001Is it >> here? Excellent. All right. And move on to item three, pledge of allegiance. So for our pledge of allegiance, we are going to be inviting our spelling be winners to the podium which is over there. So, all of our uh five podium winners, please make your way over to the podium and then we will let you all I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the rep for it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all >> excellent thank you very much for that >> all right we move on to item four four approval of the agenda the administration recommends the approval of the agenda of Note before we have a motion to approve, we are going to remove item 16B that will be uh
002to another table. >> Um besides that, are there any sorry are there any other amendments? A motion. >> Motion to approve with the amendment. >> Second. I have a motion to second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion pass unanimously. >> All right. Now we move on to item 5. A spelling bee. District spelling be facilitators Jonah Hansen, vice principal of Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School, and Brian Beth, principal of Marjorie H. Shabi School, will introduce the 2026 spelling be grade level winners of the district spelling be champion. All right, Miss Hansen and Mr. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Good evening board. I'm Kian Hansen, the vice principal at Ben Franklin >> and I'm Glenn Bethl, principal of Marcher Hi. >> We're going to talk a little bit about the
003spelling bee and the beautiful thing about the spelling bee. It doesn't just start at Benjamin and Franklin. It starts at all the elementary and middle schools first with um every school um doing their own spelling be and the students in fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade um getting to represent their own school. They come over to Benjamin Franklin for the district 7 B where they represent their school and they go into classrooms where they have studied a multitude of words. And when I say multitude, probably about 300 words and they compete. And in fourth and fifth grade, it's really intense because you can see we have a representation of nine schools. And it's about an hour long. In eighth grade and seventh grade, not so intense, but they are so proud of representing. Uh,
004I can tell you that in fifth grade this year, in the last three students, they've finished all 300 words. >> Not only do our students need to study the words, as you see here, our representatives from the board here, who are judges, also needed to study the words. So, there's preparation that's done at the site, but there's also preparation done by those who are helping to facilitate And from that all the different classrooms we get finalists from each grade level. So everybody that won their spelling be for their grade level then comes together at in the mur and we have a competition for the general spelling be who wins the overall. So, as you see here, here are our representatives for fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth. >> And that's where we get our winners
005for the district 7. And we have Dimmitro Lim. He is the seventh grade winner from Ben Franklin. And he is our fifth grade representative for uh or the fifth place representative for the district. Come on up, Demetri. Give him a round of applause. Congratulations. We have a few words we'd like to show you the world. >> Good evening everyone. To start it off, my name is Demetriolum Jr. and it is an honor to be here today. I am the seventh grade spelling be winner and this experience has taught me the value of preparation and dedication. I am proud to be Filipino American and I mostly enjoy playing chess and video games and especially basketball. I would always challenge myself to my very limit and stay focused whenever I play. I am incredibly lucky to have
006a family that truly has my back. My mom and my dad offer unconditional support, love, and valuable guidance. To prepare for the spelling be, my mom and I would simulate the actual spelling be. We would go down the list practicing every single word, and if I got them wrong, she would mark it to review later and move on to the next word. After we finished the list, we would go back onto the mark words and try them again. I also would study the list very carefully almost every day. Because of the preparation, I felt even more confident during the competition. Looking ahead, I am ve I'm very excited for our summer vacation because it gives me tons of time to relax, have fun, and improve in all areas, whether it's academically or physically. In closing,
007I would like to thank the members of the school board for this opportunity. This means a lot to me and I appreciate all of your time and support. Thank you. >> Okay. And our fourth place winner for the spelling be is Bruce Train. Bruce is coming from Franklin Delano Roosevelt in sixth grade. >> Hi, my name is Bruce Chad. I am 12 years old, a sixth grader at FDR and a Chinese Vietnamese American. I like to study, make comics and manga, listen to music, and play games. I like to play basketball and football and currently in track at school and I am currently in track at school. I studied for the spell almost every day by looking at all the words on the list and I read a lot. I'm excited for the upcoming FDR
008spring concert because I will be performing with my trumpet. Thank you. All right, the next our third place representative is Liam Rapana from Susan B. Anthony. Nice round of applause. Congratulations, Hi, good evening. I just want to acknowledge my principal SVA, our district supervisor, Miss McCullik, and all the members of the board and all the parents and fellow students present here. My name is Liam Brian Rapan from SBA. I am 11 years old and a proud Filipino American. I have a deep passion for art, math, coding, and science. And I'm working hard toward my dream of becoming an astronaut one day. When I'm not looking at the stars, I'm usually on the move playing soccer, football, or basketball. I've also dedicated myself to the spelling be. After reaching second place in fourth grade, I've been
