001All right. Good evening. It's 7:06. We just got out of close session. So, we're going to call the U regular meeting to order. We're going to start with the pledge of allegiance. Dr. Vala, would you lead us in the pledge, please? your heart begin 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. All right, we do have a couple of corrections to the agenda and that is on page uh 19. It um says uh the funds are coming out of LE. Let me get the right page here. It's like come on. Not when you want to go fast, everything falls apart. Here, >> it says page 19. So, let me see if that's the right page.
002I'm looking at one of the notes here. Page 19. Um, at the bottom where it says spec uh specific financial impact, uh, it's 43 million out of LEAP funds. 43,000 out of LEAP funds. it should be 403,000 out of ELOP funds. So that's a change there. And also over to page 22, it's the same change. It says LEAP funds. Um the bottom it should say ELOP funds. And on page 54 to that one >> and 54 says LEAP funds and that should say capital facility funds. So, those are the three changes that we have there. Um, I'd also like to make an amendment to the agenda and that is under new business. Um without uh if everybody's okay with it, I'd like to move item C and new business uh which is the superintendent contract
003up in front of item A so that we can do that first because Dr. Valla has to get on the road. And so if you don't mind if that's a problem, let me know. Otherwise, I need a motion to approve the agenda as correct or amended, please. >> Second >> and corrected. So, we have a motion to approve the agenda as corrected and amended. All those in Oh, excuse me. We're going to do all votes tonight by roll call because we have uh Miss Smith, Morimmer Smith on the phone. Marlene, can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay. We have board member Smith who's going to be um joining us from the Czech Republic. She's she should be sleeping right now. It's very it's very dark over there. Um but anyway, so she's joining from
004there. So we're going to do all votes by roll call. All right. So uh Nette, roll call, please. >> Mr. Castro, >> Mrs. Gatuso, >> yes. >> Mr. Leeb, >> yes. >> Dr. Moran, Mrs. Smith, >> yes. Miss Velo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pereira. >> Yes. All right. We have an agenda. So, if there's anybody here tonight or anywhere that would like to uh have an item placed on our agenda, you may do so by getting that request to the superintendent at least two weeks prior to a regularly scheduled board meeting. And that item, if it's within our purview, will be considered for inclusion in a in a future agenda. There's anybody here tonight that wishes to make any comment on any item that is on our agenda tonight. You may do so when that
005agenda comes before us, step up to the podium. Um we'd like to ask you to uh state your name and then um you'll have three minutes to share your concerns on that agenda item. If there are multiple speakers on that agenda item, you'll have a total of 20 minutes. Three minutes each speaker, a total of 20 minutes. If there's anybody here tonight that wishes to address the board and any item that is not on tonight's agenda, in a second I'll ask you to come up. Uh you'll come up to the podium. We ask that you identify yourself and you'll have three minutes to address the board on an item that is not before us tonight. Um also um if there are multiple speakers on the same non-aggenda item, you'll have a total of 20 minutes
006for non-aggenda item comments. With that, anybody here that wishes to address the board on any item that is not on tonight's agenda, come forward. All right, seeing no one come forward, we're going to uh move on to reports and um I forgot to make one correction to the agenda. Um and that is that was my fault on the under roll call. Um we don't have Ilana here tonight as a student rep. We have Leila Navaro. So, Leila, sorry about that. And we'll need to make that correction in the uh minutes. That was my fault. Um Ila, you're on. I'm Navaro and I'm Los school board reporter. Today, we're going to start with Pacheo High School's board report. Pacheo High School is in the busiest season of the year. Over 20 students competed in sectional public
007speaking contest with four advancing to the regional contest. From there, Estrella Chavez will be moving to the state Elcredo contest later in April. Our judging teams have been competing across the state in dairy cattle, a fabrication, vet science, and veggies. We have over a 100 students working hard to prep the animals for the upcoming Mayday Fair along with wood shop floral and a mechanics working on their projects. The Panther Showdown prefair will allow students to compete for banners and buckles while practicing for the fair. Pacheo will host the tier 2 floral certifications where students from surrounding areas will try to pass their hands-on floral certification test. We are looking forward to a productive and fun remainder of the school year. Esports made the playoffs and Team Mario Kart has finished undefeated with the record of
00890 and is coming in ranked third in the state of California. Team Super Smash Bros. has finished with the record of eight at 8 to1 and will head in the playoffs ranked 26th in the state. Wednesday, March 18th, Pacheco Choir participated in the California Music Educators Association festival. This is an adjudicated festival where choirs receive a rating comparing them to the National Standard for Choir. Both choirs received ratings of excellent with the superior giving to each of their site reading as well. Counselors have held many workshops and meetings. Senior parent meeting March 17th. Fresno State ROC presentation March 20th. Creekide registration meeting March 23rd. Preparing for senior year workshop March 23rd. Resume workshop March 25th. College and Career Fair, March 25th. Preparing for senior year workshop, March 25th. Freshman orientation, April 9th. Senior information assembly,
009April 16th. Now, Laspanos High School's board report. Prom is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, with final preparations underway. Prom elections and campaigning has begun with voting taking place at prom via five-star. Class officer elections have also started providing the students opportunities to take leadership roles. ASB has further supported future leadership by interviewing middle school students and selecting ASB members for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Additionally, ASB is collaborating with Meyers to sell ice cream during breaks and outside school events as a fundraiser helping support upcoming student activities. On May 30th, the Laspanos High School Chamber singers, traveled to New York City for a premier performance opportunity, joining 120 voice mass choir, including assemblies from Florida, New York, and Texas Tech University. Our students performed an expert level under the direction of Dr. Alan Zabriski.
010A major highlight was the world premiere of I will walk these woods with you, composed specifically for the event by Patrick Vu. Beyond the stage, students spent five days exploring the city with a local guide, visiting iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Special thanks to Eric Soursby and Melissa Hernandez for organizing this once in a-lifetime experience for our students. FFA Laspanos FFA has held veterans dinner serving on 960 meals during the Honor Flight dinner. All proceeds will be donated to support our veterans. Henry Miller Farm Day was a huge success. students educated local youth on the vital role and importance of agricultural industry. Modesto field day as well. Congratulations to our high placing teams. Big team first place, dairy cattle third, fruit tree judging fifth, small engine
0117th. 28 students traveled to Ontario for state FFA convention to join 7,000 members for motivational speakers, workshops, and career expos. Special shout out to Max Meny placing third in the inaugural state FFA auctioneering competition. Just as Barnyard Buddies was a successful teaching youth animal care and showmanship. Thank you to everyone who assisted with activities and cleanup. Gidley Field Day. The fruit tree judging team took third place overall. Anthony Martinez third high individual. Andrew Goins fourth high individual. Western Dairy Classic. Congratulations to the dairy judging team for placing second and highest teams. Thank you. >> Great job, Laya. Thank you very much. >> All right, on to uh next item. California School Employees Association report. Do we have a report tonight? CSTA. Seeing none, next up is the Laspan Teachers Association. Welcome, Jen. Good evening and
012thank you for having me up here again this evening. Um I'd like to start by welcoming Dr. Valla. Thank you so much. We're so excited to see what you bring to our district with your experience in CTE A and elementary. So that's going to be an it's going to be great for us to have some new perspective and we'd like to thank Dr. Richie for all that you've done so far and we continue to keep working with you because we have good working relationship. Um, I would also like to thank Dr. Wheeler for the opportunities that she's providing with our community schools projects and all of the wonderful things that are going on. Uh, Mr. Lee and I were both in a meeting this afternoon with the guiding or the the steering committee and talking
013about the things that have been going on and what's happening in um, our community schools. I would like to announce that at the street fair on April 18th, uh, Lasanis Teachers Association will again have a booth where we will be giving free books out to any child under 18. There will be one free book uh that's new for anyone and then unlimited of the used books. So, and we have a very wide range of donated used books that our community can please come and take advantage of. Um, I would also like to make sure that you understand what's going on with the California state budget coming up. Um, as I'm sure you've heard, the governor has proposed a 5.6 mill billion dollar deferral in Prop 98 funds. I I was unable to make the last
014board meeting because I was in Sacramento lobbying on this very topic. Prop 98 is a guarantee in our California Constitution that was voted on by California citizens. that guarantees 40% of the California budget goes to our public schools. While we understand that this is a deferral, our kids' needs are not deferred. Their needs happen now and they happen today. We can't say, "Well, we're going to wait to provide those services until we get the money." We need the supports now. So, anyone who can contact their state congress people to express your opinions on the topic would be very helpful. Um, I will be going up again in May hopefully before the revise comes out. We usually plan that and be able to knock on a few more doors. So, um, please keep that in mind
