Jan 22, 2026 - Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

001All right, we're going to call this meeting to order. All right, we're going to go ahead and get started. It is 501. [clears throat] >> All right. Roll call. Um, Maria Akara, >> I'm here. >> Anita Tucker >> here. >> Rick Raleigh >> here. >> Renee Longshore >> here. >> And Amanda Buchanan, I am here. Um, Maria, would you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? >> Ready, begin. >> I aliance 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. Okay, [clears throat] >> Kylie, do we have any public comments pertaining to close session? >> Uh, we do. We have five this evening. >> Okay. As provided on our public comment card, speakers are requested to

002limit comments to a maximum of three minutes. If speakers are request or if more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, subsequent speakers should limit their remarks to new information only. Public comments shall be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes per item. Kylie will provide a 30 second warning. And our first speaker is Mr. Javier. [applause] I remember back when I was in school because I had an a last name. I was always first. So now I that's always fun. So uh esteemed cabinet and board. Um, dear board members, uh, superintendent and cabinet, once again, I come before you not in anger, but in deep disappointment. On multiple occasions, I have offered my services, my experience, and my willingness to help the district move forward. Those offers have been ignored. Unfortunately,

003that silence mirrors what many of us are experiencing across the district. Concerns dismissed, voices marginalized, decisions made without transparency, and now fiscal insolveny. What is most troubling is not simply that the district is fa facing financial collapse. It's how leadership has chosen to respond to it. Instead of clear direction, accountability, and ownership of the decisions that led us here, teachers and support staff are now being asked to solve problems that we were not that were not of our making. We are being asked to do the work of leadership on top of the work of teaching, counseling, supervising, and caring for children every single day. This is not shared leadership. This is abdication of responsibility. It raises serious questions. Are these cost cutting exercise being used to shift blame onto employees later? Are we being positioned

004as the author of cuts that were necessitated by district level decisions? Because this is exactly how it feels to those of us on the ground. At the same time, district leadership ensured that executive compensation was addressed before employee compensation. While teachers and counselors, the people who directly serve students, continue to rank among the lowest paid in the region. Priorities are revealed not by statements but by actions. Scripture tells us you will know them by their fruits. So let me speak plainly about fruit. This year, alongside my students and colleagues, I have collaborated with a sad district of the state of Apple Valley music program at the high school. It's just very sad. Um, I've been working with their overwork director to form heatwave for the happy trails parade. We honored our veterans at the Victorville

005Veterans Day parade. We served our community at the Victor Christmas parade. I co- I currently co-chairing the county honor band and I launched a CTE podcast to provide industry aligned experience for student performers. Those are the fruits of teachers and students working in good faith for this community. Now let us examine the fruits of district leadership under current conditions. Bottom tier compensation compared to surrounding districts, widespread staff unrest and declining morale. Growing lack of confidence in district leadership and a declaration that the district may be insolvent next year. These outcomes did not happen in the classroom. They happened in boardrooms. And in that light, I feel compelled to remind this body of another passage of scripture. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man

006to enter the kingdom of God. When leadership secures its own position first while asking those of us who serve children [music] to sacrifice more, the moral message being sent is unmistakable. Finally, I must address what many of us has had witnessed at the last board meeting. Cabinet members >> time is up >> speaking to board members in ways that appear dismissive, defensive, and frankly inappropriate. Board members are elected. >> May I finish? >> Yeah, if you could just >> I will be quick. Board members are elected to represent the community and not provide over and to provide oversight. If their questions are inconvenient, the solution is not hostility. The solution is accountability. Watching that excha exchange, one could reasonably ask who is actually governing the district because it did not appear to be the elected

007board. This district does not need more messaging. It needs leadership. It needs transparency. It needs accountability, especially from those of us with the greatest authority and the greatest compensation. Our students and families and our employees deserve better than what we are currently being given. Thank you very much for your time. [applause and cheering] Amy Baitman. [applause] >> Good evening. My name is Amy Baitman and I'm a teacher at Apple Valley High School. This is my 33rd year in the district. I graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1988. My two oldest children graduated from Apple Valley High School and my youngest will next year. I have friends, close colleagues, and former students who teach in this district as well as my husband and son. I say all that to show that I am highly invested

