001[Music] Testing. One, two, three. [Music] Dustin. Okay. One, two. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] test. [Music] test. One, two. Check. One, two. Check. Check. Check. One, two. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Check. [Music] Fantastic. [Music] President Sodto, the time is 5:30 p.m. Thank you, M. Good evening, everyone and welcome. I'm going to go ahead and call the regular meeting of the Alanto Elementary School District to order. It is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. The time is 5:30 p.m. We're going to get started with roll call and quorum establishment. Miss Le, >> take a note that Trusty Krauss is running late. So is Trusty Leaf French. Trusty Webster >> present. Trusty Stewart >> pre present. >> Trusty Sodto >> Sodto present. We have a quorum established with Trusty Cross
002and Trusty the French running late. Uh before we move on to the pledge of allegiance, I just want to share um something uh before uh for anyone who may not be have been aware last Friday the board did hold a reorganization uh meeting and I was elected to serve as board president. I did want to quickly thank uh Trustee Stewart for her service as board president and I look forward working with all of my colleagues as we move forward together in the months ahead. Uh Trusty Webster, would you mind leading us in the pledge of allegiance? >> Yes, sir. Everybody, please stand. >> Put your right hand over your heart. >> I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under
003God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh, thank you, Trusty Webster. Moving on to re uh proposed additions, deletions, and adjustments in the order of business. Do we have any? >> Yes, President Soto. Item 10.02, the agenda is correct, but we need to amend the contract to say that the services will be for the superintendent only, not her cabinet. And then item 11:02 that was agendaized incorrectly. It should have been under new business and it's falling under um items removed from consent. So we are tableabling that item and we're bringing it back at the next board meeting. >> I'm sorry. Sorry I I missed the sec second thing. >> So the second thing 11:02 is falling under items removed from the consent. It should have been new business. So it's not agendaized correctly.
004So I do have to bring that back and table it for the next board meeting. >> Okay. Any other question? Trusted Stewart. >> All right. Moving on to prop adoption of the agenda. Trustees. Um I'll entertain a motion to adopt the agenda. >> Trusty Webster. I motion to adopt the agenda with the corrections to 10.02 02 and the tableabling of 11.02. >> Okay. There's a motion to adopt the agenda with the exceptions of 10.02 and 11.02. Uh motion by Webster. Is there a second? >> Uh Steuart, I sec second. >> There's a second by Stewart. Is there any discussion? Hearing and seeing none. Go ahead and take the vote. Miss Levy. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster. I. Trusty Stewart. Steuart I, Trusty Sodto, >> and Sodto I. >> Close session declarations. We'll be taking items
0053.02 and 3.06 into close session. Before we do that, we're going to go ahead and do public testimony before close session. Miss L, do we have any speakers? >> Uh, yes. First of all, ADTA if Diane I'm sorry if uh generator is in the audience. >> Okay. Before we do that, um we're going to have uh our clerk read the public comment speaker card. Um, let me pull that up so that um, 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 closed session agenda items only must complete and submit
006an AESD speaker request form five minutes before the meeting is called to order. Public comments will only 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 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
007input on each item to 20 minutes. With board consent, the president may increase or decrease 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 uh Trusty Webster for reading that. Before we get started with public comments, typically um I know in the past when it comes to close session items, it's typically only supposed to be close session items. I know in the past traditionally we've allowed and been uh pretty flexible with that because we have a lot of kids and I've been asked um if we could allow this one last time after the
008reord um I'm open to that if any of trustee objects to that um in which the public comments can speak to any regular u agenda item during this um agenda section 4.01 for close session. But moving forward um um let's um I want to make sure that we do stick to close session items only. Um I do want to make that ex exception for tonight if any trustee objects to that. >> I have no um objection. >> Thank you Trusty Stewart. Do you have any object objections trusty? >> No trusty stood. Thank you. >> All right. Moving moving on to um ADTA representative Good evening, President Stoodto, trustees, superintendent, and cabinet and um people watching on uh on YouTube and audience members. Welcome. It's wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones as
009we begin another school year filled with promise. First, a heartfelt welcome to our newly elected board officers. We're grateful for your willingness to step into leadership, to give your time and talents, and to help shape a strong future for our schools. Your perspective, energy, and dedication will be invaluable as we work together for the success of every student. This season always brings with it renewed sense of possibility, fresh notebooks, new ideas, and the excitement of new opportunities. And at the heart of those opportunities are our teachers. I want to shine a light on something that is sometimes overlooked. Our teachers qualifications not only to teach the core subjects but also to lead our extracurricular programs. These are educators with the training credentials and real world experience to guide students in music, athletics, STEM, debate, drama,
010and so much more. More importantly, they bring a passion for mentoring that reaches far beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities aren't extra for our students. They're places where confidence grows, friendships form, and talents are discovered. That's why it's so important we keep the these opportunities in the hands of our own staff. Our teachers already know our students, understand our community, and share our values. We shouldn't outsource these valuable jobs to people who may be skilled, but who don't have the same connection, history, or commitment to our kids. When we keep these programs inhouse, we ensure quality, consistency, and care that simply can't be matched by someone coming in from the outside. So, let's commit to investing in our own people, the ones who already go above and beyond every day, both in the classroom and after
011the final bell rings. Let's give them the resources, the recognition, and the trust to continue leading with our extracurriculars with excellence. Because at the end of the day, our kids don't just need someone to run a program. They need our people, our teachers, our mentors. Let's keep these opportunities where they belong, right here at home. Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you. Any representative from CSEA? >> President Sodto. I have Diane Lynn if she's in the audience. Good evening, President Sodto, trustees, superintendent Dr. Walker, cabinet, classified staff, certificated staff, and all others present and on YouTube. I would like to congratulate Dr. Dwison for her new position and know you will truly be missed. You've always been professional, down to earth, truthful, and always here for the students. I know you will be a great asset
012for San Bernardino City Unified School District as their assistant superintendent of human resources. On another note, we are looking forward to the outcome of being at impass. We CSA have an appointment to meet for mediation on September 12th. We all hope we can come up with a compromise. Also, we are also anticipating to negotiate our compensation job description study with results the human company gathered. We are hoping we will receive good news when it's completed. Thank you for allowing me to speak and have a great evening. [Applause] >> Thank you. Any audience members? >> President photo. We have Dolores Williams. [Applause] Good afternoon, trustees. Trustees stored and the French isn't here, but thank you for always putting our children first. I am here to speak on millionaire mind kids contract. The first thing I wanted
013to do is set the record straight for June 24th meeting. At the June 24th meeting, concerns were raised about the millionaire mind kids program. Trustee Sodto, you abstained I'm sorryain from voting. seeking more information. Tonight, you'll hear directly from parents who trust you to shape their children's future. Your vote affects over 7,000 AES students. Let's make sure it's informed and rooted in truth. As far as the budget, Miss Jolly questioned Millionaire Mind Kids increases in funding from 364,400 to $525,000 for the 2025 2026 school year. That increase reflects expansion to another school and 30 more students. Quality STEM education has a cost and every dollar every dollar we get supports hands-on learning. As for the claim that we received a million dollars to uh provide summer programming, that's false. We were allocated $164,160 to serve
014600 students. If more funds were attributed to our company, we welcome transparency and clarity and we would like to where that money went. As far as teachers collaboration, Miss Jennifer Rder raised concerns about teacher involvement. Let me be clear, we did not come to replace the teachers. We are partnered with AESD to deliver a dynamic STEM experience. Our young instructors were trained and supervised. We value our educators deeply and aim to complement them, not to compete with them and not to compete with their work. because we can't. Why does this matter? Millionaire Mind Kids provide students with access to robotics, coding, engineering, AI in ways that speak, spark curiosity, and build confidence. Let's not have misinformation derail a program that's changing lives. Let's focus on what truly matters, giving our students every opportunity to thrive.
015Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our children. [Applause] >> Thank you. Uh, any other speakers? >> President Sodto, the board calls on Regina Bell. [Applause] Good evening board members, superintendent, and community. Millionaire Mind Kids was founded in 2005 with one goal, to open doors of opportunity for young people in the high desert. Over the last 20 years, they have grown into an award-winning academic support and enrichment program with a proven track record. Their work has served approximately 10,000 students through their summermies. It's engaged more than 2,000 parents through their parent university and most relevant tonight partnered with Atlanta Elementary School District to directly serve 1710 AES students across five schools from 2021 through the summer of 2025. Millionaire Mind Kids brings more than just activities. They bring measurable impact
016in STEM, robotics, artificial intelligence, and parent engagement. Areas where AES students and families need and deserve excellence. They bring data, awards, and national recognition. They bring parent participation at a level most programs simply cannot achieve. Given this, I must ask, why would the district not want to continue a program with clear evidence-based results and a proven ability to strengthen the partnership between school and home. Why would you step away from a resource that is helping your students succeed not only academically but in life skills and confidence? If if hesitation exists, I hope it is not rooted in politics, personal disagreements, or misinformation. Decisions about our children's education should never be clouded by rumors, personal vendettas, or the pursuit of influence. When that happens, the real cost is paid by our students. We are not here
017to win a political battle. We are here to win the future for our children. The question before you is simple. Will this board act in the best interest of the students and families you serve? Tonight, I urge you put our students first. Set aside anything that distracts from their growth and success. 30 seconds. >> Renew the millionaire mind kids contract so that together we can continue to prepare ASD students for the opportunities and challenges of the future. This decision tonight will show whether this board truly puts children first or politics first. The community is watching. I want to thank you for your time. Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> President Soda, I just want to bring to the attention that Trusty Le French has joined us at 5:47 p.m. Our next um speaker is Joshua
018Johnson and a group of kids that will be joining. Don't mind. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. Um, my name's Raaya Brown and I'm here for robotics. I came from Westside Park. I was a fifth grade student. I've been here since I've been in robotics since I was in second grade. I was the first second grader in here. It really hurts me to hear that that they're trying to get rid of the program that has helped me a lot in this community. I would not be the person that I am today without robotics. They not only help me with the knowledge that I know, but they also help me with social skills. Every day after school, I look forward to going into robotics. Every day I asked my mom if I could stay at robotics instead of
019going home. Robotics has helped me make new friends and have better social skills for life that I will need in the future. It really it really hurts me to hear that they want to take it away and I'm really sad that that's probably going to happen and I really don't want that too. I love being at robotics and has helped me a lot for the future and right now um I would say as Raaya's mother I definitely seen an increase of her social skills of her talents and everything that she possesses as a student today she not only has increased in her mathematics her science and her language arts. She's just a better person in general. Having that after school program has not only taught her, you know, she's the only child, but it has
020not only taught her to be social, it's it has also taught her to just be a smarter individual. And we really appreciate the um program. [Applause] Hi guys, my name is Blake. Um, I am I was a part of the robotics program. I am here to talk about the robotics program. It's makes me sad that one of the like places I used to go every day is getting taken away because as one of the only child I used to be bored in the house all day. I didn't know what to do until I went to robotics. used to I felt like I really had a family because they used to really take care of me because my mom used to be at work and she could have picked me up and she didn't want me
021to stay at home alone. So, it really just makes me sad that like y'all are even having this thought of taking the million kids away and it's just like yeah um that's all I have to say. Hello, my name is Joani Garcia. I'm an engineer. I'm I make $100,000 a year. I'm intelligent and funny. Robotics has helped me a lot with my homework and just making friends and building robots and coding. So, Mr. Sodto, could you please give us the uh program? [Applause] Good evening to the board as well as the audience members as well. I'm here not just as representation for the STEM robot STEM robotics program, but also as representation for the millionaire mind kids. I've been in attending these programs ever since I was around 13 in 2022. And I believe that
022these programs, not just the Adalanto after school program, but also the ones that they provide during the summer as well, they provide many values to a lot of the youth. Being able to show a lot of these programs to not just, you know, the younger kids, but the older ones as well. And being able to provide um and give an idea for future career opportunities. I was able to interact with a lot of people and make a lot of connections. I was able to um just to um connect with some of the people they showed us such as um those from the ACE Academy and just being able to network with a lot of great people and it gives me an idea and kind of like a sense of what I want to do in
023the future. And a lot of other a lot of other kids as well could probably probably agree as well is that they have these goals and and values in mind of what they want to do in the future and just show that they're more than just um you know just a kid but you know an aspiring person that you know they have a career path set to. and I was able to figure out what I wanted to do in the future, such as being able to attend the law and justice program, giving being given the opportunity to overcome my fears and being part of like the mock trials and being able to just speak out in general. It has taught me lots of things and I was glad that I was able to attend these
024programs every summer. Um, I'm now coming close to graduating high school and being able to, you know, attend these things and having them part of my life as well because they're not just extracurriculars. They're something that I'm extremely passionate about. And I'm I'm sure many of the people who attend the after school program at Adelatto as well, um, they could say that it's helped them as well. They were able to grow with one another and kind of get a sense of what they want to do in life. So, I believe that this opportunity that being able to be directly involved with the school district is something that they might never receive again. And a lot of people maybe outside of like the high desert, they don't get these programs either. And I'm glad to see
025that there's a lot of children who are passionate about, you know, the STEM robotics. So, um, thank you for your time. [Applause] Hi, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. Um, my son Joshua have um ADHD and he have a hard time focusing but robotics um with him with this he focused um it gave him a passion even gave him the idea to enter the science fair which he won first place at Colia. He made it to the county and it was all because of robotics. It challenged him. It made him and it gave him an opportunity to make friends. Um gave him self-esteem by him walking into the power of greatness. And this um program gave my son a future where he want to be an engineer. Thank you for allowing me
026to speak. [Applause] Hi, my name is Joshua and personally I feel like that the robotics program has helped me learn more stuff than just any school by itself on top of more ideas to help me learn and progress in life for things I would like to do in the future. um for programming and building stuff to help in day-today life like for the science fair uh I like to build. So I built something that would help to dayto-day life like uh a hydraulic robot arm that could maybe in the future evolve to be a prosthetic for people that can't really use their arms anymore. So, in the future, I would like to just grow from now on. And I feel like uh robotics has really helped with me growing and help me uh with school
027time, being able to do more stuff in robotics on top of learning um top of learning um robotics, coding, and building. And I feel like continuing down this path will help me grow more than I already have. [Applause] Um, hi, my name is Dio and this is the reason why y'all should not um cancel the Millionaire Mind Kids. The Millionaire Mind Kids taught me a lot and for kids in the future, they'll probably be in it and learn more. Um, I want to be like a AI technologist for cuz I make AI videos on YouTube and a bunch of people likes it. And um, and Millionaire Mind Kids taught me a lot. Even my sister loved it. She's in it and she loved it. It was great for her. I came here last year to
028see what it was like. It was perfect. I liked it so much that I wanted to attended it again. It seems my sister. She wanted to come. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. My name is Luis Salana. Um I'm here to represent Million Mind Kids as a whole because we all have the same thing to tell you guys. Uh we want you not to cancel the Millionaire Mind Kids. Thank you for your time. [Applause] >> Hello trustees. My name is Sierra Lambert and I'm um I'm a private pilot because of this um organization. They've literally watched me grow and I appreciate every step of the way. There's not many programs in this world where they will provide you funding and information that you need for careers that don't even feel possible. I'm going to be so honest.
029I never thought I could be a pilot a day in my life. I never knew how. And this program has showed me exactly how and how it's possible for people that look like me, who are female, who are black, who any anybody, any anybody, any ethnic group can do it. And it's possible. And this club has showed me. And I it means a lot for me. And I've watched it grow and I want to watch everyone else grow. And continuing that funding would provide these kids more opportunities. Thank you for your time. >> Good morning board members and uh trustees sto. My name is Corey Amore. I am a representative of the Millionaire Mind Kids Aviation Club um within the program. I received my private pilot certificate by the FAA at 17 years old. That
030would not be possible that would not be possible without the Millionaire Mind Kids. I would not be wearing these wings today if it weren't for the Millionaire Mind Kids. I'm uh given the opportunity to see teach some of these young kids as a private pilot certificated um member of the club and it's been a great opportunity so far. So, thank you guys for letting me talk. Have a great evening. [Applause] >> Hello. Good evening. My name is Cassandra Woods. I have an active domestic violence restraining order. I'm taking a big risk right now and I want you guys to understand this. But I will not stand by and let you cut a program to help my kids out. Do you understand me? They showed them dignity. They showed them integrity, strength, and courage. And I'm
031taking a big risk being here. But I will stand by my kids. Do you understand? I'm very disrespected by your decision. You didn't get two sides of the story and I don't appreciate that. So, I'm trying to call my cool right now and tell you what you're doing is wrong and I hope you reconsider your decision. Thank you. Okay. Hi, my name is Oh, okay. Hi, my name is London Rain and I never knew about robotics much until I moved to Atlanta from Coloulton, California. And I've been at Millionaire Mind Kids for about four years now. And honestly, I've learned so much from them that I started up my own tech company and it's been one of the best parts of my life to be honest. So, Mr. So you were at millionaire mind kids
032recently and asked the what we needed in adalanto and this is what we need a mind transfer um transformational institution that teaches students so many skills that students like me will take it run with it and pay it forward within our community. Thank you. Hello, my name is Celia Turner and over the summer I've had the privilege of being a part of the millionaire mind kids program. I've learned skills that will last me a lifetime and Mr. Dolores has taught me so much on how to dream big, think smarter, and believe in what is possible. She doesn't just tell us that we are going to have a great future. She teaches us how to build it right now. In this program, they teach us how to set goals, work as a team, and manage money.
033In Millionaire Mind Kids, I know that my voice matters. I know that my future matters and it is in my own hands and also my ideas matter. In Millionaire Mind Kids, it has taught me how to be successful and how success doesn't just happen someday. It's you need to build it right now, every day. not only has it taught me skills, but it has locked the it has unlocked the leader inside of me. I was able to build a robot for the first time in my entire life, but I wasn't able to build one robot. My group was in charge of building two different kinds of robots. And we actually made a speech on it that that around that same day. And we built that robot in one week. That takes around a year to
034do. So, please don't shut down this program and make other kids like me lose opportunities like this. [Applause] Good evening you guys. My name is Aubber Duplushan. Um I joined the Millionaire Mind Kids around 2012. Um and I've actually had the opportunity of being able to work there as an adult. Um being able to still see how she's impacting these children's lives in the high desert. There's nothing like it. She's so uplifting and positive and these kids really really need something like that out here. So um to turn your backs on this um program, it would be a just service to our community. [Applause] Good evening board member, superintendent, and community. My name is Miss White. This is my daughter. She's following me around. I'm a proud parent of two children in the Atlanta school
035district, and I currently serve as the project manager for the Millionaire Mind Kids After School program. I live in Atlanta in region five represented by trustee Miss Webster who also voted no to the contract June 24th of 2025. Millionaire Mind Kids is more than just a program. It is a model of standards of excellence and a testament to resilience when challenges arise. This program has positively impacted hundreds of students across Atlanta schools, including my own children, changing the way they see themselves in their future. I also want to briefly address comments made during June 24th meeting by public speaker Jennifer Rder, as well as some of the broader misconceptions about our staff. For example, board member Miguel Sto at just 24 years old serves on this very board without being diminished by his age and
036rightfully so. Likewise, many of our team members are students, graduates of Victorville College and institutions, earning degrees in education and other fields. This experience combined with their passion allows them to connect with our youth in a powerful relatable way. As a project manager, I present on our program sites every single day this summer. I was there showing up. I made sure we had strong collaboration with the STEM teachers, principles, and school officials. Many school staff chose to set aside unused kits and materials because they were so impressed by the professionalism, organization, and engaging robotics curriculum our young leaders brought to the table. Several recommended that millionaire mind kids be present all year round. Let me be clear. We did not hijack any program. We became we came prepared aligned with AESD own standards including positive
037behavior intervention and support which all of our staff are trained in. Our training also includes mandated reporting, food handler certification, management skills, workplace harassment prevention, and more. We are far from untrained and unqualified. We are committed, prepared, and deeply invested in in the success of Atlanta students. I urge you to recognize the value of Millionaire Mind Kids and the difference it makes in the lives of the children and the parents. And I'm speaking and speaking of the question of our organization and the discriminatory language that was used toward young professionals in the in the workplace. I have a question for Miss Webster. My son attends Westside Park, which currently has the lowest cap scores in the high desert. Why is it that the program like millionaire mind kids? We got a vote from you no
038for no support. Even though we teach multiplication, introduce students to high career pathways and provide engineer education at the highest level imaginable. We serve students who might otherwise never have access to the program. and the trustee Miguel Sto. I am employed by this program at my young age while raising two children in this district. Have you ever attended any of our events? Have you reviewed the data from our yearly audits that we pass with flying colors? And to the parents that's sitting out here in the audience, I want to remind you that we hold the power to vote for the board of trustees. Those elected to serve do not if they don't have our best interest in our children. Hear me now. We must ask ourselves why are they in these positions. Know your region.
