3/5 AUHSD Board Meeting: Open Session (6:00PM)

001The AUHD board of tr board of trustees meeting is reconvened at 6:03 p.m. We will start with our pledge of allegiance and moment of silence from our student representative to the board, Leah Garcia. Please rise. Place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please be seated. >> Good good evening everyone. It's very nice to see you all. Today I would like us to take a moment of silence to reflect on the challenges and conflicts happening around the world around us and to think about those who are affected by them but to also take this moment as a bit of renewal and

002reflection as we start the new season of spring. It gives us a chance to have hope for our future. This month is also women's history month. So this is a time for you to recognize and honor the achievements, strength and contributions of women throughout history and in your life today. Please take a moment of silence. Thank you. Thank you. The board of trustees will return to close session after our regular session. And then just a general announcement, we do have some seating in the lobby for anyone uh that's standing. You can also hear the meeting uh through also in the lobby. Um thank you for being here today. Um so we're going to move on to our recognition for tonight 7.1 Buente Statewide Academic and Leadership Award class of 2026. So, if the board would

003like to join me in the front tonight, we are excited uh to celebrate our Poentes Statewide Academic and Leadership Award recipients for the class of 2026. The Poente Project is a national award-winning program that for more than 30 years has improved the collegegoing rate of tens of thousands of California's educationally underrepresented students. The Poente Project statewide academic and leadership award recognizes their top 12th grade pointas in California. Applicants had to meet the following eligibility criteria. Must have been in point English grade 9 and grade 10. overall academic GPA of 3.5 or higher, 9th through 11th grade, and be a full-time 12th grade student enrolled in five or more academic courses and demonstrate community leadership. After a thorough review of the students academic transcripts, community leadership involvement, and personal statements, the Poente Project statewide office recognized

004five students from AUHSD. Um, and as if I call up the students, if they can please come forward. We have Uber Magnala Pina from Anaheim High School. We have Siri Hernandez Santos from Catella High School. We have Pearl Ta from Laura High School. >> Mia Garcia for Magnolia High School. Karen Martinez Aguilar from Savannah High SCHOOL and Puja Amir from Western High School. >> Congratulations to you all. Thanksgiving. Just kidding. >> That's Brian. >> I would now like to recognize um some folks in the room. We have uh Mr. Nish Patel, city of La Palama mayor. Thank you for being here. We have Jeff Morgensston, ASA president. Um, he might be in the other, he might be in the lobby. Heather Hutner, president of CSEA. Lacy Munger, APGA co-president. Jennifer Sasai, Alta, President Lauren Claxer

005from Fullerton Unified School District. And I believe that's it. It's moving on to our 8.1 student representative report. Leah, hello again everyone. So today we're starting with Cambridge Virtual Academy. And at Cambridge Virtual Academy, we had a very, very fun field trip to the Crystal Cove. And at Crystal Cove in Newport, they were able to explore marine life by rotating through hands-on stations where they collected fun things like plankton and recorded data through microscopes and examined the organisms. They also had a fun social called the event movie night trivia, which they were able to bond. And they also had the control altdelete spirit week. And that's a very fun play on words where they got to show their school spirit. Next, at Cypress High School, Cypress High School successfully hosted and celebrated social justice day

006with hundreds of students exercising their social justice through so speeches, presentations, performances, and more. Board members, community members, and the Orange County Superintendent, Dr. Stefan Bean, came out to support this annual event. They also had the Stop Hunger Foundation youth grant come and help them and they were able to celebrate students and teachers and work together to support that. Next, at Gilbert High School. At Gilbert High School, they had their 8th annual hunger drive. In this way, they were able to bring their community together to support and bring awareness to people struggling. They were also able to have the opportunity reading at Madison Elementary and work with students to make them feel special. They also had soccer games and an esports team compete this week. Next, at John F. Kennedy High School, they had a

007choir show and a very amazing choir show. May I say this month, Kennedy at the academic datathalone team consisting of 14 members participated in a 1920s themed competition. Congratulations to Aiden Kim, who got the ninth highest score out of over 460 students in Orange County. He got a cash prize on the spot and a nice medal and bronze pin. Kennedy also got first place in division 2 and sixth place overall out of 33 schools. They also had AIM scholarship program recognition and the students there were able to be recognized for their continuing contributions with AIM. Next at Catella High School. At Catella High School, February was a standout month where we celebrated an incredible nochce deand, bringing our campus together through music and pride. The cheer and dance teams were recognized by the Anaheim City

008Council and girls soccer advanced the CIF second round. They also proudly hosted the first ever AUHSC esports individ invitational highlighting teamwork and innovation. So right there you see pictures of the not deen the night. They also had their cheer team recognized by the Anaheim City Council and the esports invitational. On the second page, you can see their Valentine's Day celebration, the girls soccer CIF second round, and National Counselor Week at Laera High School. In February, ASB hosted kindness week where they sparked kindness through positive affirmations spread across campus walls and through lunch activities. The theme was Winnie the Pooh with friends to sweeten the nostalgia. They also kicked off Tuesday with service animals, Wednesday lunch with a favorite teacher, Thursday affirmation cards, and Friday red and gold like always. It was very exciting to see

009everyone cozy in their pajamas, twinning with their friends, and enjoying the week overall. So, right there you can see pictures of the week. Oh, so did you have one more? Yes. Sorry. No, you're good. >> No, it's okay. Um, next we have Oxford Academy. Um, no, that's okay. We can be very excited about Leroa. >> Okay. And then moving on to Oxford Academy. Congrats to Oxford Skill USA Club for earning gold and silver medals in their engineering and math competitions. Best of luck to the 14 students who will be competing on the state level, hopefully bringing the state champion home. So, those are pictures of the game. They also had a lunar new year week and in celebration of new year lunar new year Oxford had cultural clubs showcasing performances. On the next slide you

010can see their love week and kindness day skills USA celebration the black history month meeting and LDD Oxford's lion dance and drum team. Next at Savannah High School they had a celebration of Lunar New Year. Savannah's language wing held an event midday to display the diverse culture of Savannah. They also had sports dominance cheer national performance in Las Vegas where cheer qualified for the national jams cheerleading tournament. Miss Anaheim at Black History Parade and right there you can see Miss Anaheim who is a Savannah student Sophia Present Presentico. On the second page, we have the Valentine spirit week, the color guard in San Diego, and district band performance. Next at Orange Western. Orange Western's athletic programs are absolutely dominating their love of sports this February. Congratulations to the cheer team for winning first at JAMS

011Nationals. Kevin Martinez for making it to state for wrestling. Freshman wrestler Karen Medine for making it to day 2 CIF. and girls basketball for making history at CIF quarterfinals, the farthest the program has ever gone in decades. They're extremely proud of all their athletes dedication and grit. And right here you can see the ASB election results with presidents and um president Nikki Louu elected and Samantha Rivera as vice president. They also had a student highlight of Puja who is here today, a wellness ambassador and RSVP leader. They had their love week and spring assembly. They also had again the state qualified car Kevin Martinez who was sent to compete at wrestling state cheer wins and their love week. Okay, that concludes the um month and also I would like to say that we had Medieval

012Times for seniors and Kennedy 1 which is very exciting and um most schools are completing their summit 3 which is the conclusion to the RSUP process where we get to showcase what we've done, what we're working on and what we're working on and what we couldn't do but maybe will be done in future months. I also had a cookie connections at Western which went very well and we're we're going through the data right now and seeing how we can take that data back to help our school sites. Thank you. >> Thank you. You can everyone can also find the report um on our communications website if you're interested in reading more what our schools are up to. And now I will move on to student speakers. Students wishing to address the board of trustees should

013complete a student speaker request form available on the information table at the back of the room and submitted to the executive assistant prior to the meeting. Students wishing to speak at this time are limited to three minutes. Board members cannot immediately respond to student comments as stated on the speaker request form. So I will be calling up our first student speaker, Ailen Yu. Oh, on this side. Yeah. And this mic. Yeah. Thank you. Hello. I am a student from Lexington Junior High School band and I speak in behalf of Mr. Beran. When I first learned that Mr. Bergen's contract wasn't going to be renewed for the next school year. I knew I wasn't the only one who would be devastated. By speaking at this meeting, I wish to make the biggest impact I can on

014this decision. I believe Mr. Beran is crucial to Lexington's success. I am not just here because I like band. Since seventh grade, I've been a beginning intermediate and advance band. When Mr. When students and parents were shocked and lost over the loss of our former band teacher, Mr. Bergen took on the role of not only the the band director but also an an outstanding leader who brought stability amidst the chaos. He was the reason why band became the most important thing to all of us. He gave me a reason to drag myself out of bed and go to school. I've seen my friends get excited for band and get ready for it like they did for nothing else. He left a lasting impact on my life and shaped me into the person I am today.

015He taught students to value their skills, the importance of showing up every day, and display the result of their hard work proudly. I've seen my friends grow alongside me in band just like me. And I want future band students to have that special opportunity we all did. Thanks to him, this generation of band kids was given the passion, something they want to pursue, something they wake up to and look forward to. This generation of band kids um found their many source of happiness in band. My friends and I are planning to take band at Cypress High School next year, and many others told me they were going to continue to take band regardless of where they go to. During Mr. Vargan's first few years at Lexington, he's already inspired so many students and has already

016worked so hard for us since the very start. As one of his students, I speak on behalf of the many people I've met along the way who shared their own experiences, but could not but could not get a ride or could not attend this meeting. For us, he meant someone who would stay, someone permanent, and he made his presence nothing like a replacement. So, I asked the board of trustees to consider the pure impact Mr. Barrian had on our community and allow him to remain in this position. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker, our next speaker is Ace Perez. A C E P R Hello board of trustees. I've been Mr. Bear student since he came to the school in September 2024. I never picked up an instrument bothered with music theory

017but he made music so fascinating. In the last two years I've been at Lex Engineer highest band. I learned many things such as teamwork, discipline, responsibilities and even abilities to like memorize more p things like pages of paper. And this is thanks to one person who deserves all the credit. Mr. Bergen. His teaching at Lson Junior High School's band made me grow up into the person you see now. Not afraid of speeches, not afraid of people watching me. Understanding confidence build, but also in a humble way, but I understand everybody's um journey with music, the struggles. Mr. Seban is honest, doesn't sugarcoat our issues, and distract when it comes down to him being so. When he shared the dreadful news of his stay not here not being permanent, the room felt tense. The air was

018thick and gasp came from each row. We all yearn for an answer, a reason, but our voices matter like we wish they would. Our minds think alike and why we must and why we must let go of why must we let go of a teacher who's loved generously and brought back our spirits for love for music. As of 2025 through 2026, Mr. brought the jazz band into Lexington Junior High School which is loved dearly by many. He's continuing on drum line since 2024 to 2025 in this year in this year's ongoing. This is all under his leadership. Bands we know and love. Kids from elementary seventh graders who played once or twice a week in elementary are now in advance band and rightfully so. Mr. Brian teaching has helped here helped many of us go

019into up a band or learn another instrument. I talked to friends, classmates, and former students of Mr. Brian. We all agree on one thing. If Mr. Baragan is forced to leave our school. The man wouldn't be the same. He doesn't just show notes. Gives us stacks of papers to study over the night. Doesn't get mad at questions. Doesn't judge our questions. He doesn't judge us. He's the first teacher to make me feel comfortable at le junior high and able to talk to him without feeling ashamed or like I'm a bother. 3 minutes is enough for me to speak my truth. The correct answer. I'll put everything I can into this time. I wonder if I wonder if we'll be left with left without answers again from the school in AHC. To get rid of him

020is an honest mistake. And I hope you guys see finally why after many people speak up after all his students read their speeches. Thank you for your time listening. Thank you. The next speaker is Claire Chung. Hello board of trustees. I am a student from Lexington Junior High School and I feel that Mr. Bergan is a really great band director. Being in band is very socially uh scary being in middle school because so many students may judge you for playing an instrument. But Mr. Beran taught me that being in band is a great way to showcase my abilities and skills. He helped me overcome my fear of failing and not trying hard enough in band. For example, the honor band edition really taught me how to get over my fear of failing. Mr. Brian said

021that I was more than enough to play and get into honor band. This helped me get over my fear of failing. I really know I was. He also said the worst thing they can say is no. And in here in Lexington band, you can never fail and you can always try and excel. Mr. Brian really told me to perform and be proud of my capabilities and I want future Lexington students to learn and feel the same impact Mr. Buran had on me. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. The next speaker is Amelia Wang. >> Oh, >> you can lower them. Yeah. >> Good evening, members of the board. I'm a seventh grade student at Lexington Junior High School. I'm also a beginning trumpet player and student of Mr. Barrier. I'm here to persuade

022you to extend Mr. Beran's contract and perhaps make him a permanent staff. This year, I have had the privilege of having Mr. Beran as my band teacher. My parents pushed me to sign up for band. It was not my first choice as an elective and I wasn't sure about learning notes or playing on beat. I thought music was boring, but that all changed when Mr. Beran walked into the picture. He is a different kind of teacher and he is nurturing and patient. He makes learning a trumpet something I want to do and not something I have to do. Some teachers treat teaching like a job, but we can tell that Mr. Beran really loves teaching. Mr. Beran is also really good with students. Most teachers would lose control of the room and probably lose their

023temper as well. But Mr. Brian can gain control over the room with a gentle raise of a hand. There are probably other teachers who know music, but few can teach their skills to students. I surprised myself by saying signing up for advanced band next year, not because my parents made me, but because I wanted to. Many of my friends are sticking with band next year, too, because of the impact Mr. Buran has had on us. We would hate to lose them. And lastly, Mr. Buran recently announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child. So tonight, I'm asking you to protect Mr. Brian's job and let's change his life like he has changed so many of ours. Thank you. THE NEXT The next speaker is Madison Gamboa. Good evening board members, parents, and

024students. I'm a student of Lexington Junior High School band, and I come before you not only as a student, but as someone who speaks deeply from the heart. I will try to support Mr. Bergen to the best of my abilities and tell you a few reasons why we like Mr. Bergen as a band teacher. First of all, I wanted to talk about how Mr. Bergen helped his students musically. He helped his students musically by inspiring them to get more into music and making them enjoy different genres of music. In the beginning of the school year, many students that chose band as an elective probably thought that it would be a fun and easygoing. But now, students take band more seriously because Mr. Bergen challenges us not to settle for the bare minimum, making us want

025to achieve more and try our best in what we do. Another key point I wanted to talk about was the aftermath of of the Steve Graves incident. As you know, Steve Graves was no longer with us due to various reasons. During this time, students felt lost, feeling a mixture of emotions after hearing about it. We had to go through different teachers feeling finally feeling better when Mr. Bergen came along, especially since he made us do a therapy circle talk to to talk about how we felt when the news came out. Finally, I wanted to talk about how this student will affect seventh graders. By letting him go, it will serve as a dis a disruption to learning for all a disruption to learning for all band students, especially those who are learning on who are

026moving on to eighth grade for the first for the next school year. Not only is it a huge impact on students, but on the parents as well. I know that there are many students who might be as passionate about band as much as your I know that there are many parents who might be as passionate about band as much as their kid is. These parents were probably the ones that connected well with Mr. Bergen during band booster meetings or because they heard good things about the band director from their child. Dear board members, I do hope you take what other students and I said into consideration tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. THE NEXT SPEAKER is Orange Chase. I'm sorry if I pronounced that wrong. >> Orion Chase. Good evening, members of the board. I'm

027from Lexington Junior High and I'm one of many students that call Mr. Bergen, our teacher. All of the eighth grade band students, including myself, remember the scare of the Mr. Graves incident. It was an evil darkness. But then Mr. Bergen came as a guiding light, turning a band program in panic and distress into a successful and fun learning environment. With band being my favorite class this year and last year, which many can relate to, even if frustrating at times, just like any other class, next year, I'm going into high school, so I'll inevitably have a different band teacher. But the seventh graders and the students after them still deserve Mr. Ban as their band teacher. as I found myself with multiple close friends, a fun and safe community, and an appreciation for music and the

