ESUSD Board Meeting 12/09/2025

001Uh, it's my great pleasure to bring the Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 Elsagundo Unified School District Board of Education organizational meeting to order at 6 pm. And we will start with the pledge of allegiance. Um, I would invite our vice president of the school board to lead us. Similar >> to the flag of the United States of America, indivisibley andice for all. All right, we have um some action taken in close session. In close session, the board approved the following confidential student matter. Student matter number one, student number ending in 298. And now we move on to public communications. And uh if anyone wants to speak to the board, you can fill out one of these. Um we have two people who have filled them out and I'm going to read the preamble here. The board

002of education encourages community involvement and engagement. Members of the public are encouraged to attend board meetings and to address the board concerning any item on the agenda or within the board's jurisdiction. The board president will invite citizens to speak either before or during the board's consideration of the item. For items on the agenda, board bylaw 9323 states that an individual may be granted five minutes to make a presentation to the board for items on the agenda with the total time devoted to presentations to the board regarding items on the agenda not exceeding 30 minutes. Public comments on items on the agenda will be heard immediately preceding the board's consideration of the item or during public comment. For items not on the agenda, members of the public may bring before the board matters that are not

003listed on the agenda. The board shall take no action or discussion on any item not appearing on the posted agenda except as authorized by law. Individuals who wish to identify concerns about matters affecting the schools which are not on the agenda will be granted three minutes to make a presentation to the board with a total time for matters not on the agenda not exceeding 15 minutes. Items not on the agenda will be heard only in the public comment section of the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. And we would like to start with Tandra Gardner. Hello everyone. Thank you for the opportunity. So my name is Tandra Gardner and I am the UPK liaison at Connections for Children. And Connections for Children is the local nonprofit childcare resource and referral agency. So, I just

004wanted to come here tonight just to share some of the other things we're doing in the community um which may be beneficial for your parents, families, teachers, staff. So, I know that your district goal is um to ensure student academic success and we all know that the foundation for that stems in early learning, high quality early learning. And so our programming at Connections for Children is implemented with the children and adults in their lives in mind. So some of the things we provide are family time, play and learning events. Those are weekly hands-on learning play groups that we provide for families in Torrance and Santa Monica. Um but all school districts in our um service area are welcome for those. We're also um doing something a little new which is offering parent cafe experiences which

005allow parents to come together to discuss parenting related topics while receiving peer support and resources. Um something on the newer side of what we're doing is the UPK information sessions. just making sure that parents understand um the different options that are available, making sure they know how um to find existing community resources to get the needs of their three and four year olds met. And then we also provide professional development training opportunities to support early learning professionals and teaching staff. And I think the best part about everything that I'm mentioning is it's free. So, I've left some packets here. I did forget to bring the information for the family time, but um that information is on our website, but my my contact card and everything else is in the packet. And um thanks again for

006your time. My name is Tandra and enjoy the rest of your meeting. >> Thank you, Miss Gardner. And um now we have Al Luna like to address the board. Uh, good evening, m Mr. President, members of the school board, superintendent, staff, and members of the Elsagunda community. Thank you for the chance to speak to you today. My name is Al Luna. I am an eighth grade US history teacher at Elsagunda Middle School, and I've served at that school for the last 20 years. I love this community and these children. My own children attend this school. My oldest graduated last year. My youngest is a freshman at Alaska High School. So I invested in this community as a teacher and as a parent. Tonight I want to speak though today not about curriculum but about the

007daily realities that affect our ability to teach payroll and benefits administration. Over the past month, many of us have been moved to a payless a paperless payub system and a new online system called best portal. Many of our teachers are finding the system difficult to log into and we receive little to no hands-on training to learn about it. This has left many of our teachers very unsure of each month on whether their pay is correct. There is an anxiety especially that I felt on the middle school campus about whether I'm being overpaid or underpaid. And we need clear, reliable protocols for reporting and resolving these issues quickly and transparently. I recently received a cancellation notice from Texas Life administered by American Fidelity for missing premium payments that come from my deductions from my payroll. This

008policy that I'm with with fed uh taxis life is not an optional trivial for my family. It is a safety net that protects my family from family in the event of long-term illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's. I lost my father to Alzheimer's two years ago. So losing this coverage or facing higher premiums because of an administrative error is deeply unsettling to me and to my family. This letter caused profound and immediate worry with my family's financial security over the Thanksgiving holiday. We also need to know whether American Fidelity representatives will be on campus soon as the staff can enroll in renewing benefits like such as FSAs, childcare flexibility spending accounts. Having on-site resources make a big difference for us busy teachers because it's a lot easier to talk to somebody in person than to

009navigate it online through a portal. A teacher's work environment is a student's learning environment and unclear payroll processes, missing trainings and inconsistent communications create stress that reach into the classroom. The Elsagunda community and this board knows how dedicated we teachers are. We come every day to serve the our students with everything we have in us. But dedication without appreciation is a slow toxin. So we ask that you please I'm asking that you please prioritize the following clear step-by-step training and support for the best portal website that would include inperson help sessions. a simple documented protocol for reporting and resolving pay and deduction errors with guaranteed timelines. And finally, confirmation of on-site benefit representations to an open enrollment windows so our staff can secure those crucial protections without adding anxiety. I thank you very much for

010your time for listening. Supporting teachers behind the scenes is supporting our students in the classroom. I welcome all opportunities to work with this district, this board. I love Meredith Beach, by the way, to improve these systems and to ensure a good and continued relationship with the entire spin community. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you, Mr. Luna. And now we are moving on to something a little lighter uh which is section four recognition of outgoing board president. Who wants to take that? >> I believe the incoming uh president. It would be a good opportunity for her to start off with the thank yous. >> There's some presumptions going on there, I guess. Um well, goodness. Uh, Frank, I think we uh have enjoyed your company in in any seat you've sat on on

011this board, but I have to say we definitely I'm going say the royal um appreciated how much kindness and thoughtfulness and calm you have brought to this seat in this role. And I've learned a lot sitting next to you and just listening to your thought process and and how you carry yourself. And I really appreciate how how you've handled this responsibility and and um presuming I move over one seat. You will be a hard act to follow for sure. >> But um we we know that uh even if you're not in the president's seat, you will still serve just as diligently and and as amazingly as you have this last year. So I want to say on behalf of us, thank you for your service. Thank you for the extra time, effort, energy, communications, all

012the things that go with being president that, you know, again, are unseen by most people, but but greatly appreciated by all of us. And I actually want you guys to have a moment if you don't mind. Let me pass down the pass the microphone. Um, my first year on the board, you made absolutely amazing. If I needed help or anything, you were there for us. Well, me. Um, and also you just make us laugh and your dedication to uh making us laugh is really good too, you know. Um, but I've really enjoyed learning from you and again like Tracy said, like your thought process is is great to hear and um really the in-depth things that you bring out of what is presented to us, some things that we don't even think about is is

013a great um asset to have on the board. So, thank you. Thank you. >> So, my partner in crime, uh, we came in together and I cannot thank you enough for the levity and the fun that we've had this year on the board. Um, you know, this is a this is a tough job and yet, um, we're able to have some fun with it and have a good time, um, while still taking our job very seriously and that that goes a long way. So, I appreciate that. Um, you've been an amazing president and now you get to come back and sit next to me. So, I'm very excited. And lastly, let me just say, I know Daima couldn't be with us tonight because she had a a work conflict, but I I know her whole

014heart is behind you as well and and and really appreciated the leadership that you've did you've done again in your time, and you're not going that far. So, thank you. >> Maddie, do you have any words for great Frank Glenn? I I didn't know that Frank was leaving or moving moving chairs, but I will say I think my favorite moment with Frank thus far has been when a timer went off mid meeting and Frank reaches under the desk to pull out a sheet of cookies because he was dressed like a chef for Halloween. Um, but yes, I do appreciate the levity and the leadership that you've shown and can't wait to sit across from you instead of next to you. >> All right. Well, Frank, um, thank you. You're great. Uh, and now what I'm

015going to do is present you with the official hardware of an outgoing president. So, here you go. >> Thank you. >> Pull it out. Pull it out. show the Yeah. Yeah. They came all this way. Yeah. >> And let's take our obligatory photo. All right. Well, I want to thank everyone for your patience in this, but I'm going to say a few thank yous and I'm going to start with the superintendent's cabinet. It's been a pleasure working with all of you, Danny, Jack, Kim, Lisa, and Olivia. uh your commitment to our students and your diligence in your respective fields are what make our district shine. But a special thanks goes to Tracy Adams. Although your official title is executive assistant to the superintendent, we all know that you're the one that makes things happen behind

016the scenes. Thank you for taking such good care of everyone on the board throughout the year. Jason, well, it's a little serious, but thank you for your transparency and your steadfast commitment to keeping the board fully informed and regularly updated on activities throughout the district. It's been my pleasure to witness firsthand how attentive you are to the needs of staff, parents, community members, and above all our students. Whenever anyone asks me about you, I always share two things. Whenever there is a metaphorical live grenade, you jump on it. You don't wait to see who should be doing what. you immediately take responsibility. And secondly, you have an extraordinarily an extraordinary ability to create partnerships out of adversity. Where others might hear a complaint, you hear a call to action. You are much stronger. We are

017a much stronger school district because of your leadership. At the recent California School Boards Association conference, I learned that the board's responsibility is to guide you, support you, and help you represent our district in the best possible light. And to ensure I do my part, I brought you a small gift. You might have to tell a story here, Jason. Frank has purchased me a razor um shaving lotion and a very nice um uh [snorts] sorry I'm a little taken back. Yeah, I'm a little little chokey. Um uh at the recent workshop I forgot my razor um and was unshaven when I gave my uh presentation to you about a hundred people. Um >> never let that happen again. >> Yeah. So um Frank, I will uh treasure this gift and and remember it always went

