001and welcome to the Colton I like the background music by the way. I kind of feel like we should keep that rolling. Um, good afternoon. Welcome to this edition of the Colton Joe Unified School District Board of Education meeting for today, uh, September 18th. Yes, we're well into September. Somebody said, I think they said the training wheels are off on the school year and we are running. Um, we appreciate everyone being here this afternoon. Lots of wonderful things on the agenda, including recognitions and acknowledgements as well as some business. But we will begin by taking our roll call of members present. So, I'll turn it over to Miss Medina to please call ro of board members. >> Mrs. Sandival, >> present. >> Mr. Fuentes, >> present. >> Mrs. Flores, >> present. >> Mr. Ibara, >>
002present. Mrs. Haro present. Mr. Flores >> present. Thank you Mrs. Medina. At this time we'll begin our meeting as we do each meeting with the renewal of the pledge of allegiance. I'm going to ask principal neighbors from Grand Terrace High School to please lead us in the pledge of allegiance. He made eye contact early so you know he got picked. Please stand 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. >> Thank you, principal. And you have that great principal voice, so it's perfect. We offer trans Spanish translation services for anyone that would like to utilize those services. Um, we have Miss Cynthia Bueno tonight with us. She is our translator and I'll ask her to
003come forward and please share a little more information about our translation services. Hello. Yes. Thank you, board president Flores. Good evening. Thank you, Mrs. Weno. Our first item of business tonight is item 1.3, adoption of the agenda. At this time, there are no recommended amendments to the agenda. Is that correct, Dr. Miranda? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Um, and so we do not need to make uh a motion or have any action since the agenda will stand as presented uh when it was first posted. This takes us to our school showcase for this evening and tonight we have with us Grant Terrace High School. So once again, I'll ask Principal Neighbors to please come forward and introduce our student leaders who will lead our presentation tonight. >> Good evening, Board President Flores, board members, Superintendent
004Dr. Miranda, and members of the audience. It is my honor to welcome our students. I just want to give you this is a special week for us. Uh some of them may say an overwhelming week. It is homecoming week. So the fact that they are here uh presenting is something that really appreciate and grateful because not only do we have a homecoming game tomorrow, everyone is welcome. But we also have our homecoming dance on Saturday which is at Grand Terrace High School which I know they're doing a great job on. Also thank you Mr. Whis because I know he's being pulled into a million different directions right now. So uh definitely grateful for our team. So, I'd like to introduce our ASB student presenters. ASB president Nick Romo, ASB Senior Class President Deanna Sandaval, and
005ASB student leaders Michaela Esavl and Nehemiah Crossen to present our student showcase. [Applause] Good evening, board president Dan Flores, board members, Superintendent Dr. Miranda, and members of the audience. My name is Nick Romo and I am this year's ASB president. >> My name is Michaela and I am this year's sophomore class historian. >> My name is Nehemiah and I am a sophomore ASB student leader. >> Good evening me members of the board. I am Diana Sandville, senior class president. We are here tonight to proudly present our Grand Terrace High School showcase. This school year has been off to a great start and since then it's been really busy in Titantown. With the that being said, here are some of our highlights since our last presentation back in May 2nd. [Music] [Applause] >> We will begin
006with our academics. We are thrilled that two of our Titans once again represented the state of California at the International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest pre-ol science competition. We are incredibly proud of them. On May 8th, Grand Terrace High School proudly hosted the CJUSD Tomorrow's Leaders event in our gym. Students who met GPA and attendance requirements gathered for prize drawings. The highlight each year in Grant Terrace Prize, a brand new car for a lucky junior or senior. This GTHS very own Fernando Garcia took home the car. On May 9th, our AVID program celebrated its annual stole ceremony. AVID seniors shared the their future plans and honored a mentor teacher who presented them with their well-earned stole. On May 13th, our counseling department hosted their annual honor guard lunch recognizing the top 20 seniors
007of the class of 2025. Our principal, Mr. Neighbors, gave his congratulations before helping present each student with their cord. Oh. On May 20th, over 330 seniors were recognized for their academic achievements during senior awards night. After the ceremony, students, families, and guests celebrated with photos to remember the night. On May 22nd, we held our third annual college and career commitment ceremony in which 200 seniors proudly signed a banner committing to their next step. Community College UN Comm Community College University Military or Trade School. On May 21st, graduating seniors visited their elementary school's middle school and former teachers. They re reconnected with staff, played at recess, and some even surprised younger siblings and cousins. This annual tradition is one of our favorites. On May 28th, the class of 2025 graduation ceremony was held at the San
008Manuel Stadium. It was a beautiful evening for our seniors and and their families. Fun fact, this was the largest graduating class in US history. The ceremony ended with the with our traditional fireworks show lighting up the sky in celebration of our Titans achievements. On May 2nd, our choir program hosted its spring concert in the auditorium with Little Mermaid theme. Students performed iconic songs with fun choreography showcasing their incredible talents. The evening also included a heartfelt tribute to our graduating seniors. On August 6, our link crew program led by Miss Gray welcomed over 400 incoming freshmen. Students connected with their link crew leaders through icebreakers, team building activities, family groups, and campus tours and many more, helping to set a positive tone for their first year of high school. On August 26th, GTHS launched its very
009first PBS store of the year, giving students the opportunity to redeem their Titan tickets for the v variety of prizes, including Titan gear, electronics, and other fun items. The store was a huge success. Students were excited and engaged, creating a positive vibe on campus while reinforcing the values of our PBS program. On September 5th, our Care Pathway students organized a blood drive in the gym, giving peers and staff the opportunity to donate. The event not only saved lives but also provided students with a valuable hands-on experience in healthcare. Our fall sports season has in full swing with football, girls tennis, cross country, band, color guard, cheer, and volleyball all representing Titan pride. On April 29th, ASB hosted an unforgettable all school luau complete with complimentary lays for every student, live dancers in the amphitheater, and
010plenty of audience participation. The event also featured a variety of delicious food booths and exciting games, creating an unforgettable day for everyone. On Single Deo, ASB turned the amphitheater into a lively fiesta, bringing the spirit of celebration to Titan Town. With upbeat music and vibrant decorations, it was a perfect way to bring the whole school together, especially with Titan staff joining in on the fun. On July 30th, GTHS proudly hosted CJUSD's district-wide kickoff event for all staff members. The gym was filled with energy as employees enjoyed performances, games, a keynote speaker, and inspiring words to start the school year strong. On August 1st, we welcome back our Titan staff with a fun western themed kickoff in the cafeteria, complete with a miniature pony and dollface sheep. Teachers dressed up, joined mixers, enjoyed a donated breakfast
011spread, and took department photos as they giddied up for another great year. Now with student activities. On May 16th, we lit up the night with our annual Blacklight Sades Fest dance in the quad. This year's theme was Rio, and students came ready to shine with glow-in-the-dark paint, glow sticks, tacos, and dolip. It was a night full of music, fun, dancing, and of course, Titan energy. On May 22nd, the class of 2025 came together for their traditional senior sunset themed after the music artist Siza. Seniors shared burgers, snapped photos, and watched the sunset as a class. Highlights included a giant parachute throwback to elementary school in bed days and a balloon release and also featuring our senior highlight video. On May 30th, our graduating seniors celebrated grad night at Disney's California Adventure. After spending the day
012park hopping, the night wrapped up with an unforgettable senior celebration in California Adventure. On July 23rd, ASB members, both new and returning, kicked off the year with the summer with their summer retreat. Students bond bonded through ice breakers, brainstormed fresh ideas, and began planning themes for this year's events. On August 6th, the it was the first day of the school year, and ASB decorated the campus's entrances, played music, and welcomed staff and students with signs, while counselors helped students find their schedules. During the week of August 11th and through 15th, we celebrated the week of welcome, also known as WOW week. Our annual week of welcome brought lunchtime fun all week long. We kicked off Monday with two rounds of the watermelon eating contestes. Chuck Barry won four years in a row. Um Tuesday, we
013held the water balloon tosses. Wednesday we did our waterfall Wednesday. We trended with over 600,000 views. And then Thursday was our Mario Kart racing. And on Friday, ASB hosted its Titan family Friday of the first Titan family Friday of the school year with lunch on the lawn where students are encouraged to plan picnics and eat with friends. And ASB provides games in the amphitheater. for the second year in a row. Senior park seniors participated in our now traditional parking spot painting for the senior class. Students purchased spaces in the east lot, submitted their artwork, and then spent the day painting their designs with the help from family and friends. It was wonderful to see the creativity and individuality reflected in each custom parking space. On August 20th and 21st, ASB and the senior class hosted
014its third annual senior jeans painting workshops, and participation more than doubled from last year. Seniors got creative with custom designs, enjoyed music, and had fun decorating their jeans together. It was wonderful to see the students showcased their creativity through their painted senior jeans while also expressing school pride and each design turned out amazing. Our senior sunrise for the class of 2026 was held at 5:45 a.m. on August 22nd. This year's senior sunrise theme was inspired by the artist Daniel Caesar. Seniors started their day with donuts, snacks, and drinks. And they ended with photo ops, and making seniors bracelets. And of course, the traditional balloon release. On August 25th, our Lego themed fall sports rally filled the gym with excitement. Band, color guard, and cheer opened the show. ASB ASB performed a skit. Athletes were recognized
015in our student dance groups Marquee and Florio over performed. There were games including the giant Lego stacking that got the crowd hyped. And rallies are always a special time for our school community to come together and celebrate. Later that evening, Titans filled the stands for our first home football game of the season, showing off their school spirit with a fun minions theme. The crowd went bananas, and it was truly one in a minion night. The evening was also featured our youth night and our Tiny Titans cheerleaders performing alongside their student mentors during the pre-show and halftime. Our future Titan football players from Junior All-American were recognized and the Legacy Regiment Band and Color Guard delivered an outstanding halftime performance. It was an unforgettable night of Titan pride. On September 3rd and 4th, our campuses our