028passion and effort that goes into it that many don't find until later on in life or ever. All because of Mr. Beran and the work he has done with the Lexington band in just two years as a band director and teacher. I ask that you please extend Mr. Ban's contract. He's one of the best teachers you have at Lexington because he has the power of music right by his side. Thank you. >> Thank you. THE NEXT SPEAKER IS Tanishka M. Kumar. I apologize if I pronounced that incorrectly. >> Hello parents and students of Lexington Junior High School. Today, I want to share why it's so important for our school community and especially for our future students that Mr. Beran continues to lead our prep band program. I know everyone here knows Mr. Brian, our well-known,

029funny, and incredibly hardworking band teacher. As a student in Lexington Junior High School's advanced band class, I've witnessed firsthand how Mr. Bergen works tirelessly for all of us, helping us succeed and become the best musicians we musicians we can be. He has taught us the vital skills of teamwork to create beautiful music, discipline during practice and music definitely and most definitely confidence to perform and share our talents. Many of us have significantly improved thanks to his teaching. I remember last year under a different teacher, I lacked confidence in playing my instrument and it showed. But Mr. Bergen's consistent encouragement to embrace our instruments with confidence, to believe in our sound, has truly transformed our experience this year. He has worked meticulously with each section, helping every student overcome challenges. All of us in the band

030know what a phenomenal teacher Mr. Bergen is, and his humor is a big part of that. Mr. Brian's humor isn't just for laughs. It keeps our learning environment approachable, making us all feel comfortable and safe in his class. and ensuring we never had to be scared of asking questions. Even as a dedicated teacher guiding our band, he seamlessly weaves in funny moments. His personality is what we adore. It truly feels like he's one of us. Mr. Beran has been one of my favorite teachers this whole year. He is always such a kind soul and a genuinely funny person. As we look to the future of Lexington Band's program, having Mr. Barrian at the helm ensures a consistent highquality experience for years to come. He's building something special here and it's crucial we support its continued

031growth. With Mr. Bergen continuing to guide us, I envision our band reaching new heights, perhaps performing at more community events or achieving even greater recognition for our talent and spirit. Therefore, I urge every student, parent, and faculty to recognize the immense value Mr. Bergen brings to Lexington Junior High and to support his continued presence as our band director. Let's ensure that the rhythm and joy he brings to our school continues for many years to come. Thank you for being here and supporting Mr. Beran. >> Thank you. >> The next speaker is Avar Damian. It's a little hard to read. Um, but starts with the a Ora, please hold. Thank you. >> Hello. As a Lexington band student, >> if you want to raise the mic, sorry, can you raise the mic? >> Hello. As a

032Lexington band student, I can attest to Mr. Baragon being a great teacher. Before he came, many of us had not learned anything of music and were not very much looking forward to it. And with him here, many of us have learned many valid life lessons through stories that com e effortlessly combine music and lessons like I said and many times he's motivated us to go forward even though we don't want to or music just seems too hard. And right now we are at a level where we can play level four music, which is about equal to high school sometimes. And many of us would hate having to switch teachers again because after Mr. Graves left, we had to go through many different teachers before we finally got him. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you

033to all of our students that joined us tonight to share your perspective. The board appreciates you um sharing tonight. We will now be moving on to our reports of association. If I believe he's here, but if we could have ESTA president Jeff Morgan Stern. Oh, never mind. He is not here. We'll move Heather Hunter. Heather Hunter from CSCA. They might be in the lounge. I'm >> here. Good evening, president, trustees, superintendent, and members of the community. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of our dedicated classified professionals. Tonight, I want to begin by expressing our deep appreciation for the district's continued investment in professional development. Our classified employees are essential to the daily functioning and long-term success of our schools. Apparently, I sorry when I ran over um and providing >> with meaningful

034learning opportunities shows the district's commitment to equity, growth, and student support. A special thank you goes to the district for supporting our instructional assistants who will be attending next week's CSEA pareducator conference. This conference is one of the most impactful learning opportunities for our IAS statewide. strengthening instructional practice, deepening understanding of student needs, and empowering staff with strategies they can bring directly back to the classroom. Your support ensures our students benefit from highly trained, highly motivated PAR educators who are at the heart of our instructional programs. It's also my honor to highlight the extraordinary work of classified staff across the district. These recognitions were submitted by administrators, co-workers, and community members. They represent only a fraction of the dedicated uh demonstrated everyday. Sorry, apparently I'm really out of shape, you guys. Um, take your time.

035Okay. So, Sochi Abad, senior administrative assistant for masterfully coordinating LCAP meeting logistics, keeping community engagement running smoothly with professionalism and grace. Recognize DJ Alberian, program support secretary, for his strong birth ethic, willingness to help, and for serving as an inspiration to students with disabilities with his upcoming keynote speech. Stephen Schickler, EIT, for always stepping in to help in tackling difficult tasks without hesitation. And the network analysts at the district office whose work on our firewall upgrade, MFA rollout, and virtualization hypervisor will save the district thousands of dollars, even if none of us know what those words mean. Um to Lordis Aila at Gilbert High School for exemplifying service with a smile and supporting students, families, and staff with positivity and precision. Jonathan Barber and Belinda Inskeep for building strong family connections and organizing multiple major

036parent engagement events this month. Melissa Rosales, whose commitment to students, events, and campus testing coordination transformed the library into a warm, welcoming space despite the limited access. To Erica Gangnith, LMT, for co-leading AI and library workshops and bringing invaluable day-to-day expertise to the department. Lord Lordis Aila, Secretary of School Support, for providing comfort, support, and advocacy for students and families, and for her contributions to this staff synergy crew. Rainey Newwin, LVN, for consistently going above and beyond to ensure student safety, wellness, and responsive care. and the classified staff of Catella High School recognized as the backbone of campus operations, ensuring a safe, clean, welcoming learning environment every day. Britney Chase, instructional aid for supporting new staff, assisting across campus, and helping integrate special education students into GenEd programs. Yini Pascal Molina, community schools coordinator at

037Hope, not CSEA, but we'll still recognize her. um whose leadership has created unprecedented levels of parent engagement and inclusive programming. Office staff at Magnolia High School for delivering top tier customer service. Oops, we're going to skip the rest because we don't have time, but I will send it one more. Okay, we'll go fast. Tresy, uh Teresa Ursty, instructional aid for 40 years, honored for her dedication. Hemsus secretary attendance and sub senior administrative bilingual recognized for positivity and professionalism. All of our LMTs who make AUHSD libraries vibrant hubs of reading. Jasmine Alba EIT senior admin for consistent support and positive attitude. Raquel Lzaraga for stepping in to support the Lac department during uh proctor absences. our lack and translator plural lingual services department for working as a team to take last minute requests when needed. Student

038support services and health office staff, thank you for your smiles and professionalism. EIT Calpads department, thank you for ensuring accurate Calads data for state certification. And while they're not CSEA, we did receive quite a few shoutouts for custodians. And since I agree that I appreciate their work, we also like to thank them. And finally, Tanya Vasquez, program support secretary, for her efforts in keeping me sane and for developing communication tools to educate families on the CBHI program and her work assisting with our medical reimbursement programs. With her assistance, we just submitted our largest cost reimbursement claim ever for $6.5 million. So, these recognitions show what we already know. Classified employees are the heart of EUHSD. Thank you. NEXT VIA LACY MUNGER, APJ co-president. Good evening, President Guerrero, members of the board, Superintendent Freed, Executive Cabinet,

039and AHSD cabinet me um community members. I want to take a moment to recognize school social workers week and express our appreciation for AHSD's dedicated school social workers. Counselors value the strong partnership we have with the social work team. Together, we work towards a shared mission, supporting the mental health and well-being of all of our students. Congratulations to our senior pontentistas who were recognized tonight as Poente Student Leader Award recipients. These students are prime examples of what the Poente program can do when students are connected to our program in the community. A fun fact about Pointe is that it was originally created by a community college counselor in Northern California. The story goes that after reviewing more than 2,000 student transcripts, that counselor recognized a need for stronger counseling support, improved writing skills, and increased

040mentorship for Latino students. While Poente began in the community colleges, leaders quickly recognized the need to bring the program into high schools, and AHSD was one of the first districts in Southern California to adopt it. More recently, Ahsd also became the first district to expand Pointe into junior high schools. And while the academic component takes place in English classes in grades 7 through 10, it is actually the point counselor who continues the work of mentorship, connection, and guidance with students throughout their high school years until they graduate. Last month, I shared that I would provide an update on our FAFSA completion as March 2nd was a priority deadline for students, which ensures that students are considered for the maximum amount of financial aid available. I was curious how this year compared to last. And at

041this time last year, AHSD's FAFSA completion rate was 49%. And the federal government later extended the priority deadline to April 2nd because of issues with the FAFSA website. I'm pleased to share that this year our FAFSA completion rate is currently at 70%. That means that 3,265 AHSD seniors have completed their FAFSA application, giving them the opportunity to receive the best financial aid package at the college they choose to attend. In addition, we have 226 seniors, which is about 5% who have submitted an opt out form. Students opt out for a variety of reasons, but it does not prevent them from completing the FAFSA later if they do change their mind. What it does tell us though is that in total 3,490 seniors have already made a clear indication about whether they plan to pursue financial

042aid for their post-secary education up to today. Our senior counselors along with our partners at Fullerton and Cypress Colleges and programs such as ETSs, Upwardbound, and EAOP have worked dig diligently to personally reach our seniors and their families through classroom presentations, small groupoup workshops, and parent nights. And I think the numbers show the success of this outreach. This is also the time of the year when many of our seniors are waiting to hear decisions from the Cal State and UC systems along with our private universities. It's an exciting time for students and their families and a little bit nerve-wracking and I'm sure Leia could tell you the same thing up there in front. Um, I do want to thank our counselors though who continue supporting students through this process and helping them understand their options

043as those decisions begin to arrive because they are big decisions as we know. While the focus this month was heavy on our class of 2026, as always, our counselors will continue working with all of our students to ensure every student leaves AUHSD with a plan and the support needed to pursue their post-secary goals. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next, we'll have Dr. Jennifer Cesai Alta President. Good evening, Madame President Guerrero, members of the board of trustees, superintendent Frerieded, Executive Cabinet, students, families, and members of the Anaheim Union High School community. It is a pleasure to share several highlights from across our district this evening. We would also like to first uh thank our social workers for all their hard work with our students mental health. Next at Oxford Academy, please join me in congratulating

044seniors VD Patel, Ethan Hong, Katarina Tran, and New Vu, who recently won the engineering division of the water reuse youth summit. They have been invited to present their project at the National Water Reuse Symposium in downtown Los Angeles, where they will share their work with industry professionals and receive $100 awards. Congratulations to these outstanding students for their innovation and achievement. At Loera High School, February was filled with meaningful cultural celebrations as students and staff honored both Black History Month and Lunar New Year. The Vietnamese Student Association hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year event featuring culture perfor cultural performances and a variety of traditional foods creating a joyful and educational experience that celebrated the diversity of the Lera community. At John F. Kennedy High School, they are proud to celebrate the girls basketball team who were

045crowned CIF champions after an impressive 5528 victory over Lagona Hills last Saturday evening. Congratulations to the players coaches on this incredible accomplishment. This past Monday, Walker Junior High School and Kennedy High School welcomed more than 100 educators from across the state for a campus visit from Calm MCMS. Guests came to learn about the school's exclusive six-year artificial intelligent pathway and the integration of computer sciences through deeper learning practices. Student ambassadors proudly served as tour guides highlighting the innovative learning taking place in their classrooms. At Magnolia High School, more than 78 educators from across California and Hawaii visited last week for a leading and learning visit that focused on the district community schools model. The students and staff truly shined as they demonstrated what authentic community-based learning looks like in action. The week concluded with Magnolia's

046international showcase, a wonderful community celebration featuring outstanding student performances and delicious food from around the world. Magnolia would like to thank Trusty Guerrero and Trustee Mug Collis for attending and supporting our Sentinels. Orange View and Western also have so much to celebrate this month. All five winter athletic programs advanced to CIF competition, including basketball, soccer, wrestling, and girls water polo. Kevin Martinez proudly represented the program at the CIF State wrestling qualifiers. The cheer team earned gold at the Jams National in Las Vegas. Junior High girls flag football recently competed completed its inaugural season, marking exciting milestone for student athletes. Broadcasting students participated in a TGR Foundation field trip where they had the unique opportunity to meet Orange View and Western alum Tiger Woods. In the arts, Logan Blue was selected as a CS SCVA choir

047finalist, highlighting excellence beyond athletics. The schools also strengthened their community partnerships through lunch with loved ones on Valentine's and hosting parent learning walks for incoming seventh grade families and celebrating honoral and perfect attendance awards across the campuses. We look forward to welcoming the board for open house on March 17th. A formal invitation will be shared soon. At Lexington Junior High School, the campus focused on an open house, their open house last night, featuring performances from their visual and performing arts program and participation for more than a dozen community partners including project say Kasa youth shelter and more. Um, Cypress High School recently hosted its annual social justice day and open house bringing together the entire student body, incoming eighth graders from Lexington, district leaders in a community partnership for a powerful day of learning and

048celebration. Students showcased their voice and ideas through interactive exhibits, project presentations, soapbox speeches, and performances that explored real life issues such as environmental sustainability, mental health, technology, and civic engagement. The event highlighted the incredible creativity, empathy, and creative thinking of our students also while welcoming future Centurions and families. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share these highlights with our district. Thank you. Thank you. And then I believe there's no one here from PTSA for report. Okay. Um moving on to our presentations. 9.1 Measure K Citizens Bond Oversight Committee annual report September 2025 through February 2026 and I will defer to Dr. Nen to introduce our presenters. >> Perfect. Well, thank you so much. So, we have our chair for the U. Measure K Citizens Bite Committee here uh with us um also mayor

049of La Palama and Natish Patel. So, I'm going to give the podium to you. Thank you so much for being here. >> Thank you very much. Um, good evening members of the board, uh, Superintendent Freed, Executive, uh, committee and the committee, uh, community members. Um, as Nancy stated, my name is Nate Patel, and I have the honor and privilege of serving as, uh, chairperson of the citizens uh, bond oversight committee for measure K. Uh, before I begin, I'd like to recognize the members of the committee uh, who serve alongside me. We have Marlene Drink Wine uh who is co-chairperson and community at large representative. She's not here tonight. Uh Lisa E, community atlarge representative. We have Robin Mshaw. Um please stand if you're here so they can see who you are. Thank you. I like

050to embarrass people while I'm at it, too. Um then we have Christopher Ree, parent representative. Brenda Sodto Bryan, representative active and bonafide taxpayers association and Alan Walker, representative active in a senior citizens organization. Each member was appointed on June 12th, 2025 and represents a distinct stakeholder group within our community. I want to thank them for their time, diligence, commitment to transparency and for the community. These are all volunteerbased times that they take their time out of their professions to be able to help. Um, tonight I'm presenting the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee annual report for the period of September 2025 and through February 2026. Uh, measure K was approved by the voters in November 2024 and authorized an issuance of $496 million and general obligation bonds for capital improvements across the district. The purpose of the

051CBOC is to ensure bond proceeds are spent on only approved capital projects, review the financial and performance audits, provide transparency and accountability to the public. During the reporting period, the committee met twice, September 23rd, 2025 and February 23rd, 2026. We conducted a site visit to Western High School to observe Measure K improvements. We reviewed financial documents and statements, program updates, project up budgets, upcoming project list, and bond issuance details. Importantly, we reviewed the financial and performance audits for the year ending June 30, 2025. The independent auditor tested 91.1% of Measure K expenditures. The final audit reports were presented to the board in December 2025. And let me tell you, there were no negative findings in the audit. So all your money is being spent correctly. Um, measure K consists of four bond series totaling 496

052million. Bond series A1 27.4 4 million fully expended as of August 31, 2025 used for payoff of 2017 certificates of participation, cost of issuance, and underwriting discount. Bond series A $180 million total proceeds approximately $185.6 million expenditures to date approximately $23.7 million. remaining balance still not used approximately $161 million um that have not been used. Funds have been allocated towards design, inspection and testing, construction, district project management, furniture and equipment and bond administration cost projects that are completed and in progress. The committee reviewed several projects that are currently within budget on schedule and examples are that include Dale Junior High School gym HVAC, Ball Junior High School HVAC phase 2, Loera H uh High School HVAC phase 2, Hope School at Orange View modernization, South Junior High School site improvements, Gilbert High School site improvements.