015as as you're thinking about what's going on. We that funding is not optional. That is our con our students constitutional guarantee. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. >> All right. Facilities report this Monday. Good evening everyone. Here to do my April 2026 facilities update. Um Mo restroom is 100% complete. We completed that over spring break and we're working on closeout documents and the notice of completion for that. Um, also completed over spring break was the Los Spanish Junior High fire alarm. So, working on closeout documents and notice of completion for those. Um, the seven new fast chargers were also completed. Working on closeout and getting reimbursement from Sanwaqin Valley Air Pollution Control District. They're paying for those whole things. um FOT, our EV PV solar array there. Um we're waiting on one more thing which
016is the main disconnect which is required by P Genie. It's about a 20-day lead time and then commissioning can happen and then we'd be able to get reimbursement for that project. Um our Las Vegas high school modernization. So what's going on with that? A lot of action. Um building H, which is the classroom wing. Um we're doing um they're working on the framing for the windows, the interior and the exterior framing. Um we're going to be starting putting the insulation in next week into the walls and the ceilings. Um they've been having to work on some storm drain and rainwater lead replacements. Our soil here is very corrosive. It's eaten up um anything that was not clay. Um so we've had to do some replacement of that. Um we are working on our electrical demo
017and roughening right now. And then they're working on some dry rot repairs um on the sophets of those uh of that wing. And then building L, which is our new administration building, um they have all the all the trenches um dug out. They were doing um the electrical, the storm drain, and they're working on the electrical. All it's all stubbed up. Um they're working on forming the footings, and we're supposed to pour the slab for that building next week. So, we'll see how much how much damage that rain that just came right now. They're going to have to clean out all those the trenches we have. So, they're going to have to pump those out, get them back ready for for the the footings. Um and then we're supposed to set that building the 24th
018of this month. So, um once it gets set, then we'll start putting it together and doing the rest of the stuff. They're also working in um building A, which is Tiger Gym. Um, so currently nobody can go in there. It's under abatement. They're demoing and doing the abatement. They'll be doing that for about 3 weeks. Um, we have had some conversations with the school site, the principal and the leadership team um there regarding activities this summer and how limited um the the le the more we give them, the less work we can do and then it drags it out. So, we're really trying to have no act minimal activities on campus this summer. Um, so CPM, our construction management team, met with the leadership team there at the high school. Um, so they could kind
019of explain the staging and why we need to do this. Um, from my understanding, it was received pretty well. Um, and we're encouraging we're encouraging coaches or or people who have clubs or whatever they want to do in the summer, like they if they could borrow another space at another school. So, I know wrestling is one of those things. Lost Spanish Junior High is a beautiful wrestling room. Is that something we could work with? So, th those are kind of the conversations we've been having to try to to try to um meet the needs of those groups and those those athletes. Um but it's it's difficult to do construction and have a full campus at the same time. Um the early education center um so it's been open for a while. We've been just kind
020of um watching kind of how things are going. There's a couple um operational things that we have found that we need so we need to add some speed bumps. Um people are speeding down that very narrow lane there. I don't know why they would do that. Um so we're going to put some speed bumps in. Um, we've hydro seated out the front area there. It should be coming up and coming through. Um, on Monday, the final punch list item will be done is putting the AV equipment into the MPR. So, we had been waiting for some equipment to be delivered. Now, we have it. We're going to get that put in. And we're planning the ribbon cutting ceremony for that um site. Uh, we're going to secure some dates probably early May. So, we'll be
021looking forward to that. Um, Volta modernization and parking lot. The existing parking lot was refreshed and restriped during spring break. So, all of the parking lot stuff is done. Landscaping is complete. They're doing the Mapes panel and exterior doors this week. Um, so everything that had been holding this whole project up is happening right now. So, that's very exciting. Um they're working on installing the tiles in the restrooms and then next week we'll be putting in the flooring, the plumbing and electrical finishes, the fire alarm and the final cleaning. We expect to take occupancy no later than April 27th and we will be planning a ribbon cutting for the around the last week in May. Um, I know that's a busy time, but the we have a time capsule at that if you guys remember.
022I had talked about that. And the school's yearbook comes back towards the end of May and they would love to be able to put that in the time capsule when we do our ceremony. So, that's what we'll be doing. Um, and then next week, um, Crossroads is on, um, their spring break, so we'll be installing, um, some cubicles there for them. Um that was to address some safety concerns with point of entry um contact and just contact with the public when they would come in. They would have access kind of to the whole room. So we've made that safe when they come in for the staff and students. And then they needed a office for their principal. He had no place to work out of. So we got him an office there. So that'll be
023happening all next week. So any questions? >> Muso. Um, and you might have told this, what's the the completion date for the admin building at Los Banis High estimated? >> I I will I will um I will need to get back to you with that. Um, if I can come next meeting with a full schedule because it's suggested since we've added this a lot of new work. So, they've been um we just had that meeting last week about the staging and that's why we had to talk to the school site. Um but so they're adjusting their schedule and getting it really tightened up um now that we know those additional changes we we added the locker room and all that. So >> thank you. >> But I can bring that back next time. >> Mr.
024Lee, >> two things. Do we know the timeline for the signal at the TK center when they're going to turn it on? >> It was supposed to be April 24th. So let me That's the date that they P Genie's given me. Um, >> it's it's our it's our responsibility, not it's on our list, not the city's list. Correct. >> So, the city has to approve it. Um, but the date I was given was April 24th that it was going to be up and running. So, I can verify that the city has approved the programming at this point, but that was what was holding it up was they wanted it programmed a certain way. We went back to our engineer. He gave us the information we needed. We passed that along and I haven't heard anything
025for a few weeks. So, it seems like it's we're just waiting for that April 24th date. >> Okay. >> Second question is um what's the status of the the new digital video sign at Veterans Memorial Stadium at PCO High School? >> I am going to defer to Dr. Lee on that because I have no information other than that. I know it's a discussion but I have not been given a green light to move forward. >> Yes. So we actually gathered the call back for the full price uh to including all the conduits the fiber uh right now I'm currently putting a budget together. So share has something to work on for BSA and with our inspection uh cost as well. So I'm going to provide that full cost to the school site and then we
026decide move forward or not based on the available funding they have. Do >> you anticipate the board seeing getting that next month? >> Um I'm working as as fast as possible to get them the full cost of that budget and then we can make collect >> it's been a project that's been talked about for many many many months. So we just we need to move this on. If we're going to do it we need to get it done. Is it >> that hasn't come to the facilities committee? So I I don't know anything about this. What is >> what's going on with the >> digital sign? >> Yeah, I know. But what's going on? >> So from my understanding this the school wanted a digital sign at their football field. That is not a project
027on our list that on our deferred maintenance list. Um so we we ended up I think putting it on there but it wasn't until like 2030. the school doesn't wouldn't wants it sooner. And so they had offered that they had money to pay for that. And so I keep getting asked like, "What are you doing?" And I keep saying, "I need a budget line and a budget. I can't do anything without a budget line and a budget." And um just this week we had some communication and and I don't have a green light to move forward. I mean, if like you said, we haven't even taken it to the facility subcommittee. So, I just I I don't know um who's going to make that decision that we're doing it and when we're going to do
028it, but but to answer your question, there's no way we we can bring it next month. I don't think we wouldn't have all the information yet. >> Right, Miss Katuso? >> So, I'm just going to make a comment. We've had lots of people that have donated to that sign because they already started a campaign a while back and those people are waiting and don't have an answer of what's happening with their donation. So either you know we need to make a decision andor those people need to be notified of what's going on. That's I just think that it's they deserve to know. They've donated money earmarked for that sign and it's not come through, not you. Thank you. >> G, did you have something on this? >> Yeah, I wanted to add to that. >>
029Oh, hey G. Leave you out here. >> Thank you. >> Um, one of the things was they went out and got a quote for that, but there was a portion of the project that was not included in that. So, we had to go back out and bring some vendors back in to make sure that the because there was no conduits running from the press box to the new scoreboard. And had we not gotten involved, then they would have had this brand new scoreboard with no way to hook it up to the press box. So, that has been the holdup. We are working with vendors trying to finish up that quote to get the conduit back from the uh scoreboard to the press box. And so had we not there would have been a big charge
030coming at him. And uh so that's where we're at right now. We we've I think we've got the final quote today. And so, um, I we looked at it and it looks good, but you know, it's it's should be coming, but that was the hold up. >> Yeah. >> How much money they fund raise then, you know, then not we'll bring that to the facility committee. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you for that information. Any other questions for Miss Monday? >> Thank you very much. >> All right, on to uh community schools report. Dr. Wheeler, welcome. >> Good evening everyone board. Good evening Dr. Richie, Dr. Valla. Thank you all for uh coming in this evening and we have um some you know fun updates uh from the work that we've been doing.
