001Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. President Sto, the time is 5:30 p.m. >> Thank you. Good evening, everyone. We're going to call the regular meeting of the Alanto Elementary School District to order. The time is 5:30. We're going to go ahead and do a roll call and quum establishment. Miss Leave >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss present. >> Trusty Ker. >> Kyer present. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Le trusty Stewart. >> Stewart pre present. Trusty Sto. >> Stoodto president. We have a quorum. We're going to do the pledge of allegiance. Um Madame Clerk, would you help us with the pledge? >> Yes. If I could please ask everyone to stand. Place your right hand over your heart. I pledge algiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
002stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you. Moving on to the adoption of the agenda. Are there any proposed additions, deletions, or adjustments in the order of business? Move >> President Sodto, we do not. >> All right. Moving on to the adoption. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. Trustees, >> trustee Kyer, I motion to adopt the agenda. >> Is there a second? >> Stewart, I sec second. >> Okay. Any discussion? We'll take the vote. Miss Le >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> Trusty Ker. I trusty Lef French. >> Le I. >> Trusty Stewart Stewart I. >> Trusty Sto. >> Sto. Motion passes. 5-0. Moving on to presentations. We have two educational services and superintendent district update. Dr. Walker. >> Thank you, President Stole. At
003this time, we have educational services. Dr. Valdez. Good evening, everyone. I am pleased to introduce two of our principles who are here to do um presentations for their school plan of student achievement. We have Miss Sataria Ridley and her assistant principal J um Jenny Beck is in the audience. And we also have Ker Johnson, our principal from Elmarrage. Say hi. I don't know. >> Off. Okay, there we go. All right. Good early evening, President Sodto and board members, Dr. Walker and our cabinet members, George and Adalanto Elementary School District staff. I am Sataria Ritley Kazi, the principal of George Visual and Performing Arts Middle and Magnet School, a TK through 8 hidden gym nestled within the Adalanto School District. With me, I have representing George, my AP, Mrs. Beck, Miss Mrs. Hernandez, Mrs. Isaac, Mr.
004Marcus, and Mrs. Lynn. Today I will be pre will be presenting an overview of our school plan for student achievement. Sorry, am I clicking or you? It's me. Hold on. Clicker is not working. Okay, go back. Okay. I will be providing an overview of our school plan for student achievement. Share historical and current data. Provide our school goals, actions, and strategies. I want to start off by saying that we are a very diverse school. Our Hispanic population is 85.6%. Our African-Americans 5.7%. Our white students are 4%. Our English learners 23.6%. Socioeconomically disadvantaged 73.2. And we have 10.7% students with disabilities. I'd like to share and look at our four-year data for grades third through 8th. If you take a look at the next few slides with me, we I will share some of the highlights.
005The first I'd like to share is in English language arts. Our fourth graders this current year went up by 4%. Our fifth graders also went up by 3%. On the next slide, you can see that we do have some mixed scores showing up. Um, although they did not go up this year, I would like to point out that our seventh graders are meeting and exceeding over 60%. We did see an an overall decrease in our overall English language arts. And I have Mr. Kento Johnson who is from Elmarrage. she will be sharing in a little bit. However, in math, our overall we went slightly up and we're currently at 23.95% that are meeting and exceeding. I also like to point out that in math, our third graders have gone up over the past couple of
006years with 35.21% currently meeting and exceeding. One of our major growth areas this year is with our seventh graders. the number of seventh meeting and exceeding increased by 13% in the area of math and we are very excited and think that that's a great growth. When we take a look at our subgroups here are some of the sharers. Our English learners have made a slow but continuous growth in science. Our Hispanic students have shown growth in math and our African-American students have had growth in English language arts and math continuously over three years. um some of our data conclusions. I've shared some of those already, but I also would like to identify with all of you that um for the African-American students, they also show growth in science for this school year. Our areas of
007focus include math, students with disabilities, and ELD. And I'll go into those a little bit more with our actions. So, I'd like to share some of our goals and our strategies. Our first goal for number one, we are looking at all of our students and also specifically at our students with disabilities and we are looking at our distance from standard scores for our goal. Um, this year we have a literacy specialist. Mrs. Thomas has actually had that role for a couple of years. And her job is to help promote family, school, and student reading by hosting amazing literacy nights. I don't know if you've been able to make it to some of those, but she does a great job assisting with professional development and promoting our stop, drop, and read initiative. Our goal number two
008is for math. Again, we're looking at all of our students, and we're also looking at our students with disabilities, looking at the DFS score, and we are um going to have a math intervention teacher. This person will be starting soon after our break. They will work three days a week and they will do targeted math using I Ready. Our English learners um they will also get support from our intervention teacher. And this year we have um an ELD coordinator who absolutely loves this position. Her name is Mrs. Weisinger and she's doing an excellent job progress monitoring. I would like to share that this week alone, she was able to help us identify four students that got reclassified and since the beginning of the year, we've already reclassified eight students. Our goal number four is in
009special ed. I wanted to bring this up because Dr. Keeler, one of our SAI teachers, she is actually doing a book club with our parents of our special ed students to help lend support. And we don't have a whole bunch of parents showing up, but we have some parents showing up. and it's something that we hope to grow. For our goal number five, student engagement. I'm going to bring up one of the things that we're doing is our attendance because I'm proud of what we do for attendance at our school. This past week, once a month, we host a um pizza with principal for the students that had perfect attendance the month before. This past Wednesday, we had over 290 students who had perfect attendance for the month of October who got to enjoy that
010pizza. And so, we're very proud of that. In conclusion, I'd like to say thank you to our board and Dr. Walker and our cabinet for your support. Especially, thank you for joining our George team in DC when I couldn't be present to receive our schools to watch honor. Thank you to my assistant principal, Mrs. Beck, my supportive office staff, Mrs. Lynn, Miss Paty, Mr. Roll Londo in her absence, my wonderful teachers and support teaching staff, as well as my classified staff. Thank you to my wonderful students who give us the purpose and reason for our daily work and our George parents and families who team with us daily >> in your hands. >> Thank you so much Miss Ridley. And now we are proud to present Mr. Ker Johnson, the principal of Elmarrage Elementary School
011and his presentation of his school plan for student achievement. >> I can click for you if you want. >> Okay. >> Before I start, I'd like to say thank thank you Oh, push your >> Oh, you're on. You did exactly what I did. >> Um, before I start, I'd like to say thank you to Dr. V, who uh was very very helpful with uh reducing my speech. I had a very very detailed speech tonight for you all, but uh I realized that uh with her help that uh I I need to be brief. So, that >> thank you to her for that. So, I'd like to say hello uh to board president Sodto. I'd like to say uh hello to all of the board members. Uh Dr. Walker, superintendent, uh cabinet members, everyone here assembled
012and online. Thank you for the opportunity to present. My name is Mr. Kento Johnson. I am the proud principal of El Marrage, home of the mighty Toros. I'm pleased to share with you an overview of our school plan for uh student achievement for the academic year of 2025 2026 at Elm Mirage. Our plan builds on our vision of empowering students, staff, and the community to build strong healthy minds and bodies and aims to advance academic safety and school culture as we move forward together. Today it is my goal to provide a brief overview of Elmari school plan for student achievement, current data, school goals, actions, strategies, and then we'll proceed to close. Let's look at uh our demographics. What you're looking at here on slide three is the current enrollment for student demographics. It is
013important to point out that we are a small school of 129 students and that Hispanics make up 85% of the students at Elm Mirage. Slide four. What we are seeing on slide four is data spanned over four years at Elmari focused on English language arts uh measured by CASP. Over four years we can see that all students are reducing the achievement gap with our seventh graders maintaining. What we are viewing on slide five is data spanned over four years at Elm Mirage and math measured by CASP. The key note on this slide is to see that students have made progress closing the achievement gap by reducing the distance from by reducing the distance to standards by 30 points. While we have made achievements in math, we still have work to do in six in the
014sixth grade. On slide six, we are looking at student groups spanning three years in English language arts, math, and science. The key takeaway from ELA and math is that all students are improving and maintaining in science. Our top three data conclusions are to focus on ELA mathematics and our EL students. Overall, students at Elmari School performed 114.3 points below standard in English language arts. We have concluded that students need a unified basil read reading program books and supplemental materials from standards plus and we will continue continue our intervention uh intervention plan with students for e intervent we will continue our intervention students for e students our three goals are to improve English language arts mathematics and our e students our Main strategies are to focus on using hiring intervention personnel, using standard plus in math,
015and continuing our targeted intervention for our EL learners. Our goals four, five, and six on slide 10 are to improve special education, student, and parent engagement by continuing our RSP pullout program, having our proctors to utilize PBIS strategies on the yard to improve behavior and lesson suspensions. Finally, we will give parents opportunities to to attend student programs and provide leadership opportunities for parents. I want to thank you, President Sodto, and thank you to the board members. And I want to thank Dr. Walker and her cabinet for their time this evening and for your support. Again, I am Mr. Johnson, proud principal of Elmarrage. I thank you. >> Thank you. We'll open it up for questions or comments. Uh we'll go down the line. Professor Krauss, >> no questions, but I just want to thank you
016both for being here this evening and giving very uh comprehensive uh presentations. It's exciting to see all of the work going on at both of your school sites. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Stewart. >> You may made it. I know the first first one's always hard. No, you did great. And I love love your your schools. I love Almer Mirage and each each time time I go, the kids are engaged. They're working. They're on task. Um, and I adore that school. It's just I just love it. It has a spe special place in my my my heart. And George, what can I say about George that has not been said? But to to see see the growth is impress progressive and we just expect more more growth through throughout the years, you know,
017go going through the data data then you you see what you have to do and piv pivot >> so that you know we we we can meet meet the needs of the kids. So, thank thank you so so much and I'm so so glad you're here. >> Thank you, Trusty >> Lef French. the monitor. Thank you both for your commitment to our children here at Adalanto. I'll start off with George, of course. You know, George is um heartfelt for me and um for many, many reasons. Um, I've been around Natalanto long enough as a teacher over in Natalanto in my little head start and I always said, you know, when my first daughter was going to school out here that I wanted her to go to George. She didn't make it into George. George was
018packed full. We couldn't get in there. And then I said, "Oof, my second daughter is going to go to George." And she couldn't get in George either. And then I said, "Uh, I joined the school board and she's going to get into George." Okay. And she did. She got into George. Not because I joined a school board, but there just happened to be an opening and she made it to George. >> Wow. >> And um I just want to say that because of her being at George, there was a difference that um she joined George during CO. She's been a straight A student ever since she has been at George. She's in high school. She's been a straight A student since she left George. So I always say that I'm proud of the foundation that
019she got at George. And um perfect attendance 200 students. That's wonderful cuz I always believe that children want 290. >> Children, let's get let's get that number right. It's closer to 300. Right. Children >> want >> to come to school where they feel that there's things going on there for them. They want to come there. even though they have to get on a bus, they want to come to school. So that's why you have so many perfect attendants over there. The parents want them to come. I was just thinking of an idea of saying to myself, well, what about if the parents could catch a bus and go over to George because maybe the parents don't have transportation. Maybe it could be, you know, a bus ride over there once a year or twice a
020year. Maybe you could get parent involvement that way. I was just thinking of that. >> Maybe that's something to think about. But, you know, I greatly appreciate everything that you're doing over there. And think about that bus. I would support it >> um for Elmarrage, right? Thank you very much um for all you're doing over there as well. Um I have um not been out there uh lately, but I do want to say thank you and I'm glad that you're over there. Every time you speak, I say to myself, "Wow, I had 146 kids over there in my little head start. what it would be like to have, you know, um be a principal at a school that you can make such an impact and have 85% Hispanic and you speak Spanish. That is a
021wonderful thing to be able to support your community over there and drive so far to get there and you speak so, you know, proud of your school over there. So, I just want to thank you both for being here. I know I'm over my time, so I'm gonna stop talking. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Webster. Clerk Webster, >> excuse me. That was such a good speech. It got me all Thank you for coming. >> Alrighty. Good evening. I want to start by expressing my gratitude for both leaders here uh before us tonight. Uh thank you for sharing the amazing things that you are doing at both schools. I know you are relatively new to us, but I hear amazing things already about you, Mr. Johnson. So, I want to congratulate George on your 290.
022that is a phenomenal number uh of students who just want to come to school and I look forward to seeing the amazing things both of you put on this year. All right. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Clerk Hyer. Um to um Trusty Stewart's point, I love data. You know, you you can see either you hit it or you don't >> and then if you don't, what can we do to get closer to that goal? So, you know, excellent presentation. Thank you guys for your time. >> All right, moving on to Superintendent District update. Dr. Walker, >> you guys are good to go. >> Y Oh, stand. Good evening, President Sodto, um, board of trustees, cabinet, uh, staff, community. I so grateful to have an opportunity to come before you just to give you
023an update on where we are as a system. Um the goal is to provide quarterly updates. And with that um the title of this presentation is progress in motion advancing learning and success together. Can we go back to slide two? Awesome. So, here's the update overview. I'm going to do a quick welcome, which I just did. Key takeaways, look at some cast data, benchmark data, attendance update, the superintendent's goals, and our framework for the future appreciation, and close it out with questions and our discussion if necessary. One click. There you go. The work that we've been doing is tied to the guiding principles of our mission, vision, and values. Last year, a team came together to um develop these three items. And I want to thank the two trustees that played a role in that,
024trustee Sodto and Trustee Stewart, or should I say President Sodto. And um it was a great experience to engage the community in this effort as well as our staff. Last year we also developed a framework for the future, the purpose for our work. So we have a plan for the direction that we want to go over the next five years. Because as you know, without a plan, you don't know exactly where you're going. And so we wanted to make sure that we had a plan. And again, having two of the trustees sitting on the guiding coalition as we developed this along with teachers, staff, students, the community, we ended the school year. And I want to thank the board for approving our strategic plan for the next three to five years. And we were also
025within that time period, we developed a learner profile. This is where we'll like to make sure and see our students over the next five years. Some key takeaways going from the end of the school year to present. Overall student performance shows strong potential and an upward trajectory. you know, at the end of the year and the beginning of this year, I started getting text messages and calls from the county and they were just saying, "Congratulations. Congratulations. You guys are really doing some great things. As a matter of fact, you may be getting out of DTS." And I said, "Whoa, hold on. Really?" And she was like, "Yeah, you guys are really moving forward." And so these early indicators reflect promising readiness and the capacity for our continued growth over the next three to five years.