053The project and designs include Catella, Kennedy, Loera, Savannah High School track and field, Savannah High School gym HVAC, and Catella and Anaheim High School HVAC phase 2. Projects in planning include Handle Stadium, Magnolia High School track and field, Western High School band room, and Western High School portables. Upcoming programs programming includes Cypress High School site improvements and field restrooms, Oxford Academy improvements and locker rooms, Walker and Western Junior High School modernization and new construction. Based on our review of audits, financial reports, project updates, and site visits, the district is in compliance with education code and government code requirements. Bond proceeds have been expended only on projects outlined in the ballot measure. No bond funds have been used for teacher or administrative salaries or school operational expenses. The committee remains confident that Measure K funds are

054being managed responsibly and in accordance to the voter intent. On behalf of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, thank you to the board and the district staff for your continued transparency and collaboration. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you so much uh for your uh review of Measure K. I'll take any questions from the board. >> No questions, just comments. I know this is a lot of work. So, thank you so so much for all your volunteer work. >> Thank you. >> I just want to thank Oh, yeah. Just thank you and the committee for your work, your diligence over making sure that uh we are doing what is supposed to be done with our money with with the uh public's money. I know it is a lot. 496 million plus. I think we'll

055probably get another at least another hundred million uh shared from the state. So, we're somewhere around $600 million we'll be spending within the district. all taxpayers dollars. So, so thank you for your support. >> Well, thank you. Thank you. I mean, I'd like to thank the staff that has has made our job easier because their documentation, their work, it's impeccable. So, when we're able to go through an audit process, 91% of it being audited means that they almost audited every transaction. >> Only 10% of the transactions weren't audited. So, again, it goes to the staff and the board of trustees. Thank you. because you guys are working diligently to make sure that the funds of the taxpayers are used properly. >> I'd like to echo what our fellow board members had said. Um you guys

056are volunt are true volunteers and um I want to thank you for your servant leadership demonstrated >> through your service here. So, thank you >> um Brian O'Neal and I personally understand what you have been doing although we didn't have uh quite enough quite that much amount of money, right? >> No, we did not. >> Yeah. So, so we were on the O oversight committee so we understand learning all of the terms and and going through that but visiting sites as well. So, we thank you so much. Appreciate your work. On behalf of the board, thank you so much for your presentation and to our committee members for being here tonight. Appreciate it. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> We will now go to 9.2 2025 through 2026 second interim budget report

057and I will defer to Dr. Nian. Well, good evening board president Guerrero, members of the board, Dr. Free, our superintendent, new superintendent, um members of public, and those watching online. Tonight, I'll be presenting the latest um budget report to the board. Uh this is the second interim report. want to give an overall to see what is currently happening in the um forecast for the US economy. So overall inflation con uh continues to be um persistent um going up. It is coming down a little bit. The latest uh inflation number was at 2.4% in um January 2026. So this is down from the 2.7% um in December. So it's coming down since we come down a little bit. there is a weakening of the labor market. Um, so far at this point, California unemployment rate, the

058latest number we received is from December 2025 at 5.5%. So, this is still higher than the national average of about 4.3%. So, and this number is actually getting kind of higher, right, from what the numbers was in the past. Um there's a lot of global uh politics that's going on right now with the policy shifting um the timing of the financial conditions the geopolit political risk currently happening around the world um that's you know the currently in what's happening in the Middle East as well. So there's a lot of concerns with the overall um economy and what's happening in the world that has um right now that's something that is continued to happen. Um but there are some good news as well. The overall economic forecast we're near and above the trend growth. So as

059you can see the market has been doing very well in the equities market. I mean we have not seen such a high level. I mean it's very volatile at this point but you can see the latest u market um upturn in that as well. Um and um the AI investment has actually boosted the productivity and business capital expenditures as well. um then the economists at UCLA they are projecting um the federalist policies will continue um to have growth and so we're hoping that you know this economy hopefully the inflation will be continuing to come down and hopefully there's more stability in the overall global economy at this point. So the governor proposed his budget um his uh the January proposal in January. Um overall for the 2627 budget is project um it's a balanced um

060um budget but starting in 2728 there is projection of a 22 billion deficit and the uh next two years after that there's also going to be shortfalls. So we are starting to see that um so far California tax collection um are outperforming projections so far. So that is a good news for the state budget as a whole and the overall US um gross domestic product is about over a little over 4% with what I talked talked about earlier the equity market is actually at a new all-time high. So that has something that we are continuing to watching. So it seemed like the confu uh the consumer confidence is actually up. So I think that's a positive direction. Um but there are a lot of uncertainties um because the the gains in the stock market are

061driven by only a few technology companies at this point. And so that is something extremely volatile and there's a lot of uncertainties with um immigration as well as foreign trade at this point. So the governor does not assume um there's going to be any economic recession in his budget uh nor a stock market downturn in the uh fiscal year which actually did occur back in 2022. We had the uh corrections at that point. So that's something that we need to be um continue to monitor that there are some risks to the overall Prop 98. as how the the school districts are funded through the LCFF uh local control funding formula um from the state. The risks are the biggest ones are first of all declining woman and I'm going to talk about the our figures

062and what it relates to state overall numbers as well. Most districts in California are now declining most districts especially in Orange County the decline has been extremely significant. And the next one is the deficit spending. A lot of school districts are now starting to deficit spend and our district as well. We are going to start being desperate spending starting next year. I'm going to share the exact numbers what that will be. The governor trying to balance his budget for 2627. He is now proposing once again a settle uh a settle up amount of $5.6 billion. That means he will be giving us the money in the following fiscal year although we are owed that money. So this will impact cash flow when we get there and we will um know how approximately how much depending

063on how much is actually being proposed at the May revise. So that is going to be a concern for cash flow purpose. Once again, the governor is is proposing uh some one-time dollars. And so we are looking at um this is a additional one time $2.8 billion that's coming from the state is uh for our district. We're looking at about 11.9 million and this is basically to fund any type of discretionary um funding for the district. We can use it for ELA, ELD framework development, math framework for PD, teacher recruitment retention, career pathway, and the rising cost and attendance and enrollment decline. So this this dollar is flexible. However, our county, the Orange County Department of Education have asked us do not budget for this dollar amount at this point. So this amount is not

064budgeted. We should budget that when there's better clear picture that this we are going to receive this money. It's going to be depending on how the state shapes up with their May revise. So this this um portion is not being budget. Another pot of onetime dollars. This is the learning recovery emergency block grant. So we did receive portions of this dollar uh in current fiscal year. We receive about onethird and so in the proposal this will be a uh restore of the amount. And so this is a $4.5 million that instead of uh being getting that in over 2627 and 2828 2728 this money will be now coming in as one time in 2627 and this dollar amount is a restoration. So we are allowed to budget for this. So the 4.5 million is part

065of the second interimm report. Okay. Okay. So, this is budget as you can see that. And the next is um the governor proposed um an an ongoing $1 billion for community schools. So, so far there has been about $4.1 billion as statewide um for community schools or for 2500 schools across the state and we have 15 schools right here in our district which we're excited about. And so the UN the ongoing a billion dollar in new investment uh will be basically to expand the community school models across the state. But at this point um we do not know what the funding could look like since we when we received our grant it was over a five-year grant. That's how we have received it. And so at this point there is no guideline to see how

066this could come. And so we're not able to budget for this amount at this point. We I know the board with the uh board have um expanded the community schools to the five schools on the west side including Cypress, Lexington, Oxford, Kennedy, and Walker. And those positions is in the budget starting 2627 for the five schools on the west side. So we do want to make sure that uh the public know that that's in the budget. And so once we know what the state um allocation could look like for the rest of the community schools, then we'll bring that information to our budget. We do have something um good that's coming out from special education. The state um is proposing uh the governor's proposed in um additional dollars to raise the base funding for special

067education that's called AB 602. So currently we're receiving about $917 for each of the for the students and this dollar amount is proposed to go up to $999. We are looking that additional increase is a $2 million. However, this is something that there's some uncertainties. So we were asked at this point do not budget that until we have clear picture. So there's a lot of proposals and I want to share with you what the dollar amounts are but some things we are we were asked to budget and some items we they were telling us do not budget for it. So I want to be very clear this $2 million is not budget and if we do get this money the goal will be this will be an ongoing ongoing amount that will start next year

068and so that will really help us with the um special education program. So, we're very very excited about this new ongoing dollars if it does happen. And I will now go through some of the key indicators um for our district. And so, as you have seen, this is our enrollment chart. Um we have the certified numbers at um as of October 2025. So, we are now um our enrollment is about 25 um,000 students um or so at this point. and we we track our attendance um every month and we have all the attendance rates as well. So this is the enrollment and so I'm going to be very clear in a couple I'll show you we don't get paid based on enrollment we get paid based on when students come to our school attendance and

069this is a chart to show you how our decline has been um since 2011. And as you can see, we had just, you know, a some slight decline and then um really drained um when CO kind of hit and our biggest year was in 2425. We lost about,00 um students in that year. Uh this year, uh we lost about 943. So we're hoping that we're not losing um as much as prior, but we are continue to project um a declining enrollment. until 2029 20 uh 2030 still at this point. So as I spoke earlier we get paid based on attendance not how many students we have enrolled and so this chart will share with us what we have done so far. So for a secondary district, we were at 95% prior to COVID. That is

070unheard of for students to show up day after day that they were um in school. And the one year that during CO 2021 um that was the year that um the state basically let us have the prior year because of CO. So that was a 97% but that was um a different formula for that year and we dropped to 91% in 2223. Now, we have since bounced back, but we are only at 92%. And so, this is something that we can continue to work on because we were able to be at 95%, which is really unheard of. I'm going to tell you that for high school district. So, there's some room there that we can continue to work on to bring the students uh back to into classrooms. And as you can see, our unduplicated

071pupil count uh using the three-year rolling average, we have kind of gone up. Our high has been about 81%. Current year we're about 80% and we're projected to go down to about 76% in the out years. This is the um retirement the stirs and pers district contribution. As you can see here the number continues to go up. But I do wanted us to kind of take a look at the difference between just in eight years between 20 2017 18 to currently. Back in 2017 we spent about about $21 million for the um stores portion and basically it almost doubled not not almost doubled to $37 million current year. At the same time the pers this is like the from people who are in the classified systems like myself. It was about $8 million. it has

072grown to almost $24 million in the eight-year period. So, it's tripled. So, the retirement has uh and all this is because of the how the market is doing as well. This is a retirement system. So, when they're not able to pay out for the retirees, then they come back to the district to for the uh contribution from the school districts. So, this is something that we continue to watch. We're hoping that the the rates are stabilizing at this point, but he I do want to show how how fast he has um increased the rates overall in just in eight years. And this is the chart for the health and welfare um the district contribution for that. And as you can see, steady we've been going up um in the um from you know since 2010

073and um last year in 2425 we were about 60 million and we're now at $64 million. Now in the budgets we project a 10% increase for the health and welfare and we work very hard uh with our health benefits committee. Uh I know that our um board president and also um our board member Ron Hosshi both serve on that committee. We meet once a month and the committee works extremely hard to make sure that we are able to control the the money as well. They're very very cognizant about the expenditure. They're very cognizant about what we can have for our employees as well. So, thank you so much for being on that committee. I know it's a lot of hard work on that. So, um I will now share with the second interim overall um

074numbers um that um you'll be approving tonight. So this is the budget assumptions uh for what we have. The first one I wanted to um highlight is the uh LCFF COLA the local control funding formula cost of living adjustment. So for next year is it is now down to 2.41 remember first in it was not that long ago in December it was at 3.02 and and then the 2728 we're now down to 3.06 it was at 3.42. So all the cola from first interim it was higher projected and so we have been uh we have to use a lower um cost of living adjustment at this point. Moving forward the overall revenue for the second interim we are now um it is at $568.4 million. As you can see bulk of our expenditures is coming

075from the state in the LCFF um local control funding formula. And I do want to note here that because of measure K, we are now able to transfer, remember the 25.6 million, we were able to bring the money back because we now have the bonds to pay for those projects. Remember, we transfer that money before we pass the bond because we have a lot of projects that we needed the money for. So at second in that money is coming back. So just want to make sure that um we are aware of that. So it's a one time we transfer at one time it's coming back in one time. In total expenditures we um are projecting to be about $566.7 million and you will see the bulk of our expenditure over 80% is now on people.

076So you have the certificate salaries, class size salaries, employing benefits. That's bulk of our expenditures. This is our multi-year projection. So we have our current year and then that next three years um by law we just have to have current years plus the next two years. You will see here we are now the available reserve is going down from 25.49% uh to 7.72% in 2829 and you see here in second in report that we are not projected to have deficit spending. You can see that we have a about a increase in fund balance of $1.6 6 million. But starting in 2627, $43 million in the deficit and in 2728 $67 million deficit and in 28.29 $77 million deficit. We saw deficits already back at first intim right. So please do not be surprised. It was

077$70 million back then in the out years, right? we have additional things that we have brought in and so um the deficit now is at 77 million. So this is the combined uh general fund including unrestricted and restricted but let's look at the unrestricted this is the money that has no strings attached what the deficit is for the year. So currently you can see here in second in we are we are doing good in our current year $22 million in the positive but looking at the next year 20 $37 million and then $59 million and then $78 million at this point. So all the raises are now in the budget. Remember there was multiple disclosure for AB1200. Those are all now in the um budget at this point. So that that will be the difference.