031Am I am I doing it wrong? >> It's not all that. Yeah. So, we have the March uh recap and some preview for the end of year. So, um our video uh tonight before I get started on it, it's going to feature some of our um overview, a recap of the parenting classes uh that we've been holding um at Pacheo High School and Grasslands. Those were districtwide. One was a parenting class where um parents got to spend some time and the their their children went and did an enrichment activity. And the other one at Grasslands was our um literacy circles uh group where the families could come together and they learned some literacy skills with their with the um around books and did activities. And so you'll see some of that as well as we've
032been expanding now that we have our family resource center um you know soft grand opening we've been um expanding our uh clothing closets as well as the panther closet that opened the panther hub that opened up at Pacheco um and so we've been doing a lot of um outreach for uh our clothing closet and we've also had community members come and donate and that's been very really great also that we're able able to start having those interactions with the dropins at the family resource center. So, if you could press play. Oh, is it just a picture? Oh, no. It wasn't when I sent it. It was a video, I promise. So, anyway, it's a cute video. What I'll do is I'll I'll send the video to you all. I I'll email that to you so
033that you will have a um a copy, you know, can take a look at it. And so it's just fun to see the the different activities. What success together does is with the lit the lit circles, the family book club is what they call it. Um they have the whole family can come in, they have dinner and then they have a book and they um show the parents how to read to the students and how the students can read to them and then they also do an activity. So, um, in one, uh, activity that I saw them do, there were it was a book about a crab, and then they learned how to fold and make crabs. You know, if there's something about birds or whatnot, they'll do a fun activity so that the family
034gets to um do that together as well as learning those skills to take home and then they're incentivized to read books and come back and they get prizes and and whatnot as well. So, it's a fun interactive um activity. And then the um success together seeds of hope for the parents was a social emotional um kind of how do we take care of ourselves first, you know, the the the mask um you know the oxygen mask first before we take care of our children. Um and really talking about that self-care and what that means. And so the parents have been asking for that and there was a great reception for that. So then our end of year preview as uh Jennifer mentioned we're going to be at the downtown street far as well and we're
035hoping that we'll be uh nextdoor neighbors. So we'll be you know look for all of us together having fun reading books and uh meeting families and and community members. Um and then the F FRC, not only will we have a booth depending on where they put us, we'll also have the storefront will be open for the F FRC. So we'll have people coming in in and out. We'll be able to show people where we are. Um, so that's our big grand opening is is what I'm kind of calling it. So that people can come. So we would love to see you there. Also, we're going to have our second annual uh summer kickoff. If you remember, last year we had it at the community center and this year we're going to have it at the
036OAN building at the fairgrounds. So we're really excited to um set up there. It'll be between 10 and 2. And we're going to have all kinds of resources from uh job resources to um you know local uh organiza agencies and health uh you know uh booths and we'll have uh our clothing closet open again as well. That's a big hit. So we'll have lots of uh great uh activities and uh giveaways. And then um we're also for the uh community schools we are going to at the end of April we're we're doing a lot. We're going down to Lancaster. Um if you'll remember last year um we took some people down to Lancaster for a day uh like the advisory committee down. We are now going to go and visit again this time to just
037Lancaster um school district. They also have a similar community schools uh like we do where it's districtwide and but they have a year on us. They they've been doing it for a year longer. Um, and so we're going to go down and have a site visit, meet with their liaison, talk with their uh see their family resource center and and really just trade ideas. That'll be the end of April. And at the end of May, we're going to be going to the National Community Schools Conference. And we're excited about that. We're taking community members and and members of our advisory council with us. And that's going to be in Long Beach. Um, and we're excited to that is held by IEL, who we work with. um they've been working with community schools across the nation
038for the last three decades. So um a lot of great um information and we will be presenting we will we do have a session that we're going to be presenting um where we'll have a panel um that will speak but then this is the fun part. We're going to speak for a bit of it and then the second half we're gonna actually go out to tables and then people will come and talk to the individuals that they want to interact with and it'll be kind of a more informal cafe sort of conversation. So, we're excited about that. I hope to share a video of that with you all um so that you can see what how what we're experiencing and what we're doing down there. So, >> any questions? Miss Katuso? Um just about the
039the clothes closet. >> Yes. >> Are you looking for donations and what I mean what exactly are you in need of or >> So that's a a a nice tight rope to walk because we are limited you know uh while as excited as we are that we have 1,200 square feet now it's still only 1,200 square feet um and we have to be um also mindful of the other uh occupants of that um area. So we don't want to overflow too much. Um if there are some very uh gently used, very gently used or new items that people want to donate, uh we could arrange for that absolutely. Um but in terms of large bulk donations at this point, we have quite a bit and we are working closely with the Seroptimus Club as well
040as the um Salvation Army and and so we have quite a bit of a um donation uh pathway in that way. I would say um I think that where we are going to start u expanding our horizons more will be donations of things like uh you know family goods any sort of household uh you know cleaning products or uh diapers or any kind of um you know household need that would or or shelf stable food those kinds of things. We're going to start working on um drives for that sort of thing now that we have some storage uh capabilities. So, those are the sorts of things that we will send out um when we advertise for that. We'll make sure to let everybody know. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, absolutely. But it's hard because I
041want to say yes, but we're limited, you know, on the space. So, it's we have to be very careful. >> All right. Any other questions, comments? >> Dr. Wood, thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Our attendance report. Mr. Morz. Good evening, President Pereira, board of trustees. Um, you have a report in front of you um, comparing month 8 and month nine of our average daily attendance. Do you have any questions? >> Questions, >> Miss Katuso? Just a comment. uh if we're gonna get this report, is there is this something that we could just get mailed emailed to us as an update instead of because we usually don't have questions. It's just this report. Um >> well, the original request is that we had something presented to us. >> I
042know that. >> Okay. But if you want to change that, I'm I'm sure everybody would be glad to do that. >> That's what I'm asking. >> What's the pleasure of the board? Would you just like that emailed to you rather than >> I would I like to save papers in ink. So >> yeah. >> Okay. >> I can do both. >> So you don't have to uh be here next Well, no, you have to be here next month. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I'm not excusing you from the meeting, but you don't have to present to us next month. But you will be here in case we have questions after you mail it to us, though. Well, thank you very much. All right, on to the superintendent report. Uh, Dr. Richie, >> so uh,
043last month was pretty eventful month with Laspanis Unified. One of the things that, uh, I want to give a congratulations to is Pico High School for completing their their WAS accreditation. Wasque is a huge deal. um every six years a school ha that offers a diploma has to go through this process bas basically to certify that they are capable they're allowed to provide a diploma for students and there's a takes 18 months there's lots of work that goes into it you have to have lots of dedicated staff at the school meeting with parents meeting with the community and I have to say I I kind of snuck in and just sat in the back while the uh the visiting team was doing the presentation I was impressed. I I've sat through a lot of different