018on a conference with you. >> All right. Thank you. Um, Maddie, thank you for bringing your energy, passion, and enthusiasm to every meeting. Your presence is infectious. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from the thoroughess of your reports, which bring to life our campuses directly into our board meetings. Maddie, you're a dazzling star of ESUSD. And when you shine bright, you light up the entire galaxy. And I got you a little gift. The galaxy is there too. and Meredith, thank thank you for your selfless service to our district. Through your actions, you constant consistently remind us why we are here to serve the best interests of our students. As individuals on the board, we all come from different viewpoints, experiences, and talents. You come to the board from a lifetime of commitment to the students

019under your care. and you continue that commitment every day. None of us comes close to matching your dedication. You attend sporting events, performances, school visits, student presentations, PTA meetings, and subcommittee gatherings without fail. You also embraced the most demanding ad hoc commi committee assignment possible and are now serving as the president of the board at SoCal Rock. I got you a little gift. >> The rocks. >> Yeah. Heather, thank you for being a champion of our community. Just as fervently as Meredith's champ as Merida champions our students, Heather champions our community. She brings the invaluable perspective of a lifelong resident and ESUSD alumni. Her depth of experience and breadth of community community connections ensured that the board's decisions lead to positive outcomes for all stakeholders. A fun fact about Heather, [laughter] her her her full

020name is actually Heather Escalante Sutherland or Heather ES for short or Heather 90245. She [snorts] has her heart aligned with what is best for our community and is the embodiment of a true Elsagundo. I have a little gift for you. Yeah, [laughter] [clears throat] Daima is not here, but I I want to thank her for being a great supporter. Although she cannot be here tonight due to an unavoidable work conflict, Daima is an exceptional is is exceptional in so many ways. But she truly excels as an inspirational coach. If I was ever unsure about something and asked her for guidance, her most likely response would be a slightly high-pitched, "Frank, you've got this," followed by, "And I'm going to tell you why." She would then list a series of positive qualities that would make me

021wonder if she had me confused with somebody else. A little quick story. Two doors down from my house, there's on the the parkway, there's a little sign that says, "Be as good as your dog thinks you are." It's meant to guilt people into picking up after their dogs. But whenever I see that, I think, "Be as good as Daima thinks you are. If I if I could be half that good, I'd be on to something." Tracy, thank you for your guidance. Throughout my time on the board, there is always been one person I could rely on to help me find perspective whenever a situation arose, and that was Tracy Miller's Arnicki. Tracy is my go-to person when a fire is raging out of control on social media because someone left a gate open, which we

022take very seriously. By the way, thank you for consistently course correcting me, for your clarity of thought, and for sharing your depth of knowledge no matter how tricky the situation. Whenever the need arises, I know Tracy is always up for chatting in person or online, a little bit of chitchat or maybe a hobnob. And you're getting hobnobs. [laughter] >> And gluten-free. >> All right. Well, >> that is that and let's see what happens next. >> Yes. So we move on to section five which is election of officers of the board. So the first one is election of board of education president. So do we have >> I would like to nominate Tracy Miller Zarnick. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any

023opposed? Seeing none, uh, passes 40. Item B, election of the board of education vice president. Do we have a motion? >> I'd like to nominate Daim Weaten. Second. >> Any discussion? >> She can't say no because she's not here. Yeah, >> she has to do it now. She's not here. >> But we do believe she would honestly do it. Otherwise, I wouldn't I wouldn't put that out there. >> All right. Seeing no further discussion, uh, all board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Seeing none, passes 40. And item C, election of the board of education clerk. Do we have a motion? >> Ready for? >> I I nominate Heather Sutherland. I'll second. >> Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all board members in favor, >> please say I. >> I.

024>> Any opposed? Seeing none, passes four to zero. Um, do is this the point where we recess? >> Now it's time to >> where we where we switch, but we don't really switch. Are we going to You want to just Do you want us to actually get up and move or do you want to just keep plowing? I don't care. >> You take over. >> Changing the guard. Okay. >> Time. Time out. Sorry for the delay. Oh, feel short. >> What else is new? >> Okay. All right. We're mostly >> I know. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for the uh pause here. I now get to hold this, but I don't need this at this time. I'm going to keep moving forward. Um I guess briefly I should just say uh I guess a third

025time's a charm for me in this seat as the president. Um but I I don't take it lightly. I will uh like I said, follow in Frank's footsteps as best I can. And it might take me a minute to refresh the brain. So please bear with me if I forget to do something here. It's been it's been a minute since I sat in this role. that um I appreciate the trust that you have in me and that you all will come to me as needed and we'll move forward now. So with that, let me switch over into my agenda here to read forth uh where we're at. One sec loads. Here we are. All right. Uh item 6A, appoint the superintendent as secretary to the board to serve from December 25 to November 26. Do

026I have a motion for >> So moved. Second. Okay, we have a motion to second. Any discussion on this item? >> All right. Uh, we can ask Maddie for advisory vote on these. Is that correct? Okay, Maddie, your advisory vote. >> And board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say nay. >> Hearing none. Uh, I've also voted I, which I should have voiced. Approves 4. All right. Next item is approval of designation of 2026 board meeting dates. Do we have We do have them up here so we can see where we think we're going. And of course, if we have something that arises, we will let everyone notice, give you notice in in advance that we have to move something. But may I have an approval of these dates?

027>> I'll move approval. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion on this? All right. Maddie, your advisory vote. >> I. >> Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. It's approved. 40. Thank you. Uh, next item on our agenda is approval of assignment of board members to various ad hoc committees in 2026. So, this item, um, we have a list of things we do outside of this room, as you know. Um, we have a a motion to approve assignment. I move to approve section 6C and a second. >> Second. >> Okay, with that we can now discuss a little bit here so that we know who's going to do what. Um, as we've done in the past, we all divvy up things. So, if you don't mind, let's take a moment publicly if

028you could tell me which roles you're open to doing. I don't know that we have a list we can share on the screen, though. So, I think we're going to do it by memory if that's okay as as efficiently as possible. Sorry to the room that's here waiting for us to do this. Um, I don't think Yeah, we don't have a document we can share. So, let's let's go through it from the top down. >> Should I start? >> Yeah. Do you want to do you want to >> uh AI subcommittee, facilities advisory committee, uh, city schools subcommittee. >> Okay. And any PTAs that you're open to? >> Open to any. Great. All right. Meredith, can you >> I need to remain on the SoCal Rock board since I'm president. >> That would that probably

029would be a bad look if I stepped out. Um I am I'm going to go off city because you'll be going on. So, if there's something that you need me to take over um from that, I would be happy to do so. And I am good with any of the PTAs, although I believe unless they change the date, middle school is not unfortunately an option for me because it's the same night as Rock Tuesday night. Tuesday nights two third Tuesday of the >> of the month. >> So, anything else is I'm happy to to do any other PTAs. >> Okay, Heather. Um, do we also want to put Daima on there too that she wants >> if you know what you want? >> I know she wanted Richmond. That was like one that she wanted.

030Um, I'm happy to do any PTAs, but I would love to do middle school since I have a middle schooler and go, but um I am happy to be on um uh Eagle's Nest still or whatever. >> Yes, >> I was on technology too, but I know that that is Yeah, >> as needed. I think that's an as needed. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, at this point, we that leaves uh Center Street and the high school and Eagle's Nest, not claimed at this moment, but I I can do some sorting, I believe, myself, and then bring back something that fills in [clears throat] the blanks and see if we in our next meeting. >> You want to sign up for Yeah. If any of you have something now that you fits well into your calendar

031and you haven't been there, I my goal is to switch things up a little bit so that you all see different board members at different things. You're not like stuck with the same one of us all the time. So >> yeah, I've been serving on Center Street and loved it, but I would love to to go to the high school and maybe do a switch. Okay, >> you would like to do center. >> Frank's gonna do center. Thank you, Frank. And Meredith, you want to do the high school? >> Yep. >> Okay, >> moving up. >> All right, [laughter] moving around. >> Moving around. >> Big jump. >> Okay. All right. So, that leaves Eagle's Nest um at the moment, but there's also me. I I so at this point I know I will I

032will serve for the ed foundation and um >> PTA council. >> I can do Eagle's Nest that one. >> Okay. >> Because I have what I >> Okay, let me let me add Eagle's Nest to Heather's list. And I've jotted down all these notes here and I bet Tracy's also jotted them down. Uh uh Ed Foundation and PTA Council. I'll still continue to serve for the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate unless someone else that's not an official ad hoc thing though. I don't believe that's on our list, but if anyone else wants to jump into that, just let me know. >> Stay on Laxa because you're the president already. >> I will still maintain LAX. I am the president of that at this time, so I will have to do that. Okay. I think

033we've sorted through everything I can think of. Did we get everything? Thanks. What else? >> Environmental. >> Oh, environmental committee. Yo, yes, there's that. Sorry, Kim. >> Wait, but are you still on that? >> I I'm currently on that, which I'm fine to stick with unless someone else wants to jump in. >> No. All right, we just we just started that up again. So, it's not like you've seen me forever. So, okay, great. I'm gonna hang on to that one. >> Okay. Is that all that we can think of? >> Okay. So, thank you all for your input here. Um I will go over the calendar one more time before we bring this back at our January meeting for official vote on it. Um but I thank you for that and so PTAs that are