016campus was buzzing with activity when we hosted our annual club rush. This year's club rush brought a Winnie the Pooh theme to the an amphitheater complete with Tiger Pooh and Friends. Students explored a wide variety of clubs, enjoyed fresh popcorn and cotton candy, and connected with groups that match their passions and interests. Our goal is for every student to feel a sense of connection and belonging on our campus through Club Rush. On September 4th, we hosted a western themed football game. Students came dressed in western attire and our cheerleaders sported cowboy hats. Our football team saddled up for victory, securing their first win of the season in a thrilling comeback, defeating Redlands High School 21-9. [Music] [Applause] As you know, we are in the middle of homecoming week this week and after this presentation, we
017are heading back to our campus to continue prepping and setting up for our school's lunchtime activities, rally, football game, and dance. And lastly, for upcoming events, we have tomorrow. Starting off, we have homecoming court corvette presentations, rally, and football game. Saturday, we have homecoming dance with over 700 students and staff in attendance. Next week, we have SOA senior, and in the same week, we have academic awards. Next month the we have GT cafe choir concert, college week, college fair at lunch, unity day fall festival, football game versus Eisenhower, and lastly we have a costume contest and football game against Rupa Hills on Halloween night. On behalf of the students at Grand Terrace High School, thank you for your time. We welcome any comments and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank
018you. Well, thank you for that great presentation and I'll go ahead and ask my colleagues if there's questions or comments for our our student leaders, please. Uh, Mr. Fuentes. >> Thank you. I always get excited when you guys come because there's always fun things going on at Grand Terrace High School. And as I can see in the video and all the activities that are going on and Marcos, right on brother. Uh, it's exciting. Exciting that you make school fun. I I want to go to school again. If I ever go to school again, uh principal neighbors, you might want to have a 52-year-old man there as a senior, a real senior, actually. Uh but uh uh but all three of you, congratulations. Thank you. Thank you all four of you. Actually, all four of you,
019thank you. Thank you for uh bringing that presentation. You all did a great job. Very well done. Keep doing what you're doing at the school. and I'll see you guys tomorrow at the football game. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you, board member Fuentes. Other comments, questions from board members, please. >> Well, thank you for the presentation. I love the thunder entrance. It was like, okay, Titans are here. And um it was a beautiful video, very well put together, and your narration of it was exceptional. So, congratulations on that. Um I like the fact that um you you only not only have strong academics but you have so many fun activities which is also important you know specifically the the science and engineering fair uh that puts Grand Terrace High School at a different level uh
020and also the um uh AVID the your AVID at their school. It's also an great program. I did attend your back to school night which was also very very good. It was a little warm but it was very very nice and a lot of people in attendance. So I wish you the uh best year great year and looking forward to your next visit here. >> Member Flores. Other comments or questions? >> Right, please. Board member Thora. I was really impressed by your presentation tonight, but it makes me think you're having um homecoming dance Saturday night. School wasn't like this when I was going to school and Saturday night back in Minnesota where I grew up. We're having our 55th and um yeah, reunion for my high school class. So, it's a little bit different, but
021it's really exciting to see the kind of activities that you do. I don't know who keeps coming up with those great ideas, but it really looks like a fun place to be and learning should be fun. And so I was just good congratulations for what you're doing and keep it takes a lot of leadership to have those kind of activities, but you're making school fun for so many kids and maybe they're coming to school more because it is a fun place to go and learn. So good job. Thanks >> for that. Yes. And again, congratulations. great presentation and there's always something exciting going on in Titan Town. So, we we're looking forward to the homecoming week and and the year. And if you wouldn't mind coming up, we'd love to shake your hands. [Applause] All
022right. Well, this brings us to uh special presentations for this evening. I'm going to go ahead and take a little bit of a liberty here of flipping things. Miss uh Joanne, I'm going to go ahead and take 3.2 first since we have some special guests here. Uh our incredible delegation from Lassier. So, I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Mooney, our uh director of secondary education to introduce our guests and talk a little bit about this exciting partnership that we have this. >> Absolutely. Uh good evening, President Flores, esteemed board members, uh superintendent Dr. Miranda, executive cabinet, and honored guests. As director of secondary education for Colton Joint Unified School District, it is my privilege to present a truly exciting new partnership for our district that is on the agenda for your consideration. Tonight
023we welcome representatives from Lassiier University including Dr. Authur, the president of the university. The proposed agreement will offer our students to the next slide. Thank you. The proposed agreement will offer a direct admission opportunities for qualified CJUSD high school students. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring greater access to higher education for our students, building bridges from our classrooms to university success. At this time, I would like to invite Dr. Author to come up and introduce his staff and share a few remarks on behalf of Lassiier University. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Mon. Thank you, [Applause] >> Mr. President Flores. Superintendent Miranda, members of the board, allow me to introduce my colleagues who are here with us this evening. Um, our provos, Dr. Leslie Martin, please stand and be
024recognized. Yes. Yes. Our associate provos train. Dr. Mishra to make sure I behave myself. Public relations, Miss Dala Tucker. Please stand and be So at Lassi, we believe in access. Access to every young person who wants to go to college, who needs a college education. We are very diverse university. More than twothirds of our of our students are persons of color, Hispanics, African-American, Native Hawaiian, uh, Asian. We're a Hispanic serving institution. More than half of our students identify as Hispanic. So, we're very diverse institution. We're HSI, Hispanic Southern institution. And we're very proud that that's part of our heritage. We're known for our strong academics. Um, we are comprehensive university with over 120 majors. So, students can find a whole array of uh majors in which they can study. our faculty. I I think we
025have the best faculty in the nation. Uh it's not usual that you'll have freshman students their first year in college to be part of a faculty members research. But that's what we do because we believe in pouring into our students. So we have students who are freshman and they're in the labs and other research activities with faculty. Many of our students before they graduate not simply present at conferences but publish in peerreview journals. And so they become top of the line to go on to any prestigious academic graduate program because they're published before graduation. Recently some of our students went to a conference to present. They were juniors and and the faculty was were there with them. After they presented a faculty from a different university looked to a student and said I have a
026question for this junior faculty. What junior fac where is the junior faculty? No. Yeah, you're the junior faculty. And the student got up and said I'm not a junior faculty. I'm a junior at last year university. That was the carnival of the presentation. So we we pour into our students and and our students do well and we want to make ourselves available to the students in your district. Um so they can come receive a top quality education and and prepare themselves for the future. Many of our students are the first to go to college. And one such student, I'll end with her, Jacqueline, from this part of of Southern California, told me her story. Her parents moved to Southern California from Mexico, met here, fell in love, and the product of that is Jacquine. She's
027a gate scholar. Ba Millina Gates provide funding to go to college. Jacine is a Gates scholar and she's completing a degree with us. Talking with me, Jacine said, "My biggest ambition, my goal in life is to lift my parents because my parents still live in a trailer park." And she said to me, "Sir, as Lassa lifts me, I in turn lift my parents." And my dream in life is to lift. I call my parents often. Whenever I feel energized and I learn something new, I pass it on to my parents because I want to lift them up. She represents our student body. That's who we are at last year university. But here's my invitation to you. Come by, visit us and and um open invitation probably is not in your bylaws, but if it is,
028your next board meeting, have it on my campus. I want to give you a tour, see who we are, see what we do, and to make our set available to your students. We'll treat them well. We'll take care of them. We're looking forward to this partnership. Thank you very much. [Applause] >> So, thank you, Dr. Arthur, and thank you to the entire Lassiier University team for your commitment to supporting our students futures. We welcome any comments or questions. >> Yeah, if you don't mind, I'll jump right in there. Dr. Arthur, thank you uh so much for this um opportunity that you're providing to us and I think what's so valuable and you talked about this the importance of access for students and access has to be more than just potential opportunity. It has to be
029real. It has to be realized and I think and what we find here in our district with many of our students and families is that they don't realize that college can become a reality for them. Our students are talented. They're brilliant. They uh have experiences that they bring with them, the resiliency from their background and their families, but so often they're not shown the opportunity, the path, or the reality of a college education. They don't realize that that's something that they can do. And so I think it's not only important that yes I I think we all want to take you up on that offer and we want to tour your beautiful campus but we've got to get our parents there. We've got to get our students there and we have to help them realize
030that a college education is attainable is accessible and it's for them and we know the transformative power of that. Many of us in the district that work for the district, many of us sitting on this dis are first generation college kids and you are absolutely correct that it is transformative not only for the student but for the entire family >> and I I am so excited because this creates a pathway that now for our students and not just our high school students. I have one in middle school as well as high school but my middle school student, we talk about college. my sixth grade student, she she talks about college quite a bit and where she's going to go and and what she wants to study. She wants to be a vetinarian. She loves animals.