009practicing 20 to 30 words every day with my mom and reading constantly to sharpen my skills. I am so excited to bring that same energy to middle school here at TRP. Thank you. >> Okay. And our second place winner from Franklin Delanor Rosa from fourth grade, we have Francis Olympia. Hello everyone. I'm Francis Alipio. I was born and raised in the United States, but my parents are from the Philippines. I love reading chapter books, eating Filipino food, and playing video games. My sporting interest is volleyball, but unfortunately, I cannot join a volleyball competition because of my asthma. I studied for this day by putting in all my hard work on practicing every day with my mom about 30 words per day. My experience was very challenging because I had to compete against other students from
010different schools. I never felt nervous during the spelling be so that's why I won. I'm excited to join the spelling be competition again next year. And I also want to travel to other countries across the world. Thank you. And finally, our eighth grade representative, our grand champion, Ary SAO from TRO. Hi. Um, yeah. So, I'm Mary. I'm in eighth grade, so that means I'm 14. I don't know, Filipino descent. Um, currently my hobbies are I have way too many hobbies. Um, I play soccer, volleyball, I like Batman, uh, hit basketball. I'm in the track team. Um, and then I also play. I think the spelling be as an experience for me was more so a test of my own courage because previously I just didn't want to go in front of people. Um I just
011thought the whole thing was really scary. So I intentionally um just stopped like I didn't participate in them until very recently. So the experience for me was more so >> just me going getting over my fear of being in front of people and really shining. And can we get a warm round of applause for all of our spelling participants? And here you see our grand champion got a nice trophy. And all of our other winners from the per grade level got a nice Uh but also there's one more slide and something that our judges are always really good at doing is sharing kind thoughts um at the spelling meeting. And I don't know if there's any thoughts that anyone wants to share this evening before we end um our presentation but um that's it for
012us and uh thank you all for listening to our wonderful students. They did a great job presenting this this evening. Excellent. Thank you very much for your presentation. So we will now take comments or questions from the board. If there are any comments or questions otherwise need a minute for that. >> Well I think one thing that I know that I think trusty Rashba vice president Rashba said at the spelling be. So actually do you want to share it what you said? I really like what you said. >> I have sentiments to share, but I do not remember what I said. >> So, you talked about how I dispel me because even though they are all competitors, they were encouraging each other, they were high-fiving each other, they patted each other on the back as
013they were even when they were out. And these are kids from different schools. No, no, none of them maybe each other, but but he was telling us about how he's just like that was the one thing he noticed from the spelling be and that was thing that we love in our district is that even though we are at different schools and different places, we're competing, we are still supportive of each other. So that's that's a sentiment that I was hoping you remember to share, but it's okay. I remember um are there any other sentiments from the board that would like you? I'd like to congratulate all the students for their courage, but also I liked hearing those stories of the discipline that you had and the determination and you know coming in second place one
014year and studying and studying to finally win. So um you know keep up the great work and there's always good room for friendly competitions too. all of first all of the all of the students because amazing you guys won and competed and that was great and echoing everything that they said but also everyone talked about practicing with their parents with who they have at home and so I want to make sure that the parents who are here obviously still supporting and the found supporting um that's an amazing job that you're doing with these young men and I super excited to see them grow up and be great contribution of first society so thank you to the parents for supporting them unconditionally and giving them the love that they very clearly because they are just great
015great >> I just want to echo my fellow board trustee sentiments and then um also shout out to everyone that um represented their heritage. I think it's so important to um know where you come from and represent that whether that be with food, language, um immersing yourself in the culture even though you live here in the United States. And then I want to make sure that you guys, even though the spelling is over, continue continuing to read and learn new words is so important. I read like avidly. Um, I'm actually at 45 books and words I'm I'm middle-aged and I'm still learning new words every single day. Um, and I use words instead of people like, "What does that mean?" I'm like, "Well, it actually means this." Um, and it's it's something that will help
016you communicate much more broadly in the future, whether that be, you know, with your fellow friends or, you know, people that you meet in the future. So, don't stop reading, don't stop practicing words. It's so important. It's helpful um, in the future. First one I first want to give a big thank you to Miss Hansen and Mr. Bethl for organizing and uh hosting a tremendous event for our district. Great job. Um I want to thank all of the judges, all the volunteers, and all the parents. I heard several students say I I studied 20 30 words a night with my mom. Uh so thanks to all the parents and uh relatives out there who are practicing and um thank you to all of the participants, our our speakers tonight. You all spoke so well. You
017represent our district extremely well. Um, and I was really uh touched by what you said and I do want to thank everybody who participated because uh thank you for reminding me that uh yes I I I certainly observe a lot of cooperation um as trustee Alb said friendly competition where um yes we're we're competing with each other but many people uh all all the students really rooting each other on and kind of uh bonding in that shared experience that that feeling. Thank you. All right. We did not know that they were going to get certificates. So, we are also going to give our own, but we are going to save them a little quicker since you already gave them a chance to speak, but we would like our um winners to actually stay up front