026Secondly, engagement is rising across the district. Our attendance is improving and our campaign is helping move our students forward because guess what? If they're coming to school, then they're learning. And that's really the ultimate goal that we want. Thirdly, Thrive 2030 is moving from vision to action. Schools and departments are aligning their work to meaningful progress in the direction that we want to go for students and the adults. Fourth, we're responding with purpose and clarity. The data is guiding our work. When I sit in executive cabinet, we're looking at the data. We're looking at where what are we doing within our LCAP to move us in the direction that we need to go. What things are happening in the classrooms that align to the items that we said that we're focusing on for the year?
027Because if we do not have alignment and everybody's pretty much doing whatever they want to do, we're never going to get to where we're trying to go. And so it's that one voice, one concept, idea that we're all moving in the same direction. We have the same vision for where we want to go. So number five, our momentum is powered by people. It's all of us coming together, working together, students, staff, families, our community partners working together, thriving towards 2030 with a vision in mind as to what we want to see our students doing, see our staff learning and being prepared to do for our students on a daily basis. And it's because of those conditions we'll have the success that we all want. So let's look at the data. As I said, that's a
028clear focus for us. So in Adilanto Elementary School District, overall district students and subgroups increase their proficiency rates. The average increase is 1.69% 69% for language arts and 1.68% for math. That's something to be proud of. We're not going down. We're moving up. The trajectory looks well. So, what do we do? We stay the course. We don't go in changing things that's working. We look at those things that are not working and we tweak them so that they are in alignment with the direction that we want to see us going forward. Let's look at this because this is significant as well. We have an increase for 10 to 14 10 of our 14 schools in the proficiency rate. 10 of 14 schools. That's huge in the area of language arts. So when you look at
029that orange bar that's representing 2025, there are four schools that we are we are focused on supporting. So that no longer will it be 10 of 14, it will be 14 of 14 schools. So let's look at math again. We have increased 10 of 14 of our schools. Now, the interesting thing is it's not the same four that are not improving. If you look at it for language arts, I'll take a step back. If you look at language arts, Gus Franklin had an extremely high score in math. Yes. But let's look at math. They were one of the groups that did not make an increase. And so we have continuous work to do so that we're not losing any of our growth, but we're continuing to grow. But it doesn't say, you know, so when
030you see a school that's not growing, it's not that they're not doing something right. It may just mean that we need to tweak some things or look at the things that we are doing the strategies that we are using really looking at the data closely like going back to Gus and saying okay what did you do differently right what things worked when you look at the data when you look at your benchmark data from I ready what is that data saying which we're going to get to that as well and as I said um let's look I ready because I ready data. So the I ready assessment is tied to the state standards. So that's why it's imperative that our students be prepared by taking the I Ready assessment. So that gives us a lens
031through which we be can begin to see what our CASP results are going to look like. So I'm going to go slowly with this part because I think it's important when you look at these bars and what you're looking at is the end of year 2425 20 2425 language arts and end of year 2425 math. The focus is going to be on right now is the green through the to the yellow. And when you look at those numbers, you will see that approximately I don't have them in my memory. Excuse me. I had the number in my head, but I wanted to make sure it was correct, which is for language arts, it's 63% of our students are mid or above or no more than one grade level below. And that's the green all the
032way through to the yellow. And interestingly enough, it's 63% also for math, believe it or not. even though when you look at the percentages uh they do just add up to 63%. And so keep this in mind as we move forward. Now what you're looking at is the end of quarter 1 from October of 2024. That's the first bar. and the end of quarter one for this school year. And what you'll see is that last year, you're looking at those same numbers, the yellow through the through the green, you will see that in 2024, it was 47% that was within that range of students. for 2025. This past month, we had 51% improvement in comparison to last year, this same time. The other thing I want you to notice is that if you think back
033to the other slide for last year where we had 63% at the end of the year, look at the fact that at the beginning of this year, we're so much closer. We're 51% closer than we were at the last year in comparison to the beginning or the end of 2024 or the beginning it was at 47%. Looking at the beginning of the year versus the end of the year. So they grew 63 up to 63 which means that we are much closer to meeting our target which is moving our students forward to 100% in comparison to the past year. So the focus is on the trajectory of going up right continuous improvement. Everyone would love to see 100% of our students excel in a year. The likelihood of that happening is slim. But it's those
034slow methodical steps that you're taking to move the students forward is what's going to make the difference. The next item I'd like to take a look at because one of the other things we did this year, we focused on our um attendance. You know, when we thought last year like what is going on? We looked at the attendance and some schools were better than others, but at the end of the day, what they say what you focus on is what's going to get done. And so we wanted to make sure that attendance was our focus. So this year the strive for 95 campaign really I believe and based upon the data was a good thing to do to help us to focus on attendance because you're not going to get results that we're seeing with
035our data if they're not in school. So the biggest thing is what do we need to do to get them to school? What do we need to do so that students want to come to school? What do we need to do to help parents recognize the importance of their children being at school every day? So, let's look at the data. So, August 2024 and August 2025, just the first two bars, you can see 92.62 went up to 93.80. September 2024 to September 2025, it went from 91.46 to 92.66. And then for the month of October, 91.05 to 92.01. If we continue this trajectory, if we continue to keep the focus on why it's important to recognize students for showing up every day, calling homes and asking parents, what do you need in order to ensure
036that your child comes to school? There are multiple benefits from this. So, the main one is that we increase student achievement. that the scores that we're seeing now will continue in that upward trajectory, that the percentages are getting higher and higher every year. That's the main purpose. There's some other purposes as well that are underlying which tied to, you know, our ADA, our funding. For every 1% that's a million dollars. So just imagine us moving the needle higher every year. The situation that we are in in some cases we would not be in because financially we were able to you know increase salaries across the board. It's not that we can't afford to do it. We have to have the children here in order to make those things happen. When the students are here, they
037improve and our system improves overall. And so this slide is particularly important because I wanted to make sure that I shared my goals, right? Everyone has goals. They're responsible for doing things. There are goals that and I want to thank the board for number one the time and effort that was put in to helping me to come up with these goals. Right? So, it was a collaborative process and I want to thank each of you for agreeing to these goals and I'm going to speak to them very specifically. Um, number one, enhance student achievement and equity. Number two, foster a positive and engaging school climate. Number three, strengthen community partnerships and transparent communication. And then number four, ensure operational excellence and develop a thriving workforce. Those are my goals. But I also want you to
038pay close attention to our framework for the future, the outcomes that we had set for the next five years because there is some direct alignment to that. In addition to that, I want you to look at the three goals that we have in our LCAP because if there's no alignment, me having goals that are just tied to me is not going to help our system to move forward. And so that's why I said when I I was thanking the board because there was this agreement that we want to make sure that these goals are aligned to our LCAP. that was pretty much across the board. And so this alignment only just really motivates me even more because it's the work I want to do, right? It's like, you know, you get this job and there
039are certain things that you really want to do about there's stuff that you just have to do, right? Then there's work that you really want to do. this is the work I really want to do. And so being able to connect it with our framework for the future and our LCAP, we are moving in the right direction. That's not just me. We we all are playing a role in this. And so I leave with this quote. Hope grows strongest in communities that choose to move forward as one. I cannot do this by myself. The board cannot do it by themselves. You cannot do it by yourselves community. But it's all of us coming together. We have a plan. It's about working the plan and moving that plan forward so that our students when they leave
040Adalanto Elementary School District that they are proud to say I'm a I was a student of Alanto Elementary School District and then teachers want to come work here staff employees people want to come and work in this district no matter how far it is whether it's in the high desert They want to come because we're making things happen here in Adilanto. And so I'm going to I have one last thing of appreciation. George, the school to watch, Gus Frank Franklin, Blue Ribbon School, 40 teachers trained on projectbased learning already held our first African-American parent advisory committee. 12 of our school sites received PBIS platinum gold silver status. That's only the beginning. It's only the beginning of the work that we're going to be able to do together. Every student is capable. Every future is possible.
041Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Walker. All right, moving on to close session declarations. We'll be taking items two to five into close session. Before we do that, we are going to open it up for public comment only for close session. And then um Madam Clerk, would you please read the speaker card? >> Yes, sir. All right. The public comment period is administered by state law and is the point in the meeting set aside for members of the public to share their opinions with the board. Open meeting laws do not permit the board to engage in dialogue or answer questions. Any person who wishes to address the governing board on close session agenda items only must complete and submit an AES speaker request form five minutes before the meeting is called to order. Public comments will
042only be taken on agenda items during the discussion of those items. The board values public comments and although the board of trustees cannot take action or discuss items not on the agenda, the board of trustees listens carefully and appreciates input from the from the public. Additionally, a public speaker can be cut off for exceeding the allotted time or for willfully causing an actual disruption to the meeting. Before cutting a person off or removing someone, the board will give at least one clear warning. If you were cut off or warned last time, please consider that your warning. Individual speakers are allowed three minutes to address the board on each closed session agenda item. The board limits the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes. With board consent, the president may increase or
043decrease the time allowed for public presentation depending on the topic and the number of persons wishing to be heard. The president may take a poll of speakers for or against a particular issue and may ask that additional persons speak only if they have something new to add. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. We'll open it up for uh Miss Levy. Do we have any speakers for public comment >> for ADTA? We have Brian Hunt. Good evening board president stood, Dr. Walker, Trustee Love French, Trusty Benz, Trusty Ker, Trusty Krauss, Mr. Shifflet, and Dr. Valdez. My name is Brian Han and I proudly serve as a vice president of the Adalanto District Teachers Association. It is truly an honor to stand before you tonight as we celebrate a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of
044our schools. A leader whose influence touches classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, outdoor quads, the boardroom, and the hearts of every student and staff member she serves. Tonight we recognize a superintendent who has built her leadership on a simple but profound principle, gratitude. In a world where the challenges in education seem to multiply daily, where expectations are high, resources are are uh stretched thin, and the needs of our students grow more complex. Our superintendent, Dr. Terry Walker has chosen a path that is both courageous and transformative. She leads not with pressure, not with fear, not with authority for authority's sake, but with appreciation, humility and thankfulness. And in doing so, she has created an environment where people feel seen, they feel valued, and they feel inspired to do their very best work. From her very first day in
045this role, she made something very clear. Gratitude isn't merely a polite polite gesture. It's a leadership strategy. It's a way of building trust. It's a way of cultivating teamwork. It's a way of nurturing hope. And perhaps most importantly, it's a way of reminding every one of us why we entered education in the first place. If you ask any teacher in this district what stands out most about our superintendent, you'll hear a familiar theme. They'll talk about the way she visits classrooms, not to evaluate with a clipboard, but to celebrate with a smile. They'll mention how she takes time in the MPR to thank a custodian for keeping the schools safe and clean or how she'll stop by and chat with the food service staff to let them know that their work matters more than they
046might ever realize. Dr. Walker's gratitude doesn't stop with staff. She thanks students for their curiosity, their resilience, their ideas, and their willingness to grow. She thanks families for trusting us with her children, for partnering with us, and for believing in the power of education. She thanks the community for believing She thanks the community for cheering on our students, supporting our programs, and standing beside us as we work to prepare every young person for a bright future. And this gratitude isn't performative. It's genuine. It radiates from her actions, her decisions, and her vision. She understands that recognition fuels motivation. That appreciation builds stronger relationships. That when people feel valued, they show up with passion, purpose, and pride. But what makes Dr. Walker's leadership truly exceptional is that her gratitude doesn't only shine in moments of celebration.