034paying attention and sites. Um we will shuffle around a little bit. So if uh you're doing anything in the next uh well few weeks before we have that meeting you want to check in with me please do. We'll make sure somebody's there. Okay. With that uh I guess what we Well, we do have a vote. We did vote. No, we have to vote on this. >> But we >> Yeah, I was say Yeah, but we we've left open a a motion. >> Yeah. >> Okay, we will we will let the motion uh >> There was a motion. >> Yeah. No, we did. See, this is where the old president thing like I have to dust that off. How do we do that? Okay, we will we're going to let this motion stand because we will

035have an actual thing to vote on in the next meeting. Again, thank you for your patience on that. We will move forward at this time to uh item 6D, approval of resolution 06202526, certification of signatures of the board and district administrators authorized to sign warrants orders for salary payment notices of employment and contracts pursuant to the ED code sections 35143, 42632, and 42633. Dr. Lince, is there anything you need to add to this uh item? No, we do this every time that we receipt the board. This just allows the proper um district staff to be able to sign commercial warrants. I recommend approval. Great. Do I have a motion? >> I move approval of item 6D. >> Second. Great. Any discussion on this item which is regulatory and regular on our agenda. Seeing hearing none

036all that uh Maddie your advisory vote >> I >> and board members in favor please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. Okay. Motion carries 4 zero. All right. Finally to the special [laughter] presentation section. Uh our first up is our student representative report. Miss Maddie if you would like to take the mic. >> Good evening everyone and happy holidays. an exciting report as all leadership in ESUSD is oh so very busy during the holidays. From Center Street, they recently had a cultural heritage assembly featuring a Brazilian dance demonstration. Both CSS and RSS have begun band and they will be performing at the winter sing which is coming up very soon. And I would be remiss if not to mention the very very important and intense Center versus Richmond kickball game which took place earlier

037today and I do not know the result. >> Nice work [screaming] from the middle school. They recently had their second rally celebrating the end of the fall sports season and the start of their winter sports. They also sent off their sixth graders to the second week of OSS and the high schoolers sent their juniors and seniors off to Wrightwood. And the middle school Model UN, shout out Mr. Luna if he is still here. Um, won nine different awards at their wittier competition, one even winning best delegate of the entire competition. So pretty. Yeah. pretty huge feat. Um, on the high school front, we have a choir concert this week and an orchestra concert next Thursday. We successfully collected the toys from our toy drive and delivered them to the many smiling faces at the Cedar

038Sinai Pediatric Center last week. Next week, we have our Frosties Frisbee food drive tournament, which benefits the Shared Bread Foundation. I know we've got creative with the names, lots of aliteration going on. We also have our senior citizen tea where our ASB members have tea and play bingo with all of the seniors in the community. We also have our AI symposium on the same day. Aim high with AI as Camden Chen would like me to mention. We also honored our staff of the month which is Miss Kim Stern who teaches English on campus. Shout out Miss Stern. And that is all for my report. Thank you, Maddie. We appreciate you. Uh, next we have an update from the Elsa Ed Foundation. I believe Miss Carol's in the room instead of Christa tonight. So, please come

039on up and report in. Carol Purstick, Elsagund Education Foundation. Thank you everybody for having us. Um, I just want to thank everybody who participated and attended the ladies night out. It was a fun night by many. Um, it was a great evening where women got to shop, see the fashion show, celebrate their each other. It was a great night. Um, and I'm happy to say that we netted $52,000 at that event. So, a good win for everybody, including the students. Um, this Saturday is our winter wonderland. It's our second inaugural one, uh, second one. So, please get your tickets. It'll be fun. It's the prices. Um, you may get a it may seem high, but once you get in there, everything is all inclusive. So, the ticket price includes food, snow play, big slide, ice

040skating, a train, just lots of activities and fun for all. Um, and then I wanted to also give a shout out to um, Al Luna and Abelstrom for the Malu. Maluan is a program that the foundation has been um, hosting and running for the last two years. So this weekend has was very busy for both both high school and the middle school. The middle school sent 33 students to the conference. Um three in the crisis committee which is against high schoolers. They award n they received nine awards in accommodations and one best delegate award. And then a special shout out to Natalyia Torres who won an accommodation in the crisis committee which is against and she's an eighth grader and she was against all high schoolers. So congrats to her. And then the high school

041also attended the conference in um they had three students on Saturday attended the Marra Costa conference which is like consider considered like a D1, right? So it's like the top line. Um, and they won two outstanding delegate awards. And congrats to Roman Iur and Penny I'm screwing this up. Luzy Louis, I'm not sure how to pronounce her name. Anyway, on Sunday, the team also then attended the um the model the Swiss model UN conference in Whittier, actually Whittier, and they won four awards including two best delegates. And shout out to Ramen Tour, Penny Wooi Woo and Maxwell Hellwig and Ava Waters. So, congrats to all those students and we're so excited that Mollyen is really taking off. It's our second year and we're actually going to I was just talking to um April and Al

042today. We're hoping to transition some of the middle schoolers into the high school program so that they can have longevity and continue their um their uh search for knowledge in model UN. So, thank you very much and have a wonderful holiday. >> Thank you, Carol. All right. Next on our agenda is an update from the employee associations. Is ESTA here to speak? Mr. Kelly, >> you all look so festive as I'm dressed in black up here. And I love the game of musical chairs that you all decided to play and throwing Daima under the bus for not being here and putting her as the vice. But, you know, I'm assuming for you, Frank, that you're going to have plenty of time to run marathons now backwards this year. Uh, so make sure you get to

043complete that. Uh, in all seriousness, I'm going to keep this short because, as you can see, there's plenty of center street individuals that deserve far more recognition than I do, let me tell you. Um, with that being said, today was obviously the first day of uh, bargaining, the bargaining sessions to which we put forth two of the articles. So, we look forward to Friday and the date later in January so that we can work collaboratively in order to come up with uh, decisions which are in best interest for students as well as the uh, the teachers so happen to be there with them. Uh, and with that being said, enjoy your holidays and now it's up to you to figure out what to do with your kids for two weeks. So, enjoy. >> Thank Thank

044you, Mr. Kelly. Um, do we have anyone from CSVA that is here to speak tonight? No. Seeing none, let's move forward into what I think our full house is waiting for. Uh, we have a Center Street student recognition. and Miss Erenss, if you could come up. >> Great. Okay. All right. Um, so good evening, board president Miller Zaricki, uh, board members, Superintendent Dr. Johnson, and members of cabinet. I'm Rose Arens, proud principal of Center Street School, and so grateful for this opportunity to recognize our students. At Center Street School, we take great pride in the way our students show kindness, responsibility, empathy, and respect each and every day. These values are at the heart of our Cougars Care program. Every day on campus, students receive Cougar's care cards in recognition of their positive behavior and

045the many ways they contribute to a safe, welcoming, and joyful school environment. Tonight's recognition is an extension of that same spirit. For the month of November, one student from each grade level was selected through a random drawing from our Cougars care cards to be honored here at the schoolboard meeting tonight. While only a few students are highlighted, they are a shining representation of the many children across our campus who consistently demonstrate our values. Their actions, both big and small, help shape Center Street into a place where every student belongs, learns, and thrives. We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for their partnership uh for the partnership of our families, teachers, and staff who help nurture these moments each and every day. Students, please come to the podium as your name is called, and

046I will read a little something provided by your teachers. Then be ready to receive a certificate and shake hands with good eye contact and a smile. >> And don't disappear. We'll have a photo op with you, too. >> All right. Ian Mling, come on up. >> Okay. Ian demonstrates multiple pillars of the graduate profile. As a leader, he is always willing to help his peers whenever asked. Ian must be commended as a thinker and learner. Every day, he shows up ready to learn and raises the level of learning in the classroom through his participation in our classroom discussions. Well done, Ian. Next we have Sophia Gonzalez. Sophia is the kind of student every teacher hopes to have. Always dedicated and always willing to learn. Her humility makes her achievements even more impressive. Sophia never seeks

047attention. Yet she sets a strong example for others through her hard work and character. You truly are the epitome of a remarkable student. Thank you for being you. Well done, Sophia. Next, we have Matthew Duran. Matthew's resilience shines bright in the way he works through challenges. When tasks become difficult, he stays focused and gives his best effort. He listens carefully, follows directions, and shows consistent kindness to both classmates and staff. He is a true role model for all. Well done, Matthew. Next we have Dalia Delgado. Oh, sorry. No, we have Kaia Sims. Sorry, Ka. Ka embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner. She embraces mistakes with curiosity and an openness that leads to deeper learning. In class, she's not afraid to share something that might be wrong because she knows that she and

048others might learn from it. Well done, Ka. Now we have Dalia Delgado. Dalia shows a love of learning each day. She listens thoughtfully, joins in class discussions, and adds positivity to her classroom and school each and every day. Well done, Dalia. Good job. All right. And now we have Oh, that Okay. Cleo Gendy. Cleo. All right. Cleo is a model kindergarten student who exemplifies kindness towards peer peers and consistently shows a growth mindset when working in the classroom. Well done, Cleo. All right. And now we have Marcus Arius. Marcus is a confident leader, demonstrating strong focus and self-control during learning activities. He consistently treats his friends with kindness and patience, setting a positive example for others in the classroom. Well done, Marcus. Okay. Again, thank you so much for this opportunity. It's I can't be

049I feel so proud in this moment and I know that there are so many in the audience that are grateful, our teachers, our parents, and just a huge thank you from all of us. Okay. >> Yeah, we gota have a picture. >> Okay. And now a picture. All right, my friend. Thank you. All right. Right here first. Hold on. Right here. Right here. One, two, three. Miss. Good job. Thank you. All right. All right. >> Good job. All right, thank you all for coming and and feel free to make your way home because there's probably homework or Christmas cookie baking or something going on. So, thank you and we appreciate everybody waiting for oh 50 some minutes to get here. So, thank you. Unfortunately, we still have other business to do. >> [laughter] >> All

