not mathing [light laughter]. So. So we're community schools. Like, how is that being a community? How are we not looking out for our staff community? You know, like, why do we have to outsource and, like, not beg for money? But yes, you know, like, why, why, why do we have to ask our families, you know, for donations of this and that if, if the funds are there, like why they're struggling and you know what, they're going to give it to us. Why? Because

085they you know, they probably didn't, you know, have the privilege to go to school and hear their kids have it and they see their, you know, teachers doing the work and, you know, watching their kids read and write and all this stuff. So of course they're going to give to you even if they don't. But they shouldn't they shouldn't do that. So we're here because our jobs. Right? Many of our families apply to work at the school that, you know, their kids go to because they want to be there. They want to see the behind the scenes and the magic. Right? So they do. So I went on the web page and it says we care about each other. We challenge each other and together we love making a difference in our community. This is

086what you guys put in the web page, right? So today I ask you to show you care about us, the staff. I challenge you to show integrity in the decision making before passing the increase. Excuse me, because I guarantee you many, if not all of us are here because we love making a difference in our community. I challenge you to make a difference in our staff community and show a little selflessness on the impact your final decision will make, not just on your bank account, but on the students who are the ones who will be directly impacted. Because that is why we're here, right? Because we're, you know, getting all this funding to help them. So that is. Thank you so much. [applause] Public comment speaker 23: Hi. Good evening. Superintendents. Board members. My name

087is Alex Carrier. And my plan tonight was not to speak. I just wanted to come and support but, you know, looking around, sorry. It's just I get really emotional when I see all the people who are here who are part of our district, the the custodians. I think about the noontime supervisors [applause]. All the paraeducators, all the classified staff. And I've been in this district for eight years. This is my first real teaching job here at EUSD. And I can remember being right here in this boardroom in the NETs program, the the new Escondido teacher program, sitting right here and looking at these chairs, looking at these tables and imagining the leaders of my district that I just got hired in and thinking about all the kids that I was going to serve and help

088and educated, I felt excited, I felt nervous, but I felt proud, I felt important. And then fast forward eight years to right now and I don't feel very important. I feel like us educators, all of us, we've had to fight so hard for such a small amount. And you know, it's all money. But you know, it all comes back to the kids. You know, like I think about my friends, my colleagues. I was just talking with somebody, a fellow art teacher, having to try and fight to get materials for his art class, a class that has social, emotional benefits for our kids. I was just talking to another friend, a colleague who was going to be meeting with our principal tomorrow about getting new books for the language arts program and having to try and

089find that funding. And it all just goes back to funding, back to money, you know. So I just, I, I've been listening to what everybody has said here. And I do think, yes, going from when our last raise was for the board to now I do think we we need a raise. But I just think with how hard all of us here in EUSD have been fighting for a cost of living. I don't know if this is a good look here. I mean, because I think about eight years ago when I was sitting here, right here, I was thinking about starting a family, having a house, and I've pretty much abandoned all those ideas, all those hopes, because the money just isn't there for me as a teacher. And you know, I keep going because

090I care about our kids. It's it's what we we're all here for. It's for the kids. But just I want you guys to think about that. And I'm here respectfully. I really, truly am. So thank you for hearing all of us tonight. Thank you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Thank you so much. Thank you all for being respectful to all of our speakers. We do appreciate your input. We will be discussing this item later on in the agenda. We have a couple more communication items to get through and then we'll be taking a break. Next is the public hearing for the appointment of commissioner. Oh no. No, it. Oh, it's not yet I apologize. Doug Paulson: Yeah I apologize. Zesty Harper: So Okay. Go ahead. Sorry. Okay. I'm just. I'm gonna. Well, I think we want to

091get through. We want to hear from CSEA, and we want to hear from EEEA, and then we'll take a break. Okay. I'm going to open up the public hearing for the appointment of the commissioner. Dr. Luis Ibarra: This is for the commissioner. To appoint the commissioner. I'm looking for her name. Chrysta. There we go. I have it. Klax. Help me with pronouncing. Klaczyk. Sorry about that. Zesty Harper: Is there any public comment? Okay I'm going to go ahead and close this public hearing and then next up for CSEA.[applause] Noemi Navarrette: Hello, everyone. You know, I usually have jokes. I don't have any today, but I do want to thank everybody who wore black and those who wore blue because we're black and blue. So you know, that's what happens when you feel like you're the

092underdog every day. So let's see. I'm going to be graceful. I'm going to be a swan. And I'm going to have stories for you, too. Okay. You ready? Okay. I stand here before you as the president of CSEA, chapter 150 and as a fellow elected official. But unlike you, I take zero from my members, I charge nothing. Every day, I feel the responsibility of ensuring that I fulfill our union's mission of improving the lives of our members, students, and community. Yet I am not sure where responsibilities you are fulfilling. You line your pockets while dismissing the hardship of classified staff. At a former meeting, I shared how some of our staff visit food pantries to make sure their food. There's food on the table. At our quarterly, I asked you to set goals and you

093shared you would visit more school sites. You'd get out there, you'd build relationships. And to ensure that you don't do something now that will affect others down the line. You also ask that we assume positive intent. As some of you know, that's my trigger word. I cannot see how this item on the agenda fulfills any of those goals. I also let me note that under the same agenda section, you are making a motion to eliminate classified positions. Now, these positions sit vacant. I can assure you that all those paraeducator positions are needed. Yet to avoid layoffs, unlike other school districts, we're letting these positions go. So I ask that you take the same thing you offered us: .75 percent. Now I'm going to share something from our members who could not be here because they

094have other jobs, because they have families that they need to take care of, because they're caretakers, because they not just to their own children, but to their elderly parents. So I'm going to share with you. Wait. Hold on. Before that, I know I don't have a time limit. So. [light laughter] This is going to prove one of my points. I promise to take it off because that's not [inaudible]. I just want you to look at this right here. This is the. Mic. Oh, no. Zesty Harper: So they can hear you at home in the other rooms? Noemi Navarrette: Oh. Yeah. But this is for you. Mark Olson: But it's a public meeting. Noemi Navarrette: I know, but this is what somebody's thinking. I just want you to know that. What I told them was that

095the total amount right there is what somebody's paycheck was this month. Okay, that's an accurate paycheck amount. Mine's over there. Oh, here, let me read it out. I'm walking over. It's $1,747 with $0.95. That's for a six hour para who works ten months out of the year. So that means they don't get a paycheck for two months. Just. It's going to stay there. Don't worry. Okay. Remember number one. Good evening, board members. When I was younger, working for the Escondido Union School District was seen as an honor and a privilege. Today, unfortunately, it is often seen as a temporary job, something people do in the meantime. As in, I'll work here until I finish my degree, or I'll stay until I find a job that pays a livable wage. At the last board meeting I

096attended, it was acknowledged that low wages lead to high turnover. And that's exactly what we're seeing. Staff leave because they cannot afford to stay. Positions go unfilled and the employees who remain are expected to absorb the extra work. We are often understaffed and overworked, and that directly impacts the students we serve. That's why the proposal for a significant stipend increase for board members is so difficult to understand. Instead of allocating more money to board stipends, I asked those funds be directed where they are truly needed. To our schools, to our classrooms, to our students. It's hard to reconcile how a race for the board can be considered affordable. While the students I work with don't have access to after school tutoring, don't have bus transportation to get to school, and often have to raise money