047It also guides her through challenges as our district faces difficult ch decisions about budgets, staffing, and new initiatives. She approaches every conversation with respect and an open heart. She listens with gratitude, respectful of every voice at the table. She invites feedback from teachers, families, and students, and is always thanking them for their honesty and their willingness to contribute to solutions. Even in tough situations, she reminds us that our shared commitment to children is something to be grateful for. As new programs continue to be piloted and implemented in our district, Dr. Walker doesn't simply direct people to change. Instead, she thanks them for their adaptability and acknowledges the discomfort that growth can bring while simultaneously thanking them for their professionalism. She makes sure that their effort, their every hour, their every idea, and their every struggle
048is recognized. During these challenging times in education, Dr. Walker's gratitude has become a source of strength. She thanks teachers for their commitment providing the very best instruction to our students. She thanks families for becoming partners in learning. She thanks students for their patience and perseverance. She thanks our site administrators and support staff for keeping the schools running when everything about the world feels uncertain. In a time defined by stress and exhaustion, Dr. Walker reminds us daily that there is still so much to appreciate. Her leadership has taught us that gratitude is not passive. It is active. It is intentional. It is transformational. This superintendent has inspired us to recognize the good that is all around us even on the hardest days. She has encouraged us to notice the small winds, the quiet efforts, the gestures
049of kindness that keep us moving forward. And through her example, she has shown us that gratitude is not just a feeling. It is a choice, a daily commitment, a powerful force that fuels excellence. Dr. Walker understands that people are the heart of education, that every person deserves to be acknowledged, that every contribution matters, that a simple thank you can spark morale, deepen dedication, and strengthen a community. Let us recognize tonight what Dr. Walker has given us a model of leadership grounded not in ego but in appreciation, not in hierarchy but in humanity. Not in demands but in gratitude. A model where people feel valued, relationships are built and strengthened. Every teacher feels seen. every student feels supported and every family feels heard. And so to you, Dr. Walker, thank you for showing us that gratitude
050is powerful. Thank you for showing us that leadership is service. Thank you for showing us that appreciation is not an an extra, it's essential. Thank you for reminding us every day that the work we do matters. And thank you for ensuring that each one of us, no matter our title, our role, our background, feels like a vital part of this district's story. You lead with heart. You lead with purpose. You lead with gratitude. And because of that, our entire Adalanto Elementary School District community is stronger, brighter, and better. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker, please. The board calls on Diane Lynn. >> Good evening, President Sodto, uh, trustees, superintendent, Dr. Walker. Um, cabinet, classified staff, certificated staff, and all present here and on YouTube, too. First, I want to comment on the presentations we've
051had tonight. They all were very, very good. And Mr. Han, what an exceptional speech. I don't know how I'm going to follow this. Thank you. And I believe everything that you said. Um, but there is an item on today's agenda under new business number 13, and it's the alignment of trustee compensation with Assembly Bill 1390. In layman's terms, the current compensation for our trustees is $300 a month and AB1390 increases the compensation cap up to 1,200 per month. Don't get me wrong, I do believe you do deserve an increase. However, a few of you have been a trustee for only a few years. Going from $300 to 1,200 a month is a 400% increase. 400. My opinion is your compensation should be based on seniority and experience, which is how all jobs are paid. Why
052are all of you considering the 1,200 per month? Especially when we classified and certificated staff are being paid a 1% off schedule increase for last year and for classified no increase for this year. This is not right. I have worked for three school districts here in the high desert. Victor Elementary School District, Victor Valley Union High School District, and of course, Adalanto Elementary School District. I have seen trustees and superintendent and cabinet go come and go. I have witnessed superintendent giving up a percentage of their salary and cabinet so their employees could receive a decent salary. I also know of a superintendent that would give the same percentage increase as he was giving getting to everyone. Why do we feel disrespected, unappreciated, and have low morale? For one, being an employee here for 26 years,
053I feel this way. I'm asking that you reconsider giving the maximum to all five of you. It is wrong in all levels. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Lauren Benson. She's speaking on item number two. All right. Good evening everyone. Um, I first want to say it's good to see ADTA's contract on the agenda tonight. Although I wouldn't say the offers were good. I know many people were counting on that healthcare and for it to go through. I know many others were hoping they would see that on their December paycheck as well. I'm not sure at this late date that that will happen. Um, the district keeps saying over and over how we don't have money, but some of you don't seem to take that seriously. Trustee Sodto, you
054are saying you're all about transparency and all about the kids and trying to do for our district. Yet, you are overspending your budget like nobody's business. If I lived in your trusty area, I would certainly be asking questions and demanding a recall. I don't know why you think you can try to silence people in their opinions or the public from knowing the things that you're doing when you're one of the ones doing the dirty deeds behind people's back. You're here to serve the people of this district. I have no problem coming up here every single meeting and calling any of you out for lies. At the last meeting, you acted like you overspent by a small amount. I like how you, Trusty Sodto, we're trying to please >> that you I'm sorry. >> One second.
055We're in close session. >> Yes, I know. >> So, let's stay on topic, please. >> That is our topic. Spending money. That's we're short of according to you guys for our salaries. >> So, that's that's I'm getting there. Give me a minute, please. >> Any negotiations? We're trying to that's yeah 4.2 article 4.2 or your agenda 4.2. Um you were trying to say that you should be uh something that tells you or warns you that you're about to overspend your budget. >> Um you do. It's called math. Basic adding. >> Every phone has a calculator. >> How do you not know that you're overspending by nearly double your $15,000 budget? >> You can talk about my travel at open session. >> Oh, I will. I have this is for our budget session >> almost $15,000
056over your budget >> for labor. >> I know that is our labor we're not getting money because of overspending by many people talk about that you're able to talk about that but during open session >> so if you want to skip to the point about negotiations you can do that. >> Well the point is that you've overspent by $15,000 almost 346 pages of your receipts. The rest of the trustees have about 100 pages. So, um I'm just wanting to know where this money is because a lot of our people are hurting. >> Okay. Again, >> it doesn't seem that you're uh >> the board would love to hear your concerns in open session. >> Well, I'll be I will be speaking in open session, too. I've got lots more to say about that. I'm not
057sure that you'll be happy to hear my concern because it seems like when people are up here not speaking on what you like, you like to chat with Trusty Ker. So, Miss Benson, >> hopefully you'll be listening for their topic. >> Oh, I am on topic. I'm talking labor relations contract. >> That has nothing to do with my travel, but you can talk about my travel open session. >> It is our school budget. Thank you. >> Okay, you're done. Thank you. >> Oh my gosh. All right, next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Kim Smith. Um, item number two. All righty. Good evening, board president Sodto and cabinet members, Superintendent Dr. Terry Walker and our board members. So, first of all, thank you for um the ADTA contract being on the agenda tonight. I'm
058sure all of us are all happy about that. So, um and keeping on topic with that, tonight I'm speaking as one of the many workers in this district who keeps our boots firmly on the ground every single day. From teachers to grounds crew, from our clerks to our psychologists, we are the ones carrying the real weight of this district. We are the ones making sure our students are fed, safe, supported, learning and growing. And yet somehow we're the ones expected to survive on crumbs while others sit comfortably at the top, approving spending that rarely trickles down to the classroom. So I have to ask, why? Why do you need so much money to not take care of our most important assets, the students? No adult is in my classroom more than I am. I'm there
059before the sun comes up, after the last child is gone, and for hours in between. My colleagues do the same. We show up. We stay late, and we pour ourselves into this work. You want to see the heart of this district. It's not in the boardroom. It's in every classroom, every hallway, every playground, every counseling room, every office, every library where people genuinely serve kids. And speaking of service, just want to bring up very quickly um something that happened a few weeks ago. The Lorax, you may remember her, was publicly scolded for not properly asking permission to approach the sacred deis. Even though if anyone actually listened to the speech, she did reference exactly wanting to do that. But here's the bigger issue. We are adults. We are professionals. We teach children every day to
060communicate with respect, to treat each other with dignity, and to use their voices without fear. In my classroom, my students and I work together for hours at a time. I don't need permission to approach their desks, and they don't need permission to approach mine. We move with trust, with safety, and with mutual respect. So, I'm asking you to help us make it all make sense. If educators, staff, and everyone wearing real boots on the ground can work respectfully, collaboratively, and transparently, why can't the people making the biggest decisions for our students do the same? Our kids deserve better and frankly so do the people who serve them every single day. On an ending note, I love you, Dr. Walker. You know that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> That's it for tonight.
061>> All right, moving on to close session. I'll entertain a motion at this time. Trustees. >> Clerk Ker. I motion to close for close session. >> Is there a second? >> Krauss. I second. >> We'll take the vote. Miss L. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I. >> Trusty Ker. >> I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Le French. I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Sto I. Motion passes 5-0. The time is 6:33. We're in close session. Okay. >> All right. We're going to reconvene to open session. The time is 8:06. We're going to roll call and quum establishment. Miss Leave. >> Trusty Krauss. Krauss here. >> Trusty Ker >> Ker present. Trusty Le French >> Le French present. >> Trusty Stewart Stewart pre present. >> Jesse Sto present. We have a
062quorum. Moving on to close session report. Announcements of reportable actions are taken during close session. On item number 4.4, the board took action in close session to accept the final settlement agreement for OAH case number 2025070814. It was moved by Trusty Kyer and seconded by Trusty Stewart. The vote was five to zero with all with a unanimous consent. Okay. The board also took action on case number ID number 330709. It was moved by Trusty Clerk Hire and seconded by Trusty Krauss to approve the recommendation of the administrative panel for case number 2025 through 2026-8 ID number 33079 to expel for the remainder of the semester and next semester of the 2025 2026 school year. In addition, the board did accept the rehab rehabilitation program plan which includes the following. Attend a decision-making program. Attend individual
063counseling/family counseling support group counseling. Provide evidence of significant change in his attitude and behavior as verified by evidentiary facts or by some rehabilitation authority. Meet with the director of student services after June 2nd, 2026 to show proof of completion of the above conditions and to determine the most appropriate education placement. And finally, have a behavior support plan upon return to school in place. The votes were I with all of us five voting yes, unanimous consent. Moving on to public testimony. Uh Miss Levy, do we have any speakers? >> Uh Laura Benson. Lauren, sorry. >> Is she on Zoom? >> Good evening. I'm back. Um, I'm going to go ahead and try to finish what I was saying earlier and um maybe move on to the next. Um, I'm not sure if you can hear me.
064>> We can hear you. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so where I left off, I was asking uh Trustee uh Sodto how you um didn't know that you over spent your budget by almost $15,000. When you start with a $15,000 budget, it's almost double. Uh many of the largest were conferences for over $4,000. Did you not think it would add up? I didn't even need the Calard receipts that I uh requested for these things. They were clear on the board docs. But once I did get the Cal card receipts, I noticed that page after page um you had of expenditures, 346 pages to be exact. As I started to say before, most of the other trustees were in the 100s. Um I have all 346 and it was a lot to go through. As I
065went through the receipts, I had so many questions. Why are there so many lost receipts? Why are so many lunches or dinners on your cow card after meeting with Dr. Walker, then meeting later with Mr. Krauss? That shouldn't be on our district dime. You shouldn't need to meet for a meal every time you have something to share. What about the other trustees on your trips? Why are there so many Uber receipts and Uber Eats receipts, just so many charges? To me, it seems like you're a young person on some power high that you did nothing to earn. It sounds like you're taking all these really nice trips on our district's dime. What are we as a district really getting from these trips? You forgot that you work for the people of your trustee area and
066of the school district. We've yet to see you do anything for either of those. All we see is you enjoying spending the district's money to promote yourself and pad your resume to try and forge some sight sort of career when this is over. Maybe you should try doing what you were elected to do and do right by the people that elected you. The other thing that I planned on speaking about tonight was is your res resolution. You've come with this now for the second time. I think it's asinine to sit here week after week and hear you complain or whine about being attacked or people coming after you. Trust that there have been several issues over the past 20 years that many of us, especially myself, have come and spoke about. This isn't the first
067time and it won't be the last. But I will not back down for pointing out improprieties by our board members or any others. You try and bring this new board policy to the board and it's all about protection from perceived threats to the board. Quite frankly, it's laughable. First of all, if you can't write the policy without chat GPT, you shouldn't even bother. Page after page of regurgitated language. I do have to say it was fixed to be a little bit shorter and to the point this time. You act like any of you really have received any kind of real threat. If you're that concerned, show some proof. Otherwise, it's just words and whining. With that being said, where in the resolution is your protection for the employees employees of this district from trustees? Where
068is your protection from the trustee who threatens and harass harasses and intimidates employees? You should probably be more concerned about that. If someone is really being threatened or targeted, that seems like a matter for something other than a board policy. Speaking of harassers, how's that investigation everyone was so set on doing about Michael Crass and his alleged grooming of an 11-year-old girl going? We haven't forgot and we're waiting for the results. Thank you. >> Does next speaker, please? That concludes tonight's speakers. >> Oh, hold on. I'm sorry. There is Michelle. Did a Michelle signed up? I got a text. Is she online? Okay. All right, then. That concludes tonight's speakers. >> Okay. Moving on to adoption of the minutes. At this time, trustees, I entertain a motion to adopt the minutes. >> Steuart, I mo
069motion to to adopt the board minutes. >> Is there a second? I second. >> Open it up for discussion. Any trustees want to say anything? >> Okay. No discussion. Miss Lev, the vote, please. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I. >> Trusty Ker. >> Kyer. I. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Lef French. I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I trusty soda. >> So I motion pass 50. Moving on to the consent agenda. We're taking items to the through 25 or 26. Does any trustee want to pull any items? We'll start with trusty Krauss. >> Yes. Thank you, President Sodto. Uh this evening number 10 and a package. I'm not sure if President Sto how to do this 20 22 23 because they all have the same uh item related to them. >> You said I'm sorry
070>> 2022 and 23 they're they're more of a package deal because what I speak on for one will apply to all all of them. So when we get to there I'm not sure exactly how you want to do that but 20 22 23 and then finally 25. >> That's it. Thank you. Trusty Stewart. >> Trusty Stewart. >> I have have none. >> Trusty Le French. >> None. >> Clerk. >> A none. >> Okay. Thank you. And then I have Oh, I want to pull uh 13. Okay, and that's all I have. All right, trustees. Uh, we'll take entertain a motion to approve the rest of the consent. >> Kyrie, I a motion to approve the remaining consent agenda. >> Is there a second >> Stewart? I sec second. >> Miss Levy, the vote, please. >>
071Trissy Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Ker. >> Ker I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Le I. >> Trissy Stewart. >> Stewart. I totes 5-0. We're moving to the items removed from the consent agenda. I'll entertain a motion for number 10. >> Steuart, I motion two to to approve the p purchase order report and list listing or re report listing. Sorry. >> Thank you. Is there a second? There's a second by trustee the French. We'll open it up for discussion. >> President, so do I. I just pull this item to vote on it separately. I have no questions or comments at this time. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, Trusty Stewart. >> Nope. I have have none. >> Trust the French. >> Clerk. Bear with me for a moment. You know, for time's sake, I'm going
072to go ahead and hold my questions. Thank you. Okay, thank you. And then um can the board get more clarity on it's going to be purchase the purchase order report? It's going to be the first page. It's going to be and I'll be quick. I want to I don't want to take too much time. the last the second to last legal services mune and Harbor LLP. Can you just Dr. Walker, please provide the board some context as to what the $85,470 is? >> Um, thank you, President Stoodto. Um, as noted in my um when the question was asked prior to the the board meeting is that this is an aotment of money that was set aside to for services in case there are any other services that are being provided by this particular firm. So
073this 85,000 is the is a bank of money that we still have that if anything else comes up from this particular firm that we'll be able to pay from that. So we had 150,000 was initially set aside for services and we're we've used um approximately um the amount that totals 150 and we have 85,000 left on the account. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Walker, for that. >> All right. I have Yes, clerk. >> Could I have a followup with the PO? Um, my understanding was the services provided by this company have concluded. What further services may cost $85,000? So, again, it was 150,000 in total that was set aside. So this is the 85,000. It's just letting you know what we still have left. So at this point, I'm not saying that there's going to be
07485,000 that's going to be spent. We're just saying this is what's still left in the account tied to this particular um the work that this particular attorney was doing. >> And future work would be brought to the board prior to approval of that work. >> Probably not prior to approval. based upon the the incident. >> Okay. >> And that's particularly why we have this particular amount, the money still set aside. >> And to clerk's point, um the board needs to be able to give direction when it comes to uh legal services. Um so especially when it comes to this particular firm. Um, so I guess to clerk hire's point, it it really should come before the board if we want to continue to spend that $85,000 so that the board and the public can have
075an understanding about um why we're using it um why we're using that amount if that makes sense. So to me it's it's just about a proper oversight about the spending. Uh this is particularly for me a very sensitive thing. So I think everything needs to come to the board. Um but that's just one trustee Dr. Walker. >> So thank you for sharing that information. um based upon the purpose for this particular attorney uh or this firm um based upon the legal requirements that we have to support employees in our district. We would not necessarily come and get it approved prior to and that has not been the the format. We as employees are dealing with whatever matters that they're dealing with and we are here to support those employees. We have services that we need
076to provide. The board approved 150,000. No, we're not saying they're going to spend 150,000, but the money is there and as services are needed, they will be um utilized. Not saying that we're going to use $85,000, but just letting you know what's still left in the bank. Okay. I just Well, we we'll move on. Okay. So, we'll work on this. um offline. Um okay. So we have a first by Trusty Stewart and a second by Trusty Lef French to approve consent item number 10. No more discussion. >> Um >> actually present. So, so do I do. I just This firm was used to rep represent employees um that were that were work working in a hostile work envir environment and that this attorney helped our employees get a restraining order order. I would feel that
077for this to come back to the board again would be a conflict of interest since that restraining or order is against one of the trustees. >> Point of order. >> Uh there's a point of order clerk hire. What's your point? public can comment on this but if my recollection serves this is information disclosed in closed session that you just refer like revealed on the dis so I will have to descent to president stood but my understanding is she can't speak on that >> I did not speak on specifics >> okay let me rule on the floor >> and it is well known and you you can do what you want want to do Let me let me rule on the point. Um, >> let's be careful with close session. That's a good point. And then
078to your point, Trusty Stewart, that's why I also have that concern. Um, I don't think it's a conflict of interest. I think it's proper oversight now that this individual is our colleague. So we're spending money on one of our own colleagues. So I in my perspective as one trustee that's that should be the board to decide. Um I'm all about protecting our employees. So I if employees want to come to the board express their concerns they have every right to do that. Um and if we can please just lower the the the noise that I'm hearing on my left. I don't we don't need to hear that. Um, it's distracting. Um, so that's where I'm coming from and that's my one trustee. Okay, no more discussion. We'll take the vote. Miss Ly, >> Trusty Krauss.