039Know your trustee and hold them accountable. >> Good evening. My name is Kayla Kelly, also known as Miss K. I am located in region five, the largest region. I am proud to be an employee of Millionaire My Kids, an educational and and personal grow growth program dedicated to empowering students. I'm not I'm not here only as an employee, but as someone who's personally witnessed the profound impact this program has had on children academically, emotionally, and social growthly. In just a short time, I've seen students transform. Children who once struggled with confidence, learning, and participation are now thriving. I've had the privilege of working at Atlanta Elementary School where I've watched young minds expand solving problems, engaging in more activi activities. Teachers had even adapted our strategies in their own classrooms, creating a ripple effect on
040positive change. Removing this contract will not only affect the students, it will also impact their families. I've heard parents say they've seen remarkable changes in their children in such a short time. I've had students tell me that I've helped them see themselves in a new light. They've thanked us for our patient and for giving them a safe space. >> Okay. >> All right. So, um, typically the board gives 20 minutes per agenda item. I know we have a bit of speakers today. I'm willing to give three minutes extra if the board if there's any objections. Trustee Webster, do you object? I do not object to the three minutes. >> Trusty Lef French, Trusty Stewart. >> I do not. >> Okay, we can continue with comments. >> Good afternoon everybody. My name is >> I'm so
041sorry. I'm just passionate for this program. I had my speech here, but after hearing everybody, it just shook me how you guys are sitting there and not voting for our children's. They come first, not adults. We already went to school. They They need this. They deserve this. They deserve this STEM program. They They don't get anywhere offer for free. And is the only where it's the lowest poverty. You don't see none of this programs in this community. And I live here. I'm in region five with you, Miss Webster. So, make the change. [Applause] My name is Isabelle Navaro. I'm a proud employee of Millionarion Mind Kids Instructional Aid sering both West Park and Island Elementary School. Every single day I walk into work with purpose, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility. Not just to
042help with homework, but to change lives. My experience working with Million Mind Kids has been nothing short of life-changing. Every day I grow not just as a mentor, but as a human being. I share tears, laughs, and powerful moments with students who just need someone to believe in them. I've watched shy students blossom into leaders eager to help them help each other and their peers with their progress. These children have taught me that showing up fully with compassion, consistency, change everything and I carry that lesson with me every single day. This program is not just optional, it's essential. Thank you. [Applause] >> Hello everyone. My name is Mr. Alvarez. I'm an employee of Millionaire Mind Kids. Now, Millionaire Mind Kids is a mind transformational program. We do not just teach them STEM and multiplication. We
043teach them important life skills that they'll take into their adult lives, into their careers, into their college lives. This program helps our students and our communities and our families. Do not take it away. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Eduardo. I have four kids that go to Atlanta Elementary and Columbia Middle School. This program has made their grades behavior go up charts. Please don't take this uh program away from our kids. [Applause] >> All right. Do we have any other >> I just want to say one thing. I don't know if you heard it yet, but these kids want to come to this program. That's super rare. It's not something that they're being forced to do. They're actually My daughter's waking up at 7:30 in the morning on a summer summer morning. every day wanting
044to come to this program. I'm telling her, "Are you sure you want to do another week?" Yes. Like, she's not there to hang out with friends. I went I went three hours her very first day just to make sure they're not hanging out. It's not no no club. They're not just, you know, playing. They're actually learning and they're enjoying it. And that's all I want to say. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Hi. Hi. My name is ISIS. Our time for public comment is is done. >> But we did hear you guys. Thank you for coming. >> All right. Moving on to section five of the agenda. Recess to close session. >> Yes. >> President. So I still have other for close session items. >> Close session items. >> The board calls on John Pinkerton. Hi
045board. Congratulations, President Sodto on your uh appointment to the board and that was amazing seeing all these young people so enthused about learning and I appreciate that very much. Listen, we you guys got an opportunity to move forward in a powerful way right now. And I hope that your number one your number one priority, board of trustees, is to take care of the people that do the heavy lifting with our young people. take care of the folks that show up day in day out to do the hard work of educating our young people. Now, this district is lags behind all the other the sister districts in this area in wages, in health benefits. And you guys are in a position now to take care of that. You're in a position to make that right. Be
046transparent and accountable. Pay your teachers what they're worth. Those folks that help the assist the teachers, pay them what they're worth. Make sure that their benefits are appropriate. Now, I I retired from Victor Belly Union High School District. You know, that's uh uh your sister school, your sister district here. My benefits, my health benefits, I never paid a dime for them in the 23 years I was there. I know that's not the case here. That's got to change, folks. Now, I ain't pitting one group against another because the teachers take care of the kids. They take care of all the kids. And if there's some way that you can make this happen with this program and make sure that all your people are taken care of the way they're supposed to be, that'd be awesome.
047And maybe some of these people could work full-time for your district. I don't know. But the superintendent could be directed to find a way forward to make sure that your employees got fully compensated healthc care benefits. She could do that by the end of the year. She could do that. If that ain't worth the plotting, I don't know what is. Guys, those are those are important. President, good luck. You got a big job ahead of you, but I want you to know the public is in support of you. I appreciate you. God bless. >> Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Angelique Jolly. Good. Good evening everyone. Everybody in the audience, thank you for showing up tonight. Tonight marks an exciting moment for the AESD school district as we move forward with
048a renewed sense of purpose and unity. As an educator, I have had the privilege of seeing hopes, talents, and potential the potential of our students in the classroom every single day for the past 20, 30 years. With the recent reorganization of our board of trustees, I am proud to welcome Trusty Sodto as our new board president. Trusty Sodto has consistently shown dedication, integrity, and true commitment to listening to educators, supporting families, and putting students first. This leadership change is more than a new title. It's a fresh chapter in our district. One where our collective energy can be focused even more sharply on what matters most, our students. It is imperative that we put our personal feelings and interpretations of what is going on aside in order to allow our students futures to be the focus
049that drives us. This is more than just a ch change in leadership. It is a chance to refocus our energy where it matters the most. Trusty Sodto has shown a genuine commitment to listening to educators, families, and making decisions that truly benefit our kids and that gives hope of what lies ahead. In education, progress happens when we work together. Teachers, parents, administrators, and the board members all playing our part. Under Trusty Sto's leadership, I look forward to strengthening these partnerships, fostering transparency, and creating an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. From the classroom perspective, I can tell you our students are ready, they are eager, and they are looking forward to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. With this renewed focus from our board, we are stronger in a position than
050ever to help them reach their fullest potential. I also recog these positive steps forward. It is important to um look at the work that still lies ahead. As of today, our cert certificated and classified negotiations have yet to be rectified. It is important that we still work towards the teacher contract that remains unsettled. I am hopeful that with this renewed spirit of collaboration and commitment to open dialogue, we can work together to reach a fair and timely agreement, one that honors the dedication of our educators throughout the district and ensures the stability for our students. This is the moment to move forward with optimism, to embrace positive change, and to remember that our mission is bigger than any one of us. Together, we can give every student in the Atlanta Elementary School District an opportunity
051to thrive. Here's to working together and keeping our eyes on what matters the most, the success and well-being of every single student at AES. Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Lisa Martinelli. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Atlanta Board of Education Cabinet and members of the Adalanto School District families. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. As we gather here, I want to emphasize that enough mudslinging has occurred in our district. It's time for us to put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters. The students, staff, and community of ad communities of Adalanto and Victorville. Our primary goal should always be the education and well-being of our children. They deserve an environment that is supportive and nurturing, free from distractions that stem from
052internal conflicts. To that end, I urge us all to move forward together in a spirit of collaboration. I also want to address the financial implications of our actions. The legal fees listed on the warrant are concerning. As we look ahead, it is crucial to prioritize our resources wisely. We must request a legal and fiscal audit to ensure transparency and accountability. This is especially important now that we have a new leader on the board. These students deserve congratulations for their bravery in speaking for to you today. No one is proposing taking away STEM, robotics or coding. Remember that these programs are also here and teachers are qualified to teach them. The young people who are trained to teach the classes with MMK are paid a very small wage compared to the cost of the program. and
053that has always been my concern. $200,000 is a lot for 30 students, almost as much as an administration, administrative director. Congratulations are in order for President Sodto and Clerk Webster for their new positions. Your leadership brings fresh perspectives that we can all benefit from. Furthermore, I would like to see a request for proposals for legal counsel. This will help us find the best fit for our district, ensuring that we have the support we need to navigate the challenges ahead. Lastly, I must mention to be careful of the peculiar circumstances from our last meeting, the audio issues, and if I would have lost contact through Zoom, would I have been called back? I hope so. So, transparency is key to rebuilding trust within our community. And to Miss Turner, I encourage you to find a new
054hobby. Let's redirect our energies towards constructive dialogue that fosters growth and positivity. In conclusion, let us unite for the betterment of our district. Together, we can create an environment where our students thrive and our staff feel supported. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Jason Turkst. Good evening, President Sodto, board members, superintendent Walker, cabinet members, and audience. Um, my name is Jason Turkers. I'm a labor relations representative of the CSA assigned to that Alento CSA chapter. As you've been made aware a couple times tonight, CSA and ADT are both at impass currently in negotiations. You as a board members have the power to help us out with that. You are the ones that direct the district on how to negotiate. CSEA currently has mediation impass mediation scheduled for September
05512th. I'm hoping that we can come to a resolution at that impass, but if not, we will go to a full hearing. I don't want to have to do that. Every month this delays, our members, classified employees, the lowest paid employees in this district are paying hundreds of dollars every month for health insurance. That needs to stop. Looking at the agenda, you have a lot of items, proposals, contracts that you're approving tonight. One stood out to me and makes me wonder, and that's 10.22. The district is going to contract with a company to provide crossing guards rather than having that work done by employees of the district at a cost of almost $300,000. That's paying the company $34 an hour for each of those crossing guards. Do you think those crossing guards make $34 an
056hour or anything close to that? No. There are a lot of other districts here in the high desert that have crossing guards. I personally, even though I work for CSA, I live in the high desert. I live in Hisperia. Every crossing guard in Hispania Unified is an employee of Hisp. I know a crossing. I used I don't know if they still work there. I knew a crossing guard that worked for his barrier school district that worked 45 minutes a day. So, you can't tell me that this district could not find crossing guards to work for the district rather than contracting out with a company and paying probably twice as much as it would be if the district had done it in house. Please do scrutinize everything that comes across you. Thank you. [Applause] Go ahead.
