001All right. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the regularly scheduled board meeting for the Elskundo Board of Education. Uh it is March 10th and I call order at 6 Oh, should put my glasses on. 6:01 PM. With that, uh, hang on while I get my internet is not connected yet. So, I'm gonna go to my old school style of reading the agenda. All right. Um, one second here. Sorry, I got to get this up. I don't have my No, I have that. Yes. Thank you. That No, no, that she's good. Uh, I will uh announce that uh in closed session today. Oh, sorry. Start with the pledge of allegiance. It's I'm used to being online. Apologies to all. Start with the pledge of allegiance. And I'm going to ask actually Maddie if you would lead us
002today if you don't mind. Thank you. To the stands nation andice for all. All right. For our report of action taken in close session tonight, uh we did approve the following confidential student matters. Student matter number one for student number ending in 624 and student matter number two for student number ending in 233. Okay, that takes us to item 3 C, the agenda hearing period. public communications. I will ask if anybody else is in the room that hasn't turned in one of these lovely cards yet, please do and bring it up here to the table to our right. And I will add that to the stack I already have. And with that, I will start. I guess it doesn't matter the order. I believe they're all on the same topic. So, I will ask first
003uh Jen Hyatt if you would come up. This is regarding an agenda item and you have up to five minutes. Good evening. Uh, my name is Jen Hyatt and I'm a parent at Richmond Street School. I'm here tonight to express my strong support for the TLC teachers and [clears throat] to respectfully ask that the board not reduce their hours, which would effectively reduce their pay. Um, my child is in the TLC program and I can tell you firsthand that the teachers are the reason that it works. >> [snorts] >> Uh my child comes home happy and confident and excited to go back to school the next day. Sorry, public speaking is not my strong suit. Um and as a parent that means everything. Uh my child's happiness is directly connected to happy teachers and when
004teachers feel supported, valued, and fairly compensated, they bring energy, patience, and positivity to the classroom. Uh the TLC teachers create an environment where kids feel safe and supported and excited to learn. And that environment is exactly what helps young kids thrive and that matters deeply to families at home. Um, sorry again. Uh, reducing their hours sends the opposite message. It risks lowering morale and weak weakening a program that is clearly working for our kids. Many parents also understand that our TLC fees help fund this program. We anticipate those fees will increase in the coming school year and other years. And many of us are willing to support that because we value the program and the teachers. But it's hard to understand why parents would be asked to pay more while the teachers who make the
005program work [snorts] are being told to work less and effectively earn less. If families are investing in TLC, we hope that investment uh that investment supports the people directly caring for our children. Those teachers are shaping our children during some of the most important developmental years. [snorts] They deserve stability, respect, and support from this district. Please keep the TLC teachers ours as they are and [snorts] continue investing in the people who make this program so special. Thank you. Thank Thank you, Miss Hyatt. Our next speaker tonight is Jackie Cruz. Also a five minute window allotted. >> Hello all. Um my name's Jackie Cruz. I'm a parent at Center Street School. I have a son in third grade and another who will begin TK in 2027. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. As the
006other parent said, TLC is not just a daycare. It's a very important and enriching part of our children's lives. As Mr. Glenn mentioned at the last meeting, a [clears throat] 20% reduction in salary will be devastating to these teachers, as it would be to anyone. In addition to finding these proposed cuts unnecessary, I selfishly don't want this to affect my own child. I am worried about teacher retention, quality of care, and I think lots of teachers will have no choice but to leave. I received a TLC budget presentation re prepared by Kim Lind for today's meeting and in reviewing the report I was left with many questions. I'm not sure if the board has reviewed this report yet. Um does this report include summer school? If not, how does that affect these numbers? How do
007the current year budget and actual numbers compare? Um, I found discrepancies in the numbers presented in the report versus the financials available on the district website. I imagine there's a good reason for this, but the report doesn't indicate what those might be. The report lists various costs funded by ELOP, which total $492,000. It's my understanding that ELOP funds are for after school and summer school programs for TK through sixth grade. So, it's unclear why there is 195,000 allocated to middle middle school sports, which I imagine would only benefit the approximately 300 sixth graders. There's no indication of how various costs were allocated. For instance, approximately 25 to 50% of the district's unrestricted supplies expense was allocated to TLC. This is food service, custodial supplies, supplies for repair and upkeep, office supplies for the entire district.
008If TLC is indeed using 50% of these supplies, then I would argue that the teachers are doing a heck of a lot more than we imagine and absolutely need their full eight hours a day. 10% of services and other operating expenses were allocated to TLC. Travel costs, utilities, pest control, professional and consulting fees, and other maintenance and operations functions for the entire district. I find it difficult to believe that 10% of that is for TLC. Most of the expenses noted as indirect costs are actually already accounted for under services and other operating expenses. That leaves clerical and administrative salaries as indirect costs. I understand that TLC benefits from the time and expertise of these departments. But the reality is that these administrative salaries are not affected by or increased by TLC. And frankly, it doesn't
009seem right to use a portion of those fixed salaries to justify cutting the wages of 14 teachers. If we accept the reported figures as presented, TLC is expected to operate at a deficit of almost $132,000. However, the proposal will reduce spending by $200,000. Where is that extra money going? Assuming 510 TLC students, we could cover the deficit at a cost of $26 per student per month. As this report shows, the unduplicated pupil percentage for ESUSD is quite low at 11.79%. Which tells me that the vast majority of TLC families can afford an extra $26 per month to keep our kids in the best hands possible. Spreading this over five 510 families makes a lot more sense than impacting 14 teachers. We've been assured that TLC staffing and student supervision will not be impacted, but I
010disagree. Reducing teachers hours will either result in fewer activities or less supervision as the teachers will need to plan while students are present, which I know can sometimes be dozens of students at a time. Either option is not what I've come to love and expect from this district. We rely on ESUSD to provide the highest quality education and care for our students, which includes the afterchool program. As a parent in this district and a resident of this town, I urge you to vote no on this proposal. It'll be a detriment to our children and families, and it is inconsistent with the standard and the reputation that ESUSD has achieved up until now. Thank you, Miss Cruz. Next up, we will have Kelsey Littleworth. Same five minutes. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the school board.