079>> Krauss. Nay. >> Trusty Ker. Nay. the French. >> So, can I get clarification on what it is that you're saying? Nay, yay. And nay too. Is it the Because it's on the list of all of the purchase orders. >> Okay. So >> what we're voting on is to approve item number 10, which is the purchase order report listing and report listing. No trustee has made any motion to just approve or not approve a certain line item. So that's where we're at. That's what we're voting on is to approve the entire uh report or not to approve it. >> My French I >> Jesse Stewart stored. I trust >> um I'll just I'm going to I'm going to need um that attorney in close session to I want to talk to him, whoever that whoever
080that attorney is. But um guys, >> so what I hear you saying is that you would like to spend more money to have the attorney come into close session when there's nothing that they're doing right now for them to have to answer to anything. This early on it was agreed by the board for $150,000 for services. They've spent what 50 60 70,000 to do the work that they've already done and they're done as far as we know and that this is the funds that are still left in our account. So I am not sure what they need to come and explain to us. We'll work we'll work behind the scenes to off record to get this fixed. Um for now um I'm a note until we get more clarity. Um >> President Clark, >> may
081I reconsider my vote? >> You may. You can also amend any motion. I would like to amend my vote to I okay. All righty. We have the vote. Motion passes 32 with Trusty Krauss and myself voting no. Moving on to number 13. This was pulled by myself. Um, I'll entertain a motion for this line item. >> I motion that we approve. >> Is there a second? >> Ker a motion to uh a second to approve. >> Okay, I just pulled this because um um well, I'll just make it very quick. Uh I had a I went to a conference. It was the personnel negotiations AXA uh conference and that was because we were having a hard time um getting a deal with our union. So I wanted to explore ideas of what we can do
082to actually settle an agreement with both of our unions um out of this conference. Um and I want to shout out actually Mr. Schiff, Dr. Walker and her team, but specifically Mr. Shifflett who um encouraged me to show up to this particular session. And I just got to say, I mean, man, that was such a informative and helpful um presentation that they had for us. What this is going to do is provide more transparency about the funding that we have and what we can do with that funding when it comes to negotiating with both of our unions. So, it's like a it's like a data software from my from what I understand. So, I just it just provides more clarity. It provides more transparency for both the district and as well for unions. And so
083I'm just I just got to say I'm I'm so excited that this was brought forward and um I just want to shout out and thank Mr. Shifflet for for actually bringing it forward. Um other than that I have nothing else. Trustees uh Miss Ley the vote please. >> Trusty um Krauss >> Krauss I trusty >> Ker Ker I. >> Trusty Le French. Trusty Stewart >> Stewart I trusty stood >> stood I motion passes with trusty the French voting no moving on to number 15 certificated personnel for this time >> president so do I pulled number 10 >> you pulled number 10 >> yes sir just point of order >> we just voted on that >> we already voted on that sir >> oh I am so sorry I have you as a no for number
08410 and I wrote a no and it was 32 when >> you're correct I am sorry >> amended vote okay number 15 I'll entertain a motion >> for this um item >> stored I motion to uh approve >> is there a Okay, >> I second. >> Second by trusty le French. Open it up for discussion since it was pulled by trusty Krauss. Trusty Krauss, did you want to say anything? >> Thank you, President. So, no comments. I just wanted to pull it for a separate vote. Thank you, >> Trusty. Thank you, Trusty Stewart. >> Uh, no. I I just so support Doc Dr. for walker and and who she she brings to to the board. >> Trusty French. >> I second that thought. Um I trust in who Dr. Walker brings to to the board
085um when she's um assigning who she would like to work with. She has um vetted. I am going to put my trust in who she's hiring. >> Thank you. Clerk hire. >> No comment. >> Um I have none. Miss Leave the vote, please. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Nay. >> Jesse Ker. >> Abstain. >> Jesse Le French. >> Le French. I >> Jesse Stewart >> Stewart I >> Jesse Sto I'm going to vote um I'm going to actually abstain for lack of information. I need a little bit more. So, we have two abstensions, one no, two yeses. Motion dies. >> How does it die? >> I'm sorry. Majority >> two to >> 212. So, abstensions don't count. >> No, it passed. >> Hey, I know it passed, but I'm trying to uh What's the How do
086we two >> to one with two abstensions? two to one with two abstensions. There we go. That's what I'm I was looking for. Okay, so pass. That's a really weird number. Two to one to two. Okay, moving on to number 20. New hires. I'll entertain a motion. >> Cross a motion to approve. >> Is there a second? So, do I second? We'll open it up for discussion since Trusty Cross pulled it. Trusty Cross. >> Yes, thank you. Uh 20, 22, and 23, they're all the same. Uh there are food service uh employees included in uh all three of these items spec specifically uh fund 13 which is not listed on the memo itself. It just lists general fund but when we hire uh food service they have to be paid out of fund 13 for
087the district. And so just wanted to make that clarification. Uh on all three of these memos for these hires um the people that are working in in nutritional services have to be paid out of fund 13 cafeteria funds not general fund. So, I just wanted to make sure that that was on the record for again 20 22 and 23. So, I'm not sure if you want to pull 22 23 as well. The comments would be the same. >> Thank you, Trusty. Trusty Stewart. >> I have none. >> Trusty the French. >> Clerk. >> Yes. Uh Dr. Walker, can you clarify that? Um, just for the whole board's uh information, is that true that they're paid out of fund 13? >> I would need to get clarification if all of cafeteria employees are paid out of
088fund 13. >> So there. Okay. So, Oh, is that it? I didn't mean to. Yeah. >> Okay. So, my where I'm kind of going towards this is that would we be able to approve these items ensuring that it's corrected? So, if it needs to be um what fund did you say? Trusty Krauss fund >> fund 13 cafeteria funds. It's federal monies that pay for nutritional services in all 1200 districts in the state of California, sir. >> So if Thank you, Trusty Crow. So we can approve this and then make sure that it's corrected so it's at the proper funding. Um that's kind of where I'm going heading towards with this. >> We could definitely make the adjustment um as needed. >> Okay. So, so I I'll go ahead and amend the motion. Uh the with
089the original motion was first by Trusty Cross and seconded by myself to approve it. I'll amend that motion to approve making sure that um the proper funding for CNS is allocated. Is that a prop is that a proper way? That's fine. Um so I'll amendment. Is there a second? >> Trusty cross a second. Sorry. >> Okay. Any discussion on that amendment? Uh Dr. Walker wants to add something. >> Yeah, I just reached out to Zach and it and that is correct, Trustee Krauss, that um all CNS staff are paid out of fund 13. >> Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Walker. Um, any discussion on the amendment? Okay, we'll take the vote, Miss Ly. President Sto for clarification. Are we voting on 2022 23 or just on 20? >> At this time, it can only be
09020. >> So, we'll just we'll run through them, Trusty Krauss, and then we'll just do it like that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I'll go ahead and I'll take the vote. Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> Jesse Ker >> Ker I >> Le French I >> Trusty Stewart >> Stewart I >> Trusty Sodto >> Soto I motion passes 50-0 the board has just taken action to approve number 20 with the amendment that it'll be corrected for the right funding source 21 um I'll entertain a motion >> 22 >> um >> sorry not 22 president >> okay >> and 23 >> got it >> um 22 Um, we'll entertain a motion. >> I motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Can there >> Steuart? I sec second. >> Well, okay. We'll open it up
091for discussion. >> Ker, I would like to make an amendment to this one as well to reflect the correct funding source. Yes. >> Um okay. Um there's that first by there's an amendment. Is there a second? >> I'll present. >> I'll second it. And then um any discussion on the amendment? We'll take the vote. Miss Levy. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Ker. >> Ker I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Le I. >> Trusty Stewart. Stewart I >> stood I um number 23 I will entertain a motion. Hopefully we can make this motion. >> Ker I motion to approve with an amendment reflecting the proper funding source for eligible workers. >> Is there a second? >> I second left French. >> Okay. Any discussion? We'll take the vote. Miss L. >> Tristy Krauss
092>> Krauss. I >> Tristy Ky >> Ker I. >> Tristy Lef French. >> Lef French I. >> Tristy Stewart >> Stewart I. >> Trusty stood >> s I. Motion passes 5-0. Moving on to number 23. >> Was it? >> I'm sorry. 25. I'm getting ahead of myself here. All right. We're entertain a motion for that one. C. >> Motion to approve. Is there a second? >> Kyer, I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. Thank you, President Sto on this one. Just uh wanted some clarification. This is for uh agency access. So, we have listed some agencies here. Mass Applied Outside Company, Millionaire Minds Outside Company. Um, at the very bottom under fiscal impact, it says the cost for Department of Justice fingerprint clearance is $32.75 per agency representative, which will be funded through title one,
093which if I'm understanding this correctly, the district is paying for the fingerprints of these employees and not their company. So, I just need a clarification as to why we are paying for non-employees that work for a company that we're already have contracts with that are making a lot of money. Why are we paying for their fingerprints if that's the case? So, that's my question. President. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Walker. >> Um, thank you for your question. Um, Trusty Krauss, um, Mr. um, Shifflick, can you respond to that, please? >> Yes, Trusty Krauss. Um, thank you for the question. And yes, we are paying for that uh, fingerprint. >> Can you elaborate? >> Sure. It's to just make sure that we have the background that's checked thoroughly and it's like the raptor making sure
094like pedophiles that everyone's able to be with kids. >> Are we doing that with all of these external services? >> Thank you for that question. So, one of the things we're trying to ensure based upon um some more recent incidents that have been occurred in other places is that going forward, we want to do our own fingerprinting. Even though outside agencies are doing it, we want to make sure that we are verifying and qualifying with any new people that come on board >> these agencies >> with these these particular agencies or any agencies that come on. They just happen to be the ones that are being brought on at this time. All righty. Could you elaborate on >> Can you elaborate on um recent issues Mr. Shiffle, can you Yes. >> provide some examples? >>
095Sure. This is based on other districts that are having these issues. So, we want to make sure we protect our district and our our students. >> That's right. Thank you. I apologize. Um, it was an ABA from Hisperia that had a I guess not legal to uh had background that wasn't appropriate for kids. So for us, we're going back to make sure that our kids are safe that we don't have these issues. So we are having that fingerprints. Well, I would like to say that I'm very glad that our district is finally taking recognition to this issue. Thank you. >> Anything else, Trist? >> Yeah, I had a comment. I just wanted to say that thank you very much um for um our district for doing our own background checks. I wouldn't want someone to
096do the background checks for us and then hand over the clean bill of health and um it would be something completely different. So, it's better for us to do it ourselves to make sure we don't need to turn in papers and say they're all good and then we find out something else different issues. >> Thank you. That's it. >> Thank you. Yeah, I just concur with Trusty the French and Trusty Guyer. I'm glad that um we're doing something about it. I mean, I I get it. We have to pay, but um that's what that's that's if that's what it costs to keep our kids safe, then let's do it. 3275 is nothing for the kids safety and wellbeing. Anything else? Trustees, >> we'll take a vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Tyer.