097themselves just to participate in activities that should be part of a well-rounded education. Our priorities should reflect the need of the students and staff who support them every day. I urge you to reconsider and invest those resources where they're where they will have the greatest impact in our students and in our schools. Turning the page. Good evening, members of the board. Thank you, Miss Navarrette, for reading the statement. More than a statement. This is a plea to reconsider the decision to increase board stipends from 400 to $200 per month. This represents a 500% increase. Just last month, we heard classified staff speak about their struggle to earn livable wage. In response, Mr. Paulson acknowledged their concerns and concluded with the words I don't know what the answer is. The answer is simple put students and

098staff first. You are public servants. This increase sends the wrong message. A 400% raise for yourselves while classified staff receives only a 0.75% increase, is difficult to justify. Even harder for the community to accept. A $2,000 monthly stipend in addition to benefits does not reflect the spirit of public service or a student centered focus. Many in the community already feel disconnected between the board and school sites. This decision only deepens the divide. I urge you to reconsider and demonstrate through your actions that students and staff truly come before self intent. Next one. It says, dear members of the board. A 2000 monthly stipend is what many paraeducators. Oh, this is where this is going to, earn for working full time, hands on with students every single day. For us, this is not supplemental income. It

099is survival. Para supports students through behavioral challenges, academic struggles, and emotional crisis. On difficult days, we are bitten, scratched, hit and injured. I have personally seen my fellow para sustain bruises and other injuries while doing their job with care and dedication. To award yourselves a stipend equal to what we earn for service that does not carry the same daily physical and emotional demands, feels misaligned with the realities that our staff face. I ask you, have you spent time on school sites recently? Have you visited a classroom, sat in a staff lounge, or listen directly to classified employees about what they're experiencing? If you believe this increase is justified, are you willing to stand before classified staff, parents and the broader community and explain that the decision, that decision face to face, not from behind a

100dais, but in the space where the real work happens? I urge you to reconsider this decision and demonstrate through your actions, not just your words, that students and staff truly come before self-interest. Last one, I promise. Dear Board Members and cabinet, I'm writing to say how deeply disappointed it is that our Board and Cabinet will allow unfair compensation to take place. Our district is facing declining enrollment, ongoing budget concerns and difficult cuts and directly impact students and staff. Yet employees across the district, both classified and certificate, receive only a 0.75% raise with no cost of living adjustments. Many of the employees who keep our schools running every day still struggle to learn to earn a livable wage. It is extremely concerning that in this environment, the board is considering increasing its own compensation at a

101time when a when staff are being asked to do more with less. This sends a message that those at the top are prioritizing themselves over the needs of the people and the programs that support students. What makes this even more troubling is that it has been openly acknowledged that some classified employees rely on food drives to get by. When the people working directly with students cannot afford basic necessities, something is deeply wrong with our priorities. I must also say that it's disappointing that district leadership has allowed this to move forward without stronger pushback. Many of you serving in cabinet positions come from school sites, once stood alongside the very employees now struggling to make ends meet. It is difficult to understand how those roots seem to have been forgotten. EUSD should be focused on investing

102in its schools, its students and the employees who are the boots on the ground every single day. Instead of this proposal, oh wait. Instead, this proposal gives the appearance that leadership is comfortable increasing compensation at the top, while those carrying out the daily work of educating and supporting students continue to struggle. I urge the board to reconsider this action. Leadership should reflect the value we claim to uphold in supporting students, valuing employees, and putting resources where they matter most in our schools. Respectfully, an employee who will no longer vote for school bonds since there is money to raise at the top, but not enough to invest where it is needed. Thank you so much for listening to us and for actually looking us in the eyes while you listen to us and not on our

103phones. Thank you so much. [applause] Brandi Krepps: Good evening. President Harper, school board members, doctor Ibarra and cabinet members. I'm really not. I'm trying not to lose it because I look around this room and I can't be more proud of the educators and the amazing people and classified staff that we have in this district and the two other rooms. You guys rule. And by the way, they're full [applause]. Two rooms full. A classified staff member stood up here and said that they're not seen. We we see you every day and we see the blue shirts. And to feel that you're not seen when you go to work is horrendous. And and for that, if you ever feel unseen by any of us, I us, I apologize. We, that's not ever the case. I want to

104begin by saying that I value public service. As we all know, my husband is a public servant of over 30 years in the fire department, and I can't tell you the countless amount of hours we've spent in his community serving the people of his community without anything in return. And that's what we have in these rooms. Are these people. Because, you know what? We don't get into teaching for the money, guys. It's just it's not there. But I've gotta tell you, the love of our students and the love of the families in which we serve is so rewarding and makes us richer than we can possibly imagine. What you guys do is very important. It requires a lot of time, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to students, families, and staff. Stepping forward to serve must be

105done without getting anything in return. You do it because you believe that you can help make the community of Escondido better. We are currently facing a budgetary crisis. Programs are being evaluated, resources are tight, and families are worried. Staff members are being asked to do more with less. School site budgets are being reduced and every dollar matters right now. At the board study session on February 19th, 2026. Michelle Cagle discussed the need to move money from unrestricted funds to restricted funds to pay for necessary obligations. Your increased stipend is not a necessary obligation. We don't have the money. We are robbing Peter to pay Paul and that itself is an issue. Mr. McGuire stated, quote, certainly we need to be efficient. We need to have expenses only to what we need and not more than

106that. No wasteful spending. End quote. He also stated, quote, we are running it through this three point test. Whatever the idea is, does this idea contribute to an increase in our revenue? Does this idea contribute to a reduction in our expenses? And does this idea contribute to a movement of our educational opportunities? We shouldn't be making decisions that reduce our educational opportunities. That is a direct quote from the transcript. Your increased stipend answers the three point test with a no on each point. You may believe that a $96,000 increase to our expenses is small in comparison to a $200 million budget, but a majority of our budget is restricted. We have to utilize restricted funding with in strictly laid out parameters. Unrestricted funding is not an unlimited bank account for you to take from. In

107that context, a request for a $2,000 stipend for board members raises serious concerns. And this stipend would actually give you guys free health care because your stipend would offset any increases that you've seen. We don't give free health care. When we're asking teachers and staff to absorb cuts, it becomes very difficult to justify additional compensation for board service, especially when attendance has not been consistent. Joan, Zesty, and Doug, you are heavily invested in this community and it is seen and recognized by our members. So thank you. Public service carries accountability. If meetings are missed, if outside community events are unattended, if visibility engagement are limited, it undermines the public trust. Community presence matters, representation matters, and showing up matters. These events that you guys are asked to go to are not optional in spirit. They

108are part of the relationship between the board and the public it serves. Leadership is not only about voting during meetings, It's about engagement, listening, and visibility. One of the largest complaints I received from our members is that collectively as a school board, you do not respond to concerns and emails from the staff in EUSD. Of all the emails I've personally sent you, I can count on one hand the responses I've received. Ignoring us is what brought all of these people here. And you see us now and we will not be ignored [applause]. If this obligation is not important enough for you, then step down. Let someone else come in who cares about this community and who wants to serve. There are two people in this room who are willing to do it without a raise

109in stipend. You have to do it for the community, not for the second income that this stipend would secure you. And that's the problem, you guys. It's a second income for you, not for them. Oh, you. Who needs this more? You or the classified staff that are asking for food from food banks? The lip service is of caring about our staff and community is just that it's lip service. Actions speak louder than words, and just because you can take a larger stipend, as you've heard tonight, you doesn't mean you should. There are no more teachers to cut. You did that already. We're at minimum staffing. You are unwilling to look at the luxuries at the district office, and the quick fix has been to cut the school sites, cut our budgets. That directly impacts our