011Dr. Johnson, Dr. Lind, Miss Field. My name is Kelsey Littleworth, and I'm a third grade lead at Center Street School. I was unsure about speaking out. Some told me it could be risky, but I would be doing myself and my colleagues a disservice if I didn't speak up. So, here I stand speaking my truth, explaining why this change still feels like such a gut punch. When I got laid off in 2020, I was unsure I would find a job where I belonged again. Then in 2022, a job in a district close to home appeared. I applied, I interviewed, I was hired, and wow, the very first day, this is where I belong. building community with and enriching the lives of students of ESUSD. However, reducing our hours dampens that belief. It was stated two weeks
012ago that TLC will still have the most prep time in the district. That may be true. It's important to remember, however, that the incredible classroom teachers of this district teach from a set curriculum. We TLC teachers create our own during our prep time. We may not be interacting with kids for all of our eight hours, but we are here constantly working for the kids, every student every day, always. You can find some of us coming in earlier at 12 or 12:30 working off the clock. Also, we have still yet to see a proposed schedule, but there's an even bigger, harsher reality at hand. This change won't just affect the future of quality of TLC, but program staffing as well. Someone once told me they love it that I'd give it to people straight. So, let
013me give it to you straight. Very few people want this job. We already have great difficulty hiring TLC staff. We've been told that we are actively hiring, but new hires are nowhere to be found. We already struggle with re retaining both lead teachers and assistants. Reducing hours and limiting preparation time will only make that make that challenge greater. Do we really expect lead teacher applicants to accept a 6.5hour position for a role that realistically requires closer to eight hours to do well? And do we expect the experienced lead teachers currently on staff to remain in positions where they have less time to prepare knowing that hurts the quality of the pri program? I don't. That's not realistic. Educators understand the time, energy, and preparation this role requires. Those of us who has stayed with TLC
014for years have continued because we care deeply about the students, have fostered relationship with parents, and love the Elsagundo community, even with the challenges this position brings. Furthermore, it would be a lie if I said these reductions in hours didn't bring up some personal worries for us all and leave us questioning our dedication to this job. The amount of respect the district administrators say they have for us, how much our work with kids is actually valued, and whether this role is sustainable long term. Let's be real. No one gets into education for the money. But money is always a factor. How are my colleagues and I supposed to support ourselves with fewer hours with the cost of living so high? If your words telling us that you value our work at TLC are true, I
015have a few propositions. Make us sevenour employees at the same rate we're at. only give us 6.5, but give us a pay increase. Give us only six and a half and the ability to do noon supervision, but pay is equal. But if it's decided to move forward with us at 6.5 with same pay and same planning time, be prepared to lose dedicated staff. Please, please do not make me consider having to leave this amazing district and community. I belong here. It's my home. Thank you. Thank Thank you, Miss Littleorth. All right. Next to speak tonight, Suzanne Lipkcom. And again, five minutes. [clears throat] Okay. All right. Hello. My name is Suzanne Lipscom and I'm a lead teacher of a first and second grade cohort at Center Street TLC. Um, some of my co-workers are going
016to talk about the budget. So, all I want to say is that for a program that brings in over $2 million and serves 500 students. A deficit of $131,000 is small and should be considered successful. Parent fee increases that are already planned will increase revenue more than this. But I'd like to share what my prep time actually looks like. At the last meeting, it was suggested that TLC staff only plan one short activity and therefore we don't need the amount of prep time we've been given. I want to explain all the other things that have to happen during that time in addition to planning quality activities. The most productive time I have for planning and prep is the hour after I walk my morning students to school. During that hour, I plan activities and calendars,
017make copies, cut and assemble project materials, send parent emails, coordinate with staff, and organize supplies so they can be transported across campus on my cart without blowing away. I don't have my own classroom anymore, so everything has to be mobile. It was said that I could also use the before school care hours to prepare projects because I may only have one or two students at that time. But those students are the children who have to come to school at 6:30 a.m. while the rest of their classmates are still asleep. When they arrive, they get my full attention. We play cards, we have a routine, we talk, and they start their day with a supportive adult. I come back at 1:00, and the first thing I do is go to the office to get the daily
018attendance report. I identify TLC students who are absent and check the front office sign sheet to see if any were picked up early. that helps us know which students to expect at check-in and prevents time wasted trying to locate children later. After that, I begin preparing snack. At Center Street, snack is delivered in bulk. The TLC lead teachers sort through tall stacks of cardboard boxes to determine what can actually be served that day. We check the fruit to see what is ripe, and we check the industrial refrigerator to see whether the juice boxes are frozen and need to be set out to thaw. Then I portion snack for my group of 48 students and carry it across the field along with the other materials needed for the afternoon. Before [clears throat] snack can be set
019out, I also have to wipe the bird poop off the tables under our canopy for each day. During that afternoon prep time, I go to the shed to gather materials for the day's activity and bring them back to the tent where I staged the program. I'm doing all of this setup alone, so it requires several trips across the field to move things. Around 2:30, my aids come on shift and we take a few minutes to review the plan for the afternoon. And then before 2:45 even arrives, about 48 first and second grade students come running toward the tent all at once for check-in, peeling off from the lines of classes walking to the back gate for dismissal. I also want to address the idea that TLC staff would still have about an hour and a
020half of prep time each day if hours were reduced. Most likely the split shift would be 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 6 p.m. That means the actual uninterrupted prep time would be about an hour and 15 minutes in the afternoon. And the operational tasks I described earlier, reviewing the attendance report, preparing snack, cleaning the tables, and transporting supplies across the field don't disappear. Which means the time available to actually prepare enrichment activities would be compressed dramatically. even if it sounds better to say that it would not. And none of that works on minimum days at all. I also want to respond briefly to the suggestion from last time that the district could simply pay to bring in more outside enrichment providers instead. Much of the enrichment in TLC already comes from the staff
021working with these children every day. Our team brings skills in arts, crafts, sports, science activities, music, dance, and more. We know our students well enough to design activities that actually engage them. We can also organize the time so that they all get the opportunity to participate, which has been an issue with outside providers. The suggestion that we must cut funding for our own staff while somehow finding money for outsourced enrichment programs to replace our work is deeply hurtful. Many of us are also alumni of this district. We went to these schools and we chose to come back and work here because we love and care about our community. The prep time we're discussing tonight is what allows both enrichment and the safe operation of the program to happen. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Lipstone.
022And we next have Emily Manning Barton. Also, five minutes. Good evening, everyone. My name is Emily Manning Barton and as most of you know I'm a lead teacher at TLC. I'm also an alumni. I attended TLC when I was a child as well. So I do know this program really well. I would like to comment on the TLC budget presentation that's going to be shared this evening. And I have some questions regarding some of the numbers that were presented. My goal in asking these questions is to better understand how the financial picture of TLC is being represented because those numbers are being used to justify significant changes to staffing and struct the structure of our program. When staffing decisions affect students and employees so directly, it essentially it it's essentially important that the financial information
023used to support those decisions is precise and transparent. First, I would like to address the staffing costs listed on the 2025 2026 TLC budget slide. On that slide, there is a line item for field marshals totaling $73,38. However, TLC does not currently have field marshals working in the program that we know of. Additionally, as of today, there are no active job postings for field marshall positions on Ed Join, which would typically be expected if those roles were being hired or maintained as active positions. Because of that, I am hoping someone can clarify why that cost is included as part of TLC's fixed staffing expenses. If those positions do not exist within the program and are not being actively recruited, it raises the question of why that expense is being attributed to TLC when calculating the
024program's financial status. Second, the same staffing slide lists an office assistant position as part of the TLC budget. My understanding is the office assistant position is intended to support the preschool program and that the funding for that role typically comes from the preschool account. If that is the case, I would appreciate clarification on why that expense is being attributed to TLC rather than the preschool program. Both of these examples matter because the presentation repeatedly emphasizes that TLC is operating at a deficit. When costs that may not actually belong to the program are included in the calculation, it can significantly change how that deficit appears and how decisions about the program are justified. Finally, I would like to ask a question regarding the ELOP expenditure slide. So, I would like a clarification on how that funding
025is being used. Is the funding strictly so Oh, excuse me. I did this last time, too. I bet I skipped something. Yep, of course I did. According to the presentation, $195,819 is allocated to middle school sports enrichment. However, ELOP funding is designated for TK through sixth grade students. So, I would like clarification on how that funding is being used. Is the funding strictly supporting sixth graders in middle school sports or is it supporting students in grades 6 through 8? If it includes seventh and eighth graders, that would suggest that some of the funding is being used outside of the allowable scope of ELOP. I raised this question because the presentation also shows that ELOP funding is being used to offset TLC's deficit. If those funds are restricted, it is important that the board and the
026community understand exactly how they are being allocated. In addition to these questions, I would also like to share a constructive solution that the TLC staff have already started to work on. Currently, TLC tuition is approximately 15% below the market rate of comparable programs in the surrounding area and tuition has not been increased in the past two years. TLC has already proposed a responsible gradual t tuition adjustment plan that includes a 7.5% increase for the 2026 2027 school year, followed by an additional 7.5% increase for the 2027 2028 school year. This phased approach allows the program to move towards financial sustainability while giving PA uh families time to plan and adjust rather than placing the burden solely on staffing reductions that directly affect students and program quality. This phase tuition approach is a more sustainable solution