050right, moving on. This is a hard act to follow, Miss Lince. I'm just gonna say just just gonna say this topic is not as fun. So, as we as we uh uh ask Dr. Lince to come up for the first interim report for the fiscal year 2526, I just want to note to anybody watching this in playback, you're not going to see this because apparently we're having a technical issue with the space we're filming in tonight. So you may not see this in this playback. However, if you go to our board website and or our district website, go to our board agenda, you can click and find it in the attachments there. So if you wish to follow along with the presentation Miss Lince is doing or Dr. Lince is doing, uh please do it

051that way. With that, the floor is yours. >> Thank you. Uh President Miller Ziki, members of the board, Dr. Johnson. I am here to present the first interim budget report. These this is the first official report of the 2526 fiscal year. Um uh detailing our actuals through October 31st. Um and just as a reminder where we are in the cycle, this is our first report. It is due to the county by December 15th. Um and I'll talk about what comes after this next. Couple of key changes. We did see an increase of three certificated employees, three classified employees, and increased restricted revenue from the student support and professional development discretionary block grant. I'm going to start with the restricted fund this evening. These, as a reminder, are buckets of funding that must be spent in

052very specific ways. Um you'll notice in the second to um second to last row that we are deficit spending as we spend down one-time funds. However, our in our revenue has increased as well by about a million dollars due to the block grant I just spoke of. This is a discretionary block grant but is primarily for professional development and uh teacher support. Moving on to the unrestricted general fund. Um if you'll notice on the highlighted bottom row, we are maintaining healthy reserves in that third year. We are well above the 3% that is required. Um and we but we do continue to deficit spend as you'll notice in the red in all three years. We did have some additional expenses related to increased staffing as well as safety safety upgrades on our campuses that were

053onetime costs. I wanted to do a comparison to adopted budget because mainly what I want to point out is while we continue to deficit spend we our deficit spending in the out years 26 27 2728 is less than what we anticipated at adopted budget and I'll flip back so you can look between the two um significantly less the reason for that is since adopted budget when we project the outy years we use a national metric for the cost of pricing good price of goods and services and that projection since adopted budget has dropped particularly in the energy sector as well as some areas of supplies. The impact to us as a district is a reduction in the in the anticipated cost of books and supplies from adopted budget. I want to clarify the costs will

054still go up. They're just not going to go up as much. um to make it le yeah to keep it simple as we look at our revenues and expenditures uh 72% of our funding still comes from the local control funding formula however if you look at the Elskundo Ed Foundation and other local funding that is a significant portion of our funding and what makes us able to provide the programs to our um students that we are that we do on the expenditure side 77% of our budget goes to our most important important asset in the district, our uh staff for salaries and benefits. Next steps, this is the first interim report. The next report that you'll hear from me is in March. That will be our actuals through January 31st and the second interim report.

055And with that, I'm all done. >> All right. Any questions or comments from the board? I think I think we've all seen these many times now and we appreciate your continued updates for us and when you have to and even when you don't have to do them. >> So, thank you. >> We will not take a photo with you for this. [laughter] >> All right. Uh we could Yes, we could easily do a screenshot. All right. Next on our agenda tonight, uh we have the Elsa Middle School presentation from Dr. coming all the way from the back of the room. And again, please please tune in to watch this if you're doing this in playback via the attachment on your agenda. >> Yes. Is there a dress code? There must been a dress code for

056this. Yeah, >> I went deep. I went real deep. >> [laughter] >> It's mix between like he came and he came dressed with a collar. Those are both both big. So, this is pretty big. >> I'm impressed. I'm impressed. [laughter] >> Yeah. No, we didn't get that memo. We didn't get the sweater memo. So, very good. Good evening, uh, President Miller Zariki, members of the board, Dr. Johnson, members of cabinet. Thank you for having us this evening. My name is Dr. Sarah Dantes. I'm the principal [clears throat] at Elsagona Middle School. I'm glad to have with me here Mr. Steve Lubes with us tonight uh to present to you about design week that we held at Elsa Middle School this last year. Design week was more than an event. It was a schoolwide celebration of

057creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on problem solving. It's one of those experiences that truly captured for us the essence of what it means to be a bulldog. Curious, resilient, innovative, and engaged. Tonight, we'd like to show you what design what design week looked like last year, why it matters, the impact it had on our students, and what we have planned to make this year's experience even better. All right, so at its core, design week was a structured immersive learning experience where every student in every grade level became a designer. Throughout the week, students moved through a full design cycle thinking. They researched a problem, brainstormed ideas, planned and sketched, built and test prototypes, refined their work, and presented their final solutions. What made this so powerful was is the that the learning was deeply student-driven.

058Students asked questions, they made decisions, they navigated challenges. They learned how to collaborate, how to think flexibly, and how to bring an idea from concept to creation. It wasn't just engaging, it was academically rigorous, and it was a week where students truly took ownership of their learning. Um what what makes uh design week so special? Um it's a really good example of learning that ties directly with the graduate profiles. Um creative and critical thinkers where you're analyzing problems, evaluating solutions, and improving designs. confident communicators who are explaining their thinking, giving peer feedback and presenting to audiences. Uh responsible, self-directed and resilient individuals managing materials, overcoming challenges and adapting to changes in what happened. Um empowered and continuous learners who are asking questions and taking initiative. And lastly, global collaborators and leaders who consider multiple perspectives

059and work with different peers to create solutions. Uh, Design Week gives students a chance to practice those skills authentically. It's not like a test or a worksheet where they're actually digging in with hands-on experience. Uh, the timeline. So, day one is all about research. So uh many of the students actually had the opportunity to uh engage with guest speakers and we'll expand a little bit more on that. Um learning about background knowledge and then defining the problem itself. Day two was more about planning where um they were sketching, they were uh brainstorming ideas and then they were evaluating them reiterating uh those things. Uh day three was a build day. This is something I'll go deeper into. It's their favorite for sure. Um they're using materials, bringing um things from home, tools, all sorts of

060items. And uh day four is where they're testing and refining. So they're looking at their prototype and identifying what worked, what didn't work. And then lastly, they're presenting that final product. Uh reflecting on it, what changes would they have done differently? Uh it's a very structured uh intentional week and it supports all learners. Sixth grade design week is focused on board games. Uh it's a great blend of creativity and um strategic thinking certainly. Uh so students begin by researching international games. We had Mattel uh experts come and actually speak to our sixth graders and they also were part of the the presentation process. Really cool for the kids. Um then they're also learning about what made games enjoyable, what the rules look like. Um they develop their own. They think about the mechanics required, what

061they would create and what materials they would need. They also develop their own rules, logos, uh game pieces and the prototypes itself. Um like I said, the best part is the creation stage. They would create for five days if they could. Um [clears throat] they also have the opportunity to try each other's games, giving feedback, asking questions, um actually evaluating uh the level of creativity, uh the humor behind it, um their their thoughtfulness. It's great for the sixth graders each year. Seventh and eighth was a little bit more complex and actually tied to real world issues within our community. Uh students began by researching authentic problems. Um some of them were repurposing actual property within Elsa Gundo parks, schools, um as well as community issues. Um students studied existing solutions. They analyzed what works, what

062doesn't work, and then they identified gaps and opportunities um to follow up with that. many classes once again hosted expert guest speakers once again they also uh joined us in uh on day four uh and then students designed and built physical prototypes using a wide range of materials resources some provided by the school um others they brought from home some students created models of community improvements others functional tools redesigning everyday objects and engineering creative innovate or inventions. What's most impressive is the level of ownership that they took um documenting their thinking, iterating through multiple versions, delivering professional style pitches as well. Once again, the build day that is the heartbeat of design week. Classrooms come alive with energy. Students actually visiting other students. A lot of times we actually traded some of our students so

063they could engage with uh whatever other prototypes were being made. Um some interesting conversations students would say um something like we need to create a different base or have you ever considered doing something different with the uh board game. Um these moments of productive struggle are are truly invaluable. Students practice resilience, teamwork, and creativity. And they learned that failure isn't just the opposite of success, but actually just the steps required to get to that success. >> All right. One of the things that made design week especially successful this last year was the incredible collaboration that supported it. So under that team alignment, our ESMS staff came together with shared goals, consistent pacing, and a clear vision for what we wanted students to experience. Teachers across grade levels and departments coordinated materials, expectations, and schedules so

064that every student had access to the same high quality design. This meant that students stayed in their third period for a whole week. But we had a major major support in collaborating how students still went to PE because that was very important that we got students outside which meant our PE teachers and teachers who had a prep third period all came together to make this happen so that students could have this design experience happen. Have this design experience. The support extended beyond our own campus though when we saw incredible incredibly incredible support from our partners across the district and the city. You see here in this picture um Miss Ulashi and Miss Arenss and Ali Mancini from the city. Um our elementary principal shared presentations. They came and spoke to our uh seventh eighth grade

065students on that first day and came back to see their prototypes and designs as they were the students were working to try to design um sensory spaces on Richmond and Center Street's campuses. Um and then Ali Mancini from the city city came to present on ways to revamp the dog park um in Elsagundo and then came back to see the way students had revamped and redesigned the way the dog park could be utilized here um in Elsagundo. Uh we appreciated their support, their insight, their collaboration, their encouragement and helped us think about how students would be able how their student projects could be able to to connect to real community needs. This level of collaboration within our school amongst our district colleagues and with our city partners truly elevated design week. It allowed us to