008in this community and school. During my 33 years working in this district, I have experienced a plethora of administrators at the site and district level. Because of the current state of things, I feel compelled at this time to publicly and on record comment that Mrs. Nelson is one of the best administrators I have worked for. She has proven through her policies, philosophies, and actions that she puts students academic success and social emotional needs as her highest priority and I am proud to work for her. To the board, I want to say your job is to support student learning. the contention between U5, the implied mistrust of the cabinet based on accusations of intentional hiding of funds, as an example, the bulldozing of the cabinet and other board members of seemingly personal issues. The revealing of

009information at board members at board meetings without the courtesy of allowing colleagues to have prior access to review it. Addressing close session issues in open session and airing your personal grievances in public is incredibly disheartening for me to watch, let alone put my trust in you to lead this district or model proper behavior for our children. I also must comment publicly on my disappointment in the contentious relationship my union has created with our district office and our board in their effort for teachers to be compensated equally to their education, dedication to our students and quality of work. The lack of accurate information >> with which our members are being given in order to make inform informed decisions is concerning to say the least. I personally find it difficult to trust and rally behind union leadership

010that has betrayed my confidence personally. If indeed the members of my union decide a strike is what is best, they need to make that decision having facts and being well informed. There are a few people in this room in whom I lack confidence. Mrs. Nelson is not one of them. [applause] Next up, we have Angelica. [applause] Good evening board and um cabinet. I am up here again as a teacher and as a nurse. Um I am one of the only people that I can feel in the district that can relate to both sides. Um I want to say that the meeting that we had um with uh staff and parents alike was very disheartening. um when we had to rank our co-workers um and then you guys posted it. I'm very upset that that happened.

011Um I don't feel like I'm in the position to know everyone's job. However, I can speak on um the position of the nurses. Um and that's what I'm going to speak about right now. Um the RNs I feel like got a bad shake in it all. um they have no one there representing them and explaining their job. And a lot of people don't understand what the health care providers are doing in our district. They don't work just for our district. They work for our students. They provide the care that they need. Um yes, RNs get paid more, but they have education. And to be a district RN, you have to have extra credentials that they um need and require. I heard a lot of uh talk about go off with the RNs, get rid of

012the RNs, but I don't understand I don't think that people understand what it's going to do to our children. They RNs take care of uh they also assist in health office uh coverage. They do IEPs for students that LVNs cannot do. They do hearing and vision screenings and if that is not done by um the uh the RNs, then it's going to be outsourced and that's more money for the district. Uh the dental screenings with big smile uh big smiles. Uh sorry guys, I'm nervous. I apologize. Uh health condition management training for staff first aid CPR. Again, that would have to be outsourced. Uh RNs uh do that. Um emergency medication training for all staff, stop the bleed for staff. IEP 504s are all done by RNs. When I started in the district in 2019,

013uh there was only three and it was very hard and we had very little support and yes I know understand CO funds are not there but I I asked the board and that you guys figure it out were the students have the health needs have increased and we need to have um the proper care for our students. case management, immunization clinics, um health record maintenance, uh community outreach with the Lions Club, Arrowhead, Medical Center, >> um Big Smiles, and then also the state reporting. If we don't have the support of the RNs, all of that's going to get outsourced. What's going to happen? Somebody else is going to get the money. So, if they're doing their job right now, let's keep them. The LVNs, I disagree, um outsourcing of that, pay the LVNs more. They'll

014stay. you can retain retain them, pay them. Okay? So, let's do that. And then I also asked as a teacher if you guys can come to an agreement and pay us. Um we're there for our students and we go over and beyond. I know my time's up, but pay we like let's do something. Everyone wants to fight like let we are here for the kids. Let's come together guys. Like it's not us and them. Like we're should be one for our students. That's why we're here. So, get it together, please. I'm going to go watch a soccer game. Thank you, [applause] Brian Todd. [applause] Can you hand it to Kylie? >> Ryan, can you hand that to Kylie so she can hand it to us? Yes, please. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, >> Superintendent,