027than reducing staff hours by 20%. Many TLC staff members already work multiple jobs to support themselves and their families. A reduction of this size represents a significant loss of income and stability. I would ask the board to consider if your own position were reduced by 20%, would that be sustain a sustainable or reasonable ex expectation? TLC staff are not just employees. We are members of this community who serve its families and students every day. Decisions that affect our livelihoods ultimately affect the stability and quality of the program itself. The Learning Connection program [clears throat] serves many families in this district and the staff who work in this program care deeply about the students we support every day. We are not asking to avoid difficult conversations. We are asking that decisions be made using accurate information
028and with consideration of solutions that protect both students and staff. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, that concludes our public communications time for the evening and we'll move forward now with now that I can see it on my laptop. Um, the student representative report, Maddie. >> Good evening everyone. Happy March and late International Women's Day. It's an honor to have these strong and fabulous ladies sitting next to me and in the audience as well. ASB is as busy as ever this spring. Last week, the high school had our annual UCLA blood drive where we hit our quota of over 170, sorry, 75 pints, saving more than 225 lives. I am so proud of our Eagles in the community for stepping up. The musical Legally Blondes starts this month. There will be a special cabaret performance
029with the original Lwoods actress, Laura Belundy, on March 20th. The esports Super Smash Bros. tournament concluded last week with Caleb Morales coming out on top. Congrats, Caleb. And our March teacher of the month is Mr. Louis Tucci, our en energetic and enthusiastic media design and VAPA pathway teacher. We also had the college fair last week put on by Mrs. Bologanos and Miss Crump in the college and career center. And that is all for my report. >> Okay. Thank you, Maddie. All right. Our next item this evening is an update from the Elsinga Education Foundation and Christa Kaban and her very big check are making their way. It's a secret. I'm sorry. The whole room can read it on that side. Sorry. Spoiler. >> Settle down. Happy spring. I hope everybody is springing into it without
030too much uh disturbance in your household. Um couple things from the Ed Foundation tonight. First of all, we want everyone to know that tickets are on sale for the Ed Gayla, which is May 9th. It is the Golden Evening of Education. And as everyone knows, it is the premier event of the year and our biggest fundraiser. So, feel free to buy tickets, general admission. There's still VIP seating and tables available as well as sponsorships. Also, the Academy of Ed has registrations open. And this year's summer offerings are everything from academic to the ever popular cooking to some new offerings like hair and makeup, coding, and of course, there's art and a plethora of other things. And then there was one more thing. Oh, yeah. Big check. One second. There we go. I'll flip it around
031in a sec. As promised, we want to thank everyone that came out to walk, whether it was virtually or online, that um supported the Friendship Foundation and Sketchers. and we would like to present to the district our wages that we garnered from that which is $212,900 from the walk with over 16 I'm sorry 1,600 a little over 1,600 walkers this year. So congratulations to everyone and thank you so much. Thank you. Okay, >> you guys like to use the photo of that when we >> like to show the Friendship Foundation our support. Here we go. Oh yeah. >> Okay. Thank you, Chris. So, we will transport that back somehow. Whoever's got the biggest vehicle will take that back to the office. Um, and I want to apologize. I did miss one public comment. So, I'm
032going to back us up for a moment and ask Renzo to please come up to speak. Uh, five minutes as well. Thank you, Mr. Valente, for your patience. >> Good evening to the board. Um, I know this time is typically used to talk to you guys directly, but since most of us are here and most people are watching at home, I just wanted to say to the community that has been with us since the start, I would like to say thank you very much and thank you for all the support that you guys have shown us. I know that things [snorts] seem seem hard nowadays, but I really do appreciate all the willingness, the showing up, the the talks, the the shows of support. it really doesn't mean a lot to us. I know that
033um in some instances this is our fight, but I really do appreciate everyone else who's willing to come and show your support to us. Um additionally, I just want to talk um touch on a topic that I have noticed. Um there is this narrative that is not not negatively but just has been shown to certain parents and in responses that staffing will not be affected by these changes. And I most of my co-workers have um touched on this point, but I think it's really important for many of not just the community, but the board members to really see is that if these changes or if something is not done to improve this proposed changes, the next school year, TLC is going to look drastically different. And I don't mean that in a rude or condescending
034or even a threatening tone at all. I just mean genuinely. is going to look very different from a program standpoint with the activities we can provide to furthermore the literal staff we will have. I we talk we all talk all the time with each other during the times we have with our kids or other times during prep or when we're planning stuff and you know you make it comment to your coworker and many of them has said that if these changes do go through many of them are going to have to leave many of them will have to move on and find new jobs. Many of them will have to sadly say goodbye to this program that they love so much that they help build up so much because they just cannot literally work here
035anymore. Not because of any animosity or any will, but they literally cannot financially support themselves anymore. And I know that like that is a lot to say and I know that for some people that might be, well, it's time for maybe you get a better job, but I don't look at it like that. I look at like this job is so important to many of us here that that's why we're here. That's why we're talking. That's why we're reaching out and explaining how we feel to the board, to the community, to everybody. So once again, thank you to the board. Thank you for the time that you've given to this matter. Thank you for the time that you've looked in into this matter. And once again, thank you to all the community members that have
036shown your support to us. We really all truly truly appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Valente. No, no other public comments, right? Okay. Do not want to miss anybody else. Okay. Thank you so much. All right. Our next item on the agenda is an update from ESTA. Someone Oh, here comes Mr. Kelly. Good evening to the board and superintendent. On behalf of the association, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the time and dedication that goes into the work you do as a board. We recognize that many responsibilities and difficult decisions that come up with serving the district and appreciate the effort you put forth in guiding Elsagona Unified. One thing that remains clear is our shared commitment to doing what is best for students. As educators, that focus is at the center
037of our work every day. and why we value and why we value that the board continues to keep students at the heart of its decisions. At the same time, supporting and valuing the educators who work with those students every day is essential to maintaining strong schools in a thriving district and to ensure that there's nothing that changes in years to come. As the president of the association, I will continue to work on the behalf of the membership to ensure that our educators feel respected, supported, appreciated. When educators feel valued, it strengthens the learning environment and allows for us to better serve our students. We appreciate the continued opportunity to work together, particularly particularly with bargaining and the support of our students, staff, and families of Elsaundo Unified. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Kelly. Do
038we have someone from CSEA wanting to speak tonight? And that would be Leani. Hello. Welcome. >> Hello. Hello [laughter] everybody. >> I'm not good >> like a celebrity in the room >> doing this. >> You're fine. Go ahead. >> Um I have no update. Uh our president is out on personal business at this time. So I'm just here to support the teachers and stuff like that. But if you have any questions for me, I'd be glad to answer them. [laughter] >> You're off the hook from us. But thank thank you. Nice to see you always. Thank you for being here. Okay. Our next item on the agenda is a presentation of the second interim report for fiscal year 2526. Dr. Lintz. >> Good evening, President Miller Zarnicki, members of the board. Dr. Johnson, I am
039here to give the second interim budget report, which is an update on the district financials through January 31st, 2026. Just to give you an idea of where we are in the budget cycle, we are at second interim. So this is our second main report given on the 2526 budget. We also find ourselves at this point in that in between stage where we are working on two separate budgets. We're at second interum in 2526 and we're also moving towards our adopted budget for 2627. I thought we would just take a walk back to adopted budget in June to see where we came from and how we got here. So when we adopted the budget in June, um there we were showing a decline in deficit spending in our multi multi-year projection. This was because at the
040time national long-term price increases in energy and supplies were less and so our costs in those areas had declined. Um you may see an increase on this slide, but the decline was from prior years. Moving on to first interim, which was our um financials as of October 31st, 2025. Um we still maintain healthy reserve levels in our general fund, but we did see an expense increase of about half a million dollars due to added staffing and one-time safety upgrades done by the district. Now, we find ourselves at second interim where we've seen an increase in revenue by about 500,000. This is from mainly two resources. One is we finally received our FEMA COVID COVID reimbursement. It only took five years, but we finally received it. Um and we had an increase in TLC participation and
041therefore um tuition. Um we also saw our SP our expenses increase by about half a million dollars as well, just over. These were related to additional one-time safety and repair costs, special education costs, athletics, and additional staffing costs. As we look at our restricted fund uh at second interim, we received an additional $85,000 in revenue from one time prior year mental health funding. This will be used to offset future costs in the area of mental health and special education. And Dr. has allocated about $300,000 in expenses from the student support and professional development grant. As you recall, that was about a million dollar grant that we received um for this and and subsequent years. Million dollars once we have several years to spend it. I want to clarify that as we look at our revenues
042and expenditures, you can see in the graph on the left that while the bulk of our revenue continues to come from the local control funding formula, our local funding continues to be really important in offering our students a plethora of opportunities and programming that other districts can't always provide. In addition, 78% almost 80% of our budget um goes to employee salaries and benefits. Our next steps, the next report that I will do on this budget 2526 will be in September when I do the unodudited actuals report after we close our books for the fiscal year. You'll see me back here in June with the 2627 budget as well. Thank you for your time. Thank you. All right. We do don't we do it later on voting? Don't we adopt it later? >> Yeah. Yeah. We'll
043say we'll save discussion for later if we have any questions when we adopt. So, it's okay. All right. Um, next item on the agenda, item 6A, approval of Nope. Hold it. I'm going ahead. Sorry, guys. My my my iPad skills are lame tonight. Um, consent agenda. Do we have any polls or a motion to approve? >> A move to approve [clears throat] consent agenda items 5 A through G. >> Second. Okay. Motion and a second. Any discussion on these items? All right. Hearing none. Uh, Maddie, I'd ask for your preferential vote. >> I. >> And board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. Okay. The motion carries. 50. Now to 6A, approval of the 2026 CSBA delegate assembly ballot. >> Would you like to introduce this, Dr. Johnson? >> Yes, thank you.