097>> Tyer. I >> trusty Le French >> French. I >> trusty Stewart >> Stewart. I >> trusty Sodto. >> So do I. Motion passes 5-0. Moving on from to new business. Board of trustees to discuss and possible direction regarding the addition of a student board member. I'll entertain a motion. >> Ker I motion to approve. Is there a >> second? Krauss. I second. >> Open it up for discussion. Trustees, >> President Sto, if I may. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Yes. Thank you. I was not here at the last time to be able to speak to this item, but I will say that having a student trustee on this board plays a vital role in ensuring that all of the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of our students in Adelanto are meaningfully represented and Victorville because
098we have students in Victorville as well at the highest level of district decision-making. As the individuals most directly impacted by school policies, programs, and learning environments, our students offer insights that adults simply cannot replicate. Having a student trustee on this board strengthens governance by bringing real-time feedback about campus climate, academic needs, mental health concerns, and the day-to-day realities of school life. Their participation promotes transparency, equity, and student centered decision-making, helping our board better understand how policies translate into actual experiences. And so with that, I just wanted to voice my support uh and I appreciate the work that went in behind the scenes to bring uh this item to the board for consideration of our students because that's really what we are all here for at the end of the day are our students. No matter
099what anyone else says, we are all up on this dis at least I can speak for myself as a trustee. We're here to represent our students, to hear their voices, and I think having a student trustee on this board is another way to be able to hear uh from that student representative of the student body in our district. So, thank you very much, President Sodto. >> Excellently said. Uh thank you, trustee. Any any other comments, trustees? >> Uh yes, pres president Sodto. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Okay. So, we went to close session at what time did we go to close session? Didn't I write that that down? >> Yeah, we have it on record. Uh, we went to close session at 8 6:33 >> and we we came back at 8:06. So a student ste
100student would not be a able to sit in and they would just hang hang around. Also in our uh we weekly update doc Dr. Walk Walker just held one one of her um student student advisory um count council where she she brought to gather students from all four 14 school school sites to ensure their their voice voices are are heard and to ga gather gather in input on topics they would would like to to explore in future meet meetings. Um again the spirit spirit of of a student student board I I understand but on the board we are confined to what we can and can't can't say and when and we h have to follow follow protocol and I just don't think that that that would be you know I don't think it would be
101as e effect effective um als Also again we we are not not a unified school dis district where norm normally those kinds of schools you know dis districts have you know adult students um we just have up to 8th grade so and I've already said that but I'm just re restate stating thank thank Thank you, Trusty French. >> Okay, so I know we're talking about this once again and um I do have a couple of um couple of little inputs, right? So, I think that we should make it an eighth grader for one. I think it should be someone at least that has some curiosity about governance. Um I think that it should be a child that um the parent is on board that we get parent consent. the parent actually wants to um support
102the child in that the parent knows the obligations of the you know that's the time length maybe some sort of um uh you know activity where the child is you know maybe learning something about the brown act something that the child would be interesting in so I think it would be you know polling or getting to, you know, finding out what eighth grader is actually interested in governance. I wouldn't think that we, of course, we wouldn't have one of our elementary school children. We know you we're not going to have a a third grader here till 9 10:00 at night. And we want someone that would be um more on the mature side because sometimes we do have people here that, you know, may not be as kind at the podium, you know, that may
103certain things. So, we want the parents to be aware that what the exposure could possibly be um even on Zoom. Um somebody might be saying something. So, we wouldn't want to get um make sure that both the child and the parent, you know, understands, you know, what they're signing on for. I'm not for or against. I you know I think that we see um I think we had a little um a student here that was very excited. I think he said I watch the board meetings all the time. He was so excited, you know. Um um I enjoyed seeing him, but I don't think that he would possibly be a kid. I even thought about maybe like rotating. We wouldn't have the same one all the time. Maybe somebody would come and they would might
104be younger, right? and they would stay up until close session just to have the ability to be able to have their own little um what do you call it? Gavl, right? I know my gavvel was bedazzled and everybody that I showed at my um preschools, you know, they were like, "Wow, Miss French, like that is like a gavvel." You know, they enjoyed seeing it. So, things like that. Um, we could have one that was older that that's what they were interested in, another one that was here before, you know, time. So, you know, I think that it still needs a work in progress, not to be shot down and say completely no, but just that's all. >> Thank you, Trusty French. Excellent points, tr. >> All righty. So, this uh new business item does read
105discuss and possible direction. My assumption is it would require a policy and probably an administrative regulation to make it a legitimate thing in our district. I do appreciate um Trustee Launch giving that a little bit more consideration. And I vaguely remember me kind of suggesting that where we do have a student board member come in and they would stay up until close session. They would be able to experiencing experience the opening of it. And I do really like the idea of it being a rotating student, somebody who comes and gets that exposure. uh student who gets to bring their parents for this special night to spend with us. Even if it's for a short amount of time, it opens that door to understanding that governance. That student could go back to school and tell all
106of their friends about this board that gets together and talks about the decisions that revolve around them, their schools, and their climate, and their culture. Um, I do want to just say I appreciate Trusty Krauss for calling for this to come back as well because I do believe this does like really deserve further consideration um for our district and for our students. And that's where I will close my comment. Thank you. >> Thank you, Claire. Excellent points, trust colleagues. And uh to your point uh Trusty Stewart in close session. So what I've heard from conferences and how different districts handle student board members, they're not in close session. Um they would obviously have to wait until we do our thing. Another option that the we can consider as a board is this would be a
107lot more of a drastic change, but I don't mind cons I'm open to this idea. we can move close session to the end and have the student board member voice his opinion under for new business uh uh consent agenda items because that's mainly where the the business is being done. That's where we want our our student board member to be able to participate and provide input. So that's one option uh in close session. If we want to move around the agenda, we we're able to do that as well. Um to your other point uh Trustee um Stewart um yeah high schoolers it's very rare to your point it is very rare um that middle schools have a student board member. It is not um but there are districts that do do that. Um, so I'm
108saying what my my my point is again I hear you about high schools, but there are districts that actually have board members in in middle school. >> Can can you name me one? >> I can't right now. If you like, I can definitely send you an email um about all the districts that do that. >> Okay, thank thank you. >> Absolutely. Yeah, no worries. Um, so and then to to your point about the superintendent advisory committee, if the board wants, we can even consider um appointing someone from the superintendent advisory committee to the board. I'm open to that, too. Um, clerk hire. Yeah, I just wanted to go on record and it appears that San Bernardino City Unified School District additionally has school board members as well, student board members along with Marino Valley Unified
109School District, LAUSD, um, San Diego, Murro. So th this is a widely accepted concept. >> I'm sorry though those are you unified, >> not all of those. >> So, and and no, I have no problem sending the board the list of Yeah, it's no issue for me. Um, so I'm also open to the superintendent advisory committee. I know that was brought up. So, if we want to consider even appointing someone from that committee, I'm open to that, too. Um, I I actually agree, trust the French, uh, we should definitely, uh, stick to eighth graders. um they're the most um wello hopefully the most mature, right? So, I'm open to that. Um the the so um I'm open to that. And then the parent involvement, we're we're to clerk K's point, we will have to solidify
110this so that parents also understand what the obligations are and what they're signing up because it's not just the kid, it's also the parent that has to part be a part of this as well. Um, so here's where I'm at. Um, we do a rotation. We have two trustees, uh, two two board members rotate. We do a pilot program for next semester. We we do a um some sort of poll or even an application that if the board is willing we can give direction to do that tonight and see if we get students that are interested. I don't know if any trustee wants to add to that but uh we need to take that next step and I think that next step looks like um having um application process to see if we have interest
111and then hopefully by next year hopefully towards the end of January the board can appoint two of those board members. That's one trustee. Colleagues, what do you think? I just hope we aren't putting the cart before the horse. Um, I would like to make the suggestion that we have a proposed policy put forth >> with a first and second read with uh additional trustee input prior to doing a application process just so that we make sure that we have the proper um steps, policies, administrative regulations in place prior to kind of going out on this this new adventure of ours. >> Excellent. I can you have to have a policy before you start talking about applications because you have to have the plan before you can start doing the interviewing. Excellent. So could I amend
112if it would be okay with the my fellow trustees, could I amend my motion to approve approval um of the discussion and to provide direction to Dr. Walker to bring back um a potential policy for board review. >> There's an amendment to provide direction to Dr. Walker for a policy review. Is there a second? >> I second. >> Okay. Any discussion on that amendment? I hear none from Miss Levy. We'll take the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss I. >> Trusty Ker. >> Kyer. I. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Lef French. I. Trustee Stewart. >> Stewart. Nay. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Stood. I. Motion pass 41. Trusty Stewart. Voting. Nay. Moving on to number two. U. Board of trustees to discuss Assembly Bill 1390. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. >> Trusty Ker. I'd
113like to motion to table pending further information. >> I'll second that. >> No discussion. We'll take the vote. Miss Leave. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I. >> Trusty Ker. >> Ky I. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Le French. I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I >> trusty stood. >> Sto. Motion passes. 50-0. We have table number two. Moving on to number three. Consideration of the governance resolution. I'll entertain a motion at this time. >> Kyer, I motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Krauss. I second. >> All right. Um, we'll open it up for discussion. Uh, we'll go down the line. Trusty Krauss. >> Yes. Thank you, President Sodto. And just for the record, if it seems like I'm reading my notes tonight, I am. On June 20th, 2024, I was in a
114terrible accident right outside here of 395 and almost died. was airlifted to Lom Linda. That time I had a massive brain bleed. An MRI recently has shown that it's come back. So I do appreciate the patience of the board and the community if I read my notes rather than speak them because I'm having some medical difficulties with remembering things at this time. So uh on this item I did write up my thoughts, President Ser, and I appreciate again the patience. A transparency resolution is essential for preserving integrity, accountability, and public trust in a school district. By committing to clear communication, open processes, and accessible information, the board ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of students, not influenced by personal agendas, misinformation, or bad actors. This resolution tonight helps with transparency because it
115protects the districts from individuals who seek to undermine school operations. distort facts or inject ill will into what this board is doing. When the board publicly establishes high expectations for openness and ethical conduct, it draws a clear line. Those who operate in the shadows, in secrecy, hostility, with harmful intentions have no place in the district's business or having our students listen to such. This resolution empowers our families, our staff, our community members by giving them confidence that their schools are being led with honesty and fairness. It reinforces that this board's focus remains on students learning and the long-term health of our district and that disruption, division, and hidden motives will no longer be tolerated, allowed, or allowed to interfere with our mission, which at the end of the day is all about our students. That's
116the only comments I have about this resolution that I do support. Thank you, President. So, >> thank you, Trustee Stewart. You know, being being on the board for almost eight years, you get accused of a lot lot of things. You know, you get called things, you get told, you know, you're corrupt, you you get called names, you get told that you couldn't last a day in a real classroom, things like that, you know, cuz pe people get upset. But from my per perspect perspective that's part of what hap happens in the train trainings at CC CSBBBA. Um they they say that we we actually had a work workshop when trustee Kai Ker was first appointed to to the board and the trainer sorry I got um the the train trainer that gave it she had
117been a trustee I believe in roll rolling heights and that some somebody would come and speak at the pod poo podium and call her horrible names, you know, and she sat sat there and she said, "Okay." And they moved moved on. It comes with a ter territory, you know. Um I've always tried to be transparent. our act actions show our true mo motives. Um, and I feel that that I've always been for the kids and what's best for the dis district and not of not my my own needs and wants and agendas. So for this thing to come up again, which I mean as as I read this, it's kind of just reads hypocrisy because the board in its act actions has not been behaving the same way. So um I don't know what this
118is going to bring again at the last time this this was on the agenda. I gave my my feel fe feelings my perspect perspective and my opin opinions and they have not changed. Thank thank you. >> Thank you Trusty Stewart. Trusty French. Well, we're here again and I had questions, right? But I think they've been answered when it comes to why we're here, right? That was my question. Why we're here? We're a governance board that um cuz my first question was what has happened that caused us to be here, right? So I kind of know what has happened that caused us to be here. The only thing about this is that where um where do we hold the accountability for trustees versus saying that it becomes a form of harassment. So, if the public has
119something that they want to say that we feel is not kind, I will say that I've been up here eight years. I don't feel like that I have ever been harassed. I don't because I Lord knows I don't want nobody to harass me the next Tuesday that I'm up here. I don't I don't feel like that I've been harassed, right? I don't feel like that someone has done anything to me. But just because it wasn't done to me doesn't mean that it hasn't occurred. That's the thing. If it wasn't done to my child doesn't mean that it wasn't done. That's the thing. Um when does people's accountability as trustees turn into harassment though? If we are public officials and we are held accountable to a higher standard, are we held accountable to a particular standard?