018for pictures with us. So, as we call you up, we're going to call you up uh fifth, fourth, third, second, and grand champion. Um so, with that being said, these certificates just so we have to say the name. These certificates are for certificate of achievement for getting whatever place you did. And um this is the 2026 spelling bee and a certificate of appreciation for participating in our flag ceremony at the beginning of this board meeting. With that, I will pass it to >> Demetri. Bruce TR, Liam Rana. Francis Angelo Olipio and our grand champion Mary Pac. Show your words there. >> All right, one last round of applause for our winners. Thank you. Thank you so much for coming back up here. All right, we move on to item six of item 6A, board member
019acknowledgments and commendations. And I will start on my right. >> I just want to say thank you to everyone that came out this evening to celebrate your children um and obviously for attending our board meeting. We love it when we have uh a large crowd. Um we want to hear from you. We want to hear your feedback. Um we are representing you. Um we got elected to support you and our community. And so um it's just really beautiful to see um all of these faces in the crowd. It's um it actually is the reason why we are here today. Um I believe today is administrative professionals day. So I want to give a shout out to all of the administrative professionals. um your hard work does not go unnoticed. And I also believe that today
020is Earth Day. So for anyone that is um into climate change or if you haven't thought about climate change, I think I talked about reading earlier, pick up a book about climate and read something, help your community recycle, um do a beach cleanup. It's super important again to protect our community um so that it's there uh for the future, which is the children that we see here today. And I look forward to a good meeting. Thank you. Um on April 1st, uh since we last met, we had the final meeting of the superintendent budget, facilities, and advisory committee. And uh I was honored to be the board representative on that committee along with trustee Ali. And uh I really want to thank all of the members and volunteers of that committee who provided some extremely
021valuable feedback to us as we face some really difficult decisions um in the years ahead. As was presented in our last board meeting and as we went over in the uh beginning of this final committee meeting, we are facing a long-term structural deficit where uh due to declining enrollment, our revenues are not keeping up with expenditures and uh looking at multi-million dollar deficit and we really are trying to address this in a proactive and transparent way. So the members of the committee um you know in their final meeting were working towards a recommendation that will be presented to us in a meeting this spring and uh really grappling with four very difficult areas of consideration. Uh reducing our overall expenses, adjusting our staffing levels, closing or consolidating schools, and finding new sources of revenue. So
022again, I want to thank all of the um volunteers, uh parents, teachers, uh staff, and other others who served on the committee to help us make these difficult decisions. And then um finally, I want to thank Fernando Rivera School for organizing career day uh on April 3rd. I was honored to participate in this along with uh Superintendent Mulik and uh just a great opportunity to speak with u middle school students. I I would encourage all of our schools to think about a career day having uh volunteers and community members come in. Uh, you know, I talked about my day job as a nonprofit fundraiser, but I think next year I'm going to talk about this job of serving on the school board because I think that all of the uh students should be thinking about
023one day serving uh running for it and serving in that role. Thank you. I'd like to acknowledge I'd like to just acknowledge all of us who are coming out here um to the school site for our school board meeting tonight and all the librarians. April 16th was National Librarian Day. So um I know the library was a saving grace for me after school was somewhere to go and stay safe and still learn and have fun as well. So, thanks to all the librarians going to say ditto to everything they said. They've covered all of the days and all of the things that I thought of and that I didn't even think of. So, thank you everything and I echo my fellow board trustee sentiments. Um, so we are going and then um just to share
024out. So, we usually share out whenever we travel somewhere. However, we on the agenda. So, we're going to share our coast to coast uh which is Trusty Ali and myself. Uh we'll share that out the next meeting. All right. So, we move on to the 6B which is super com. >> Yes. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I just want to congratulate our spelling be winners. I thought what you said was really impressive um how you studied how you involved your family and how you persevered um when you were struggling uh with learning words or even the public speaking. And so, um, I'm really proud of you all and so I think you should be proud of yourselves as well. Um, I also want to thank I know we're going to celebrate you in a moment,
025but, uh, all of our parent volunteers that are here tonight. Uh, we really appreciate you and this week is parent volunteer week and April is parent or a volunteer month, school volunteer month. So, you know, we couldn't do this without you. So, we appreciate everything that you do and and we're going to celebrate you in a moment. Um, and the board will celebrate you, but I wanted to sneak in my few words first. Um and then also as was mentioned today's administrative professional day. So I want to thank our executive assistant here and a few others. Um but we want to thank all of our administrative support. Um and then I also at the last meeting there was a public comment that was made um regarding the massive schedule and assignments at um Fernand Rivera