044The CSBA uh delegate ballot has six uh candidates. There are six open positions. Um if anyone's got an issue with one of them, let us know. So recommend approval. >> Uh do I have a motion for approval or amendment? if you have something you want to say about any of these folks. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a second. Any discussion on this item? >> If they want to be one on these, >> I'll I'll [clears throat] add that I serve with half of them [clears throat] through LAXA and so I know them well. And again, I always think if you're willing to do this extra level work, >> yeah, >> for further no pay that board members receive, I I salute you and I support you and I wish you all
045the best. That's my personal thought. So, >> all right. Any other discussion on this? All right, Maddie, your preferential vote. >> I. >> And board members in favor, please say, "I." >> I. Those opposed. Motion carries 5. All right. Item 7A, certification of district's financial condition, second interim report. Anything else you'd like to say? >> Uh, no. I think I said it all, but I'll take any questions if you have them. >> Okay, we have a motion for approval. >> I move uh to approve action item 7A. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion or questions or anything for Miss Lint at this time? No. I think we are well trained in understanding that report by now. So, we thank you for putting it together and sharing it tonight. With that, Maddie, your preferential vote,
046>> I. >> And board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? >> Motion carries 5. Next on our agenda, item 8A, approval of resolution number nine, reduction of hours of classified personnel. Miss V and Dr. Lintz. This action item is a resolution to reduce the work hours of 14 TLC lead teacher positions from 8 hours to 6.5 hours per day effective August 20th, 2026. This reflects the conclusion of temporary 1.5 increase that was implemented to support a hybrid schedule following the return from COVID. The reduction uh returns these positions to their original schedule. I recommend approval. Prior to that, Dr. lens will do a presentation on the budget. >> Good evening again, President Miller Zarni, members of the board, Dr. Johnson. I am here to give an overview of the TLC
047budget. So, looking at TLC staffing and fixed costs, I do have listed here that staffing is the bulk of the cost for TLC, especially when we consider health and statutory benefits. Um, I do just want to note that positions that are shared with other um, programs are were prrated based on the amount of time that they do spend in TLC. In looking at historical costs, TLC has operated at a deficit over the past three years, but those um deficits were offset but not eliminated by ELOP funding that was allocated for the tuition for our unduplicated students, those who qualify for free and reduced lunch or have EL status. Um despite that, it continues to operate at continue to operate at a deficit. When we look at ELOP expenditures, to be clear, these are all programs
048that ELOP funding can be used for. Um, anything that addresses K through six and provides programming to our um, unduplicated students. Um, we do see a decline in this funding. It does not receive the cost of living adjustment that other funds in Proposition 98 receive. And the way that it is allocated is that high need districts are funded per student and then low districts like ours are funded with the remaining pool of costs. So we have seen a decline in this funding over the last few years. Just as a reminder, we are um we do have one of the lower um unduplicated counts in the area at about 12%. As we look at multi-year projections looking ahead, we do see that TLC does continue to operate at a deficit. Um even with um even with
049the allocation of ELLP funding in the future, savings from the staffing reduction proposed would reduce this deficit spending by approximately $200,000. With that, I'm happy to take any questions. >> Okay. Before we do that, we will need a motion on this item. >> I move approval of item 8A. >> Second. Okay, we have a motion to second. Now we are open for discussion, questions, whatnot. Um I'll just start by saying thank you for putting that together. I know that um in the previous meeting the question was asked like what does this look like as a budget item? Because we don't usually look at it as a standalone program. those extra costs, administrative costs, custodial costs, facilities costs are usually just, yes, part of the general fund and TLC happens to take place on campus and
050they just, you know, it's just part of that. But I understand you were asked to create a budget with TLC in a silo and what are all the costs that are involved just so that we could look at it as its own piece of the greater district puzzle, right? >> That's correct. >> Yeah. So, I'm just going to thank you for doing that because I know it's not normal the way we look at that. Um, but I know that it was practiced for you had to do the joint use agreement kind of math a few years ago. So, I know you had the skills to put this together in the same mindset. So, thank you for doing that. >> You're welcome. >> And with that, um, ask board members if they have questions, comments, as
051well. You're allowed to ask questions. >> Um, going back to what Tracy had said, too. So some of the questions that were brought up earlier now there's better clarification that that's you know we presented or you presented it as its own entity versus um when people are asking about like the field marshals and those kind of things. So this would be exactly what it would be on its own entity by itself which it does not run like that though. >> Yes. And to be clear the field field marshall positions have been hired for TLC specifically. um in order to um accommodate for safety as we remove the codes from the gates. >> And if I can add, that's a recent position and they actually are completing the onboarding process. So they should be in position
052in the next week or two. >> I don't have any questions on the budget, but I want to talk to the motion. >> You would like to amend the motion? What do you mean? talk to it first. >> Yeah. No, >> I'm not sure what I understand. Go say whatever you want. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. No, no, no. Yeah, this is the time. >> This is the time. We're We're in discussion mode, so go for it. This is a >> pull it towards you. >> Okay. Uh, so I've several things to say about this. Um, first thing I'd like to open with is that I fully support our superintendent shining the spotlight on all areas of the district to see where there's inefficiencies and finding ways to correct them. We're in turbulent waters from a
053budgeting point of view. World events could reduce our funding stream. And in order to void to avoid loss of support for our students, we need to be lean. Dr. Johnson has done a great job since he came on board looking at a lot of different aspects of our district and at this time he's looking at TLC and shining the spotlight. And um one thing I will say about shining the spotlight is that when you shine a spotlight on something, you get a a snapshot. you don't always get the entire picture, the entire history of what's behind the picture that you see. I want to say that we've received presentations that are very persuasive in showing that there is inefficiencies in the way TLC is being run and that perhaps reducing ours would benefit the district
054by cutting cost. What's not clear to me is whether a 6.5R position is viable from an employee point of view. The TLC day is by any measure an extremely demanding one, requiring staff to be on site from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 and then after a 4-hour break return for five hours in the afternoon, finally letting out at 6:00 p.m. I think we heard from from the podium tonight that exactly that that this is a very difficult job. Not a lot of people want it. Moving forward, this district, I think, will be offering this job as a 6.5R hour position, and it's going to be up to the district and the administration to be able to find people who can fill those hours and work for that amount of money. But that's not what we're talking
055about today. We're talking about the motion. One thing that's bothered me uh in this process is that TL staff are TLC staff, excuse me, are unrepresented unrepresented. They don't belong to a union and therefore have no collective bargaining powers. In this case, uh you were presented with a de facto here's what's going to happen without a conversation, without asking for your input. And I to me that doesn't feel right. [clears throat] In our recent past, I was very dismayed by the district's handling of the high school football coaching program. Many many of you may or may not know what happened, but a decision was made to summarily dismiss all 11 volunteers without notice. Some of those volunteers had been with the team for over a decade. And boom, in a short meeting, they were all
056dismissed without any kind of mediation. I'm equally dismayed that we are repeating this action here. Our TLC staff were gathered together and basically told the job they they found in the job in which they found security was being trimmed by 20%. No discussion, no consultation, no bargaining. The district is offering to make up the hours at a slightly lesser pay with no guarantee of where in the district those jobs would occur. I don't find this to be an equitable solution to the issue at hand. I also feel that is fraught with issues having the same employees operating in different areas on different sites for different supervisors and doing jobs that fall under collective bargaining while not being a member of the union. We've learned that turnover is quite high at TLC relative to the general
057working population with a turnover of about 50% in five years. So without taking any action, the perceived problem here would actually disappear over time. As I understand it, in 2021 or 2022, I'm not sure which, when the TLC staff was hired back, they were not offered their original position. and they were offered an 8-hour day, also without consultation, a take it or leave it deal. And finally, it's possible that some of the lead teachers would actually prefer to be working 6.5 hours, and that's not been asked of them. It's maybe um something there where someone would rather have a 6.5 hour day than an 8 hour day. We don't know because there was no discussion, no debate, no bringing the TLC staff into this issue. So therefore, I want to amend our motion. I move
058to amend the motion by inserting the words by the employees individual choice and striking the words reflecting the conclusion of temporary 1.5hour increase. to now read a resolution to reduce the work hours of 14 TLC lead teachers positions from 8 hours to 6.5 hours per day by the employees individual choice effective August 2026. That is my motion amended. >> Yes. Uh do we have a we we do have a motion open at this time. >> This an amendment. >> So yeah, I'm just check with um >> the proper way. >> I need a second for the amendment. >> Well, we can just vote on the table and then >> I think we Well, no, because you're going to negate it. >> You have to vote on the amendment. We have Well, I need a second.