066ensure that our students were not only supported but inspired. Design Week has had a significant impact um on student confidence and engagement. Students who were typically quiet became leaders within their groups. Students who worried about being wrong suddenly felt safe to take risks. Students who sometimes disengage in traditional lessons were energized, motivated, and allin. We consistently heard feedback during the week about this is my favorite week. I never knew I could build this. I felt so proud of what we made. Beyond the excitement, students built real academic skills. Research, writing, critical thinking, communication, planning, data collection, reflection, and presenting. It was joyful. It was deeply educational, and it was exactly the kind of learning we aim for at Elsko Middle School. We want to thank our teachers and staff for the tremendous planning and facilitation

067that goes into design week, especially Mr. the lubes as the design subject area lead who led this effort for our campus. Their creativity, flexibility, and commitment to student- centered learning made this week truly exceptional. And thank you to the board for supporting our programming like this that empowers students to explore, take risks, and see themselves as creators, problem solvers, and innovators. Design Week represented the best of who we are, and we're proud to share it with you. Thank you. >> I know Steve Steve wants a picture he's dressed up. Uh, board members, any any comments or or questions? >> Because, you know, I have to comment. Um, I taught design for I don't know how many years in various different ways. Um, and when I came to see this, hands down the best way to

068teach design. um allowing the kids a week to really focus in and do this and have the room and the space and the time and all of that to do this. I walked around in to many many rooms um not just the sixth grade rooms because I had actually done the board game with with some of my kids but just to watch and they were so excited. I had kids chasing me down. Come look at our project. Come look at our project. Um, they were so excited about the projects and wanted to show off, which was really exciting. Hands down the best way to teach design in all the years that it's been around. It's and it's been around for a while. This was hands down the best way to to accomplish. So, kudos to

069whoever or however this all happened. Kudos to you. He's ducking his head at at Dr. Devonte's, but this was really really was the best way to do design. Um, and I think the kids really appreciated it and learned from it. I >> just have a quick question. When did this all come I mean obviously to fruition and you guys decided to pivot from obviously we don't have design anymore and so what what created this Really really what we were thinking is how can we still integrate design in a way that offers number one gives them time to actually go through the design cycle but also uh doesn't disrupt whatever everybody else is teaching. that was really what made the most sense and that it was more of a pause >> and then they really have

070the opportunity as opposed to in the past [clears throat] it was once a week you know and so a lot of it was you know they get excited and then they have a week off >> and this this one it was I can't wait for tomorrow >> and we held it the week before spring break um so it was intentional we had just finished state testing at that time this last year and so it was intentionally done before a a little bit of like a pause for the kids. It was our staff actually. I think at first was a little concerned, but to get package lessons for a week, even though they were a little nervous about keeping third period for all day, it ended up being much more successful than I think we even

071anticipated. So, we were super excited about that. >> Well, it just shows too what um great teachers we have and admin and everything to think so outside the box and to create something and, you know, make it come true. So, thank you guys. popped in a little bit that I was there to see some of this in action. The kids were really into it, excited like like and you could see like the wheels turning in their heads. It was it was amazing. So, thank you for again finding a way to work this into the schedule which is already so full of things you have to do and making this happen and and again please tell all the staff that we appreciate their flexibility making this happen >> and thank you for dressing up also. I

072just uh quickly like to say uh because we did have the opportunity to visit last year or this year early in the year and it was amazing to see the energy and I think um like you mentioned it's right before a spring break so they're like the kids are already worked up but this is a a great way for them to release their energy. And um the other thing being an architect, you know, this is the the phases you went through in that week are kind of like what we do in real life. And it's uh great to be able to give the kids the opportunity to go through all those steps and see a result at the end. So kudos to all of you. >> Thank you. >> We expect to see all of

073you again this year. All week in fact. >> Let us know. Let us know. give us a heads up. >> Thank you. >> Have a good night. >> All right. Next on our agenda tonight, item 7G is a presentation on elementary report cards. We have our duo of dynamic principles here to do that >> and other team. I see. >> Yes. >> All right. Hi again. Rose Arens, principal of Center Street School. Happy to be in front of you again. And principal of Richmond Street School. Okay. Um, so tonight we will update you on the elementary report card's diligent work and present our proposed updated kindergarten through fifth grade report card for your approval. We are grateful to the members of our report card committee whose names you see here. They represent a broad and

074balanced cross se cross-section of our elementary community including teachers from every grade level K through five including educational specialists from both elementary schools site administrators and our assistant superintendent of educational services and parents from both schools representing both primary and upper elementary perspectives. Our overarching goal has been to develop a report card that is clear, meaningful, and tightly aligned to the essential standards at each grade level. Specifically, the committee aimed to create a tool that communicates student progress using language accessible to both teachers and parents, reflects essential standards rather than the entirety of the California content standards, provides consistency and coherence across grade levels, supporting a clear K through5 progression, and improves our ability to communicate student learning in a way that is accurate, informative, and supportive of next steps. Our process was thorough and

075collaborative. Teachers examined, designed, and redesigned drafts based on parent feedback. The full committee met to discuss, question, and refine. We also collected input from our broader parent community through a survey and a parent information night. This allowed us to gather diverse input and improve the report card over several iterations. We feel confident in the proposal before you this evening. To begin, the committee reviewed report card samples from surrounding districts which enabled us to identify best practices and learn from effective designs already in use. The primary focus of the teacher team and the initial reason for revising the report card was alignment to the essential standards. Our current report card was created soon after the California Common Core standards were introduced 15 years ago. Today, teachers have a far deeper understanding of the standards. Through our

076PLC process, grade level teams have identified and prioritized the essential standards, those most critical to student learning, representing what we guarantee every student will learn and what we intervene on when needed. Teams also collaborated across grade levels to ensure a logical coherent K5 progression, providing consistency for students and families. Once we identified the essential standards written on the left, the team worked to rewrite them in a in familyfriendly language that remain true to the standard and fit cleanly on the report card. Another revision is the updated habits updated habits for success section. These skills are not only vital for school, but they're foundational for lifelong success. On the left side is our current version and on the right is the revised and reorganized version according to category and designed to be more understandable for families.

077Many of these habits mirror the attributes in the graduate profile. Traits such as independence, collaboration, responsibility, and perseverance. Because of their importance, we moved this section to the front left of the report card. So, it's the first element that families see. For both habits of success and academic effort, we updated the scoring system. Instead of unsatisfactory, needs improvement, satisfactory, and then outstanding, we now use more objective descriptors that better capture what teachers observe in the classroom. Academic performance levels have also been revised. To more accurately measure student learning against the essential standards, we moved from a four-point scale to a three-point scale. Our focus is on determining whether students are mastering the essential standard as written. This shift is grounded in how the California state standards are designed. The standards are written for mastery and

078they don't define what exceeding a standard looks like. Because of this, our pre previous four-point scale inadvertently led to subjective and inconsistent judgments about what it meant to go above the standard. To ensure consistency districtwide, the teacher team also spent significant time developing common language around each achievement level. So that for example, a three means the same thing in every classroom and at every grade level across both school sites. Moving to a three-point scale also allows teachers to assess and communicate student learning with greater accuracy, clarity, and consistency. Many surrounding districts have already made this shift, reflecting a broader movement toward reporting that emphasizes mastery of essential standards. Our mission is that every student will show strong and consistent understanding and application of the essential standards. When students demonstrate learning beyond the standard, teachers will

079still capture that in a specific grow capture that specific growth in the comment section of the report card being able to provide a clear and more accurate description. We believe this revised report card more accurately reflects student learning, aligns with our district district priorities, and enhances our ability to communicate progress. We appreciate your consideration and are happy to answer any questions. >> Great. Thank you for that and all the work that led up to that. >> Board members, any questions, comments? Not really any questions, but um just like to thank you for your diligence and for um bringing so many people into the process so that we know that it's well grounded and that you brought everybody along uh throughout and um we're uh excited that we're making this change and I think uh your

080parents are going to love it too. >> Thank you. I also think that the amount of people that I had conversations with um that even my own husband thought a four was an A and you know so I think that and having a lot of conversations with teachers too like >> this just sets the ground and it's very clear like you said um so the expectations of parents aren't like my husband's thinking if he wasn't getting fours he wasn't getting an A. So I think that this is a great thing. >> Excellent. Thank you. Yeah. I don't know if Maddie or our student perspective has any thoughts on this. I was just curious if as a as a now a high school student when you see that kind of thing, like does it make sense

081to you? standard. >> And I think a lot when they were [laughter] clarifying the systems. It also helps >> Exactly. >> That's great. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for again the collaboration inside and outside of the school. Like that was that was well thought out and and really I think nice to have those thought partners from the start and we look forward to voting on it later in section 10. >> Thank you. All right, our next item, item 7H, is a presentation regarding the California school dashboard with Dr. Young. Thank you. We saved the most exciting for last. Good evening, President Miller Zarniki, members of the board, Dr. Johnson, and all in attendance this evening. It is my pleasure to present our California school dashboard results which includes key performance trends, successes, and areas of

082growth for our district as identified by the state. I'd like to begin by providing background on the California school dashboard, which is the accountability and continuous improvement system by which all schools and districts are measured by in the state. The dashboard displays performance based on two factors. your current data on the measure and your improvement or lack of improvement from prior year results. The performance level or color is determined by the point at which these two levels intersect. The desired colors are cooler, wanting blue and green being the highest and orange and red being the lowest. The following are our dashboard results. The seven areas that have a visual meter are representative of the state's metrics. It should be celebrated that we are in the blue or green area for nearly all indicators with the