026and so our human resources department Mr. Brett Marquez Valente will be sharing our processes for determining teacher assignments the May 13th board meeting. So we just wanted to make sure folks knew that we'll be responding to that. um and those inquiries by sharing some of the information. This Friday and next Friday is the middle school track meet at Westmore High School. And then uh next Tuesday is the art fair here at the gym at TRP. TRP is hosting a lot of things recently. Um starts at 5:15 p.m. Um want to thank uh Miss Padma Desari for um co-leading that with Miss Nula Sullivan Haley um for um the districtwide uh art fair. Uh, next week is also National School Library Week. So, it's National Librarian Day on the 16th and next week is National School
027Library Week and then next Friday is school lunch hero day. So, we support and celebrate our school lunch heroes. So, April and May is a lot of celebrations. We have more we assume in the year coming up. We have a lot of things coming up and we'll share more about those later. But, I just want to um give some insights and thank everyone for being here today. Thank you very much. All right. Item 6C person wishing to address the board. Miss Discovery, do we have any comments? >> There are none. The this portion of the agenda is available for individuals to comment on or address the board on any issue that is under the board's juris jurisdiction and not on the agenda. The maximum time allowed for any speaker is usually 2 minutes. So, we
028will close public comment at 7:30 p.m. And then we move on to item seven, the consent agenda. >> The administration recommends approval of the following star consent agenda items. Are there any items to be removed? Otherwise, I will entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve. >> There's a motion to have a second. >> Second. All those in favor say I. I. I. >> All oppose. Motion passes unanimously. All right. Now we move on to item 8A. Resolution number 24 260422. Resolution honoring parent volunteers during National Volunteer Month. The administration recommends the adoption of resolution number 260422 honoring parent volunteers at all schools in the Jefferson Elementary School District during National Volunteer Month. All right. I'm going to resolution. So bear with me here. All right. This is a resolution number 26422. A resolution honoring parent
029volunteers during National Volunteer Month. Whereas National Volunteer Month is observed each April to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers in our communities. And whereas parent volunteers play a vital role in supporting the success of our schools by generously giving their time, talents, and resources to enrich the educational experience of all students. And whereas parent volunteers contribute in countless ways including assisting classrooms, organizing school events, supporting extracurricular activities, fundraising, mentoring students, and serving on parent teacher organizations and advisory committees. And whereas their dedication and commitment foster a sense of community strengthened partnerships between families and schools and enhance student achievement and well-being. And whereas the governing board recognizes and deeply appreciates the essential role that parent volunteers play in making our schools welcoming, engaging, and safe learning environments. Now, therefore, be it resolved that
030Jefferson Elementary School District governing board does hereby proclaim April as a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of parent volunteers. And be it further resolved that the governing board extends its heartfelt gratitude to all parent volunteers for their unwavering support, generosity, and dedication to the students, staff, and schools of our district. and be it finally resolved that the governing board encourages all members of our school community to re recognize and express appreciation for the invaluable service of parent volunteers during national volunteer month. >> All right, we are >> all right. So this resolution is a this is a motion. So we'll need a motion and a second. I'll move that we approve this resolution. >> Make a motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. Um, all those in favor say I. >>
031I. >> Sorry, this is a resolution. >> Miss, can you >> Miss Jordan? >> I >> Mr. Raja. >> I >> Mr. Ali, >> Miss Holy Carfield. >> I motion passes unanimously. Congratulations. All right. So, now we move on to item 8 B. Recognition of JSD parent volunteers. The governing board recognizes and expresses appreciation for the invaluable service the parent volunteers at all schools in Jefferson Elementary School District during National Volunteer Month and throughout the school year. So, we are going So, what we are going to do now is we are going to call a list of names in each of schools. So, what we want you all to do is we want you to come up, collect your certificate from us, but please stay up here. We are going to take a group picture
032after we are done just like what we did with the spelling. All right. And then um I will start on my uh bear with us as these are uh written in cursive so we can't all read the things clearly but we hope we pronounce. So I have JFK starting so if you hear your name or think it's your name then for JFK. Um and this is a certificate of appreciation for May. Evelyn Nicholas, Nicole Mullen. Johnny, that's Okay, moving on to MP Brown. I have Christina Oliver. Ela. >> Okay, last line is Tobias Michelle Yao. Queen Aloo. All right. Ben Franklin, Beverly, >> Tamara H. Maria Paula Flores. >> I was playing pickle ball. Sorry. All right. Next is Daniel Webster Elementary. We have Dennis Con, Wendy Kawad, Joy Bland, >> Jason Adams, >> Zenus
033Fivera It's okay. Now we have George Washington Elementary Rudy Torisa and Lauren. I believe All right. I have this is Fernandanda Rivera March. >> And you're the only one. So here All right. Next, we have Thomas Edison, Francisco. Nicole Ass. Angelica, >> Elisa on And I recall And again, I had to do that because that is my mom's still there. All right. And now I have one more school. >> Oh, sorry. This one was under. >> So there was one that was stuck underneath one from George Washington. We really quickly want to acknowledge Paul Washington. embarrassing. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. That is your service. So, thank you. >> All right. And now this one, these are from Susan B. Anthony. Rico, >> Chelsea New >> Danielle Sans Christmas. Julie, Brian, Christopher Carl.