059>> Yeah. Well, I think we still have an open motion, though. So I think we need to either vote >> amendment to the motion. You have to vote on the amendment first. >> Correct. >> All right. Um >> but if no one seconds it then it's moved. >> Second. >> Okay. So now Yeah. Can we do a little research into that? We have an amendment on the table. It's open for discussion. >> Yeah, we have an amendment. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we have a second for >> discussion. I still feel like we need to do something with the initial >> Yeah, I don't want to miss a step in this. This is important to uh to make sure we get this right. So, >> yeah. So, Robert's rules of orders. So, I'm just going to
060read what it says. All right. So, uh a motion that is on the table can be amended, but only before the body votes on it and only if the body agrees to consider the amendment. So, there is a second here. So, a member proposes an amendment. I move to amend the motion. The amendment must be seconded. The body debates the amendment and then the body votes on the first amendment the amendment first. If it passes, the motion is changed. If it fails, the original motion stays the same. Okay. Yes. All right. So now we we we vote to accept the amendment or not and then we go forward >> or >> have discussion >> have well we >> Yeah. Let's have discussion then. Yes. Discussion on that amendment. Thank you for bearing with us as
061we go through this interesting Robert's rules moment. So uh commentary on the amendment. So, um, with the amendment, can you explain just >> So, basically with the amendment, um, we're telling the district it's okay to change from 8 hours to 6.5, but each employee has to accept it individually. >> So, it's an optin instead of >> so if none of them wanted to, they would keep their eight. That's what we're saying. >> Okay. >> And then what would happen? Just curious, if we did that, would any new teachers then come in at 8? >> The district can hire as they please. >> So, we would have the new employees coming in at 6.5 and the the current employees opting to stay with >> seemingly having a choice. >> So, this is a legacy. If I'm
062not, please help me to understand where you're taking this. It's my understanding that Frank has proposed that existing employees as of today have with this motion would have the right to opt in or out of having their hours reduced. Anyone hired after this point would after this motion is approved or not would be under the constraints of their individual contracts at the time of hire. If their contract says 8 hours, they will be hired for 8 hours. If it says 6.5 hours, they will be hired for 6.5 hours. But no future employee will be impacted by this existing emot this existing motion as it only impacts current employees. >> Correct. >> Other thoughts on this motion >> before I offer my own other thoughts on this motion or questions for Okay. Um, so I will
063just say as a board I think it is our due diligence to have proper fiscal stewardship on what the district does. And if a study of a schedule reveals that the schedule should have reverted back to the hours of TLC before we went into COVID hybrid, people are coming and going at all different hours of the day mode. I believe our duty is to take that learning, which again, I know it's it's hard to overturn all the rocks all the time and find the things that could be or should be adjusted. I I I mean, I'm really honestly disappointed that this district did not look closer at the TLC schedule sooner after we came back after CO like we did with everybody else. Everybody else went back to their school schedules, teachers, students, things went
064back to what it was in 2019 and that's how we move forward. Um, I do appreciate that again the spotlight with fresh perspective with new administration coming in revealed some things that again I feel fiscally responsible for not having noticed earlier that we did not go back to what the normal schedule was when everybody else did in the TLC realm. Um, but again that executive director who was under who's [clears throat] overseeing the program is no longer with us. So what's done is done in that respect. Um I find it interesting. I've never thought of offering an employee the choice of how many hours they work. I've never I mean I'm a freelance person. I guess I I could say I do that. Heather might be able to do that in her work, but I
065I'm not sure that that's again where the decision- making needs to lie in this moment because we have fiscal responsibility that we need to fulfill as a board. And if again looking at schedules reveals there are people employed at a time when we have no students for many hours at a time and you look at the comparison of what plan time is in the TLC world versus what plan time is in the classroom daytime classroom world it's quite imbalanced. um our our teachers who teach and have to create lesson plans for math, English, all the things. They don't get handed those lesson plans. They actually have to plan those four and a half, five hours. I don't know what the total time is, but they have to plan that themselves in I think no more
066than 30 minutes of planning time. That's if they have a special 30 30 to 45 30 to 45 minutes per day for that 4 and a half hours versus an hour and a half or an hour 15 for that hour and a half of structured time at TLC. So I I have a hard time doing the math and going just just revealing again that we are not we didn't switch back to normal mode when we came out of COVID. That's that's the issue at the moment. Now I I will say I understand if people have come to depend on that 8 hours. I also have come to understand that I believe our district has come up with opportunities for them to supplement their schedule if they want to choose to stay on campus for eight
067hours a day and be paid for that I believe. Can can I ask what that is? >> Lisa, can you walk them through that? Yes, we have opportunities both in nutrition services and um in oh >> yeah noon supervision sorry new supervision that will allow them to reach that eight hours. >> Okay. Can I ask this question that after hearing public comment tonight, I heard that some of the prep time is needed in preparing snacks and um to check on attendance so that when attendance time comes after school, could those staff members in TLC take care of those tasks during say that hour and a half? Could that prepping of snacks as a cafeteria worker help them prepare for the students that come in the afternoon? Is that possible? I don't know. >> That's a
068thought. >> So, part of nutrition services work is to prepare the snack for TLC. Um, it may be provided, it may be sent down in bulk, but it is put together by by food services. So, that would be part of the time that's spent with food services. >> Could we refine that preparation so that it is not something that they have to do in that prep window of time? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Okay. Um can I ask then is there a better smarter way to convey the attendees that's more efficient than taking up prep time? I don't know how that works. So is it is it at least if we don't know that answer, is it something we could look into? >> We're looking into a digital system. digital system would be smart and [clears
069throat] I'm surprised we don't have that. Um, another prep item that I heard mentioned was um, removing bird poop, which is always pleasant of a task. Um, could we task custodial with making sure that area is prepped at a certain time? Could we make that official? I'm just asking to help rel alleviate some of the things that TLC staff feels burdened to do. Yes, we could work with the um director of M and the custodial staff and and working on that. >> Okay. >> Sorry, I'm not I'm not asking. Did you have anything else? No. No. Okay. Um All right. So, my next question is I'm sorry, Frank. I'm going on, but I need I need more information before we can go forward and know how to vote. Um, have we looked at Okay, what
070I feel we are deciding tonight is to readjust the TLC schedule. But I did hear again concerns about salary, which I hear, you know, if we can offer these other jobs to fill that time, that's great. And how how close will we get to potent potentially matching their salary? Do we have those numbers handy that if we were to do that? Yes, we well we have the salary schedule and it is um slightly below but it is you know >> I think I think look looking at the math >> slightly >> if I recall uh if I recall looking at them earlier I think it was a matter of $5 a day >> 576 a day correct correct >> okay that's looking now now let me ask this I'm assuming that number well because you
071you don't know what's going to happen yet but we are in negotiations Now at this time and am I correct in that when a pay increase is brought in for the union employees here the TLC employees also receive that boost as a meto sort of we all get this boost we all rise together is that true >> that is correct >> okay so whatever percentage is I presume going to be worked out at some point in negotiations that would apply to TLC Also, >> that is correct. Yes. >> Okay. And I don't know how to do the math quick enough to go do you think that'll come out to more than because we don't have a number yet. So, we obviously we're thinking ahead. We are thinking ahead. I'm just asking where things come in.
