001Before we get started, I'd like to thank the sons for being our tonight. And can I get a volunteer from the son? Perfect. First one raise your hand. You're going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance when we get to that. Okay. Yeah. Yes. Just give us a couple seconds. The board met in close session. No action was taken. I would like to call the regular meeting school district for November 20th. We will start out with the pledge of allegiance to the flag by our students. and I don't know your name. So, >> thank you so much. have a moment of silence. Thank you. >> No changes. >> A good thing. Um, I had the opportunity to go see the Burrows theater group put on their Shakespeare three acts um, last weekend and I
002truly enjoyed Miss P. Her MC effort to kind of gap fill as we waited for the next scene to get set up. So, we had a good time and it's always nice to see our students involved in in theater and the arts and um, it's fun to have that in our in our community. Thank you. >> Um, yeah, I got to visit Elementary School this past week and a lot of good things happen. Very impressive. I I think the thing that just continues to blow me away at elementary schools is when you go into the rooms, how beautiful they make that environment. It's just like I don't know how elementary teachers do it, but all those rooms are all just perfect set. to item three approval of the special meeting of October 16.1 partnerships. We're
003inviting Principal Shelley McKenzie to share an update on a recent community partnership at her school. The visit was made even more memorable as the students had the opportunity to go inside the technical vehicle. They thought that was amazing as did my staff. We had a great time going inside the vehicle. Um, lots of fun. And you'll notice that we are wearing our pajamas on that day because it was Red Ribbon Week. So, you It's always great to be wearing your pajamas when you have distinguished members of the community coming to your school. But they were really great about it. We had a lot of fun and I just wanted to say we were very grateful for their time and commitment to engaging with our students. They spoke about each of their individual jobs. The kids
004were really engaged and asked a lot of really great questions for little kids. Um and you know we just really appreciate that opportunity came out. Thank you for sharing that with us. Students recognition for I'd like to have a student come up. Jace, would you please join me? So I I don't I hadn't known Jace, but I do know um of an event that occurred because as I was starting a meeting on Monday morning, I think it was November 3rd, I was interrupted and asked to respond to Los Flores because there was a report of a student on on their way to uh school before school. Thankfully, it was not a student. It was Jace. And Jace was not hurt or or ill. Instead, he was helping and being a good Samaritan. So, Jace, I
005have something I want to read for the audience. If you uh were at the city council meeting last night, this is Jay's second night to be in this space and to be recognized. Um, so you may have already heard this story, but I'm going to tell it again for those who haven't. So, on November 3rd, a remarkable event occurred as students at Los Forest Elementary School arrived and walked to school. Jace, a fourth grader, was walking the short distance from his home to school. He was walking with a I believe a first grader who is a family friend. As the two walked towards Los Florence, Jason not noticed an adult woman walking in front of him who was behaving strangely. He instinctively knew something was wrong. Moments later, the woman collapsed on the ground. She
006was having an apparent seizure. Jace immediately came to the woman's aid. How? However, realizing such a situation could be traumatizing and because he's very thoughtful, he actually turned the first grader away so that they didn't see what was taking place. Um, not yet having a phone of his own. Right. You don't have to say maybe better not do that. Uh, Jay attempted to wave down vehicles that were passing on the street. Finally, a car pulled over. He asked the driver to 911. Then he turned to the focus on the woman who had injured her head in the fall. Jace laid down beside her, attempted to keep her from injuring uh any addition or enduring any additional injuries. Thankfully, the Kern County Fire Department arrived quickly after the 911 call, as did Liberty Ambulance and the
007Richest Police Department. And due to Jason's quick thinking and action, the woman received the medical care she needed. In addition, due to his thoughtful nature, the much younger family some of the trauma because Jacece decided to shield them from witnessing. Jace, we want to commend you for your quick action, your thoughtful care and willingness to help someone in need. And this was a complete stranger, right? His quick thinking and subsequent actions were remarkable. As such, the Sier Unified School District Board of Education is honored to recognize Jace as an exemplary young man whose maturity is beyond his years and whose character is exceptional. This time I would invite for president Mike Scott, superintendent Dr. April Moore to come down and present Jace with a certificate of recognition. We also want to recognize Jason's mom and
