Regular Board Meeting 12/18/2025

001Before we get started, the board met in close session. No formal action was taken. We did not finish close session. So, we'll be going back into close session at the end of the regular scheduled meeting. I'd like to start out by thanking Viewig STEM Academy way out in the back for being our greeters tonight. Thank you, Vig. I'd like to call to order the regular meeting for Sierra S Unified School District for December 18th. We'll start out with the pledge of allegiance pledge of allegiance to the flag led by the vice president, Mr. Campbell. We'll have a moment of silence. >> Thank you. Move on to item one, adoption of the agenda. Any changes? >> No changes. >> Move on to item two. Good things. Any good things going on? Got a good So, I

002just wanted to share that my wife and I have the pleasure of having three of our grandkids living with us at prayer peasant time and what a wonderful opportunity to spend time with young adults as they start their their life. It's been a wonderful time. >> Thank you, Mr. Ferris. >> Um I I would like to make a comment on the um amazing concert that was performed at the pack center at Burroughs. Um the music and the vibrations that came out of voices and instruments are just never to be like it's always amazing when you go and it just fills your body with sound and vibes and toeteing fun. So I I I suggest you go if you can because it's a good thing and there are kids that are doing it also and our

003wonderful teachers that teach us. So thank you. Thank you, Mary. I thought you were going to talk about the groundbreaking today. The uh city of Ranch for their pool >> supposed to be done in about 18 months. So, it'll be it'll be nice to see the new penny pool. >> Anything further? We'll move on to item three approval. >> I was going to say I I went um to the Channel Lake uh winter concert last week and um it was packed. I mean, We had the beginners and then we had the next group and then we had the singers and China did an awesome job. So I just want to congratulate them on a great winter concert. Thank you. >> Okay. Now we'll move on to item three. Approval of minutes of the special and

004regular meeting of November 20th, 2025. Any changes? Will stand. Move on to item four. Presentations 4.1 student performance. >> Oh yeah. La carol La Santa Claus could sing good single Christmas Eve. Over the way to carry the sleigh through white and drift snowing. Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a onehorse open sle. snowflake falls around you. Beautiful. blanket at my feet. The earth in beauty warm and lovely feels revealing. to fall. Winter begin your blanket covers in beauty. Walken and lay your blanket at my feet. Happy Earth. Burrows. That set the tone for the holidays. It's kind of weird because I was out in shorts and flip-flops and here I'm listening to Christmas music. >> Good job, Mr. Ferris. Surprised you don't have a comment

005about that. I thought it might seem a little biased. >> Yes. Yes. >> Move on to item five. No public hearings. Move on to item six, reports and communications. 6.1 student board members report. Jasmine's out on an excused absence tonight. Mr. Campbell will be reading her report for her. >> See, Mr. Scott created some issues last time. That's why >> I know >> she's not here. So now I get to this again. All the acronyms that I'll probably screw up, but that's okay. Here we go. Buick, this is Buick STEM Academy. Buick STEM Academy has had a productive and engaging month filled with academic celebrations, family involvement, and student enrichment activities. We recently held another successful awards assembly recognizing students for their achievements and positive contributions to our school community. Our winter program took the

006form of a STEM family night which included hands-on activities and a recorded performance from each class to be compiled in a winter program video. We were proud to have two view parents who work on base lead session. Alita Johnson who led an engaging session on ciphers and Mike Peterson who presented on parachutes and the planetarium. Big thank you to you both. Their contributions added tremendous value to the evening and strengthened our connection with the broader community. Our fall book fair, also featured at our winter rally night, was highly successful and enjoyed by students, family, and staff alike. To support enrollment, excuse me, to to support enrollment efforts, Buick hosted its first school of choice information night with a second session scheduled for January 12th. Students in our project lead the way flight and space class

007participated in an exciting field trip to the China Lake Museum coinciding with the relocation of the Harrier aircraft from the base to the museum Monday. an unforgettable learning experience for all who attended. In addition, our seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in music at China Lake Junior High participated in the winter concerts proudly representing Buick STEM Academy. We also launched our first Hornet Day as part of our PBIS program which was wellreceived and helped reinforce our positive school culture. As we wrap up 2025, our staff and students are looking forward to a welldeserved winter break. Channel Lake Junior High School. As we approach the conclusion of a semester, China Lake Junior High School students continue to demonstrate perseverance and commitment to learning. Despite the increased academic demands that come with the end of the term,

008students remain focused and engaged in their coursework. Campus activities have provided meaningful opportunities for connection and school spirit. Our winter dance held last week as well was well attended and offered students a positive and enjoyable social experience. Additionally, basketball triyouts are currently underway, generating excitement and encouraging students participation in athletics. To support student well-being during this busy time, therapy dogs visited c our campus last week, providing comfort and stress relief for students as they prepare for finals. Teachers are actively engaged in administering and grading final assessments while continuing to support student success. As the semester comes to a close, the entire school community is looking forward to a winter break as an opportunity to rest, recharge, and return refreshed and ready to begin the second semester strong. Mosquite Continuation High School all ed. The joint

009school site council met to review the school safety plans, student performance data, and expenditure priorities. We not only had parents, but a full contingent of student involvement. Both schools celebrated the onset of the holiday season with spirit days ranging from Polar Express pajama day to winter colors and ugly sweater days. Universe Tech Univers University Technical Institute presented this to the school last week to discuss trade school opportunities, scholarships, and how lifetime earnings can be positively impacted. Finals are wrapping up, and staff and students are excited for the holiday. But some moms and dads have shared that they are already excited for school to start again. Okay. Here we go. MHS, we are now up to a mosquito high school. We are now up to 11 graduates and that does not include those who are expected

010to finish tomorrow. Several students interested in military career took the ASVAB this week and they will have the opportunity to explore their scores and career pathways after our return to session. To celebrate the graduates, the staff donated supplies to have a ham sandwich feast in honor of the holidays. A desert school. The winter dance was a great success and the middle high school mosqu high school students were even invited to participate. Almost a quarter of the school was in attendance. Thank you family for the donations of decorations and help in making it all happen. Middle college students wrapped up their first college 101 course and they are now signed up for art 101 and library 100. Students created a gallery walk for families to display their passion projects and several brave students even gave an

011oral presentation to families to explain the development research or iterations of their project. Go Bobcats and Dragons. Burroughs High School. As we end the semester, Burroughs can say it's it's had a great first half of the year. Filled with exciting events, school spirit, and commitment to learning. Our Burroughs have continued to amaze us with their enthusiasm and hard work. Fall sports came to a close with Silus Ever coming in 10th place at the state cross country meet. Winter sports have taken off with the soccer, basketball, and wrestling making steady progress through their season. Last Friday, BHS hosted STEM day. STEM day went fantastic with different departments on base giving presentations to our science, special ed, math, CTE, and CTE classes. On the 5th, our ASB hosted its teachers night out where they watched the children

012of BHS teachers in order to give them a muchdeserved break. As a whole, Burroughs raised over $900 for the North Pole fundraiser. ASB and the cheer team volunteered their time helping at the North Pole. Orchestra, band, and choir had their winter concerts last Tuesday and brought music into this festive time of the year. Jinglegrams were sold to spread Christmas cheer from one Burough student to another. Tomorrow, students will complete their final exams for the semester and head off to a muchdeserved holiday break. Happy holidays from BHS. >> Thank you, Robert. Move on to item 6.2, reports from members of the board. So, uh, since our last meeting, a couple of things I was able to attend I want to share with you. Uh, the California School Boards Association, uh, board met and the delegate assembly

013met. Um, the association is really strongly, uh, providing leadership for the state of California to really get a program in high gear to finally make some difference on closing the achievement gap. been a challenge for a lot of years. We're not making very much headway and we really feel like we need to find a way to to increase our efforts as a as a state to really make make a difference. U during the delegate assembly we did have uh breakout sessions where all folks from their regions from their districts brought input that was in our district pro provided input to that discussion as well about okay what what can we ask the state to do to make it uh to help help us move forward. where do we need to ask the state to step

014out of the way and let us do our function and what do we need to do to improve the different differentiated assistance program. Um and the sense here is that uh what happens in at the district level is often really not related to those at the state level. And uh this effort is really a a means of trying to to make a difference in that uh so that we can really do what's effective for our kids and and focus on our our inschool curricular academic improvement which which we know we all have challenges with. we want to focus on that improve that. Um we also uh received updates on the legislative and political landscape kind of what's going on throughout the state very informative and then of course that was followed up by the uh

015annual education conference which all of you attended as well. Um uh there were some the first general session as you know we were able to have most all of the major uh gubanatorial candidates in a panel discussion which very helped for us to understand where exactly they stood specifically on the areas of education. Um I was able to attend a presentation on called growing your own which had a kind of a CTE focus on how you can uh develop uh uh employees for teachers and pair professionals and um get get young people started and interested in education at a at a young age. Um uh let's see and then of course the third general session which I know not everybody got to was pretty exciting. We had this really high parowered presenter who was this

016major league expert on AI and one of her first quotes she opened with was a quote from a Burough's high school graduate Dr. William Hazelton. So that was pretty impressive to have that didn't say BHS graduate on the screen but but it was true. Um and then of course I also had the advantage as Mary did the opportunity the privilege to attend the Burough High School music presentation and what an exciting evening of uh excellent music and it's it's certainly impressive and moving to see what those kids can accomplish and uh what kind of opportunities are being provided to them through this uh this school district. So that's my report. I can follow on. Um, as Bill said, we all went to the California School Association annual education conference last week. Last week or two

017weeks ago, it's been a blur. >> Yeah. And one one awesome thing is uh our school district was awarded a Golden Bell award, which Bill was missed to to do. So, I think it's right there there on the front. Um, so that's a that's a great honor to to get a golden bell, which is essentially uh exemplifies one of our programs that our district does and it was a standout among the state programs. So which is it was awesome. And then this week, past week, I got to go to Burroughs and spend the day at the STEM day. It's always great seeing the kids interacting with the scientists and engineers and technicians on the base and kind of give them opportunities to see what's going on behind the fence for maybe future careers on base.