057Thank you. >> The board calls on Mayor Williams. President Sto, members of the board, Superintendent Walker, students, family, friends, and others. Good evening. I am V Williams, a very concerned citizen and an area resident. I'm concerned over a few items of which I will mention a couple today. But first, let me say I stand here in support of CSEA, ADTA and Millionaire Minds Kids. I think we need to support them. Now, my concerns. First, the alleged reorganization of the board with only a few months to go. That is my first concern. Based on the evidence I heard at the special meeting on Friday, it appears as if there may have been an infringement of the American with Disabilities Act when President Stewart was relieved of her duties. In the process of masterminding the removal, it
058appears as if a serial meeting was held. I'm formally requesting that the situation be remedied as you may have violated the Brown Act. Uh sections or 54954.2 54954.5 55 54 95.6 or 5495.6. Maya Angela tells us, "Do the best you can with what you have. But when you know better, you do better. Now you know better. Do not let pride and bad advice guide you." Second, there is an after school program that has been very successful and highly rated and in high demand at AESD that seems to be languishing or need of approval. My understanding is that the program exposes our students to robotics and STEM subjects. This exposure is a requirement in today's economic environment and any opportunity to have our students armed with this type of knowledge is an asset to their growth
059and success in our ever changing economy. I implore you to provide the much needed exposure to the students at Atlanta Elementary School District today so that tomorrow you could proudly say you are instrumental in providing the opportunity as trustees of the district. Your fiduciary responsibility is to put the best interest of the students first. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Next speaker, please. >> The board calls on Tammy Smith. >> Hello. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Um, first thing I want to say, I'm speaking for myself. I'm a resident. Um, again, speaking from that, another thing I want to point out, I really am speaking for myself. I sit out of here meeting after meeting and I'll hear some speakers come up and say we feel this and it'll be some heinous
060evil horrible thing or we feel this and it's something that doesn't make sense at all or something I could never possibly agree with. So I just want that clear if you're making a statement speak for yourself also. Okay. So I'm speaking for myself and I also want to point out one main reasons I also want to speak is that um you know I'm hoping for a good end to our negotiations. I'm hoping that things go well and things wrap up. Like myself, like most of our teachers, we just want to come to work, be happy, teach our students. We want our insurance. You know, we want to stay healthy. We deserve our cola. That's what we're looking for. So, that's what we want. I also wanted to say, I've heard some really nasty insults and
061I do not agree with them. There are no puppets or fools on the status. I respect everybody up here. Um, I've, you know, again, I have a lot of, you know, nothing but kind things to say and I just wanted that out there. I have mad respect for everyone here. Again, I know you guys are highly intelligent again. Um, and some of you I consider good friends and I just wanted to say that. And so, I myself in the past have engaged in it too. And I just think that we need to be careful with our mouths, what we say, and the things we put out there. You know, we can say things and I'm going to work at that myself. You know, I'm sorry for past behavior. I'm going to work at that. But
062again, we can resolve this. I'm a very passionate person. I'm feel very strongly about what I do. But again, I don't want to hear any ugly, horrible things. Um, I'm glad to have gotten to know you. I again, the hug you gave me the last meeting that meant so much to me. I know you're brilliant. I've seen you. I have nothing but I'm inspired by you. Mr. Sto, I'm trusty president stood. Again, I look forward to someday possibly volunteering for you. I'm glad you're with us in the district. you are going to be missed again. So, I just again what we say and how we say it matters and that's that's what I wanted to leave with. All right. Thank you for letting me speak. [Applause] >> Thank you. Any other speakers? >> The board
063calls on Christine Turner. [Applause] have to put my glasses on. Good evening, Superintendent Walker, member of uh board of trustees, cabinet, executive assistants, IT department, um the students, the teachers, classified, certificated. Thank you for coming out and thank you for the job that you do. My name is Christine Turner as was said and I previously served as board member for the Adalato Elementary School District. I have come here tonight to address a serious allegation that was made during the last regular board meeting regarding Trusty Krauss time as a long-term substitute teacher in a nearby school district. A young woman who was just 11 years old at the time accused him of grooming. stalking and harassment. As mandated reporters, it is crucial that we treat all allegations with the utmost seriousness, even if they date back
064two decades, particularly when they involve a child. I strongly urge you, Superintendent Dr. Walker, to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims. Our primary goal [Applause] is to educate and protect children. And it is a duty of the school district along with its teachers and administrators to provide parents with the peace of mind that their children are safe in a safe environment. Thus, I respectfully ask you to examine these issues and ensure the community that the safety of the children in this district is being prioritized. I encourage any student who hear this message to speak out and report any incidents of harassment to the prop authority. Thank you. I will be back in open session for another comment. Thank you for your attention. Thank you. Just um just so I can make the audience aware
065um typically um just as a refresher, typically we do close session items only in the beginning. Once we come back to open, we'll do open. But this is something that the board um objected to uh today simply because I was asked uh by MMK. Next meeting we will be only doing close session items. U typically it's 20 minutes per agenda agenda item. Um we did go over that u but I'm being a little bit laxed today because it is the first meeting for me as president and as the public as well. So I just want to make sure the next meeting um that I will be enforcing ensuring that we will uh public comment during close session is close session public comment only. But that being said we'll continue. Do we have any other speakers?
066President Sodto, I do have Lauren Benson and she is speaking on a close session item 5.04. Good evening once again, Trusty Sodto, trustees, cabinet, people in the audience, and on YouTube. My name is Lauren Benson, and I've been teaching in the Adalto School District for 20 years. I'm here speaking once again I will continue to be here so long as Mr. Krauss is here and the corruption continues between Trusty Sodto Webster and Krauss. Trusty Sodto, let's be real. If you really wanted to change things up and make it fair, you guys would have elected Webster. Trusty Webster, it was really her turn. But I suspect you have political motivations that have pushed you and that's why you've been able to sell yourself and uh get moved into this position. We all know it's not the
067best time. We know for those of you that missed last Friday, we do organization meetings, reorganization meetings for the board in December. Um, but they decided to shake this up and do this now. Trusty Sodto did. Um, against better judgment and um, knowing that we're on the fourth day of school. It was the second day of school then. And of course, I spoke then that we had many other issues going on in the district that were much more important than getting a name or a placer that says president. um reorganizations. Uh sorry, it already happened in December. Um we had no real basis for you to do this reorganization at this time as Trusty Stewart was doing her presidential duties and following your board bylaws, which I assume you know by now. She had given
068an excellent job executing her job as or done an excellent job executing her job as president. You talk about transparency, but I'm seeing an awful lot of extra spending going on by you, Trusty Sodto. Just know I've made a public request for records because I see you're probably at about $22,000 and I think your spending is 10,000 for the year as a board member. So, we'll get back to that, but that's just what I found in the board docs. Uh, I also want to question why you are staying extra days at a conference in Las Vegas, which is drivable. when a conference ends on the 11th. You shouldn't be using our public funds to stay an extra night in Vegas. Little suspect. Um, so just know that I'll be coming with all those cow card
069receipts when I've received my request. Um, I notice Mr. Krauss is not here and I want him to notice that I'm here with no apologies. I have none for you. I know the ludicrous things that you wrote to me and said to me, you know that they're lies and they're absolutely ridiculous, so there's nothing you can do with them. And as I told you before, I don't take kindly to threats. So, know that I was hoping you'd be right there to maybe look me in the eye for once. Hasn't happened yet. The truth is on my side, and I will continue to speak out. Um, I'm glad to see that Miss Jolly showed up tonight so that I can say to her face how disgusted I am and many of our teachers that you would
070victim shame. >> Can we stop the time, please? >> You would victim shame someone that you've never met or spoken to. >> Miss Benson, >> you don't speak for the teachers here. I have 18 seconds. Thank you very much. to direct your comments to the board, not to members of the >> Okay. Well, I was going to be done now anyways. Um, and Millionaire Minds Club, excellent program. I've had many students go through it. I support you. I don't know why they would ever vote against you when this is paid through the ELOP program. It does not come out of our general fund. It does not come out of our district funding. It is fully funded and we have no reason not to support an amazing program. So, thank you guys. [Applause] Thank you. Any
071other speakers? >> One last speaker on item 5.05, Miss Corey M. >> We are asking them to >> Good evening, President Sodto, trustees, superintendent, Dr. Walker. I was that girl. I am here again today because Michael Cross is still here. I was 11 years old when he was my substitute teacher and groomed me. What he did was not a misunderstanding. After all, he got fired from Silver Valley School District because of the emails he sent me and the actions he took as a predator. It was deliberate. He isolated me, blurred lines, made me believe his attention was normal when it wasn't. That is how grooming works. It is slow, calculated, and designed to keep victims silent. It has been 20 years, and my voice has only become stronger. His predatory behavior did not stop with
072me. Members of this board are also victims of his manipulation. I cannot understand how after losing a job as a superintendent, he is elected to have a seat here on a school board that gives him access to children. You have allowed a fox to be in charge of the hen house. Grooming isn't just about what happens in the moment. It is how it rewires how you see yourself. It takes away trust and it changes the way you move through the world. When a survivor sees their abuser in a position of power, the message is clear. His reputation matters more than my safety, than the safety of children and other victims. His seat matters more than the truth. Again, I am asking for you to take immediate steps, which includes an an investigation. Have someone who
073is trained in identifying grooming and harassment. Remove him from the board. These aren't radical requests. They are basic safety measures for your students. When I was 11, I couldn't stop him. You can. Your job is to protect children, not predators. If you choose to look the other way, you are not neutral. You are complicit. If this board and community allows him to remain here, you are telling every survivor in your community, every child who has been harmed, every woman who has been harassed that their safety matters less than his seat at this table. And let me be very clear, silence isn't silence, it's permission. Thank you. [Applause] That concludes tonight's speakers. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Le. Moving on to close session. Um, recess to close session. At this time, I'll entertain a motion
074for recess recessing to go to close session. Webster, I a motion to close. >> There's a motion by Webster to go to close session. Is there a second? >> Stewart, I sec second. >> Stewart seconds. Any discussion? Trusty Stewart seconds. Any discussion? Seeing hearing none, we'll take the vote. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster. I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Le French. I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Sodto. I. Motion passes. Um, we're to close session 40. >> The time is 6:43 p.m. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] There we go. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Everything. [Music] Everybody. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] So yeah, hey [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat.
075[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] I feel like you need [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hello. [Music] Ha. [Music] Uh-huh. [Music] Oh. [Music] I don't [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. Come [Music] on. Huh? [Music] Thank you. [Music] Do [Music] you? [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Oh. [Music] all. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat.