044WASK reports. That was one of the most positive ones I've ever sat through where they were just lauding the work that Pacheco High School has done, the work they're doing with our students and just um how impressive um their self-study was um because they really identified the areas that they need to work on and and have concrete plans of where they're going. So, just uh congratulations to Pico High School for just the work that they did. Um, something else I'd like to share as I just got word today that one of our students in our district, um, Omar Campos, he received the Albert Lee Wright Jr. Scholarship from the National Association of State Directors of M for migrant education. This is a national scholarship that the student received um that was voted on by um,
045uh, this association. So, just congratulations to Omar. Um we also have and as you've heard from the the uh the student board member Liliana's report um FFA is everywhere right now. Uh they're they're going everywhere and doing everything. We have at Los Bash Junior High School had 14 students that uh are moving forward to the national level with for aggra science the both high schools have had students uh place in for judging teams public speaking all sorts of things and just going forward. And then also the last thing I'd like to just to kind of give a shout out to uh um to Mr. Sersby for organizing and taking the uh the choir um to go and perform at Carnegie Hall. One of the things that that we made a well we we've made it
046a very clear goal is that when we receive these funds from for example Prop 28 funds which are to be provided to increase um the uh opportunities for students that have in the visual and performing arts school districts. We made certain that when we use those funds we use them for students and to provide them with new experiences. And so how many kids can say that they got to perform in Carnegie Hall and be able to go and and have a have workshops with um with worldrenowned um musicians and directors and be able to have that kind of experience where they generally would not. And so when we you know receive funds, we use them for our students. And so just um kudos to everyone involved with that. But also like I said Mr. Salis
047for taking the lead on putting that together. And then lastly, I just like to welcome Dr. Ba for uh as our new superintendent and excited to see where she takes us. That's my report. All right. Thank you very much. All right. Board member reports. Um I'm going to go first because usually I go last. I always go last and I'll just say ditto because you guys say everything I wanted to say. So um first of all, uh everybody, we've been talking about Dr. Valla. She's sitting back there, our new superintendent. So, uh or are going to be as soon as we sign the contract. Um but, uh she's here tonight. Thank you for coming. And, uh we want to welcome you here. Uh unfortunately, she has to dine and dash. Um she's heading off to
048watch her daughter play volleyball in a tournament. And so, she's as soon as she we take part of her contract stuff, she's going to be taking off. So, we she's not going to stick around. So, we get to talk to her, but she'll be back. So, um, we glad you're here tonight. Thank you very much. So, um, we have been really busy, um, since our last meeting. Of course, we had interviews for superintendent. That was an all day process, a long day. Um, but, uh, it was fun and we enjoyed what we did, but we had a lot of conversation. So it was uh we got to we got to we got to um find out more personalities amongst ourselves I think that day. So it was really cool. Um that was a really good
049day. Um a lot of stuff happening around the district. Uh we were invited to um PJO High School um for their AVID tutorial presentation and I know Dane and I were in the room and it was amazing what they were doing. It was really cool. Um, so that I know, uh, Mr. Dea Cruz started that project at the Los Spanish Junior High School back when I was still there. Um, and he was there when we were both at junior high. Now he's at Pico High School, but another teacher has taken it over. Uh, Kaylee Cage, she's doing a great job. So, it was really uh, it was really an eye openener for what's what's going on in that in that program. Um, also um, again, kudos to PCO High School for their college and career
050day. One of the things that um I always uh enjoy seeing when we go to those college and career days is it isn't all about becoming doctors and lawyers and everything else. Um they have everything from buticians to people doing nails to you know firemen, police officers, sheriff and you know bankers and and real estate people. So um they're showing a lot of different opportunities for our students. A lot of our students aren't collegebound. Um, and this gives them an opportunity to see what's out there um, for that job. So, Chico High School did a great job of that. I know Laspanis High School, I don't know if they've done it yet this year. We or we weren't invited. I wasn't sure. Um, St. Louis High School did a great job last week for the
051diversity day. Some great food, great performances. That was really uh, a fun day out there. Um, and one of the things that I love most about doing this is I got to read LF or Lena Fasco. In fact, I'm going back and reading again tomorrow. Um, it's so it's so so much fun reading to those little kids. Um, it's it's great. So, I had first graders and we talked about schwaz. Look it up. >> Um, so that that was that was a really fun fun day and uh we want to thank them. Then yesterday was at Chico High School did their prefair run through for the fair. They had their animals out and they had judges out there and they they put the kids through their their time together with their animals. They had uh
052what? Pigs, goats, and uh sheep and everybody showed and they were critiqued and I think a lot of the kids learned a lot there. So, Pico did a great job with that. Um just a couple things coming up. April 25th um is the district music showcase. just an all day Saturday event. Um I've mcded that for the last three years. It's only been around for three years. Um it's it's a great um great day of music performances by all of our uh bands and drum lines and winter drums and everything else. Winter Guard. Um so you have nothing else to do. April 25th that's coming up. Um open to the public. Go check it out. Uh, one of the things I enjoy doing, uh, I could do I got to do this last year and
053I'm doing it again on May 13th and this is for the board members. Grasslands is having their QU wedding. Um, it is so cool. I got I officiated last year. I'm going to officiate again this year when I going to marry, excuse me, put together the Q and you. Um Q and you Q never goes anywhere without you. So they have these kids are decked out ties their best little garbs. These are all kindergarteners and they are decked to the max. Uh you go into the classroom and they have an I mean it's totally decorated for a wedding party. Um they decorate the chairs, they have everything. It's the teachers do a great job for this. It is so cute. Um, and it really gets to the point where Q doesn't go anywhere without you.
054So, it's it's really fun. So, if you can get to do that, um, >> um, do I have the time? I will. >> Okay. Well, well, let me see if I can it right here. Uh, 9:00, 9:00 a.m. at Grasslands. >> May 13th. And then uh May 27th, I'm also going to be at Grasslands MCing the ABC fashion show. And you got to check that out because um that's another kindergarten extravaganza where they present all the letters of the alphabet. They are dressed to the max and um it's a really a fun event. And not to be put off, but you know, MSE has to do the same thing. So, I'm also MCing the MS MSE ABC fashion show on June 2nd. So, you got to go take, you know, Jean's got to go take
055some more pictures. But, um, cute. Really cute. You got to check these kids out when they do their ABC fashion show. So, um, it's going to be a fun month of, uh, May and June. And then last but not least, um on May 15th, they are supposed to start uh basically demolition of this room and they're going to be totally remodeling it. And so our our meeting is on May 14th unless something happens and they have to get in here earlier. So, when you get your board agenda, look at the location of the meeting right at the top. Um, hopefully we're going to be here on May uh May 14th. Um, and then they're going to start on May 15th, but you never know how construction goes, right, Miss Monday? Um, and we will not
056be here for sure in June. So, June, um, there will not be done. So, we will be at the district office in June. Um, and hopefully supposed to be done July 1st, but then again, Miss Monday, how those deadlines work? Yeah, they know they're so >> Yeah, hopefully. So, they're going to remodel this um to uh allow for all of the new laws that require um input from the public via electronics. So, they're going to be changing this all around. So, we shall see. So anyway, watch what's happening um on your agenda for where we're going to be. So hopefully we'll be here on May 14th. With that, I am done. How about Miss Bel? You got anything? >> I do. You said it all though. >> I know. >> But I'm going to You
057know me. I'm going to I'm going to go off our strategic plan and talk about excellence because it's one of our things. We value excellence in the pursuit of the highest standards. And I got invited again to go to Mrs. Pini's classroom at Balta and she had a Starbucks day and I went during writing time and the kids rotated through these centers where they had their topic sentence then they had to do the the three the three um statements of their opinion and they did their closing and then when they were all done they actually got a Starbucks latte and some treats and they had a ball doing that and I even had more fun being able to help with writing cuz it's one of my passions I love to do. So, it was fun