034Maxwell, Lester Rosales. Rita, >> Vanessa, Vanessa Isa, Leanna Brown, Shayla Alexis left New York and Andrea Yet. All right, let's go for any other All right. I now have Woodra Wilson Elementary and I have Marisol Gomez, Priscilla Pra, Justine, >> Etsy Gutierrez, And the man who will be called up twice, Opra Raw. Amro, you can stay up for uh Thomas Polya. The first volunteer Rob also from TRP Megan for >> and Francesca Gonzalez. And from FDR, Franklin Delan Roosevelt, we have my leaf. We have Arasmron, >> Laughing Bear, Torres, >> Sue Feyron, and Amy Trong Vargas. And this is for Westlake Elementary School. Elizabeth Ink, Emmy Joseph, Maddie Chang, Levy Cardona, Terrera. Apologies, I'm actually now on uh General Persing. Uh, Lillian Alvarado, Carol Coella, >> and the last school but not the least, Garden
035Village, Caesar Galaga, Hazel Garcia, David Metta and Yolanda Caro. Excellent. So, one last applause for all of our volunteers. Again, also again another thanks to all our parent volunteers. Even if you aren't here, we want to acknowledge that you all are parent volunteers. So that means you have kids at home. You have your job. And the fact that you showed up here and even the parents who aren't here, you all are giving so much time to our district. So we can't be more appreciative of all the >> All right. And then now it's time for comments from the board. and I will start this time on my right. >> I just want to say thank you uh for your dedication and your service um to your schools and our community. Um I know that your
036children are probably like, "Why are you at my school? Like I'm trying to just hang out with my friends." But your presence, even if they don't appreciate it now, they will later because they will remember my mom, my dad, my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles were there for me. Um, and it it it really truly does go a long way. I really just want to say thank you for showing up here tonight. Thank you for showing up um for your children and for our community. It does not go unnoticed. >> Certainly want to echo my fellow board trustees and say thank you so much. Uh parent volunteers are the heart and soul of our schools. Um I know it can be thankless work and it's it's many hours uh there there's so much to do
037and uh too few people to to do it. So uh really want to thank each and every one of you for stepping forward and providing invaluable uh help, support and care for our schools. Thanks once again for all your contribution and service to the schools and to your own children, of course. And as we say, it takes a village to raise a child, so we're all in this together. Thank you. >> Yeah, I echo whatever my fellow trustees say and just thank you. Like, it's it's a lot. And I think I can tell my children she's way younger than Andre is because when my kids see me at school like, "Mom, you're here." And they're so excited. And so no matter what age your your child is, they're going to grow up and know that
038their um their parent, their guardian, whoever it is was involved. Um and time is the most important and valuable thing that we can that we can give them. So thank you all these. Um, our teachers do so much, but there's only so much that they can and should do. And the rest comes up when um families that care and they're engaged give these opportunities and these extra um activities and all the extra funding that these kids do to keep them engaged in school and loving school. So, when your kid loves school, just know that y'all are the reason. So, thank you. And then uh this is coming from the only person in the world who is not a parent but uh I am an educator and so that's something that we value as our parent
039volunteers. Um so my experiences are my mom worked here for 30 years and she still works here as a substitute teacher going on 40. So she's still here and then I was always very fortunate to have my dad and every school I went to he was he volunteered at that school and just kept following me through every school I ever went to. But just like what Justine Jordan said, like we look back on that and I'm so thankful that my dad was always there. It was never, "Oh my god, dad, why are you embarrassing me?" It was, "Hey, dad, can I smell 20?" Um, so you know, we are very fortunate that we have our parents around. We do appreciate even if your kids are embarrassed, it's still a positive thing. And again, we look
040back on that and really reflect on it. So, thank you to all of our parent volunteers. And with that, before I have 30 minutes each, we're going to skip that. We're actually going to take a 10-minute Thank you for doing my joke. So, we're going to take a 10-minute reset to celebrate. Um, so we um >> I'll take over here. Actually, before we we do have some cookies over here and and some cups if you want some water. And um but before we take a 10-minute recess, I would like to take a photo of everybody. Um, and so I would like this in the background. So maybe the board can get up on stage and a few folks get up on stage and then we can get all of our parent volunteers with their certificates
041to come out in front here and I'll get in the back and um maybe even our principles too and staff members to come up with the parent volunteers and we can take one large group photo. The stairs are on the side >> or you can jump up. That's fine. We'll take a quick photo and then once we take a photo um take your photos in front of there and then the snacks are available and then we'll reconvene in 10. So if you can all come up with that be great. You stand up. All right, everybody. Let's face it that way. Face forward and smile. You have 30 seconds. All right. We just need an eight. Again, please enjoy meeting at 810 for regular court. Yeah. Thank you. Smile. and they need to get >> I'll