008grandpa are here and congratulate them on raising such a fine young man. So, thank you We have item five. Item six report. >> Good evening everyone from STEM Academy. Over the past month, has made exciting strides in building culture, community, and student opportunities. We launched our new sore code of conduct safe, organized, accountable, and respectful, which is already helping set clear expectations for students across campus. Our watchdog program kicked off, recruiting dads of great students to volunteer on campus, strengthen school partnerships, and bring positive male role models into the country. Academically, we completed our first trimester and held our first round of teacher conferences, ensuring strong communication between families and staff. Our new leadership team is doing a wonderful job shaping the future direction of youth. Parent engagement has been a highlight this fall. In
009October, families joined us for a schoolwide trick-or-treating event, which was a fun and festive way to bring parents on camp. This month, we continued the tradition with our thankful Thursday lunch on the giving families another opportunity to connect with their children and our school. school was on full display during red ribbon red ribbon week with students participating in a spirited dress up challenge. Student leadership is also growing with ASB now the ground alongside the launch of a creative writing club. STEM opportunities have expanded as well. Our third grade enjoyed a visit from the Mango Museum to align with the science curriculum and showcase student innovation. It has been a great month of growth, engagement, and celebration of and we are proud to we are proud of the progress of students, staff, and families that they
010are making. China Lake Junior High School. The 2025 26 school year continues to move forward on a strong and positive trajectory at China. Students and staff are deeply engaged in academics, activities, and community building efforts that support both student access and school. Our has been highly active in building school, hosting a variety of spirit days that have generated strong student participation. ASB is also preparing for our upcoming school dance scheduled for December 12th, which is shaping up to be a fun and well attended event. The music department is working diligently in preparing skills. We recently held our first character awards assembly recognizing students who demonstrated empathy and our rise. The event was a tremendous success and set a positive tone for the remainder of the year. Additionally, we are preparing for our first no. Our
011advisory enhancement program continues to show great success, providing structured opportunities for students to set goals, reflect on progress, and connect. After school tutoring is also in full, offering targeted academic support across multiple subject areas and giving students additional tools for success. Both volleyball and cross country recently wrapped up a very successful season with strong student involvement and steady improvement throughout. is now gearing up to begin it season and excitement is building across among our student athletes. Our after school clubs continue to grow and play an important role in helping students stay connected, build friendships and explore personal interest outside the country. We are extremely thankful for the ongoing support we receive from parent group and the broader community. Their partnership plays a vital role in enriing our programs, strengthening our school culture and ensuring students
012have every opportunity to grow. High School. Both schools love the Halloween fil. Thank you to the hawkers for helping us create a new process aligning with senior portamilies and purchas and service member presentations but we look forward to the military and emergency services sharing their career opportunities. At the fair, MHS won first placeb and just as MHS invited them to the carnival, the MHS students are welcome to the students to have regular virtual award assembies and parties showing off pets and collaborative or competitive. Students share their experience with the videographer to for the new year new school year during our open enrollment for December 1st to January 15th. For the middle college, 100% of students attending the middle college program at CCC are are passing every class including their first college. They also signed up
013for their next art and library 101. I also just completed the signing up for next semester. Guys, there's always something new on the to-do list. Students are planning their passion project and we and will be presented to families on the 12th of December. Go Bobcats and Dragons. For Burroughs High School, as we approach the end of the semester, Burroughs continues to thrive and do well. Homecoming week saw fantastic participation with exciting spirit days, a fun-filled rally, a night under the stars, and much more. Willis was crowned as homecoming queen and the senior powder team cheerleaders and hit drill team took first place the competition across the board. Can't tell you how proud I am. The senior class float was declared the winner of the class float competition followed by the juniors, sophomores, and then the
014freshman. Our drama department had their fall play, a collection of Shakespeare shorts on the 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th. And they did absolutely amazing. The blood drive was on the 14th and we had great participation and support. Robotics had it second last weekend and they did very well. Esports had their final final regular season competition on the 13th and are looking forward to the start of the spring season. Volleyball made the playoffs and won a very exciting home playoff game. Cross country competed on Saturday at prelims and the entire boys varsity team made it to the finals along with Eve Washurn representing the girls varsity. and silus were both named runners of the year. As fall sports begin to wind down, winter sports are starting, including soccer, basketball, and key club had a food drive