076Heat. [Music] That's [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Wow. [Music] H. [Music] Uh-huh. [Music] feel. [Music] Why do Don't. [Music] Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Oh, hey. [Music] Come on. [Music] Oh, hey. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Oh, [Music] heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Wow. [Music] Ha. Hello. [Music] Uh-huh. [Music] I need you. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey you. [Music] Hey. [Music]
077Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] feel. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Check. Mic check. [Music] Mic check. Test. [Music] Open session. The time is 9:27 p.m. Call to order. Miss Le I'm sorry. Roll call and quum establishment. Miss Leave >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss present. >> Trusty Webster >> Webster present. Trusty Lech present. >> Trusty Stewart Stewart present. Trusty Stoodto present. Quorum is established. >> President Sto. Can you also let us know what time Mr. Cross showed up? >> Yes. Yes, I can. I can pull up the text message here. 6 6:58 p.m. >> Trusty Krauss arrived >> and joined us in close session. Um all right. Oh, we need a motion to extend the meeting. Trustees, I'll entertain a motion. >> Trusty Webster, I motion
078to extend to 10:30. There's a motion by Trusty Webster to extend to 10:30 p.m. Is there a second? >> Krauss, I second. >> There's a second by Krauss. Any questions or comments? Any any discussion? >> Seeing and hearing none, we'll call for the vote. >> Jesse Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Webster. >> Webster. >> Jesse Le French. >> Le I. >> Jesse Stewart. >> Stewart I. >> Jesse Sto. Motion passes. All right. Moving on to close session reports. announcements of reportable action taken during close session. In close session, uh in reporting out item 3.04-2024-2025-00001 4-2024-2025-00001. In close session, the book the board took action to to grant ADTA grievant griev grievance number 2024 number slash excuse me hash 2025 through 001 and to authorize a superintendent or design to issue appropriate written notice. The
079votes were as follows. trustees. Um it was um moved by trustee Webster, seconded by trustee Krauss and the eyes were trusty Krauss, Trusty Webster and myself stood. The nos were trusty French trust and trustee Stewart. The motion passed three to two with Trusty Lef French and Trusty Stewart voting no. Moving on to the next item. Reporting out in close session item there's an error online. There was two. Let's see. Oh, the same. So, under the same um item 3.04, 4. We did have two grievances. The next grievance in close session, the board took action to grant ADTA griev grievance number 2024 through 2025 through 02 and to authorize the superintendent or design to issue appropriate written notice. The votes were as follows. It was the moved by Trusty Webster, seconded by Trusty Krauss. The eyes
080were trusty Krauss, Trusty Webster, myself. The nays were trusty le French and trustee Stewart. Motion passed 32 with trusty French and trusty Stewart voting no. All right. Public testimony um for All right. Sorry. Public testimony for items listed on this agenda and non-aggenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the governing board. Uh Miss Ley, do we have any speakers today? >> We do. Our first speaker is Michael Krauss. >> Good evening, members of the board. I speak tonight as I uh a private citizen and not as a board member. I want to make that clear uh this evening. I think we're all well aware of the allegations that are swirling around. I want to let you know that my legal team and I have been very proactive and have reached out to the following
081legal entities. Borderland Criminal Investigative Division: Child Protective Services, California Commission on Teacher Credentiing, Sano County Sheriff's Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the DE Department of Justice, among other agencies. We've been proactively having conversations with them and they are fully aware of what's being alleged and they are fully aware of their duties to investigate. Our team will continue cooperating. I ask for due process because as after all this is America and due process is one part of what everyone is entitled to. This evening you had a former trustee Trusty Turner come up here and it's downright dirty. Tyrone should be ashamed of his wife that she would come up here and intimate that there are other people potentially that have allegations against me. I find this insulting and dirty. She wears the cross of my Jesus,
082but she speaks the words of Satan. And she'll be back up here, I'm sure, to smear more. Little bit of background. Last March, as I was superintendent, I brought about allegations against Trustee Christine Turner at the time to include misuse of fair funds, kickbacks, extortion, blackmail, uh harassment, retaliation, bullying. These are well documented. At the time, the board president, Lo French at the time, refused to investigate. And then when then President B also refused to investigate these allegations against Christine Turner. However, just to let you know, they are before the district attorney and they are reviewing my allegations now since the district chose not to. I have been completely harassed in my family by Lauren Benson before the judge up in Barstow sits a civil harassment restraining order right now for their review. My family
083and I should not live in fear because people want to smear my name and hurt me and my family. It's not fair to us. We have done nothing and we ask for due diligence and due process in anyone that comes up here. You can yell fire in a movie theater. That's your right. But if there are consequences, legal consequences, it will be enforced if there's no fires at the end of the day. Finally, I want to make it clear that we'll continue to cooperate with any investigation, with any agency, but I ask that we start focusing on our kids and our staff and our families, and stop the mudsling, stop the allegations, and stop the harassment of me and my family. Thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? >>
084Yes. Our next speaker is Lisa Marelli. Imagine a vibrant tapestry woven with the brilliant threads of every student, teacher, parent, staff member, and community member in our Atlanta school district. This tapestry, our guiding coalition's plan, shimmers with pro promise, a bold design for a future where every child thrives. It's a masterpiece of collaboration crafted with care and ambition. But tonight I stand before you to say this tapestry, though beautiful is not yet complete. To make it a living, breathing work of art, we must weave in every voice, every dream, and every stakeholder, ensuring our schools shine as beacons of opportunity for generations to come. Our guiding coalition has laid a strong foundation like architects sketching the blueprint of a grand cathedral. Their plan is a lighthouse guiding us toward academic excellence, equity, and innovation. Yet
085to truly soar, we must take this vision further beyond the coalition's table and into the heart of every school site. Picture each campus as a unique garden, each with its own soil, sunlight, and seeds. To cultivate these gardens, we must empower every stakeholder, teachers, students, families, custodians, and community members to plant their ideas, tend their dreams, and harvest solutions tailored for their schools particular needs. The this begins with creating a needs and asset needs and assets assessments for each school. Imagine these assessments as treasure maps revealing the strengths sparkling within our communities and the gaps we must bridge by engaging every voice. Students dreaming of new learning spaces. Teachers envisioning innovative curricula. Parents sharing cultural wisdom. community members sharing their unique gifts. We uncover the gems of our district's potential. These assessments will guide us
086to craft individualized plans for each school, ensuring no child is left in the shadows. Each plan will be a constellation, unique yet connected, lighting the way toward academic success and personal success and personal growth. But our vision doesn't stop there. To sustain our schools in perpetuity, we must plant seeds for a thriving ecosystem. Picture a mighty oak. Its roots deep and strong, weathering storms for centuries. That's the future we can build. A district where resources, partnerships, and community commitment create an unshakable foundation. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? Mr. L. >> Generator. To the esteemed members of this board of trustees, I would like to take a moment to address the topic of Millionaire Minds program currently operating in our district. While I recognize and appreciate the intentions behind their initiatives, it's important
087to re to note that they are presently serving only four of our schools, Westside Park, Colombia, Atlanta, and Morgan Concaid. At the same time, we have highly qualified, credentialed educators already on staff who are more than capable of delivering comprehensive instruction in robotics, coding, STEM, financial literacy, career education, pilot programs, and the development of a positive mindset. These are areas in which our teachers have both the training and the passion to engage students meaningfully. This is not to discredit the work of Millionaire Minds, but rather to advocate for reinvesting those resources, approximately half a million dollars, $500,000, back into our own district personnel. Doing so would enable us to expand these opportunities equitably to all of our schools, not just a select few. Ultimately reaching more of our 7,553 students. That number is noted by
088public schoolreview.com. It's probably pretty close. Additionally, I'd like to raise questions regarding the use of ELOP expanded learning opportunities program funds. What became of Beyond the Bell? When will that initiative resume? The programs currently facilitated by Millionaire Minds could be just as effectively, if not more so, implemented by our district educators, those who understand our students and schools best. With appropriate resources, they can deliver engaging, impactful programs across every campus and they have college degrees and teaching credentials and oftentimes master's degrees. Ultimately, I ask this. If we are unable to fully fund employee health care or raise the compos compensation cap to account for rising costs, effectively resulting in a pay cut for many, then how can we justify spending $500,000 to outsource instruction that our own experienced, credentialed staff can provide? Respectfully, I urge
089the board to consider prioritizing investment in our educators. Empowering them directly ensures sustainable district-wide impact and demonstrates a commitment to the professionals already dedicated to our students every day. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? Miss Lee. The board calls on Angelique Jolly. Hi, good evening. Um, it's been a night, hasn't it? I do want to thank you guys for talking it out up there and um allowing these grievances to be um granted for these teachers. It really does show true um caring of our teachers. So during the close session comments, a public comment was accu was made that accused me and by implication many of my fellow educators of victim shaming. This statement was made in reference to a person I have never met, never spoken to, and
090about whom I have made no public comment about. For the record, at the July 29th, 2025 meeting when I was on at the airport, my only statement regarding these allegations was that this was ludicrous. I couldn't believe it. That they needed a full investigation. Asking for a thorough investigation is not victim shaming. It is ensuring due process, fairness, and accuracy before conclusions are made. Because of the seriousness of the accusation, and because our board meetings are a matter of public record, I respectfully request that my response tonight be included alongside those remarks in the official record, it is important that the record reflects factual accuracy and does not leave such a claim unchallenged. I want to be absolutely clear. I've never victim shamed anyone. Such conduct would be fundamentally contrary to my role as a
091teacher, my professional ethics, and my personal values. I approach every situation with respect, empathy, and commitment to truth. I do, yes, have open mouth insert foot sometimes, but it's not a bad intention. In my experience, it is often the case that individuals who accuse others of certain behaviors are themselves engaging engaging in actions that mirror those very accusations. That's why I believe we must be cautious, measured, and fair when making claims about others, especially in a public forum. Our students and community members deserve to see their leaders model respectful, fact-based dialogue. Disagreements can and should be expressed without resorting to unfounded personal attacks. I guess I'm very popular because I've had a lot of them lately. But I don't take things personal because otherwise I wouldn't be standing here. Moving forward, I remain committed to
092open communication, professional collaboration, and keeping our focus on what truly matters, our students. Providing a safe, supportive, and highly quality education for every single AESD student. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? >> Yes. The board calls on Mara Bradfield. She's online. >> We're going to be asking them to mute now. >> Hello. >> Um, is it my turn as Marlo Schwitzer Bradfield? Yes, we can hear you. >> Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yes, we can. >> Okay, thank you. Good evening. Um, as you know, my name is Mara Bradfield. I'm a teacher at third grade um Morgan Concincaid. Thank you, President Sodto, board teachers, parents, and guests. Um, you know, I love tutoring in the afterchool beyond the bell program. It seemed logical to use the funding inhouse with credentialed, highly qualified
093and teachers trained and experienced in classroom management. And we were also familiar with our students. There were so many options for the students. It was so rewarding. I can see adding robotics and an extensive STEM program is absolutely possible with a lot of interest with staff at every school. So, our staff teachers can do this. We can offer an exceptional program. Um, it seems unacceptable that you're hiring so many outside agencies to replace our qualified teachers. I had the opportunity to observe the program a millionaire minds a firsthand this summer when I was assigned to be the STEM teacher for summer school. I went in with the expectation I'd be managing and doing the program with this with the kits that were purchased and then I was told I would be observing them. So they
094took over the program rather than using the kits that were purchased and I was there highly qualified, ready to go and I was a little bit disappointed to say the least. The millionaire minds employ 20 year olds, no credential, no experience, no degree, no classroom in management, working for minimum wage. So the teachers in this district should be given a priority these programs. And I see the Beyond the Bell program as the perfect opportunity for us to work with you on this. There are a million different options that we can give you and we really do it well. I've been in education 40 plus years and I have never seen a district outsource as much as you do. You please start taking care of your own. If you can't even provide our insurance, then you
095certainly can't afford an outside agency of any kind. But for now, we're willing and able to provide the extracurricular that is exciting, educational, well organized. We are ready and we hope that you will take advantage of what you have within the district without adding others from the outside sourcing. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? Miss L. >> Yes. Um Tia Hello. Thank you for giving me another opportunity to speak up here on Millionaire Mind Kids. Um, I do want to point out that there are many other financial literacy and robotics programs, but Millionaire Mind Kids is such a unique program and it prioritizes independence and confidence. I have seen kids that are afraid of public speaking and talking to new people make vision boards talking about what they
096have planned for their future and become leaders of their groups when presenting in a pro in a project in the program and we present in front of teachers and um not teachers we present in front of um parents and other students in front of the whole class. This program does not only produce kids with successful mindsets, but it produces pilots, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and more. A lot of times when you ask a kid that had just got out of school, hey, what did you do today? A lot of times they'll say, oh, I played tag with my friends at recess. Or they'll say, I forgot. At Millionaire Mind Kids, we are able to explain a servo motor and how it is different than a DC motor and why it is important when building a robot. I
097know that you guys are elementary school district and a lot of people may think that elementary school kids are too young to learn about these types of things, but we had an elementary student from your district become a part of the advanced robotics program with kids from the ages of 13 up to 18 years old. He did not only build his own robot, but he competed in a competition against many other robots who were made by kids almost twice his age, and he won the competition. Just to remind you, this is a five-day long program. Imagine the things that he can accomplish in a year. There are about 30 kids in a millionaire mind kids class. And let me tell you, you won't see not one of them playing around and acting like horses, you
098know, and talking to their friends and falling asleep in class or disrespecting a program leader or one of their peers. Millionaire Mind Kids is 100% against bullying and no one will have to tell us to stay on task. Mores's team encourages us and holds us with such high esteem that there is an automatic level of mutual respect. The kids in this class want to be here and I wake my own mom up every day just so I can be on time and ready to learn for Miss Dolores's classes. Mr. Lor's Mr. Lor's team also encourages us to continuously stand in our power every single day, which means to know who we are at all times and to keep our goals and dreams in mind while making our daily decisions. For example, my name is Tia
099Turner. I am an entrepreneur. I'm a pilot. I'm a pediatrician. And I'm a singer. My name is Tyia Turn. Notice how I use the terms I am and not I will be. I I do own my own business and I am an actor, but I am not a pediatrician or a pilot yet. But I will be. Mr. Dolores is show us. M Dolores shows us we have to see it and believe it to make it a reality. Not a lot of student not a lot of kids and communities have mentors like this to encourage and believe in them. So do not dismiss this program and allow kids like and allow kids like me to miss this great opportunity and to not realize their full potential. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you.