110students, students and community members who are are who we serve. It's shameful and inappropriate to take more away from them when you don't need it. If stipends are being considered at all, they should be tied to measurable expectations. You should have consistent meeting attendance. You should participate in community events. You need to demonstrate preparation and engagement when you are in these meetings. And transparency and accountability should be everything. Compensation should reflect performance and commitment, especially in a financial crisis. Our site representatives of EEEA are held to a very high standard. And if they do not attend their meetings, they don't receive their stipends. And a lot of them are in this room and have not received some stipends because they didn't show up to meetings. If our executive board doesn't attend the required meetings, they

111don't get their stipend either. Right now, the message sent by approving this stipend would not be one of shared sacrifice. It would not reflect the reality facing classrooms and our families. Leadership in difficult times requires modeling the values we expect from others responsibility, accountability, and service before self. Until attendance and engagement are consistent and visible and until the district's financial situation stabilizes approving this stipend would be premature. Your stipend fails EUSD's agreed upon three point test. I would also like to know who made you believe that we had the money for this to begin with, so that would be a great conversation at our next collaborative meeting. It will certainly be brought up in negotiations when we are likely to be told there's no more money for us. Our priority must remain our students. Every

112decision should be measured against one question does this directly support student learning and well-being? And the answer is simple and clear no, it just doesn't. And I know the big push is, hey, all the other districts are doing it. Well, that's great because you know what? San Diego just approved really small SPED class sizes. And now they're going to lay off 200 teachers. All the other districts are doing it okay. Sure. Let's do that too. Because Oceanside gets free health care. I'd love free health care. That would be pretty awesome. Just saying. There's a lot of great things happening in other districts, but just because their board's got increased stipends, you shouldn't. And I have a solution for you. And I think it's the same as everyone's pretty much said tonight, if you believe you

113need more money, which clearly by law you were entitled to, then give yourselves the same raise you gave your employees. That means you can add $3 to your current stipend. You can have the 0.75% like we all did. $3 won't buy you much, that's for sure. But now you can put it into a personal perspective. Again, this stipend would be a second income for you. It is not what the law intended. The law was intended for people who are struggling financially and cannot serve on a school board to be involved in their community, because it would create an undue hardship. That is not any of you, as far as I'm aware. And if you really believe in the intent behind this law, then I urge you all to clear the path for other community members

114to sit in those chairs. And according to our tax data, the per capita income of this community stands at $40,030 annual income. Your proposed stipend is over half of that. Do the right thing. Set a positive example and do things for the right reasons. Follow the example that EEEA and all of its members in our classified staff have set. Hold yourself accountable. Earn your position and serve this community the way you were elected to do. I know it's hard. You guys have been beat up all night. I don't deny that. But so have all we. Every day in our classrooms, we get beat up, we get scratched, puked on, punched, kicked. I know because I read the incident reports that all get sent to me. So do not vote this stipend in. Not now and

115not in the summer when you think we won't show up. And not for a while until we have a more stable budget. Thank you to the teachers and the staff that showed up this evening to share your concerns. It took time away from your families to be here, and we know you aren't the ones being paid to be here. And with that, we will see you at the negotiations table. Thank you. [applause] Zesty Harper: Thank you. We are going to take a five minute break. We'll be back at, let's see, 9:09. All right. We are going to call our meeting back to order. Please have a seat. Yes it is. I was moving away. We're going to call this meeting back to order. Please have a seat. Written communications have all been distributed. We are

116moving on to the consent agenda. Is there any items? We needed someone wanted pulled or anything. Otherwise, I'm looking for a motion. Joan Gardner: Move pproval of the consent agenda as presented. Zesty Harper: Thank you Joan. Mark Olson: I'll second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Mark. All those in favor say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Passes five zero. On to G one. The study session meeting change. Dr. Luis Ibarra: No, it's on consent. Zesty Harper: Oh, it's on consent. Yeah. Sorry. Dr. Luis Ibarra: M1. Zesty Harper: I'm on, I apologize. M1. The appointment of commissioner. Dr. Luis Ibarra: Yes. Tonight. We're before the board is the appointment of Chrysta Klaczyk as the board appointee to the personnel commission for the term of March 6th, 2026 through December 1st, 2026. Zesty Harper: Do I

117have a motion? Frank Huston: Motion to approve. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: I will second. Sorry. Zesty Harper: Doug. Second. Doug Paulson: Second. Zesty Harper: All those in favor? Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Passes five zero. M2. Expulsion case. Frank Huston: For case. 2025-26-03 recommendation for full expulsion and able to return November 14th of 2026. Zesty Harper: Do I have a second? Doug Paulson: Second. Zesty Harper: And this is a roll call vote, Mr. Paulson? Doug Paulson: Aye. Zesty Harper: Miss Gardner? Joan Gardner: Aye. Zesty Harper: Mr. Huston? Frank Huston: Aye. Zesty Harper: Mr. Olson Mark Olson: Aye. Zesty Harper: And I vote aye. Frank Huston: Next one is 2025 dash 26-04 for recommendation for full expulsion. Unable to return on November 14th, 2026. Zesty Harper:

118Do I have a second? Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you Joan. Mr. Paulson? Doug Paulson: Aye. Zesty Harper: Mrs. Gardner? Joan Gardner: Aye. Zesty Harper: Mr. Huston? Frank Huston: Aye. Zesty Harper: Mr. Olson? Doug Paulson: Aye. Zesty Harper: And I vote I as well. On to M4 Human Resources. Audrey Frank: Hi. I'm looking for the adoption of a resolution related to the reduction of vacant classified positions for the 26-27 school year. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Are there any discussion or. Doug? Doug Paulson: So I do have a question, a clarifying question. Are any individuals going to be laid off as a result of this? Audrey Frank: None. These are vacant positions throughout the entire 25-26 school year. At towards the end. And then where they were, they've been vacant the whole time. Doug Paulson:

119So I understand that we do have openings for Paraeducators at all levels, but it's the position at these specific school sites that we're eliminating. And the reason we're eliminating them is they're not needed at those specific sites. Correct? Audrey Frank: Correct. Doug Paulson: All right. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Do I have a motion? Doug Paulson: Move approval. Joan Gardner: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you Doug. Thank you Joan. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Motion passes five zero. And on M five. Audrey Frank: Yes. I'm looking for approval for two certificated reduced work program participants for their for the 26-27 school year. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Any questions on that? Mark Olson: If not I'll make a motion for staff recommendations. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank Huston: Second

120Zesty Harper: Thank you. Frank. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Passes five zero. On to superintendent's office. Dr. Luis Ibarra: Yes. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1390, which amended the California Education Code, section 35120 before you as a as a discussion action item, proposing to adjust the trustee compensation to the new statutory maximum. Maximum for for a district our size in the amount of $2,000 per month. The action item will also amend Board Bylaw 9250 accordingly. Zesty Harper: Thank you. We appreciate all the comments that we had this evening. So what we're going to do is each one of us, I believe, has something to speak on. So we'll just start at the end with Doug if you want to make any comments. Doug Paulson: I

121think before we, you know, to do this procedurally correct, we need a motion. And a second before we open discussion. Would that be the Robert's Rules that that you got for me? Zesty Harper: Do I have a motion? Joan Gardner: I'll make the motion. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan, do I have a second? Mark Olson: I'll second it. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Mark. Now, Doug, would you like to start the discussion? Doug Paulson: Absolutely. So it's going to come as no surprise that I will be voting against this tonight. That decision was made prior to receiving any communication. And there's really three reasons all of which have been gone over here tonight. First of all, is just the math. Figured this out. And I will admit, I use ChatGPT to help me that in order