015Board of Trustees, Cabinet. My name is Brian Todd. I'm an employee of the California Teachers Association and I proudly represent the members of the Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association. My role is I work very closely with Ava President Karen Sabers, the Avuda leadership, executive board, Steve Cobbs, and the Avuda bargaining team. In my 10 years in this role at this association, I've never come before you to speak. But there over the past two to three months, there have been events that have taken place where I can no longer just stand and watch. I need to use my voice. I need to advocate for my members. I've passed the document out to you. Let me start with the most concerning matter. Of course, everybody knows we're in negotiations. We have fact finding on February 12th. We

016have a bargaining date tomorrow. While preparing for bargaining came across a document and that document says joint communication. It's written by the district and that joint communication reads today AVUSD and Avuda negotiation teams met to further discuss interest and options related to article 17 class size and article 19 compensation. No new proposals were passed by either team. Both teams will meet again for February on February 12th, 2026 for factf finding. Can we see the future? This is a predetermined to the association. This letter represents a predetermined decision on what will take place in bargaining tomorrow. You've already got your minds made up and I need to know I need to speak to this because I need to make sure the board and the district understands that the union sees this as bad faith bargaining. >>

017Understand the ramifications of of this. We're going through our work preparing for bargaining and see this very disappointing. Also, something happened yesterday I want to bring to the board's attention. A voodoo president Karen Sabers informed me that US mail, clearly labeled as a voodoo mail, was opened by the district. May I remind you that opening other people's mail is a federal offense. That is illegal. It wasn't just one document, just one envelope, which I can accept as a mistake. One envelope, but there were two envelopes opened by somebody other than AVUSD leadership. That is a problem. [music] That is a problem. >> All right, that's time. >> I bring this issues to you tonight publicly because I don't believe it would have been addressed to you otherwise. Please direct the district to bargain with a

018voodoo in good faith. That's all we ask. I remind you of board policy 9000. The role of the board. Monitor the collective bargaining process. Set parameters for negotiations with employee organizations and ratify collect and bargain agreements. Please hold this district accountable. Bring them to the table tomorrow. Let's talk. And you know what? Let's get this solved. Let's get this done and move on to other things. Thank you. >> Thank you for your time, [cheering] [cheering and applause] Gregory Galves. >> Good evening, cabinet and board. It's a pleasure to be here with you this evening. Um, just to start out with, I grew up in Apple Valley um, as a kid and I attended Apple Valley schools. My father was an administrator and a proud administrator. Worked at Apple Valley High School um, several years ago.

019He also did administration and helped out um, as a was called it back um to assist as a substitute for administrators when they needed him. Um, Art Galves. Um, so I'm familiar with Apple Valley Unified School District. It's a wonderful district. It was in the past. Um tonight I'm here to encourage you to please make it a priority to work with your teachers, to work with your members, um your employees. You know, when I look at Victor Elementary, I work at Victor Elementary teachers association. I've worked there for um 26 years and it's been a pleasure working there. And I look at Victor High School District, what a wonderful district that is. And often we hear we can't compare Victor L to Apple Valley Unified because it's a unified district. And we can't compare Victor

020High School District to Apple Valley because it's a high school district. Well, if you put them together and you look at what's going on there, they're doing some remarkable things. All their employees, I mean, all their teachers have full paid benefits. 100%. I have a PO and I don't pay a penny for it. Why? because it's a priority. It's important. They want to take care of their teachers. If you look at our salary, our salary, combine them together, look at them. They're very similar. It beats you guys. Huge. People are going to start coming over and leaving your district when there's openings because they're looking at this going, "Wow." So, I just encourage you, make it a priority. Make it important to negotiate with your teachers. You know, in life, we spend our money on

021what's a priority. For some people, I'm just going to give an example. People, most people have gone fishing. They have a fishing rod, a fishing reel. They'll spend a hundred, $250 on a good rod and reel. But if you love fishing and it's a priority, it's not a big deal. You'll spend $700 to $1,000 on a rod and you'll spend another $500 on a reel. $1,500 on a rod and reel is crazy for most people. I agree. But if you love it, you will do it because it's a priority. Make your teachers a priority. Work with them. Come together and try to figure something out so that we don't have to be in this situation. All these wonderful teachers that are working hard, have to be here today, and they're worried about going on strike.