018So that's that's my report for today. Thanks. >> I also got to go with Tim to the STEM uh event over at Burroughs High School and it was kind of nice because Tim knows a lot of stuff about what's going on on that stuff. So he kind of gave me a little indoctrination on the different things as we moved around. So that was great. And also, um, I got to visit Buick, which, uh, it's really cool to see the STEM school in action. Um, I just can't say enough great things about STEM schools, um, over at Bwig and Pierce. And I just think it's going to be in years to come, it's really going to really blossom and really do some great things for our high school as we move along. Um, I got to

019attend a couple basketball games over at Burroughs High School, which was kind of nice. I haven't been to a couple basketball games in a while. No, they didn't let me play. They don't even let me rap anymore. And I would say that I got a special little U blip on the play from um, Burroughs High School. They did I think it was some Shakespeare. We came in just as they were starting. It was a Christmas type thing over. they did view week and that was that was cool to see that. So had a great time. So yeah, thank you. >> Thank you Robert. >> Move on to item 6.3 superintendent report. Dr. Moore, >> thank you President Scott. Our month three enrollment dropped a little bit at 4,886 which is 35 students lower than this

020time last year. Attendance remains a key focus and we're excited to see how our schools and families are responding to this priority area. Our attendance for month three was 93% which was up from 90.4 at this time last year. So really appreciate all the work our students, families, and staff are doing. We are still aiming for our overall goal of 94%. So a little bit more work to do, but we are doing well towards that goal. As was mentioned, the CSBA meeting and our golden bell award for student centered coaching. So we do encourage everyone to take a look. This is a shared reward districtwide with our teachers and our amazing district-wide TOSAs and projects teachers and all the people involved in making that happen. The 2627 school of choice application window opened December 1st

021and will close on January 15th. And this annual process is an important opportunity for families to choose if that's the best educational setting for their children or if they'd like one of our other wonderful schools that is within their boundary. We had information nights as was mentioned earlier and additional opportunities for finding out about these programs will be available in the new year. Our fall cohort of the leadership development seminar concluded this week marking the graduation of another class of emerging leaders within our district. I'm incredibly proud of the staff at all levels classified, certificated, and management who chose to invest their time in enhancing their leadership skills and learning together. Their commitment to growth and collaboration strengthens our district and benefits our students and appreciate the board members and cabinet members who were guest

022visitors to share their leadership journey and leadership tips along the way. A major milestone is the recent approval of the memoranda of understanding with our three unions outlining how we are partnering to provide expanded learning opportunities to students across our district. Notably, the new CSCAOU creates a pathway for every classified staff member to work 40 hours per week with full benefits. This achievement has been a long-standing goal and we're thrilled to see it realized. The first round of applications for these expanded roles has concluded and staff are in the process of notifying applicants of their assignments. with state funding has prioritized this program over several years and we anticipate continued growth and success in this program as we go forward this year and to come. And I'm looking forward to over the break spending time

023with family and friends returning refreshed and encourage our staff and families to do the same. We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and happy new year. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Moore. Move on to item 6.4. report to the board of trustees by the Desert Area Teachers Association Als Also, I've been told that's my from the pack. Um, okay. So, the viewing kids are really cool. It's always fun to see that bias. They've got really good teachers over there. Um, and also I want to they were like just gorgeous hearing those kids sing. I'm like, I can't cry. I can't cry. But I just want to the kids staying there singing so beautifully. All but four have auditioned for the spring play which I think is cool and I

024have the cast list but they don't see it till Friday. So I let them know that I had on my phone so they were kind of annoyed with me. Um but it's it's really it is really cool um to see because it's kind of easy to get bogged down because we're teachers and we really care and truly truly our goal, right? It's is teaching and everything that entails, right? like getting kids to realize what they can do and take responsibility. And because we care, it's easy to kind of get caught up on the few who aren't getting it right. Like I had a handful that fail and we tend to tend to look at that because we want better better. Um and so it's really great when we get to see the kids performing, which

025you know, this town's very arts friendly, but it was um it was just such a kick. I was so glad I was here for that. Um, and my company class was at the ViewG and um, Pierce, which is really great that I can take the company kids out and do performances. Uh, and then we'll do it in the spring. So, that's the self-promotion. Um, so things are really hectic. Of course, elementary teachers, I don't know why they teach her, but they are doing all the the the winter shows. Um, Oh, I don't think I greeted you all. I'm so sorry. Um, I just realized colleagues and I should have started with President Scott. Um, sorry. Uh, okay. So, they work really hard getting all the um programs together, but also they're doing tests this week,

026which blows my mind. Um, and the kids are kind of excited. At, you know, the high school we've got the minimum days because we have the finals. Some of us still have two sets of essays to grade. Um, so it's it's it's a fun time. It's also a lot going on. Um, but things aren't aren't perfect, but we had that beautiful singing. Um, and so I'll just and I'll be back in January to give you my litany of um, things for improvements. But things are uh, things are good at sites. We're excited about being off for I think it's four weeks this year. and uh and uh we'll see you next month. >> Thank you, Eileene. Happy holidays. Move on to item 6.5. Report to the board of trustees by the California School Employees Association.

027Sylvia. >> Hello, school board president, board members, superintendent, Dr. Moore, staff and community. I I have to write it down. I'll forget like I think. The hot topic in our monthly chapter meeting was the possible hiring of 14 paris from the Philippines. Lots of questions and concerns were brought up. I will say that when I brought it up after my lunchon with Dr. Moore, the biggest issue and punch in the gut to our paras which brought some of them to tears that have been working for the district for 10 plus years is the guaranteed hours 40 hours a week. We have had paras trying to get more hours for a long time. Nothing previously has come available that will fit the schedule they have. Now, with that being said, we are aware of the ELO

028program to help the part-time employees become whole and benefit from the total compensation package that the district often talks about, which we all know more than half of our current classified staff do not benefit from as they only work part-time hours. But that part of the ELO program to make them whole has not started. And I've spoken to several paras that have applied and they have stated that they have not been contacted yet. We all know that they we are in need of paras. We all know that we do not want to contract out as that cost the district more money. I have stated many times that if we could put some work onto our pay scale that we would not have such a high turnover rate. However, we are in the predicament that we

029are with our pay scale because there were quite a few years we didn't see any movement on our pay scale except for the raising of minimum wage. We fight tooth and nail to get something on the pay scale, but are often told there is never any money. However, we spend lots of money traveling overseas and all over the United States as celebrated on the SSUSD social media, which is not cheap. If we could put more money on our pay scale, then maybe we wouldn't have so many open positions. A huge concern with the guaranteed 40 hours is what they will be doing after school gets out if there are not any ELOP positions available. I know of many paras that have tried to become bus monitors but there aren't any positions. I know we are

030not creating 40hour parah positions. They will be offered the ELO program andor bus monitors but what if there are not any of those available since our current paras will have seniority over them. We are still going to have a need for paras but we may not need them for longer than five and a half hours but they have to work 40. There are still so many unanswered questions for the program which has prevented some paras from applying. They definitely need more info on it and then maybe more will apply. We hope to get some more information and as we head into negotiations soon that we can make some significant changes to our pay scale so that we can attract more people to want to work for the district because at one time working for the

031district was a highly soughtafter job. See y'all next year. >> Thank you Sylvia. Enjoy the holidays. >> Item 6.6 communications from the public. The board will provide time during the discussion of each agenda item for members of the public to comment. At this time, members of the public may address the board on an item not on the agenda. Comment should relate to items of public interest within the board's jurisdiction. The law prohibits the board from taking action on items not on the agenda. If appropriate, your comments will be referred to staff for response. When addressing the board, please state your name and limit your remarks to three minutes. In accordance with the board bylaws, the board will limit the total time for public input to 30 minutes. Those wishing to address the board beyond the