031So, we talk about the education that's required to do that. But it becomes part of that lexicon and the dialogue so that then the students realize yes, this is something that I can achieve. So, I I want to thank you personally and on behalf of the board for this opportunity. Um, thank you so much. Appreciate that. And I think we probably have a few other comments from board members. I know there's a lot of us excited. So, let me I'll turn it over to board member Ibara, please. >> Thank you, Dan. And once again, I just want to thank you, Dr. Arthur, for being here and bringing this uh opportunity to all our students here at Cone Joint Unified School District. A as you know uh our students are always looking for opportunities and as
032we take a look at what's out there for them uh we've been very diverse in as a district providing them with opportunities uh academically vocationally and even militarily by having ROC on our campuses as well. And I I was thinking as you were talking, you know, one of the things that we need to do is make sure that our students are familiar with your campus. And I think there probably wouldn't be a better way to start than with our AVID students who go out and visit universities and colleges throughout the year. And I think that uh because uh not only do the students go, there's parent participation when they go and we need to market it in a sense that they become aware of Los Sierra not too far from home just down the street.
033A lot of very a lot of positives. You mentioned many of them. the academics, uh, the support, uh, the nurturing that that comes along with what you and your staff offers. And I think that this would probably be a great opportunity. And we just need to take advantage as far as letting, like our president, uh, Mr. Flores said, letting the parents know that you're available and definitely letting our students go and visit and take a look. And one of the other things I was thinking that we could also do is if you can have counselors, uh, teachers come down and speak to our three high schools. Well, actually all our high schools. We have Slover as well and and make them aware of what you have to offer because once again, I'm a big proponent
034of opportunity. Opportunity makes things grow. And if they see an opportunity just down the the 10 freeway, then it may be something that they may choose to to take advantage of and we want to make sure that they at least know that you're there. So, thank you very much for being here to you and your staff. >> Board memory bar. Other comments, please. Board member Bertha Flores. >> Okay. Um, we as a board, I know, well, me and I'm sure my board members, my colleagues agree, we're honored and proud to enter into partnership with your prestigious university. And, uh, one thing I think that we, um, both have in common um, our district and your university is the strong commitment to equity and to diversity. So with for that I'm really excited to see what
035the things that we can do with for our students. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Very pleased. Port member Fuentes. >> Thank you. Thank you for coming out. Uh Dr. Arthur and your team. Uh, I think my colleagues have said everything I wanted to say, but one of the comments is, "You made me smile when you share Jacqueline's story with us." Because that's what we want to hear when we have students that uplift parents because they're the ones that actually make things happen for them. And that just tells me that Lassiier University uplifts their students and commits to their students and gives them that passion to do that. So I want to thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Because that smile is never going to go away. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Well, at this time
036we would love to take a photo with you if we can right here in the well. So we'll go ahead and meet you here in the well and we'll take a group photo. knew I liked them. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Wonderful. Well, thank you for that uh wonderful presentation. We look forward to approving that item a little later in the agenda and kicking off our partnership with Lassi. We'll go and jump back to item 3.1. This is our employee recognition item. And so I'm going to ask our directors of human resources. So I believe we have Dr. Cvantes and Mr. Enisil here to please present our employee recognition for this month. >> Good evening board president Flores, board members, superintendent Dr. Miranda and members of the audience. At this time uh we would like
037to present our certificate management of the month and that is >> Melissa >> Missy Kingston. [Applause] >> Sorry we couldn't resist. >> And Christina said it's okay because it's a myar balloon. and presenting her is assistant superintendent Dr. Anthony Ortiz. [Applause] Uh good evening board president Flores board members and Dr. Miranda. Uh it's a uh exciting to be able to present one of my own uh team members uh from my division for this distinguished award. Uh I'm going to go ahead and do two things. I'm going to read the statement by Miss Sally Lopez Marcus, who's the teacher who nominated Miss Kingston. I'm going to end with my own comments. So, I'm going to go ahead and read her statement. So, I'd like to nominate Miss Melissa Kingston for employee of the month. Missy, as
038most of us know her, embodies every quality we value in a teammate. Hardworking, honest, helpful, knowledgeable, approachable, and truly inspiring to those around her. She is the go-to person for so many of us. when someone has a question or needs guidance, she's the one people call, or so I hear, uh, because she almost always knows the answer and gives clear, thoughtful directions that helps with decision- making. Her advice is trusted, pra practical, and always grounded in what's best for students. No matter how busy Missy is, she remains uh with a smile, which makes her approachable, and always genuinely help willing to help. She never makes anyone feel like a burden and always takes time to support others. Whether it's answering a quick question, offering a solution, or simply finding being a sounding board. Sorry. Her
039knowledge and calm leadership make her a pillar of the Colton team. What's even more remarkable is that in everything she does, she keeps kids success at the center. Her decisions, her work ethic, and interactions all reflect her deep commitment to helping students thrive. She leads by example, showing us what it means to serve with heart and purpose. It's no surprise that whenever her name comes up, it's immediately followed by she is so awesome. I think that should become her tagline. Uh her positive energy, deep expertise, and unwavering dedication make her not just an outstanding employee of Colton, but someone we all look up to. It's time we recognize her the way she truly deserves. I used to work side by side with Missy, but I have gone since gone back to the classroom. She still
040stands as my role model and I can still call her for advice. Even though I'm in the classroom, I'm never surprised when her name from colleagues is followed by she's so awesome. So in honor of Missy, I instead of writing something long, I I did an arro acrostic poem using her last name Kingston. So K knowledgeable about the law and her work. I incredibly dependable and responsible. N never misses a day. Her attendance is stellar. G sense of dry, edgy humor. S short in stature but strong in her convention convictions. T trustworthy, responsive, and always available. She's one of those that no matter time of day or weekend or whatever, she's going to pick up the phone or respond uh to the text messages that we have. Uh O, open and honest. She's going to
041give it to you straight whether you want it or not. So, and N natural leader who adds value to my division. So, on behalf of student services division, Miss I just want to congratulate you and thank you. >> Appreciate it. [Applause] Uh I just want to say thank you. Um I was very surprised uh by this and and humbled and honored uh to receive the recognition. Um thanks for all the love and support over the years from my own family, my work family. Um I love working for Colton. I've spent really I was thinking about it half my life just about here. Uh it's my 27th year. Just look forward to the future of serving the community for CJUSD. So thank you. [Applause] One more round of applause. Applause for Missy Kingston. [Applause] >> And
042that concludes our presentation for tonight. >> Thank you. Thank you so much for that. And it's proof that even if you miss the meeting you're supposed to be recognized, you can run, but you can't hide. We will find you and recognize you. So, thank you again for recognizing Missy and all the wonderful things she does. Next on our agenda, uh we have a couple of public hearings under items four. So 4.1 is the Association of Colton Educators Sunshine for Colton Joint Unified School District. So at this time, I will go ahead and open the public hearing. I do not have any public speaker cards. Miss Medina, do you have public speaker cards for this item? You do not. Does anyone wish to speak on item 4.1? All right, hearing none, we will go ahead and
043close the public hearing. And that concludes item 4.1. Item 4.2 is Colton Joint Unified School District Sunshine for Association of Colton Educators. Once again, I will open the public hearing. I do not have any speaker slips in front of me. I'll ask Miss Badina, do you have any cards? Does anyone wish to speak on item 4.2? All right. Hearing none, I will go ahead and close the item, the public hearing for item 4.2. And that concludes the item. This brings us to public comment. All right, just a reminder to all our public comment speakers, I would ask that you please come to the podium and address your comments to the board of education. Uh we do have a threeminut limit on public comments. Um and while we can't necessarily respond or engage in a conversation
044due to the Brown Act, please know that we hear you and we will certainly refer you to the correct personnel u to follow up. So we want to make sure that you that you get the information that you need. So our first speaker for this uh evening is Mr. Michael Morales. Can you hear me? Okay. Good evening. I just want to start by saying I think I need a spot over there with the grand terrace. I'll meet you over there. Board member Fuentes. That was an amazing presentation. All right. Um, good evening members of the school board. My name is Michael Morales and I'm here today as a concerned parent of Bloomington High School student athlete. I've been a registered nurse for nearly 25 years and worked as an EMT for six years before that.