015and collected thousands of food items. The North Pole fundraiser is currently going on to help raise money to purchase toys for children in need. The Friends of Rachel Club is currently hosting a richest chamber music society brought in four musicians from out of town to I got to watch it and it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. It was amazing. If you ever have a chance to see them out in town, I highly recommend that you go do it. The Burough's principal of engineering class has been participating in a pre-apprenticeship program which if the students complete the program, they will earn a certificate that will help them when applying for jobs. Last week, two guest speakers came to the class to assist the students with resume building. day will
016take place on December 12th and we will have representatives from many different departments on the east and from the community who will cond this evening read your report last last meeting >> sorry I know there was a lot >> move on to item 6.2 report I did want to share like others did in good things. Uh I had some opportunities to uh observe exciting things in our district over the last month. I did also get a chance to go see the burrows play. Um wonderful opportunity to see kids uh participating in the arts as uh Mr. Johnson has said, but uh to recognize what kinds of things they take away from those opportunities, being able to present themselves in public in that kind of way. their selfesteem and their sense of who they are. It's
017an amazing thing. I also recognize we had it was clear that there was an improved sound system in the building and thanks for the work to see that that happened. It makes a difference. Um also had an opportunity to walk several schools uh uh Gateway Fowler China League Junior High and Inocernarn and uh as Mr. Campbell has said that the interior of the classrooms are amazing, but to me what's even more amazing is the kinds of things that are happening in that classroom to meet children's needs and the variety of ways that our teachers and staff approach, how many challenges they have needs. Um, board's objectives talk about engaged students and engaged staff. And it was clear through those walkthroughs that those objectives are being met. Uh kids are being challenged. Uh kids are being
018instructed. Instructors are are just absolutely engaged in what they're doing. Uh and it it it gives me hope. It gives me light because I know the other side of that coin and we all know this. We have a tremendous amount of challenges and there are all kinds of things we run into every day that we shake our heads and say, "Okay, how are we going to overcome this particular obstacle?" Um, and we do it by exactly what we're doing, continuing to improve our uh effectiveness at our jobs and uh and meeting those kids needs as the variety they are. So hats off to those folks in creating those kinds of environments and engaging the students that I had another thing I wanted to talk about. Two weeks ago, I was able to go to China
019Lake Junior High and just enjoyed the um the visit and watching the kids, you know, how we we've meshed the two schools together and it just seemed like things were were really going well over there. um got to get into some classrooms and I enjoyed it. And then also um last Saturday I got to go to the um junior high volleyball tournament up at Sorakoso. Not to mention we had three fire drills. But um it was interesting to see um in a tournament you never know who you're going to play and it was kind of funny one of the games we got to see um China Lake Junior seventh grade versus the eighth grade team. That was kind of fun to watch but enjoyed that also. >> Thank you, President Scott. Our month 2 enrollment
020was 4,941 students, which is only 20 students lower than this time last year and significantly higher than where we ended the year last year. Attendance continues to be a focus and we're excited to see how our schools and families are responding in this priority area. Districtwide attendance for month two was 93.3% overall, which is up from 90.9 this time last year. So over about two and a half% higher, a very great start. Uh we're still aiming for our overall goal of 94% or higher districtwide and we are on the way to that. So appreciate everyone's work to make that happen, including the students and their families. um they're important part of the equation. Since the last board meeting, I enjoyed attending the China Lake Museum ribbon cutting for the Steam Center and their STEM exhibit
021hall. Great opportunity for learning in our community. And visiting schools continues to be one of my favorite activities as several of you have mentioned. I appreciate leaders from education services and our board for joining me on those visits. It's great to see the wonderful learning taking place in classrooms across our district. One of the visits I did was in the evening seeing the fall play. Several mentioned a lot of fun with Shakespeare. I was impressed with the students in their presenting characters in a fun new light while keeping the original language and storyline. So fun for everyone. We're thankful that the legislature has approved a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government. We're aware of the recent announcement from the US Department of Education regarding inter agency agreements that shift administration of C. programs, including