100Any other speakers? >> The board calls on London Rain Asher. The board calls on Cassandra Woods. The board calls on is it Lenicia Ariaga? The board calls on trustee or sorry Christine Turner. Good afternoon again My name is Christine Turner, former trustee of the Adilanto Elementary School District. I am here in support of the Millionaire Mind Kids program to be reinstated in this district for our students. This successful program has been active in our district for years as well as various districts throughout the high desert and southern California. This program provide a wide range of initiative designed to enhance our students education and ensure that they receive a well-rounded experience. It goes beyond traditional academics to address the needs of the whole child. For instance, they offer financial literacy programs that teach children about money
101management, credit history, credit scores, and budgeting skills. There is also a robotic program that many of you have likely witnessed in this very boardroom showcasing how engaged the children's are in their projects. Additionally, the program provides scholarships allowing students to attend college tuition free upon graduating high school. Furthermore, there's an aviation program enabling students as young as 17 to obtain a pilot license. My granddaughter Tia participated in this program in the summer where I got a chance to visit and take a tour of the home building where the summer program took place. These sessions were free of charge and I was very impressed with the performance of the children. I must say that she was thoroughly impressed and excited to attend every session. You heard her excitement. This program is truly remarkable. I please please
102I urge you to pay attention to the voices of our students, the parents and the community and do right for them. Trusty Krauss, I am also here to refute your unfounded allegations about my character. There are untrue rumors generated by you stating that the Millionaire Mind program and other vendors have given me kickbacks. I want to emphasize that I've never received any kickbacks from anyone under any circumstances. And I want to make it clear to you today that if this defamation continue, which I see that it just did, I will have no choice but to pursue legal actions against you for making these claims in your capacity as the trustee of the Atlanta Elementary School District, Trusty Webster. The information shared with the board regarding Dolores Williams during my tenure as a trustee is incorrect.
103You have personally I have personally reviewed documentation that confirm this. Furthermore, Miss William character is being unfairly damaged. It is unjust for a lifelong experiences of children to be affected by this personal matter that has no relevance to them. Please board make the right decision. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? >> Yes. The board calls on Lauren Benson. >> And the last one, the board calls on Cy. >> We are asking them to end now. Trusty Cross, or should I call you Mikey? The last time I spoke, you fled. I am in awe and inspired by the students who spoke regarding millionaire minds. Listening to students speak about their passions and excitement gave me hope that our students are in good hands. when it comes to trusted adults. It also brought up grief.
104Grief knowing they may not ever have a safe space if we get rid of this program. Grief knowing that for the rest of my middle school and high school experience, I had to ask not to have a male teacher because of Michael Krauss and what he did. What if I had a good male mentor? What could I have learned? What if I was not limited to coloring sheets and a pet name? Cheesecake, by the way, is what he called me. What if? What if? What if Michael Krauss was never part of my world? I think about this daily. He was a substitute, only there to be for a month. This is long lasting and so is his seat that he stands at. Again, grooming is not about the moment. It is how you shrink yourself.
105It is how you make you question yourself. It is about you questioning the world that you live in. The world in our district is not safe when it comes to people who takes advantage of children. I should not have to sit here and ask for you to think about your daughter, your niece, your sister, your mother, your aunt, your best friend. When it comes to hearing my story with curiosity, you need to act. It happened and it happened to her at 11 years old. I implore you to do the right thing. Trusty Stewart, I am so sorry that you are a part of this. Them coming after you with a stutter is disgusting. To the brave woman who took a risk and spoke up for her children earlier this evening, thank you for being here.
106to the speaker who hurled who heard my story earlier. Thank you for believing me. President Sto, you're 24. You're a school board president. When I was 24, I was depressed, anxious, and had suicidality because of Michael Krauss. If you believe in mental health, do something about your board. Michael Krauss is not a victim. He's a predator. Thank you. Any other speakers? Miss Le, >> I believe it is telling me there's somebody on waiting room. Is that Mrs. um Benson? >> We have two people in the waiting room, a Donna Smith and a Samsung phone. Now I have Vincent. Yes. We are asking them to unmute now. >> Good evening. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can. >> I It says I'm unmuted. Can you hear me? Yes, we can. >> Thank you. I can
107barely hear you back, but that's okay. Um, I'm just coming back again for a few comments that I didn't get to make earlier. Um, I just want to say good evening again. I know it's very late. I'll try to be quick. Um, for Jennifer Rider, um, with all due respect, I always want our teachers and our staff to get the first chance to do these programs. However, it has been proven time and time again that we cannot offer enough services to all of our kids. There just aren't enough of us and we're not diversified enough. Yes, we are educated, but we can't bring everything to everyone. So, please remember that. To Miss Jolly, the transcripts are there. I didn't get to clarify another falsehood that you spewed that evening about long-term subs. Long-term subs do
108have complete access to our kids and work just as a regular sub, sometimes for an entire year or longer. So, please don't spread spread those falsehoods. To President Sodto, this is not an attack on you. I had high hopes for you for quite some time. Unfortunately, your actions of late have not aligned with your words. I now feel the need to call you to the carpet on those things. I really am about honesty, transparency, and a love for this district and our students. You were sure quick to tell me not to address audience members earlier tonight, but didn't tell Lisa Martinelli not Martinelli not to address members when she insulted Mrs. Turner. So, we need to talk about fairness and transparency in every situation. Also, as president, you should know that you could have taken
109the last young lady that wanted to speak from the Millionaire Minds Kit uh Millionaire Minds um kids club. It's within your right to extend public comments for as long as you see fit. We never want to discourage our brave young people for speaking out. Lastly, I find it interesting that on the agenda tonight that the very people who were so adamant about getting the public back on Zoom are now the ones in a big rush to get rid of it, especially when one of those people continues to be exposed for the person he is through Zoom. Um, for Mr. Krauss, I wasn't going to address you at all this evening, but I look forward to you proving anything that you've said about me. Um, and the lies that you actually have the nerve to write
110down. So, um, good luck with that. Thank you all. I hope you get to go home soon. Have a good evening. >> Thank you. Any other speakers? >> President Stoodto, that concludes tonight's speakers. >> All righty. We are moving on to adoption of the minutes. Trustees, I'll invite a motion to approve the minutes as written and order filed. Regular board meet meeting minutes of Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 and regular board meeting minutes of July Tuesday, July 29, 2025. I invite a motion. >> In respect to time, I motion to table. >> There's a motion by trustee Webster to table. Is there a second? >> Krauss, I second. >> There's a second by Krauss. Any discussion, trustees? Seeing and hearing none, we'll take the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss I. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster
111I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart I. >> And Trusty Sto I. Motion passes unanimously. 50. Consent agenda. We're taking items 10.02 through 10.52. Does any trustee want to pull an item? We'll start with Trustee Webster. >> Yes. Can I pull 1016 10.22 1037 and 1048. All right, Trusty Krauss. Yes. Thank you, President Sodto. 10.02, 10.03, and 10.30. That's all. Thank you. Uh, Trusty Stewart, any items you'd like to pull from the consent agenda? >> Uh, no. >> Trusty Lef French. Uh, for the second time, I was going to pull 10.04, but I won't pull it. All right. So, I'll invite a motion to approve the consent agenda with the exceptions of 10.02, 10.03, 10.6. 16 10.20 10.22 1030 10.37 and 10.48 I'll invite a motion >> Webster. I motion to approve
112the remaining of the consent agent. >> 108 >> 48. So there's a motion by trusty Webster to approve with those exceptions. Is there a second? >> I second. >> Crow seconds. Any discussion? Trustees hearing and seeing none. We'll call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I >> trusty Webster. >> Webster. I. >> Trusty Lef French. >> Le French. I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Sto. Motion passes 5. We're moving on to items removed from the consent agenda. We'll start with 10.02. Trusty Webster. Oh, I'm sorry. I'll invite a motion at this time. >> Webster. I motion to approve and discuss. >> Uh, there's a motion to approve and discuss. We'll discuss and there's is there a second? >> Trusty Krauss I second. >> Krauss sec. Uh trusty Krauss
113seconds. Any discussion? >> No discussion. President Sodto. Thank you. Trusty Webster. >> No comment. >> No >> discussion questions. Okay. I guess then we'll call for the vote. Uh Miss Le >> Trusty Krauss >> abstain. Trissy Webster. >> Webster. I >> Trusty Lef French. >> Le I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart I. Trusty Stoodto. >> Sodto I. Motion passes with Trusty Krauss abstaining. Moving on to 10.03. The next uh item that was pulled. Um at this time I'll entertain a motion. Trustees >> Krauss motion approve. >> There's a motion to approve by Trusty Krauss. Is there a second? >> Webster. I second. >> There's a second by Trusty Webster. Any discussion? Trusty Cruss. No discussion. Trusty Webster. >> All right, we'll call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Abstain. >> Trusty Webster. >> I.