072And >> another question, TLC does have a step system. Is that right? For slight increases over time. >> They have. Yes, they have. Yes. >> Yeah. Five steps across. >> So, with staying over time, [clears throat] their pay does go up. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just want to make sure I'm following all this correctly. Okay. So, the next question, again, I'm looking at what we're doing in this resolution as more of a schedule readjustment, which yes, does come with this six and a half hours. If the pay is a concern, when was the last time we did a salary study on TLC? I want to understand comps for our area. Now I know let me let me also say I know that many districts outsource this to I think it's called right start or something
073like that. Um I but we as Elsundo have never wanted to do that. We don't want to do that. We understand that's why we work hard to make sure this program >> is as good as it is. We don't want to do that. Right. So, I'm not saying this thing, but but I would like to know comps that folks are getting paid within this area because maybe we need to do a salary study. Maybe we need to realize that the hourly rate per TLC is not appropriate. Maybe we could look at this from a salary angle and not a schedule angle and make sure that we are looking at proper pay. So, I don't know again when the last time we did that. I I don't recall it in the recent past. So I want
074I want to make sure our folks who provide work that we value are being paid fairly. So and we can do that. I would love to see that. >> Yes. And I don't have an answer for you, but I can look into that and get you that. >> It's something because again I we do this regularly with other jobs as people come and go. We make sure that we are still in the right market for what the work is we're asking people to do and for you know what we want to show you. We value you doing because you do provide an extremely valuable service to our community. We know this. Okay. >> And I do want it to be at least stated um because I was on the bargaining team for many many years
075and and we were represented by the union. Um I was a union rep for a long time. Um, and there were times when the union had to deal with this as well when you didn't have enough FTEEs to cover somebody's schedule and they got bumped to a 80% teacher or a 60% teacher. And it was like, this is what we have. This is how many students we have. This is what we have. And that is certainly never any fun to tell somebody um that that's the case. Um, so this, you know, it's it's this is tough. It's, you know, these are our people and so this is a this is a really tough, you know, it's a tough decision. So I just want people to understand that and it's one that we're not making lately.
076>> Thank you, Meredith and Tracy. I have to say very, very valid questions. I'm glad that you pulled them up. I do want to return to the amended motion on the floor and the thought of that just factoring in factoring your questions, Meredith, your comments and then the motion the amended motion that Frank put on the table which is the current TLC employees would have the option based off of this motion if it is to move forward to opt in or out. That gives the space for the questions that you asked to be answered in terms of for that 1.5 hour period. They would be able to accept if another alternative was put in if they wanted to take that $5.76 reduction [clears throat] or not. Um if they wanted to maybe opt into any
077other alternatives that they could further negotiate after this. um because that's when the conversation could happen. They could either say yes, we'll take the we'll take the we want to excuse me, no, we want to remain as an 8-hour employee or we will entertain that 6.5 hours with any adjustments that you have. And at that time, I'm assuming those adjustments would be laid on the table cuz right now we don't have those options laid out. So the decision that we're asking them to make, we don't even have the answers for it. It's the power of the decision that lays with the board is what I'm >> saying. And then we will we've discussed things that will help fortify if this resolution passes either as presented or with an amendment. Heather. >> Um I think that
078being in a small district, we all have personal um relationships with teachers, um TLC staff, and you know, last meeting we chose to table this so that way we could get more information. And I I think that we're showing that we're not taking this lightly. We're not just, you know, um, making decisions based on not having all the facts. And, you know, we are up here making really hard decisions and at the end of the day, it was stated multiple times that it's for all the students. And so, sometimes these hard decisions have to be made, but I know that even regardless of the way that this goes, like nothing is personal. You guys are all amazing, you know, and Okay, so like when you laugh like that, I do think that you guys are
079great. So I just think that, you know, numbers and things like those go into why we make decisions. So you guys can believe that you know it's not whatever the little crackling of jokes but we truly do take everything that we do or that decisions we make we take everything into accountability of what it is. Yeah, I just if I can I just want to add you know when I see it says uh layoff resolution number nine I just want to say that that is again an unfortunate term that we have to use based on the how the state runs things. Um it is a reduction in hours. Yes. But again a reduction with apparently a number of backup options that we have already heard are available and will be made clear. In fact, we
080can enforce that they be made clear because we are publicly hearing them and we can follow up with our power to make sure they are put forth as discussed. Um, but I have to say this March time frame is very hard and extremely hard for a lot of districts right near us. Like uh correct me if I'm saying anything wrong that you know, but um I believe Manhattan Beach just let go of 60 full-time employees. 60. Uh LUSD is looking at 650 but actually gave notice one of these things to 3,200 employees. Long Beach is talking about 600. Uh Palace Veries I believe noticed 90ome employees. >> Um it's hard. Those are straight layoffs. Those are not slight reductions in hours with opportunities to reassign work so that the folks could still have their income
081under another line item. Again, not the way that we presented tonight when we were asked to present it as the program in its entirety. But I I have to say we do have to make some hard decisions. And I'm grateful that we're not making these full-time layoff decisions. Not to say that we won't get there because honestly like ELOP >> that's a Newsome thing that might go away alto together when he goes away. We might not even have that to look at. Then we're going to have even tougher decisions for all the afterchool programming and supports for the students that qualify. We may have some really hard things to do. I'm not saying this isn't hard in itself, but it's not letting go of 650 people full-time. So again with the ongoing negotiations that we
082are dealing with which again I think will bring everybody up everybody with the outcome of that again we don't have a lot to work with budget ain't looking fabulous going forward but we are trying to make sure we can value the employees which are the core of this district for taking care of our students. We know that I I just uh I want to say I am sorry that that we have to face any sort of reduction but it could be a lot worse. And again I still go back to we're just going back to the way the program was run with ample people very pleased with the program in the 2019 2018 era. If we go back and we look at surveys, the way it ran then was run well as well. And I
083know we have smart people here who care about our students. Again, if we can help offset some of the things you have to do in the prep time outside of that three-hour window where there's no students with you, if we can help with that, I think we're looking for ways to do that. So, >> I have a question really quickly. Um, in one of the comments made at the last meeting, someone brought up that on potentially, I believe it was minimum Monday, students would arrive at the same time as TLC teachers. Is that how the program was initially run prior to the 8 hour schedule? >> I I think yes. Do you know? >> No. >> Mondays were also eight hour days with only Okay. Interesting. And then a follow-up question, would the eight hour
084Mondays continue or would it be six and a half hours even on those minimum Mondays? >> Yeah, I Yeah, I was going to say I don't know the answer to that either, but looks like some audience members might. I don't know. Uh I I I trust that again the schedule that the executive staff comes up with will be applicable in an appropriate ratio to when students are coming. Again, I understand that uh >> the doors open at 6:30, but we don't have students there all the time at 6:30 and we don't have all the staff there at 6:30. >> So, I know you're not there at 6:30. >> No, I'm not. You're right. We'll take a look at we'll take a look at the schedule and we'll make the schedule adjustments accordingly. If in order
085to meet the needs of students mean like we need to adjust hours in order to accommodate for that and offer the hours to our employees to support you mean like students then we're very open to doing that. Other discussion at this time? >> Okay. So, I believe the current open amended resolution is on the table. We have a motion and a second on the language that involves employee choice, which I don't even know if we can file that type of mo resolution. I guess that's the next question is will will this fly with the state if this is a thing? in yes we'll allow for employees to reduce their hours but since we're already trying to put that for sorry since we're already trying to put forward a reduction you mean like then it's kind
086of moot so no resolution is really necessary in that case because the district has already stated the the desire to reduce hours so if an employee were to request to voluntarily reduce their hours the district would allow them I I don't believe a resolution is necessary for that. However, I I do think for just the purposes of doing with the amendment, I think you should vote on it. >> Okay. >> All right. So, on the on the option to leave this not as a resolution, but as an employee choice opportunity, I guess is the way we're saying this. It's not a resolution. >> Correct. >> I'm sorry. Can we have Frank restate the motion just so that I have on record what exactly that motion is? >> [clears throat] >> The motion is a resolution
087to reduce the work hours of 14 TLC lead teachers positions from 8 hours to 6.5 hours per day by the employees individual choice effective August 20th, 2026. >> And you don't need another second, but we have a second. >> You repeated that. Okay. Um, all right. We'll we'll take a vote on that now. Uh, Maddie, your preferential vote. >> I I'm afraid I don't fully understand. So, with this amended motion, teachers would be allowed the choice to choose between the two different schedules. And if they should choose the 8our schedule, then the schedule would remain as it is or we would revise >> for that for that person >> for everybody. >> Um, nay. >> Okay. Um, board members in favor of this motion, please say I. >> I. >> Board members oppose, please say
088nay. >> Nay. >> The motion fails. Three. Three to No. The motion fails two to three I think is the way we say that. Um and we have Mattiey's vote mentioned. Okay. That leaves then the motion open for the original item on the agenda. And we had a motion. We had a second. Is there further discussion on the item as posted on the agenda at this time? Maddie, any questions on that one? >> Um, I I think there were a lot of unanswered questions I think from both sides and I guess my question is would this go into further discussion with the teachers on a fully proposed schedule? I think what we have it correct me if I'm wrong fellow board members I look at this moment as a very public and open discussion of
089we will look at we have potential solutions to help fill the one and a half hour void we have things that have been brought forth to properly look at the schedule and look at Mondays in particular to know that minimum days are treated in the proper ratio of teacher time to student time because we definitely know that some parents need to leave their kids there longer longer. We don't want to negate that. Um, we I think have covered all the things. Yes, Dana. >> So, I think the question that you're asking is if there will be any official discussions on this matter. This is the official form where we have the discussion. If we vote on this motion as it is, the hours will be reduced to 6.5 hours for the employees and then any
090negotiations regarding picking up or making up the difference of that 1.5 hours will be done not here at the dis but with those individual teachers. So that motion will be settled here >> and for the 26 27. Yes, by the way. Yes, it is for the this school year remains the same. this is to go into effect for the next school year. Sorry, I I you're right. That was a point I should make clear. Um and and I will say that yes, all those details that are discussed and considered and ideas that have come up will move forward because we will keep asking about them to make sure that they are happening. So, okay. Any other discussion then? So, no board. Okay. Back to Maddie for your preferential vote on the agenda item as posed.