03230 minute time limit may do so at the end of the scheduled meeting agenda. We'll open up public comment at 6:35. >> My name is Andrea. I am teacher, special education teacher at Pierce Academy of the Arts. I just wanted to reflect today on um the value added in our PAR educators and the support from like what they do for us in the classroom, how valuable they are to us as special educators. I could not do my job without them. And and I'm so I've had the pleasure of working with some highly qualified pair professionals. But I see that, you know, we have this the graduate up here we're talking about seeking out highly qualified and um supported staff right and I think it would be important to have questions like how can we invest

033in our classified staff um because a little background about me is I came here in 2017 and I was a parah and I worked at Starbucks and I may not have earned my masters in special education I not been a parent professional in the classroom. I had a bachelor's degree, but that doesn't guarantee obviously employment. So, I understand what it's like to be in their shoes and um working two part-time jobs just to make ends meet. And I think the question we should ask is how can we invest in the people that we do have and the value added that they bring to the table. So, how can we within the community because I that's important to increase diversity and I think it's great that you know in the field of education we are having

034we can see that we are seeking um speech and language pathologists across the United States in the field of education it's very difficult to retain highly qualified teachers but I think that if we want to focus on how you know like we're growing as a community and how can we continue to invest in these people who they work really hard and they're amazing and I can tell them every day that I say thank you, I appreciate what you do, but they also have to also, you know, make a living and there's such a high turnover rate. How can we keep that retainment? I guess that's a question. And then also I wanted to make a note. I had the pleasure of hearing and seeing Pierce Academy of the Arts has a winter program performance tomorrow

035and I was really really excited and proud to see all the students and how hard they've worked to perform. That was just a little shout out for them. I'm really proud and excited of my school. So, thank you. >> Thanks, Emily, for letting me go before I lose my nerve. Um, my name is Wetszel. I work at Pierce Academy of the Arts currently and I've been a PAR professional in some way, shape or form in different job titles for the district for 24 years. Um, I did apply for one of the ELO positions. I'm one of those people who has not heard back about that and I have inquired and sent follow-up emails. Um, but I'm worried it wasn't clear. Uh, many of the paras that I work with on a daily basis did the

036job announcement looked different than any other job announcement that's flown. That the top of the job announcement was only about the supervisors and you had to read two or three paragraphs down to even see that there were other positions available. The Zoom call with Mr. Al and many people that I was on in the parking lot of Walmart in my car, we had less than 24 hours notice that that was even happening for us to ask questions. Um many of parents I work with were just unaware that that job announcement was going to enable them to work more hours. I'm one of the lucky ones. I have a husband that works really hard in his job as a mechanic and I can afford to make less. Um there are so many parents I've seen over

037the last 20 years that cannot afford that that have had to take jobs selling phones at AT&T that have had to uh make Starbucks and Dutch Bros because they can make more. And these are great people who work so well with these kids. There are so many things that happen on a school campus because of all of these things that I have done over the years would fall onto a teacher who they work so hard so hard for our kids. And our paras are the are the backbone of making sure our most vulnerable students can access our curriculum. They're the ones they're the drivers of the car. The teachers make the plans. The teachers plan out the maps. The teachers provide everything. But the parents are the drivers of the car. The parents are the

038ones on the playground making sure that student plays appropriately with other kids. The paras are the reason my own autistic daughter was able to graduate and join in the choir that you saw there. The pairs are the ones that are making it happen. Over the years, I've taken every single opportunity that I've even remotely had time for to further my education through the district with CBI training, CPR, CKH, pivotal response treatment, autism behavioral training, and I think I've put it to great use, but our salaries have not risen with the uh inflation. And it's disheartening to see that positions continue to multiply and their salaries continue to grow and ours don't. Um it just doesn't fit with what we're doing. So um if you want us to keep helping Junior Olympics, student council, drama club,

039talent show, winter program, spelling be taking all of this off the plates of the teachers. Please uh help us show that we're worth what you're willing to give people that we need. Hi, I'm Emily Slackovsky. I'm one of the CS speech pathologists. Um, as employees, we are pretty often told that the district can't afford to pay us more. And yet, we see examples over and over again of if they wanted to, they would. The district is able to find the money to pay contracted SLPs, slippers, and pairs significantly more than you are paying your directly hired employees. The district is able to find money create new ad administrative positions all over the place that come with salary increases and perks that are not afforded to their employees that are boots on the ground with students

040day in and day out. For example, in the new deputy superintendent position that you're discussing later this evening, professional association dues and professional development as some benefits on top of the already high salary. I've been told that this all needs to be negotiated at the union level, but I also know that the district is just as capable of presenting ideas at the negotiations table as the unions are. So, agenda item. So, this is public comment for things not on the agenda. So, if you have something to talk about that's on the agenda, wait until >> Great. I'll later. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, President Scott, members of the board, and superintendent. My name is Dang, and I'm a third and fourth grade SDC teacher this year. I've been in the district for about four

041years and I wanted to express some concerns regarding the district's approach to hiring international professionals. First, I find it deeply concerning that we are bringing the international pair of professionals at 40 hours a week while many of our already hired per pair of professionals are not given the same opportunity. Many of our current paras want and need full-time work. Yet, until recently, positions were rarely posted at 40 hours. Even more concerning, current employees are often not informed that they can increase their hours through the new ELO program, bus duty, or other assigned responsibilities to reach a full-time schedule. This creates an inequitable situation where local staff are overlooked while new hires are guaranteed opportunities that were never clearly offered to those already here. These option are options are also not advertised in hiring information for

042pair of positions in the district. Second, I am concerned about the lack of training and paraprofessional development provided to par professionals. Overall, we already struggled to provide sufficient training days and ongoing support for the paras we currently employ. We have not had any par profofessional training that I am aware of as of this year and we have had new hires this year who have not been trained and one of them is in my room. adding new pair professionals from another country who who may not be familiar with our educational system, special education laws, classroom expectations, and student needs without a strong training structure places unrealistic burdens on classroom teachers. Teachers should not be expected to fully train pair of professionals on the job while also meeting the complex needs of students. We do have very

043good paras some very good paras here but those are ones who have been in the district for a long time like and they have had the opportunity to have a lot of training through that but our new paras are not getting enough training and I am scared that that will happen with the new international um pair of professionals lastly I've seen firsthand that significant challenges faced by international teachers brought into the district under similar circumstances those experiences do not give me conf that we are setting international prayer professionals or our students up for success. I strongly urge you guys and the district to find to first invest in fully utilize the pair professionals we already have and advertise these positions in our community to transparently offer full-time opportunities to current employees and to establish meaningful

044training and parrofessional development before expanding international hiring. Our students deserve stable, wellsupported staff and our employees deserve fairness and respect. Hi, I'm reading on behalf of Bernie uh custodian at Richmond. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I'm here because the custodial staff in this district is being pushed past its limits and the situation is affecting the safety, cleanliness, and basic functioning of our schools. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. While custodians may not have as many open positions as class classified groups. The time available to complete even basic cleaning tasks has become increasingly limited. Large facilities, heavy event schedules, insufficient staffing, and constant demands on our time make it difficult to maintain our buildings to the standard our students and staff deserve. The workload is no longer realistic and the

045result is that schools and classrooms are being left in conditions that in my view are simply unacceptable. In our district, the average custodian is responsible for more than 19,300 square feet and is expected to clean each classroom in approximately 15 minutes. That is not enough time. It does not matter how hard we work, those expectations are impossible to meet. When custodians raise concerns to propose solutions, we are often told, "I don't know. We need to check with another department or we'll get back to you." Unfortunately, those follow-ups rarely come. Most often, our concerns and requests are simply just disregarded. The situation at the new flagship Richmond site is the clearest example of what custodians across the district are facing. The Richmond buildings contain 50 restrooms, 60 spaces to clean, and covers 78,000 square ft, a

04659% increase from the original location. Yet, it opened with the same custodial assignments, two full-time and two part-time positions, with the part-time roles only intermittently filled. It took over two months just to approve the hire a hire of a third full-time custodian, and the remaining part-time coverage is still inconsistent. Despite repeatedly offering ideas, both temporary and long-term, our input as classified staff is often dismissed. From the start of the summer, custodians repeatedly requested access to the new school so we could plan, prepare, and support a smooth opening. We were denied access. We also began asking about equipment and supplies. No answers. Then in July, one month before school opened, we learned that no custodial equipment had been ordered at all. We immediately submitted equipment requests and placed orders for supplies ourselves. At that time, we

047continued asking whether the two-part time custodial positions would be covered. Again, we got I don't know and we'll check. We were finally granted access to the building just 5 days before school opening. Custodial equipment and only partial supplies arrived 4 days before opening. At that point, we had no choice but to reach out to the colleagues across the district to borrow equipment and get help just to make the school presentable for day one. And the first week, instead of setting up our spaces and establishing cleaning supplies, we spent it moving furniture and helping teachers unpack because the building wasn't ready. Coverage of the two part-time shifts was inconsistent from the start. One week covered, the next week not. Even after a third full-time custodian was finally approved, no one could tell us when interviews would

048happen or when that person would actually start. We offered several temporary solutions to keep the social the school clean and functional. Every one of them was dismissed. And today, while we technically have one part-time custodian assigned, the attendance for that position has been sporadic at best. This is not a staffing plan. This is a crisis being held together by the dedication of custodians who are doing everything in their power not to let students into the building that isn't safe and clean. Good evening board members. Superintendent Billy Davis. All right. I was currently being prior here back in July. Y'all might remember me as I was speaking passionately about my daughter and her incident. Right. I also requested uh some things from y'all and I haven't been six months. I have not yet received it. Right.