078And this is um the multi-year for the restricted programs. So we receive over $250 million in the onetime dollars because of the co funding from the federal government as well as from the state. So those money are now slowing drying up where we're towards end. All the other money was already spent. Uh there's some onetime dollar that learning recovery that's in here but those are going to be drying up after probably in a couple years. Those um onetime dollars are going to be gone. We do have the commitments. Um this was what we had um when we set up um totaling $130 million. We have the benefits for the classified summer assistance program. I know that our um employees really benefit from this and the state matching has been great. So I know this letter

079went out already to the employees who's doing that. So uh we're not that many districts in Orange County has this program, but we support this program um wholeheartedly. We also have the bus leasing the textbook set aside uh and then the additional 3% reserve that the board has mandated. So that's important. We also have the pension investment by the way that's doing well. So that will be helpful uh as well because the market's doing good. So our investments are doing well as well. And then we had the declining declining enrollment staffing set aside. We understand staff is very very important to us and that's something that we have set aside for that. Some of the key timelines is tonight um we are recommending the board adopt the second intermed with a positive certification to Orange

080County Department of Education and in May we'll be receiving the May revise to see what some of the updates are. Um June 4th we will be taking the proposed budget to the board and with the um June 11th the adoption of the 2627 budget overall um you will take the final action to approve our budget uh before then. And so that concludes my presentation and I'm happy to answer any questions. I know there's a lot of information uh that's been updated since first interim but I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have. >> Yes. Thank you Nancy for your comprehensive report. I will take questions from the board. Yes. Oh, yes. Applause. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Nancy, you had mentioned about a cash flow issue because they they have kicked the can

081down the road, >> right? >> Past July 1. But we have already made >> uh provisions in case that was to happen. So, we are able to to borrow, >> right? So, well, right now we should be fine because we have enough money within our within our budget to borrow against we need to. So um so for there are some things for example we cannot borrow against but there's some things we can so so far our cash flow looks good so far but depending on how much that defer could look like then we will once we know the um dollar amount then we will do another cash flow update but I think with our with our fund balance we're able to hopefully not have to go out to borrow from from the county so we

082have the first level we we need to we can borrow from that okay >> but there's also interest though is when you there is a cost of borrowing if the district has to borrow And I remember in 2008 during the that recession, it was very very tough. I know many districts, we literally had to check to see how much it was cash in the bank. We after we make payroll, then we check to see which bills we got to pay first. So we hope we never have to get back to that um place, but you know, a lot of us have a lot of experience doing that. So we have different tricks that we know what we need to do, but our job is to make sure that we have it's not just the budget,

083it's also the cash flow as well. >> Right. >> Yeah. Yeah, we have some diff difficult years ahead of us, but we'll >> it looks like it. And I want to be very clear. I have not said we are deficit spending, right? And so I think next year is the one year that I say looks like >> it could be and we were hoping we don't need to, but we also have the additional $12 million for the one time if the special comes in another $2 million. There's also the additional money that we can use. So, of course, we're going to be using those most restricted, the onetime dollars first before we start dipping into general fund, the unrestricted side. >> Got it. >> Any questions? >> I have a few questions. Um, >> you

084know, um, community schools is a big part and um, our grant expires in five. It's a fiveyear. >> It was five years, but we got it back in 20 where's Carlos? 22 23 >> Carlos right now >> or four year but there was an additional this fourth year. So, one more year. One more year. >> So, I I guess my question is uh are we eligible to renew? >> We we should be we should be. So, it just depending on if the billion dollars get approved and that's the thing. We do not know for sure. So, and we don't know what it could look like. So, that's the I mean, and we've been talking to a lot of different folks. That's like the first question when I go to any um meetings at the county

085or with the state level people that my first question. And I say we have 15 community schools and we need to know where all the money is at but we have already budgeted for that expenditures in the event that the uh funds uh run out. So that it's already budgeted in our outyear. So please know that I mean there are expenses that that we already have. So the goal will be if the state comes through with their money then we can uh offset that from our expenditures. >> So I noticed it said 4.1 billion. How is that translated to our district? So we receive of the 4.1 we receive about 20 or 20 $25 million. 24 Yeah. $24 million. >> Okay. And then um are we gathering data and serving surveying people who are leaving

086because of the declining enrollment? Are we finding out the reasons why there is declining enroll and maybe be a little bit intentional about possibly addressing that? So I know that um um the director I know our Dr. Hernandez in his office that they do do that um different surveys and I know a lot of schools actually personally a lot of principles call these parents and families to see why they're leaving and actually after after they make the call then they'll come back and I know for example um that um actually I was just visiting with Cypress um this morning the principal they have a special day for all the eighth grade to come and visit campus as well. So there's a lot of different things that our schools are doing to make sure that kids

087come to our programs and we do have a lot of kids that also come from the outside district. I mean we have the amazing dual enrollment program that not a lot of district have. I mean our kids are going to be able to go to college with probably like a year worth of credits already and so I know my own child has taken multiple courses as well like through our our partnership and that's going to be very very helpful when they do that. So >> that that's the exactly the reason why I'm asking that question. I was just talking to a parent today >> and I was explaining to them that our district offers a lot of opportunities, one of which is dual enrollment and the the school they were going to send their child

088to does not offer that >> a lot. >> They don't have pathways. They don't have internships. They don't have correct >> um a lot of just opportunities that we provide our students. And so I'm just wondering um you know for feeder districts you know um are we doing our CPSF presentations as well as having student testimonials? >> They do and they go to I know the um the ambassadors and you can talk about I can talk about that. Do you guys go to elementary schools correct? >> Yeah I actually went to an elementary school today like this morning. So, I went to Price and we spoke about the CPS framework and we talked about all the programs that AIM offers, the dual enrollment pathway, the pledge, the partnerships with um North Orange County Community District.

089And so, we talked about those things and this this meeting was a little bit small. I think we need to do a little better job of advertising it because there's only two parents, but the last one I had um two weeks ago, I believe, that one had like 10 students and parents. 10 parents and so we're definitely having the opportunity and we're going to have more of them but I think we need to do a better job advertising them. >> Are they recording those? >> They're not but they do have um QR codes to ask questions afterwards and I talked to the principal about having that advertised >> and then are we expanding to the other districts too >> because I know we've done it I know the ambassadors have done it for Anaheim Elementary.

090>> Yes. So actually as part of my transition I've been meeting with all of our feeder superintendents. So, we're working on a plan to not only have our students present to sixth grade students, but also things that we can do with our families and parents. Um, so there's actually quite a few other programs that we're working to build and integrate more intentionally with our feeders because, as you know, we serve five feeder elementary schools. Our largest being on elementary, but we have five feeders. So, we're really trying to be more intentional with how we work with our families and how we bring students uh as part of that feeling like it's a K12 district even though we're a 712. >> Dr. and thank you for making this very understandable for the average lay person like

091me. So, I just really appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you, Nancy. A great presentation. Uh I do would want to give um um Dr. Frerieded another chance to talk about expand further on the declining enrollment. Um and really just uh briefly talk about the causes of declining enrollment and then briefly talk about all the efforts we've been making probably since 2014. >> So I'll talk briefly about some of the causes of actually MissWan begin and then I'll fill in what what what uh either or she doesn't cover. But for causes what we have seen uh for the most part um so what people may not know is when I was the assistant superv 11 years ago at that time um I would spend days meeting with families who were wanting to leave

092the district when I first transitioned in that role and matter of fact it got so big that a lot of our ed staff directors I know Mr. Ko was one of them along with a few others we also I had to have them meeting with families because they were wanting to leave. I'm proud to say that as I was finishing my work in service before I transitioned, I think I probably met with a total of three or four families total. Um, so it's really dropped off in terms of families wanting to leave. I think you can see from our declining enrollment, we've actually declined at a slower pace in some of our other districts because of the work around our pathways and I'll have MissWan talk about that, but we have seen that we have

093had families leave like Orange County because of the cost of living. Um, we have seen folks leave the state for for those reasons. Um, housing is very expensive. Uh, we've also seen from our feeders, and I know Dr. McGllis knows this as a former trustee for Anime Elementary, the reality is families are just having statistically less students um or kids. Um, >> having two kids myself, they are very expensive. So, um, I do know that that um it's a it's a that's one of the factors that's we're also seeing is less students are just metriculating up because the elementaryaries are seeing less kids. The elementary schools did get a TK program which is why they didn't feel the hit as bad as the secondary districts because they had that that buffer. But I'm going to

094turn over to Quan who will talk about a lot of the efforts that we've been doing and I'll fill in if there's anything else that I that she doesn't say. >> And and also point out this is not our district alone. You said Orange County, but this is statewide. >> Yeah. >> Statewide. Yeah. It's all over. >> Um so we have many processes in place. When the students are in our system and they ask to leave the district, we definitely go through a robust process in which the principal reaches out and does a intake form or exit exit form. um so that we that we can understand why they might want to leave and have an opportunity to talk about what we offer. And oftentimes our principles are very successful in um helping that student

095and family find a home in one of our in one of our systems. Um uh we talked about some of the vertical articulation that we're having with our elementary districts with our pledge presentations. We are expanding those um beyond Anaheim Elementary. We're also um working with our elementary districts and um having vertical articulation in certain programming. Um sometimes they're very difficult, but something like Korean dual language immersion. If there's something that's already in our elementary feeder program, we are working hard to see if there is a way to continue to expand that program in our secondary setting. Um we also ma many of our major uh large community engagement events like our college and career fair, the biggest one in the nation. Uh we also in the galaxy we also have our um our transfer

096office there. um so that as we have families joining us that we can um help them find a place in our district and then the transfer office is already there for them to um support with that decision. Um actually CVA is also a program that is attracting many students from outside the district. I believe they are officially over 10% of their overall enrollment which is about 350 students is from outside of our district. Um lastly, Eric Greenwood and his team is doing um a lot of deep dive into the data to give us information of on students whose address is in our um attendance area but maybe not attending one of our schools. And so that level of data is um much more difficult to get because if we have students that didn't come into

097our system to begin with, but Eric Greenwood and his team is giving us some great data that we can um have with us so we can make better targeted outreach efforts. >> I have more if you want it. >> Can I ask a question related to that? Uh because prior to being on this board, I was on Anaheim Elementaryaries. >> Uh one of the biggest things that I had to decide along with that board uh was uh Palm Lane Charter School, which cost our district almost about $8 million. >> Right. I know next year Magnolia Charter School, Magnolia Charter School will be opening. Have we guesstimated? I know we don't know how many students plan on attending that, but has that been calculated uh in a possible what's the worst case scenario, best case scenario

098if we lose kids to Magnolia uh charter school? >> Well, so because right now we the way we're funded right now um is based on um three-year averaging for our data. So if we drop a little bit, it should be okay for that. But then it's like the impact though will be so it's because based on three you're averaging. So then in year two you're going to feel a little bit more and then year three you'll feel it more. So um that's and I we I think once we know like once kind of next year hits and we'll know I mean we we build room in our budget already at this point so that um if there's a drop our budget should be able to handle that. So there's there's room in the budget for

099that. >> Dr. Yes. >> Um, couple other things that we're doing that I think is worthy of sharing with with not just the board but our community. Um, you know, you heard this earlier today the the work that we're doing around school redesign and school transformation. So, we're creating opportunities for students that um in many other districts around us don't yet exist because we're really thinking uh about how we can transform schools to really impact schools with a rapidly changing world. And so, that has been an attractive point for a lot of our families and and and students as well. We've learned from the work that we did with Collider a number of years ago that helped us with our our district branding, the unlimited U. Um that the parents um often drive a lot

100of the decisions in terms of where their students go. And I would match our parent engagement uh work to any district across the country in terms of how we not just engage our parents, but we empower them. You're going to see as soon as we finish this an amazing presentation from Carlos and our parents on the parent ambassador program. And so when our parents come to our district, they're they're at the table helping to make decisions with us. Um, so they are doing incredible work and I think when they speak to other parents in their feed our elementary districts because a lot of our families have siblings at the elementary schools it becomes a natural transition to our district. Um, you know like our PLA's etc. Um, as as you heard from Mr. Hoshi, our

101dual enrollment programs are incredible. We are the first public school district in the country to offer Google certifications for not just our students but also for our families. So that is the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. And so the fact that that's being integrated into the school day, our students are getting opportunities that they just don't get in other districts. Um, so, so those are just a couple of examples. I would put our athletic program, which by the way, Savannah is winning right now in the in the second round of the state championship. They're not they haven't won yet. They haven't won yet, but they're winning and they're playing the number one seed. We have our BAPUP programs, which I would say are second to none uh in this in this district. So, the opportunities

102are incredible. in addition to our pathways right which are not the traditional culinary which we have as well but we're talking about artificial intelligence cyber security the nano biotechnology we're talking about the medical pathways the art there's so many things that we are offering to support our students and give them a unique opportunity that again we're declining at a lesser rate and we are finding less and less of our kids are wanting to leave >> and our pledge they have opportunities when they leave us with tuition covered supports at the University of Cal State Fullerton UC Irvine Cypress Florida College that school other students going to the schools don't get because they're part of our articulated agreement and guaranteed promises that we've all made to one another >> as an example >> and we're expanding

103um that into our Fullerton College uh as well uh adding more and more to our pathways. I just interviewed a student uh for the um RO program and he has his FAA license >> and he has started a business and he's not even 18 years old. >> Correct. >> Yeah. We have our droning pathway which I didn't mention the game design pathway tell our esports is legit in our district. So there's so many things that we have for students. All walks of life have opportunities and access here. So, just as as uh Leah said, we we're John is doing a fantastic job. Uh every weekend there's some highlights of what's happening. There's always a million things going on all week, but there is a wonderful highlights video that comes out. Check out the the the

104website. Uh you know, there's a lot going on in our schools and you know, with the parents here, um you know, advocating for our VAPA. I mean, there's so many things going on. It's word of mouth from you. Um, and I'm also here, uh, glad that you're here. I know you're here for a different reason, but I'm so glad you're here. Could you expand, um, on our why it's really important for our students to come to school every day? Just briefly expand on why it's important for attendance. >> Well, yeah, showing up matters. I mean, that's a skill, right? I mean, you think about the world of work. You know, you don't get paid if you don't show up for work. So we want our students to develop good habits but for our district right

105in not in terms of showing up is not just about the learning that is obviously the priority but we get what's called ADA or average daily attendance. So when a student is not in school and it could be one of those things a student doesn't come to school because they have a doctor's appointment the district doesn't get the money and remember the money that we receive for students covers the services the programs the supports that we have in place to support our students. So that ADA is a critical aspect of what we do each and every day as a district. And so, um, yeah, we want to build good habits for kids because we know when they're here, they learn. Um, and in our district, we're trying hard to make learning relevant and meaningful where

106it's not just teaching and memorizing dates and equations, but it's really about the application of of content knowledge, which is why the skills, the 5C's, our drivers are so important because that's what the world of work demands. And so, we have found that because of our approach, students are more engaged. I mean, I our students did an amazing job speaking tonight. Just shows the talent and the brilliance they bring to our schools. And so as we continue to build upon their assets and their strengths, um schools are a place that we we find students really want to be at because they're thriving. >> Thank you. One more question. Sorry. Uh uh on the uh COLA increase for special ed funding. Yes. Um we received a I received a report um at my GULPA meeting and

107I was under the impression it was only um 100 mil. Um the 602 funding. Uh there's something that they were talking about funding us at 999 correct versus 1,032. >> Right. So the our our estimate is um from because currently we are receiving 919 that's our the AB 602. So this is separate than the cola. >> So it's a separate uh one. So we're getting >> it's in addition >> in addition, right? So that's what we're um reading. So this is a separate pot. So the regular BA the we're getting the cola already on special ed but we're also going to get this other increase as part of the AB 602. >> Okay. >> Right. So our calculation um Karen was checking on that because we're going from 917.53 to 999. So that's a difference

108and then we that that's additional portion. >> Okay. >> So that's what we are the information that we got so far and I don't think Zela has released. No they haven't. So we we had to do our own estimate at this point. Okay. Good news all around. >> Yes. Yes. But we didn't budget for it yet. So just Yeah. So we just want to >> Yes. You're being conservative. >> Yes. We were told not to budget for that piece right now. Just is too much uncertainty right now. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Thank you, Nancy. Yeah. All my questions were answered already. So >> perfect. THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND UM SPEAKING OF PARENT ENGAGEMENT, we will transition to our next presentation, 9.3 parent ambassador program. And I will defer to Miss Amy Quan to

109introduce our presenters. I am pleased to introduce our executive director Carlos Hernandez of culture and engagement who will do a presentation on the parent ambassadors program. The parent ambassadors program is one of many strategies that we employ to engage our parents um as part of our LCAP goal number two commitment in um prepar engaging with our with our parents and community in in support of our whole child approach. So, Carlos Hernandez. >> That's right. Thank you very much. Good evening, uh, board, cabinet, and community members. Uh, it is my honor to really introduce and get out of the way um to hear from those that set conditions to create some amazing experiences for our families. Uh, as as Amy mentioned, LCAP goal number two. We're talking about how this comes to life around family engagement

110through the parent ambassador, one of the systems in structures that exists u that started at Savannah. And you'll hear from Maria Trujillo, our family communication specialist at Savannah High School, and Karen Ortega from Oxford Academy, our family communication specialist there. And and you have some amazing parents here that you're going to hear from as well. And I hope you have lots of questions for them. I'm going to get out of the way. Let's do it. >> Thank you for the introduction. I like Okay, I'm going to read from my cheat sheet because if not, I will ramble on. So, as uh Mr. Hernandez said, I'm Trilly. I'm the family and community engagement specialist at Savannah High School and I have my amazing partner here. My name is Karen Ortega. I'm the faces over at Oxford