042be there. >> Oh, we know what we're doing. >> Yeah, I know. What are you doing? They're over there. >> No, they think Goodbye. See you tomorrow. Yeah. This is funny. Oh, even better. Oh my gosh. Are you happy now? Oh, what's it called? and mayor together with I never like to come I like somebody's like without almost like this real life. Thank you. No, I need I understand. This is my mom's fighting. Jack go do it. Okay. Chucky. >> All right. Okay. My husband, >> it's okay. Don't worry. I'll be okay. Yeah. What about you? Thank you very I have so many things going I I looked at you like oh I just want to come over and like we're going to get started on I'll wait for Exactly. >> You too. So, thanks
043so much. >> All right, board trustees. Anyone would like to stay in the course and enjoy more cookies, you may continue with our business. Do you have what's your >> Thank you so much for coming and celebrating with us. Secretary one Oh yeah. >> How are you? >> Good. Good. Good. Walk from the camera. It's off right now. >> All right. We have three who are going to I got you. >> Hello. >> All right, we move on to California Red Resolution number 260422A, National and California Day of the Teacher. The administration recommends adoption of resolution number 24 or 260422A recommending May 5th, 2026 as National Teacher Appreciation Day and May 13th as California Day of the Teacher. National California Day of the Teacher. This res with this resolution firmly recognizes the vital contributions and
044dedication of teachers who serve from preschool through 8th grade. These days in May are celebrated to honor GESD teachers role in shaping our students futures. All right. Are there any comments question on this motion? Obviously support this. Um, not only as a board member, but as an actual teacher right now. And you know, people always tell me, you know, oh, you guys don't make enough money and whatever people say. We're into education and teaching because it's our calling. And for some of us, it's what we're good at, right? Um, and it's something that we love to do. So, um, thank you to all the teachers and future teachers out there. >> All right. So, was that a question? >> Okay. Okay. There's one. >> I have a comment. >> Sure. >> I just wanted to
045echo um Trustee Ali's sentiments. Um, I'm not a teacher, but I am a parent. And um, every day my children over the years have come home and um, expressed to me how much they love their teacher or they're like, "Oh, I hope I get this teacher next year." It really showcases that the impact that teachers are making on our future um, because of what they're doing with our children um, is priceless. Um, and so I know it's not an easy job. Um, and you may not make, you know, the same money as someone that's working in tech, but the impact that you're making is for life. And so, I just want to say thank you. And I am um I'm thrilled to be able to say that my children go to school in this district
046and they're being educated by the teachers um in this district. >> Same. five teachers are and public school teachers. My favorite thing I just saw recently online is um the astronauts that just did the mission were all public school educated um students and I said that to my teacher friends and I said this this is you this is all the work that you do and so to all the teachers it's it's hard kids are hard and there's so many and there's you know 20 30 of them at a time all different personalities and uh all different personalities are parents too. So, thank you for dealing with all of us parents because we all come in different personalities as well. So, the work that you do is is never ever going to be appreciated as much
047as it should be. So, uh to get from a parent that says when I say I appreciate you, I really do. So, thank you. You don't deserve a day, you deserve the year. But we can't do that. I'd like to second um I'd like to uh echo everything that my fellow trustees have said and wanted to uh move to uh pass the resolution for national and California day of the teacher. I'm going to pause there because I would like to make a comment before you. It's okay. Um so as I previously said my mom was a teacher. I come from my grandfather was also a teacher. My aunt on my right my my father's side of the family is also an educator. So I come from a family of educators. So, you know, this is
048a really big deal because um we also look around the world where educators are so much more appreciated and valued in financial and other resources. And then we look here and I see that we do so little for our teachers. We we do our best of course here on our school board. We pass as much policy and acknowledgement as we can. However, I would like for hopefully in the future that something will change in our system to support our educators more because one of the things that other countries recognize is you don't have any other careers without educators. And so that's one of the my big calls to action is hopefully our legislation will see that and support our teachers more and especially our educators. >> All right, I need a motion. >> Motion to
049approve the resolution. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. This is a volcan. >> Mr. Ro >> I. >> Mr. Ali, >> I >> misspio. Hi. >> Mr. I motion passes unanimously. Congratulations teachers. >> All right. Resolution 2604 22B, National School Nurse Day. The administration recommends adoption of resolution number 260422B recognizing May 6, 2026 as National School Nurse Day. National School Nurse Day. This resolution honors school nurses for the crucial role in supporting student health, mental well-being, and academic success within our district. All right. If there are any comments or questions on this resolution, other motion. >> I just want to also say I mean um nurses um it's a hard job. I actually think that doctors won't like that I say this, but I feel like it's a harder job than