049So ongoing. Right. the principal of the junior high has continually had those same things that went on at the school and the same actions have been taken. nothing maybe a little thing in a database but that's it right so I request again that I want that principal Dave Andreson's training jacket I want to see what he has been trained on and that is not confidential and by the way did you know that principal did not know the difference between confidential and non-confidential information that's alarming because how long has he been in the system right in that meeting as well I learned a lot of things I also learned that we renewed the contract and that we started saving money through electric means, right? We did electric contracts and try to save money, right? A lot

050of the money that we save, you go to these parents, professionals, correct? But on top of the electricity that we're trying to save money on, what do we go out and do? We buy a lot of gas, the suburbans. Why why are we wasting $100,000 on vehicles that are VA gas customers when you have a electric city infrastructure coming in that $300,000 build to this pair of professionals that helps y'all out that all this stuff that y'all are approving is contributing to an issue that is forming right here in this in this chamber. That seems alarming. So, I'll leave you with that. I mean, I feel like this This district has a lot of good programs. My children love being here, but I see a lot of issues along with the teachers, the pair of

051professionals that I talk to on a daily basis. I love my teachers. I love my pair of professionals. I personally don't have a pair of professional, but I know there are a lot of passionate people. They love their jobs and I love them as well, right? And I want to get them paid as much as possible. But it seems like there's a lot of misappropriated ideas. funds because that's you know the same way other things right ideas that come out say hey we need to put money over here where we should be putting money investing into the teachers because they invest into our kids I don't see any investments into extracurricular activities there's a lot of fundraising that we have to do for that as well and it just seems like money's going in the

052wrong direction I'll leave you with that thank Good evening, esteemed members of the board, superintendent Dr. Moore, community colleagues. Um, I am a school bus driver. My name is I am an out of town field trip driver. I've only been in the district four years. Licensed as a driver for three of those years. This is my third time speaking to you in the last couple years. I'm trying to get more confident talking to you guys. I work with these paras on a day in dayout basis. We have very different circumstances with each special needs student from mild, moderate, severe, and severe. We have a student that is at Richmond Elementary that these parents deal with on a daily basis and struggle on a daily basis. They're always understaffed every time we go in the morning.

053Someone's not there. Someone called out. We all have lives. Things come up. I get it. They need help. We need help because like they said, they're also bus monitors right now. We don't have bus monitors on the bus because we don't have enough Paris. It's a domino effect, right? So, please help these guys. Help us. I'm a driver, too. I make over $20 an hour. I'm a single person. Can't live on my own. Can't even afford to live in La Mirage. Worst place in town. No, no offense, but we all know what it's called. I'm not going to say it. I can't live there. I can't afford it. I need help on my pay scale, too. But they need it more. Please help us. Help us help you. Help them because we all need help.

054Thank you. >> Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and to the board members, Dr. Moore, and to all the staff to stand. My name is Tammy Thomas, and I am a Buick librarian. Um, I'm going to finish Bernie's The power is not to let students walk into the building that isn't safe. Enrichment is not the only concern. Districtwide realignment and the summer disruption. The custodian flow according across multiple campus. Right as one brand new school was opening, two others were being reverted into magnet schools. These decisions were made with without any consulting with the maintenance leadership lead custodian or custodian staff on that. On top of that, the expansion of the EL OP program means elementary school spaces are used continuously from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. That that is three extra hours daily and extra

055mess and extra wear and without custodian time or support. We cannot keep our school clean under these con conditions. We cannot meet impossible expectations with shrinking times and consultants staffing staffing and no voice no voice in the decisions that directly affects our work. We are asking firmly and clearly for actions not another delay not another we got. We got to get back to you. Our students cannot learn in a safe and unclean classroom or any and our custodian staff cannot keep crying carrying the impossible workload. And not only that, we also can't function with the um without our parents as well because not only do they help in our kids for on the black top in the classroom, but they also help this librarian right here because a lot of times I have to ask

056these for help to even get my job done. They come in, they fill in whatever hours they can get just so they can have a full day of pay. So I'm asking and I'm pleading my custodians and my pair of professionals and also complaining for the library position as well because we don't always have a good budget for books and things for the school. What is wrong with that problem? You know, I mean we how you expect us to teach if we cannot teach with our um proper supplies, our proper cleaning, our proper prayers, our proper just support period. You know, yes, we all support each other and yes, we like each other but we drain and we're losing fight because we don't have enough what we need to have help us do these jobs.

057So please everybody, we need to figure out how we can figure out our money. Thank you. >> Hi, good evening school board members. My name is Jos Martinez. I'm a professional at Gateway Elementary School and in regards of being understaffed for par professionals and bringing in 14 international pair of professionals. I know when I applied for my position at Gateway, it took me and two other staff members calling multiple times to get my application looked at and all of my information and just all of that to go through for me to actually start my position. And I know multiple people who have applied and never received a call back or an email or anything to get their position. So, in regards to being understaffed, people are applying. They're just not getting a call back. And

058they want these positions and they do call and then they don't get a call. And it know it took me like a couple weeks to receive a call back and have other people calling for me to get me into Gateway and also for being offering them 40 hours a week. I know multiple pair of professionals, one in specific, she really liked her position, but wasn't enough to support her and her family and she had to leave her position was really sad for her and all of us because we really enjoyed having her. But if she was offered that, I'm sure she would have stayed. Same with other pair of professionals who don't have who aren't blessed enough to have other people in their household supporting them or like myself, I still live with my parents,

059but if I wanted to move out, I wouldn't be able to afford that with the salary that I'm on. But that's all I have to say. So, thanks Uh, hi. Uh, my name is Sam Hayne Johnson. I am the custodian at Mosquite. I've never done this before, so that's why I was asking her if I talk into this. Um, so regarding the whole Bernie thing that Sylvia was talking about earlier, the custodian at the new site, um, I helped him out during the summer for a little bit uh because he was struggling a lot. Um he was originally the custodian at Mosquite and then he transferred over there so that he could help his wife and he said, "Hey, can you help me out a little bit?" And I said, "Sure." He was there was

060a lot of stuff to do during the summer. A lot of stuff. Uh there were boxes everywhere in every single classroom and as soon as you took them all out back the next day. Um he like Sylvia said he was out of a lot of things during that time and uh the main reason why I came up here is because uh I'm trying to remember about a month ago Bernie messaged me and said, "Hey, I want to ask you be before I ask anyone else. Um is it okay if like you would if they approve it is okay if you help out uh like in the mornings or something because they did not have like part- timerrs sometimes for those part-time positions as custodians and I said if you get the approval yes I am

061definitely here for you he was denied uh the help and apparently he also asked if he could get other custodians to help him out and he has also denied that as well. So, I know that Bernie Bernie is probably the best custodian I know. He is an amazing person, an amazing employee, and I know he needs all the help that he needs over there. Um, I think that's all. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening, board members and Dr. Moore. My name is Andrea Miller. I'm a parent at China Lake Junior High in the life skills classroom. I've been working for the district since 2019. When I first started working here, I received a lot of training by a lot of great great people. Ela Littleton, Susie Erns, I mean, they are the best to learn

062from. and things were great. Now this year and previous years it's the morale is the problem. Our pay is terrible. Yes. And I also work as a bus monitor and I also do inh home care. That's another job to try to make ends meet because we don't make the money. But I feel the main problem with the shortage of Paris isn't so much the pay as it is morale and the lack of training that some of them get. I mean, we are in the trenches. We deal with some pretty pretty tough kids on a daily basis, some that have behavioral issues, some with medical issues. I mean, it's and we're all we it's not just bed. We also deal with general education kids. like we we're the glue that hold everything together and we're not

063feeling valued. We're not feeling like you guys even noticed the hard work that we do. I mean, we're now we're in schools that were combined. I don't feel that we were completely ready for that because it's been stressful, you know, especially having kids, a lot of kids in one area that wasn't made for that number of children. And then you've got the new Richmond. I mean that this is just huge, you know, but it's it's a struggle. It's a struggle. And we do need more assistance, but I don't feel outsourcing to other countries is the right answer. I mean, I work in a classroom with a Filipino teacher. She's awesome. She's great. But I think we need to work on morale first and getting everybody to work together as a team, as a unit. Um,

064showing value your employees, whether they be bus monitors, teachers, bus drivers, doom duties. I mean, it's I would like to see things get back to the way they were when I first started working here. It would be a wonderful thing. >> Greetings, esteemed members of the board. Um, my name is Marin Johns. I am the RSP parah at Pierce Elementary. This is my fifth year working for the school district. And like Sylvia has said, I have concerns about how paras are treated. When I first started, I was thrown in with no training. I had was rushed in as quickly as I could because my job was needed. And I am just I'm a gasast at what has happened because I this is my living. This is the job I do every day because I love