111Academy. And here in the crowd, we also again want to shout out our parent ambassadors who are here present. So, if you're a parent ambassador from any site, Savannah, Oxford, you're here from Lexington, please stand up. We want to give you a BIG SHOUT OUT. SO AGAIN, WE'RE SUPER excited to uh be here and share the work that we've been doing that we've been developing um at Savannah for gosh, Dr. Frereda was there. He was my principal um back in 2014. So I know we don't have a lot of time. We actually worked really hard to time it 10 minutes. No more than 10 minutes. So, we want to make sure that we that we talk about our background, origins of our program, our current momentum, what we're doing right now, and what our vision

112as a district, we want to do, we want to continue to do with our parent ambassadors moving forward. Okay. So, where we started, sorry, Karen, I don't want to There we go. This way. So we started back in 2014 um back when Mr. Cologne was was my principal at um Savannah High School. Um so back then we had Gear Up and so Gear Up along with um Chapman University and you'll know why we have Chapman University on here. Um we came together because we wanted to come up with ideas on how we could um better uh engage our families and increase parent presence on our campus. So as a group it was parents, teachers, uh staff, we came together and we brainstormed ideas. So during that session um Claudia Ruiz who's now at Anaheim and

113Poppy Hill who who's now at um Kennedy um were part of the Savannah family and um Claudia was a counselor and she was a Chapman University parent. So she said, "You know what? At Chapman University, we have an ambassador program, a parent ambassador program. So, that's how we kind of stole the idea. Please don't tell Chapman University. We don't want to get sued. So, this is our why. Okay? You'll see some some famous people here. Okay? The biggest why is our students. Okay? We all come together um as a school with our families to make sure that we support our students to be college, career, and life ready. Oh, Karen, you're in there, too. So, why get involved? You know, there's so much research as to the importance of being involved, right? Increase in grades,

114uh, better attendance, uh, better behavior, but at the end of the day, the biggest benefit that our that our parents see along with student achievement is that um improved relationship with their students. So this is Savannah High School's um mission and again it wasn't something that I created or that Mr. Cologne created or Dr. Freed created. It was a group effort. We had parents at the table. We co-created. So it wasn't a you know doing too. It was a doing with. So, our mission statement, and I would love for one of our executive parent ambassadors, Miss Marisa Loris, to read the mission statement for us. Yes, read it. Let me see. I'll go. Our mission at Savannah is the parent ambassador program will support the school community in order to meet the needs of our

115families and students. Parent ambassadors will understand the education systems with great detail and depth to ensure their child is college, career and life ready for the 21st century. That is it. So, thank you. Okay. Okay. And now I pass it along to Karen. Alrighty. And so for our purpose of the parent ambassador program, um do you see some key words here? It's to increase family engagement and also to increase that parent presence on our campuses, making it a space where families feel welcomed, a space where families want to be involved on their school campuses and also creating that strong parent network where parents can lean on each other. They can have that support system. They can be that mentorship and that sense of belonging for all of our families. And so for commitment, this does

116vary by school site. Um every um school will have different um set of hours. So at a high school, typically you'll see a 50 hour um requirement per school year. Um and we'll talk about what that looks like on the next slide. But there is a minimum two-year um requirement for those who want to qualify for senior benefits, which we'll talk about later, and also those who um qualify for the executive board who want to go for a position. And then also other commitments for all ambassadors is to attend ambassador meetings throughout the school year and also to be able to log regularly those um participation hours. All right. So, participation, this is like the fun part where our families get to experience different levels of participation and engagement at our school sites and also

117at the district level. So, on this slide, you'll see different kinds of engagement levels. There's events, there's workshops, there's leadership positions, there's so many different things that parents can get involved in, and this is all based on their interests and needs and really for them to support their student at the level they're at. when you have a a parent at the seventh grade level compared to someone who's at the junior level or senior level, right? The needs can vary. So, this is a limited list, but there's so many more opportunities for our parents to be engaged on our campuses and at the district. So, it's such a um joy to see. And so, for the onboarding process, so we usually have anformational session for our parent ambassadors at the very beginning of the school year.

118And this is where we go over all of these logistics, this information. And afterwards, what we do have them is to make it official, a commitment. We have them sign an ambassador contract every school year. And if they haven't done so already, we make sure that they do the volunteer clearance process so that way they're approved to be on campus. They're approved for any volunteer opportunities. Um, and also as a parent ambassador so that we can have consistent communication. We have them join our communication platforms. Um, Maria and I, we both use Remind. So you'll see like a lot of messages through there and flyers, events, um, and also we have them >> Even today, sorry it we we're almost there. >> So they're very patient, but they're always awaiting different messages so that it's

119a two-way communication. Um, and then also like we mentioned is them logging their hours. We do a Google form system where they log every event. So we do have them try to consistently submit them so they don't get behind. So these are just some of the respons Oh gosh I can't I see closer here. Um these are some of the responsibilities that our parent ambassadors have. So once once they are identified as a parent ambassador and they get pinned and you'll see an image of of a parent being pinned by their student. Um they um they represent our parent community. They're seen as leaders. They lead and um represent not only leadership on our campus but in our outside you know here at the district and in our communities. They're community leaders and um they

120are leaders and they are connect the the connection for other parents to get involved. So one of the things that we have seen at Savannah is that organically those all of our parent ambassadors are that critical link to bring in families that otherwise weren't engaged for a variety of reasons. Um they are the ones I mean I want to give them a big shout out because thanks to them we're able to bring in u more families to be engaged. And so obviously part of um the program is to provide incentives for our families and this will vary again by school site but some things you'll kind of see are opportunities for them to develop as leaders on our campuses district level and then there they get certain perks like if there's um any priority registration

121or limited seating or spots for an event we send it out to our ambassadors first and a first come first serve. Um so it does um give them an opportunity to um get that exclusive opportunities first. Um other things that you'll see um we do at the very end have a ceremony. Um I did send you all an invitation for next week we're going to have a ceremony. We're same day. So you guys choose which location split yourselves but please come out and join. We're going to celebrate our parent ambassadors at our school sites. Um, but at this ceremony, something that you'll typically see is that we do a pinning ceremony, which is where our parents are able to get a personalized name badge with their name, with their um title showcasing that they're a

122parent leader on campus. So, here on this in this photo, this is um from last year at Oxford Academy. We did our own pinning ceremony. This was our first year, so we're on to year two. And it's so exciting to see that. And then we also have senior benefits, which is something that our senior parents always look forward to because they we'll talk about it afterwards, but it's really exciting stuff. But all of these perks are cool, right? But the most important and the most valuable thing is that our parents get to be involved in their students education. >> Yes. >> So this is what our VIP grad experience looks like. Okay. Let me tell you, this year at Savannah is our biggest graduating cohort of senior parent ambassadors. We have 21. And so, it's

123my stress every year because I'm the one who goes and sets all the spots and make sure that no. So, I've been, you know, I've cried a couple times, I'm not going to lie, in the last 15 years. But this year is our biggest graduating cohort of 21 parent ambassadors. and our biggest new parent ambassadors. We also have about 22 new ambassadors that we will be pinning this year. So, um we get VIP seating, get VIP lanyards, you know, we try to make the experience as special as as we can because, you know, they dedicate so much time and effort. And these are just images of ambassadors in action. We can be here for hours and hours and hours because we, you know, we're so blessed as a district to have amazing parents. Amazing. So,

124they're everywhere. You know, whether they are leading parent leadership academy, they're out in the community helping us with food distributions. Um they're out at a football game, you know, cheering our fam, our students on college and career fair, college and career um workshops, community building. Madres Mades. Yes. And then so this is Savannah and Oxford but but more um schools are now part of the parent ambassador program. So these are just some images of um some schools who already started their ambassador program. Um Catella, Anaheim, Dale, um Gilbert and Polaris. And so we really want to highlight that there are such positive changes already that we see with our parent ambassador programs, especially as we're implementing more and more um throughout our district. And so we really just see that um these parent ambassadors are

125not just seen as leaders for our staff um who not notice them, but also our parents. They get to see them as those mentors. they get to see them as those people that they can really lean on. Um, and then also like we mentioned that parent network, getting that peer-to-peer support and having people that they know that they can always ask questions to, right? Um, as staff sometimes it's a little bit hard for us to have those um one-on-one relationships, but our parent ambassadors, they're right there with them, so they're able to answer a lot of questions and build that um support system. And also, we see more parent participations, more parents want to join. Um, I recruited like basically my program almost tripled this year because I got one and then they brought three

126more and you know like it just keeps growing because parents are interested in being involved. They really want to um see their students succeed and they really want to be part of something big. Um, and so that's really important for them and we see more of them on campus and ultimately adding more of that positive campus culture that we need. They're part of that. It's not just they show up, but they really create that campus culture that we need for our students to thrive in. >> And also, you know, they love our school sites and our school communities so much that they, you know, even when their students graduate, they are still dedicated to our school communities. Okay. We have at Savannah, we have eight executive parent ambassadors. Out of those eight executive parent ambassadors,

127four of them are parents of alum whose students have already gone to university, graduated, and are still dedicated to our school and they're here dedicated to our school communities. That's how much they value AUHSD. >> And so this is just, you know, some of the data. Savannah, we have 60 parent ambassadors active this year, eight executive parent ambassadors. Oxford who just started last year already has 57 parent ambassadors. >> Okay. And we have Kennedy, Catella, Gilbert, Polaris, Walker, Ball, Dale, Brookhurst. >> There was another image, wasn't there? No. >> But the rest of our school sites are already in progress. They're already working on their um on their um programs and what their programs are going to look like. It's going to look like different at every school because it all depends on our school's

128needs and what our parents feel that is important for their site. >> But the expectation is that by next school year, every single school have a parent ambassador program. >> Nice. >> So, we're really excited um to see the growth of the program districtwide. And we do encourage our parents who are here who are also interested. they this intrigued them that you keep an eye out for any um communication from your faces at your school site because a program is coming near. So please um be patient as our faces are um creating their programs and implementing it. But we're so excited to see how much this program continues to grow and we really ask that our parents really consider being part of this with us. >> Yes. And it's just been great to see at

129the different school sites and even if you follow the different sites on social media, I see, you know, some of the Oxford parents at Savannah or some of the Savannah parents at Anaheim, you know, building community and creating those really strong networks. So, it's just really awesome to see that. >> And if you have any questions, we have we also have our amazing parents here that would love to answer any questions if you have any. >> Yes. Thank you. No, thank you for that presentation. >> Um, well, great pres like best presentation I think we've seen uh in this uh district. So, thank you for being uh for your presentation. Um, and earlier today we actually had a presentation on school redesign and one of the features was authentic family community engagement. So, thank you

130for being part of that process to make sure that we have authentic experiences for our parents and to all of our parent ambassadors here for continuing to be involved. Um, such dedication. Um, I know being a product of this district and having my mom be involved uh throughout my process really made an impact in my education. So, I know your students also feel the impact. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, and with that, I'll take any questions from the DAS. >> No question. Just thank you very much for bringing this to our our attention and telling the world about it. >> Thank you. Hopefully, you'll see it grow now. >> Yes. >> Even even more. >> Yes. Please join. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Thank you so much for that presentation. It's nice to

131hear um how the organization got started. Uh three months ago when I first got on the school board, y'all were so welcoming to me. Uh and you know, it's empower like you know, you make me want to work 10 times harder. And you know when I came here uh as a student you know I wish my mother you know and I'm thinking about you back there uh >> um I wish that we had a program like this right so that you could empower each other you know get involved be insights and just uh some amazing work um I keep your sticker right here sticker you gave me uh three months ago so great work great presentation thank you so much >> thank you thank you so much >> Marie Hey, wait a second. Hey everyone,

132it's 8:00 right now and I I just want to let you know if she and Karen are this energetic at 8:00 at night, you should see her with a cup of coffee at 8:00m. >> Okay? I mean, she is two times that. And the engagement, you know, it's uh when I go, I think I've been to about three or four of your events and I'll tell you, it's not an organization and not even a network. It really is a community. >> I mean, I thought it was very apppropo that you had put on the slide where the the VIP thing was. It said VIP community >> and you know what and um and and then you had another slide in there that it and it said experience. Well, you know what you're doing? You're creating

133experiences for people and you're also creating friendships amongst parents that are that are lasting. That's why they want to stay on and they don't want to leave you, >> you know. So, so I applaud you and we need more things like that. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Bravo. Um I echo I echo the sentiments of my colleagues as well. And um I just wanted to ask uh what are maybe some of the challenges I know volunteering in junior high because it's it's only a two-year uh what what steps do you think that people could take? Maybe staying on hopefully the the the the parents that are supposedly moving on stay on or what are the steps that you you would like to see? >> So I'm

134at the high school but I actually have um Yeah, my feet are patterned. My Brookhurst who I love and adore. Um, so I have pair, you know, there's parents Brookers and I work really closely together. We do everything together and Brookhurst is working on creating their ambassador program as we speak. But I have several um Brookhurst parents whose students are in um 7th grade and they're actually going to be pinned as a Savannah a Savannah parent ambassadors this March 11th at 8:30 a.m. at the Savannah High School Auditorium. Half of you, we would love for you to be at Savannah. So that's that's one of the ways that um they feel they can extend the the um yes they can extend the experience right Burkers and they start at Savannah before they even >> are

135there and become part of that. >> It's a great idea. >> So the number one challenge that I came across was uh communications. So, I wanted to be part of my children's um school um path, but I didn't know that there was anything remotely close to a parent ambassador program cuz my parents weren't involved in my education when I was younger. So, when I heard that they had the parent ambassador program, I didn't care how many hours it took for me to get involved. I just wanted to be involved. But when she had said that being involved meant being there for your student and being there for your community, what means which also means going to open house, going to the games, going and being involved with your student and their teacher if there's any

136meetings or any of that type of interaction. Um, it's it's been really nice because I've been able to meet Dr. Perez and be comfortable with it. I mean, Carlos, I've been able to learn. I've been able to travel with the school district. Um, in the coming weeks, I'm going to go to an AI summit, which never thought I'd learn any of this stuff, but I've been able to overcome a lot of obstacles and be a been able to learn more than I ever thought I'd learn with the parent ambassador program. So, the only obstacle I would really say is this communication. So, I like the fact that you have the students going out into the elementary schools because I promise you when I was sixth grade, when she was in sixth grade going into Brookhurst,

137I didn't know what to expect, but I really wanted to be there for her. But knowing now that there is parent ambassador programs to be there to support our children, whether the parents get involved or not, that's an opportunity. >> And that probably would be the only obstacle that I could say. Everything else, it's it's easy. It's there's no challenges and you have a a great community of support team around you. >> We can see that. Thank you so much and again thank you to all the ambassadors that took the time to come here and um and you know let us shower you with recognition and we appreciate all the time that you put in uh for your for your school community. It's not just about your own uh when you uh join a community.