050being a doctor, especially in our district when you're dealing with children who um are having emotional but also physical needs. I think it's just um so critical to keeping the well-being of our students and the community that we are um servicing um well. And so I just want to thank you for what you do on a day in and day out. Um, and I hope that you are also taking care of yourselves at the same time. >> Yeah, I'd like to echo those sentiments. Um, you know, California, because we do not allocate enough money to education in the state, we have uh some of the lowest rates of professionals, you know, within our schools. And you can really see that with nurses who are called upon to not just um serve the needs of one
051school, but multiple schools. they have a really hard job that has been um just expounded on the the needs have have really mushroom over the past few years. So I I definitely want to thank all of the nurses in our district and around the state and the country for all they do. >> And same would like to echo uh surprise for a family of nurses. Anony's a family of educators. Mine's a family of nurses. my mom and my husband. Um, and I know how hard the job is. Uh, especially at confession with with kids, there's a lot that goes on and maybe they are hurt. I can't tell if you're hurt. Maybe these circles mine a little, but it is a lot of um a lot of uh empathy needed and a lot of understanding
052and getting down levels at this age in this district and being able to understand that. So uh again the work that the nurses do and not enough not enough words not enough days to be able to appreciate it but you are all appreciated. Mr. Just I'll just add that um you know I really appreciated the nurses when I was in school and it's not just for the medical you know help they provide but just having a safe space and a place to go rest. So thank you to all the nurses. >> I have two uh quick alternative comments. So, first I worked with a nurse at one of my schools that I worked at, nurse Nicole. She was an ER nurse and that switched to be a school nurse. So, some of our nurses have
053so many careers that we don't even know that they had before they came to us and they switched to us for a work life balance. So, appreciate all the nurses and the fact that you were first responders in so many different situations. I also acknowledge all the nurses in um so one of my best friends is a nurse in Minnesota and where tragic things have happened in Minnesota. Some of those nurses are the first people to see all of the people that need help for lack of better words. So I just want to say I very much value the nurse profession and all the nurses that I've gone to work with. And with that I guess I'll make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second coar. This is April.
054Thank you very much. >> Miss Jordan >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Rasha I >> Mr. Ali I >> Miss Mr. Saka >> I motion passes unanimously. >> Congratulations school nurses. >> All right we move on to item 8E 2026 2027 AMT local 3267 renewal contract proposal sunshine and schedule of public hearing. A public hearing will be held on May 13, 2026 on the renewal contract proposal of AFT local local 3267 for 2026 AFT is proposing to open negotiations on article 2 wages. Article 3, hours of employment. Article six, health and welfare. Article 10 class size and article 13 procedures. The administration recommends acknowledging the the receipt of directing the direct sunshining and distribution for public review the renewal contract proposal of aft local 3267 for 2026 2027 as required by the broad act. All right.
055If there are any comments or questions otherwise I will entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. >> All opposed. Motion passes unanimously. All right. Item 8F 2026 2027 JDS counter proposal to AFT local 3267 renewal contract proposal sunshine and schedule a public hearing. A public hearing will be held on May 13, 2026 on the renewal contract counter proposal of JDU 2020 for 2026 2027. JSD is proposing to open negotiations on article two wages, article three, hours of employment, article six, health and welfare, article 10 class size, and article 14 early retirement incentives. The administration recommends acknowledging the receipt of direct sunshining and distribution for public review, the renewal contract counter proposal of JD to AFT local 3267 for 2026
0562027 as required by the broad act. If there are any comments or questions, otherwise I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion to approve the counter proposal. >> I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. All opposed. >> Motion passes unanimously. Uh item 9A, certificate retirement 2025 2026. The administration recommends the approval of the retirement quest from France Swatchina, school psychologist. Benjamin Franklin special education effective June 12th, 2026 and request an appropriate resolution be prepared for commending her for her years of service with the district. Mr. China has been employed the district since September 8th, 2014. Does anyone have any comments to say? I do have one if no one else does. All right. So, I worked
057with Fran. we called her friend um at when I was at Fernando Rivera and she taught me everything I know about legally in special education, how to conduct an IEP meeting, how to take notes for an IP meeting. So, she is incredibly valuable resource that I actually I think took all of my administrative career in special education to um if it weren't for her, I would not know everything I do today. So, in special education specifically. Um so, thank you very much uh Mr. Sheena for your years of service. Thank you for your years of service. Motion to approve. >> Second. There's a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations, Mr. China. >> All right. We move on to item 10 A. Uh,