065the students that I work with. And then I find out I didn't even know about El. I did not know anything about getting more hours. And I'm the only one in my family who has is currently able to work. I am the sole money maker. And I had no clue I could support my family even better. And I just really wish that we could get more support because being thrown into that job was terrifying. I have been in the I have taken the brunt of several I worked SDC the first couple years. Sorry. And I took several beatings from students and that was not in the job description and I was not trained on how to handle that until at least a year later. Our as a par profofessional I did not receive training. my

066hours have not really increased despite going to trainings and it's just and then I found out that we were going to bring in more people to work more hours for which we could not get and I really hope the board reconsiders their decision. Thank you. >> Thank you. We have met the 30 minute uh time limit for the public input. We'll uh go ahead and postpone until the end of the regular meeting. If anybody else wants to speak, we'll go ahead and move to item seven, policy review committee 7.1, approval of updated policy, board policies and administrative regulations. >> Yes, thank you. Our board policy review committee met recently to review the exhibits attached to this item. And since that time, there was a recommended additional change which we added as exhibit H. Um, and

067it was the addition of one word um that was inadvertently left out of the safe routes to school policy from the CSBA model policy. But in one place it's talking about motorized and non-motorized scooters and in the other place it did not mention motorized scooters. So thank you to board member Tim Johnson for catching that. And so we would recommend approval of these um addition updated policies and regulations with the uh approval of exhibit H instead of exhibit D because it has that change. Happy to answer any questions. We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Have a motion. Second. Any questions or comments from the board? >> Well, I I will say um once again, I was driving down over there by Albert Albertson. This guy's flying down the street

068in one of those electric scooters on the wrong side of the road. stop signing the money went. So, I think this was a great a great um it was a good time for us to update these uh these safety procedures. >> Mr. I I just have a comment. I first of all, I know I said this before, but I really do appreciate the process we're now using these policies. I think this gives us the the time and the energy focused to you know our major job is setting policy and just gives the attention it deserves and needs. I also want to uh uh uh show appreciation for the policy regarding to um uh parent regarding involvement participation. I think it speaks very clearly to our objectives and is right on target. And I think we

069all know and we need to refer to it as many times as possible how important the parent and community participation is when we are dealing with students and bring them to a place where they can understand and grow. Uh it's it's got to be a team and it takes all of us and that's a a key part of our success and I appreciate the fact that we're giving the appropriate attention to it. See that we can develop those relationships in as many ways as we can. All in favor signify by saying I >> I unanimous move on to item 2.1 the special concurrent calendar 2.1 approval of >> Yes. Thank you. At our Monday meeting on December 15th, we reviewed board policy or bylaws and the exhibit that we had was outdated ED code language

070and the board gave direction to update the exhibit to be what CSBA recommends. Um and so that is what we have here for consideration. >> Move recommended action motion second. Any questions or comments from the board? Questionify by saying I >> I unanimous. We have no items in the educational administrative administration. Item, personal administration 9.1, presentation of initial sunshine contract proposal for the 2627 school year from the desert area teachers association to the board of education. President Scott, Superintendent Dr. Moore, board, staff, and community. Uh, the Desert Area Teachers Association has provided its initial sunshine contract proposal for the 2627 school year. We will commence uh negotiations as we return in the new year and uh that financial implications are unknown. It is recommended the board receive the initial sunshine contract proposal and it is

071in your board packet. Second question. >> I move on to move on to 19.2 creation of a new classified technology position instructional materials and programs technician. Mr. When an employee resigns or retires from a position, we take the opportunity to review and evaluate the relevance of the position. Some cases, it is determined that the older, more antiquated position is no longer needed. In other cases, there needs to be changes to the uh job description. Uh so the district seeks to establish a new classified position instructional materials and programs technician. A draft of the job description is included in your board packet for review. While the position is new, it incorporates the job responsibilities that were previously a component of the now vacant position library textbook uh technician or the soon to be vacant position. Financial

072implications. While this is a new position, it replaces a previously occupied position that will now remain vacant. However, the new job responsibilities require specialized training and the ability to navigate and help manage multiple digital learning resource platforms. Therefore, the PL the placement on the salary schedule will be shifted from range 26 to a range 33 to align with the new requirements of the position. It's recommended uh that you approve the new classified position instructional materials and program technician as presented. >> Action. >> We have a motion and second. Any questions or comments from the board? >> Yes. questions from second. All in favor signify by saying >> I unanimous. Item 9.3 new. Item 9.3 new certificated management job description deputy superintendent Dr. >> Yes. Thank you, President Scott. As part of our ongoing commitment to

073organizational excellence and strategic leadership, we regularly review our administrative structure to ensure it's meeting our current and future needs. And as part of that process, we have determined that a new position of deputy superintendent should be established. And this position is designed to provide enhanced leadership and oversight across all district departments with a particular focus on education services and to support the superintendent in implementing the board's strategic plan and our local control accountability plan. And so this item is the job description which does not in itself have a cost. Um when upon the hiring which would be the next item that that cost would be identified and understood. This role, as you'll see in the attachment, is fairly extensive uh in duties. It is a new position and it is one that we are not

074adding people. We're looking at uh elevating one of the current assistant superintendent to the role. So, it would not be adding people, but adding roles and duties. Uh frankly, much like the last position that Mr. old was going was reviewing is as we have a chance to review. It's a full-time classified position that is increased in salary jumping multiple levels because the duties are different and that's what we see here is the duties um of the deputy superintendent position. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> I do have a comment. I think um first of all, I appreciate you bringing this to us uh Dr. Moore, because I think it's it's really critical and important for our success as a district to accomplish what we're trying to do. Um I also think for the board,

075I think it's a good good opportunity for us to look back in the last two and a half, three years uh of what we've been moving toward and how this is an important step in that move. If you'll remember, um, when our last superintendent resigned, um, and we had conversations about what was important to us as a board, we were clear that when we went out and looked for a new superintendent that we wanted to define who we were as a district. And in that definition, we identified a number of initiatives that we were working on. And we made it clear to those people who were applying that it was critical to us that these initiatives that we were moving forward with and we were moving forward with because we did not consider ourselves a

076status quo district that those needed to be maintained and we need to not even miss a step. Um and uh and I think we even if you'll recall we even had discussions about should we introduce the concept that with what we have in front of us should we look at a different structure for our our management team. So move forward and indeed we kept moving on those initiatives. Not only did we move forward on those initiatives, but this district has had had introduced several new addition new initiatives in closing a school, opening two uh magnet schools, and I think I've heard from each one of you over the last year how excited we all are as a board to see how much focus is given to instructional leadership. um in a way that historically we

077just have not had that significant a focus on on exactly how we're going to improve instruction in the classroom. Um and that's a critical focus. And so I I I I describe that history because I believe that's what brings us where we are today. If you'll also recall over the last year, several times in discussions, we've talked about how many initiatives we had going and how difficult it was to make sure we did not drop a ball. We didn't stub our toe and there wasn't room for that kind of error. Uh folks stepped up. We made it happen. And over this last year and a half, we also have talked about okay is this sustainable. And I think the answer is if we're going to maintain that kind of instructional focus on improvement and getting

078what we need to have for our kids in the classroom, if we're going to maintain the focus on the success of all these initiatives put in place, we have to have the leadership to do it. And I applaud the presentation here today that says here's how we can do it. It does take a growth in um in leadership. uh it takes more time and commitment and it takes a a spreading of the responsibility and I think it introduces to our district uh a deeper bench if you will and it also introduces to our district a growth opportunities for our people with a vision of there there is a path for me in this district to grow and it also lays out the potential for succession planning that we have not ever had in the Um

079I I think these are wonderful key important elements that we need to have to be successful. Uh and so I support it wholeheartedly. >> We have Did you say you haven't had a motion? >> I thought we had I'm sorry. I'll move. question about the position, not about the two different nuances. >> Yeah. >> Is Is this dissolving the position that this previous person was previously filling or is that going to be backfilled by somebody else? Like is it creating an additional position or just like >> So it would be a different job description. We are not planning to fill. So you'll see only one action for a human on the agenda. We are not planning to backfill and have both at the same time. Both are just job descriptions. This does not delete the

080other job description of assistance supervented services. It's on the books if if you will. This adds a layer of a deputy superintendent, but you'll see based on the action on our agenda, it is not a new body in the cabinet level team. >> Okay. >> Does that answer your question? >> Yes. I >> alluded to the finances. The deputy superintendent sets Dr. Safco salary at 22 $213,963 between January 1st and June 30th, 2026 and includes a deputy superintendent salary schedule for future years with step beginning on July 1st, 2026. The agreement notes that the deputy superintendent salary schedule may be increased at the discretion of the board and will be increased commensurate with on schedule and off schedule increases provided to management personnel salary schedules. The agreement continues the term of Dr. Safco's employment contract