138It's about everyone involved. And I'm a little jealous because um I wasn't there when you started the program, but I am a former Savannah parent. So maybe next year I can earn my badge. >> Yes. >> Let me tell you, I've been trying to get Miss Fujimoto for the last I don't know how many years. Every time I see her, got to be PN ambassador. >> All right. >> Got to put you got to put your hours in. >> So this one that's why I said this counts. This counts. >> Reading. Yes. Thank you. So, and you all have Thank you so much for being here. Thank you FOR >> Thank you. Moving on to our public comments. Opportunities for public comments occur at the beginning of each agenda item and at this time for

139items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to address the board of trustees should complete a speaker request form available on the information table at the back of the room and submit it to executive assistant prior to the meeting. Each speaker is limited to maximum of three minutes. Each topic or term is limited to a total of 20 minutes. Board members cannot immediately respond to public comments as stated on the speaker request form. So I will call up our first speaker is Kristen Lent Liriano. Good evening. I will try to be even half as um impressive as the students that presented tonight, but I'll give it my best. Um I am a parent of students both at Kennedy and Walker um as well as a graduate of Kennedy myself. I have also been a band parent

140uh for six of those years and worked very closely with the program, even sometimes feeling like I sleep in that band room because I'm there so much. What I have witnessed over the last two years with my own children and the 140 students that I support in this program is a perseverance unmatched by anything I have ever known. From the transfer of their beloved assistant band director to Lexington to the loss of the replacement assistant a few short months later to a different career to the untimely passing of their junior high band teacher, Dear Mrs. Massie. and now with their trusted high school director who has run the program for 21 and a half years having to say goodbye to his disability or due to his disability, I'm so sorry. Um, these students have overcome

141enormous amounts of uncertainty and instability. All of these events were totally out of students and staff's control, but they have pressed on and still imp uh had an impressive and successful year so far. These kids truly have been an inspiration. However, the reason I bring this to the board's attention tonight is that there are proposed changes at Lexington Junior High that almost certainly will bring the same outcome of uncertainty and instability, but these changes are in your control. The current band director, Marcel Beran, has been given a letter of non-renewal for the upcoming fiscal year. The events that transpired causing Lexington to need a new band director were quite a shock to the community and resulted in a loss of trust from the students and parents alike. When it was proposed for Mr. Barrian to

142leave Kennedy and go support Lexington, however, Kennedy all rallied behind him because we knew he was the man for the job. Lexington needed someone to show up, pick up the pieces, and nurture the music program that needed all of the focus to stay on what matters most, the kids. He is a strong educator, a passionate musician, and most importantly, an incredibly empathetic human being. He facilitates an environment that upholds the strongest value in a school age band, which is all are welcome. He is able to challenge the most gifted students and foster their passion all the while advocating and encouraging the student who hasn't found their voice yet. All across the board because even I work at an elementary school district we hear from between schools, between districts, between parents and students alike what amazing

143things he's doing in rebuilding this band community. I urge you as the board to reconsider this intent of non-renewal. Please prevent any more setbacks to this community. Marcel is a teacher and a director the students depend on and cherish. And in today's world, we can't afford any more instability, especially when it is in your control. Thank you so much. The next speaker is Frank Chen. Hi, I'm here to show support for Mr. Beran. I can say from my experience with my daughter being in the band for two years. Um, she's a introvert person and she's really opened up and even learned a second instrument under Mr. Bergen's um, teaching. Um, I don't know Mr. Bergen personally, but I do see him at all the concerts and events because my daughter is there and I see

144the passion that he shows. I see the respect that he commands from the students and I think it's a a travesty for him to not be continuing to be a student there. Ultimately, I have my kid is in the eighth grade right now. So, I have no stake in the game after this year. I'm not there anymore. But the future students, that's a travesty for not them not to have that uh experience that my daughter has. And when I looked up uh how many students are in Lexington Junior High, the internet says tw uh 1,276 and I know there's about 230 240 students in the band. That's a elective. is roughly 20% of the kids are in that band. 20% of the kids are being influenced by Mr. Bergen and that's a elective class, not

145even a class that they have to take by themselves. So I urge you guys to reconsider and see the importance of Mr. Bergen in uh Lexen Junior High. Thank you. >> Thank you. The ne the next speaker is Patricia Flores. >> Good evening members of the board. We stand here today on behalf of Mr. Brian, not because he asked us to speak, but because we deeply believe in the incredible work he's doing and the prof profound difference he's making for the students at Lexington Junior High School. Mr. Mr. Beran was personally selected by Brian Bellski, the district's VAPA director, who sought him out from his assistant role at Kennedy High School during an exceptionally challenging time following the Steve Grave situation. This is not a casual appointment. He was chosen because the district leadership recognized

146his integrity, his leadership skills, and his vision to rebuild and strengthen a struggling program. Since stepping into this difficult role, Mr. Beran has shown unwavering professionalism, commitment. He has worked tirelessly not just to stabilize the band program, but to rebuild it with clear intention and a forward-thinking vision for the 202526 school year. He implemented a stronger, more structured program. He has energized both students and families. He regularly participates in booster meetings and remains deeply invested in the program's growth and success. Most importantly, Mr. Bergen has built me meaningful, supportive relationships with his students. He encourages them, holds them to high standards, and inspires them to excel. Under his guidance, an advance advanced band students who began with him in 2024 to 2025 are performing at levels comparable, if not surpassing first and secondyear students at

147Cypress High School. This kind of progress doesn't happen by chance. It is a direct result of consistent leadership, expert instruction, and a director who genuinely cares about his students futures. Our children are not only learning music, they love it. They're motivated, confident, and proud of their achievements. This enthusiasm and pride reflect the positive environment Mr. Brian has created. Introducing a new director now would cause a necessary disruption for both students and families after experiencing instability in recent years. Our students observe continuity. The district itself emphasizes how essential stability and consistency is and removing the director who's restored trust and rebuilt morale and elevated performance would be at odds with those values. Such change risks harming not only students progress but also their emotional and mental well-being. I'm going to stop there, but I have letters

148from students and parents. you guys can uh read them and consider uh this decision. Thank you. >> The next speaker is Adam Wagner. Wagner. So, I'd like to thank uh superintendent, board of trustees, and everybody. Um, I'm on here on behalf of uh Mr. Barrian. Um, I'm a parent of a current senior at Kennedy High School. Um, I was the or currently I'm the current uh co-vp of the pit crew and got to work hand in hand with Mr. Berkin for the two years that he was the assistant band director. Um, I grew up band and playing instrument my whole life. And my band director was one of the most influential people I've had in my entire life. and he shaped who I am today. Um, Mr. Buran is one of those people. Um, in

149the two years that I was able to work with Mr. Beran, he showed leadership, dedication, inspiration, and empathy for his students. Um, I could go on, but I want to keep that list short and not take too much time here. Um, my daughter had many obstacles with some other students and Mr. Mr. Bergen made it a priority to rectify the situation immediately and um be fair with all the students involved. Um upon hearing his acceptance of the position at Lexington, um I inquired with him and pretty much pleaded with him to stay at Kennedy um because I knew that that the influence he had on the students and how much they enjoyed being with him. Um and as you can see from the students that spoke earlier and the parents that have spoke about um

150from Lexington um he has made an incredible contribution to not only Kennedy but also Lexington and not just the music program but the students involved and I feel it would be um an extremely disappointing for the district to not renew his contract. Um, and it would be um just due to his incredible caliber of teaching that he deserves to have his contract renewed. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> The next speaker is Greg Spooner. Greg Spooner. Oh, thank you. Next speaker will be Kimberly. There's no LESS to create a better world through you. That is your vision. And what does this phrase mean? I will address three impacts to this vision. Cypress community, as you can see from the audience, when there is a pressing matter, the community and parents will join together to show

151solidarity. We are here to support Mr. Bergan continuing his musical career and work which will prioritize stability, student growth, and continue success of this program. board. Please don't limit the community, the Cypus community, Lexington School. If Lexington's vision is to create a better world through unlimited you, then why remove one of the best teachers who is making the best unlimited music experience for students. Music is a creative outlet for some students who are too shy, have no hobbies, or need something to keep them busy. board. I urge you to reconsider the vital impact Mr. Beran has on these students and not aboot his students growth by disrupting the stability and success he has provided the students and parents band students board there are 230 band students this year the removal of Mr. Beran will affect

152123 eighth graders next year. Uh who already are familiar with his effective and creative teachings, his technical expertise, and his tireless work habits to ensure collaboration and advancement. Mr. Bergen has also worked with music directors from both elementary and high schools. One of our coaches right here who does both junior and high school for drum line. and um he has a clear transition in and out of Lexington. This shows you that Mr. Berin not only cares for students at Lexin, but future students, Lexington students and parents, please stand up. Please stand up. All Lexian parents and students, please stand up. board. We need you to exemplify the spirit of learning to help Cypress community lexing parents and future and current and IEP students to keep music director Mel Beran. Thank you so much. Thank you.

153>> The next speaker is Annie Yu. Good evening. Um, I just wanted to start with that I really do appreciate the board speaking about the importance of attendance and life skills that are developed in school. Um, as well as the role of parents. Um, I will now highlight how Mr. Beran embodies this mission and he should continue to be the band director at Lexington. I am the parent of a student in the Lexington Junior High School band program. I was recently informed that our band director, Mr. Marcel Beran, will not be returning for the 2026 27 school year due to a nonreelect notice. Like many other band families, our family was surprised and deeply concerned about this decision. Last year was our child's first year attending school in the Cypress area. He arrived at Lexington

154without any friends to help him with the adjustment. Soon after, the previous band director was suddenly dismissed. This created significant uncertainty during an already challenging uh transition. When Mr. Mr. Beran assumed leadership of the Lexington band program. We saw the many hours of dedication and professionalism that he brought to his musicians. He built trust with students and families while strengthening the program's culture and musical standards. In a short period of time, he has developed an impressive level of student musicianship and provided quality repertoire and performance opportunities. Our child has thrived under Mr. Beran's guidance and is now involved in advanced band, winter drum line and jazz band. He now plays three instruments because of Mr. Brian and also he does it with his friends. When he came to Lexington he didn't have any friends and

155through the support of Mr. Brian and the music program he has friends. Sorry I'm emotional. He has created an environment where students feel supported, challenged, inspired to grow as musicians and enjoy the process of making music. Our child's renewed enthusiasm for music is a direct result of Mr. Beran's instruction. The non-reelect decision disrupts the progress and stability that the Lexington band program has achieved. We're also concerned that younger students, including my youngest child, may lose the opportunity to benefit from the guidance, expertise, and experiences that Mr. Bergen provides. Our family respectfully requests that this decision be reconsidered and that district leadership, including the superintendent and board of education, engage with Lexington band families as stakeholders in our child's music education. Our students deserve a strong and stable music program that continues to grow through effective

156leadership, meaningful performance opportunities, and community support. We want to see Mr. Bergen have an opportunity to continue his leadership in building this program. Thank you. Thank you. The next the next speaker is Bianca Garcia. Evening board members, educators, and community members. Back in October, when most of you first heard me speak about my forever 13 beautiful cousin, Mia Mahia, I didn't share what I lived last March. On March 17th, 2025, at 10:32 a.m., I got the call. The traumatic call. The call I wish I never got. The call that informed me that my precious Mia had passed. At 1:12 p.m. the same day, I was on the phone calling every support group available in Orange County. I didn't sleep for three days. I didn't eat for 4 days. I moved into my uncle's home. Since

157March 17th, I've taken on a role I was never trained for. I became the de facto social worker for my family while trying to process my own heartbreak, my own trauma. I have been the one navigating the systems, searching for every resource, trying to help my shattered family. Prior to Mia's passing, I had registered to interview seniors at Savannah for the annual capstone interviews. I go every year. And last year, though I was grieving and debilitated, I still went because whether or not they are my family, Anaheim Union students matter to me. I reviewed and listened to the seniors with so much kindness and care. The Savannah staff member I was paired with was vile. He spoke so negatively about the seniors. I did provide that in my feedback to the capstone team. At the

158time in May, I still had a lot of hope that the district would help my family. I reached out to former teachers and principles. I came here to the district looking for help. As the months passed, I started to lose hope and began feeling the weight of the district's silence. The district had the means to reach my uncles. You had their phone numbers. You had their email addresses. Their home is just five minute drive from here. And I continue to show up even though I myself am in need of support. Even though I would rather focus on grieving because I do not want another family to experience the abandonment mine did. And the lives of Anaheim Union students matter to me. I am so heartbroken. I am so exhausted. Please don't make another family carry

159this much alone. We needed you then, and I am standing here telling you we still need you now. Please don't let my family's abandonment be your legacy. Our next speaker is Robert Garcia. It has been one year and the silence from this district is deafening. Mia Mahia died on from suicide on March 17th, 2025. And in six days, we will mark the anniversary of a physical assault she endured at Lexington Junior High. Seven days, another eight, another, nine. You get the point. And in 12 days, we will face the anniversary of the darkest day that Mia's family has ever endured. One year ago, this leadership bailed us. We remember the day the director of school mental health programs and services chose dismissal over empathy. We remember a grieving father being accosted instead of being supported.

160The district acts as if everything is fine, but the families are not okay. While they live in the dark, this district is busy praising the status quo. Students whose names you have had for a year are being celebrated. They are playing sports, being honored, while Mia is silenced. This is a disgrace. The district would rather protect their image than protect your children. Safety in this district should not depend on luck or a chance encounter. The holes in this district protocol are the gaps that children like Mia have fallen through. Time has not healed our wounds. It has only made us more determined to get justice. And we will attend every board meeting and we will speak at every opportunity. We have no intention of stopping until our children are actually safe. Do not wait for

161us to be silent because we never will be. Our next speaker is Victoria P. What is plausible deniability? What's is what's the opposite of plausible deniability? Opposite of arrangement that allows an activity to be denied. Undeniability. non-secre, accountability, openness. A UHSD, you get an Fgrade for this. One reason you have declining enrollment. I have been contacting the district since 7th grade, 2024, 2025, regarding concerns about my son's being being told he needed to be in school daily, even when he's sick and an asthmatic. They want him back in school quick. No excuses. The phone calls I was getting were appalling from Lexington. Yet the schools can't provide a safe environment. They are hostile, toxic, dangerous. That by a social worker from his doctor's office where the bully, thugs, gangs control the schools, not the administration

162who further victimize the students and use their them as scapegoats after they're attacked. Not enough is being done to stop the bullying. If you don't want to take action steps to interim safety programs at each school, then as parents, we need to call on you to resign. Resign your job if you cannot do it and give another person who wants to do the hard work with the parents and students to have a safer environment that is not toxic and hostile. In 2025, little Mia, a bride student, committed suicide due to the toxic hostile bullying at Lexington. To this day, it continues. The district has not issued an apology to the family nor the community. The leadership have not shown empathy and understanding and consideration of the loss of their precious family member. This family happens

163to be one of the kindest people you will ever meet. In 2024 2025, an accused music director of sexual misconduct was running the program for Lexington. Had not been moved around. Bloera had been moved around Balo Eera since the '9s. He was fired after the victims went to the news. In 2024, Ball Junior High, a special needs student had pictures of him undressing in the gym posted all over social media. The mother went to the news. She moved in Savannah High School 2025 December. A student was stabbed after a fight after school. I was told by doctor, new superintendent, it was a gang fight. Unacceptable. In 2025, I found out in Lexington Junior High School, they were having MMA fights in the bathrooms. They were posting him all over social media. My son was set

164up. He was one of the victims. Cypress at Cypress High School. At Cypress High School, team was attacked in an ambulance this week. There's been weekly fights and physical attacks. The district leaders never apologized and said they victim blamed and wanted to rush my son's transfer to any other schools. As a transfer student, you have no right to discriminate against these students. In 2026, the bullying, toxing, hostile school environment continues. Discriminating against transfer students continues. As parents and residents and voters and taxpayers, we compel you to take action steps to stop this now or resign. Resign your positions. If you cannot do your jobs, RESIGN. Our next speaker is Julie Hyman. Good evening and thank you for the chance to address you. I didn't come about um Mr. Barrian, but I'll just put in it's

165really moving to see so much of the community come out for an instructor. And I'll say before we got engaged even my husband, my now husband said to me back then that he his band director had affected him so much he wanted to name if he had a son that's who he wanted to name his child after. Um so it's if there are teachers like that here that's amazing. Um, what I wanted to address the board about, um, I'm from the Jewish Community Action Network, JCAN, and I previously addressed the board in January when you all we were really moved and honored that the board uh, honored the request to uh, recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We are grateful for that. Still, um, we saw uh, for today that ethnic studies um, particular ethnic studies

166curricula are being considered by the board. And what we'd ask is for the Jewish community, which I know is a small minority in this district and everywhere in the United States, to be included in the conversation. It wasn't entirely clear from the uh detail that was provided in the packet what in particular the instruction would be and whether the Jewish community would be discussed or not. Um and so the the request is just to please include us in the conversation so that we can have more transparency around what's going to be taught on this very important subject. Thank you so much for listening. THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL OF our public speakers here tonight and uh sharing uh your comments with the board. On behalf of the board of trustees, um we do take all