114Trusty Le. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I trusty stood. So I motion passes for 41 with trusty Krauss obstaining. Moving on to 10.16. At this time I'll entertain a motion. >> Krauss I motion to approve for discussion. >> Okay. There's a motion to approve for discussion. Is there a second? >> Steuart. I sec second. >> Okay. Steuart. Trusty Stewart seconds it. Um we'll open up for discussion. Trusty Krauss. I believe Trusty Webster, I'll let her go first. Does she pull this item? President Sto. Thank you, Trusty Webster. >> Yes. Uh, I need some clarification on this agenda item on contract. On the agenda item, it does reflect that we are approving 30 students for $14 per student coming out to 918. Um, this would apply to Atlanta, Morgan, King, Cade, Westside Park, and it looks
115like Creek and then Colia is an additional dollar. Now, when I reviewed the contract, um it actually reflects that elementary schools would be at $17 a day with middle schools being at $18 a day. Additionally, I wanted the dis uh district's um direction because upon review of other uh contracts, we've never frontloaded 50% of the contract. That would mean paying upfront $250,000. Uh can I have somebody speak to that, please? >> Thank you for your questions. Um Trusty Webster, Dr. Dwis. Yes, thank you for those questions. Um, I do want to take uh responsibility. There was an error on the actual board agenda item. Um, so what you see in the contract and actually the total amounts are correct, but the price per student listed at 14, that is incorrect. That's the price you see
116in the contract is what it is. So, I take responsibility for that. Um, additionally, the other question had to do with 50%. Yes. So that is in the contract. Um you'll also note on the paragraph right after that um that there is a positive attendance um when we do uh after school program we have to follow CDE guidelines and those guidelines state that um we operate on positive attendance. So let's say we pay those every month we balance um the attendance and should um the attendance not up where it should be. That money is returned. So that's um part of that positive certification on attendance that we must maintain. >> But is that standard practice? >> It's in the contract. I can say that for this particular organization, we also pay upfront. I'm not I'll
117be honest. I don't have the upfront for the other organization that we have after school. All right. And then uh I know we had issues uh with recovery in the past. If they are unable to make the 30 students per school site, um would we be getting reimbursement for that? >> Yes. >> Okay. And how would that come back to us? Would that be a form of a credit or return of actual district funds? >> It's Hi, thank you for your question uh Trusty Webster. So, as Dr. Dwison had stated, when we do positive attendance, there's actually a reconciliation process that happens within that month. So, this way we don't run into the same issue that we did last year where there was a credit. So as in this particular year at the beginning of
118the year yes there was a credit balance and then as um positive attendance came in that credit balance had actually dropped to the point until we then started paying. Okay. And now with the upfront costs of $250,000 we wouldn't be paying this company for multiple months is my understanding. >> That is correct. Okay. So essentially their services not really making much sense of that. So we're going to upfront cost 250,000 which would be half the the contract for how long? How how long would that cover? So our contract is good for a year. So depending on what the positive attendance would be at that site, it would be calculated out from there. Okay. And what if we don't get the participation like we've we've uh struggled with years past? So even as of last year,
119we actually had uh quite a bit more than what um they had actually built. There was actually an air in the year prior. That's why there was that credit. But since we have that process in place to reconcile that positive attendance then there won't be that. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you trusty. Trusty Krauss. Any discussion? >> No discussion president. >> Okay. Trustee Stewart. >> Um I just really want wanted to to say that I've seen the work of millionaire minds kids and I have been impressed with with with it and any issue that that was brought brought up was reck rectified and I believe that that our kids does deserve for the dis district to to spend el cash if we don't spend spend it it it go goes back to the
120state which makes no no sense our kids deserve the cash every p penny we've seen them we they came and spoke and they spoke brill brill brilliantly so there's no re reason I just I'm sorry all issues that may have come come up they have been solved so um again I'd ra rather spend the cash on the kids than send the cash back to the Thank you, trustee. Trusty Le, >> um I have a few questions. I'll try and run real quick. Um how did this um when did Millionaire Mind Kids first begin working with the district? Dr. Walker, Dr. Tisa, maybe you can answer that question. I'm looking at the exact date. That would be the 2223 school year. Okay. And then how did the district how did this contract or partnership partnership originate?
121Yeah. Um, so, okay. So, this was brought in by a former superintendent. Okay, that's good to know. I, by the way, I'm just, um, asking these questions for the public, so I already have may already know some of these answers. Um, let's see here. Last one. Okay. Have past operational or reputational concerns regarding this organation organization been formally addressed? >> Yes, from my understanding they have all been addressed. >> Okay, sounds good. Um, so it sounds like based on what I'm hearing, there was an official RFP process, something that I'm pretty willing to support. I know that um this was kind of a um abrupt kind of change um in terms of the services that are being provided to students. So um yeah uh Dr. Wer wants to add something. So um there wasn't an
122official RFP process for millionaire mind kids because they were act there was an official process but they switched from the ASUS program to ELO and there was a difference in the reporting. So that's where the error came in initially and the funds had to be returned back because of that error. But other and that that was the only challenge that we actually had with them. >> Okay. So, I'll just >> wasn't even there to do something that was just a recording. >> Okay. >> So, I just want to make it clear for the record and for the public so they understand where I'm coming from. Um the RFP process is very competitive. So, I know that we didn't do an RFP process for the new funds that we're taking from which is ELO. So that
123being said, I'm willing to have this. I'm willing to approve it, but next year it will go to an RFP. Dr. Walker would like to add something. >> So um at this point, because we've had the program for as long as we have, there is another rebidding that we have to go through. So that's it's it's a cyclical process. So they would have to go through that bidding as well, a rebidding for an account to continue for next year. >> Awesome. Thank you for that clarification. Um, all right. Let's take the vote. Miss Le, >> Trusty Krauss, >> I. >> Trusty Webster, >> nay. >> Trusty Le. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I >> trusty stood >> I. Motion passes 41 with Trusty Webster voting no. Moving on to 10.20. At this time, trustees on
124my emotion, please. >> Trusty Webster, I have a motion to approve for conversation. >> All right, there's a motion to approve for discussion. Is there a second? >> Say I second. >> All right, we'll open it up for discussion. Uh, trust um trusty Webster. >> Yeah. >> All right, we can start with you. >> All righty. So, on the accounts payable, I did have a couple questions. Let me see if I can find my highlighted sections. Um, all right. So, on page two of our uh purchase order report, it has forimprint.com welcome back giveaways. There's two charges. My understanding is 2600 is the code for ELOP funds. Can the district speak to the $88,000 purchase and the $73,000 purchase um for welcome back giveaways. >> Thank you for that question. I'll turn it over to
125our business services. >> Uh thank you Trusty Webster. That's a good question. So what we actually did is we provided students with backpacks, water bottles, notepads, as well as like a hat. And we were doing that as far as the pieces that we were giving out to the students um to engage them and also bringing uh our guiding coalition pieces together. We talked about the Strive 95. All of that stuff is uh part of the community building that we're doing with our students. >> Are we able to fund that? What was that funded with ELAP? It was funded with ELOP because we are also promoting um our afterchool programs with them. >> Okay. Um Um, the next page, page three, there is a $2,700 charge for Elvin Mman. When was his contracted services? When did
126they take place? So, let me look back into his contract to see exactly what time frame that this particular invoice had covered. Okay? Because I I looked it up. His contract ended in January. And so I'm just surprised to see an additional charge from Mr. Mman uh here in August. >> So I can respond to that and um it's really tied to the transition that was occurring with uh the previous acting superintendent and um him communicating with me early on in the year. Somewhere in there, the county was not approving it when we submitted the invoice and so until we provided a certain degree of paperwork that it was being held back and so that's why it didn't show up until now. So the services were done back months ago. >> All right, I will
127hold the rest of my questions for this one. >> All right, and uh Trusty Krauss um You second it. Any discussion? >> Yes. Thank you, President. So, uh, circling back to page two on the on the count payable. Uh, for the welcome back the poor imprint for over 150,000 using and you are correct. Uh, madame clerk, it is elop. Uh, we have about 1,200 employees that attended in August 4th. Welcome back. Were any of these hats and notebooks and water bottles and all of that using Elo funds that paid for those given to those 1,200 employees on August 4th? Can you clarify for me uh somebody? Thank you. >> Um Miss Gonzalez. >> Uh thank you Trusty Krauss. That's a good question. So as we are a part of this guiding coalition that also speaks
128to our afterchool program, it also entails not just our students but it also entails our staff to come together to push for the pieces within that that we're looking for as well as the attendance piece and to be a part of that whole community to bring us together. >> Great. Thank you. All right. Uh, Trusty Lef French, any discussion? >> No. >> Trusty Stewart, >> I have none. >> All right, we'll call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss, >> nay. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster, nay. >> Trusty Le French. >> I. >> Trusty um missing Stewart. >> Uh Stewart I. >> Trusty Sto I. Motion pass 32 with trustee Carlson, trustee Webster voting no. Moving on to 10.22. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. Trustees. >> Trusty Webster. I motion to approve and discuss.
129>> There's a motion to approve and discuss by Trusty Webster. Is there a second? >> I second. >> All right, we'll open it up for discussion. Trusty Webster, >> since you move, >> you didn't pull it. I think I did, but I don't have any comment. >> Okay. Trusty Krauss. >> No comment. Trusty Leaf French. >> I do have a com Miss Gonzalez. Uh, thank you, Trusty Leaf French. As we have reached out to the city for different partnerships, this was not one of those that they were willing to partner with us on, >> but but they they have in the past. >> If they have, it was um many years past. >> That was my concern, too. I mean, it's my understanding that it is actually not up to the district um to provide
130crosswalks. I It's my understanding that it's actually a partnership between the city and the district. >> And we're spending a whole bunch of money on something where the city is supposed to also pay their fair share, too. Um, so it looks like, you know, if we're going to have to go to their city council meetings and start, you know, pressuring them to put in their part because the fact that this this has been done in the past um and they're no longer willing to do so. I mean, that's these are our kids. This is about kids safety. I don't know what any uh council member or politician would um you know, be against this. So, uh, yeah, I I'm going to reserve um any more comments for the sake of time, but I'm going to
131be a no um on that for that specific reason. So, let's let's count. Let's do the vote. >> Trusty Krauss, >> no. >> Trusty Webster, >> no. >> Trusty Lech, >> no. >> Trusty Stewart, >> Stewart, >> no. Trusty Sodto, >> sodto, no. Motion is not passed. Um, We didn't pass 10.22 unanimously. 50. Moving on to 10.30. >> 05. >> 10.05. >> Oh, 05. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Cler. Yeah, absolutely. Thank you. >> All right. 10.3. We're going to need a motion to extend trustees. I'd say 15 minutes. I mean, >> we have two more. We have reports and then we have the superintendent reports. We're not going to get through this in 5 minutes. I'll entertain a motion to extend. >> Webster, I motion to extend. >> All right. How long? >> 11.