122for our stipend, if we were an employee group to have increased by this amount over the 42 years, we would have had to receive a 3.9% annual increase. Obviously, other employee groups in the district have not received that type of annual increase. If they had teachers column one, step one would be starting out at in excess of $130,000 a year. They are not. And Paraeducators and Paraeducators would be starting at approximately $41 an hour for a para at one. And they are not. So the math for me just it just is excessive. And I understand the logic that the state legislature took to pass this. It was my Democratic Party that was highly in support. However. So first, the math. The second part is I think everybody knows I have communicated, I hope my concern

123for our lowest paid employees. That has been reiterated. I am particularly concerned with our paraeducator pay. Part of the reason that is so personally important to me is that my son is a paraeducator one. My daughter is an SCSP paraeducator. When they take home their two paychecks between them the average does not reach $2,000 a month and my daughter in law, seven months pregnant, comes home on it. Well, has come home with bruises, bites and everything else. It's, so I, I I my heart would not allow me. And the third point is just simply my whole attitude towards this thing of all elected officials. Receiving payment for their service. I in my time, this is not about money. It is about public service. And I. When we were elected, when I was elected to do

124this, when we were all elected to do this, we did this for public service. I was not even aware there was a stipend. And for those reasons, I'm voting no. And I will yield my time back. Joan Gardner: I have prepared something that I wanted to say, but, I have to say it in a way, your analogy with the certificated salaries is a little bit faulty, Doug, because you don't take into account step and column because in addition to any salary increase, there is a step and column increase. And, and the actually the new contract has allowed for a yearly increase in that way. So the increase in salaries actually more than 0.75. Not it's not 400%. Yes, I understand that, but let me say we have always had the ability as a board for

125education code to increase the annual salary or the, yeah, the stipend of the school board by 5% a year that has never been taken advantage of. There was never a right time, and I have seen in my history, and I remember when there was a big flood of money and over the course of 1 or 2 years and the salary increases were as high as 8%, in addition to raising the higher steps by more than the the other steps. So and the excuse was people couldn't afford to retire. You, you, those people who spoke today have no idea of the circumstances of individual board members. You think that you have the perception that we all come from the public sector and have huge retirements as well, and we can well or salaries and can well

126afford to to and and I'm, I had the same experience as when I first ran for the board. I had no idea that there was even a stipend involved. I simply was passionate about education. So let me go back to my prepared statement. I have devoted 28 years of my life to serving the Escondido Union School District and supporting public education. The stipend for school districts of EUSD's size has been $400 since 1984. 42 years. And I just found that out tonight. I have not done the math, but I would venture to say that a 5% yearly increase, as allowed by Ed Code would amount to more than $2,000. I was not aware that there was a stipend involved when I first ran for a board seat in 1998. My husband and I financed my

127campaign because I was passionate about education. The direction of education in Escondido. Anyone who knows me knows the story of the math wars. We now have five board members committed to public education, and they all contribute from their own perspective. And it's very valuable to the district. Believe me. Every. That's why there are five and not just one. One of the four emails I received talked about being paid $222 an hour. If that came to pass, the $2,000 a month. Bless their hearts, they do not see the time devoted to reading the agenda, preparing for the meeting, serving, serving on various committees. [off camera groans] Zesty Harper: We were respectful when you were speaking, so please keep your comments quiet. Joan Gardner: And I listened and I read every, every email that I received, and

128I paid attention to it, and I and I tried to include some responses in my remarks. Preparing for the meeting, serving on various committees, attending attending district and education foundation events, and keeping in addition to occasionally being sued and keeping current with with issues affecting education, visiting schools and and school presentations. None of you know the circumstances of individuals who serve on the board. I was, I am hoping that offering a respectable, respectable stipend will add more more interest in serving and more feeling the need to invest the time to justify a reasonable stipend. So in other words, you get what you pay for. Our EUSD staff, certificated and classified, are all dedicated to the EUSD family and support. All of our students and their families. However, only parent volunteers work for free, many of

129whom many of those parent volunteers would make outstanding board members if they could afford to. We heard from one tonight who had to take a job with the district because she needed the money. She would she would serve as an excellent. I'd love to see her run for a seat on the board if she could afford to. If they could, they. If a stipend that perhaps that stipend could allow them to afford child care for the many obligations of a board member, for instance. Lastly, most elected boards and city councils have seen increased compensation for the community for their community service, incrementally and with little notice. It's only school boards that have gone for years without any increase to their stipend. Would you rather have a board comprised of figureheads, either seeking name recognition in

130preparation for running for higher office, public office because they can afford it? Or would you would you rather see some community members step up and be able to afford to serve as a board member? That's what I'd like to see. And in addition, I'd like to say all of you who spoke about. Your. The increases that you got. Let me remind you that every time you serve on a committee or spend extra time, you submit a time sheet even. [off camera groans] Excuse me? Even professional development. Are you reimbursed? Off camera meeting attendees: No. Joan Gardner: Is that new? Off camera meeting attendees: No. Joan Gardner: Have I seen time sheets? So, am I incorrect in assuming that there is extra pay? Zesty Harper: Yeah. Like every every committee I've been to, they sign and

131they can submit a time sheet. Whether they do or not, and they can. Joan Gardner: You're reminded. Zesty Harper: Yes. Joan Gardner: And and also I'm sorry, Brandi, but you of all people, when the, the district pays a good portion of your, of your cost to represent your, your association. Do they not? Brandi Krepps: The check that we sent to the district every year is roughly $90,000 out of the Union Bank account. I guarantee you're not making $180,000 in the [inaudible]. Joan Gardner: No, but. Brandi Krepps: And you know what, Joan? I don't get paid to be here. Joan Gardner: And I'm not going to get into. Zesty Harper: All right. Joan Gardner: Yeah. I'm not going to get into a back and forth with you. I'd like to have a private conversation with you

132because I, I have to your email. I have a lot of responses, but I'm not going to I'm not going to begin to just individually to take you out, except for the fact that you're the last one to speak. So I feel that it's important again to attract more. I, there are so many times because I knew this was a problem when we split in two areas, that the areas are so small it's hard to attract someone to run. How many times have I gone without an opponent? But I will tell you that every time that I was up for election, whether I had an opponent or not, I prepared myself and I wished I had was able to run again. We used to have we used to have forums where people could lay out

133their positions, where they could tell. The only forum I ever had now is, is in the booklet that goes out to the to the voters. And I was always proud to do that. I, I just wish there were more people interested in serving. And I'm hoping this will be an impetus. And I don't mean people who can afford to have other jobs. I don't mean people from education. That's a mistake. I want people from the community who reflect our community. I'm done. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Joan. Frank. Frank Huston: Well, I appreciate. I appreciate everything that was said this evening. And. Like Joan had mentioned in reference to, every board member has their own reasons for being here, their own reasons for running. When I ran, I was asked to run and I was asked

134to run by the teachers association. They came to me personally and said, please, will you run? And I did. And the reason why I ran was because I was involved with many schools in my profession, and I wanted to make sure that I could continue that with doing this. When I came on, there was a stipend. I didn't care about it. I don't care about it now. But somebody looked at what is going on and realizes there needs to be maybe some different people coming onto the board. And I agree with that. And I think if you do raise the stipend, that will give opportunities for more people to come up here and sit here and experience this. And I recommend that if you want to, please do. It is an absolutely fantastic experience. And

135I think that everybody here on the board wants to make sure that this district is number one, that this district is wanted and that people come here because of this district. So thank you. That's it. Mark Olson: Thank you, my board colleagues, for their comments. And I want to thank everyone. Whether we agree or disagree I know it takes time. I know it takes effort to stand in front of a microphone and to share your thoughts. I know I could tell that some were very nervous. And to each of you that that spoke, especially those that may have been the first time. I appreciate you coming out. I appreciate you mustering up the courage to do so, because I know that it's not easy. And it takes time, and it takes energy, and it takes