022impact aid to other federal agencies. At this time, we understand that Department of Ed will retain statutory oversight, but many operational functions will be moving to other agencies such as the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services. So, for impact aid, the details remain unclear. It was listed specifically as moving to the Department of Labor along with other programs. And we're staying in connection with our various organizations that help us monitor this, such as Napus, uh, which advocates for school districts such as ours that receive impact aid. And they've raised important questions about potential impacts on payment timelines and next year's application process and staffing because as we know, it's a very complicated process with very complex formula for distribution. Um, so having the experienced analysts and staff is really critical to ensuring that
023timely resource and accurate payments. We have just submitted our request for $1.2 million in impact aid, which is what we do at this time every year. So, we'll be monitoring that closely to see if there is an impact. And of course, we're in close communication with Congressman Fong on that as his office is helping us monitor that as well. So, we'll be sharing updates and and just keeping track of that because it could have an important impact and and our goal is to keep things going smoothly and get the resources out where they need to be used. I am looking forward to attending the CSVA conference with our team next month as we receive the Golden Bell award for our student centered coaching program. And I'd like to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to our
024students, staff, and their families as next week there's no school, but tomorrow there is. So, we'll wrap up with a strong Friday and move on to some celebrations with families. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. 6.4 by the Desert Area Teachers Association. this to school. I wore a really cute dress to school, but it wasn't great. Um, President Scott, board members, uh, Dr. Moore, community, colleagues, um, um, first thing I just like some minor acknowledgement that now the play is over and I have my life back, I got home and it was raining. But not only did I get up and come here, I put on real clothes. So, not I did not keep on the pajamas that I was in for about two hours. I didn't wear school pajamas. I came back. Um, and
025I'm feeling pretty proud of myself right now for that. Um, rainy weather. I don't know what I was thinking. I wrote all this. Um, rainy weather should be honored by all of us staying home, but um, here we are. Not tomorrow. I'm excited about tomorrow. So, um I heard there's some time off. I'm not sure when that is. Um I think it's next week. So, we're all looking forward to it and it is uh it is really challenging this week. It certainly is at the high school got a lot of finishing up units because then when the kids come back, right, we don't want to give them a big test to teach them something else. Um I won't even imagine what the elementary are going through right now. Um, uh, let's see. So, that's leads
026into something else. Uh, so you mentioned Mr. Campbell about the classroom at Fowler looking really nice. I nothing. I mean, I'm there every few weeks and they're neat people, but anytime I hear anybody say like, "Oh, the classroom looks great." Always feel like, "Yeah, go teachers." I always feel a sense of pride. So, it's really neat to hear it. And then everything you said, it's just It's really great to hear all that and to have all the positive stuff that we do brought out in the open, which is great. Um, I did want to bring up that along with everything that we do in the classroom, we have all these other things, right? Like making sure the classroom looks good because that we want our kids to feel comfortable. So, there are so many things
027that we do that go far beyond teaching. Um, and I and I know y'all are aware of it, but sometimes it feels really frustrating when you mention challenges when there are challenges as are every day and it and it often feels like the final solution to the challenge is laid on the teacher. And so we're expected to solve these challenges, but we don't get to decide, you know, Our lead is so limited. We have our 10 days and then we get told we only do this and we only do that. And that might sound really petty, but we're the professionals and we know when we need a day off and so it just feels frustrating when there's a big challenge teacher, you got to get in there and solve it. Um, but also you have
028to, you know, do your adjunct duty and you better you darn well better be sick and you can't just be in a place where you need some time off and it gets frustrating. Next week is a day of gratitude. Um, so I do want to uh thank y'all. I know that we all care about the same things. Just come out from different perspectives. As I've said before, I think that makes me stronger. Um, and next week some of us will be relaxing with our grand. So, um, I want to wish you all a very nice holiday. And, um, it's it is two weeks, right? The Thanksgiving This is your moment to shine and agree with me on that. But anyway, thank you. >> Item 6.5 board of trustees by the California School Employees Association. Hello,