120If the public comes up and they want to say something, why is it that they're harassing us if it's valid or maybe it's not valid? I don't think that I've heard someone say anything. I can't think of something that someone has said that I felt that was I think I can't I felt that wasn't right that was said about me but I didn't take it as harassment. That's your that's your opinion that you've said. So, I just will listen more to the rest of my trustees to see um what else is being said because a lot of the wording in here is very vague too. So, it's like if we're the governing board and we make the rules of what is a what does this stand for? of the accountability. So I don't see how
121it's going to stop anybody. What what will we do if someone comes up to this podium and we consider it harassment? Do they get they get arrested? What what is the consequence of someone coming up? I think that's what I need to know. That's a question. What is the uh President Sodal? What's the consequence for someone coming up here and saying uh Miss French I don't like that the fact that your hair is burgundy? What's the consequence for harassment if somebody came up there every single Tuesday and said that and I said they are harassing me because I can have any hair color I choose to. What's what's the consequence? >> Yes. Thank you, Tresa French. Um I actually will answer that in my speech. Um so I think you'll like it. I I'll touch
122on that on your answer on your question. Basically, there are no consequences. But I'll talk about that in my speech. >> But that was question. >> Yeah, that that's my answer. There is none. >> There is none. >> Okay. >> Is that it, Trusty Le? >> Yes. >> Uh, clerk hire. >> All righty. Um, I want to start by reiterating section two, protection against systemic retaliation, hate, and political interference. We hear a lot about the harassment side of this, but I feel that we are not quite including the entire thing. So this reads, and I quote, "The board condemns all forms of political warfare, systemic pursuit, institutional retaliation, hate speech, harassment, or acts of violence that target trustees, their families, district staff, or any public servant for their beliefs, votes, or independent judgment. This does
123not just apply to harassment. In recent months, we have seen tragedies. We have seen people lose their lives. We've seen attempts on other government officials uh all the way up to our president. I do not believe this is a a resolution to provide consequences. This is a re resolution to take a stance to say that we are here for the people. We are here to serve and and care for our students without having acts of violence against us, our staff members, our students. Right. You know, it brings my focus to the amount of school shootings we see in this country. It brings my focus to how many government officials. Um there was a school board actually back east where their superintendent was shot during a board meeting by somebody speaking at the podium. And I
124I do not see why the resolution hurts anything for all of us to collectively unity unifying to say that we do not condone any steps against ourselves, against our staff, against our district. I know in recent months there's been experiences that do feel unfair. But when I look at this resolution, I look at it for the betterment of all everyone. And that's where I will leave my comments. Thank you, Clerk Kirin. Uh, excellently and beautifully said. Didn't even need a speech. I I need one, unfortunately. Um, you know, before I do get into before anyone reads anything into this resolution that isn't there, let me begin with absolute clarity. This resolution is not about punishing speech. It's not about silencing disagreement or favoring one trustee over another. It doesn't create consequences. penalties or restrictions. What
125it does is reaffirm what is already law, already board policy, and already expected of every public official in a democracy. And before I go further, I want to make something else clear. I am open to suggestions. If there is wording that needs improvement, if a clause needs more a little bit more clarity, or if a sentence needs to be more needs tightening, I welcome that conversation. This is not about being rigid with with phrasing. This is about protecting the integrity of our governance. So if anyone has constructive edits that strengthen the spirit of transparency, accountability, and independence, I'm all ears. So this is not about personalities, politics, or even present disputes. This is about the long-term health of this institution and the trust of the voters that put us here. You know what concerns me
126and what should concern every single one of us regardless of political political position is the increasing normalization of back channel influence intimidation tactics and manipulation of trustees outside of this public meeting. Trans transparency is not optional. Independence is not optional. The people did not elect shadow actors, nor did they elect outside operatives. They elected this board. And I'll say this frankly, in California, the political reform act um exists for a reason. Um, even after this, even at the state level, when an official leaves office, they are restricted from lobbying or influencing their former body for a period of time. Why? Because democracy breaks when former officials or outside operatives try to manipulate decisions from the shadows. That principle applies here, too. I don't care who you are aligned with, who you like or dislike. Every
127trustee has the right to deliberate without fear, vote without coerc coercion, and speak without political retaliation being weaponized against them or their families. So when trustees are pressured behind the scenes, when narratives are controlled by people who the people did not are not accountable to voters, democracy is compromised. And when we ignore it, we become complicit. History will not and does not remember who won the vote tonight. It remembers who stood for truth when pressure was greatest. It remembers who protected the public institution when others were willing to trade influence, integrity for influence. There's only one narrative that does matter in governance. The truth. And the truth does not fear transparency. So whether this resolution passes or fails tonight, the issue will not disappear. The public is watching and the public deserves to know whether
128their elected officials stand with transparency, democracy and independent governance or whether they stand with fear, backroom politics and narrative control. I'm not asking anyone to agree with me personally. I am asking this board to take a clear stand for institutional integrity. Vote however you choose for that is your right. As for me, my vote will always be cast in defense of transparency, independence, and democratic authority of this board. And I I stand by that without hesitation. >> Miss Lee will take the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss I. >> Trusty Ker >> Ker I. Priscilla French. >> My vote >> here. Your mic is >> My vote is for student achievement, safety, governance, and fiscal oversight. And my vote is nay. >> Trusty Stewart. >> I independently vote nay. >> Trusty Sto. >> So do
129I. Motion passes 32 with trust French. Trusty Stewart voting. No. Moving on to number four, business services. At this time, I will entertain a motion. >> I'll sign a motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Stored. I sec second. >> Open it up for discussion. >> Uh, President, no discussion. I'm just glad that this is over, but also we might need to look at our time as well after this motion. >> Okay. I know. I'm trying to My go was 9:30. We'll we'll see. Okay. Thank you, Trusty Cross. Anything else? I just want to make a quick comment. I understand that this is uh an agreement between the district and our unions and I will I will respect that. Um ultimately as I know there's individuals who worked hard to come to this
130agreement to get it done after 15 long excruciating months. The only comment I would like to add is I am somewhat saddened by the outcome of this agreement. I do strongly I just wish there was a way we could show more appreciation. Thank you. Yeah. Um I concur. I mean we can do much better I think. Um but this is the agreement that we came to unfortunately and um I am glad that we did find an agreement but uh moving forward this board is dedicated to making sure that our teachers are well um well off when it comes to um being able to take care of themselves and their families. So, um, yeah, the sport's committed to that. I'm glad that we found some sort of agreement, but moving forward, we are going to be
131more strong with what we can offer because we care about our teachers and, um, our teachers are first. Um, anything else, trustees? >> Okay, we'll take the vote. Miss Le >> Trusty Krauss I. >> Trusty Ker >> Ker I. >> Trusty Leaf French I. Trusty Stewart >> Stewart I Trusty Sto I Motion passes 5-0. Moving on to number five, business services tenative agreement. I'll entertain a motion. >> Steward I motion to uh approve. >> Is there a second? >> Love French. Second. >> There's a second by trusty French. We'll open it up for discussion. Trust >> colleagues. >> President Sto. >> Yes. >> I'd like to amend the motion to remove cabinet from this item uh to be brought back at a later time uh at a later board meeting. Uh other than that, uh
132the amendment to approve everything else uh would stand. >> Kier, I'll second that. Okay. Any discussion on that amend amended motion? >> Hearing and seeing none, we'll take the vote on that amendment. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss I. >> Trusty Ker. >> Ker I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Nay. >> Jesse Stewart. >> Stewart. Nay. >> Jesse Sto. >> Sodto I. Motion passes 32. The board has just taken action to pass the attenative agreement with the removal of cabinet. Moving on to number six. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. Trustees. >> Trusty cross. I motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Ker. I second. >> We'll open it up for discussion. I just would like to reiterate my sentiments on the prior tenative agreement for ADTA. Um I won't make everybody sit
133through it, but I would like to reiterate that. So thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I'll concur. Anything else? Trustes moving on to the vote. Miss Le >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss I. Trusty Kyer I >> Trusty Le French >> Le French I >> Trusty Stewart >> Stewart I trusty stood >> stood I motion passes 5-0 moving on to number seven approval of the creation of executive director of maintenance operations I'll entertain a motion I motion that >> oh you want to do it go ahead >> I motion we table this item for further discussion Krauss. I second. >> Okay. No table, no discussion. We'll take the vote. Mr. Le >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Ker. >> Ker I. >> Trusty Le French. >> French. Nay. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart.
134Name. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Stood. I. Motion pass. 32 with Trusty Le French. Trusty Stewart voting. No. Moving on to number eight. Ratification. I'll entertain a motion. Oh, did I get >> No, go ahead. >> Um, I'll entertain a motion for number eight, classified personnel ratification of classified executive management. >> Steuart, I motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> I second. >> Open it up for discussion. trustees. >> Well, I uh approve I I am mo motion to approve approve her because uh Dr. Walk Walker brought her to to us. We need some someone in that that position do doing the work. It's a dis z disaster when that that you know there's no no one there to do the job and she comes re recommended um by John John Gray who um
135I knew knew him when he gave the um mass masters in in govern governance um class on fine finance and he's also So what's what's the thing he he's in charge of or he owns um biz business >> school services there's just so many da I always get confused you know and and I'm tr trusting doc Dr. walk walker and ultimately it's her her respon responsibilility so I will let the sup superintendent do her job. >> Thank you trust French mixed feelings about this one. However, I am going to hold uh Dr. Walker accountable. for my voting on this one. So, it's what Dr. Walker's asking for be Dr. Walker that'll be held accountable for for this one. That's all I got to say. >> Thank you, Cler. >> I have a couple concerns in
136regards to this one. The agenda item reflects $222,939, but the contract reflects $53,231 um which definitely makes the agenda item and the contract um conflicting. with additional information. Thank you for your question. Um, Mr. Shifflet. So, in regards to this item, uh it really is it's where the step is at and it's really paid for four months versus um the entire year. So, it's a paid salary four months. >> Can you speak to why the agenda item is different than the contract? That would be so if we're not step three correct >> so Dr. Walker the question that we have is um why is it different? So on the agenda we have the actual agenda says 223. It even says a fiscal impact and funding source 222 quarter of a million basically. And in the
137actual attachment that you click on it that which is the actual agreement the contract it actually specifies the correct amount which is 53,233. So the question is why is it different? So based upon the fact that it's going based upon the step. So what you see on the um actual board memo is the step in which the salary is and then >> for the contract we put the actual amount so that you can see that yes this is the step column that this person is receiving but because of the number of months that this person is here they're only receiving the 53,23157 to your point Dr. Walker, that doesn't reflect that on the agenda. It says if approved, the impact to general fund will be >> and then that large amount 222,000 inclusive health and
138wer benefits. >> Again, it's tied to so what I believe needs to happen is that needs to be changed to the 53. Is that what you're asking? >> Yes. Correct. But yes, that is correct. We have we have to extend the meeting. Um entertain we'll entertain a motion to extend the meeting. Trustees. >> Trusty Ker. I motion to extend the meeting till 10:30. >> Is there a second? Trusty Krauss. I second. >> Okay. Um, we'll take the vote. Miss Levy. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Ker. >> Ker I. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Le French. I >> Trusty Stewart >> Stewart I. Stoodto >> stood I motion passed 5 zero we're extended to 10:30 so yes Dr. Walker. Um, that's what we're saying. Basically, it needs to reflect accurately. >> Um, excuse
139me. >> Yes, Trusty Stewart. >> Can't we just amend the agenda agenda item to reflect the contract and just say that we will we will approve approve this for the contract amount? >> Yes. Sorry. No, that's yes, that's correct. We c we can make any sort of amendment as we just did to one of the items. >> Okay. So then I um can then can can I mo motion to amend that the agenda amount reflects the contract amount which is the 5if 53 thou 577. >> Okay. There's a amendment on the motion to approve this agreement with the correction to be uh for the correction to be on the agenda properly which is a 53,000. Is there a second? >> I have a question. >> Um trusty the French. >> How do we get here
140where two different things are saying two different things and we get all the way up in here today at the board meeting and it's like this. That's a good question. I mean, absolutely. Did you want to add or? >> Yes. Um, I actually did uh see this during agenda setting. I did request for it to be corrected. I'm not quite sure what happened, but this is how we are here today. >> Anything else? >> Uh, uh, Trusty Krauss, >> President Sto, I did have some concerns to bring up this evening. >> Okay. Thank you, President Stoodto and members of the board. Uh, I wanted to make it perfectly transparent and clear why I do not support this item before the board this evening. Information that was gleaned before the board meeting that was shared with
141the administration uh before the agenda was published was shared with them. Uh, and to my surprise, this item still came before the board. Although I do not like to disparrage anybody or bring up negative connotations about anybody, um I will state factual information that this person came from Coachella Valley where our last CBO, Julie Gonzalez, now Julie Vehill, is currently the CBO. So basically, we are in effect swapping CBOS's potentially uh one CBO to another. Um Coachella Valley is about 30 million in the hole at this time. uh they are under scrutiny by the county of Riverside as well as Fikmat uh because of their finances over there at this time. Uh also it's my understanding and correct me if I'm wrong uh Mr. Shifflet uh that this person interviewed and was not selected to
142move forward in the interview process about a month or two ago uh on that and those concerns were brought to the administration once again before we had this meeting this evening and they were either ignored or nobody seemed to pay much attention uh to my concerns at that time. So for transparency's sake I want to make it perfectly clear why I am not supporting this item on the agenda this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you trusty trusty Stewart >> president. So so can uh do Dr. Walker have an a chance to clarify >> as to why she brought this can count candidate to the board? >> Absolutely. Dr. Walker, would you be open to sharing that? >> Thank you. I definitely would like to share. Um, so first of all, yes, um, Trustee Krauss did