136time away from your families and your friends. And so regardless I'm grateful that you came and took the time to to be with us this evening. Like like Frank, you know, I was asked to run. I had no intention. I was just an involved parent at my kids elementary schools and my kids middle school and eventually the high school. But that's a different district. Matter of fact, when they asked me to run, I tried to find other people to run actively, and no one else wanted to, so I did, and I'm glad that no one else did, because it's been a great experience. I, too, didn't know anything about the stipend, and it's not important. It's it was one thing that just wasn't a big issue. But as I started talking to other people looking

137for my exit path, I realized that there are people that, you know, would serve this community wonderfully. And so when I heard about this AB 1390, and far be it for me to agree with hardly anything this state legislature passes. Trust me, there's hardly anything. And then I saw that it was passed almost unanimously and read more about the justification for it. And then I started to realize, you know what? That fits a lot of the individuals that I think would be fantastic for this community, that might entice them to be more involved because they would serve. And one of the cool things about being a board member, and it's really cool, but it is really demanding. And some may feel differently. They may they may judge whether we are engaged in the community. And

138that's fine. That's your prerogative. You know, we all serve in different capacities and we all engage and interact with our in different capacities. And that's, that's how you find your footing in this position. Each of our districts are different, and we serve in different ways. But you're never not a board member in the community. So when I'm at a soccer game at the high school, and I get the opportunity to talk about to one of our teachers who shares the concerns that she's had to remove her child from our district and put him in a charter school for an hour. That's a special moment that they're sharing those things with me. Or if I'm walking my dog through a baseball game and someone pulls me aside and has things. Those are great opportunities to engage

139with the community, and it happens all the time. So you're never not a board member. And that's not to justify any stipend. That's to say that we can interact and engage with our community in different ways, the ways that we find most beneficial. And that's the cool thing about serving in this capacity. And if we can expand that opportunity to more people to engage with their communities in this capacity and to bring those new ideas and those diverse ideas by this process, I think that's a good thing. And you may disagree with us. You may disagree with my support of this, and you may disagree with the state legislature and their support of it. But I hope that you respect the opinions of my myself and the board, my board colleagues, and that's all I

140have to say. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Thank you. I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to say, because we definitely can pick apart each other's arguments. We definitely can make our points and our counterpoints, and I don't, but I, I want to bring it back to our kids. We have the luckiest kids in the whole area, and we have them because they have you as teachers. They have you guys as paras. They have our M&O department. They have our principals who care so much that they stay here till 9:39, 9:45 at night to fight for them. And I appreciate that because that's what our students deserve. Now, this is an awkward topic. We're talking about giving ourselves a raise. You can, you never get to decide to give yourself a raise. You

141can decide to get another job. You can decide to go somewhere else. That's the only usually the option you have if you'd like to make more money. But I know you guys are here because of our students, and you take the pay that we are able to afford and you serve and you have diligent hearts with it. So I know you're. And I'm very trying to be very careful with my words, because I know you guys are very passionate and we can what we really mean out of our hearts can be twisted, like when it's published. And when you guys write about it, you're going to twist what we say and you're going to say, they didn't care. They don't care about us. They don't care about our plight. They don't care what we have

142to do every day. And I'm going to disagree with you on that. I spend so many hours out in our community, out in our schools, talking to our parents, talking to our teachers, talking to the paras. Have I made it into Jamie Russo's class? I have not, but guess where I will be hopefully next week reading to those students. And it's not about an invitation, but it's also actually is about an invitation because I know I can, as a board member that carries a weight and I know all teachers aren't comfortable with that. So when I do get an invitation, I try to honor that invitation and show up. I try to show up like you guys do every day. Now we're going to say we're going to pass a 400% stipend increase. I understand

143that is a shocking number, but I truly believe we need more community members that are in our community. I was respectful hearing you talk. When I started on this board. I had a newborn and I still showed up. I paid for my babysitter so I could show up and I still show up. And she's turning 12 this weekend. I am not trying to discount anyone's plight. I sometimes I kind of compared it to my children. I have three girls and if I say I love you to one of them, do you know what the other two do? Oh, you don't love me. And I feel that's kind of the choice we're given right now. And that's not true at all. We fought in the last negotiations. We tried to fix benefits. We tried to fix

144the step and column. We fixed a ton of language. We have a one time pay. Of course, we know you are worth more than 0.75%. There is no doubt in anyone's mind on this board that you guys aren't worth more than .75, but we are trying to balance and battle constant outside pressures to make sure we don't have layoffs like other districts, that we don't need to make huge cuts, and we can do everything we can. You may not believe that, but it's truly what we fight for and what we push for. I wish one of the things I wish is that we could turn our energy towards things that can change that because we don't have control over the money. And you guys, again, are going to twist our words and say, well, you

145can take the 96,000 and you can put it to that. I understand that. We need to fund education at a level that is sustainable for everyone. Do I think it's okay that our paras get $16 an hour? $17 an hour? Absolutely not. No one believes that's what they should be paid. But that is the reality of the budget the state gives us. It is. So if you would like a raise, you tell me who you want to cut. I was not trying to get upset tonight because I care for every single person in this district, and I'm trying to do the best for them. I serve hours and hours away from my family, missing games, missing events. And I know you guys do too. That's why I'm saying please don't twist my words. I know

146you all do. And that's what I'm trying to give you credit for. And that's what I appreciate about you and appreciate your dedication. So I, I have a very hard time that every time we have a disagreement, you come up here and you tell us that we don't appreciate you because that's not true. That is not true at all. You, again, are going to twist my words. I understand that, but we do appreciate you and our students appreciate all your sacrifices. So I'm sorry I got a little heated. I promised myself I wouldn't. Again, we are going to vote on this. I appreciate everyone's comments. I want people to be able to serve on this board that don't have the financial independence to do so. I work two jobs so I can support my family

147and have time for this board. I want people to be able to be on this board that don't have that financial freedom to really represent our our community. So that's all I have to say. Thank you. Let's vote. All those in favor say aye. Joan Gardner, Frank Huston, Mark Olson, Zesty Harper: Aye. Zesty Harper: All those opposed? Doug Paulson: Nay. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Passes 4 to 1. Alright. Next item on the agenda. Sorry, I lost my place. Dr. Luis Ibarra: CSBA (California School Boards Association). Zesty Harper: The CSBA delegates. Thank you. Doug, did you want to go through the delegates? Doug Paulson: Yes. I would like to nominate the following individuals for delegate assembly for CSBA. I'd like to start off with Melissa Crow from Warner USD. Dawn Perfect from Ramona, Eddie Jones from

148Fallbrook Union High School District. [inaudible] from Del Mar Union and Rhea Stewart from Cardiff, as well as write in candidate Maria Betancourt Castaneda from National Union School District. That's their elementary district. Zesty Harper: Okay. The write in. Doug Paulson: And I would that's the write in. And I would also like to say that I'm very happy that there are several inland North County candidates this time, which is rare. Zesty Harper: Excellent. Any modifications? Joan Gardner: No. I suggest that we approve, Doug's list. Zesty Harper: Excellent. Okay, so we will move for that. Joan, do I have a second? \ Frank Huston: Second Zesty Harper: Thank you Frank. All those in favor? Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Motion passes. On to business services. YMCA Appleby facility use agreement. Andrew McGuire: So, as you know,

149as we've talked about seeing our pool over to the YMCA, where our students get to go every day of the school year for a week at a time for each school, learn how to swim. A lot of great things happening over there. There's another building as part of that facility, as part of the larger partnership that we're involved in with other National University, Neighborhood Health, YMCA themselves and our and and us and the Appleby building, which used to be a preschool building. They use it for different young children type activities over there, but it's not being used for many years. And so we have already been in a lease agreement for this facility, for this building, as well as the pool for the last for a year and a half now. And this agreement would