058retirement classified personnel. The administration recommends approval of the retirement request from the following class employees and requests that the appropriate resolutions to prepare recommending them for their use of service with the district. Mario Orbe Orbetta, instructional assistant, PE and Abby Brown, hired on October 21st, 1993, effective April 30th of 2026. and Linda Subtles, instructional assistant in special education. Daniel Webster, hired on October 8th, 2001 and effective June 5th, 2026. If there are any comments or questions, otherwise I'll take a motion. >> I just want to acknowledge um combined 50 uh you know plus years of service. Just want to say thank you so much for your years of service um and um I wish you well in your retirement. Motion to approve. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. All those in favor
059say I. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Congratulations to Mario and Linda. All right, we move on to item 11A, governance handbook. The government the governing board will will review and consider adoption of proposed revisions to the government handbook based on discussions from the January 31st, 2026 governance workshop and the March 25th, 2026 regular governing board meeting specifically related to the unity of purpose section. Miss >> Yes. So in front of you we have a printed copy as well as the one online. Uh at the last meeting you gave direction and guidance. we actually kind of went line by line and so this is the edited version and uh we removed it so that it is more a guidance document for board trustees and so we just wanted to share this with you
060to see if you approve what we have written and um and make it the handbook now for the governing board as of last updated April 22nd. >> All right, I'm going to give us three minutes to read this through. Is that enough? Does anyone want more time? All right, we'll we'll check in at 3 minutes. All right. If there's any discussion or does do people need a few more minutes to read? Don't be embarrassed. You're fine. All right. If there's any discussion on the changes from the hamburg from the last meeting, otherwise I'll entertain a motion. >> Thank you, Superintendent Kulik for making these changes. Motion to approve. >> I have a second. Sorry. All right. So, we have a motion and a second. All right. Then all those in favor say I. >> I.
061>> All opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much. All right. And now we move on to item 12. Governance team member comments report for future agenda items and board meeting reflection. And this time I'll start on my left. >> Been a lot of talking today. I don't think I have anything left to say that I haven't. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, as um President Suji Saka mentioned, uh he and I went to Coast to Coast 2026, and I guess we're going to talk about it again at another board meeting. But, um I I just like to um show my gratitude for having that opportunity to go out there and um literally get in lobbying, you know, lobby for public education and for the specific needs that we have in California. And um this
062is my third time going as a board member. So, I felt like I um I'm a veteran at it now. So, I'm looking forward to doing more federal uh advocacy. Thank you. Uh I want to thank uh TRP for hosting us tonight. I uh said to uh some others that I I this is my favorite meeting of the year. I think I enjoy all of our meetings, but it's just great to kind of be out in the community at one of our school sites and to see um I mean start with the spelling be winners uh and who were so inspiring and then to have uh all the amazing parent volunteers. So, just want to say thank you again to all of the PTO, PTA, school site council members and overall parent volunteers uh who
063were recognized tonight. I want to thank uh President Suji Saka and Trusty Ali for representing our district at Coast to Coast. Um I wasn't able to make it this year, so I'm looking forward to hearing um what you guys uh worked on and um hopefully future accomplishments that we will have based on the advocacy that you did. Um I echo um Trusty Roger sentiments. I I these are my favorite meetings when we have people in the room um that we're representing. Um most of the time it's our principles and our teachers that are here. And so when I when we have the families and we can celebrate them, it really warms my heart because at the end of the day, that's what we're here for. We're here for our students and we're here for the
064community that we serve. Um and it was really really great meeting and uh the first one in like 30 days. So, welcome back team and look forward to um the rest of the meeting. Apparently, you have more on the agenda. >> Yes, we do. All right. Well, my last thing is again I won't speak too much, but yeah, just said we're going to do our coast to coast reflection at the next meeting. The only thing actually I wanted to actually bring up as a potential future I want this to be an agenda item, but I know at one point we spoke about bringing a meeting to our housing complex, which I don't think we've ever done. Um, >> I don't know if we can have a meeting at the housing complex. It's a place where
065people are living and there's no space to have and we'd be invading space of their living. But, uh, we can discuss um other options. We just wouldn't be able to have brown. It's just um the technology sometimes is challenging. That's why we always have the TRP because of the technology. >> That makes sense. Thank you for that clarification. Again, I know that had been a talk at one point. Yeah, thank you for that clarification. Um, then follow up from me and then All right. Um, and then now we go to item 13. Purses wishing to address the board on close session items. Missy, do we have any um >> There are none. >> There are no public comment. All right. This portion of the agenda is available for individuals to comment on or address the
066board on an item that is listed in closed session. The maximum allow for any speaker is usually two minutes and we will close at public comment at 8:33. All right, we will go to a recess um a 5m minute recess from 8:33 and we will convene the close session at 8:38