083exception of our English learner progress in which we are in the red. I will later explain why this rating is noteworthy but should not be a cause for large concern. The other five metrics are our local indicators which are based on qualitative data and are presented with the local control accountability plan each June. As you can see, we met the standard for all five local indicators. When looking at our academic performance, Elsa Gundo continues to demonstrate strong performance relative to our surrounding districts. This past year, our English language arts performance increased by 1% while our math performance remained consistent. Our growth and maintenance of progress should be commended given how strongly our district performs each year. We remain a leading South Bay school district with our ranking remaining consistently in the top tier of surrounding

084districts. As you can see, our achievement scores far exceed the mean and median scores throughout the South Bay. Now, I recall at the last meeting a request was made by the board for more hands-on experiences. Some of you may recall the game show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? So, I thought we'd extend this evening by about six hours to take the California assessment of student performance and progress for fifth graders. Thankfully, uh Dr. Johnson clarified that he didn't think that was the type of hands-on experiences you were looking for. [sighs] It would have been tough to beat though because we have about 80% of our fifth graders meeting or exceeding standards. So, we would have needed nine out of 10 of us to beat them. So, [snorts] let's dive into our English language

085arts performance. When we look at our historical data, we see that we continue to demonstrate strong overall performance with our percentage of students exceeding standards increasing by nearly 6% over the past 5 years and our students not meeting standards decreasing by 3.4%. We credit this to our evidence-based literacy instruction and our alignment to this approach is a key consideration in our current K through8 English language arts adoption. When we dig deeper and disagregate our English language arts results by student groups, we find that achievement gaps exist for our English learners and our students with disabilities. In looking at the cohort data, we find that our third grade students in 2021 have improved by over 10% over the past four years and our fourth grade students in 2021 have improved by nearly 13% over the past

086four years. However, we also see that when our students transition from elementary to middle school, they show an average decline of 7% over four years with a course correction occurring in the following year though with an average increase of 5% over four years. We continue to work closely with our elementary and middle school teams to increase alignment in curriculum instruction and assessment approaches. In looking at our English learners, which you'll recall was in the red, we see that we have 13 different home languages represented by our English learners, 55% of which being Spanish. Of our 53 current English learners, 21% are newcomers or have been here in the country for 2 years or less, and 32% are classified as long-term English learners or not having been designated as fully English proficient within six years. Additionally,

08732% of our English learners are dyed as socioeconomically disadvantaged. The chart displayed on the bottom left of the slide shows trends in progression, maintenance, or regression of our English learner progress over the past five years. As you can see, there was a decline in students progressing in their English proficiency this past year, as well as an increase in students who decrease in their English proficiency. This will certainly be a focus area for us this year and I'm working closely with our amazing ELD team to address this. It is important to note that the sample size of students is small with only 45 students tested districtwide which inevitably causes large fluctuations in performance. Another contributing factor to this decline is that we maintain a high reclassification rate of 22.6% 6% this past year, which adversely affects

088our performance since this pool of students are immediately pulled out of this group, leaving only the students who did not reclassify to be measured. And now, let's switch gears to math. When looking at our overall math performance, we see that over the past 5 years, the percentage of students exceeding standards has increased by nearly 10%, while the percentage of students not meeting standards has decreased by nearly 3%. We credit this to our balanced approach to math instruction of procedural fluency and conceptual understanding with our CGI emphasis at the elementary level. This approach is reflected in our current K8 math adoption of illustrative math which is a problem based curriculum. When we dig deeper and disagregate this data by specific student groups, we see that achievement gaps are widening in recent years for our English learners,

089our socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and our students with disabilities. When we dive into our cohort performance, we find that there is an overall positive trend. Once again, our students who transition to middle school experience an average decline of 9.5% over four years. And once again, this course corrects the following year with an average increase of 8% over four years. Rounding out our academic achievement results, we have our California Science Tests. Our historical results show that the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards has increased by nearly 14% over the past four years. This growth coincides with the adoption of our Green Ninja Science curriculum at the middle school level and the implementation of next generation science standards across the district. In looking at our graduation rates, we see that we remain high at 97.5% this past

090year. However, our English learners and students with disabilities are a focus in this area. It should be noted that students who earn a certificate of completion count against our graduation rates. And last year we had an unusually high number of these students with a total of six when normally there are between zero and three. In looking at our college and career indicator, we're proud to share that our A to G completion rate increased by 3.57% at the high school and the percentage of students who met this indicator through advanced placement increased by an astonishing 30.7%. Our state seal of bioliteracy also increased by 6.6%. We need to commend our high school for their amazing efforts to increase A to G completion as well as ensuring that students are accessing and succeeding in courses of rigor.

091In looking at our suspension rate, we see that this past year there was an increase in the number of students who were suspended at least one day. The data shows that targeted attention is needed for specific student groups and focus at all schools continues to be fostering a sense of belonging and school connectedness as well as providing other means of correction when appropriate for students. Our final indicator is chronic absenteeism which is measured by the number of students who are absent for 10% or more of the school year in grades K through 8. We see that our overall chronic absenteeism has decreased by 4.2% 2% from our high point across the past four years. And in looking at our subgroups, we see that there was an increase in chronic absenteeism in our students with disabilities

092and English learners. And while our socioeconomically disadvantaged students are most at risk based on our four-year average, gains have been made in recent years for this student group. Our attention will be focused on expanding our attendance recovery programs this year through Saturday school programs and in partnership with our TLC. In summary, our district continues to make significant strides in several areas while recognizing opportunities for improvement, particularly for student groups such as our English learners and our students with disabilities. We will use this data to drive our LCAP to meet the needs of all students this spring. And we thank you for your time and attention and I welcome any questions or feedback you may have. Great. Thank you for sharing all of that important information. Board members, any comments, questions? Um just if we go

093back to the dashboard, maybe you could give us some idea of some steps that you might make to correct the English learner progress. >> Sure. Absolutely. So, I've been meeting closely with our ELD team and we've examined already the handful of students. Again, because it's such a small group, we've identified four students who declined in their performance. three of which of those are dually identified as either on on an IEP or a 504 plan and then the fourth being a student at Arena and then the fifth is a student who actually checked out because their family was deported at the time of testing. And so we are working very closely to examine the domains like the specific areas on the ELPAC that these students declined in and ensuring that we're providing direct services to them

094so that they could improve this year. Yeah, I was going to ask about, you know, we we're so good about individualized learning. I hope we're really dialing into those students to figure out how to support them, but also with that glaring red mark, >> is it something that we have to report back to the state on sooner or is there more we have to do because we're in the red in that kind of zone or or is it just, hey, really pay attention to this is what we're getting. We have not been notified at this time that we're in differentiated assistance or, you know, targeted support and improvement. So, that's a good thing, but we should definitely pay close attention to it. Um, but in talking with the team, we anticipate getting out of the

095red very soon because of these targeted efforts. And we're just looking globally across our ELD program to ensure that every student who has not been reclassified is receiving designated EL um each day. Do we see um a pattern of where the students are reclassing like what level they're reclassing at? >> Yeah, we generally see that the students who aren't reclassifying, so I can kind of answer the opposite. Yeah. Um they tend to struggle with the writing domain the most as well as the listening um in actually listening um trying out a sample question. It's it's pretty complex the listening tasks that are given. And so it's really requiring students to have like a sustained attention to detail to what they're hearing and then they can't replay it um and they'd have to answer um follow-up

096questions after. And so we definitely need to work with our teachers to ensure that they're kind of mimicking these listening exercises in the classrooms so that we could help our students. Um you know, I wish we could ban roadblocks and all the other other games that are really decreasing our students attention spans, but that's definitely something that we should look at building in throughout the school day leading up to the ELPAC. >> Thank you. With that said, I I I am very happy to see that the scores from 21 that we are actually starting to see the gains >> come back from the COVID years. U because for a little while there, you know, there was some concern about how quickly or if um those kids were going to get back and they certainly are

097starting to show >> um that growth again. and and a lot of that is just getting back into the system and and understanding what they needed to do. So, it is really nice to see all of the blue. Um the absenteeism was also a concern >> especially after co right after co a lot of kids thought I kind of liked not having to come to school, right? >> Um so it is nice to see that that that has also improved. So while certainly we do have some work to do in the in the English um learner which again with small numbers that >> it's hard because the percentages are um skewed a little bit >> um but we have certainly seen um some great growth as well and that's what we want to see. So

098thank you very much. This is not a fun thing to do. This is not the great Oh, yay. I get to do get to do the dashboard report. So, um, thank you. We appreciate all the hard work that you do for this. >> Yeah. I do have just one last question. Is is the fifth sixth grade drop always a thing? Like I I I don't have a you know, photographic memory of last time we saw the dashboard and if you know if we consistently I mean I understand that's a big shift >> from a social standpoint and I'm just curious if that's like that's what happens. >> Yes. So we've actually discussed this frequently in cabinet as well as with our elementary and our middle school principles. And when we look at historical data, it

099is consistent that the drop it occurs from fifth to sixth grade. And it's really difficult for us to isolate the cause of it because there's just so many variables. Um absolutely it's the social adjustment from an elementary to middle school. It's going from a self-contained teacher to now six periods a day or seven in the past. Um it's the many transitions. It's the less instructional time, but you're making sure you're getting all these different content areas. There's so many different factors that are at play. Um, but we are working very closely with the principles and we're encouraging teachers of the fifth grade to come and shadow in sixth grade and vice versa so that they can see what instructional approaches are occurring and we're working very closely with the principal to align the curriculum um