022They're worried about it. They they don't want to. They would much rather have you guys come together, work together, and try to resolve everything. I'm so grateful that I work in a district where we work together. I appreciate and support my administration. I don't agree with them on everything, but I'll tell you this, about 80 90% of the time, I see where they're coming from, and I have the respect of them 100% of the time because they make decisions that are best for teachers. So, thank you. >> Thank you. [cheering and applause] All right, we need to go into close session to discuss the following. Number one, conference on litigation, government code section 54956.9A, current litigation, seven cases, CIVS CIVVS2400289 9 2550-5026 2550 6329 Government Code section 54954.5C and 54956.9D 2 and E1 Anticipated litigation

023one case government code section 54954.5 D and 54956.9 D2 and E1 Anticipated litigation two cases 2024 251 government code section 54954.5D and 54956.95 anticipated litigation one case claimment uh waters Sharon. Item number two, people personnel expulsion cases exp annual reviews AR number 12 2526 through AR number 172 2526 and expungement of expulsion case exp 2324. Item three, public employee discipline, dismissal, release, reassignment, transfer, leave, title, certificated and classified employees. Item four, public employee appointment, resignation, retirement, reduction, title, certificated, and classified employees. Number five, conference with labor negotiator. Agency negotiator Jeremiah Harrison, employee organization, Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association. Number six, conference with labor negotiator agency negotiator Kristen Dupri. Employee organization, California School Employees Association. Number seven, conference with real property negotiator. Government Code 54956.8 Negotiation Parties Matthew Schulenberg, Apple Valley Unified School. Number eight, Security

024Matters, Government Code Section 54957, Consultation with Apple Valley Unified School District, Chief of Police. Can I get a motion to go into close session? So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. All right, we will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore, >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh, >> I. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> I. >> Miss Apara, >> I. >> Mrs. Buchanan I. So we will head in Yeah. All right. [laughter] All right. I'm going to call this meeting to order at 7:31. Roll call. Maria Akara here. >> Anita Tucker here. Rick Raleigh. Renee Longshore here. Amanda Buchanan here. Um Jaden. Oh, you're I'm sorry. Would you lead us in the pledge, please? Thank you. United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice

025for all at This time we would like to pause in a moment of silence to remember retired AVUSD family member Julie Reed and AVUSD family member Carrington Monroe. Thank you. All right. Student representatives, Phoenix Academy, Elizabeth Aosta, and Sophia Patino. [applause] >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Elizabeth Acasta, ASB president, and I'm Sophie Patino, vice president. >> We are so pleased to talk about our amazing school, Phoenix Academy. Before we get started, we want to thank you so much for your support this school year. In front of you is a swag bag with a couple postcards inside that our ASB team and our art students wanted to give you. As you may know, Phoenix Academy has grades ranging from TK to 8th grade, providing us with an opportunity to provide a range of different

026events and opportunities. To start off the year, we held our welcome back dance, the fall festival, and winter dance for our school. We're currently looking forward to more social events such as Valentine, spring themed and eighth grade dance, a dance for lower campus students, and hopefully a color run sometime in the spring. We are also excited for our annual duck hunt. Small plastic ducks are hidden around our campus, and prizes go to the classrooms that collect the most. We would like to give a special thank you to Miss Tucker for her donation to this event. Thank you, Miss Tucker. We recently hosted our annual career fair as a way to guide our students into what they want to be when they are older. For example, police officers, cosmeticians, nurses, and our local DJ Colin Quinn