091Hi. >> Okay. Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed? >> Nay. >> All right. The motion carries. 32. >> All right. Our next item on the agenda is back to glasses. Item 8B. Uh, approval of temporary release resolution number 10, non-reelecting and temporary certificate employees. Miss V. >> Yes. This item is the release of teachers assigned to a one-year contract. There are two reasons why we do that. Um, they're placeholders for teachers on a leave of absence or on a special assignment or they're funded by one-time monies that are eventually going to expire. As you can see, there's very few with the bulk of them being for teachers on leave of absences. I recommend approval of the resolution. Okay. Do you have a motion? >> So moved >> in a
092second. Second. All right. Any discussion on this item? >> Okay. Seeing hearing none, Maddie, your preferential vote. >> I. >> And board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those [clears throat] opposed. Motion carries. 5. And here we are. Information pending action. Uh item 9A. [snorts] Mr. Gana, would you like to present? >> Yes. Thank you. The attach board policy and AR related to the district technology plan reflects CSBA recommended updates to align with current federal guidance and compliance requirements. Following the board review, these items will be brought back for approval. >> Thank you very much. And item 9B, review of board policies and administrative regulations for ed services. Dr. Young. >> Hi. This item brings forward a first review of propos proposed revisions, deletions, and additions of board policies and administrative regulations
093on the topics of artificial intelligence, cell phones, and high school graduation requirements in order to bring us into alignment with federal and state updates and laws. Following board review, they will be brought back for your consideration. >> Okay. Thank you very much. And item 9 C, board review uh or policies for uh administrative regulations in the business services realm. >> Yes, this will be to conduct a first review of updated board policies, administrative regulations, and exhibits in the business area to better align with state and federal updates and laws. This will be brought back at the March 10th meeting for consideration. >> Okay. >> March 24th. Really? But yeah, >> March 24th. if you want time shift. Sure. Um, but thank you. Thank you. There's a lot of good reading that we need to do
094and we invite the community to do so as well on these regulations. All right. Next, let's see theformational calendar item 10A. Lots going on in March. Busy month. And uh, thank you for posting that. That is available for everyone to see. And now it's time for board members reports. We will start with member Glenn. >> Yeah. So, um, celebration of Women's History Month, I would like to pay tribute to two ladies who did something truly historic. And they're not in the room, so don't worry. [laughter] What did I do something? I was like, wow, did I do something? Did I do something good? Well, if you were around Richmond Street yesterday or today, you might have seen two ladies very gingerly walking downstairs because we had two Richmond Street staff compete in the LA Marathon.
095>> Yes. >> And it was a brutal marathon. so brutal that the organizers gave everybody the option of not completing the last eight miles and still get their medal. >> However, Jessica Hammer and Michelle Vargas >> both completed all 26.2 miles in >> 82 degrees. >> Sorry, Celia Plin. Thank you. I was only looking under Elsagundo addresses. So, yeah, that's I missed her. So, we have three amazing women. Uh, and my hat goes off to them because I >> I know what it takes and um I was so excited for them. So, end of report. >> How many times have you >> he and he knows that because he was running Tokyo just a couple of days before that. Um, it's actually been relatively quiet for me, so not a whole lot. I did stand
096in for Tracy at the environmental committee. Um, we discussed having a district-wide events during Earth Week, which I think is going to be really cool. So that like all the schools on Monday, we're doing the same thing at all the schools, which I think will be really great. Um, and we also looked at doing some monthly focus. Um, so every month we got kind of have a a different focus next year again as a district. We're going to come up with those which is I think pretty cool. Uh, PTA Council sponsored Elsa Gunda Hometown Stars talent show was absolutely amazing. Um, thanks to everybody who participated, who helped, who attended. Um, I even had a young man not a really young man, but a young man um come up to me as I was walking
097up the front stairs and he said, "Miss Beachley, do you remember me?" And I'm like, "Nope." Um and he said, "You were my teacher in 2006." And he was there. He's a firefighter and he was there singing. Um he was one of the participants and he introduced me to his parents and his girlfriend. It was it was really fun to see that. And then the last act was the kids for the high school getting everybody ready for Legally Blonde which is coming up at the end of this month. Um I did a quick walkthrough with Dr. Johnson and um Mr. get part uh through the high school last week and one of the things I did get a chance to do was meet a couple of the long-term subs and I cannot thank anyone more
098than a long-term sub because to walk in and have to take over for a teacher that's established and do it not for a day where you know you can leave but to do it long term term because you are then doing the lesson planning and doing doing all of those things. So, thank you. Thank you to belong I know we have several but I did meet two that day. Um and so I would like to thank them because that is a really really tough position. Um I know. So, and then my final um comment is about the um educating for careers conference that I attended last weekend. Um I was one of the pre the presenters for SCROCK um where we highlighted our upskill reskill program. But it was just a great opportunity to network
099with some folks, learn a whole lot more about CTE that I don't really know. It's not something I've ever taught. So, it it's very interesting to talk to teachers of CTE because they're all industry leaders who have come in to teach in the classroom and it's so different than my experience as a teacher and they're just so passionate about what they're teaching. So, it's really fun. Um, and I also got to hear a couple stories because I was hanging out with a couple of uh Dr. Jay's former colleagues. So, that was fun. And that's my report. >> Um I don't have a lot, but I think that um we've all had um some stressful past few days um weeks um trying to make the right decisions. And you know, people always ask me like how
100I do this, like is it hard? Is it um you know and I always answer like oh it's been so great and this last couple weeks have been really tough. I mean and you know we don't make these decision we don't take these decisions lightly and um I think this is that part of the job you know that um we're in these positions because the people trust us and they trust that we're making decisions that's best for all students and people are going to agree and not agree with things we do and you know like I had said earlier I have so many relationships in this town and it like physically hurts when you have to do something that you know is going to hurt somebody. Um so you know with with all of this
101we we will do our due diligence to make sure that these things that um you know the district has said is going to be put in place. if people want to do these um other jobs, you know, we we'll make sure that they will do it. But there's not a part of me that doesn't think it would happen with us not, you know, um making sure it happened. So, you know, um I think another thing with all of us is that we make these decisions and we still are a team. And you know, again, like it's nothing personal and I know that's easily said. Um but it it really the it's personal to us because we're hurting people and you know that's not what the intentions are. So, when I decided to run, I don't
102know. I guess I didn't really think about how much it would hurt to know that you're hurting, you know, other people. Um, that's all for my report. On 225, we had a Richmond Street School site visit. We walked through the school and had classroom observations. Other board members present were clerk Sutherland and member Glenn. On 3:26, I attended the Sketchers 2026 Partner Appreciation Night, a wonderful night at California Smash Pickle Ball and Social Club where thanks to the efforts of the Ed Foundation, our school district was presented with a check in the amount of $212,900. And we have the big check right at the front. We took a picture with the board earlier today uh for [snorts] our participation in the Sketchers peer-to-peer friendship walk. Other board members present were excuse me, other board member
103present was President Miller Zarnicki. On 3:26, as member Beechley already spoke about, we attended the Hometown Stars talent show. All I can say about that is if you missed it, you missed a good time. But the good news is they plan to do it every year, so it will only get better and have more participation. But it was a fabulous show. On 3:29, I attended the Excuse me. 3:29 has not happened. On 39? >> Yes, I am. I'm future forward looking. On 39, I attended the Richmond Street School PTA general meeting. This was an election meeting and I have to say kudos to Mariah the current president. She was able to complete an election PTA meeting within an hour. I think it was something like 49 minutes but quite impressive. I want to say congratulations