132>> Okay. We're not going to go past 11. I'll second that. Um, any discussion? We have to get through this business, guys. I don't know what else we have to push through. Is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, we're going to call call the vote. >> Krauss Krauss I. >> Trusty Webster >> I. >> Trusty Le French I. >> Trusty Stewart >> Stewart nay. >> Trusty stood >> s I. >> The motion passes five 51 with trust 41 with trustees uh Steuart voting no to extend her letter. All right. Um, going back to 10.30. I'll entertain a motion at this time. >> Webster, I motion to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Krauss. I second. >> Any discussion? >> I just want to make a Sorry. >> Go ahead, Trusty West. >> I
133would like to make a quick uh comment on this. You know, I believe the lockdown training, the active shooter training for the district, for our employees, for our students is essential. Um, it teaches us what to be prepared for in this crazy 2025 world that we live in where you would never fathom that shooting up a school was a regular thing. So, um, you know, I want to thank the district. Thank you for bringing this and I look forward to finding out the dates. >> Thank you trustee. Any other discussion? Trustees. All right, we'll call for the vote. Miss >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss abstain. >> Trusty Webster I. >> Le French. >> Le I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart I. >> Trusty Stoodto. >> Sodto I. Motion passes for one with trusty Krauss abstaining.
134Moving on to section 10.37. At this time, trustees, I'll entertain a motion. >> Trusty Webster, I motion to approve. >> Webster motions to Trusty Webster. Clerk Webster motions to approve. Um, is there a second? >> Cross, I second. >> Cra second. Trusty Krauss seconds. Any discussion? >> Yes. Um, tonight, uh, well, can we take the vote first and then make comments? >> Okay, sure. Any other discussion? All right. Seeing and hearing none, we'll call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss >> I. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster I. >> Trusty Le French. >> Le French I. Trusty Stewart Stewart I. >> Trusty Sto I. Motion pass 5. Trustee or clerk Webster. >> I'll make it quick. I just wanted to extend a warm welcoming hand out to Miss Lee. She will be our new director of
135uh I believe is the title. They change them all the time on me. Um, but I did want to welcome her to our district. Go ahead and take a hand stand. If everybody could give her a quick round of applause. Thank you. And that's all. >> Awesome. Thank you, Trustee. Clerk Webster. Moving on. Yeah, we did. Moving on to 10.48. And at this time, I'll entertain a motion. >> Trusty Webster. I motion to approve. >> Webster. Trusty Webster. Motions to approve. Is there a second? >> Krauss, I second. >> Trusty Krauss seconds. Any discussion. >> Again, I request we take the vote and then make comment. >> Okay. Anything else? Trustees. All right. We'll call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster. I. >> Trusty Le. >> Trusty
136Stewart. >> Stewart. I. >> Trusty Sto. >> Stood. Motion pass 5-0. The board has approved management new hire. Trusty Webster. >> Uh, yes. Another quick moment. I would love to ask Miss Boowbert first to stand up. Uh we are welcome welcoming her to executive assistant too here at the DO. Thank you so much for your years of dedication and I look forward to the great things that we as a team accomplish. Thank you so much. >> Awesome. Thank you, Trusty Webster. Moving on to agenda item number 12, governing board reports and announcements. Uh we'll start with trusty French. >> Um point of >> point of order. >> Yes. >> What's your point of order? What's your point? Trusty cross. >> Uh 11.02. >> It was tabled. >> Tabled. >> Sorry. I do apologize. No worries.
137>> I missed that. >> You weren't here. So I'm going to apologize. Yes, we did pull that and we tabled it. So we'll start. We'll continue with governing board members and reports. Trusty Le French. save my comments for next time just sake of time. >> Thank you, Trusty. Trustee Stewart. >> Um, I'm just going to save my comments. It's late. >> Thank you, Trustee Krauss. >> Yes, thank you. Uh, first off, I didn't get an opportunity to thank Dr. Dwis for all of her years of service to the district, and I want to wish her all the best uh as she goes on to the next chapter in her career. I I was very fortunate to have worked with her and I have to say in my 25 years of education, she was probably one
138of the best, if not one of the best academic services assistant soups I've ever known. So, thank you Dr. Weison for your service and I know Sano City Unified is uh getting somebody of of great stature. So, and wish you all the best. Um, I then want to say thank you to all of our teachers, classified staff, management, families that helped uh start off our school year under the leadership of Dr. Walker and her team. Uh, I've heard nothing but great things about the school year starting and uh, at the end of the day, that's what we're really here about. We're here for our students, our staff, our families, and it's always exciting to hear the stories of how excited they are to uh on the first day, and I know that our staff will
139be just as excited on the very last day of school uh at the end of the year uh for all of our students. So, I want to wish all of our students good luck this year, and I know they will do well in state testing coming up. And then, uh finally, um that's it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, trustee. I'll be very quick. Um, well, first of all, I want to, you know, it's our first meeting of the next school year. I want to say how excited I am uh for the months ahead. We have a lot of important work to do together. I'm confident in our ability to collaborate and keep our focus on students and families. I did want to take a moment to respond uh because um is it is
140it it's been kind of coming up and I just want to be able address it regarding our last what was said about me last meeting. I've been accused of being manipulated, of being a puppet, of not thinking of myself or myself. I'll say this clearly. I do not take marching orders from anyone. I listen to community members. I listen to colleagues and then I make up my own mind. That's what I was elected to do. If someone believes that a comment or action I made feels or sounds similar to to another trustee. That might be because we agree on some things. Agreement is not manipulation. It's alignment. And in a democracy, alignment is not only allowed, it's how progress is made. I make decisions based on facts, values, and what I believe is best for
141our students. Not because someone pulled my strings. If anyone has evidence to contrary, I welcome you to bring it forward. vague accuracy. >> You haven't ever responded back. >> Excuse me. >> Interesting. I'll continue. I don't know who that was, by the way, but you did interrupt. Um, I'll continue with my comments. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, I welcome you to bring it forward. But vague accusations, personal attacks, and assumptions about my intentions are not truth. They are just politics. I also find it concerning that instead of talking about student outcomes, we're now comparing entire groups in including our teachers association to marionets. That's not constructive. That's not respectful. And that's not leadership. And that's all I have to say. Moving on to Oh, actually one last thing. Let's be just so I
142can finish what I have to say. When someone votes differently than you or sees things from a different lens, that doesn't mean they've been manipulated. It might mean they just see something you don't. So, I won't allow personal attacks to shape how I lead. I will continue to listen, learn, and lead with independence, respect, and a commitment to truth, not political theater. We owe that to our students, our educators, and our community. And I won't be distracted from that work. That's all I have to say. Moving on to agenda item number 12, number 13, superintendent reports and announcements. >> Did I forget something? >> Oh, I'm so sorry. You know what? It's my first meeting. It's getting late. Please forgive me. Uh, Clerk Webster, uh, your comments, please. >> I will make my comments short
143and sweet. Um, I do want to welcome everyone back to our new school year. I know it's really uh, intense uh, heavy on the the grind and I thank everybody for coming back with that can do attitude hitting these schools uh, head on and managing these kids. I know we've had a few bumps and I'm glad to hear that our district has been collaborating and working really closely to our sites. Um to address a comment earlier, you know, I a lot of people have asked me, you know, why I'm okay with being passed up again. And I'm going to be honest, I have full faith in Trusty Sodto, President Sodto, to unify and to refocus this board into student achievement, into what our jobs are meant uh for to represent the kids, the community, and
144the staff. And if that means working with my colleague to make sure that that focus is brought back, then I'm 100% on board. So, I just wanted to make that statement. Trusty Sodto, congratulations. You 1,000% uh deserve it. So, all righty. Thank you. And that's the rest for me. >> Wow. I can't believe I was about to skip you. >> I know, right? And I complimented you, boo boo. >> All right. Moving on to agenda number 13, superintendent reports and announcements. Dr. Walker. >> Good evening, President Sodto, board of trustees, executive cabinet, AESD staff, and the community as well as our students. The first days of school this year have been nothing but short of extraordinary. I've walked the of all 14 schools. And everywhere I went, the air was electric. Smiles from students, warm
145greetings from staff, and a spirit that said, "This is going to be our year." Every site leader and every secretary that I spoke to shared the same words. "These are the best first days we've had in years. That's not luck. That's the power of people united with purpose. This year, we rise under the banner of Thrive 2030, a promise to prepare every student for a bright future. And with our Strive 95 attendance campaign, we're sending a clear message. Every day in school matters because Every day is a step towards their dreams for our students. We are putting our framework for the future into motion is not just a plan but as a bridge built plank by plank with opportunity, equity and excellence as our foundation. My message tonight is simple. Hope is alive in Alanto.
146We are ready to be big, bold, and brave together. Because in Alanto, we don't just prepare students for their future, we build the future together. And with that, I have a short video. We kicked off the new school year with energy and unity, coming together as one district, ready for what lies ahead. We welcomed our staff, refreshed and ready to lead and make a difference. Then came the first day for our students, a day filled with care, enthusiasm, and excitement. From campus to campus, smiles greeted our kids. Classrooms were warm and welcoming, and every staff member was ready to support each child. Every school shared a spirit of preparation and hope. The heart and planning showed up everywhere, setting the stage for a meaningful year ahead. Thanks to our site leaders, teachers, and school teams
147for making day one a beautiful beginning. Every one of us is capable. The future is possible. [Applause] >> Awesome. Thank you, Dr. Walker. Um, next, finally, adjournment. Uh, trustees, I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Webster, I motion to adjurnn. Webster motions to Trusty Webster motions to adjurnn. Any other trustee or is there a second? >> Stewart I sec second. >> Stewart seconds. Trusty Stewart seconds. All right. Any discussion? No discussion. Let's call for the vote. >> Trusty Krauss. >> Krauss. I. >> Trusty Webster. >> Webster. I. >> Trusty Le French. >> I. >> Trusty Stewart. >> Stewart. I. >> Trusty Sto. >> Sto. Time is 4:10 p.m. We are adjourned.