150extend that by another eight years, which would be alignment with the same term that the pool agreement is for. And that would give us the ability to build out something amazing in it. I'm going to let Rick talk a little bit more about what our plans are for in that building. Go ahead Rick. Rick Oser: Okay. Thank you, Mr. McGuire. And thank you, President Harper. So, as you know, we have a extraordinary expanded learning opportunities program. We refer to it as our EXPLORE program. And this program continues to grow. It's become kind of the the hallmark program throughout San Diego County. And this opportunity to actually continue to expand it. So, as Mr. McGuire mentioned, currently we have students in our after school program going over to the to the YMCA pool. Just, so far

151we've already had over 800 students take field trips over there and have a week of aquatic programing. Really important because students are not only learning important water safety lessons, but also having some life changing experiences. And that's kind of the the goal of our EXPORE program is to give students these opportunities to reach their unlimited potential. So now we're taking it to the next level. And we have a facilities use agreement with the YMCA for the Appleby building. And just to point out, it's not the same spelling as Applebees, the restaurant. It's having a a lot of confusion as we describe this opportunity. So the, the goal is that when students when students go over to the complex we'll be able to actually increase the amount of trips over to the complex and have the

152time the students will spend in the water learning water safety, as well as just having fun and learning how to swim and be proficient. And then the other half of the time, students will explore these opportunities that were actually still developing, which is super exciting right now. The the buildings are are vacant and it's it's like a blank slate. So all the way down to the flooring, the walls, but more importantly, the education opportunities that the buildings hold. So we have a team of 12 educators throughout the district who are helping us design this learning experience, as well as several administrators from the EXPORE program. And so what it will entail, we're not fully sure we're going to actually spend some time visiting other complexes throughout San Diego County. We have our first field trip

153happening next week, where we're going to see some of the innovative spaces throughout the county and then come back together and visualize what it is that we want for our students. But I can assure you, whatever that is, it's going to be amazing. This group of educators and administrators are really passionate about bringing opportunities to our students, and this is going to be a great opportunity to to actually do something extraordinary. Without a doubt, this will become a a lighthouse for other districts to to really see the potential of after school and spring and summer programing. So really excited. Lots lots to continue to explore and we'll keep you abreast as we build this out. So yeah, unlimited potential. Andrew McGuire: Unlimited potential. And this would be paid for out of our after school program

154funds. So it's up for vote for the eight year extension of or and with some additional aspects of it for exclusive use and all of that, so that we can build out the inside of it along with what our educators discover. Joan Gardner: So those are specifically earmarked for the program? Andrew McGuire: Yes. These are monies we get from the state specifically for after school program. And so we give our kids opportunities. When they go for swimming they can only be in the pool for so long. They they kind of sit next to the pool right now. This would give them a space to go to outside of when they're at the pool, and then also just additional trips over there beyond just even related to the pool. But to have that opportunity even during

155spring break and summer, to have that facility. Joan Gardner: And actually, when we visited at that time that the kids were doing artwork. Andrew McGuire: Yeah. I expect we'll be doing something much more. Yeah. That's great. The artwork they're doing is great, but something that and much more to be able to do if we have our own building there. So. Yeah, yeah. Joan Gardner: Sounds like a great a great plan. We're so fortunate that we were able to maintain that Y in Escondido and have that opportunity for our kids. Doug Paulson: That's right. Mark Olson: Quick question. And I'm very excited about how we're expanding our relationship with the YMCA and providing that service to the community. And I realize we are funding this through our ELOP program and the funding. In the event. Joan

156Gardner: That's my question. Mark Olson: ELOP funds are diminished or disappear because we don't know what the state's going to do. Do we have a clause in the contract that allows us to make an adjustment, if that were to have happened or happened? Andrew McGuire: I'm going to ask Michelle Cagle to come to the podium a little early for her topic, because she was working with me so much on this project. But part of the idea here is to use some of our monies that we have available to us from previous years that were, as we were building the program up to prepay, so that we would have this even if the funds were cut off in a future year. Mark Olson: As long as there's a plan in the event that something like that

157happened, that was my only question. As long as the answer is in the affirmative, then. Andrew McGuire: Oh yes, okay. We're going to protect ourselves always in the event of that. Mark Olson: But I'm sure the YMCA is going to want that continuity of funding and want to make sure we have that right in place. And if we do. Thank you. Andrew McGuire: Yes. Doug Paulson: Question. This is this amount of money is for the entire tenure. This isn't an annual fee, is it? Andrew McGuire: No Doug Paulson: It's just a one time? And again, this is why I've asked Mrs. Michelle Cagle to come to the podium. Michelle Cagle: It's for the entire eight years. That $1.2 million. Doug Paulson: Thank you. Andrew McGuire: Don't go far. Zesty Harper: Any other questions on it?

158Nope. Do I have a motion? Doug Paulson: Move approval. Mark Olson: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Mark. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye Zesty Harper: Motion passes five zero. Oh, good. You're there. Andrew McGuire: Oh, she's already here. So now Michelle's going to present our second interim, which is our our second opportunity of the year to make a revision for the board to adopt a revision to our budget. With all of our financials as of January 31st. So she's going to present that now. Michelle Cagle: You just took my intro. Andrew McGuire: You're welcome. Michelle Cagle: Good evening, President Harper. Board members. Tonight, we will be presenting our second interim the district's financials as of January 31st. We're going to recap what was presented at the board study session.

159The last adopted budget was the first interim. When comparing the first interim to the second interim, there were minor changes since then. And then here's a breakdown of those changes. On the revenue side, the net decrease in revenue is attributed to the decrease in our unduplicated pupil percentage and an increase to our home to school transportation and an increase to the interest that we earn in the County Treasurer. For the Restricted Revenue, Central and Pioneer join Lincoln as recipients of the Literacy Coach and Reading Grant. Then there's the standard updates to the entitlement entitlements, such as all of our titles, Early Intervention and Prop 28. For the expenditures, for the unrestricted, this is just the finalized negotiation settlements. For the first interim, we were able to reflect the majority of those costs. For the restricted

160side, it's aligning the budget expenses to the revenue changes. The budget revenue and the budget expenses must match. And then for ELOP, it's the exciting partnership that we continue to have with the YMCA that you guys just approved. Our multi year projection at the board study session we presented a preview of this MYP. This final MYP is as of second interim. I always forget the green box. The green box as always indicates that we are meeting our reserves in the third year and we're fiscally solvent. I'd like to point out that what the difference is between this MYP and what was presented at the board study session is the fourth year. At the board study session we showed the fourth year. The reason for that was because we were discussing our 26-27 budget. And in

161that four or in that third year, it would have been the fourth year. And then our next steps. The governors may revision at the May revise where we were, where we will gain a better understanding of the proposed $9.2 million and one time revenue that the governor proposed in January for the 26-27 year. At this time, we do know that the state revenue is coming in higher than projected, and the state still has to make education whole from when they paused the minimum revenue requirement to fund education a couple of years ago. And then after that, we'll be doing the adopted budget in June for 26-27. Any questions? Andrew McGuire: So the action before you tonight is to adopt the revision. That's the actual action taken of the budget including these numbers as you presented