058helping the kids and doing all that. My other thing is just the commitment this board does. I just want to thank all of you because this was a big deal having to interview for a superintendent. We were all so nervous and we took our job very seriously and we had five great candidates and it was the hardest decision we ever made. And I just know that this group, no matter what we do, we listen to each other and we talk about what we want and what we don't want. And there's never any arguing. There might be some heated discussion, but there's never any arguing. And when we're done, we make this consensus and it's just I I feel very proud and honored to be part of this board because it's a very cohesive board that
059works well together. So, Dr. Valor, thank you. It was a tough decision that we had great candidates and I'm looking forward to working with you this next coming years. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you. How about Miss Smith? Are you uh anything to report tonight? >> Um not really. I just want to say to Mrs. Valor, thank you for taking the position in Losanes and we look forward to work with her and I've been away from home for a few weeks. So I do want to give a thank you to Mrs. Borcher. Mrs. Gorch has done some great work with my granddaughter. I just want to say thank you for what she's done for her and my family and uh you guys have a good evening. >> Thank you. All right, Miss
060Katuso. >> Um well, I was able to attend three of the egg days this last month. They're just great. So much fun to see the kids interact with the high school kids when they bring their animals. Um, so that was those are always kind of highlights for me to see the A day. I did attend the every 15 minute funeral day. That was the day after our last board meeting. Um, lots of tears. That was so emotional. And if you've haven't had the opportunity to see every 15 minutes, please do so. It happens every two years. Um, I also got to go to AVID. Um, I was with you and one of them. um Anthony. But it was nice that one of the young gentlemen in the class came up to me and asked me
061if I was the person that works with the eighth graders at um Mr. in Mr. Walsh's class, the book read that I do with Mr. Walsh that I've been doing for three years now. And he remembered me from the year before. So that's always nice when when they remember you and um I don't know, we just got to talk a little bit. So that was kind of fun. I went to Miss Pini's class. The Starbucks theme was just outstanding that she has green aprons for each of the kids. They had all these different stations that they worked at. And of course, if they went to all the stations, then they got to do the Starbucks. Um, and there were treats and cake pops and just amazing. Absolutely amazing what she does with the students as
062their review of their their theme or whatever their lesson was. It's just the review, but it's just so fun. I have fun, so I'm sure they're having a lot of fun as well. Um, I got to attend the in Modesto, the winter guard competition. Of course, I have a vested interest in that because my granddaughter is on the color guard for the junior high. And um, I got to do day at Lena Fasco. And I agree with Anthony, look it up. It's s c h wa because it would take a half an hour to explain what that is. But it was a very interesting and a fun read. The book was a fun read for the kids. Um and then one other thing I just I I just love this. I when I was at
063the A day at Henry Miller, a little girl, one of the girls came up to me and I had read there for Read Across America and I had books and I told them what books I had and one of the books they asked for was the Lorax and I said, "Oh no, I left it in the car." That was the one book I didn't bring because it's quite a lot and long read. So, I left that one in the car purposely. I didn't want to read too long for them. So, she walks up to me and she puts her hand out and shakes my hand and said, "Mrs. G, thank you for coming to read for us last month. Did you bring Lorax today?" And it just warmed my heart that she remembered who I
064was and she, you know, wanted the book and I told her, "Just tell your teacher, I'll come and read that anytime." So, it's fun to know that we still make an impact with kids. You know, I miss kids. I miss being in a classroom. So, just those little things like that really warm my heart and I love when you invite us to come and read and visit your classrooms. So, and that's about all I had. Um, but thank you and glad you're on board and I'm done. >> All right, Mr. Lee. So, I participated along with a lot of other people uh participated in the March 19th career fair at Los Banana Junior High and they invited me to come and share uh what it's like to be a journalist. And so, it was nice
065to have conversations with junior high children about uh photography and um trying to explain to them that there were cameras one day that had film in them. um and and explain what film in a camera is. So, um that was it was it was a good time. I've done it a couple years now and the firefighters and the police and like Anthony said, everyone's there, you know, giving their expertise as to what careers they can they can go into. Um, I attended and I'm no one else mentioned this, so and I'm going to butcher the name, but I attended the um, performance at Pacheco High. Um, and it was I'm going to say it. I'm Someone told me how to pronounce it, so I'm going to try to pronounce it. A sak Viv. Is that
066even close? >> No. What is it? >> Wajaka Viv. Okay. So, um I had no clue what to expect and I was blown away with the music, the colorful uh um um costumes, the dancing, the live orchestra. Um it was all in Espanol. Um they had in the morning for the students and at night for the community. And um I'm I'm glad very glad that they came here and exposed everyone to that type of art. That's very nice to see. Um, >> I didn't say it because I couldn't pronounce it. >> Yeah, I'm gonna say it anyway. Anyway, I'm gonna say it anyway. Um, so it was a busy month for students in Los Banos between the uh city's Easter egg hunt at Olivera Park and Jess's Barnyard Buddies um that were held on the
06728th. And and then I attended the opening day ceremony of Laspan Little League. For those who have never gone to an opening day ceremony for Laspan Little League, it's something you should definitely take in. Um, and watch all of these young uh, boys and girls all decked out in their uniforms. Um, and the the military, the veterans were there kicking it off and uh, then they go right into the games. But um kudos to um the little league president um who's also a teacher in our district who's also the Los Boss varsity football coach, Dustin Carropresso. So I I don't know where he gets his energy. I don't know how he puts it all together, but um you have to have someone who has a vision to bring all these people together and run the
068whole little league program. And he's done it now for a number of years. And he announced this year that um this is his last year. So, um, someone else will be taking over that function. Um, I attended the A day at Mercy Springs. Thank you to Pico High, uh, FFA Kids for all the animals that they brought and and all of the other local a profess professions that were there. I learned a lot about honeybees. Um, so that was it was fun to watch all that. Um, I attended the Merced County School Board Association dinner at Hillar, the new Hilimar Elementary School. Um it's it's a TK through 2 grade elementary school that sits on 7 acres. Um and if you know anything about Hillmar, all the schools are like in order. So this one's
069like right there. Um they gave us a tour of the facility. It's very nice, brand new. Um and I just couldn't help but ask and they told me that the school cost $43 million for a TK through 2 grade with 26 rooms elementary school. Um, Miss Valado was very happy because the rooms uh were set up for uh what 20 to one ratio >> 24 to1 ratio. Um, so it's going to be interesting because we have to build another elementary school in Los Banos. So I'm always interested in knowing what other school districts are doing and how we can get the best bang for our buck uh when it comes to construction. And that was out without the land. >> That without the land. $43 million without the land. >> So, >> and the classrooms
070are really small. >> They're really small. Um, so this is just a little little warning, I guess, that when it comes to building schools, this Miss Monday can attest. Um, it's not what it used to be. So, it's millions and millions of dollars. So, that's something that we're going to have to look forward to in our district fairly soon. Um yesterday I also attended the Pico High prefair a uh uh showmanship practice. Um and and I got a taste of what's going to happen when fair starts on uh April 29th with all the sights and interesting smells. Um so and um congratulations Dr. Valla. Looking forward to working with you. And that's my report. >> All right. Thank you Mr. Lee. Mr. Castro. So, I heard two commands uh from two board members in regards
071to looking something up. So, I was compelled. So, I looked up Schwad. Do I need my pillow or my blanket? >> So, Schwad Day, for those of you who don't know what it is, I mean, I have to look it up myself. It's a national uh holiday. It's called National Schwah Day celebrated annually April 7th. and is a literacy focused holiday dedicated to the schwa, the most common vowel sound in English, which sounds like a relaxed uh or uh it was founded by educator uh educator Iet Mans uh and it promotes understanding of the of this essential often overlooked unstressed sound in phonics. >> So what he just said was the the vowels a e i o u are not are schwas when they are in a word but not pronounced as ae e i