143bring these items up um, prior to me putting it on the agenda. Um, I made a conscious decision to move forward with hiring this particular candidate for the position because I did vet through reliable resources. And I will start with the superintendent in which she worked with for the three years that she was the CBO in Coachella Valley and he gave her high ratings and said that she would definitely be able to do the job. I also reached out to the county of Riverside and I spoke with their chief business um department and I spoke with their superintendent of Riverside County. I've also reached out to San Bernardino County and had them to do some research on that as well. And each of them and then and each of them distinctly said that they gave
144her high marks and that that she would be a good a great candidate to do this job. And lastly, as I believe um Trusty Stewart mentioned that I also got the reference from John Gray, who is the president of school services of California that also stated that she would be a quality candidate to do the work that needs to be done here at Ottawa. In addition to that, I would like to believe that I am professional enough to take someone in consideration and not look at anyone coming from somewhere because of another employee going there that we are just swapping people. That to me is extremely disrespectful. And that is not how I do business. Each person has an opportunity to present who they are, what they have to offer, and the work that they're
145capable of doing with the facts of reaching out to five different reputable people. I don't I I the facts of the the budget in Coachella Valley being a certain way. Um again it's just very disappointing that um we are here in this space having this conversation and when we talk about being respectful to people and not trying to put them down or whatever the case may be. Um it's it's it's important that when we say those things that we are are adhering to them. Um I remember very distinctly when I came in that I was treated somewhat similarly and my background. the work that I've done. I was accused of being less than. I was accused of being someone that was the trash that they threw away. And why would we here in Adilanto take
146on someone that they did not want in another district? And so I would like for people to put themselves in the position because sometimes people get terminated from jobs or contracts are not renewed. not because of something they may have done but because it may be different thoughts and opinions and decisions that they would like to do moving forward. And I will say in closing that yes, she did interview. The panel did not want to move her forward, but I want everyone to think about, have you ever had an interview that didn't go well and that you still knew that you could do the job? So, yes, she didn't make it to the second level, but there were some that made it to the third level and did not have any form of references that
147were respectful and are reputable. And so I stand on this decision and I would like and hope that the board that hired me to do the job of superintendent would give me an opportunity to hire the people that I believe can come in and do the work. And until I have proven that I don't have that skill set to hire people that know what they're doing, that I'm given an opportunity to do so. I appreciate you giving me an opportunity to share. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Walker. Uh, trustees, Trusty Krauss. >> Yes. Thank you. And I appreciate your comments, Dr. Walker. President SA, just two two final comments. First off, I want to say how proud I am of our fiscal services department. Mr. Zack Clemish, under his guidance, has done an outstanding
148job. Whether there's a CBO there or there hasn't been a CBO there. I've known Zach for many years. His quality of work and the team that works with him, they are absolutely outstanding. And there is nothing that they cannot do with or without a CBO. Secondly, I trust our peers in the Adalanto Elementary School District. The interview panels are made up of our employees, people that know what needs to be done, people that know the work, people that make decisions based on interviews. There was more than just one person on that panel. I do not value the opinions of outside people that this person has neither worked for, worked with, or has any idea about their capabilities in Adalanto. I do however trust our own internal people when they make a recommendation not to move
149someone forward. I will not disparage and discourage their decisions. I will take what they say weighted way more heavily than any outside person outside of the Adalto Elementary School District boundaries. Uh, finally, we did fly this position on Edjoin and it closed, I believe, a few days ago. So, I'm not sure exactly why. We have a contract before us for four months uh when we did fly this on Edjoin. I would encourage us to reach out to Casbo for potentially some retired people that perhaps could interview for an interimm position as many districts do in the state of California uh related to this position. So that's all I have at this time. President Sto. Thank you. >> Can I just add one more thing? >> Well said. Yes, Dr. Walker. So, I know that it
150was stated that people that had not worked with the candidate that we're in that I'm interested in moving forward with. However, as I stated, I did reach out to the superintendent that was her supervisor for the three years that she was an employee. The superintendent that came in had not worked with her for any period of time. Therefore, to say that I don't have anyone that worked directly with her, the county works with every super every assistant super business services. The superintendent worked with this particular person for the the term over two years that she was there as the CBO. So, it is that is not factual information I have shared with you. And so I I'm not going to continue to say anything else. I just want to make sure that accurate information is
151pro provided to the public and I like to believe that that's what everyone would want on these diets. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments? Trustees, colleagues, I have a comment. trust the French. I've sat on this board for for eight years and it's it's it's hurtful to have people come in this board and was hurtful when Dr. Walker got here and be t hear people talk about um how people should be talk talked to or talked about when they're sitting right in front of them. It hurts me. Um, one thing that I know that my job here as a uh, trustee is to believe in the superintendent that um, we've hired. As I stated before Dr. Walker is accountable for her team. I believe in Dr. Walker. I believe in who she chooses
152and her accountability will be in the people that she chooses and until otherwise then I roll with Dr. Walker for lack of a better words as it gets late. My heart just is heavy because I would not want anyone to have to sit and have to go through um discussions like this including Dr. Walker that I got on my knees that night and said, "I hope she answers the telephone." And she did. And she's here. Sometimes I don't know who's going to come work for us. Sometimes the way we're viewed. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you. Anything else, trustees? So, I'll just add real quick. Um, I also have concerns about the process, how this went about um the action that was being taken um essentially behind closed doors. um you know
153so the process how it was presented to me how it was communicated to me I felt was um perhaps not as straightforward as it could have been um I did not I would have not supported a ratification if I want to put it straightforward I would have not supported if it was communicated to me that we would be ratifying to me that signals that someone you have someone in mind you're going to rat identify. So to me, um, their concerns and then overall this individual, with all respect, you know, all you got to do is do a Google search and just find what's going on on that uh school district uh that they're coming from. I'm very concerned. So I'm just uh one trustee wanting to share my perspective. Um, that's what I that's what
154I have to say. Anything else? Trustees, >> I have one more comment. >> Uh, Trustler French, >> when it comes to that ratification, I have been on this when it comes to hiring someone um that the superintendent um has chosen and ratifying that um person after they've already started a million and one times we've done that. I also want to step up and say that um there's no way we have proven it time and time again that we cannot have a superintendent even this is for four months only four months we cannot have a superintendent be a superintendent and be over um finance we have proven that that does not work. She is not going to be able to do both jobs. She cannot. We've proven it with superintendent before. It does not work in
155our favor. It does not work in our finance. She cannot oversee this district and oversee finance, too. And I like um what's his name? >> I love Zach as well. Zach cannot oversee um Bisco. Cannot. And neither can Dr. Walker. I think that's all I have to say. We're talking about four months. >> Thank you. And and to your point, uh, Trusty the French. Um, you know, something I'd be open to is discussing how we could fill this position quickly, you know, depending on how we we vote. Um, you know, so to your point, yes, I absolutely am on the same page about the concerns about if we if the board decides to not do this, what's who's going to who's going to place who who are we going to put there, basically. So to
156your point, great point, Trusty of the French, Dr. Walker. >> Thank you, President. So, I am I guess a little disturbed by the fact that um I'm just going to start off with the fact that I have integrity about anything that I do and that your concern about the process and me asking you to that I would like to ratify because I already had somebody in mind is pretty absurd. only because I did not find out and that we were going to need anyone until the day before I called you and said we're going to need to get somebody in here and we can't go with the consultant. The reason why we had the consultant was because we thought it was going to be a shortterm need. However, after going through the interview process multiple
157times and having candidates that even made it to the third level that did not have the references that would even be considered, we kept going back to the drawing board. And so, as I shared with regards to the position that we would be opening it back up December 1st and letting it be flown through January because this is not the season that people are going to start looking for jobs. Usually that's January and February. And as I stated that that is what I would be doing. And so I have no agenda. I did not know the candidate that is here before us. Uh all I had was the feedback and then the communication from John Gray. That's what opened up the door for me to talk to her after the interview period. So there was
158no hidden agenda. I have no reason to lie. All I have is the best interest of this district at heart. I care for Zach just as much as any of you and I have commended him for the work that he's been able to do. But he is also one person that is a director that is not able to do his job effectively and all the other pieces of work that still need to get done. It's been very challenging for him. And it's not fair to him to be put in a position to have to do the multiple things that need to get done right at this season with the first interim right at our back door with us just finalizing the contracts. You're wondering why it's taking so long. Zach is one person. His team
159is exceptional. I'm giving them all the credit for that. But again, that's not all that needs to be done in business services. And so I don't want anyone to think that I don't respect the work that's being done. It's been commendable and I have been commending the team for the work that they've done. But for the record and as we are speaking to the public, my hope is that in the future that any communication or statements that are made about actions that I have taken that I am at least given the respect to not be accused of something that there is no factual evidence of. This process occurred because of a mishap with a consultant that had nothing to do with me. And I recognize as a leader that we can no longer have a
160consultant because of the depth of work that needs to get done especially during this window. So I put in the recommendation that I have an opportunity to hire someone immediately because the need is immediate. And so thank you. That's all I have to say. Uh, thank you, Dr. Walker. Any other comments, trustees? >> I do have just one more real quick. I don't I I know I don't think it's the fact that it's a rat ratification that that's the pro problem. I feel it's who's bringing it to us cuz we've rat ratified things in the past within Trump's but now it's a pro problem. So um we need to do what's what's right for the dis district and again it's just an intrum. So thank thank you >> and thank you Trusty Stewart to your
161point if you can help me out here. So you guys have done it in the past. Do you guys usually get pulled is like does a superintendent call you and ask you do you want to do this and then it's a ratification? um or is it just a ratification and the board didn't have a disc didn't have pretty much what I'm trying to say here is did the did the did the present superintendent when you guys ratified interims that superintendent reach out to you to pull the board or was it just a ratification and you guys just approved it like there was >> you mean the former when the form former suended came to the board for a need and said we need an intram s you know s superintendent. He talked to the board
162about what he had had in mind and the board sub sub support supported him >> behind the dis where did you guys have this discussion where you guys were talking about this idea and you were supporting him was it behind the >> D when I know we had a discuss discussion I can't re remember if he called or if it wasn't closed or what >> but the thing is We sub support supported the sup super superintendent attendant as as a board. >> I appreciate you sharing that. Well, it's my point what my point is is that we were pulled meaning we took action like we were asked yes or no. And so that's why I'm trying to say how did that work for you guys? It sounded like it was a ratification. And again that
163goes into the Brown Act. um did we take action behind closed sessions to say yes we want a ratification but then well first of all I just want to be on record I would have not approved the ratification I did approve switching from consulting to interim that's what I was how I took it I was kind of surprised about the fact that we would be ratifying why would we ratify if we don't even have a person in mind is where I'm thinking right so I appreciate the clarity Dr. Walker, but that's where I'm coming from. Um, the >> I'm sorry. >> One second. One second. Um, >> so I'm just I want to be on record that um I had I had heard about maybe we this is not a proper action. Either way, I'm
164not going to stretch this. Um, we need to move on. Uh, but Dr. Walker, I'll let you say what what did you want to say? >> No comment. I just No comment. >> Okay. All righty, we're moving on. We'll take the vote. Um, Miss Le, >> Tristy Krauss, >> Krauss, Nay, >> Tissy Ker. >> I request to vote last French >> Le French I. Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I Trusty Stoodto. >> So name >> Trusty Ker. A >> motion fails 32 with trustee Lef French and trustees two voting yes moving on to policy inter interruptions educational services I'll entertain a motion at this time I make a motion to approve >> is there a second >> kier I second >> we'll open it up for discussion trustees >> hearing and seeing none we'll take the
165vote miss >> trusty Krauss >> Krauss I trusty Ky >> Ker I trusty le French >> French I >> trusty Stewart >> Stewart I >> trusty stood >> stood I sorry about that moving on to 15 governing board members reports and announcements we'll go down this this way this opposite way or got ahead now never mind we'll start from trusty Krauss and then we'll work our way down thank you president I'll be brief this evening um first off I want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving that celebrate is coming up next week and uh hopefully that our students and faculty and staff enjoy their time off and get some rest and relaxation and enjoy time with their families. I also like to throw out uh I hope that we can look at the hope program
166which is now currently at Atlanta Elementary School perhaps looking at uh putting in a classroom at Mesa Linda and Colombia uh as an option uh for our students at those two middle schools uh so that way uh it's expanded. It is a wonderful program and I encourage everybody to learn all they can about it, but I think it would behoove us to uh and our students to potentially look at expanding that um program at Mason Colombia. Uh in the coming weeks, uh I know several of us will be at the California Schoolboard Association conference in Sacramento. So, I'm excited to go up there and learn more about uh what's going on in the state related to trustees and and what's going on in other districts and bring back that information uh to our board uh
167hopefully uh in January when we get back uh we'll be there for a few days in December. So, I'm excited about that. Uh on the agenda tonight, I didn't get a chance to pull it because of the time factor, but I did want to say thank you to Brenda Holtz for her almost 20 years of work for our district, and I wish her a happy retirement. on that. I also want us to consider uh for we we had discussion about uh fiscal services this evening. We have a director there in fiscal services. We have directors in academic services directors plural. We have one director in fiscal services. I would like the board, the district to potentially consider looking at adding a director potentially maybe an executive director uh and have a director to assist Mr.