081through the end of the 2728 school year and provides for further one-year extensions as the deputy superintendent so long as Dr. Safco receives satisfactory or better performance evaluations. Under the deputy superintendent agreement, Dr. Safco may continue to access the medical, dental, and vision benefits available to other administrators. She will receive 24 vacation days per year and may be paid for up to 10 earned but used vacation days per year. Earned but unused vacation days will be paid at the deputy superintendent's daily rate that is in effect at the time she makes a request for payment for those unused vacation days. She will also continue to receive reimbursement for ordinary expenses, travel expenses, and district paid ACSA dues. The district may also approve Dr. position and other professional associations and professional growth opportunities including related costs

082as it expense. Dr. Safka will continue to receive one sick day per month, the same personal necessity leave and bereavement leave as the teachers and holidays. Dr. Safco will also have continued access to a district cell phone, laptop, tablet, and other technology. Finally, Dr. may also access and executive coach consultant during the first two years of her employment as the deputy superintendent at the district's at the district's expense. I'll go ahead and open up item 9.4 approval of employment agreement for deputy superintendent Dr. As you read the overview of as required by law, I'm happy to answer any questions. I think that Dr. Savvco has more than shown herself capable of meeting the full and complete job description that was just approved. We've seen her skills over the years and including through the reorganization work

083that she spearheaded, including the many advisory committees, she helped create that model and implement and lead many of them personally as well as supporting teams behind the scenes as we look to increase our systems and work smarter and not harder, streamline protocols and integrate um not just work in silos of departments but work across the the district. I see her skills as being instrumental and therefore her selection for this position. Happy to answer any questions. >> I I don't have any questions. I I just have a couple comments I'd like to make. >> Do we have a motion? >> I'll move. >> Second. >> We have a motion second. Any questions? >> Yeah. Um I just wanted to talk a little bit about this. you know, we we've supported many different department. Dr. Savco has

084supported many different departments. Um she's ran 10 or 11 advisory committees. She's led a charge with closing the school with Pam Smith. Um her and Lisa Decker spent time over at Richmond when we opened the Richmond School, which was a huge getting that school open and she's always helping Dr. Moore when Dr. Moore calls upon her to go to different schools. And um I sat down and talked to Dr. Safo about this this job and this this job that um this new job has many many different lanes and I I applaud Dr. more for giving that option for Dr. Savco to now move into different lanes. Um because there's there's so many things that go on and and I think that when you have the ability to move into different lanes that gives her the

085ability to forward think about what needs to be done in those situations before it just happens. And I think that's really important that you have a plan before um the situation happens. And with allowing her into these new lanes, I think that's going to be a big benefit to our district. I mean, our our district has evolved with a brand new school, a closing school, two magnet schools. We've changed our independent study um into a school. We have a middle college program. So, we have evolved into many different things. Um, and I think it's time that it allows Dr. Moore the ability to have other people do some things instead of having her have to go in so many different ways. Now, I don't want you to get me wrong here. From what we've heard

086before, there are things that we can do to um hopefully help some of these people out that have had we've that have talked earlier on. Um we have many administrators in this room. We've had many staff and many paras and just complete staff that have go gone above and beyond their abilities. And when asked to do something extra, they have no problem stepping up and doing extra things. And it's just my hope that we're able to hopefully with these people doing all these extra things be able to perform different leadership ability and hopefully give other people the ability to um evolve and profit into different leadership positions as we go along into um this new this new phase. We we keep changing things and we keep doing many things in our district and um so

087hopefully next year we'll be able to reward other people with different things as they become involved in new leadership roles. So thank you questions or comments from the board. >> I I just like to say again I appreciate you giving us the uh information that you have about what the contract will include uh I think it's really important as I mentioned before to to to put this into play and I think what needs to be done is a very important work and I believe that what you've described to us as the contract is appropriate for the the level of work that's being required and the value of the work that is is uh being uh exposed before us and I also believe that if you look at u similar districts and similar areas of uh

088of employment in uh throughout the state of California, you'll find this is very much right where it ought to be as far as the compensation level as is unfortunately the case with most of our positions. It's a little on the low side. Um but that's part of what we deal with with the challenges in our community, but it absolutely is uh appropriate for what value it has. And I I am convinced that in the in the end um it is a value proposition that will be very profitable for this district to allow us to achieve what we need to continue to achieve an improvement in our educational opportunities. >> Mr. Johnson >> um as we started looking at this position it was interesting that the word you know deputy assistant associate health means and uh

089I I kind of pushed back on it for a moment then I realized that by picking deputy you know a deputy means that if Dr. Moore is gone the deputy can act with all the roles and responsibilities as the superintendent so we never had that in the past it's always been it's the person it's the next person in line but they really didn't have the authority to do anything so this actually gives her the opportunity Dr. the opportunity to delegate authority to to Dr. Savo so she can do other strategic vision stuff that the district needs and I think the last been back on the board for six months um I'm very impressed with the leadership roles that the district's taken just to bring up new leaders. We went to leadership training this week and

090Bill and I talked and is exciting to see there's like 15 classified teachers and principles I there for that leadership training and that we're actually investing in investing in our in our our employees so we can actually have a kind of session planning and just make everybody's everybody's a leader. You know, I made an example of, you know, the little kindergartener in line with their buddies behind them. They're they're leading at that moment. And that's kind of where leadership begins as as humans. You know, your kindergarten classroom with five kids on the playground and you know the one in front, he's they're the leader, she's the leader. they're out in front and you know that kind of role begins early. So it's exciting to see that as a culture in our district. I mean look

091over here I mean it's like all this stuff takes leadership and I I'm excited that we're taking care of at the cabinet level so we can actually have succession planning so in the future you know Dr. Moore decides to leave or anybody decides to leave or move on without opportunities that we actually have a plan to to backfill and uh give our cabinet principles and others opportunity to move up in those leadership roles. So, I I think it's a great a great position. Um, it it does cost money, but good leadership does cost money. So, I I'm I'm for it. Any further questions from the board? Any questions or comments from staff or community? >> Um, do we know what I I know like what you mentioned the salary schedule is, but what is the

092actual like cost between the current position and what it's being shipped to or ballpark. >> They're different positions. >> Correct. I'm not super familiar with the management schedule. It's not easy to find because it's not like pretty published on the CRC's website like everything else. So, theoretically, what how much of a finan financial implication is this for the district between the position that is being absolved and the new position? >> About $39,000. >> Okay. So about two full-time payers is um I think I'm pro pro leader in general but I think you made a comment Mr. about um like like maybe in next year you can be rewarded for being a leader. And I think that's great. But I think to a certain extent we are building up so much leadership that is no longer

093like working face to face with our students that we end up with this like weird out of touch like dystopian land of all these leaders that are so great and being highly rewarded for that and getting all of these bonuses and stipens and professional development for and their dues and all of these great things that are paid for but like they're not actually working directly with our students at all ever. >> Stay on track with this on the agenda, >> but this is on track with the agenda. Like, but we're we're talking about these positions that are great and lovely and perpetuating things, but we're not actually like I don't I it just feels very like you like you too can do this at some point, but like but can you actually like I don't

094know. It just feels kind of gross, but I will say that I I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say at the end there. So, but we can always talk if you want to talk about it. >> Any further questions from board staff or community on 9.4? >> We have a motion in a second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? Dr. Saff, do we have to change your title now? Call you Dr. Safco or do we have to call you superend? Either one works. >> Move on to item 10, general administration 10.1 gifts for the district. Mr. Campbell. >> Yes. The following gift was received an HP Smart Tank 601 wireless all-in-one printer with a cash value of $240. was donated to Channel Lake Junior High School by

095Donor's Choose, a nonprofit organization that helps public school teachers get resources for their classrooms. Donations have provided support to the district, have a positive financial impact. Thank you. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments from the Ford staff or community? All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> It's unanimous. Move on to item 11, construction administration 11.1 to the board construction activities and issues. Mr. Tell me later. >> I didn't see it until Dr. Moore and members of the board, faculty, and community. >> Thank you for asking about my leg. Yeah, I'm wearing a brace. I have learned my lesson. Don't bring up politics at Thanksgiving. So, there you go. I uh I tore a ligament and I am healing faster than they thought. So I'm

096grateful. Crutches are gone and brace should be gone a couple few weeks to watch. Here's an update. Let's start with China Lake Junior High School. Some important things uh have been going on with what we've been calling the Murray expansion because we started this back when it was Murray. Uh this was yesterday in the I was going to call it the new staff parking lot, but it's going to be a parking lot for more than just new staff. So this morning, uh we actually had the hot mix asphalt being poured. Hooray. Uh this was this was terrific. In the big picture, we've been trying to coordinate the the truckloads of concrete and the asphalt together. I'll tell you why in a moment. Because here's where we were going to pour so much concrete. The infrastructure

097is in place where we'll plant the classrooms that we're adding to the campus. Nobody cares about the infrastructure. Nobody bothers to wonder where flesh goes, where the wires come from. But as with most things, it's the stuff we don't see that makes things work. They just want to get the the buildings on. So today, we actually had the rete being poured as well. It's a big deal. All that magical infrastructure now it's covered but it's really looking great. Point of contact with saving money. I was contacted by our general contractor said we can finish pouring today. It's going to cost you this many thousand dollars for the overtime or we can remobilize everyone and it'll count this many tens of thousands of dollars. It was an easy solution. We're doing things smart. We're really trying