162tonight. Zesty Harper: Any comments? Joan Gardner: Move on the approval of the revision. Zesty Harper: Thank you Joan. Frank Huston: I second. Zesty Harper: Thank you Frank. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Passes. Thank you so much, Michel. Appreciate it. Okay, so we have a few board policies. First read was. Did anyone have any questions on them or have a motion for approval? I saw your notes. I know you're ready. Joan Gardner: Well, I don't know. It's only 33.11 on bids. The circumstances justifying awarding contract to other than the lowest bidder. Zesty Harper: Is your mic on? Joan Gardner: Yes. Is it okay? Sorry, I'm just not talking into it. Sorry. So the policy 3311 bids. Circumstances justifying awarding the contract to other than the lowest bidder,

163and most of them I understood. Allowances for design, build and lease leaseback and disabled vet or small business as allowed by law or our policies. But I, the electronic data processing. I don't understand why that would we would be able to to go with other than the lowest bid and transportation services. Andrew McGuire: So so what's happening with this to we brought back a couple of other board policies previously. There's a lot of additions of things around conflict of interest. So that's that's a lot of what's in here. But also these provisions that are in the green, they're the award of contract are actually bringing elements of the public contract code that have been in existence for many years, even when I was a purchasing director. So that's something that that is being brought into

164the board policy. So it's not necessarily a new law, but like for the purpose of when it comes to like technology type of equipment, when we go out to, to bid for that there's such a specialized service and products that are involved in that. And so that when we get to essentially we get to, like the lowest three bidders and then we can negotiate with them because there could be some customizations and things like that that we might need that wouldn't otherwise be a standard cookie cutter thing that they would bid on. So it allows us the public contract code has always allowed us to negotiate with those three lowest bidders at the end of the process, to come to an agreement and then to determine which of those are we going to award a

165contract to. So we're not held to that lowest bidder, because there's just so many nuances when it comes to the technology type services. Joan Gardner: But they would all have the same opportunity. Andrew McGuire: Yes, we would have to set out what our scope, what we're looking for. And technology is always changing and updating all the time. And so to keep up with that, that's why it allows us to have the ability to not just be forced into a contract with the lowest responsible bidder, but to then have that opportunity to engage further on, on. There's so many different ways that technology can go to solve our issue, or the challenge of trying to overcome the reason why we're getting that technology. And so but like I said to you, this is not new law.

166This has been in the public contract code for a long time. Joan Gardner: You explained some of it in the update, but I wasn't. I just I wanted a clear explanation. I appreciate it. So otherwise I'm fine with all three. Zesty Harper: Okay. Any other questions? Doug Paulson: Move approval of all three policies as presented. Mark Olson: Second. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Mark. All those in favor, please say aye. Board of Education members: Aye. Zesty Harper: Motion passes five zero. On to board members reports. Doug, can you get us started? Doug Paulson: I can. We attended the study session of planning for next year with and that was a tremendous success. Thank you to everybody involved. I have been working. Not working. Attending several meetings with the San Diego Foundation, SDCOE, and the Children's Initiative

167regarding the after school programs in the county. Partially because of my position here and the fact that Escondido is looked at as such a regional leader in the after school program area and just talking with different districts, different people about what we're doing here. Not that I'm an expert on what is happening in the Escondido Union School District, but as an advocate for a robust and rich learning experience for students in those after school in those after school programs. And I just want to once again commend our entire staff that works on all of those programs for the excellent work that they do and everything that they're providing our students with. Thank you. And I also I have been visiting. I just I understand it's not going to sit well tonight, but I want to

168commend everybody involved in this district for the absolutely wonderful things that we do for students. I've spent the last ten days working with schools in American Samoa. And I, I returned last night specifically for this meeting, and I just I just want to tell you again how lucky our children are to be here and to have the exceptional opportunities that are provided in this district. So thank you. Thank you all. Joan Gardner: So since our last regular board meeting and Doug, you didn't mention, but I had the opportunity to attend the February gala put on by the Escondido Education Foundation. And it was so well attended more than usual even. And of course, Mr. Paulson was the auctioneer extraordinaire. Again. Zesty Harper: He was very generous with people's bidders numbers just, you know. Joan Gardner:

169Yes, yes. And he made the mistake of letting his daughter out of his bidding battles. So he bid on. She tried really hard. Yes. And to put his number down on plenty of items and I also attended, along with Mrs. Harper. The GATE collaborative meeting, the recent one and that was very well attended, especially because there were it was right after the notification to the new gate parents and I hope they will stay involved. It's really important. That's always been an issue. That's very important to me as well. I had the opportunity yesterday to to read to two classrooms at Oak Hill School, a preschool class. It's very different. And and a fourth grade class now actually there were third grade class. And I'm finding I think third grade is is my my best presentation.

170But I had a lot of fun and the kids seemed to enjoy the book as well as the teacher. I brought my own book with me, this time from my my youngest son's childhood. And on tomorrow I'll be reading at Juniper. So that's my report. Frank Huston: I don't really have a report, only just wanted to thank everybody for showing up tonight and providing us with your information. Also, I wanted to thank Brandi to have for having that one on one a couple of weeks ago. I appreciate that time taken out of your day to sit down and talk to me. Additionally, Andy, I'm the one on one with you. I appreciate that. And I'm looking forward to more conversations. Thank you. Mark Olson: Okay. I was able to attend represent the board at the

171safety committee last week. Trent gave us a great report on how we're doing on our campuses. A lot of that came out wrong. Not a lot of suspensions, but a lot of the information was about our rate of suspension and. We're trending in the right direction. But I believe, you know, obviously we had a couple more incidents that we had to deal with this evening. And I think staff's doing a really good job. There was a discussion about the software and how they'll be implementing that going forward. So I appreciate Trent and all the staff that were involved in making that presentation. Interestingly enough, it kind of got sidetracked loosely connected to safety with respect to technology. And Trent was able to get us back on track, but I think it was a really important

172conversation because I am hearing a lot about technology usage from our parents specifically the younger, younger students in our district and how we are utilizing technology and are we utilizing it in the best way. And so I'm grateful to hear Mr. Oser let me know that there will be a survey that's going out to try and redefine or at least refine how that is used to try and utilize it to the most optimal way for the the learning of our students. So I was happy to report to several of the parents that had inquired that there is active activity going on within the district administration as to making some changes that will better reflect the best way, best practices and best uses of technology. Because I think and I appreciated Brandi and Noemi's comments on

173that as individuals who are hands on and down in the weeds with respect to teaching. And so I appreciate their comments on that. I was in the neighborhood of Reidy Creek the other day, and I noticed there was a lot of cars on the street. And so I thought maybe there was an event going on. So I stopped, pulled in, and I think it was the VIP lunch thing that was going on where parents bring which I have mixed feelings about because I used to get calls from my daughter and say, can you bring me lunch? And then she never wanted me to stay. She just wanted lunch. And which, you know, wasn't very good as a father nor a board member. But I was a little concerned that if there ever was a emergency,

174the entirety of the red red zone was completely blocked. So just just an observation. But I think on the positive, we'll end on the positive side of that one. We have very engaged families that like to spend time on campuses. And so I'm grateful for the culture that the staff there, as well as all of our staff at all of our campuses put into making sure families feel welcome and participate in that. And then one thing that's not necessarily part of our conversation, but I think it's going to impact us. The city of Escondido is making some major improvements at Grove Park, which I have had conversations with them, that it's not a very good idea. Matter of fact, it's a terrible idea, and I think it's going to impact both Mission as well as

175Pioneer. And so I've talked to Mr. McGuire, but I think it's something that we as staff as well as board members, need to make sure we're keeping an eye on because that's going to impact the safety of our students and the, the families in that neighborhood, because I think it's going to cause a great deal of crossing at non-safety intersections. So just something I think we need to be aware of and trying to engage our, our city stakeholders as much as they will not listen, I think it's going to be a considerable safety issue as those improvements come into fruition. And that is my report. Thank you. Zesty Harper: Thank you so much. Thanks for bringing up the education event. That was that. I did forget the foundation event was a fun time. And the