072o u. >> So it would be b you know you know banana the last syllable is uh it but it's an a but it doesn't sound like it. So that a is awah. >> Well thank you. >> Yeah. Um I also wanted to welcome Dr. Vala to our district. Um it was a very uh fun experience um going through the >> fun >> well it was >> learning. >> I had fun. I mean it was my first experience uh in um in the process of uh you know looking for a new superintendent for our our district. So, it was it was it was a very I say fun because I had fun and uh a very um humbling experience because it's it's a huge undertaking um to look for a a superintendent and uh I'm
073happy with the decision that we we made. Um and I would also like to thank Dr. Richie um for uh taking the helm and uh as interim superintendent and for you know keeping us going and um it I just wanted to thank you for that. You did a very good job and thank you. All right. And that's my report. >> All right. Thank you. All right. on to uh new business. So, as I mentioned earlier, we um are moving the item C in new business, the superintendent contract up to the beginning of the uh new business. So, this is when we were going to do superintendent contract item C. It is recommended the board approve a contract employing Dr. Brie Vala as district superintendent. And I mean, we've said it all already. Um, so >>
074make a motion. >> We need a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> We got have a a motion. Oh, excuse me. It is >> Roll call. I'm sorry. I got to remember what I'm doing because we don't normally do this for all of our things. So, it is roll call, please. Nette. >> Mr. Castro. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gatuso? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lee? >> Yes. >> Dr. Moran. >> Miss Smith? >> Yes. >> Uh, Miss Valado? Yes. >> And Mr. Pereira. >> Yes. >> We just hired a superintendent. >> So, Dr. Volia, would you meet me down at the podium down there? >> Thank you all very much. I'm incredibly excited to be part of the team and be able to actually see everything that I've been talking about. >> You
075want to see? >> Oh, so thank you. I'm incredibly honored and immense thanks to you, Dr. Richie, for everything that you are doing on top of your already immense job to keep the school district afloat. And it just truly shows the heart and dedication of the entire district. you are embodying that on and other duties as assigned that are now so incredibly great. So, thank you. >> So, if you would sign this one >> and I'll sign this one and then we'll switch. >> Sounds good. And thank you also for allowing me to dine and dash so I don't have to get to Reno at 3:00 a.m. >> Yes. Yeah. I'm hoping that we're not I'm not with the storm >> your contract. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I am so
076excited to become a part of the family. So, thank you very much. >> Safe travels. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> I promise I won't. >> Thank you very much. The one time Jean didn't have his camera. >> All right. On to item A, transportation update. Mr. Taylor, welcome. Good evening, board members. I'm here tonight to do just a general update for the transportation department, things that we've been doing uh throughout the year. Let's see if the clicker is going to work. There it is. So, some of our highlights for this year, um, increasing accessibility to route information. So, every school site has their bus routes on their website. Uh, parents can access it, faculty members can access it. It's available anywhere, anytime. Um, excuse me. Uh, we did receive our new
077school bus that we approved three or four months ago. That bus has come in. I have pictures of it. Uh we've added two paraprofessionals to two of our special needs routes and that has been huge. It's super successful with those routes. We have zero issues with them. The having that extra adult body on board, they're able to diffuse the situation before it becomes a situation. It's been very very helpful. Uh, also Los Manners Unified School District is now an agency member for the CASTO organization, which is the California Association of School Transportation Officials. Um, I'll get to that in just a second. So, there's our plain old new school bus. Um, this is going to help us expand services to our special needs students um, as soon as we hire a body to drive that
078bus. But you'll see that bus. It's actually in service now. Um you've probably already seen it driving around the town. This is an update to our home to school transportation reimbursement. Um these are our figures based on last year's unodudited actuals. So our next reimbursement is just shy of a million dollars. One thing that we've been pushing for this year is professional development. So, we took 10 staff members to the state conference. Um, these staff members included myself, both of our dispatchers, our head mechanic, and six bus drivers. Um, and the drivers took a lot away from this and bringing that information back to our district and different things that we can implement within our district. Um, lastly, safety recognition. our JPA um they are wanting to recognize bus drivers for safe driving. Three of
079our drivers at the end of this month will be recognized. Uh two of them with 10 years of safe driving and one of them with over 20 years of safe driving. Two of the drivers are here tonight. I'd like to recognize them. We have Melissa Mendoza. Marissa has 10 years 10 years of safe driving with the district and we have Raina TAMARZ Rea also has 10 years of safe driving and our our driver with over 20 years is Laura Moore. She wanted to be here but with the late night and early morning she commutes from out of town so it was just not not doable for her. I think so. Field trips. So, these are our numbers from last year. We did a total of,299 field trips. That includes school bus, white fleet, and charter
080buses. Uh 779 of those were by school bus. Um I was actually looking at the numbers today. As of today, we're not done with school yet. As of today, we've done 781. um just by school bus. White fleet um white fleet was down just slightly um but not a lot and charter buses are r remaining right about the same. We're about that 910 mark which is down from 57 charter buses the year before. Uh the picture there is those are our school buses. Those uh buses took students to Camp Green Meadows. Yeah. Uh Westside Westside Elementary went to Camp Green Meadows and experienced a ton of snow. They received over 3 ft of snow while the students were there. Um and our drivers were able to transport them there and back safely. Um and I
081have some more pictures of that. Those conditions and those are tough conditions. I've I've done it a ton of times and it's just it's nerve-wracking. You're you're white knuckles against the steering wheel the whole time. Um so kudos to our drivers for for being able to pull that off safely. >> Sure. >> And that is my update. Any questions, >> questions, comments? >> Oh, Mr. Lee. >> So, who puts the chains on the buses? The drivers do. Yes. Really? >> So, we do an annual training. We've actually turned it into a competition. Um, so we we do an annual training every year and the drivers that want to I don't make anybody if they don't want to do it. It this is total volunteer. Um, but we go through the entire process from start to
082finish. And um then after we've done the training, then we do a timed session to see who can do it the fastest. >> So, it the drivers have a lot of fun with it. We we've had two so one we had two drivers volunteer to do it the first year we did it and they've swapped places at first and second. So one one last year one one this year. >> Okay >> cool. >> The other the other question is where are we at with SB88? >> SB88 as far as >> as a district in compliance >> in we're in compliance with it. Yeah. We >> last June you had >> July one SB88 went into effect. So, so we are in compliance. >> No issues. Everything is copathetic. >> I I wish I could say
083there was no issues. >> No issues. >> Yeah, exactly. >> But we're doing it. >> We're No, we are doing it. >> Some Some districts are what? Deferring it because you can defer, right? >> No, you cannot defer. >> If you're deferring, you're not in compant. We have been in compliance. It has not been an easy process. Um we will have to negotiate the effects of this and we are starting that with a subcommittee meeting um because it's on LBTA sunshine for the next bargaining cycle. We've got those dates scheduled already and several in here will actually be participating on the committee. So this has been an excruciatingly painful process >> and it's being monitored by the state. the the state will be monitoring >> they're monitoring every school district right in the state >>
084they they will be checking for compliance every school >> they will be or they are >> that we haven't been checked yet >> okay >> but they will be that that's part of just like we go through our annual CHP inspections where they come in and they examine all of our documentation from >> the records for the school buses records for the drivers part of that is now going to be records for SB88 because it's our vehicles the people driving them as of right Now, we are 100% compliant. Um, nobody has driven one of our vehicles that is not SB88 qualified. >> And has the state given you a timeline of when you're going to be looked at when when all school districts have to be in compliance? >> July one of last year. Right.