045Currently, I serve as a nursing administrator for one of the largest freestanding medical offices in San Bernardino County where I oversee 70 physicians across 19 specialties and a key part of my role is mitigating risks. Risks to patients, to staff, and the organization from litigation. Tonight, I want to speak about safety and risk for our student athletes, our schools, and our district. At Bloomington High School, our athletic trainer is out on maternity leave. We've been told coverage will only be provided during games, leaving practices uncovered. This is alarming because one study by John's Hopkins University reports that 62% of all organized sports related injuries occur during practice. Without a trainer present, care is delayed, treatment is compromised, and recovery time is extended. Meanwhile, Colton High School has a full-time trainer. Grand Terrace High School, I
046believe, is using a substitute trainer available at this time. That leaves Bloomington uncovered, creating inequity within our district, and inequity creates risk. Risk to student health, risk to liability for the district. The district had advanced notice of this maternity leave. Choosing not to act while ensuring other schools remain covered could be viewed as negligence. In today's latigious environment, that is a serious liability. Research led by Aaron Shore at University of North Carolina National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research shows that schools with athletic trainers experience lower rates of fatalities and permanent disability following catastrophic injuries. The risk is not hypothetical. In Maryland, the Howard County school system is facing a lawsuit after a student athlete went into cardiac arrest at practice. Without a first responder present, the student went without care for 15 minutes, resulting
047in permanent quadriplegia. Closer to home, Corona Delmare High School faced a $31 million settlement after a sports related traumatic brain injury. These cases demonstrate the enormous cost, both human and financial, of failing to pro be proactive and implementing safety measures while mitigating risk. The evidence is clear. Most injuries occur at practice, and the presence of an athletic trainer significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic outcomes. I urge the board to take swift action, hire a temporary trainer, either directly or through contract, or create an additional substitute position to cover Bloomington High School. By doing so, you will protect our student athletes, reduce liability for the district, and show that equity and safety are true priorities. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Morales. And I'm going to uh refer you to Dr. Ortiz. We just had a
048brief conversation before the meeting. Um we do have a plan in place, but thank you for bringing that to our attention. That's a serious matter, and we will address it. So, thank you, Dr. O. Our next speaker is Matthew Hernandez. Uh, good evening uh, Superintendent Dr. Miranda, board president Flores, and board members. I am Matthew Hernandez, and I am the chairman for the Relay for Life Colton Grand Terrace Cancer Walk that is held at Colton High School football stadium each year. This year, I'm excited to announce that we are celebrating our 20th anniversary that Relay has been held in the city of Colton. 20 years ago, relay started with five teams and 30 participants. Before COVID in 2020, our relay had grown to 70 teams and 8,000 participants. Since 2020, our relay has been in
049a rebuilding mode. This year, we have 45 teams signed up, plus about 18 outside vendors, expecting 2,00 to 2500 participants. In the 20 years, our relay has raised $1.24 million. Those funds go towards research, providing rides for patients to and from treatments, providing lodging for patients and their caregivers near treat treatment centers, all free of charge. There are many families that have been touched by cancer, mine included. In 2021, my mom passed away from leukemia, her third fight with cancer. So, I do this in memory and honor of of her. One thing that relay does brings communities together to fight this disease. The continuation of this vital work is possible with your help. Making a real diff difference in the lives and together a future free from cancer can be created. Each year you all
050have taken the first step in the fight against cancer and that is approving and allowing us to use the football stadium at Colton High School for our event. We thank you for that and for your continued support and dedication in the fight against cancer. Our relay event is on Saturday, September 27th. Yes, 10 days away. Thank God. We placed an invitation card along with a small goodie bag at your seat. And at this time, I would like to formally invite you all not to only come to our event throughout the day, but to join us at our opening ceremony activities kicking off to 20 years relaying. Opening ceremonies will take place at 9:00 a.m. followed by our first lap dedicated to our survivors and their caregivers. The day is filled with games, raffles, food, music,
051and short ceremon ceremonies. Our relay committee has been planning this event all year and is committed to a smooth event and is excited to see that it is finally right right around the corner. Support can make this year's relay for life the most impactful yet. Working together can help save lives. Thank you for the relationship that has been established between Colton School District and Relay. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, September 27th at Colton High School Stadium. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Hernandez, and we look forward to seeing you as well. Thank you for the invitation. >> Those are all the public comment speaker slips I have for this evening. So, we will go ahead and close public comment. And this takes us to our administrative presentations. And item 6.1 is
052our unodudited actuals presentation. So I'm going to go ahead and call assistant superintendent from and Miss Sarabia to please lead this presentation. >> We're here to project the unodudited actuals. That was kind of chilling here. The unodudited actuals present a comprehensive financial conditions of our district as of June 30th, 2025. This is a critical report that serves multiple purposes for our educational community and regulatory compliance. >> Good evening, board president Flores, board members, superintendent Dr. Miranda, and members of the audience. Uh this slide here shows the um the comparison between what was projected last spring versus what actually happened at the end of the year. Overall, our revenues came in 3.2 million higher than expected, largely due to a fair market value adjustment required under Gazby accounting rules along with stronger um interest earnings than
053we had expected. expenditures came in 4.1 million higher, mainly from salaries and benefits that shifted from restricted resources as well as capital projects and technology purchases. The net effect was a slightly larger deficit than anticipated, coming in at 976,000 more than initially projected. Even with deficit spending, the district maintains a strong fund balance of 92.6 million supported by the strategic use of one-time funds in prior years. This reserve helps us manage rising operational cost and the impacts of declining enrollment. This graph shows how close the estimates were to the final numbers. This accuracy is a result of the hard work of the fiscal services team. With a team of 20 uh staff members, everyone plays a vital role in these reports and the success of um of successfully closing the year. Uh so I would
054like to you know thank them for the job that they did this year in um our reporting for the district. Next slide. Um, this slide shows our education protection account, which is a statemand mandated fund that can only be used for classroom instruction. In 2425, the district received 64.1 million, all of which was used to support certificated classroom staff. This amount is included within the 282.7 million this district received in LCFF revenues. Nearly 87% of our unrestricted spending goes to salaries and benefits. This reflects the people centered nature of education. It takes staff to run schools and serve students. The rest is spread across books and supplies, services, capital outlay and inner fund transfers. So this is how we spend our money in 2425. We invested $236 million in staff. Staff cost represents the largest
055portion of our expenditures, reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators and support staff who make impact on student success. We spent $7 million on learning materials last year. every book, everything from books and classroom to art supplies to robotics kits, STEM programs and supplies for maintenance and offices. So, if you walk into a classroom and see students doing hands-on science experiments or reading with brand new materials, that is what this spending makes possible. Spotlight enrichment through services. $21.2 2 million went into services that expanded our opportunities for students and support district operation. This covers assemblies that inspire kids, buses that take them on field trips, after school programs that keep them safe and engaged, and professional development that help teachers grow. Services are where the dollars turn into experiences, the kind of moment
056that students remember years later. Building on our future, we invested $2.5 million in capital outlay, which includes things like new buses, technology upgrades, and facility improvements. This isn't just about fixing what's broken. It's about creating spaces and resources where students can thrive. Whether it is a safer ride to school, better Wi-Fi, modern classrooms, these investments shape the learning and environments for our students. The district made 52.4 million in contributions to ensure that critical programs are fully funded. 33.5 million went to our special education programs, ensuring that our most vulnerable students receive the services they need. 12.2 million went to our routine maintenance, keeping school safe and operational. 5.3 million went for risk management, which protects the district from liabilities, and 1.5 million went for child development and technology, supporting our youngest learners and creating future
057ready classrooms. Beyond the general fund, the district has 11 other funds, all of which ended the fiscal year with a positive fund balance. Next step and future focus. Our next step is an independent audit to validate all of these results. We'll be preparing for first interim report this fall for the 2526 school year. We will continue monitoring expenses closely to assure fiscal responsibility and above all we will stay focused on aligning financial resources to student success. Thank you. And any questions? But before, I love this picture. We decided to change up our presentation. Thank you to Maria Amanda to show us why we're here for students. And this one is the best picture of all because it shows the beginning of education here and then the end of it. So, I thought it was a
058perfect slide to put here at the end of our presentation. So, any questions? Thank you for that. Um, questions, comments from board members. There's a lot of good information included in that. Uh I'll let me ask a couple question if we can jump to slide three. Uh and this is something that was was touched upon and it's really important. Uh this is obviously the numbers um in which we're going to be ending the year here, which we technically ended the year. There we go. All right. So, uh it's been some time since we've actually ended the year with with an actual a true deficit and we're here with a with a deficit uh actually a little more than what we anticipated. It's not uncommon to budget a deficit. I've seen that in multiple budgets here