176food was delightful as well because the Orange Glen, again, their students catered it. It was delicious. I and continuing my MTSS tour. So I got to go with Sonya, which. Oh, by the way, I have a great picture of you from Juniper. From, from, you know, a different decade, but it was really cute. I need to send it to you, but I appreciate it. She's at Felicita. And I just appreciate spending time with her and seeing which her daily struggle is, like, not struggle. You love it. But, I mean, the challenges that you have every day. But I just again, talking about the benefit of a community member even seeing you in the Juniper book back to I think it was 1999 ish. I mean, you were you were a student there obviously, in 1999,

177but just the ideas and the experience and what you've already worked through. I was really you gave me a lot of great things to think about of of your position and the ideas you had and how, you know, all of their students and you know, what you're trying to establish there. So I wanted to thank you, but I really appreciate you taking the time, because I know you don't even have time to eat. You're sitting there eating. So I appreciate that so much. And I learned a lot. And I thank you for introducing me to your family liaison, Laura. And then your the math toast as well. Heather. Fabulous. But again, thank you for that. I attended the GATE collaborative too, which was again, very exciting. It was this room was packed. And we weren't

178being yelled at, so that was great too. But I'm just kidding. But it was packed with newly identified families, and so they were excited for how to support their students. And I appreciate that we have a GATE collaborative. I did make the suggestion that we do a separate meeting of first timers meeting. So they understand what what, you know, the challenges they may face and the benefits of it and how we can support their students. But we had a great presentation on what EUSD does in the district to support our GATE students because we still keep that as a priority for us. I also so my second stop for the MTS was for Brookbanks over at Conway, and I was able to we did a couple rounds of, you know, recess and issues with children.

179So that was great to see her working her magic, as I like to call it. But I also got to sit in the CSAT meeting. So the CSAT is had the principal the MTSS the school psychologist, a couple other people. So forgive me, but they really. Yeah. the social worker. Thank you. Thank you. And they they have a list of identified students, and they really work. They take, you know, 4 to 5 students every time they meet and really look at their file and the report and their, you know, what's going on and the teacher's recommendation. And so they're trying to see how, how they best can support that student to bring them up to grade level and different ideas or maybe testing or maybe you know, an intervention or something they can do to

180really pull up those struggling students. So it was very good to see it. I know that's very time consuming. I think the whole, you know, CSAT and the SST process is a very time consuming process to try to fit into a day, especially when you want to involve the teacher as well, which I think is very important. But again, I think that's part of what well, going into the community schools is trying to do is trying to create that support system that lives on for our students. So moving into that, I went to the Community Schools steering committee meeting. I wanted to highlight what the priorities of or the yeah, the collective priorities of community schools is it is to implement the MTSS so multi-tiered support system increase student family and community engagement and attendance,

181increased student feeling of safety and connection and increased student academic progress in ELA and math. So we have a great committee. I think we're expanding it as well. We're going to add members of the community, add students and also add MTSS specialists, which I think is going to be very valuable to our group. We worked on the survey. It's the needs and assets assessment. So what we already have and I think community schools, I think we're working hard on it, but I think community schools is such a valuable tool that we need to take advantage of. And. But I think it's also important that we don't just include the 16 schools that have it. I think we want to make sure we're creating a system that our other non title one schools are able to

182access because they have needs as well. One of the family liaisons, I won't call her out but made great points of we should any any family liaison should be included in all of this. But also they should have the resources needed to support our families and not just be left to Google it or, you know, trying to figure it out. Like what? I think that part of the community school should be a systematic approach district wide, of pulling all of the resources we have together and all the referrals we can make. So it's a centralized location so we can support the families and their needs. I was invited to Quantum's House Week on Monday. I participated in the scavenger hunt, and then Tuesday I went on campus. They were doing their team projects where they

183were designing a catapult and they were going to their tomorrow is the competition to see who could launch things the farthest. So they had to I probably I'll find out. I'll let you know. I'll find out. And so they were work and this is their houses. So it's all the grade levels together. So. Which is also great. Just the amount of it's really fun to be over at Quantum because they have so many, like, art supplies, and the teachers are all into it, and, you know, they walk up. Do you have this size bottle cap? And the teacher goes, yes, just a second. Let me go get this. Or do you have popsicle sticks with holes already in them? And they're like, yes, we do. I that type of stuff is, you know, it's just

184fun to see because everyone's working together and all the students were engaged and, and working on that. And then my last two things were I did the Read Across America I went to Oak Hill with kindergarten and first grade and again they had the snacks. Love the snacks. And the firefighters were there. So it was it was a great time to stop in. And then I went to Juniper and read there where they had the scrapbook going back to 1999 of their event which was really fun to look back through. They you're going to have to look at that tomorrow. There's you're in all of them. And then also their office remodel their front office remodel looks fantastic. It was really nice to see. So that is my report for since our last meeting. Thank

185you so much. Dr. Luis Ibarra: No report. Zesty Harper: Oh. Andrew McGuire: I'm going to do it. So first of all, there is a side road and a back gate for emergency vehicles at Reedy Creek. So if there was an issue, they'd be able to get in that way. Just looking out. So happy week of the social worker. And I was at Orange Glen this morning, and the students there were all class by class. They had written little notes, drawing little pictures on post-its, and they were covering the entire door and the window of the social workers room over there. I'm not sure that she was aware of it. She was in a training inside the curtain was I think she's watching this whole thing. I think the curtain was down when I went in

186on that. But be quite a surprise when she came out, just to see all of the love that those students had for their social worker over at Orange Glen. But also, what I really wanted to say about Orange Glen, too, is I got to experience something kind of magical, I guess. In the room, I was in one of the classrooms and the teacher was very the class. They were very proud. She was showing us her. We talk about attendance a lot and how important it is for learning all of the reasons why it's important. And all of our schools are doing such great things around trying to get our students back engaged, their families engaged, getting our our students to attend more. And that's definitely been working. But in this class they had Monday, Tuesday,

187Wednesday perfect attendance, and they get a letter for each day of perfect attendance. And there's incentives at the end of that. But today they were missing one student while we were in there, while Mrs. Pitard and myself were in the room. And so she said that the principal said, you know, well, a tardy still counts. You know, they might still show up. This was earlier in the day. So they might still show up. I was like, well, maybe we should go to the office and call the family. Let's like, you know, maybe we can get them to come in, we can get them to come in, and then all of a sudden it's just cheer erupted amongst the students. And that student just walked in while we were in there. And the kids knew exactly

188the context of it. They knew what happened. One of the students ran to the door to get the magnet they have to put on the outside of the door, showing that they have perfect attendance again in their room, and you could just see, like the pride on the teacher's face and the engagement that she's created and the love in that room where you know, one of their own was missing. And when they showed up, they were just so happy. Everyone was so happy that that student was there. And so we're cheering them on for tomorrow for a perfect week of perfect attendance. And I expect the amount of energy and love in that room that every one of them will show up. So thank you to everybody out there that's working on keeping our students

189engaged and coming to school. And I think just wanted to end this meeting on just that kind of a positive note. So thank you all for coming. And go ahead. Thanks. Zesty Harper: Thank you. Will you let us know in the Friday update if he if they had perfect attendance? We need to know now. Oh let us know. But we're hoping we're hoping our next meeting will be March 19th here in this room at the Carilyn Gilbert Education Center. We do not need to go back to closed session. And we will not have a report out of it. So I am going to adjourn the meeting and hope everyone have a great weekend.