104to Tara Diaz who will be the new president and Sam Greenspan who will be the first VP of leadership. What a dynamic team. And I'm sure there'll be much more swag with Sam and a visible seat. The upcoming Richmond Street PTA events will be as follows. They have Sun's night out on March 13th and their Steam Literacy Night will be on March 19th and the next PTA meeting for them will be on April 13th. Thank you. All right. Um items that haven't been reported on that I'll mention are uh the FAC meeting we had uh Philips facility advisory committee which is getting shorter of a meeting and shorter of a meeting because we are almost done expending our measure monies and soon we might not be in this room anymore. I don't I don't I
105haven't asked for an actual date. I don't know if we have one but I'm just excited to say it's sooner than not. Oh, I late April. >> April, I'm hearing April. >> Okay. >> So, as much as we appreciate the loan of this room, >> okay, we look forward to being back in our boardroom soon, but again, facility advisory committee is I don't want to say wrapping up things and putting a bow on them, but they are definitely those meetings are shorter and now like looking towards the finish line. So, that's exciting and and I appreciate everybody that keeps showing up and finishing that work. Um, what I want to mention that is sort of outside of the school realm but involves our students is, uh, for two Saturdays in February, we had a, uh,
106Elsando Blue Butterfly Conservancy hillside cleanup days. And we had a whole I wouldn't say a swarm of students, but a flock. I don't know what the word is for butterflies, but we we both days we had >> Do you know what this Do you know what it is? Yes, please tell. >> It's a kaleidoscope. It is a kaleidoscope of butterflies. >> Amazing. But we had a kaleidoscope of students supporting those butterflies, digging on the hillside, getting out invasive plants. I mean, they were literally down in the dirt getting things done. And I just want to commend all of those students who didn't sleep in Saturday morning and were out there from like 9:00 to 11:00 doing this hard good work. So, thank you students for being out there. um and of course other community volunteers,
107but I'm here to shine on our students. Um next week we have a Laxton meeting out at Pasadena City College. We're going to be talking about dual enrollment and alternative school schedules. If uh any of you want to join the Mary carpool that Meredith and I have already committed to doing, you're you're welcome to join us. You may also log in via Zoom. that will be an option from here, but you'll miss out on the uh food and fellowship that Pas City College will be hosting while we're doing that. And uh lastly, again, I just I want to thank the staff for their preparation on tonight. I want to thank the board for their hard thinking about tonight. And moreover, I want to thank the community for reaching out to voice your opinion in email
108or live tonight um in the previous meeting. It's important that we all hear each other and see each other and understand where we're coming from moving forward. And again, not all decisions are easy. That's why we're here to make them. And and I appreciate all the care that goes into them. And I know that we're going to move forward together with the best plan and for future thinking as as possible. So, thank you all for your effort and energy tonight. That's it for me. Thank you, President TMZ. On the PTA front, uh, Young Entrepreneurs is on Saturday, March 21st. Uh, if you have not had the opportunity to go, it's you you definitely should go. I have to bring at least 200 bucks with me because I got cleaned out last time with all these.
109I still use the soap dish that Val's kid sold me. Um, very, very good. Yeah. Um, it doesn't make it so your soap sud. Um, all right. on the ed. I I I just I want to give a big shout out to thank you to the community. Love the community, but the teachers and the principles who supported the peer-to-peer efforts. Like that's a lot of messaging. That's a lot of suffering on the part of principles. Um but I really feel like the teachers and the principles really rallied uh to get those walkers up. So just thank you to them and to everybody. Um on the staff side, MT and the DO staff uh moved when was it? A week ago. >> Yeah. Uh um it was a major undertaking to move that's the district office
110from two different locations really kind of three but to to one location and Telu has been amazing. Kim had to orchestrate all of this. Marne was awesome but um we are in the district office. It was just a major feat but like that happens because staff made that happen. Um assembling chairs you know like it's just like all the little things. So thank you for that. Uh on the uh staff side, uh just a a shout out to just high school teachers. So we were um we were doing a principal meeting and we were looking at um uh actually it was through the walkthrough and then it came up on a principal's meeting, but our um high school teacher staff just have what I feel like is a very supportive way to approach retesting. Um
111and we uh there was a lot of prepping for tests the the day that we went and you saw it across the board where uh uh students have the ability to retake the test. You mean like um after taking it the first time and then how they go about that you mean like you know equivocates into a percentage. Um but it's very much part of the system and to me it really gets back to the root of like what we're doing right that you know at the end of the day we want students to retain the information and to be able to adjust learn from their mistakes and move forward. like that that to me is more important than anything. And so I just I really we saw it across so many classes when we
112were doing our visit. Um it really stood out and then to the point where we we talked about in our principal meeting as as the type of intervention that's provided the high school and I I think that makes the our high school very unique in my experience from other high schools that I've experienced that level of support. Um on the student side uh I' I've talked to his mom and his dad separately. Uh but Camden Chen is home. Uh, and Camden, who is is literally like a Renaissance man, he was in the Middle East um when you mean like all this devastation happened. And so he was stuck there. And so the reason that I that I knew is because Steve Forb email Camden had emailed his teacher saying, "Hey, I'm stuck right now." And
113so I was hoping I could, you know, keep up with my assignments while like, you know, like I'm out of the country. Um, and so just had a good opportunity also to get to know his his mom and his dad a little better. I had met them in passing, but just a great family, great kid. He's back and, you know, hitting the ground running. This this kid has so many opportunities. Um, uh, it's really exciting. So, incredible person. Um, I also want to thank the talent show participants. Daim and I judge the talent show and I just to me the thing that I was most impressed because I wasn't at the final performance is just the level of grit and from kids putting themselves out there. Uh there's a student that my daughter plays softball
114with, Haley. And so I see her perform as a softball player. And so to see her perform this like individual dance routine, which I don't think is easy to do by herself, was just awesome. I'm like, what does this kid not do? Um so it was just like that was really special and it was fun doing it together as well too. Um also on the student side, all of the whiffle ball participants um for elementary school, so they they had to have like a playoff to get to the final game. So there's so many participants and so just a shout out to all the teachers that supported that. I know that Dana, Tyler, you mean like a number of teachers were involved and so they had the the game Center Street took took this game.
115So the last game is ultimate frisbee and that's the rubber match. So that's the decider for the year. Um but really really fun. I saw I wasn't able to be there. I saw a lot of pictures. Um but uh just kudos to all those students who went out and played WLE ball. And then Sun's night out is this Friday on Friday the 13th. Okay. Uh and then on the event side, our AI summit and awards is on Friday, March 20th at Anaheim. We're getting recognized for a number of different things. I also want to second thank you to the board. I can definitely attest personally to all the time that the board has spent uh uh on this on this issue about TLC for for I would say at least 3 to four months. Um,
116uh, this is just a small snippet of the amount of time that's been invested into this decision and I can definitely say as the superintendent that I've definitely been held accountable to attempting to to consider this in so many different ways. So, I thank you for that. [clears throat] I feel like you've done your due diligence. Um, and I uh uh thank you for your your work on this and thank you to staff as well too. Um, and then we will get to work in order to the questions that were raised um, including the rate of pay and the comparisons I think is a very fair question. I think it's a timely question because we did a classified salary study for the last couple years. So, um, we will follow up on that. Then my
117last thing is actually just a hot off the presses. Of all people to tell me that this happened, you mean like was Gary Rutherford, the superintendent search consultant texted me and said, "Congratulations on your middle school and high school receiving distinguished schools." So, congratulations to us. It just came out today. We are California Distinguished Schools for Elsagundo Middle School and Elsagundo High School. So, good news. And that concludes my report. >> Okay, with that, we do not need to go into close session. So, I can adjourn us at 7:45 p.m.