098to squeeze 11 pennies out of every time and we're going to come in under budget. I'm telling you now. If you've never seen a queson, tonight is your lucky day. We drill a hole down to the center of the earth. In this case, they're about 11 ft deep and they fill it with concrete and they plant the structural supports for the awning, shades, and other standings. Each one of these quesons that are about 11 ft deep have over seven cubic yards of concrete. To put that in perspective, one cubic yard has about 200 gallons and each of these holes have seven cubic yards of concrete poured in there. These suckers are not going anywhere. This is going to last. >> Is that a truckload? That's a truck. >> Isn't that something? >> And um I

099I heard part of the story. I got some of the backstory for you, board member Campbell. Um, apparently Dave Andreas ordered a equipment carrier, but somebody heard carrier. Actually, uh, when the Navy says, "Hey, everybody get out of your way and stop digging. We don't want anything to flick onto the windshield." We stopped and we let them pull and half the guys out there were actually putting their hand over the hair like it's a American flag. It was really cool. Um, and if you want to see this, you can go down to the museum and check it out yourself. It's really On the previous slide where I showed you the infrastructure, the modulars are supposed to be arriving on campus next week. So, we're we're really excited about moving forward with that. Quick note about

100Richmond. I've mentioned before that that Shane's maintenance operation team had classrooms on closed system temperate range. We've been awaiting this next winter break when the students are out of school. Yay. And Lennux has four technicians lined up to install the new thermostats, sensors, and control boards, many thousands of dollars of infrastructure that they're handing to the district to make sure they're still covering some other things that were overlooked by another contract. And Linux has just stepped up to the plate. I want them I want to say it on record. They've really done this right. And now that the kids are going to be out of the classroom next week, they have these technicians coming in. They'll drop the new CO2. We've tried it on building E which has five rooms and everything's been working uh

101well for the last month and so now we'll extrapolate that onto AB C and D buildings and uh when the kids return after the holiday temperature issues will be a thing of the past not again. This is the update on on the construction. We're still working on taking care of all the check marks, funding acquisitions, land selection on the options we have for what's coming up next. Tomorrow we have a second round of interviews with finalists for appraisal. I'm sorry, architecture choices for our upcoming Pierce 2 project and all the stuff that we start an hour before we ever put a sho I mean a year before we put a shovel in the dirt. We're taking care of those That's my December update. Thank you, President Scott, superintendent Dr. >> Thanks, sir. Get better. >>

102Thanks for good news before the holiday. >> Yes. Yes. Move on to item 12, business administration 12.1, adoption of resolution number 182526 regarding the actual accounting of developer fees for the 2425 fiscal year. Jennifer, >> good evening, President Scott, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Moore, staff and community. Uh this evening I am presenting a request to approve a resolution about the annual accounting of the developer fees for the 20224205 fiscal year that which is our capital facilities fund fund 25 government code section 660001 and 66006. Six require public entities such as school districts collecting statutory school facility fees to make public and report to governing boards an annual accounting regarding the status of the account in which these funds reside. The board's adoption of resolution 18 2526 and the two accompanying exhibits complete the

103district's compliance with the government codes referred above. Again, this report is for the 2024 2025 school year. The financial implications is that the beginning balance of our fund 25 in July 2024 started out with $939,78.73. We had earned income of $13,39.96 from interest as well as developer fee income from the city and the county developer fees which combined totaled $296,95727. The expenses incurred included county administration fees of $1,324.54 and expenses in the amount of 1,14,480.93. And those expenses were toward various construction projects, uh, leases of some of our portable equipment and so forth. We were required to make a fair market value adjustment uh per Gazsby government accounting standing standards board Gatsby number 72. And we had to reverse our prior year fair market value adjustment and post um the new fair market value adjustment

104which those two total just over $17,500. And our ending balance as of June 30th, 2025 was $161,3441. Uh the income and the expense information as well as the summary graphs are included with this board item as exhibits. It's noteworthy that the continuing pace of both the commercial and residential developer fees is a positive for both the district and the community. In 2024, as in 2324, sorry, 2425 as in 2324, the developer fees collected by the city of Ridgerest was greater than what was collected by the county. So that indicates very well for the city. And I also need to note that in fiscal year 2021, ASB72 became a required component of all funds in the audited financial statements. This adjustment for fair market value is measurement of the value of the fund at a given

105date usually the fiscal year end. It does not affect the actual cash in the fund. And our recommendation is that the board adopt resolution and the accompanying exhibits as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion second. All in favor signify by saying >> I votes unanimous. 12.2 approval for purchase of storage upgrade professional services with Jennifer's name on there. But obviously Scott's gonna come up and do it. We might have to ask you some questions about all the acronyms. >> Sure. Good evening, President Scott, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. for more staff and community members. I am presenting uh for the purchase of the SAN storage upgrade and professional services. uh storage area network as the district's central high-speed data storage system essentially the backbone that supports every major technology service we rely

106on including all the Sierra Sands unified VMware virtual servers which power core systems such as student information finance HR security cameras curriculum platforms and the Cisco phone system the Current sand is aging, nearing full capacity, and approaching end of life, which increases the risk of system slowdowns, hardware failures, and outages that could disrupt instruction and critical district operations. Because all of all the district's VMware virtual machines reside on this sand, any failure would impact nearly every system that is used on a daily basis. Upgrading the sand is essential to ensure reliability, improve performance, expand storage capacity, and provide modern data protection and redundancy. This upgrade strengthens the foundation of CR Sands Unifi's entire technology environment, reduces long-term costs, and ensures we can't support current and future district needs without risking downtime or data loss. Pursuant

107to the public contract sections 10290 and 10298, the governing board of a school district may without competitive bidding contract with suppliers that have been awarded contracts, master agreements, multiple award schedules, cooperative agreements, and other type or other types of agreements with state agencies that leverage the state's buying power for acquisitions authorized under specific sections of the California Public Contract Code. District staff received and reviewed a proposal from AMS.NET or MGT for the sand storage upgrade. The proposal incorporates the terms and conditions established by Merced County through focus contract 2021092. Financial implications. The total cost is $358,545.97 and will be funded from the 01 general fund. It is recommended that the board authorized the purchase of sand storage upgrade and professional services to as AMS net mgt in the amount of $358,545.97 as presented. And I

108would just clarify um originally we had thought it might have to be out of fund 01 um but we did subsequently change it. So what your board packet says is correct. It will be fund 35 school facilities. We found it is allowable so it will not be coming from the general fund and that was an important shift we were able to identify. >> Motion moved. >> Second motion second. I assume for resiliency redundancy we're have it allocated one spot >> it is uh so it's at our our main data center at the district office or comments from the We have a motion, a second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Any oppos? Thank you, sir. On to item 13. Will temporary journ the regular meeting to conduct the in your current schools

109financing authority board of directors meeting. Item one, adoption of the agenda. >> Any changes? >> No changes. Item two, approval minutes of the regular meeting of November 20th, 2025. Any corrections? This will stand. Item three, authorization to use schools financing authority funds for settlement payment for facilities alternatives for the richest elementary academy of language, music, and science. Jennifer, >> that acronym is realms. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I'm gonna give you a little bit of ago from the 1900s. Background information in 1990 Sierra Sans >> wasn't that long ago. >> Sarra Sans Unified School District and Lone Pine Unified School District formed the IXva that we said the full words for. As a result of this agreement, the Lone Pine Unified School District agreed to make annual lease payments on property that they leased from

110the authority by the Lone School District and the funds are held at the current county treasurer tax collector and are used for facility related costs. So using those funds um the district has agreed to pay realms $250,000 in lie of facilities for the 202526 through 203435 school year. It is appropriate that the funds from the XFA be used for the payment to Realms. The financial implication again is $250,000 for the course of 10 school years, 10 years. And it is recommended that the board authorize a fund transfer and expenditure from the Ino current schools financing authority in the amount of $250,000 for the 202526 through 23 2034 payment to the realms as presented. We have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments from the board? Questions from a motion second. All in favor

111signify by saying I >> I thank you Jennifer. >> Thank you. The current school's financial authority reopen the regular meeting and to item 14 organization of the board. Dr. Thank you, sir. This is where we elect a board president that will serve um that will start service at the conclusion of this board meeting and serve through the December 20 26 board meeting. And so we would I would open up for discussion and nominations and looking forward to hearing your interest. >> I'd like to nominate Robert Cam. >> Second. So, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> And all in favor? >> I congratulations, Mr. Campbell. >> We do. Oh, >> yeah. And technically, that was a motion to close debate. >> So, that was a motion to close, which was all now

112we'll do the roll call vote. Um, Kim, could you call that out, please? Roll call vote for approval for Mr. Campbell to be the new school board president. >> Mr. Johnson, how do you vote? >> Mr. Campbell, how do you vote? >> Hi. >> Mr. Scott, how do you vote? >> Mrs. Campbell, how do you vote? >> Mr. Ferris, how do you vote? >> Hi. >> Thank you very much. >> I could just say something. Thank you very much. for the opportunity. Um, I look forward to to not only building stronger relationships with all the board, Dr. Moore, Deputy Staffco, and also all the staff and community of this uh great city of Rich. So, thank you. >> Fantastic. And so would you >> 142 vice president? >> Thank you sir. I will open up