059at the district, but we've been very good throughout the year through a variety of of means being able to save money. Uh, and then we usually end the year a little bit in the black. It may not be much, but it is. Um, but this time we're ending true with a true deficit. Can you talk a little bit about that and what changes um are taking place, I'll say, because there's also a difference between uh a one-time deficit, which may be planned, and then a structural deficit, which quite frankly um is what many districts across California are looking at because of changes like declining enrollment. So, can we talk a little about that? >> Yeah. So one time money 2020 school districts up and down the state were flushed with onetime dollars because of COVID
060and that uh in past years we were able to take salaries and move them over to the restricted move expenses to there to use up those funds. Those funds are all now gone and that so that that has a huge part to play in it as well. >> Can we and that so that's a good point. So we were I think again smart in utilizing those onetime monies that came from the feds maybe even the state that came through COVID. We utilized those saving some of those ongoing but those funds are gone and so now we are truly spending the revenues that we are have available to us predominantly from the state um going forward and I know we usually do our projections but what is the estimated annual uh deficit going forward? Do we
061know one two year three out? We've done our projections. We've have them. We've approved them. So, what's the ballpark on those? >> Next year, rolling this deficit into the next one, it doubles to 32 million. Uh, and it continues to go. But that those are projections down the road. And that's if we don't do anything to address those as it sits here today. We are addressing it. We're working on aligning our expenditures to our revenues by tackling the lowhanging fruit first, looking at expenses that we can still move over to restricted funding positions we can move over there. um things along that that line as well too. So, we're not going to sit by and not do anything because if we do, it's just going to continue to grow. So, it's going to be a
062lot of hard work, but making sure we keep our investments focused on students and their needs. So, we got to look at our needs and align our resources to our needs. And then also, we need to take a look at what we're investing our dollars in currently. And if we're not seeing the results that we're getting, then we need to make choices to determine if we're going to keep investing in those or put those those those funds elsewhere. And as well, >> well, I just had uh board president that over the last several years, we've been um expecting those dollars to run out. We've been aligning our staffing every year to the decline enrollment. So, that's where you start. The biggest threat to what's happening as you mentioned decline enrollment that's the biggest threat to
063all budgets because we see significant losses there. So because 87 or so percent of the budget is sal is salary and benefits. That's where you alignment through attrition is a big way that we've done it. We've worked with our partners our union partners on that. uh so to ensure that the the staffing ratios are are within uh alignment if you will uh and also looking at the other resource that's where we've been we've been uh strategic on on that the se last several years otherwise the uh deficits have become structural uh and then uh then you know then after that you have nowhere to go and so uh so I will add that Greg and I we've uh started working on what we call the budget stability uh plan to uh ensure that uh you
064know even though the next three years out when you look at the uh multi-year projections look solid we're able to meet our reserves uh and the reserves are still really high. Let me also stress this is the unrestricted account is not the total budget. So that's a big another piece but that doesn't really help us down the road. So uh we do look four or five years out uh in terms of that's why we're really focused on decline enrollment and what's happening with that so that we can make adjustments there. And so uh it's a u a lot of moving parts but we we're really focused on that alignment piece. And not only that, but I'll just say this. Uh you'll see that u we're pleased to inform the board that our ADA for the
065first month is up. It's 94.2% overall. That's over 1 uh 1% increase uh which is huge for our district. So you're seeing those measures the uh 10 10 95 the 95 our schools and our principles that are out there do phenomenal job with that. uh that that is just uh what we're doing. We're advertising uh and trying to uh come up with uh uh plans to attract more people to not only show up but to enroll in our schools. Uh and you see commercials and advertisement because we also have to look at it from the revenue side. We don't have much control over that because that's a state control. But whatever we can do and again we stress ADA and coming to school not just because I mean obviously kids that need to come to
066school to learn number one but also we're funded and Greg says this all the time. You know we're we're only we're funded by ADA which is a uh a faulty way to fall uh fund schools. we don't get funded uh on how many kids we enroll but rather uh how many kids show up and that is where we're we're doing a good job with that. Uh thank you for that. So I hope that helps a little bit. I don't know if you guys want to add anything but that thought I'd mention that. >> Dr. Miranda is absolututely right. The students one percentage point we can raise our ADA is a million plus dollars that brings in in that. So, we need to get our kids to school here and we're working on ways to recruit,
067should I say, students from outside our district. We have opportunities to do that. We're very unique here where we border four different districts. So, we're marketing to try to get students to enroll, marketing to keep students here as well, too, because we lose some of them based on proximity to Fontana schools from where their middle schools are and that. So, it's getting the word out, marketing, too, because we're doing, as you've seen in our board meetings the last couple weeks, there's awesome things going on here and we're working on marketing that, keeping people to stay and recruit them in as well. But it's just managing our funding to match our revenue to our expenses and making smart decisions where we're going to invest in the district. And that and that's what it is. And that's
068why this PowerPoint was very important because we saw what we're doing. reinvested in facilities, in our students, in our teachers, and all of our staff, which we need all of that so kids can be successful and learn. >> I I appreciate that and thank you, Dr. Miranda. You're right. ADA um is important and and the example that I give to folks who sometimes ask, well, I don't understand how this ADA thing works or or why is it such So, regardless of whether a classroom is full or half full, whether you have 15 kids or 30 kids, you're still paying the teacher. that campus is still being cleaned. The lawns are still getting mowed. You have fixed costs. Essentially what we're talking about, these are fixed costs to operating our sites. Whether you have a third
069of the kids there, half the kids there, or all the kids there. So when we don't have all of the kids, we're getting a third of the money or a half of the money, but we still have 100% of the cost. So, it's a it's a simple analogy, but I think it helps folks understand that our doors will be open, classrooms will be open, uh people will be ready to teach, to to provide support services, campuses are going to be cleaned and maintained whether a child steps on campus or not. And there's a dollar amount associated with that. And so, yes, not only we have to address the reality of declining enrollment, which again, I'll reiterate, it is not just the Colton Unified School District challenge. It is across the county and is across the
070state of California. So, we are not in any different situation than others. Although, I'll say actually we've done a better job of of smoothing that out. Other districts, particularly out west, have just seen uh their enrollment drop like a rock. I mean, there's been school closures uh and communities near the beach. Um and other uh Orange County communities, LA County communities, they've seen school closures um with substantial losses. We've not encountered that yet, but one way of staving that off is increasing our our ADA and making sure that kids are getting to school so they can learn and that we can have the resources to make sure that they're supported. So, um, but I do I will reiterate and thank you for for being prudent and we have been throughout my duration here and beyond,
071we've been very good and smart. I mean, we have a very healthy fund balance. Let's be let's be honest about that. But at 134 million dollar deficit that could potentially grow $92 million uh can disappear very quickly and so we can't take it for granted that we've got enough there to get us through whatever it might be because we don't know when that next turn is going to come. So we have to be smart. So I look forward to the future presentations about how we're going to make those adjustments intelligently protecting the students and those core services protecting our staff um and then seeing how we can make adjustments. So, um, I appreciate it, but thank you, Dr. Miranda. Any other comments, questions? So, >> yeah, we're we're we're going to get out ahead of
072this clearly, and we're in good position, and I appreciate it. We've not seen some of the challenges, cuts, um, or layoffs, let's just call it what it is, that other districts in Southern California have seen already. So, and that's a tribute to the work that you all do. Thank you. And thank you, Dr. Miranda. Appreciate it. All right. This takes us to our action session items for this evening. Turn the page here. We have action session item 7.1 through 7.44. I am going to ask that we pull items 7.11 for separate consideration. And I will ask if there are any other items that board members wish to pull for separate consideration. >> 7.41, please. Any others? All right. Hearing none, I will though uh entertain and ask for a motion to approve items 7.1 through
0737.44 with the exception of items 7.11 and 7.41. >> So move. >> Motion by board member Ibara. Is there a second? Second by board member Thorino. Any comments or questions? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose. Any abstensions? >> No. No. That's >> So you're you're a yes vote on the balance. Okay. >> All right. Just to clarify then that will be a that's all right. It's a seven 70 vote to approve uh the items with the exception of 711 and 7.41. So those are approved. Excellent. Um I'm going to jump to 7.41 41 only because I do want to allow uh for Mr. Fuentes to abstain on 7.11. Um 7.41. I'll ask if there is a motion for approval of 741. >> Okay, I have a motion. Is there a
074second? Okay. Board member uh Sandaval seconded. All right. Um board member Haro, comments, questions? No. Okay. Just a vote. All right. All those in favor of item 7.41, 41 please say I >> I >> any opposed any abstensions right the item is approved with board member Haro dissenting and that takes us to item 7.11 and just one quick point of clarification Just want to make sure we get that point of clarification. So, uh, at this time, we'll ask for a motion for item 7.11. I'll go ahead and move that one. 7.11. Is there a second on item 7.11? Okay, we have a second by board member Thorinoa. Mr. fores. >> Yes, I am going to abstain on it because I am employed with one of the contracts on there which is Young Visionaries and I'm