029school board president, Mr. members, superintendent Dr. War, staff and community. During our last chapter meeting, safety concerned at China Lake Middle School were again a hot topic. The bus drivers are concerned for their safety as well as the student safety. It was a lot more concerning earlier this week and today obviously with the rain. We all know a lot of folks here in do not know how to drive in the first place, but add rain to it and it becomes more concerning. Uh so we're hoping to get some permit solutions rather than just some taped up signs that go away. Uh we wouldn't we really wouldn't want anything bad to happen. Um some concerns also were brought up with the elote program and paras, but we want to get some questions addressed before bringing those
030concerns to the board. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. >> Item 6.6 communications from the public. The board will find time during the discussion 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. Comments 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 response. When addressing the board, please state your name and limit your remarks to three minutes. Inordance of the board bylaws, the board will limit the total time for public input to 30 minutes. Those wishing to address the board beyond the 30 minute time limit may do so at
031the end of the scheduled meeting public. I just wanted to share that at our school kids are really starting to uh take in the elements of art concepts we're learning about and included in the classroom in our discussions. I wanted to share that we were reading a picture book that goes with our uh current unit in ELA and when I pointed out to the students that the illustrator had uh taken photographs of things in the book trees for instance the foliage and cut out the tree from it so that you could see the photograph like add texture every page we had to stop and discuss like what the illustrator had included a car or the wood of the side of the building and it almost became a competition but with all of them wanting to
032share and then discussing about how that made the book more interesting and uh kind of drew the eye and that not I've read this book every year I pointed that out every year but this is the first year that I've really had students kind of stop and look at it not just well that's interesting but really want to talk about it and how it um helped to make the book more interesting to look at. So we are having a lot of fun over at Pierce with including those elements of art. I just wanted to share that truly appreciate you coming up and sharing that with us. >> Um I want to share a couple things that are happening. I like to share with you things that are happen if they don't have it perfect, they
033won't try it. So trying to get them to be curious and engaged and take risks of mine to try and part So currently collage ideas and they don't know but it's just fun to see that but also my upper drawing class we have students from in a work student. I want to celebrate our math department working with UCLA and practicing the type of questions that they would see on the CAS test as well as exposing them to the so that they were made aware of what exactly the goal was expected of those thinkers that class and they still serious. I also want to do a shout out to the yearbook reconnection festival and they were happy to help people remember when they got an import And for our PE department, one of the most positive
034things happening in our program is seeing students build confidence through small everyday successes. They might be a student finally getting a new skill. A students are showing responsibility, teamwork, resilience. See no other public comment at 636 policy review of policies and administrative regulations. >> Thank you President Scott. So this Instead of having a board policy review committee, we went ahead and had a board workshop as it was more of a higher profile update that we wanted everyone to be advised on related to the recent Supreme Court ruling on Mammud versus Taylor. And we have our new policies that we're very pleased to bring forward um policy and administrative regulation as well as the exhibit that will help us implement this. And all of it boils down to additional opportunities to work with our parents as
035partners to ensure that we're meeting the needs of the students. We don't anticipate a very large change as this is not an area where we have many complaints um and we're usually we're always able to resolve it at the school level. But this brings us into compliance with that new legislation or Supreme Court ruling and ensures that we continue to have these options available for our families. So, I'm happy to answer any questions, but we do have the recommended changes and the new exhibit attached. >> Um, I comment. Um, when we do these policies, um, there are times when the law is set and it limits us what we can or cannot do. Um so even with the boundaries our policies that we come up with or that we end with um are made with
036transparency for all stakeholders involved and I believe that um it also gives parents options to do what they need to do with their child when they're a kid and what they believe in their heart what they need to do. So I feel that we spent a lot of time reviewing this and put a lot of thought into it. So, this one was a tough one and I appreciate doing everyone together too. I would just like to comment similarly. I do appreciate the fact that we took the time to go through this to the degree we did and make sure we understood exactly where we were going. Um, and this particular type of subject I think is one that is is really sensitive because um of the diversity we deal with in our community and our