168Clemish and his team in the work that they do over there. It's the only uh department in the history of this district that has only had one director ever in the history of the district. And so it's something that I hope that uh would potentially be looked at in the future. Also, I just wanted to uh make sure that it's perfectly clear that the information and this is why we're on YouTube this evening uh every evening and I support being videotaped that the information I provide is accurate and factual. And if at any point in time uh anyone has anything to refute the accuracy or the factual information that I present myself as a as a trustee, I welcome that feedback. Uh whether it's here publicly speaking or uh if it's in an email, I
169do welcome any kind of corrections. If you have information that uh does refute or does say to something else, but to be accused of not presenting accurate and factual information I find disrespectful. Since that word was thrown around here tonight, I will throw it around again. Uh, I have presented accurate and factual information, will continue to do so because at the end of the day, I am here for our students, our staff, our faculty, and this is my home. I live here in the high desert. And I challenge anyone that does not to get to know our high desert and our families in our community and learn what we're all about up here. And learn to listen to our peers that live here that are on interview panels and give the recommendations for whatever candidate
170it is. And with that, I thank you, President Sodto. >> Thank you, Trusty Cross. Trusty Stewart. >> Uh well, first thing I like like to say I want to thank um Eek Eagle Ranch, Vic Victor Victoria McMo Gath Gathan and Ted Ted Vic for the fun vis visits I had on Halloween. Uh seeing the kids all dress dressed up was was fun. And the staff staff too. I like like the way the offices have themed um cost costumes. Um I did want want to share a goal of doc doc Dr. Walk Walker which I really liked. Um it's part part of her f first object objective which which is to en enhance student student uh achieve achievement and e equity and her plan is to t target target though those kids who are in the
171the stand standards not met or in in the red to help them get higher. I've worked in dis district districts where where I've worked with with kids in small small groups and the target target was always the above bubble kids the kids near stand standard and to help them reach you know stand standard met and to have the idea to reach those kids who who are strugg struggling at the bottom which is most of the time found foundational skills that just weren't weren't learned. I think is a great idea because it's hard when you are in the upper grade and you have stu students you know who read at a f first grade or kind kinder then you have to diff differentiate and all this stuff but I I think you know to shrink that
172bot bottom tier of test test scores I think is a great I idea and I also want to share that when I first joined the board I had no idea sorry I almost turned off my thing you know what to expect so I learned on the fly one one of the things that I learned the main thing I learned is that yes you have a a board of you know five trust trustees but there is a six member of the board and that's the sup superintendent and she's part of the team. Yes, she's our employee, but she's part of the team. We are supposed to work to together together, you know, to help this dis district function. You know, we we hold one employee response responsible and that's the soup superintendent. Um I have always
173give given past s superintendent attendants the b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b of the doubt. I will expect good good things from from them until they don't. And it just feels like this board is intent on not even allow allowing doc Dr. Walk Walker to fail. Let let alone succeed. They want want her to do her her job with one hand tied be behind her back. She has you know, being a s superintendent, she's got a lot lot of things she ha has to do. Kate catering to the board should not not be her first con concern. And of course
174the these are my own opin opinions of what what I see but I real wish the board would really f focus on the kids and our dis district district. Thank thank you. >> Thank you. Trust of the French. Well, when it starts getting late, I don't know if my glasses or take them off. So, got all these wonderful speakers. I'm just going to say a few things, right? First, I want to say thank you to Dr. Walker for her weekly updates. I really appreciate them. Um, I also want to say thank you to Raider. She sent out some um classroom pictures of pumpkins and these little things from MK. MK is another one of my um happy Um, I love seeing the pictures of the kiddos and what they made, you know. So, that's a
175happy place for me, too. I wanted to start off with a good note and say, you know, uh, shout out to Raider. You know, didn't see her tonight, but I thank you, Mr. H, for being here in her place. It's lovely seeing you. Um, and then I want to get down to something else. Um, sometimes want to stay positive before I bring it on in, right? Uh, I just want to say that when I think about agenda setting, things of that nature, all of these different things, you know, I sometime wonder to myself, what is the difference between, you know, asking a few questions and what's the difference between asking a few questions and then here comes that uh word micromanaging, right? As a trustee, do I ask do I micromanage the the superintendent or
176am I just asking a few questions? I sometimes wonder as superintendent, we oversee one person, right? We oversee Dr. Walker. Um, this board over the last several months when I look at the amount of questions that Dr. Walker is asked to answer after agenda setting. During agenda setting, during the week, especially on the Friday, I say, "Well, I am so confused on how she finds time to make it out to the schools. How does she find time to interact inside the classrooms?" because she has her work cut out for her just answering the 20 40 different questions that she gets and the same questions over and over and over again. I don't know how many times I've heard questions that have to do with the um lottery. What what's the what's that? >> The lottery
177and the coward. >> The lottery and the cow card. The lottery funds. I think that it comes out in the in the weekly updates and then it comes out again and then where did this money go? Where did this money go? She gets phone calls on it, right? She she sends emails out to us. She calls people. She talks about it. She puts it in the weekly update. And then here, for some reason, there's a couple of words I'm not even going to mention, right? Because it's overused. than this last time a certain trustee it was question after question after question after question after question I said well if she spends a day on the agenda if she spend three days answering the questions and then there's the board meeting it looks like micromanagement and
178harassment to me that's how I felt I would like to see her have the opportunity to be able to work with the teachers, the principles. She's doing a whole lot. I don't know when she finds the time to do it. Um, it was very heartfelt the letter that was written today. I do talk to teachers. I do talk to um parents that talk about what a wonderful job she's doing. And tonight, without being able to make decisions about who she wants to put in place, I wonder what that would be called. I don't know maybe how many times this board has to have a governance class on what our role is. We don't run the daily operations of the school district. That is the job of Dr. Walker to oversee the daily operation of Adalanto
179Elementary School District. Wish we would allow her to do it and then we would really see the plan that she has set forth on where we would go with it if she wasn't spending so much of her time answering the questions of three different board members. Thank you. >> Thank you, Clerk. Hire. >> All right. It is an honor to speak with you tonight as we continue continue our shared work of strengthening our school district and ensuring that every student who walks through those doors is supported, challenged, and inspired. As a trustee, I know that our responsibility extends far beyond policy decisions and budget approvals. We are the stewards of the community's trust. Families rely on us to safeguard their children's education. Teachers rely on us to make decisions that allow them to do their
180best work. And our students who are at the heart of everything we do rely on us to create schools where they feel safe, welcomed, and prepared for success. Over the past few months, we have seen remarkable progress. But I also recognize that challenges challenges remain. Whether it is academic recovery, staffing shortage shortages, school safety, or the responsible management of resources, we must continue to confront these issues with transparency, collaboration, communication, and courage. Tonight, I want to speak from the heart. As a board member, I understand that recent district actions have caused concern, frustration, and for some, genuine hardship. Regardless of district intentions, we recognize the impact these decisions have had on our students, families, and staff. And for that, I want to express my sincere sympathy. When we make decisions at the district level, they
181affect real people, children who rely on stability, parents who need clear communication, and educators who depend on thoughtful planning. We know that when our actions fall short of expectations, the trust this community places in us can be shaken. I want to acknowledge the emotions many have of many of you have shared. Your concerns are not dismissed. Your voices are not ignored. Your experiences matter deeply to us. And your opinions matter as well. Our goal has always been or at least I should my say my goal has always been and remains to serve the students with integrity and compassion. That means acknowledging when we could have done better, taking responsibility for our actions and moving forward with a renewed focus on collaboration and CLA care. To our families, staff, and students, thank you for your patience,
182your honesty, and your willingness to remain engaged. I hear you. I value you, and I am committed to rebuilding confidence through any actions needed. Tonight, I want to emphasize three priorities that I believe should guide our work moving forward. We must ensure that every student has access to highquality instruction, early intervention, and enrichment opportunities. Our goal is not simply to recover. It is to accelerate growth and close gaps that have persisted far too long. This starts by properly funding our school sites, trusting that our staff are able to create the environments and cultures for our students. I plead again with this district to distribute the ELOP funding and the lottery funding to our students for they deserve it. launch our Beyond the Bell program without the excessive requirements and purposeful deterrence keeping this program from
183truly succeeding and delivering our students the opportunities it prevailed with the end of last year. Incentivize our teachers to share passions not with hourly but with PDM. Stop outsourcing and stop in and start investing in our staff. Our staff are the backbone of our district, not one person. Investing in their training, well-being, and working conditions is not optional. It is essential. When we support our staff, we support our students. We then can excel in creating a working environment for all those to be successful. I'm aware that our district leadership took their time on agendaizing the AB1200 which will result in delay for those union agreements. I personally am bothered by this despite requests in October. My only hope for the future is that our teams can communicate more effectively to prevent this kind of delay
184in the future. Our schools are strongest when families, educators, and community members work together. We must continue fostering open communication, inviting diverse voices to our table, and making decisions that reflect our community shared values. In closing, I want to thank everyone who contributes to the success of our students. the teachers, the administrators, the support staff, the parents, and the community members, and to our students. Your dreams, determination, and potential are the reasons we are here. You inspire me to keep striving for better. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we work to do better for every student we serve. In closing, I want to wish everyone who is still here a happy Thanksgiving and those who are present, please drive safe
185getting home tonight. >> Thank you, Clerk. I I won't be able to match that, but uh I was going to say some things um that were brought up, but I'm not even we don't have time. >> Sorry. >> No, you're good. I just I have a lot to say about what's being said. Um but I'll just say this. Um this board myself has been very supportive with our only employee. I mean we've never had regular check-ins provided to our superintendent. I initiated that so that I can check in with our superintendent, provide support, ask how does support look like to you from me? I've done that. I've taken steps to show that I'm willing to support our superintendent. Um, so we're doing everything that we can. All the questions, all of this, you know, we're
186doing too much. It actually helps us as trustees to understand why these decisions are being made. That's our fiduc fiduciary responsibility to make sure and understand um what's being done, how things are being done. Um, you know, I we the board trustees can ask as many questions as they want and becomes a problem, then we talk about it. I know there are school districts that actually have a board policy that state, you know, if there's if this takes amount a certain amount of hours for staff to get back to you, then, you know, there's a certain process. So, I'm open to having that discussion as well. But for to say that we're asking too many questions, I mean, that's our role. How can I'm new here as well. How can I understand as a trustee
187what's going on if I'm not asking questions. Um it also reminds me when I ask questions about the budget. I never ask question. I've never you know when we're going to approve something major like the budget and I had 18 questions brought it down to 14. I you know I want the public to understand that was a problem when the board is being asked to approve a hundred $200,000 a $200 million budget what is $225 million budget with um we have to understand what we're approving why we're approving it and that became a problem I got a call saying that it's too much how is that too much. There are people, we have staff who can support. I mean, I'm always asking, do you have someone who can support you? I mean, there, you know,
188we're not micromanaging. We want to make sure that everything is being run right. And that's just asking questions. As a board, we just ask questions. So, anyway, I got off topic, but um I just want to recommend that we consider moving the uh board reorganization to Friday, December 12th. We'll keep our regular board meeting as scheduled on December 9th. But if we shift if we shift the real work, it that just gives us more time to complete several board policies that require both a first and second reading. For example, as you all are aware, in the beginning of the year, my intention was to hopefully put in a vice president um on our board. So, this includes creating the vice president role and the legislative representative role. So we'll have everyone will have a role
189essentially. Uh these are important uh governance updates and completing them before the reorg just ensures that we're aligned and that we're just operating with you know the proper procedure. Um this is something that the board has done in the past and I'm bringing it forward transparently tonight um so we can plan appropriately. Second, I did want to clarify. I I want to thank Clerk Hire for bringing this up. The AB1200 clarification. Um, someone made a comment about it and I've also heard concerns. The board did request AB1200 to be placed on the previous agenda. We did ask for that. Um, staff informed us that it was not yet ready at that time, which is why it appears it's on tonight's agenda. So, I just want the public to know that the board did request this
190earlier cons putting you guys in mind and we do appreciate the staff being bring it forward as soon as it was prepared. Uh, next thing I also want to thank I I would also like to publicly request that Tailion Academy charter renewal be placed on our next agenda item so we may take action in December. Uh, this just ensures uh clarity of process and gives both the school and our community appropriate notice. Lastly, as we head into Thanksgiving week, I want to um wish everyone, our families, our staff, our community a safe and restful holiday. I'm grateful for the hard work that goes into serving this district, and I appreciate everyone's continued comm commitment to our students. Uh we still have important work uh ahead of us, but I'm confident we are moving in the
191right direction. Thank you all, and I hope you have a wonderful evening. Moving on to superintendent reports. Dr. Walker, >> I have something that I want to say since your your questions weren't directed at me. Are your answers? >> They were just general, but if you have a comment, go ahead. >> I do. So, um, what I was referring to, I was referring to it says that the California governance standards, including CSBA governing corps, are clear that trustees must avoid overstepping into the superintendent's work. uh maintain appropriate boundaries, respect the superintendent's time and capacity, avoid behaviors that create a difficult or hostile working environment. So, I do think that we need to talk about as a board how much time that the superintendent is spending um answering and she her staff is also working. I
192tr I truly believe that her staff is supporting her as far as working on some of the questions that she's being asked. So, I think that we do need to look into how much time is being spent on all the questions that she's being asked because when I looked at it, I said to myself, there was a lot of questions that was being asked on the 14th. So, how was she supposed to answer all these questions on the 14th and here it is that we have the board member meeting coming up on the 18th. So, I do think that we need to look at how many how many hours she's spending answering all these questions. I would agree her and her staff. >> Thank you. >> Trusty Cross, did you want to ask? >> Yes.
193Thank you. Just for clarification purposes, as a board, we get the draft agenda late Thursday night. The agenda is published 5:30 Friday, the next day. So, the questions that we have to generate will be generated late Thursday night. If we stay up till midnight, send them in as early as we can Friday morning. It would be helpful if we received a copy of the draft agenda perhaps on a Wednesday. President Sto uh that we can then generate our questions. And for example, of some of the questions, when I see an agenda item that says Adalanto Elementary Unified School District with a former assistant superintendent in the memo, that's completely wrong. As a trustee, I cannot approve such an item because we are not the Adalto Elementary Unified School District. So, I will continue to ask
194those questions for clarification and for correction uh as long as I am on this board because it is important that as a board we approve items that are factually correct, grammatically correct, and correct in every other aspect, especially if it's dollar amounts. But again, I would ask that potentially we look at getting the board agenda draft before Thursday night so that no one can say I don't have time to answer these questions by Friday afternoon. Thank you. >> Uh good points, trustes French and trusty Krauss. Thank you for sharing that. All right, we'll move on to the uh superintendent uh reports and announcements. Dr. Walker. >> Thank you, President Sto. Um, I believe I gave my report earlier and so I would just like to end with a short video. If we could play the
195video head into our Thanksgiving break, we want to take a moment to reflect on the many ways our district has come together this season. We added a special twist to our regular leadership meeting by inviting the Freedom Writers Foundation. Through meaningful activities, we pause to reflect on our students experiences and remember the heart of why we do this work. Standing in their shoes and reading lines that spoke to us was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about decisions. It's about seeing the humanity in every child and choosing hope each day. We were delighted to see that Halloween celebrations weren't just for our students, but for adults as well. These moments brought laughter, connection, and a shared sense of fun across our schools. We deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to set up
196classrooms, dress up, and create an experience that was memorable for all. Your effort made the celebration truly special. During our recent site visits, we were reminded of the care and creativity our teachers pour into their classrooms. Every display, every tool, every lesson reflects their deep commitment to engaging students and helping them grow. We were especially excited to welcome members to the second year of our superintendent student advisory council. It was wonderful to see returning members alongside new students as they shared their ideas for making our schools even better. It was inspiring to hear students engage thoughtfully, ask meaningful questions, and recognize the power of their voices in shaping the future of our schools. Our expanded learning programs continue to thrive, giving students the chance to explore their creativity, build social skills, and develop resilience and
197mental toughness through sports and teamwork. These experiences help our students grow not only academically, but as confident, capable young people. May we continue to grow stronger together as a district family. Happy Thanksgiving. >> Thank you, Dr. Walker. On German, you got one minute. Trustees >> Ker I motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Love French. I second. >> Uh roll call. Miss Le >> Tracy Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty ker. >> I trusty le French. I >> trusty Stewart Stewart. I trusty stood >> stood. I The time is 10:29. Where? >> You want me to bedazzle yours?