075going to step away Okay, we do have a motion to approve item 7.11 and a second. Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? We have board member Fuentes obviously who did abstain and left the dis. So, it is approved. Joanne with six board members voting. And that concludes our action session items and we'll jump into administrative reports. All right. Are there any questions or comments on items 8.1 or 8.2 under administrative reports? All right. Uh we do not have a facilities update for this evening. And that takes us to our ACE update. >> Good evening, President Flores, members of the board of education, superintendent Dr. Miranda, cabinet and community members. On behalf of Association of Colton Educators, I thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight as we present
076our sunshine uh proposal for the 2526 school year. Our educators from our brand new teachers to our most experienced veteran come to work each day with one mission in mind to ensure that every child in Colton has access to the highest quality education in a safe supportive environment. These are the foundations that allowed our educator to do their best work in the in the service of students and they align directly with our shared district vision of academic excellence and safe and supportive schools. I also want to highlight um the tremendous growth of our induction program here in CJUSD. As you know, I'm very proud of that program. Currently we have 45 trained coaches most of whom are trained in cognitive uh coaching working with 75 induction candidates. This investment ensures that our newest teachers are
077not only supported but are growing into reflective pract practitioners who will remain in education and in Colton for years to come. This is one of the best example of how collaboration between ACE and the district translates directly into student success. Our team is uh formed of four ACE members and uh three district um administrators. As we enter negotiations, ACE remains committed to good faith dialogue dialogue and solutions that will move our district forward. Our goal is not only to retain and support our current staff but to make Colton a place where educators want to come st uh um stay and thrive. We are al also looking into negotiating uh the calendar for 26 27 and 27 28 potentially uh and our goal is to be done with that by the first board meeting in December
078as some of us are planning vacations. Um, thank you for your time and for your partnership and ensuring that Colton is a nice place to work and live. And I really enjoyed Grand Terrace High School uh presentation. I never had a high school presentation uh a high school experience in the state, but I want to go there except they have too many balloons. >> Thank you, Mrs. Barachchi. Our cse update. No update today. All right. Thank you, Mr. Guama. Mac update. >> Good evening, Board President Flores, board members, Superintendent Dr. Miranda, and members of the audience. First, I would like to say um happy Hispanic Heritage Month. As a proud CJUSD Latina, the first Bloomington High School principal, Latina principal, I am very thankful for all of the things that this district has offered. Um,
079many of you know that I am an alumni of CJUSD, graduate of Colton High School and also have um been born and raised in this district as well as raised through the ranks of classified staff member, certificated staff member, and now principal. So, I wanted to share that because I believe in all the power and um opportunities that CJSD has offered our students and I'm thankful for that and I hope that we can continue to inspire many generations moving forward. So, with that, CJSD MAC would like to share an update. Sorry. Next slide, please. Thank you. Um, for those of you who don't know, we currently have our MAC board, which is um, our board is a two-term service. Um, they will be uh, retiring or finishing out their term in the next this school
080year, the 26 uh, school year. And so, um, I am serving as a board president. We have a VP of legislation, John Abbott, VP of equity, Adrina Fjo, VP of membership. We have a vacancy currently. So, if any uh management members are interested in joining, we'd gladly welcome you. We have a secretary, Tiffany Davis, treasurer Amber Duran, and we have two alternate representatives, Charlie Neighbors and Sebastian Pachchi. Next slide. We since our terms are ending, we do have an opportunity for voting. So, we'd love to have you as a management um team member. Um regardless if you're part of MAC or not, you may submit um recommendations for nominees to represent on our board. We have all of our um available areas to nominate. And so, we have a form there and we've also sent
081this out in a newsletter to all of our MAC me members. This year we are trying to change some things up and so we want to make sure that when people register and join MAC that they also receive their CJUSD shirt. And one thing you may notice there with our shirt is we have the MAC logo. We have the achievement equity and wellness statement which is our district's vision. And then we also have on the sleeve um it says one team because we also want to continue to foster the district's per purpose of serving with purpose as one district. And now I'm going to turn this over to Dina Fjo who will talk about our next uh social event. >> Thank you, Evette. Good evening, board president Flores, board members, superintendent Dr. Miranda, and members
082of the audience. AXA would like to invite everyone to the social that we're going to be having on October 20th. Um we'd like to invite all AXA members and all management as we would like to continue to build community. And if you can save the date and join us, we're going to be doing some laser tag pool arcade games, gel blasters. That one looks fun. And of course, we're going to have some goodies. So, a special invite also to our board members as well. Thank you. And then we also have our women and leadership network event that's coming up on October 18th. So, we encourage some of our women leaders to get connected and um attend this wellness gathering. Next slide. And then as a reminder to all of our new management members, we want
083to encourage you to join AXA. There's many uh reasons why you should join AXA, but among them are professional development, networking opportunities, professional legal assistance, and professional liability coverage. Also, you receive a leadership magazine and newsletter each month. And there's many more reasons to join Access. So, there's a link there for you as well. And that concludes our presentation for Mac. Thank you very much. you for the presentation. Lots of wonderful things happening. All right, let's takes us to RO update. >> Talk about one thing that we since it's the beginning of the school year, there's not a whole lot yet, but um the Kryop team and our Col Colton Adult School principal, Mrs. Hatter, toured the San Bernardino County Fleet Management Facility. The visit aimed to c cement our partnership and continued support for
084the our adult vehicle maintenance technician program. And um when they when they were when they went to this event um they realized that this facility uses the same tire balancing machine. All the machines that we have in our uh automotive classrooms um in the three districts, they're all we're using the same equipment that they're using at the adult school at the uh fleet management facility. And if so much so that they uh decided that they have room over there and they want to build a classroom for Kryop to use uh for students and for the adult for the adult school. So it's really exciting that and you know other people are jumping on board. So that's pretty cool. So I wanted to share that Frank. >> Oh that that was uh exciting to hear that
085uh that they're interested in doing that. Uh we did get an opportunity to congratulate our superintendent of Kryro uh Mr. Angle for a very very successful evaluation from the board. Uh he's done a stellar job the and every year everything seems to grow. I think the the main thing is that there's always something new going on with him. He's always looking to move forward and uh bringing in uh uh as an example aviation to Kryro uh opportunity for students to learn how not only to build an airplane but how to fly an airplane. He's also bringing in the uh electrical car maintenance mechanics and every school that has a mechanic shop will get uh electric car to build and learn how to uh to service. So, uh we were very pleased. Those were couple of
086things. The one thing that I uh kind of mentioned to that I was glad that he did is that he's very very visible. You'll see him on uh Facebook, you'll see him on Instagram, you'll see him on Tik Tok, you'll see him at every school throughout three districts. And he gets along well with all the students and his shows. So, uh part of the game there is marketing and making sure that students are aware of what Cryopro has to offer. So, we did that. Uh we also had uh our service years award. We've had some 20 year old 20-year service recipients 15, 10, and five. And uh what that tells us is that a lot of people who u start working for Cryopro, they like to stay there for a while. and uh they've it's
087because of them continuity uh the strength of the program continues to grow and uh as they get better every year which they seem to be doing that only services our students a whole lot better. So I'm very pleased with that. And then we also had a a a very uh good uh budget report. Uh it seems like every year for the last 20 plus years I've been with them, they've always have great budget reports, always have plenty of money, and there's nothing to worry about when it comes to them. So, uh that was that was also good to hear. And uh one of the things that I think every board member from Redlands, Yuka, and Con, uh there's never any any any public comment. So they particularly Redlands they they like the idea that there's
088no public comment, right? I can only imagine what they go through at their end. So Israel, you know, I don't have anything. I did not make uh my foundation meeting. Uh but all I know is that we are looking for a different venue. Uh I think uh the the uh evening of excellence will probably be at a different venue this coming year. Uh but uh we're still looking at that. And if you want to donate, please go on to the Kryoph foundation website and feel free to donate. Thank you. >> Thank you for the update. We appreciate it. All right. This takes us to our superintendent communic Dr. Miranda. >> Oh, thank you board president. Uh good evening everybody. Oh, you guys are still awake out there? Yeah. All right. So, it's a honor to
089be here this evening and all those online. Uh hopefully you're uh listening this evening to uh these great things that are happening in our district. I do want to mention a a couple of things here, maybe three. Uh first, I want to start off with uh an invitation to everybody uh our parents, everybody out there. We are super excited to personally invite all of you to our first uh African-American parent advisory committee meeting, APAC as we know it. Uh it's uh the first meeting of the 2520 2526 school year. So this year we begin with a focus uh on scholarships and resources designed to open doors for students and strength support for their future success. So at this meeting you're going to get some great information and I want to for families you're going to
090learn not only about uh valuable scholarship opportunities available to students but also uh resources uh to support our uh your child's journey uh through school and beyond. And then uh you'll be able to connect with other families and community leaders uh who are united and uplifting our students. So, the date and time on Monday, September 29th at 6 PM here uh in our uh CJ CJSD boardroom, also known as the professional learning center at 900 East Washington. So, we believe that together we can empower students to uh dream bigger, reach higher, and achieve more. Uh and serving with purpose together as one district is our model for the year. So, we hope to see all of you here. Uh the next uh slide please and uh just more in regards to increasing our parent engagement.