085Of last year. But they haven't looked at the school districts you said yet. >> We we have not been told when we're going to have an inspection. >> Okay. >> We operate every day as if we are being inspected. >> Okay. That that's my philosophy. Well, kudos to because I know some districts don't are not compliant. So, >> no, there are >> a lot. >> Yeah. >> There you go. All right, Miss Belo. >> We used to have a big problem hiring bus drivers. We need to hire one more, right? Is that still an issue is getting bus drivers? >> So, we still we still have one position open. We just reposted that position. Um, I just reposted yesterday, so I I don't know that it's had any applicants or not, but we will we
086will see moving forward. >> But before we got that new bus, we were fully staffed. >> We had we had all positions minus the one filled. So, and >> thank you for that. Actually, if you'll recall, we do offer a stipen now that has been beneficial. Um, but this is a good district to work for and when you have a good transportation supervisor, people come and I think that word gets out and David's done an exceptional job in his position. And so I don't say that enough. I just thought he bugs me all the time. But um, no, he does an exceptional job. And when he shows these numbers of 57 charters down to nine, that the cost in that the savings alone is phenomenal. And so, you know, it it I think our our
087bus drivers feel I hope they feel appreciated because they are the job they do is amazing. And and I think it when you have that type of of solid people working your in your transportation department, I think others are attracted to that and I think that's made a big difference in terms of staffing. We are down one position, but as you know, we used to be down three and four that we couldn't build. >> So, we've come a long way. >> Kudos to the transportation department for that. you you couldn't tell by the amount of students we moved that were down one position. There was one day a couple weeks ago when they did the symphony at Pacheo. That day, that one day alone, we moved just under 1,800 students in one day. On an
088average day, we move about a thousand. So that day we with all the extra movement of the elementary schools plus all the sports activities going on, we moved right around 1,800 students. So you you can't tell we're a body down, but we're we're and we have dispatchers that jump in and help out when needed. We have mechanics that jump out and jump in and help out when needed. Every everybody really has a real good team attitude. Um and it makes everybody's life a lot easier. Any other comments? I just want to say thank you for the great presentation. Appreciate it. Um to our bus drivers with the great driving record, all three of you. Thank you very much. And actually, thank you. Would you share with all your drivers, thank you for keeping our kids
089safe. >> We really appreciate that. And your staff does a great job >> from fixing the buses to driving the buses to making the call. So, we appreciate it. Thank you. >> I will let them know. Thank You bet. >> All right. On to uh PBIS, Mr. Morz. >> Good evening again. So, our presenter is not here tonight, so I'm going to take over. Okay. So, I wanted to talk to you about PBIS, which actually stands for positive behavioral interventions and support. and PBI has been out for a while and we actually been training the past. Um, and one of the things that actually one of my jobs when I came on board two years ago, I was tasked in actually spreading the PBIS program throughout the district. Um we were at all different levels
090and one of the things that we were going through we were actually under program improvement for special education because we were suspending too many special education students. So part of the plan that we actually did through it services we identify um four schools two elementary schools and uh two secondary schools and implemented the program. We actually have to bring in a trainer that was actually certified by the state uh department of education and uh St. Louis County Office of Education. They actually have the trainers that are certified. So um had conversations with them and we're able to train actually four schools only that that's the capacity they had because they they train other schools in the Standos County. Uh so this is two years ago and what I wanted to do I wanted to provide
091you um kind of a report of where we at right now with those four schools and where actually are we heading in the future with PBIS. So the PBS is a framework and it's actually used in schools to improve um student behavior, academic achievement and school climate and it focuses in teaching expected behaviors uh rewarding the positive um actions and using data to make decisions and the the whole goal is actually to create a consistent safe um and equitable learning environment for students. So it is a framework. it is not actually um a program. It becomes a culture once you actually implement. Um so I wanted to talk a little bit um if you move forward Dr. Richie. So I wanted to talk a little bit about each one of the schools. The first one
092is actually uh Henry Miller Elementary and some of the some of the uh initiatives they actually have started and all four schools are a different level. And we also have other schools that are implementing PBIS. they're not being trained. They were trained in the past and uh they're not necessarily part of the cohort, but they're actually doing some pretty good things and I I'll mention a few things as well. So, Henry Miller Elementary um some of the things that they done uh the leadership team Henry Miller has created u a PBS handbook through Google site for all staff and and reward behaviors data from the Google referral form. They created a specific form. They hold five PBIS events per year and students can purchase tickets to attend um using it's called the hawk because they're
093the hawk hawk hawk bucks. The team created a tier one survey for staff, students and families and they actually have piloted a request for assistance in RFA which is um with several grades. they plan to apply for silver uh status actually recognition through the PDAS. So there's basically four levels of recognition is bronze, the silver, um gold and platinum is the like the highest level. Um currently we actually have one school that is not part of the cohort that apply and they were granted silver level. That's actually U Mercy Springs Elementary. Um, we have another school that I believe can actually apply and be pretty close to the level. Um, I don't know if they're intending to do it or not, but um, they're doing some pretty good things as well. Um, Mo Elementary School,
094uh, students of Myano can be um, use Bobcat Box to purchase items from the Bobcat store to buy tickets uh, and PBIS events. Uh the leadership team is uh creating monthly newsletters with information about PBIS which is shared with families and staff. They revised their behavior uh definitions and flowcharts and have purchased Swiss uh to record minor referrals and track behavioral data. So Tu Su is what it is it's a data system and you actually input the information as far as for referrals and based on that data you can actually bring it back and you um make decisions based on the data that you get in from student behaviors. Uh the team created a PDS Google site uh for all staff and plan to share with the staff in August. They plan to apply for
095bronze uh status uh in actually in the spring. The the application is due sometime in May. So, um, they will be doing that. Um, Creekide Junior High School, uh, PBS team and leadership. Um, is that Creek right there? Can you change to Creekide? There we go. Right there. Okay. So, the PBS leadership team, uh, Creekide has made a lot of progress this school year and they, um, revised their expectations in order to, uh, and order new signage for the campus. The team created a PBIS handbook through Google site with the goals to share with all staff. In August, they updated their behavioral flowchart and um office referral form. They use a fivestar um a fivestar is pretty much is an app that you actually keep track of students that are actually getting like tickets for
096good behavior and then you can actually use that um they purchase stuff, you know, with with a with a bucks. But it's actually just a data system. It's an app that you can use. It's very quick. instead of actually entering in the system, it just you can just scan it with a phone and it it'll go in like right away. All right. Uh long-term goal is to have an advisory period where they can actually use to uh the time to teach expectations, build relationships with the students, and improve school culture. They plan to apply for the bronze recognition in the spring high school. Um the team uh revised their expectations and created a new signage for the campus build positive school culture staff received uh they received a treat from uh from Panther they call
097it panther fuel carton which is actually it's an area where they have all the re the awards they're going to give out. They use a fivestar is being used to give points um for those kids that are actually following the expectations. um a PBS they have PBS rallies in January with many of the staff students participate with a positive from education uh partners they created a PBS Google site for the that will be used for training and communication and they also plan to actually apply they apply they're going to be applying for the silver uh recognition status um this actually this spring all right so this right here this is called a TIF is tier fidelity of intervention and the purpose of this is actually to uh provide a valid reliable and efficient measure to
098uh the extent of which schools are applying actually the core features of the PBIS. Um the TFI is divided into three sections which is actually the tier one which is universal, tier two which is actually the targeted and then tier three is the intensive actually for those kids that need a lot of help with their behavior. And there's actually a the way that they do this um and I have the opportunity to walk with the with the trainer Henry Miller. Um they pretty much interview 10% of the staff and this there's different questions that they ask about you know PBIS about what it means they being actually uh they know if they actually have high rewards and how does that work? So they interview um classified staff, certificated staff, they interview students as well and
099then they give you a score. So the score for the schools is right here. So in 2025, Henry Miller uh was at 73%. This year they're at 83. And you can just see the comparison. Some schools are actually higher than others, but that's pretty much um what it is. moving forward um when I had discussions with with our uh its service me um team we're the plan is actually to bring on board four more schools we have not decided which specific schools uh these four schools they're going to continue to be trained it's a different type of training for those schools because they've been trained uh for two years already um but we're going to bring in four more schools and um there's going to be actually a contract that I put in the agenda
100for for that um you're going to layer and um we eventually we're going to expand but right now it's impossible to do every single school in the district. We don't have the capacity uh because we have a lot of other trainings and it requires four full day trainings per school per year. So eventually we're going to expand but we're not we're not there yet. So we're going to add four more and then in the future we add another four until we get actually a full implementation. And they're all at different levels. They're different levels. questions. Miss Kus, >> so this is great information. I'm glad they're applying for the different levels, but how is it how does it um compute to maybe referrals not being as high, suspensions, things like that? Have has that been
101tracked? >> It is tracked actually and and >> I mean I know it's tracked. It's on >> and you can see you can see that in in our actually in our um suspension rates uh explosion rates that's part of that's I think I believe this is one of the factors along with other restorative justice that we have. >> Yeah, I'm hoping one there's one school in particular that I'm hoping this has helped and that their suspension might >> okay >> so reduced a little. >> Sure. And I can bring data but every school that you see here they have improved >> this year >> with the pro this year last year. >> Um okay >> questions. I just want to share something. Um when um we were at the county school board's dinner in Hillmar
102that me Mr. leave mentioned one of the things that um I thought was really cool um and maybe this is something Mr. hours we could also use. But you're talking about giving away rewards, especially to our elementary students. They have lots of rewards. One of the things that they had in their library was a book vending machine. And the teachers when they do something, they they get a little token or whatever and they could take it to the vending machine, put the little token in, and pick a book and they actually get a book. So, I don't know. You sound like you heard of it. >> Two schools. >> Two school stores. Right. already have it. >> They're way cool. >> Yeah, they're way cool. So, I mean I when you start start, you know,
103they they way cool, but I'm just thinking, hey, they're they're doing prizes that might be something they they could use it instead. >> I think Mercy Springs has something similar to that. >> Yeah. Okay, cool. >> The piano has >> cool. I just wanted to throw that out there just because it made me think of it just then. Any other questions or comments? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Good. Good information. All right, on to uh item D, onetime stipens for our unrepresented preschool program staff. Miss Roachcha, welcome. >> Good evening. So, it is recommended that the board approve the one-time retention stipens uh to the unrepresented preschool um program staff. And I'm just here if anybody has any questions to answer >> questions. Need a motion. >> We need a motion first.