100with both elementary and or um high school. So, we're really working on the coherence and alignment. >> It it just, you know, again, without having memorized the chart from all these years past, it just makes sense that that is an adjustment time and we move forward from there. So, >> I I will say as a sixth grade teacher, yes. >> Yes. Right. >> The answer is yes. >> This is not a secret. I'm just just guessing and putting a point on that. So, >> it's not just Elsa Gundo. It's a natur I believe that. Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes. Well, thank you for all of this and everything you do to pay attention to it and and move us in the right direction. We appreciate it. >> Of course. >> Thank you. >>

101Yeah. All right. We are now at uh I believe consent agenda time. Let me put the glasses on so I can see. Uh indeed. Do we have a motion for consent? >> I move a motion to approve consent agenda items A through K. Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion on these items? Seeing none. Hearing none. Maddie, your preferential vote. >> Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion carries. 40. Next item 9A, acceptance of gifts. Miss Madame Clerk, I don't think Dr. needs to read anything for this. So, madame clerk, do you realize uh your role >> your role here is to read the in accordance part of this item? >> Nope. Nobody told me any of this. >> This this is on the job training,

102but yeah. So, if you can't see it on here, I'm happy to share my screen. >> I know this is what you read. >> Hang on. >> How come I didn't pop up the hair? Oh, so if I would have just hit this, it'll work. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Sorry. Thank you. >> Okay. In accordance with the board of education policy number 3290, the board of education may accept gifts as long as there is no conflict with the education code or other public laws. The school district has received generous donations as detailed below. These donations do not conflict with any education code or public laws regarding acceptance of gifts. JW Photography, $1,800 to Center Street Elementary School. Center Street School PTA $84.75. Center Street Elementary School. Home campus $850.50. Elsagundo Middle School, ASFA Shrivever. That

103right? Okay. Shrivever Chapter147 $500 Richmond Street Elementary School. AFA Shrivever Chapter 147 $500 Center Street Elementary School. >> And you could say, I move acceptance at this point if you would like. >> I move acceptance at this point. >> Now I get a second from someone. >> Second. All right. Any discussion on the gifts? >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Uh Maddie, your preferential vote and board members in favor, please say I. I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion carries. 40. Item 9B. This is the acceptance of the first interim report which I presented on earlier. I have nothing to add and recommend approval. >> So moved. >> Second. Right. We have any discussion on this item which we already discussed. >> Maddie, your preferential vote. >> Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >>

104Those opposed. Motion carries 40. Item 9 C. This is um approval of a proposal for Encorp to do lead testing for the district office Eagles Nest Arena painting project. >> Motion. This is typical testing for a painting project. There is no reason other than it's required. >> I move for approval of action item 9C. >> May Thank you. Thank you for the second. Any discussion on this item other than it is normal and uh not to fear at this time. >> I just want to know um the dollar amount is $5,000. Why wouldn't it be on consent? >> It probably could have been on consent. Okay. Any other discussion? Maddie, your preferential vote. Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion carries. 4 Z. Next item. Item nine. Sorry, my my

105uh iPad flipped blipped off on me touching it improperly. Uh item 9D, approval proposal from Smith Emmery, Dr. Yes, this is a a proposal to perform regular water testing of the windows at the Eagles Nest Arena District Office project. I recommend approval. >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion on this item? Maddie, a preferential vote and board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those motion carries 40. Last but not least, item 9E. This is approval of resolution 72526. Currently, the district is a member of both the JPA skip for our insurance coverage as well as the self- excess liability pool. This resolution would give the district the option to withdraw from the self pool and pursue other options for excess liability in the future. I recommend approval. >> So moved. >> Second. Okay.

106Any discussion on this item? All right, Maddie, your preferential vote. Board members in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed. 4 Z. Motion carries. Moving into educational services. Uh item 10A. Dr. Young, >> this is approval of the adoption of the proposed elementary report cards. As has been shared this evening, a comprehensive process was utilized to develop the changes and feedback was solicited from the community. I recommend approval. >> So moved. >> Second. Okay. Any further discussion on this item? All right. Maddie, your preferential vote. And board members, please say I if you're in favor. >> I. I. >> Those opposed? No. Four. Four zero. What are you guys doing? No table talk. Um uh All right. Item 10B. No table talk. I'm gonna get You know what? I have this >> item

10710B again. Dr. Yong, please share with us on >> Sure. This is approval of the adoption of Vista Higher Learning as a Spanish curriculum for Elsagundo middle and high schools after following a comprehensive review process. The materials were placed on public display and no feedback was um provided by the community. I recommend approval. >> Okay. Have a motion. >> I move approval of action item 10B. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion on this item? >> Um I did want to say I thought it was great that the information went out that they were at the at the um >> in the office so you know parents could come and see it and you know feel it, touch it, do whatever they got to do. But um I think giving the opportunities to parents is

108you know a really good thing. So thank you. >> No one came and touched it. Felt it. No, no. I'm just kidding. I don't know. That would be hard. >> It means that there was also a QR code and a form in which they could provide feedback on the curriculum and share if they had any concerns with it or any parts of it that they really enjoyed. and nobody took that opportunity. Doesn't mean that they didn't come and look at the curriculum. It just means that nobody submitted any feedback. The teachers though, all Spanish teachers did review and um complete their curriculum adoption rating forms to make sure it was a good choice. >> Yeah. And I appreciate how there were multiple options looked at multiple times. I mean, it sounds like there's a lot

109of pre-thinking by people who actually know what curriculum they, you know, could better use. So we appreciate that their focus was there whether or not others chimed in. >> Principal Gart did receive an email from a parent saying, "Why are you asking us? You guys are the experts." And that to my point. >> So we [laughter] love those kind of parents. >> Yes. >> All right. Thanks. >> Any other comments or questions? No. Your preferential vote, Maddie. >> And board members in favor, please say I. >> I. Those opposed. Motion carries. >> Why do I keep turning off this microphone? Sooner than I have to. Okay. Um, I'm not used to having my voice on so much. Sorry. >> It's like, >> uh, All right. We're now at theformational calendar item. And here's aformational calendar

110with, look at all that winter recess. But so many fun things to do before that. So, this is our one and only board meeting of the year. We can note that. But, but many fun things for people to do with their time outside of this room. So, excellent. Thank you. And now we can move into our uh board member >> reports and discussion items. And Frank, you get to start. How lucky. >> I used up all my emotional energy. [laughter] >> Nobody's here now. It doesn't matter. >> So, I'm just gonna go really quick because because you guys can all fill this into. So, um, the things that I did in the past month, we had a facilities advisory committee tour of the district offices and the Eagles Nest and Arena Street project. Uh, it's

111coming along just fine. The major hurdles are over and, uh, >> hopefully it'd be plain sailing, Dr. Lind, as we uh, bring the ship home. Right. Yeah. Um, I was one of the few males who was allowed attend ladies night out with Dr. Johnson. So, um, we both had a really good time getting the ladies drunk. Oh, [laughter] can I >> Frank? This is >> You already said it. >> No, no, actually, that wasn't it. That wasn't it. We [laughter] >> But you were serving. >> We uh we served them with a very light beverage as they entered the facility. >> The rest was on them. >> And Sarah didn't have one, but you know, there you go. >> He said he he said when we [clears throat] were serving, he said, "Hold your fire.

112Davalant is coming through." >> Right. So, um, last night I attended the PTA council and there was something really important I was going to mention about that. It'll come back to me. >> President to just [laughter] a really good meeting. >> I was there. >> Not me. That was what you're saying. >> Yeah, I was there. I was I was there till the end. It was actually a very short meeting which was uh great. Um and last week um all of us uh on on the board has been mentioned already I think and Dr. Johnson and Dr. lens. We're in Sacramento. And uh I've done this before, but I just want to say kudos to the three of of us here that presented at breakout sessions. I'm sorry I missed yours, Meredith. I didn't know

113it was going to be like right at the end of everything. >> Best for last. >> Yeah. So, um maybe Tracy can tell us about that, but uh I just want to say that the uh breakout session that Dr. Johnson and Tracy um hosted with our colleagues from Hermosa Beach, the superintendent uh Susan Wilds and board member Jen Cole was by far the best >> breakout session that I attended. It was very engaging. >> It was very engaging and there w it didn't put pe I didn't see anyone falling asleep >> and um there's a lot of great information. So, thank you for the effort and for uh putting Elsa Gundo on the map and um that's the end of my report. So it it actually was it's been kind of slow, but we are

114of course gearing up for the holidays. You saw the calendar with all of the amazing events that are be going to be coming soon. Uh ladies night was spectacular as always. I will say maybe the most special other than our greeters um was the fact that we had three generations of Watkins women who were modeling and at the end of each of them Bill came out and gave them a bouquet of flowers which kind of made you a little teary if you knew what was actually happening. I'm sure there were some people that didn't, but it was it was amazing. Um, so thank yous to the Ed Foundation for all the models, the vendors, um, everything that every everybody that makes that event such a wonderful event every year. Um, I did get to spend

115some quality time with my family in Kansas City before I came home and headed off to Sacramento uh last week for the CSBA conference. Um, there were several informative sessions including, as was said, uh, Tracy and Jason who were panelists. Um, and then there were also candidate forums both for governor and for the state superintendent of instruction which are always interesting to watch and I will continue to watch those races as time goes on. I believe the primary is in June I think is when the primary is. So that will um be interesting to see how that all plays out. Um but the best part of the conference is always kind of the time that we get to spend together. Um it's nice to be able to to spend some time together, not just on

116the dis but um just to kind of appreciate each other's company, um have a good meal and and chat. Um, a special thank you to Kim and Daima and Heather who were able to stay until the end and cheer me on. Um, as I was on a panel as well for SoCal Rock, I am not saying that my other members they had to come back and that's fine. I understand. Um, I look I look forward to the all the concerts and the and the festive events that are coming um in the next week. And I wish everyone out there a very very merry holiday season. And that is my report. Mine is going to be short and sweet because I don't think anyone needs to hear the things that I did because I did the