113for nominations of vice president similarly to start service upon the conclusion of this meeting through December 2026 school board meeting. >> I have a question. Mr. Johnson, are you interested in serving as Then I will nominate Tim Johnson. >> Second. >> There's been a motion in a second. Any further nominations or would we like a motion to close nominations? >> We don't need a motion if there are no you can close. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Just trying to be consistent here. All right. Then we have a motion and a second. So we'll do a roll call vote for appointing Mr. Johnson as vice president of the school board. And Kim, would you please call for the roll call vote? >> Mr. Johnson, how do you vote? >> Mr. Campbell, how do you vote? >>

114I. >> Mr. Scott, how do you vote? >> Mrs. Campbell, how do you vote? >> Mr. Ferris, how do you vote? >> I. >> Unanimous. to item 14.3 representative and alternate representative to the committee that elects members to the county committee on school district organization. >> Thank you. This is currently served as Miss Mary Campbell as and Mr. Robert Campbell as an alternate representative. I understand this committee does not usually have much of a commitment. Um but it is an important role that we do elect and are required to do so. Um for when it does serve, we are ready to do to serve in that capacity. So happy to open for any nominations for uh we need a representative and an alternate please. >> I'd like to recommend Mrs. Camp. >> I would second

115that. Do we want to vote separately or together for with an alternate one time? >> I would not I would nominate Robert to continue as the alternate. >> So, we have a motion and a second for Miss Mary Campbell as the primary representative and Mr. Robert Campbell as the alternate representative to the committee that elects members of the county committee on school district organization. And with that, anything further, I'll close nominations. And Kim, could you please call for the roll call vote? >> Mr. Johnson, how do you vote? >> Mr. Campbell, how do you vote? >> I. >> Mr. Scott, how do you vote? >> I. >> Mrs. Campbell, how do you vote? >> Mr. Ferris, how do you vote? >> I. >> Unanimous. >> To item 14.4, selection of board trustees to serve on

116the board. So this is our standing committee that meets approximately monthly to review the board policies as we saw earlier this evening some of the results of that group. We do a fine tooth comb review of required and optional language and categorize that in the form of minutes. Um these are posted meetings public open to the public per the Brown Act and um Miss Kramer does a great job in helping us gather those minutes to hopefully make that more transparent. Um, so all five board members are able to see the discussion. Um, and of course we can still discuss the the none are approved in committee. They are all brought to the full board for approval at a subsequent meeting. And so we'd be looking for two members to serve on this committee opening nominations.

117>> Mr. Paris and Mr. Scott. So, um, thank you for that consideration. I honestly, well, I I I I have a significant commitment for school board service as as director and uh I think it makes it difficult for me to to give it the time that it needs. Um, so I would decline unless someone really feels like that's a necessary >> I'll take my nomination back and I'll second that. >> Any further nominations? >> And I'll close nominations. And we have a motion and a second for Mr. Scott and Mary Campbell to serve on the board policy review committee. Do we need a roll call vote? So Kim, would you please? >> Mr. Johnson, how do you vote? >> Hi. >> Mr. Campbell. >> Hi. >> Mr. Scott. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Campbell. >> Hi.

118>> Mr. Ferris. >> Hi. >> Unanimous. >> On to item 14.5. >> I will happily turn that facilitation back to you, Mr. Scott. I don't mind speaking to it, but as far as calling for those votes, >> you do it so much better. >> Um, so we the board previously approved the travel expenses for these conferences, but we did want to formalize the names of the individuals that were attending. And so we have a couple of conferences that we typically attend, have representation of the board. and one is the CSBA and AXA coast to coast event coming up soon in Washington DC this April and then Naf and FISA have some conferences coming up throughout the spring so we would be looking at the winter FISA meeting the spring Naf conference and the summer FISA

119meeting though the FISA and NHUS are usually the same person because it all has to do with impact aid um so we're hoping for some discussion and clarification so that Kim can assist us with those travel arrangements. >> I mean, >> who's who's interested? I'm very interested in contin I appreciate the fact that you're serving now and you served in your prior term and I think you're right. I think having that you know hit the ground running or continue running would be helpful for us. So I would nominate you if that's >> and I don't even know that we need a formal vote of action. We at least need a consensus >> so I I have a question. I think Mary you You mentioned you might be interested in serving on coast to coast. Is

120that accurate? Then I would like to recommend Mary for that and I'm going to to shamelessly uh solicit your support that maybe I could be the other uh person on that. I I do have uh a specifically strong relationship with our congressman which I think is particularly helpful on this particular visitation. And then over the last three years because I serve as uh director for our region. Our region quite often looks to me to guide the discussion as we work through the the lobbying. So I would like to offer myself to serve if you would be willing to allow me to continue that. >> I think it's great directorship that's your years that organization paid dividends at that level. articulate on all the items. So, I think it's a great great person for that. >>

121I think everybody knows him. That's for sure. From the last time I went, it seemed like friends with everybody. I think we have that. >> Thank you very much. We'll be in touch for travel. >> Perfect. So we will move into the special concurrent meeting nominations for represent California association discuss. >> Uh yes uh so um we have the opportunity to make uh nominations to this position and we can make multiple uh nominations. I I specifically somehow we miss on our agenda. And I specifically asked because one of the current delegates um uh from Kern County had mentioned to me that uh that she'd like to be nominated and her new board is kind of reorganizing. She wasn't sure they were going to be able to come up with a nomination. Uh and uh that

122is Pam Jacobson. She serves in the Standard School Board District. Um uh but uh so I would like to propose that we as a board nominate her to serve. Um, but I also think if there if we have board members who are interested in serving as delegates, we could also nominate someone from our district. Um, there is a a slight chance that we may be perceived as double dipping and we may not get support because as my directorship, I also serve on the delegate assembly. But if someone's willing to serve, they can certainly put their name forward. I would suggest if you think that's something you're interested in to in this conversation now share that that's something you're interested I know Tim you've done it before is that >> yeah I mean if we're going

123to nominate nominated again >> the thing is doing I don't want to have another let's not do it this year >> okay >> and then >> next year if we have a spot we can do but I think somebody nominate somebody. I mean it adds value that extra day and a half two days every year stuff kind of open your eyes. >> Yeah. So basically there are two inperson meetings each one's two days long. >> May this May and December or end of November depending on how that the calendar shakes out. And then there are are now monthly uh electronic meetings that we we do as well to keep us up to date. So there's uh and those uh are are just regional caucuses. So it helps share what's going on, help bring you up

124to date on what's going on within the state, those kinds of things. So uh if somebody else on this ward would be interested in doing that, I I think it has I think Tim is right. value. Um, it is a commitment. >> I I'd be interested >> looking at that. >> And if that's where we are, then I would like to see that we nominate both Robert and Pam for that position. >> Yeah. So, you'll come back. >> Yeah. It'll come back to vote. And I would also encourage uh since Robert, you're relatively new in the circle that you put together something that tells who you are and what you stand for and and we can send it out to other districts throughout Kern County because they'll all be voting and for them to have

125some s sense of who you are can be very helpful to to persuade that. >> We have a motion second. by saying the special concurrent meeting go back to 14.67. So this is the meeting where we usually set the calendar for the new school year and the one that we have proposed mirrors this year. So it's predominantly the third Thursday of the month with some exceptions um that you can see there including June where we have staff going off on summer. So we tend to do it on that second Thursday. Um we will still um by statute have other meetings um including I could see like in December we'll have to have that first interim beforehand and we haven't pre-lugged all of those. Um, but these are the the monthly regular meetings that we're anticipating

126at this time. >> Friday, the Thursday before the holiday, >> I believe. So, >> I would personally like to recommend we move that a week earlier because this this time of year is so busy for everybody. >> How does that look with the annual conference though? I don't annual conference is >> annual conference will be the 2nd through the 5th. So we would come back that Saturday and the following Thursday would be the 10th instead of >> trying to figure out a way because I mean people are just crushes the last couple weeks of before the break. Nice to not have to sit here. >> So the organizational meeting also has some requirements for timing. >> I don't think we're allowed to do it that early. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I'm just trying to think

127>> it makes absolute sense. There's a lot of dance around there. >> The first interim has to be done by the 15th. So, what we could choose anyway, >> right? Unless we wanted to try to do a Tuesday. Now, we potentially wouldn't have this space, but we could look at trying to do it all at one meeting. Um, but otherwise, yeah, usually they have these requirement. It has to be the third week of December usually. move to recommend action. I >> Ian move on to item 15 calendar. entire consent calendar. Second question by saying I unanimous elevator to success is out of order. have to use the stairs instead of the time. Not sure who Joe Gerard was, but great. Um, we will go back into close session. We finish close session meeting. Just want

128to wish everybody a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. >> Stay safe. This day >> here.