167the comments seriously. So, thank you so much for being here. I will now transition to our superintendent and staff report. Dr. Free. >> Thank you, board president Guerrero. Uh a lot of the things that I was going to share have been shared by Dr. Caj her admin report. So I'll be brief with some of these things, but I do want to highlight with the leading and learning visit that we had on the 24th. U I know as mentioned we have about over 130 folks in attendance, but you should know that that was across the country. So we had folks here from Hawaii, we had folks here from Arizona and also Maryland in addition to California. Um and I want to give a specific thanks to not just the staff at Dale Junior High and Magnolia

168High School, but also acknowledge Centrellia Elementary who hosted a visit for the first time ever uh as part of our leading learning walks. And then of course I want to give a big shout out to Carlos Hernandez and his team for the work that they did in their leadership. Um you heard about the Cal MSCS visit with Kennedy and Walker Junior High. Not to repeat all that stuff, but I do want to give a special shout out to Scott Rendell, Allison Conrad who helped coordinate and facilitate event in addition to the both principles, Poppy Hillis, Dr. Societ Jeffrey Sai along with Amanda Bryant who also was a big part of that day and of course our teacher leaders Jack Gupton Eric Hoff then you have Valerie Ariho Nish Takahara and Tina Alvoante who were also

169pivotal in that role and then of course our students there was a panel in the afternoon that I was privileged to be not a part of but to be there to witness and our students as you can imagine knocked out of the park. Uh so again big shout out to the folks at Kennedy and Walker. Uh you heard about the AI summit from one of the parents. So, we have our AI summit coming up that we're a showcase district on March 19th through the 21st at the NIM Hilton. Uh, we are a showcase district. We have about 50 teachers going. We have classified staff going, parents and students who will also be participating. So, I'm really excited to have a lot of our stakeholders represented. Um, the district is also going to be receiving an

170award at the summit at the AI K12 student advocacy award. So, I just want to let you know that we're being recognized because of the work we're doing around our student voice. The theme around the AI summit is student voice and community voice. um advocacy around AI. So, I'm excited that it's that we're a big part of this work. And then I also want to mention the soapbox speech finals March 17th. It's always one of my favorite events, but as you think about the civic work that we do, you're going to be able to see a lot of our students really showcase the topics and issues that are important to them. Uh and and and that event's at 6:00 p.m. at Laare High School's auditorium. And then as I had mentioned and you heard Savannah

171High School CIF champions and girls basketball, Kennedy CIF champions. We have a number of wrestlers who have placed in CIF masters in state. Um and then we also have the Cypress song and cheer team. I believe two-time national champion. They did two big tournaments, one in Florida, one here at the Anaheim Convention Center, which was big and they took first in both of those. So we have a lot of folks being uh that are going to be coming to the May board meeting to be recognized. So just want to give you the heads up. So that'll be my report. and I'll turn over to our team, >> MissWan. >> All right. I'll do the best I can to be uh succinct. We want to wish our social workers National Social Worker Appreciation Month. Um I

172also want to share that we have a small but mighty AUHSD presence at the COAB conference right now happening up in San Francisco. Cabab is the California Association for Bilingual Education. Um we including our very own Cabab board member and principal of Ball Junior High School, Miss Mariana Lee who serves as the Cabab director of parent relations. We have our executive director Robert Salavar who's at Cababe. Um and science teacher Rich Padilla who's presenting on science PTAs that he's developed for the DLI program. and RSelli Chavez and Robert Salavar are presenting alongside three of the DACA parents, Julie RmIrez from Savannah, Sonia Moran from Brookhurst and Nadi Deoya from Catala and they are presenting on the importance of parent engagement and uplifting family voice through shared leadership. I also want to highlight our VAPA programs

173who are entering their own CIF like playoff season as they enter um adjudicated festivals which is a rigorous evaluation process that builds the discipline and collaboration of students um need collaboration students need for college career and life. This Friday is the district theater and dance showcase at CPAC. Followed by throughout March, we have our band, orchestra, and choir festivals featuring over 80 different performances from our students districtwide. And so, we wish all of our student mi musicians the best as they perform and receive feedback from their panel of experts. I also want to share that our district has been awarded two significant grants that recognize and expand the strong work happening here. One is the California Serves grant in the amount of $472,000 um 506 actually in recognition of the opportunities um for more students

174to engage in civic engagement um already taking place and also expanding that um to in the state seal of civic engagement. So, thank you to Ruben Patino for applying for that. We also received the OCDE innovation funding initiative grant for $525,000 to support innovative strategies that strengthen career development, work-based learning, and student career identities with 12500 of those,000 dedicated to hope campus to support their simulation centers and expand post-secondary opportunities all throughout AUHSD. So, thank you to Amanda Bean, Scott Randelle, Tyler Sherman, and Louiesie Laymaner for putting that grant proposal together. Um, lastly, we have we want to thank our communities who've been engaging in LCAP, our engagement nights. We have our final LCAP engagement nights coming up on March 12th where we'll look at goal one and April 16th for the final convening. And

175at this moment want to share that we are approaching the end of third quarter and our seniors are entering their final stretch of high school and beginning to finalize their post-secary plans. And as Lacy Monger shared that right now is um times that students are receiving their college admissions decisions but many families all across our district are preparing for their um post-secary pathways including career training programs, military service and other um opportunities after high school. That's the happenings around ed division. >> Thank you Dr. Nin. >> Just a quick announcement again. The booster club training will be next Wednesday, March 11th at 6 PM in La Palma room. So we send out the information after the last board meeting. So please feel free uh please do come and join us in person next Wednesday. Thank

176you. >> Thank you. We will now move on to 12 items of business. Starting off with 12.1, resolution number 2025, authorization of resolution declaring intent to consider proposals to redevelop hope school. >> So moved. >> Second. >> And do we have any comments or questions? I had a few. Um and then I'll take some from the board. Uh uh Terry, thank you for being here. Um, I had a quick question on the resolution on page five of the resolution. Um, speaking of the possible housing units available. >> Yes. >> Um, so part of the process said it would be available to district employees, employees of the elementary school districts, employees of local agencies within district boundaries. Um, does that also include any students and families that live in the district? not necessarily staff but students

177and families >> typically not. The legislation was actually drafted around um workforce housing. So it would be employees, teachers, um people that are associating with the district. >> Okay. U if we wanted to add that, would that be the board adding that or later down the line when we get through that process? >> It's actually possible because um remember this is a fairly large piece of property. In fact, um we have been talking to a number of uh developers and consultants and uh one of the suggestions that was made was uh to add a line to the proposal. In fact, I was just looking at it um probably a line E, which is um right above uh area three for RFQ timeline for other items. um people who have other suggestions. For example, um it

178is possible to do workforce housing and also have um various components of housing. Um because remember the part of the goal for the district is not only to do something that is good for the community, but also there's an income component which is um properly using your assets in order to help you with your with your bottom line at the district. So, uh, anything that is, um, income producing would be beneficial to the district. So, it would be a good ad. >> Got it. Um, will we add that during this process or later down the line? >> We would add it as part of this process. You're welcome to talk about it today and um, we can add that uh, to the RFP as an addendum uh, which we would issue. Uh, you have a

179whole advertising methodology and we'll just add it to that process. >> Okay. Um >> can I can I ask at this point that on that subject um are >> are we limited to only the items that are listed on >> Yes. >> on the proposal such as other items besides um healthcare or housing. Can we put in retail or or manufacturing or or are we totally locked out if if it's not in there? >> You're not actually. In fact, that was the proposal that I was suggesting to add something that said other uh suggestions with regard to the developers, the people who are looking at these proposals. >> Okay. So, that would cover everything I just said. >> Correct. >> One of the issues just just as an ad was um when we were talking

180with the city for example, they really wanted to know exactly what we were doing. So, um uh this a lot of this was from discussions with the city. What you're saying makes sense. one of the partners that we were talking to or one of the people who was interested actually suggested having essentially an other category which we'll add. >> I would I would like to see that. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Um not so much a question for you but maybe to get your opinion. Um I'm sorry to put you in this spot, but um you know the school uh the California School Board Association has their um education workforce housing um project that they've been doing um and presentations. Uh do you think that would be advantageous for one of us to

181attend that workshop or do you do we already have all of that information? >> It's legislation. So it was uh interesting legislation that was passed. Um and it actually dictates uh for example the number of units the uh per acre uh the type of housing how it would work. Um and it also in exchange grants certain benefits to the district uh with regard to streamlining the whole process. But you're you're welcome to attend and learn more about it. I I would encourage you because this is a process that you're going through. Um, >> so it it would be a very beneficial thing for you to see. >> Okay. Thank you. So guys, this is um it's coming up pretty soon. So it's March through May um and it's three Fridays. >> Yeah, you'll hear about

182some interesting projects. The um I think the one of the big ones is one that I was um working on up in Northern California with Davis Unified. That's a really interesting one that they're building. >> And then uh one uh question as well on the RFP process. The board gets to see the different options that are brought the different developer options that are brought forward to us towards the final. >> Yes, absolutely. We actually have uh a couple of junctures where proposals will be sent. There's some questions and answers um that will probably help expand even some of your options. and then uh an interview process and a whole um evaluation process that the board will be involved in. >> Okay. And then are we allowed to uh request the developer to do like any

183community meetings um later down the line right now? We would certainly encourage us especially when we um uh start to hone in on a developer uh where it's clear that something is um in uh is likely to happen uh that we would encourage them to come so that they can present and talk about exactly what it is that they are talking about what they're doing. And by the way, it may be more than one developer. And part of the reason for that is a lot of developers do housing and some of them do commercial. Sometimes they don't do both. So um we did um recognize the possibility that it may be more than one developer. >> Got it. Um and then can you go into depth what the mandatory mandatory quiet period is uh just

184for the board's knowledge? >> Ah yes. So you will see in the proposal uh there is actually a um a little yellow box. >> Yes. >> Uh and the purpose of the yellow box is to try to make it as fair a process as possible. So we asked that uh any proposer uh limit the people that they talk to not talk to board members um talk only to our specified individuals uh so that you can keep the process as even as possible. One of the things that we've identified in our um in our schedule is any questions that come uh we are going to turn around and take those questions, answer them, publish the questions and the answers so everybody gets to see what it is those questions and answers are. So it's an it's

185an even play field for everybody who is interested in proposing. >> Perfect. Thank you. Any other questions or um Carl or maybe for Terry? Did that does that mean we vote on an amendment to add the other section or the student and family housing? >> You can I think it would be a good idea. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, I will motion to move the item forward with an amendment to add other and then students and families as one of the options. Thank you. >> Second. >> Okay. And this is a roll call vote. Uh so, go. Trusty O'Neal. >> Hi. >> Trustee Dr. McCullis. >> Hi. >> Trustee Hosshi. >> Hi. Trustee Rand Tjo >> I >> and I vote I so 5. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item 12.2 resolution number 2025

186adjustments to income and expenditures general fund resolution number 2025 adjustments to income and expenditures various funds and the 2025-2026 second interimm report. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none. This is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal. >> Hi. >> Trusty McAllis. >> Hi. >> Trustee Hoshi. >> I. >> Trusty Randall Tjo. >> I. >> And I vote I. It's 50. 12.3 resolution number 2025 Autism Awareness Month. >> I move. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Uh, Trusty O'Neal. >> Hi. >> Trusty McAllis. >> Hi. >> Trusty Hosshi. >> Hi. >> Trusty Rand Tjo. I >> and I will I uh to 50 12.4 resolution number 2025. Caesar Chavez Day. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Comments or questions? >> Seeing none,

187this is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal. >> I. >> Trusty Males. >> I. >> Trustee Hoshi. >> I. >> Trusty Randall Tjo. >> I. >> And I vote I. That's 50. Item 12.5, resolution number 2025, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. >> Some move. >> Second. >> Uh, any comments or questions? Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal, >> I. >> Trusty McAllis, >> I. >> Trusty Hosshi, >> I. >> Trusty Rand Tjo, >> I. >> And I vote I. That's a 50. 12.6. Resolution number 2025, Arab American Heritage Month. >> So moved. Second. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal >> I. >> Trusty McAllis >> I. >> Trusty Hosshi >> I. >> Trusty Rand Tjo. >> I. >> And I

188vote I. It's 50 12.7 resolution number 2025 take down Tobago Day. >> So moved. >> Second. Any comments or questions? I just like so all of these resolutions from 123 to 127 if we have um if the principles I know they've been encouraged um to let us know but I think that we should let people know when we're celebrating or we're doing anything in regards to any of these celebrations or um these special days so then people know what we're doing. >> Dr. Fe. >> Yes, we can certainly do that. And also um per the request of trustee Rand Tjo I think at I don't know it was the last board meeting we have met uh to talk about the way that we um share the passing of these resolutions in terms of how it

189gets to the school how it's posted and people are informed about what was passed so it's not just something that happens at a board meeting and it sits in the cloud. Uh so so more is coming on that work as well. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments? Seeing none. This is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal. >> Hi. >> Trusty Mauis. Hi. Trusty Hosshi >> I. >> Trusty Rand Tjo >> I. >> And I vote I. That's 5 Z. >> 12.8 resolution number 2025 classified reduction in force. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Trusty O'Neal. >> I. >> Trusty Males. Hi. >> Trusty Hosshi. >> I. >> Trusty Rand Tjo. I. >> And I vote I. It's 50 12.9 agreement ta pan.

190>> So moved >> second. >> Any comments or questions on this item? >> Seeing none on favor vote I >> It's a 5-0. >> 12.10 board policy multiple policies second reading. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, this is action I'm correct. Seeing none, all in favor I. I. >> I. It's a 5-0 12.11 school sponsor student organizations and we will take them all together. >> Yes. So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor vote. Hi. >> Hi. >> It's a 5-0 12.12 New board policy 9205 response to immigration enforcement repeal board policy 8145 response to immigration enforcement first and final reading. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Yes. Any comments or questions? I had uh two friendly amendments to the resolution. Uh first

191of all, thank you to our uh district a division um all of our divisions actually uh for all their support in our response to immigration enforcement. Um I think our district has been very proactive in making sure that we have all our measures and training in place um to assist our students and families. Um, so the two amendments I had, one of them was on page two of the resolution changing the item that says the superintendent or designate shall develop procedures for and may provide training to staff on uh changing may to will provide training on. We've actually already done this work the um training across our school site. So just being proactive and making sure it's listed as will. And then my second change or amendment is to page seven of the amendment instead

192of um the officer employee provides a valid judicial warrant or court order adding to that um that has been reviewed and verified by the superintendent because I believe that's the designy for superintendent. being very clear um that the superintendent or design should be on the procedure side. >> I just have a question with that uh with the with regards to the will require the training uh that means that they could also hire outside organizations to do the training and not necessarily do it ourselves with our own staff. >> Yeah, it could be a number of things. So, for example, with our our know your town hall rights, uh we worked with a lot of our community school our partners to be a part of the work because at the end of the day, we aren't

193lawyers and we have folks who have that background who provide uh up-to-date training that that as you know, sometimes things have changed. Uh as as related to the protocols and things that we have enacted to keep our schools safe and the way that we are responsible, we were able to conduct our own trainings. But yeah, sometimes it may be appropriate for us to bring someone else in because they come with a certain lands of expertise that perhaps we may not have based on some of the nuances. In this case, it relates to immigration. And again, our community schools approach, Carlos out of Kenny, they have access to a lot of our partners who provide these kinds of services that would support our families should questions come up that we're unable to answer. >> Okay. And

194just to speak on this, uh, just very quickly, if you're glancing at the at the the, um, you know, the agenda and you say that it's repealed, could you just speak to, um, what this is about and, um, and some of the steps that we've already been taking to support our families? You just spoke about some of the things. >> Yeah. Well, um the state has actually given us um updates that we needed to do to our existing board policy, which is what this is. So, it's basically taking the policy we already had in place and just enhancing it based on some of the legislation that came down that we needed to to add in terms of what was already in place is as a district, uh the board was already very proactive with resolution