091Uh so uh on Saturday very excited again and thrilled to announce that on Saturday October 18th along with uh executive cabinet uh we are honored to host a special parent orientation at Colton High School. Uh this is going to be uh dedicated uh to celebrating you our parents and equipping you with some important important information about key initiatives in every division in our district. It's our way of saying thank you for the vital role that uh all of you play in our schools. So we're we're going to do this. Thank you to Casey Robertson nutrition services. Uh so the morning is going to begin with a delicious breakfast prepared again by our amazing nutrition service team in the NPR. Uh followed by some information inspiring hopefully inspiring presentations uh at 9:00 a.m. in the Whitmer
092Auditorium. Uh there's more planning that's happening. Uh Katie Olaf, our director of communications is taking the lead on that. So please parents and everybody watch for more details as the date approaches. Uh can't wait to honor um all of our parents the strength uh that you bring and the partnership to another successful school year. All right. So one more u we're so proud of our culinary pathway. We want to spotlight uh this program. uh just proud to show that a Colton High School's culinary pathway uh or has the pathway has been selected to be featured during the advancing California apprenticeship summit. It's a statewide gathering of apprenticeship leaders, public officials, educators, employers, uh and community partners. Pardon me, I'm sorry. Uh this is going to happen on Wednesday, October 8th at 9:30 a.m. The summit
093particip participants will tour our culinary program as part of our showcase of innovative pre-apprenticeship models for across the region. It's a great and tremendous opportunity to highlight the talent that we have here in Colton uh and the dedication all this future ready the future ready skills that our students uh have. So I am looking forward to uh sharing the excellence of Colton High School with leaders from across California. So that's going to be very awesome. You see our beautiful culinary building at Colton High. Uh it just uh just amazing what we're doing there uh in our district at Colton High School with our culinary program. And with that, that is my communicate this evening. >> Thank you, Dr. Miranda. We appreciate that. Okay, this brings us to board member comments and we will begin this
094evening with board member Thorinoa. Tonight's presentation from La Sierra University is really encouraging. There are so many kids who don't really understand that you can go to school um don't understand that whole concept. Um, so for us to be able to provide something like that for all of our kids and I hope we can really get behind it because we have a lot of kids in this community who probably could go to school if they really understood how to do it. AVID does a great job, but there's still other kids that we need to reach because we all know Dan was talking when kids when you get a better education, you have a better future and it it affects the entire family. And I just I'm really excited that we're about we're doing that and
095of course I want to congratulate Missy on her award tonight. So that's all. Thank you. >> Uh board member Sandaval. Thank you board member Ibara. >> Thank you Dan. Also I want to take the opportunity to uh to thank uh Dr. Mooney. He's still here uh for bringing uh Dr. Arthur here from Lom Linda. Uh not Lom Melinda, La Sierra. I'm thinking Luminda is next. >> Yeah, they're next. They're next. Uh because uh like I mentioned earlier, opportunity is always something that we want to provide our our uh our students and direction. So, this just one of many opportunities that they could take advantage of. And we're hoping that we can at least pave the way by associating ourselves with them, bringing some of their staff over to our schools so that our students can
096meet them and or taking our students to them. This way that they become more familiar with uh and that would tie us with uh La Sierra in that sense. So, it it'll be great. Uh, as we well know, too, that many of our students, you know, really don't leave the area after high school, per se. And, uh, being that it's just down the street on the freeway, you know, it could be more uh, something that their parents could also support in a lot of ways. You know, you don't have to pay dorm and uh, and food cost as we all know how that can go. So, that'll be something that we can uh promote and push. Uh the other thing I just want to uh bring and ask is the fact that the gentleman who
097came in talking about the athletic trainer and uh at Bloomington High School, uh I was curious to know how long has our original athletic trainers been out and how long have we known that she was going to be out for uh for maternity leave? And how come, my question is how come the athletic director did not reach out or did they reach out to get a substitute? Uh because this is something that we've discussed time and time again over the years that we need to have someone there for our athletes available not only for the football but for volleyball and all the winter sports that are available and we can't go without that. and uh you know what he quoted as far as injuries uh yes the higher percentages if you've ever played sports or
098familiar with it in any way happens during practice and uh so uh I'm just uh more curious how come we hadn't take care of this issue and it wasn't addressed and wasn't brought to our attention not ours particularly but to the attention of administration uh by the people who should have brought that to their attention so that our students would stay safe. You know, that's one of the things that we promote safety within our schools and that's something that I take real serious if they are not doing their job and we need to know and uh and if they did, who dropped the ball along the way? Who did not bring that? because we should not, I'll be honest with you, we should not have a parent coming to us addressing this issue and they
099should not be put in that position to do that in any way. And since he came up, you know, and I know that wasn't easy for him, uh, but he felt it was important enough to do that. So, you know, that that bothers me. So, uh I just like to uh see uh you know what happened and why did the parent have to come when that you know that should not have happened at all. Period. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bar. Dr. Man, if you can follow up uh with us. >> We we will. Board member Haro. >> Yes. Just want to thank everyone for being here this evening. We had some really great presentations and um I want to thank Dr. Ortiz uh for the uh uh immigration uh I I don't
100know what you want to call them the videos that you did the Yes. I listened in on one of them and um and and you know, like you said, you told a lot of it was um you know, the same information as last year, but there was one key thing that you um mentioned that it really hit home for me when you said it. Um you spoke that um that we need to our our schools need to do better. They need to um not only when they get these health, you know, their health cards or whatever um that they need to also have on their besides who to contact if a child gets injured, but who to contact in case of their family members get taken by ICE. I I I uh you know I
101don't think that was something we had thought of before and and now it's a reality and we're seeing it happen um you know in other districts thankfully. Um but that doesn't mean it can't happen here. And I think it's it's good because you said um if we don't have that alternate person on that form then this then we have to call CPS. you know, and these students are already going to be traumatized. Losing family members and then having to turn them over to CPS is unthinkable. So, I want to thank you for that. And in fact, I brought it up um it was in my board member comments um at our Kryrot meeting as well and uh Ukipa and uh Redlands had not thought of that also and they were very grateful and um for
102that information and that we were doing that. So I just wanted to really thank you for that. So >> yeah, >> um I just want to add something to that. Uh, two weeks ago, just so we could have some reality, I was going to work driving up Sea Street only to notice some ICE uh vehicles at the corner of uh 9inth and uh Sea Street. They had a whole family uh father, mother, grandmother tied up with uh zip ties on the curve. But that but also what took notice is that they had I would say a 12 year old, a 10-year-old, and probably a six-year-old tied up with zip ties all seeing the curves. The kids were crying. And as I was driving through, I'm always saying, "Keep on going, Frank." You know, I felt
103like stopping and saying something because I noticed that their front door was broken in. Like they had just busted through the front door and dragged them out. So that's just down the street from where I live. And uh you know it's they're here and you know you may not see them but I saw them and uh it wasn't pleasant what I saw. So I just want to add that. >> Thank you for sharing that. Um board member Fuentes. Thank you, uh, board president. Just wanted to say thank you everyone for coming out. My apologies. I haven't had a vehicle. I finally have one and, uh, it broke down today. Bought it. Broke down today, but it's something very simple. We'll get it fixed tomorrow and I'll be back on the road and I'll be out
104again visiting schools, going out to activities and stuff. I have some DJing to do in around the district. Uh, some for some career college and career days and some other events that are coming up. And I just want to apologize for not being around, but I'm back. So, uh, as of Monday, I should be ready to roll out to the schools and go out to some of those activities. I also wanted to, uh, just thank, uh, Lassiier University for coming out and sharing. Uh, you heard the story of Jacqueline. You know, it's one of those things that for me it's a big impact when you have students who can share things like that and go back and say, "Thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you mom and dad for being part of my education, for
105being part of what you've done. Also going back to other teachers and saying thank you whatever teacher it was or whatever administrator it might have been or whatever nutrition person it could have been or our M partners because like they say it takes a village. It takes a village for our students but if we don't teach them it will come back and burn it. I don't know if you guys know that. So that's the end of that. That's the end of that saying. And I think it was Dr. Miranda and I who heard that at a at a at a session where it does take a village, but if we don't know how to teach them, they will come back and burn it. So, it is an opportunity for us, and I want to thank