027from Y 102 had booths. We even had a fire truck come along with a helicopter landing for the TK through 5th. We went to lower campus and brought them learning games, firet trucks, police cars, tow trucks, and even two of our Philly the Phoenix mascots. This was all done by Voices of Phoenix ASB and Advent students. >> Speaking of Voices of Phoenix, they too have had a great success this year. They had a table for suicide prevention month and a red ribbon week. For suicide prevention month, they put aformational wheel so when they spun it, it would land on a question that would ask a health related question. Then they would put a kind words of their signatures on a flag. And at the end we would reward them with coloring sheet, pens, pencils, pins,

028and stickers that were all different for red ribbon week. We had two students being security in front of the tables with posters to bring more kids to come. They asked them drugfree relatable questions along. students along students writing heartful notes to staff members with some prizes and awards at the end. This wouldn't have been done without our amazing counselors, Miss Gonzalez and Miss Garcia. They have kindness week and mental health awareness month coming that includes bracelets, slime, dances, singing flags, and more fun activities. On top of our annual main events, we also have added several new opportunities for students from student after school clubs to student events and activities. ASB has brought back student of the month hard work and featured them on an episode of our weekly announcements. We also have started promoting more

029school spirit by having weekly Phoenix Fridays and expanding our spirit days. We have seen a lot more participation and have had a lot of fun so far. Our favorite spirit day is still pajama day. To ensure student safety, we added security to help with traffic control on both upper campus and lower. When school ends, our students can safely cross the street to their family members with no harm or worries. If parents have had any questions about the safety or any questions in regards to the students, we have to the students. We have had multiple set dates where they can have coffee with the principal. We have had many electives at Phoenix including ABVID, ASB, computer science, art, music, drama, and broadcasting to name a few. Each week, we are able to watch school announcements that

030the broadcasting class created. They have also been mentioning colleges and careers, giving us information about them and the announcements for students who are looking forward to going to college or starting into the workforce after high school. They helped to create the video you see here tonight. Our after-school clubs also have seen a lot of new activities. There are clubs from gardening and astronomy to Lego club, tutoring club to our cooking club. Many of our clubs, including our cooking club, had students created and handmade goods available to sample at our annual holiday bazaar this past December. It was really neat to see all of the student made creations. We also continued to celebrate student success with the incentive field trips. Our lower campus took several trips to go neon bowling and our upper campus students went

031to Dave and Busters for first trimester. Dave and Busters was a blast and we are really looking forward to golf top golf this next trimester for upper campus and a movie experience for the TK through 8ighth grade. Preschool at TK choose to stay on campus so we brought tide pools to them by hiring a company that brings out aquarium tanks with fish and marine life. Kids can touch fish, examine them, and learn about them at the same time, which is a great learning experience. We are also planning several other activities for our lower campus to keep up their school spirit. >> [snorts] >> Speaking of our elementary students, they just had a choir performance led by Miss Caris and led Phoenix Academyy's choir and then Sitting Bull Academyy's choir separately during her after school club

032times and then combined them together to create the magical performance they put on last Wednesday. It [snorts] was an amazing choir experience and show. They have never sang together before. So to see how good they were was an amazing experience. Moving on, our awards for first trimester were outstanding. We have had more honor rolls last year including seventh and eighth. We also separated separated our seventh and eighth grader lunches and doing so we have decreased fights, crowding and misbehavior on campus and increased events, student behavior, socialization and a clean campus. We had students including the ASB president talking with the school district for student advisory. We've gone three times this year. We [snorts] continue to celebrate student success as students have attend the district science fair during the fall and the district spelling be on

033Tuesday evening. We are so proud of their accomplishments. We also have held our STEM night where we had our largest student and parent participation to date. This year has definitely been a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun. We appreciate all of the classes and activities we get the chance to experience while at Phoenix. It's hard to think this year is almost over, but that just means we have set the stage for next year. Until then, please know that Phoenix rocks because we, the students, rock. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you from High Desert Premier Academy. Jaden Ola [applause] ola. >> Good evening. Good evening, President Buchanan. Congratulations, by the way. Esteemed board members, Superintendent Nelson, Executive Cabinet, Abu Valley Unified Staff, and our educational partners. I'm Jayen Olagi. I hope everyone