117same thing as everybody else. Um, right now choir is having an amazing silent auction and for the high school and it is to help pay for their trip to New York, New York, Boston, I don't know it. I think it's New York. But anyways, amazing things. A lot of community a lot of community um businesses and just some great things. It's a vibe by donated to >> um but yeah, so go on there. I think it ends on Friday when they have their performance. So, um, that is my board report. >> All right. Um, let's see. Things we haven't talked about as much. Let's see. Um, I will say that the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate is racking their brain trying to figure out if they should do anything about certain teen incidents in

118Hermosa Beach in the recent past that we've talked about. Um, I'll let you know if there's any tuning in. Actually, what they're talking about is seeking like somebody like Alo Cove to support like juvenile diversion and and and thoughts that we can kind of refresh. It's not exactly a hate crime. It's a really bad behavior, bad decision-m kind of situation. So, it's sort of not exactly the South Bay Coalition, it's Kate, but also I don't know who else comes together to call out somebody needs some help here. So, I'll let you know if something comes out of that that we can tap into as a district. Um, with regard to our time in Sacramento, yes, the fellowship was amazing. The time and energy together was awesome. Um, I do want to say I appreciate that

119you all that were there in time came out for the LA County Trustes Association coffee bright and early right at the beginning. So, I'm glad that you did that. We had a nice turnout and I think it was it was good to uh have as many of you in the mix as possible. So, thank you for that time. Um and I'm also glad that um our assembly member Al Meruchi reached out and said, "Hey, what are you guys doing?" And that we all gathered to have lunch with him as well and sit and talk and learn and listen both ways. I think it was a really great time and and you know, he's been such a show up guy and so engaged from the get-go of he just inherited Elsagundo like in the most recent

120past possible. And um I have to say it was it was great that he sought our our time together and that you were all game to jump into that. So that was that was great. It was great. Yeah. So thank you for that. Um the workshop yes that we hosted with remote speech. I just want to say now that I've been to a good number of uh these conferences I feel like a senior type person that needs to give back. And so I want to thank Dr. Johnson and our friends in Hermosa, Susan and Jen, for saying, "Sure, we could do that. Let's do that together." And I think that um yeah, I think the the room was amazingly full for a Thursday afternoon when it could be close to cocktail hour, let's just say,

121to be honest. Um but I think that that um the more we can share out what we learn with others, the better. And and I appreciate the extra energy and time and the cheering section that was there as well. Thank you for for being part of that. We did appreciate the positive vibes coming up. Um, I think that's it for me other than to say have fun with all the holiday fun and enjoy the quiet downtime after that. I look forward to seeing you all at various occasions in the next couple weeks, but also in the new year freshed, freshly refreshed. So that's it. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh so on the PTA side of things, I just want to give a thank you to PTA for supporting field trips and assemblies. Um they

122put a lot of inner work in on it besides just the money. Um but they I just it's it's sincerely appreciated. We we couldn't do it without them honestly and giving those kids those opportunities uh and with the rising cost particularly of buses. I just want to say like how appreciative and grateful we are for that support from PTA who hustles for those donations. So thank you. Uh on the ed side of the house, uh it's been said about ladies night out. I just I really do just want to take a moment to thank the volunteers uh particularly uh Barbara Bry and her her endless uh uh ly of of volunteers that she recruits, she hustles to get. So um I it's just one thing I've just come to really appreciate out of attending those

123events is you see all the work that goes into it and these people are, you know, they're doing that work for free. So, it's really appreciated. And and on that note, um this Saturday is Winter Wonderland. I So, I attended last year with my kids and I'm attending this year again with my kids. It is a great family event. The best deal in town. I just bought my tickets say, you know, it's it's it's 50 bucks. Um and that includes food uh and drink. And then, um if you want, you can buy individually, but like if you want like a VIP because you're going to, you know, have an adult beverage, that's a hundred bucks. ask if you're taking the family out and you're going to eat, be entertained and have a drink, it's not

124a hundred bucks. [laughter] So, it's just such a a a great uh uh um afternoon. So, I just really strongly just, you know, get the word out and I know they've done a really good job because it is mouthto mouth where it's like that's a good that's a good Saturday. So, um kudos uh to to such and then and Barbara Bryan and her Mary volunteers are behind that as well. So, thank you to all of them. Um, where is Sarah still here? Yeah, yeah, Sarah. Sarah's labor for her mother as well. So, thanks Sarah. Um, and then on the uh staff side, I want to give a shout out to Mr. Hec, Miss uh Brooks, and Miss Murphy. These are the coaches of the kickball teams for Richmond versus Center Street today. My phone. So,

125I one of the reasons I've been looking at my phone because my phone has been blowing up about this game today [laughter] and how awesome it was. Uh, and it was really it was just really cool. Uh, but I want to give a shout out to the principles who made this effort happen um, among all the other things that they're doing. So, uh, kudos. I had a funny moment too. I was watching the game and someone came up and like gave me a very deep hug from a little person which is nice but like but you know borderling inappropriate and I was like who is this kid? And looked down as my daughter. So I was like, "I love you too, student." And I was like, "Oh, hey, what's up, Matilda?" Um, and then on

126the staff side, uh, this is, um, a challenging time for parents and for staff when it comes to intervention for students who are struggling. Uh, this really kicks off in October where the rubber hits the road of like, hey, like, you know, some things aren't, you know, clicking and so we need to work on that. And in November, December is the period where those interventions go into place. Um so I just want to thank our reading interventionists um our interventionist at the high school who's that's a new position this year. Um and all the teachers that are sitting in SST meetings um you know it's hard especially when you get the holiday season. There's just a lot of stress in the air. Um and just like that that to me I I do I've always

127felt that that's the most important work that a school does is work together when things are not working. Um, and I just really appreciate everyone's extra efforts. Um, because like these meetings can run long. You mean like again it just there's a lot to it. So, thank you for all those staff members that are involved in that. And then on the student side, I want to thank the student performers. Um, I've actually been listening to both my kids practicing their songs at home. Um, uh, this is an overshare, but Etsian really likes to practice when he's pooping in the bathroom. I don't like so I can like hear him in the bathroom like singing these songs. I don't That's the only time he practices, too. I don't I don't understand what's happening there. I don't

128I don't know if my kids like asking to go to the bathroom every time they Yeah. >> So, yeah. I don't know. Yeah. Yeah. Apparently, whatever works. >> Yeah. It' be great. Yeah. Yeah. It'll be good. He'll be traumatized for life. Um so, so I just just, you know, these kids like they they practice you mean and and they get up and and we all enjoy it as adults because no matter what they do, we're like that's beautiful. Um but like they really put a lot of heart into this. And so I I just, you know, in getting up in front of an audience and singing and such, you know, and and and our b our fifth grade band, they're getting up, they're playing instruments the first time in front of an audience. So I

129I just kudos to all the students and and then extends up to the high school as well too. Um where for all I think all of us, I mean, you know, the choir performance, there's not a dry eye. Um but there's just a lot of heart that goes into these performances. So just kudos to all those student performers. Um thank you. Um and then on this uh we had superintendent student advisory. Um this one this one this one like came from our internship uh to to attend the last 10 minutes of the meeting which was super cool by the way. Um but we had a great meeting. We we kind of organized our plan of attack of of subjects um and talked about just you know kind of like an order of things that we

130wanted to address and go deeper on certain subjects. So our next meeting is in January. It's been going well. kids are awesome and already there's been a lot of great feedback and things that I have follow-up items on um with other principles or staff uh to address that that's already come out of that uh the events just all the winter concert all the winter things um Matilda actually she she said she goes do you think you can make my my the my singing performance and so my my template response is like maybe you know I'm going to be working on this not going to be able to make it and then she's like she looked at me kind of funny and later was like you don't go to the winter concerts I was Oh, yeah.

131I do. I'm gonna be there. Yeah. It's like, "Yes, baby. I'll be happy to go." Yeah. Um, so that was like a that's that was a pretty nice feeling. Um, and so I I just I really, you know, if as a parent try to make it it's you will not be disappointed. It's awesome. And the the um the the choir and the band performances at the high school, I mean, the choir performance in particular, I'll admit, I have a soft spot for that are just they will tear your heart out. So, bring tissue. Um, and then finally on the board side, just want to thank Frank. Frank, uh, you know, um, something that you do well. There's a lot of wisdom on this board, um, from experience and just from life experience. Uh, I and

132I do feel that you possess a lot of great wisdom. I also, it's it's it's such a luxury to work for people that you respect. Um, and not everyone has that luxury. And so I just I really appreciate uh, it's it's a very nice feeling to to work for people that like you care about and you you respect. So, thank you for that. What are you laughing about? I was being serious. Yeah, >> Frank's Frank's taking it in with his velvet jacket, you know. He's just like, "This is there's there's man love happening right now, and you just got to let you know, you're letting it roll all over you, you know?" >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. What's really funny about this gift, too, is like this is like a very specific brand. You mean like

133that? Like Frank probably uses at home. Yeah. Yeah. It's a sensitive foaming shave. I'm actually kind of excited to use this because these are the things I appreciate, too. So, >> thus concludes [laughter] thus concludes my superintendent report. Thank you, Madam President. Don't forget to come to the parade on Sunday. >> Yeah, I was just gonna end with that note that we'll see many of you out there on uh Saturday morning. Sunday noon, no, Sunday, one o'clock. One o'clock. And uh yes, we will try to pelt you with candy along the way. Um all right, with that, we do not need to recess to close session. So I will say good night at 8:06 p.m. as we adjourn.