106them for opening those doors for our students to go out there. And I'm hoping that even our adult school might get involved into that. You know, maybe those parents that want to go back to school. My dad didn't get his uh degree till he was 55 years old. uh he got his master's degree in theology and counseling and was actually getting his doctorate but in 2009 uh cancer did take him uh home and but it an opportunity for all of our students and even our adults. Uh one other thing I wanted to share and it's an honor to share this. Uh, I have been nominated for the CALSA Impact Award, which is the Inland Empire Chapter of California Association of Latino Superintendent and Administrators. So, it is an honor uh to be nominated to be
107part of that. I wanted to share this news with everybody because I'm excited. I'm excited. I never thought something like this. I never look for recognition. I never do because what I do, I do it from the heart and I do it with a lot of humbleness for everyone. But to be nominated for this, I really don't know who who nominated me, but it will take place on October 23rd. And if you want to come out, let me know. I'll give you the the address. I'd love for your support to for you to be there and support me. They're asking me how many people are coming out. I told them, well, maybe about 20 thou No, I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. So, it's just an honor. It's just an honor to be nominated uh
108for this impact award uh through Kelsa and our superintendents, Latino superintendents and administrators. That's all I have this evening. Thank you everyone. have a great weekend and uh watch out for those that rain. >> Thank you, board member Francis. Board member Bertha Flores. >> Yeah. Um Dr. Tom Day, day of community services this Monday at Wilson Elementary School from 4 to 6 and we'd like to see community members attend and help. Uh it's a beautifification project for Wilson Elementary School. We're anticipating the community to come out and celebrate what Dr. Tom was all about. We don't want to forget what his legacy is. And um you know there's going to be uh music, there's uh pandul nachos um and uh supplies will be provided so you just come with your with your energy and your
109spirit. So hope to see you there um this Monday at Wilson from 4 to 6. Good evening. Good. >> Great. Thank you for sharing that. That's good to know. All right. Well, I'm going to take a point of personal privilege here and just share something because last meeting we had the opportunity to adjourn in memory of uh Bernie O'Haya and but I didn't have an opportunity to share much about his life or legacy. Um part of that is because he was so tight lipped about so many of the things that he had done. But we knew that he had done a lot. And so I want to thank Joanne Thorino, board member for Thorinoa for allowing me to have a little bit of an insight. And she shared with me a letter that was sent
110to her uh from someone who served with Bernie in the Vietnam conflict. And so if you'll just allow me a few minutes, I'd like to share excerpts from that letter written about Bernie. And this is a letter from Captain Arnold Samson, a native of Baltimore, one of the few black US Army helicopter medevac pilots uh who flew during the Vietnam War. From March 1968 until late February of 1970, I served as a medical evac evacuation helicopter pilot. My unit was the 68th Medical Detachment and was located in Chulai, Vietnam. The general call sign for the medical evacuation mission was dust off. The UI the Huey aircraft we flew had no machine guns nor door gunners, so we flew into uncertain situations which could often turn hostile quickly. Our sole job was to extract sick, injured,
111and wounded personnel who needed to get to a medical facility. Pilots were celebrated because they had to get an expensive helicopter from their home helport out to a location which was often in the middle of nowhere, pick up the injured, get them back to the hospital, and then get that quarter of a million dollar aircraft back to its home helport. We were like the football quarterbacks. When things went well, the crew was intact and the ship was still flightw worthy. But the true heroes were the men in the back of the chopper. They were the real heroes because they were well-trained, tireless, and courageous soldiers who had to expose themselves to hostile fire to assist in getting patients on board. These men were like the wide receivers who score the touchdowns. And in football, touchdowns
112win games. Of special note were medics like Bernard O'hada Senior. Medics had to commence emergency medical care that involved giving gravely wounded men something to stop them from bleeding out at the same time while comforting them and give them the hope that they would survive both the ride and the care that was coming. And there were no bad medics. Still, there was something intense and great about Bernard. The only thing bigger than the courage exhibited by the crewmen was the modesty they often showed when they returned stateside. That quality applies to Bernard. Some of his actions were so inspiring that I eventually wrote a book about my experiences and mentioned him by name several times. The book is entitled Dust Off more than met the eye. One reference to Bernard in the book was that
113he was so successful in aiding gravely wounded GIS that I wondered if he had 13 hands. And I don't know how many men he helped or saved, but there had to be a ton of them. Grandchildren are walking the earth today who would not have been born had Bernard not helped save their grandfathers. Bernard was quiet and unassuming and an incredible presence on the missions during which we flew together. Many years after the war was over, I learned that Bernard worked in the emergency room of one of the two hospitals where my unit delivered patients. He asked to be assigned to the dust off unit because he wanted to be closer to critical moments when emergency medical care was first needed. Now, nothing in Vietnam was truly safe, but working in a hospital was much
114safer than sitting in the back of an unarmed helicopter. The fact that Bernard requested to be assigned to us speaks volume about his courage and dedication to saving lives. And a few years ago, I received a letter with the name on the return address block. I'd only met one in my entire life, and I was surprisingly guarded about reading the letter. When it came to my PO box, I opened the envelope in my car, and when I read the first sentence, I knew it was from Bernard. I did not read further until I was sitting in front of my computer because I wanted to be able to type a heartfelt response irrespective of what Bernard had to say about me. I wanted him to know that I thought he was a superb medic and if
115he was writing 30 some years later to criticize me, so be it. Instead of criticism, I was shocked to read a totally unexpected apology. Bernard said that he wanted to apologize for not standing up to a few unitmates that did not want him to praise me for landing a damaged aircraft on a marine base not too far from our hillport. During that flight, the collective control, the one that allowed us to rise or descend, had been crippled by a bullet to the sleeve inside the engine. That bullet came through the windshield of the ship on what was supposed to be a routine mission. Bernard responded quickly with a burst from the M16 sitting in his lap. That might have saved the ship from having even more hits. And for a good while, we could not
116get the ship to descend, and it seemed like we were destined to run out of fuel and simply drop out of the sky. With God seeming to control my hands, I was able to get the disabled ship to slowly slide to a landing like it was a fixed wing plane. Thanks to Bernard, that unconventional solution, which no textbook I had read covered, is responsible for all of us finishing that mission in one piece and unheard. Frankly, I think Bernard's fast response to return fire was also a factor in how things worked out. When you see a Vietnam veteran, consider shaking his hand or giving him a hug. Please join me in asking God to watch over Bernardo Hayda Senior. The time to give special people their flowers is while they are still alive and can
117see them. And if you can find it in your heart, say a prayer for this good and brave man. We have heroes that are amongst us and unfortunately not all their stories get told. And I'm grateful to just share a snippet of what Bernie did for this country when he served, let alone what he did in his many years of service in law enforcement, protecting families and children and schools and students as a as a school resource officer. And Joanne, I want to thank you again for sharing him with us. And we absolutely are praying for you and we are praying for him and we are blessed to have to having uh for having known Bernie. So thank you for that. >> And we have You know, I don't know that I ever really saw
118Bernie smile all that much when he was here in the meetings, but that is a awesome picture with Bernie smile. And in many ways, I think he's still in the back of the room sitting there watching over all of us, making sure that we get in safely and we get out safely. And I appreciate that. Absolutely. Thank you for that. And we will go ahead and adjourn into close session. to address coming from closed session. Uh first item is item 12.1 student discipline and revocation. There was one student discipline item presented in close session. Is there a motion to uphold the expulsion order as presented? >> I'll move. >> I have a motion by board member Fuentes. Is there a second? >> Second by board member Thoren O'Hada. All those in favor say I. >>
119I. Any opposed. Any abstensions? Hearing none. Uh the expulsion order is upheld as presented. 70 for student discipline item or excuse me for student ID number 1076445. All right. Item 12.2. Uh in close session on a motion by board member Fuentes and seconded by board member Thorinoa and carried on a 70 vote the board approved the personal public employee appointments as posted on the agenda. In item 12.3 in close session on a motion by board member Haro and seconded by board member Fuentes and on a 70 vote the board appointed Jenny Preiato, assistant principal at Grand Terrace High School. Congratulations. And then uh item 12.4 in close session on a motion by board member Fuentes and seconded by board member Bertha Flores on carried on a 601 vote with board member Haro abstaining. The board
120approved the superintendent's 2025 evaluation as presented. That is all that we have. So get home safe.