034had a wonderful winter break and are well rested and ready for the second half of the year. At the at the state of the district last week, some of our students were able to see their their little siblings in the choir in the morning and got to witness all the great things happening on other school sites. During the presentation, community members were able to see our CTE program in action, creating magic. On your table are some of those creations. Our graphics class designed those HDP shirts for you guys. Our graphic students had a great time making them and enjoy and enjoyed the experience that came with it. This is a sample of some of the fun opportunities we have at our CT program. And now, here's a quick update about what we've been up to

035at HDPA since we met last December. Esports is getting ready to start their spring competition. They're now enrolling in Marvel Rivals in Madden. The preseason starts next week. Good luck gamers. Tuesday was family game night in our NPR. Families were invited to spend quality time with each other for a night of board games, drawing, arts and crafts, and as well as other games like bad mitten. It was a fun community building experiment experience for those who attended. Students called the game night engaging and fun. We wanted to give a big shout out to to nurse Bryant as a classified employee of the year. Nurse Bryant goes above and beyond when it comes to student climate, relationship building, and overall student wellness. This recognition is welld deserved. I can say from firsthand experience experience that nurse

036Bryant is a really communicative and friendly with all of us. She really helps the student. truly helps the kids with their with their well-being, whether if whether it whether if it is with health or just someone that you need to talk to. Thank you, Nurse Brian, for that. We we had a wait, sorry, we had a visitor this month. Thank you, Trusty Okapra. Sorry if I said that wrong, but for visiting our campus. We hope everyone had a wonderful time seeing us in our natural habitat. Student advisory was last week. Sadly, I got hit with the flu and wasn't able to be there. But Angelica Torres got to meet the superintendent Nelson and assistant superintendent Slosher, sorry if I said that wrong, in our wellness center to chat about our well-being and give a voice

037to school improvement. She thought it was great. They went over data for the youth survey and got to speak their mind about things that they're so proud of and the changes that we would like to see. Thank you for coming. HDPA's kitchen staff have begun willing out food carts to meet students that are in the quad during lunchtime and make sure that every student has a chance to eat. I think this really shows how much they really care about us. Thank you for making the time to do that for us. This month, counselors are giving presentations in classrooms to students about perceptions. This lesson is a great way to guide students to question their own perspectives. It is and understand why others have a totally different perspective of situations. It is important we can all

038understand one another and leave our differences behind to work together. That's all for this month. Thank you for your continued support and making voice sure our voices matter. You guys have a great evening. [applause] Thank you. Granite Hills High School. Jilly Rodriguez. [applause] Hi, good evening board members, executive cabinet, and attendees. My name is Jill Rodriguez, and I'm the GC president for Granite Hills High School, and I'm excited to give you this month's update. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family and at least one day where alarms did not exist. I know I certainly I I know I certainly enjoyed the time off, and I loved sleeping it. The second semester is underway and it's hard to believe that seniors are less than a 100 days away from graduation. This

039wouldn't be possible without our wonderful teachers who deserve a round of applause for keeping things under control. [applause] Um, Cougars crushed the first semester with 86% of our entire student body earning C's or or higher. Counselors are keeping us on top of things with our senior grad checks and teachers are fighting the good fight of keeping senioritis at bay. Our CTE programs are are busy preparing for Skills USA regionals. That's me. This year we have 109 students entering competitions in 32 different events. We're very proud of our students and and the dedication of the adviserss to ensure our students are capable to compete. Granite Hills High School theater students dominate the MDCP Tech A Wars competition this week, winning sound design, set design, and lighting design. And our very own Franco Ortega was on the