104>> Oh, so I will move that we approve. >> Second. We got a motion by member Katuso, seconded by member Valado to approve the one-time stipens for our unrepresented preschool program staff. We need a roll call, please. >> Mr. Excuse me. Mr. Castro, >> Mrs. Gatuso, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Dr. Moran, >> Miss Smith, >> she dropped off. >> Okay. U Miss Valado. >> Yes. >> Mr. Barrera. >> Yes. Yeah, we lost our connection with Miss Smith. So, we could probably uh So, the item passed unanimously. Um so, I think we could probably do the rest of the meeting without >> unless she unless she unless >> unless she calls back. Um we'll do we won't do roll call. All right. On to item E. architectural services agreement with uh GE
105LEAP portable classrooms. Miss Monday. Uh item E. Um it is recommended that the board approve the architectural services agreement with SKW and Associates for the Grasslands Elementary School Elite Portable Classrooms Project. >> Comments, questions? Motion >> motion by member Lee, second by member Katuso to approve the architectural services agreement uh for the GE leap portable classrooms. All those in favor >> I post and it's carried unanimously. On to item F, authorization to seek bids GE leap portable classrooms. >> It is recommended that the board approve authorization to seek bids for the LEAP portable classrooms project. Again, questions, comments? Motion? >> We got a motion uh by member Valado, seconded by member Castro to approve the authorization to seek bids for the GE LEAP portable classrooms. All those in favor? >> I opposed. And it's carried.
106By the way, for those people out in Never Neverland there, when I say GE Leap, that's Grasslands Elementary Leap program. So, that was our our use of those uh short shortened terms there. All right. Item to G for authorization to seek bids for PHS Pico High School new artificial turf. >> It is recommended that the board approve authorization to seek bids for Pacheo High School new artificial turf baseball field. >> All right. Comments, questions? Motion? >> Second. Got a motion by uh member Katuso, seconded by member Leeb to approve the authorization to seek bids for the Pico High School new artificial turf for the baseball field. All those in favor? I >> opposed. Carried unanimously. >> Item item H, U, PCO High School artificial turf purchase. It is recommended that the board approve the CAMASS
107proposal number 4-24-02-1013 submitted by AstroTurf for the new artificial turf field at Pacheo High School. >> Questions? There was a question a minute ago up here. Um, is this the same turf that we just approved the bid for? >> So, >> item G. So the author authorization to seat bids for the that is the site work. So that is for like the installation. This is just the materials. The turf purchase is just the materials. That authorization to seek bids is like the project. >> Okay. All right. Cool. All right. Any other comments or questions? Motion, please. >> Second. >> Got a motion by member valido, seconded by member Leeb to approve potato pico high school artificial turf purchase. All those in favor? I post and it is carried. On item I, architectural services agreement, Grasslands
108Elementary new special education building. >> It is recommended that the board approve the architectural services agreement with SKW and Associates for the new special education building at Grasslands Elementary. >> Again, comments or questions? If not, need a motion. Oh, do we have a motion? I mean, a question from Miss Valdeale. So, when is the is is this going to take years? >> No. Um, it it we should have it open by August 2027. >> Okay. >> And and I remembered while I was sitting there, the administration building for the high school will be open in August. I don't know exactly when it'll be finished, but we'll be ready for school in August. So, >> wow. >> August 27th or August 28, 2028 or No, just kidding. August 2026 >> supposedly >> 2026. Okay. >> Yes.
109Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. So, we have um >> any other comments or questions on this? Need a motion, please. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion by member Castro, seconded by member Katuso to approve the architectural services agreement for the Grasslands Elementary School new ele uh new special education building. All those in favor? >> I opposed. >> And it's carried. >> Thank you. All right. Thank you very much, Dr. Lee. LFE, Lorena Philosophical Elementary, new playground purchase. >> It's recommend the board approved the procurement and installation of new playground equipment from Dave Bank Associates for Lorina Elementary School. >> Again, comments or questions? Seeing none. Motion, please. So moved. >> Second. We got a motion by member Valadeo, seconded by uh member Gatuso to approve the Lena Fasco Elementary new playground
110purchase. All those in favor? >> I I opposed. >> Carried unanimously. On to item K, Alliant agreement. Dr. Kelzadas. >> It's recommended that the board approved the general agreement between Alliant University and Las Vegas Unified School District for practicum student, student teachers, and teacher interns access to clinical training opportunities. questions, comments. >> Motion, >> second. >> We got a motion by member Castro, seconded by member Leeb to approve the alliant agreement. All those in favor? >> I opposed and carried unanimously. On to item L, school accountability report cards. Mr. hours be >> I like to say that my report is way cool tonight. Um been hanging around the kids a lot. >> It really help makes you go to sleep easy when you're when you read them when you're trying to go to sleep with
111you. >> Yes. I hope you enjoyed the Sarkcs. Um it is recommended the board approve the school account accountability report cards for the 2425 reported in the 2526 school year. Miss Baldo, >> they were really well done. Actually, they were easy to read, but what I noticed is many of the schools had some poor conditions. So, I mean, I know that's like last year's report. I'm sure we've already made plans to make sure, especially in electrical, the electrical category and the bathrooms. >> That's part of our fit report. And that's something that Miss Sherry Monday uh handles and we coordinate with. And when those reports come back, uh that list is divided up in terms of what is general maintenance at the school sites and then what's district responsibility. Um yes, we do have some
112aging facilities and some issues in certain places and we do our best to keep up with everything we have and um still working in some of those buildings that are um older than a lot of us in this room. >> But it was interesting to see a lot of them is water pressure. Um yeah, you know, I didn't read everything because um every single one of those reports by schools, they're very very long reports, but uh we definitely try and uh you know, make sure all those things get fixed, but sometimes uh city water pressure can be an issue um on certain parts of the town. >> Any other comments or questions? >> Need a motion, please? Got a motion by member Gatuso, seconded by member Valado to approve the school accountability report cards. All
113those in favor? >> I post. >> It is carried. Thank you very much. All right. On to consent calendar. Are there any pools tonight? All right. Seeing no pools, I need a motion. Please move. We got a motion by member Lee, seconded by member uh Castro to approve the consent calendar as listed. We need a roll call on this, please. Nette. >> Mr. Castro, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gatuso, >> yes. >> Mr. Lee, >> yes. >> Dr. Moran, Miss Smith, Miss Valado, >> yes. >> Mr. Pereira, >> yes. passed unanimously. All right. On to report of close session. Did you put it up? >> Oh, it's over here. Okay. >> Okay. It's all right. I was looking on the wrong side. All right. Um so uh we had one uh uh item for uh action
114and that was student discipline cases. So um expulsion case number is expelled for the remainder of the school year. Expulsion case number is expelled for the remainder of the school year. Expulsion case number is expelled for the remainder of the school year and first semester of next school year. Expulsion case number is expelled for the remainder of the school year and the first semester of next school year. The vote was a motion by Valadeo, seconded by Leeb. There were five yet eyes's, no nos, no abstensions, and two absences, which were Smith and Moran. Uh, that was all we had as for action and close session. And next up is discussion, information, and future agenda items. Anybody have anything? Seeing none, um, we're supposed to go back into close session, but we finished everything. With that,
115it is 8:46. Thank you for being here, everybody. Have a great rest of the week and uh drive safely. Good night.