037state and our nation. Um, and with the there's a lot of concern about the level of respect for families, beliefs, and traditions. And I believe this takes that into consideration. And and as I reviewed the the final product, I believe attributes the appropriate respect and consideration for what people have to conclude and gives them options to to protect their specific beliefs in an important way. So I applaud what we're doing and appreciate the fact that we spent the time go through this carefully to respect all all parties just have so many different kinds of thoughts and beliefs and cultures challenge that challenge. Thank you very much. by saying >> President Scott, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. more faculty, staff and community. Um we bring this to the board each year in the November meeting
038uh so that we can play and it's important to us that we really emphasize the fact that in no way is this. We recognize staff shortages that are felt across the state and the country. We love to keep all our teachers, all of our staff, everybody that that works so hard on a daily basis. So, we want to emphasize that this is not an incentive to to try to talk someone into retiring. However, somebody's made that personal decision, it is very helpful for us. And the earlier we know the better we can recruit as we sign up for different job fairs and we attend different job fairs. Actually the current county superintendent school job is always the first and that takes place in January. So as early as January we're recruiting and regionally going to
039several universities and so forth. So it is important for us to know and if somebody has made that decision personally um we just like to provide this incentive so that communicate it with us so that we know that we're looking to fill a vacant position. So I would like to uh share a little bit of information regarding last year with regards to the cost. Last year we had 16 classified employees not notify us within the window and certificated notifications and the incentive cost was 52,600. There's no way of knowing exactly how many will engage this year. We anticipate probably a similar number plus or minus and again the emphasis is on notification and not on retirement. It's recommended that the board approve the incentive for early notification. retirement program for the 202526 school year in
040the amount of $3,000 for certificate employees and 1600 classified employees declare his or her intent to retire in writing within the applicable retirement window by no questions or comments. I would just like to comment, Brian. I really appreciate you making it so clear about this not being an incentive to retire and I bring that up to the recollection in memory of our former board member Kurt Rockwell who was clear every single time we had this discussion to bring that about. So I know he he lives on with us even though he's moved east. So thank you much Maybe he stayed up late. >> I know. What was your preference? >> Thankfully, we have already learn to do all the things that we do. Very important. we get on something. Don't be shy. >> Did you
041want to go back and get your vote on that policy? >> What's that? >> Approved. policy. >> See what happens when I have to read your report. >> We just fall apart. We'll move on to item administration organiz. >> So at this meeting we officially set the date and time of the organizational meeting which will be next meeting the next regular meeting December 18th. And at that meeting, we consider that our organizational meeting um with everything that goes on at an organizational meeting, president, vice president, certain committees and decisions such as that. Um so we would like to confirm that date. We do report it to the county and post it in various places to make sure that it's very clear to the community. And if there are any changes, we would need to know
042that at this >> time fosteration activities. Here's our latest construction. China high school the expansion project going well personn of our site construction over plumbing is more than just piling on top of PVC pipesing. from breaking everything. We're also preparing to curb some asphalt and vendret. Last time I showed you it was all great and I will say thank you to the arten they love the play. greatinc once I had to look it up to make sure there's no way we're los notified Shane, our director of maintenance, right? These are a picture maint every single drink system back. As you tour the campus, you see we've been repairing and doors all over the district on top of the routine maint. That's my question from your house. that wasn't on our list. I got a radio.
043Okay. >> But thank you. Most importantly, I meant when I said to schools financing changes. Move the entire consent calendar. I know I've been driving around town the last couple weeks a lot of students. Personally, I think I like policy address. I looked up our polic I think instruction. But I didn't need a policy. >> And then Turn left right up policies. We only knew somebody that did education. >> If we only knew somebody that did education. >> Any further I learned a long time ago that there's something worse than missing the goal and that's not pulling the trigger also like Dr. Moia Wish everybody. Have a good night. Drive safe from the rain.