040winning team for Hackathon. Last week, 33 AVID juniors went on their college tour field trips. Students visited Concordia, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, UC San Diego, San Diego State, PointLoma, Cal State, San Marcos, and UC Riverside. Wow, it was a lot of fun and students really enjoyed getting to see all the different campuses and getting tours from alumni and staff. Next week, our avid freshman will be visiting USC and UCLA, starting the college dreams early and application stress very early. >> [sighs and gasps] >> Last week, we recognized over 600 students for their first first semester attendance at our attendance celebration. You were there. Students with 97% attendance and no tardies attended a special lunch with games and activities, proving that showing up really does matter. ASB is gearing up for spirit week next week

041in our winter pep rally. will be se celebrating the 100th day of school and keeping school spirit high as we get as we get closer to winter formal. Cougar Theater is performing the the big importance of being earnest beginning February 6th to make so make sure to come out and support our talented performers. Our athletic teams are wrapping up league play and preparing for playoffs. Boys and girls basketball have had a lot of growth this season and we are we are proud of their efforts on the court. Girls water polo has has had their last home match next week. Our girls fought hard this season and were hoping to finish league play strong, so come out and show some support for them. Wrestling finished their regular season last night with a blowout win over Silverado.

042Yay. And we are looking forward to team duels on Saturday with lots of confidence. Boys soccer is sitting at top the DSL once again and travels to Adalanto tonight. They're hopeful for another DSL champion this year. And girls soccer is currently undefeated in league and has an overall record of 10 to one this year. We are looking forward to celebrating their eighth consecutive league title and a deep run in the playoffs. As always, thank you for your continued support of our students in school. Maroon and Gray lead the way. [applause] [cheering] Apple Valley High School. Effie Aila. [applause] [clears throat] Hello and good evening, Superintendent Nelson, President Buchanan, members of the board and attendees. My name is F Aila and I'm the ASV line president at Apple Valley High School. It's great to be back

043tonight to share what's been happening on campus because as always, our Sunundevils have been busy, impressive, and full of pride. December was packed with excitement, accomplishments, and community. So, let's jump right into our Sunundevil news. Starting with athletics, our boys and girls soccer teams have been off to an amazing start this season, taking on teams like Oakill, Sultana, Burroughs, and Hisperia. Each game has showcased strong teamwork, determination, and the grit that defines Sunundevil athletics. The energy on the field and in the stands has been incredible, and we're excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds. Boys basketball also had a meaningful night this month with their senior night celebration. Our four senior players were honored as they walked out alongside their loved ones, reflecting on the past four years of dedication, growth, and

044hard work in the program. It was a powerful reminder of how much these athletes give to their teams and to our campus. Wrestling has also been having a strong season, showing focus, strength, and consistency on the mats. Many of these moments have been captured thanks to our amazing film crew with a huge shout out to Aaron Romero, who has been at countless sporting events making sure these memories are preserved. That behind-the-scenes dedication does not go unnoticed. Shifting to school events, our ASB freshmen kicked off the new year with a fun campus activity in honor of National Cheese Day. Cheese squishies were hidden all around campus and students who found them could turn them into student store for a prize. It brought smiles, laughter, and the right amount of chaos for the school day. In our

045last week of December, students celebrated our holiday spirit week. Pajama day, sweats day, ugly sweater day, and Christmas sock day filled campus with holiday cheer. And let's be honest, taking finals in pajamas is much better than stupid old jeans. Our yearbook team also opened senior quote submissions last week. Seniors had the chance to submit their quote and even include a baby photo to be featured in the yearbook. A tradition that always brings nostalgia and laughs as graduation gets closer. Just yesterday, the town of Alpha Valley welcomed a brand new addition. And no, it was not another car wash, even though we could probably use one. The grand opening featured our very own AVHS pep squad who cheered guests into the new restaurant and even debuted a brand new Raising Canes cheer. We are incredibly grateful