195and board policy well before this even came down. And so we already had a process and protocols in place to support um immigration enforcement activities uh that we were doing even last well into early last year. Um the way it looks without going to all the protocols we have done a lot of work with not just our school administrators which has been part of our principal means but we have done work with office staff. Uh I know Carlos Hernandez and Robert Salibar spent some time working with the business office and some of our itinerant staff like our M department, our main operation. I know I've worked with Quinton and his team. Uh it's also been our food service workers who are sometimes driving vehicles or unpacking in the in the parking lot where they may

196not be behind the fencing. So we've done that and I know also Lauren Clask in the work that some of our itinerate um special ed staff um are out our workability program. So we've been really proactive to really try to think through who would need this kind of training with the protocol. So if you see something how to respond and do in a way that protects students and staff. We also have protocols and communication in terms of how we communicate with families, but also how we communicate with our partners. As you know, I've been meeting with all the local chiefs of police. That was happening previously, but I've been doing it now in this transition to just reinforce and I know Dr. Hernandis has gone with me. Carlos, Robert, and Amy have gone with me

197as well to be a part of those conversations to ensure our protocols are tight and our communication protocols with local law enforcement is also tight. So if we initiate the the the response because families reported to us something they saw, we have a protocol in terms of how we communicate and vice versa. Sometimes they will reach out to us if they are aware of something. So we're on on notice. So u been really proud of the proactive work that our team has done. We've been very proactive in the way that we've communicated with families to make sure they're aware not just to know your rights but also making sure families know that we have these things in place. And so I think as the board knows some of these trainings in with our families have

198been in person but of late we've also offered a lot of virtual trainings because of the fear of some of our families and coming into our schools to conduct the training especially when it was at its height. Uh as well >> just so you know we also have protocols that we put in place for our students and their voice. Um really proud of the civic work but students are wanting to protest and sometimes speak out against what they're seeing. And so we're trying to work with our students and our schools in terms of the protocols and how students can go about that work in a way that's safe and responsible. So a lot of things that we've done proactively uh and this policy just reinforces our commitment to it. >> So we've been dealing with

199all five police departments. >> Yes, I met with Well, Buena Park is is one that we want to meet with. I know it's not one of our feeder cities technically, but that's the that's on the calendar. Correct. But I met with Cypress today. La Palama we've met with Anaheim. Yes. Um what other cities am I missing? Um >> don't don't we have some areas that are discovered by the sheriff's department? >> Yes. >> So yeah, so that that's another one that we're going to be meeting but but the major cities we have met with and point of park is also on on the docket. >> Okay. >> So yeah, >> thank you for articulating that. I couldn't have done that. So that's why I call on you to do that. >> Appreciate it. And I

200um I know that um this is a scary time for our families and and I know that um and I thank everyone um that has supported our families, our students and our families. And just know that um we are getting feedback from uh parents and students just about how compassionate um our district is about um these protocols and um uh some other school districts and I don't mean to bash them but some other schools districts are not doing that and they have that they've called out Anaheim Union for being compassionate and open uh for um you know our our policies and our the way that we're training our staff to be aware of it and not waiting to react to something that might happen because we all know it is happening and it's happening in

201our neighborhood. So, >> thank you for that. >> Any other comments, questions? Seeing none, this is a action item. So, um with two amendments um all in favor, please vote. >> Did we get those two? We have to move it to add it. So, new board policy, uh, response to immigration enforcement, repeal board policy, um, and add to amendments. And this will be the first and final reading. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? Vote. I >> It's 5. Thank you. >> 12.13 public hearing ethnic studies courses. I will open the public hearing. Seeing no comments, I will close the public hearing. 12.14 public hearing, new course submissions for the 2026 through 2027 year. This is an information item. I will open the public hearing. Seeing no speakers, I will close the public

202hearing. Moving on to 12.15 hometoschool HTS transportation reimbursement plan. >> So move >> second. >> Any comments or questions? >> Seeing none. All in favor? >> I 50. 126 memorandum of understanding Sacramento County Office of Education Behavioral Health Bridge Grant Ward 2025 through 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor vote I. >> I. >> 50. >> 12.17 UC Irvine Langston Orange County Museum of Our Transportation Grant application. >> So moved. >> Second. Any comments or questions? >> Seeing none, all in favor I. >> I. It's 5 12.18 agreement Brightar Children's Theater. >> So moved. Second. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor I. >> 50. 12.19 contract independent occupational therapy evaluation. Sher Francis Bowman the launchpad therapy for kids. >> So moved. >> Second.

203>> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of I. >> I. It's 5. >> 12.20 agreement Latinex parenting. >> So move. >> Second. Any comments or questions? Say Moshi, >> I'm just wondering how are we um getting the parents to participate in this? >> Miss Quan, >> do we >> This is a an organic uh need and interest coming out of Gilbert Gilbert High School. And so they are using their um site funds to have this program at their specific site. question. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of vote I >> I. It's 50. >> 12.21 secondary district plan and application for work experience education program spring 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor I. >> I. It's 50. >>

20412.22 agreement. Orange County Superintendent of Schools Model Curriculum Project Supplemental Com Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference. >> So moved. Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor I. >> I. It's 5-0. 12.23. Quote, Solar Winds. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor I. I. >> I. It's 50. 12.24. Agreements. Kennedy High School Vocal Music Program. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor, all in favor of I. >> I. It's 50. 12.25. Initial contract proposal AOHSD to Mid Managers Association, MMA. And this is an information item 12.26 26 public hearing initial contract proposal AUHSD to mid managers association information item and this is a public hearing I will open the public hearing seeing no speakers I

205will close the public hearing 12.17 initial contract proposal MMA to AUHSD and this is anformational item 12.28 28 public hearing initial contract proposal MMA to AUHSD and this is a public hearing. I will open the public hearing. Seeing no speakers, I will close the public hearing. 12.29 Initial contract proposal AUHSD to CSEA and this is anformational item. 12.30 Public hearing initial contract proposal AUHSD to CSEA and this is a public hearing. I will open the public hearing. Seeing no comments, I will close the public hearing. 12.31 Initial contract proposal CSEA to AUHSD. And this is an information item. 12.32 Public hearing initial contract proposal CSA to AUHSD. And I will open the public hearing. Seeing no comments, we'll close the public hearing. 12.33 public hearing disclosure of collective bargaining agreement agreement with ASMEformational item and

206this is a public hearing I will open the public hearing seeing no comments we'll close the public hearing 12.34 adoption of the 2025 through 2026 collective bargaining agreement with ASME this is an action item >> second >> any comments or questions seeing none all in favor I >> I >> 50 >> 12.35 certificated administrators classified confidential and classified management salary schedules. >> So moved second. >> Any comments or questions? >> Seeing none. All in favor of I. >> I. It's a 50. 12.36 compensation for superintendent assistant superintendent and district council. So move >> second. Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor vote I. >> It's a 50-0. 12.37 2026 California school board sensation delegate assembly election and we are >> we have to open >> all. Oh >> thank you. >> Second. >>

207Thank you. Uh item has moved and seconding and we each have our ballots. So we can take a moment to please fill it out. You can vote for no more than seven uh members. Can I vote for myself twice? >> I'm not kidding. Thank you. >> And we can come back. >> We can go ahead and come back. >> Okay. I will move to 12.38 trusty monthly compensation. >> So move. >> Second. >> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor of vote. I >> It's a 5-0. >> I would just like to say I'm sorry, I should have should have said something. Please read that this is not something that uh the board brought to um the district. This is uh statewide. Governor Nome signed this bill. Um and it has been 40

208years uh since uh compensations have even been looked at and so um you know this is very humbling to have have this out so everyone can see it you know the increase but it's a long time in coming. We are not the only district that has done this. Um several of our local um districts have done it and adopted it. Um we know expenses go up and um and so um I just want to thank my colleagues for voting for this. >> Yes, thank you. Preformance um and we will go to consent calendar while Carl is uh tallying. Any uh members wishing to pull items? Uh >> 139 and 1312 both >> move the balance. Second. All in favor of vote. I >> I >> Okay. 3 13.9 and 13.12. >> So move. >> Second.

209>> Any comments or questions? Seeing none, all in favor I. >> I. >> Nays. Abstensions. >> It's 401. >> I will. Carl, are you good? Yes, we're done with Cass. >> So, uh, the top four, well, you can vote for up to seven. The top four are, uh, Trustee Randall Tjo, uh, received five votes. Uh, Trustee Schulman received uh, four votes. Uh, Trustee Crane received four votes, and Trusty Buck received four votes. That would be four people. Um, the next group would be a four-way tie, which would put you over the total. So, um, you can revote if you want to do additional people, or you can just submit the four >> any submit the four. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. We will submit for the four. That's >> so I move that we submit

210the four. Second highest >> four lowest >> four high yes four highest four highest to clarify yes clarification any other comments or questions all in favor vote I >> I thank you 5 thank you Carl and now we will move on to board of trustees uh report I'm going to ask our members to if possible keep our report 16th as we still have to return to close session I'll go with trusty O'Neal >> not only that it's uh almost reported after 9. So, I did a lot of things, but I all I will say is happy birthday to our student board rep who left >> this evening. So, it's happy birthday >> Leia. I know. >> Thank you. >> She's very quiet about it. >> She's She's like, I got to go. Trust me, call

211us boys basketball. I also attend February 13 high school wrestling boys at John High School. Uh February 18th. CIF quarterfinals. Uh, Western girls basketball CIF quarterfinals. I also attended Founders Day here at district office. Everyone I attended Washington. Um, February 20 Blackhawk. They had a Lun New Year's theme. Amazing event. February 21 went to the labor high school. I also went to N High School for the Southern League. Uh, the esports tournament high schools. Amazing. Super excited for that. Halfway February 22 was at NI for Savannah protocracy semi-finals. 24th of February uh social justice day at Cypress High School was amazing. Uh February 25 after school learning lab. Uh I got to see some amazing presenters. Uh so yeah it was great to you know get uh caught up on the history and all the

212amazing things that our faculty international show is also amazing. >> THANKS HAVING DID YOU GET ALL THAT? >> Thank you. Uh trusty Hoshi >> I'm gonna keep mine short. Uh there's been lots of showquoire competitions that I've gone to for Cypress High School who has been doing an amazing job. Kenny's going to start their um their actually their season. Um Mrs. Massiey's memorial concert was um on the 17th and the students organized that and it was just really moving to see all the kids that put all their heart and soul into it. each kids from each grade level that she had as students um performed. Um one of our alumni who is a equity actor Rudy Martinez Amarie and I got to see him a a 1985 graduate from Kennedy High School. So it's kind

213of interesting to see that he's been doing this now for 40 years and making a living out of it. Um social justice day. The highlight for me was being on the panel with with Dr. Frerieded with kids asking us questions and so forth and um and uh capstone season has begun. Oxford Academy um um interviewed well actually 11th graders presented and I thought that was really interesting because they were very presentational at first and then when we got to ask the questions they really became their own person. So, that was really exciting to see. We had the student ambassador interviews and we're going to have some great ambassadors next year along with our student rep and Mrs. Randall Treyo and I did that. Um, I just came back yesterday from the Kapple conference which is

214the California Association of AsianPacific Leaders in Education. It's the first time I've been to that and um I just really want I know we have Cababe this week but Kappo and Cababe go you know I mean we're I'm hoping that we'll see more of our Asian um leaders in our district attend that and get some ideas and and build some relationships and networking too. So So thank you so much and uh anyway >> thank you Trusty Reno. Okay, so I wrote down my report so I wouldn't ramble because I know I do that. But this past month has been filled with meaningful and inspiring events across our districts, each highlighting the talent, resilience, and character of our students and staff. Um I attended the PTA founders day celebration along with my colleagues. Um the TET

215parade was always exciting and uplifting. The uh highlight were the lion dancers wiggling the ears and the eyes and dancing with incredible energy. Um also it was a chance to see our assistant superintendent greet her parents and the faces of her parents hugging her and seeing her in that parade uh just really made us all feel really proud of her and emotional because that that was a that was a moment to to see her shine. um uh attended the powow at Magnolia and what a beautiful event. Um I wish I could have stayed uh longer. Um and uh just one of the things there they h they um they had several um uh booths and food and it was a festival activity. Um I was under the impression of Powell was just one event, a

216dance um but this was from Sacred Hearts a a festival. Um I hope they do it again on our campus. Um we're very honored to have that. Uh, one of the dances was um um performances was highlighting women who have been uh abused and um and they had uh two young dancers and the way that the drummers um played and sang it just hit a a chord and just I started really uh crying because it was just an emotional uh moment. Um and there were several more dances after that that were they were very uplifting. Um so proud of the folks that put together the first uh regional event east esports event and the takeaway from that was um there was a wasn't even the final final but it was getting towards the final on

217the bracket. Um and it was in the other room not the three and three players but the single players. These two were battling um I want to say Compton High School and Catella and boy if you don't if just looking at them you could see the critical thinking and you know the the the comm the communication was inside their mind but uh because they had to do it by themselves. These kids have to learn over 900 different characters and they never know what their opponent is going to come come up with and they have to be battling um a a an offense as well as a a defense and knowing what their people do. And you could just see the concentration in their heads. And um I was getting commentary from our partners from Fullerton

218um and uh and they were kind of telling me because I have no clue about any of these games and so they were telling me what's happening next. What's happening next? The moment the game was over, our Catella student didn't win, but he immediately got up and congratulated pat the student on the back. They shook hands. Um, this is a community of love and and if if the one thing that our students are getting out of that is building character, then it's it's a win-win. Um, the ambassador interviews as I attended that. Um, 25 students we had to interview 26 that day. That's a long day. We've got some great um great students. Magnolia's international event. and I couldn't only attend just a little bit, but I was able to um see the rehearsal of

219the um Magnolia uh choir and they had the Polynesian um dancers with that and what a beautiful combining um collaborative moment um singing in in uh Samoa Samoan language in the Samoan language. uh the years of service award. Um Brad always has great comments to bring to us and the one thing um the the the highlight is just to see the proud um uh veterans of our district 20 25 and 35 and even 40 years of service. Um and the sad thing is that I know all of the memories that you brought to the table. I know all of the games and I remember all of the things that happened a long time ago. Um my Gulpa meeting we received an excellent presentation from Janette Castillo uh from thems um the the attended the celebration

220of life for Miss Massie. Uh the students loved her so much they put this on. Um Dr. Sai just facilitated it and it was uh probably one of the most beautiful services celebrations of life that I've ever attended. her husband was there, her daughter was there and one uh moment that um was replayed um a student had recreated um a duet that um Miss Massie had played with this particular student and they recreated on stage and to think about that um it was online when they did that performance. So, what an impact um Miss Massie made on all of those students to um have those students do that for her. And um I just want to say reflect on the past month, especially amid the chaos um we often see in the broader world. Um

221I'm reminded of what's happening within our schools. Our students are thriving. Our teachers are working tirelessly. Our staff are nurturing talent, character, and resilience. Whether our students go on to become educators, professionals, artists, or parents, they are learning invaluable skills here. And I'm reaffirmed um during even uncertain times, our students are blossoming and building a better future. So, thank you to everyone who continues to support and nurture in them, showing us that even in the chaos, they they are building a better world for us in the future. And that's why I that's what I observed this month. So, thank you. Thank you, Trusty Mero. Um, I just have uh one quick uh report. I just want to thank uh Superintendent Dr. Frerieded, uh MissWan, Brad, um and Nancy for joining the meet and greet town

222hall, um and sharing your stories and and the role that you play in the district. Uh we got a lot of good feedback u from my parents afterwards, getting to hear everything that you do for the district. Um also want to thank Carl and John for supporting the event. Um so yes, thank you for being there. And with that, I will move to 15, advanced planning. Our next meeting is Thursday, April 9th, 2026. Um 15.2. Do I have any suggested agenda items? Seeing none, I will we are going to reconvene to close session. It is now 9:23 p.m. Thank you.