046that Raising Canes donated $1,000 to our athletic department and we're excited for this new partnership. [applause] ASB has also been busy with fundraising efforts. We've hosted several food trucks on campus offering everything from pretzels and tacos to dirty sodas. We've also held fundraisers at Red Robin and Chipotle. And these events not only support student activities, but also bring students together in fun and memorable ways. Moving into CTE news tomorrow, our senior camp academy will be heading to Topgolf for a field trip. Students will get the chance to play, spend time with friends, and enjoy one of their final high school trips together, soaking in these last moments before the big day arrives. Skills USA students continue preparing for upcoming competitions, putting in countless hours of practice and dedication. Meanwhile, camp students have been submitting videos

047to the directing change video contest. These powerful projects shine light on serious topics such as mental illness, bullying, and suicide prevention, raising awareness, and sparking important conversations. This week, our mast academy participated in handwashing day by walking on over to Sandia Academy. Students taught younger kids about the importance of handwashing, shared the science behind it, and even demonstrated step-by-step techniques. As adorable as those little ones are, by the end of the day, they definitely reminded us that they're still sticky iPad kids. Our [laughter] mass seniors also officially began their EMT courses this week. This is a major milestone that students look forward to every year, and we're excited to see how this hands-on experience prepares them for future careers in emergency services and healthcare. Looking ahead, there is so much to be excited about. Our

048junior class officers recently announced the winter formal theme, Enchanted Night. The dance will take place on Saturday, January 31st, and students are already excited to see what is sure to be a magical night. In the coming weeks, our senior class officers will be hosting the annual senior meeting, one of the most important meetings of the year. Seniors will receive information on graduation, upcoming events, and of course, the long-awaited prom reveal. On February 13th, ASB will be hosting a Valentine's Day photo booth truck on campus. Students will have the chance to take cute photos, photo strips with their favorite people. Everyone's excited, but especially those couples that love each other really hard before third period. And finally, preparations have officially begun for one of the biggest events of the year, Mr. Sunundevil. Our annual pageant featuring

049senior boys will take place in March, and ASB Line has already started planning. Signups are coming soon, and we will be we will be announcing the theme very shortly. As we move through the second semester, one thing remains clear. Sunville pride continues to show up everywhere in competitions, in classrooms, and in our community. Our students bring energy, creativity, and heart in everything that they do. Thank you all for your continued support of our students and programs. It's always a privilege to share the incredible things happening at Apple Valley High School. I look forward to returning next month to brag even more about why we are the high school. Thank you for your time and remember, Sunundevil Pride is contagious. [applause] >> Thank you. At this time, board members and the superintendent are welcome to thank

050our student representatives for their presentations this evening. Renee Longshore. Um, yes. Good evening. Um, so just for clarity, we're thanking our student reps. That's it. Correct. Is it >> correct? >> Okay. Um, amazing job presenting. Um, loved seeing Phoenix Academy here and presenting tonight. Ladies, you did a great job. Yes. You could hardly tell you were nervous at all. [applause] Um I enjoyed visiting your school and seeing your girls play um Mariana Academy in basketball. So I was just there just a couple days ago. Um so keep up the great work. It sounds like a lot of great things are going on. Um HDPA Jaden, thank you for the shirt. Very cool. I was eyeing it at the, you know, state of the district and I was told that I would be receiving one. So,

051I was very excited. Um, Granite Hills High School, Jilly, um, looking forward to seeing your soccer teams because it sounds like they're really rocking it. That's amazing the book. Congratulations to both the girls and the boys soccer teams and best of success and I hope to see you guys out there. Um, and Effie, as always, you're a you're a bright shining star. So much energy. I look forward to what you're going to do in college because this is your last year, right? And I want to know, are you going to be a Mr. Sunundevil? >> Oh, you'll see me there. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh, Rick Rally. >> Yeah. Thank you. Well, thanks again you guys. And Effie, I want to echo what Renee said here. you know, I think you have a future

052in public speaking. I'm hoping that uh you take it up and uh sometime in the future, not as a politician, but [laughter] >> as an inspirational speaker. So, good job everybody. Thank you, [applause] >> Anita Tucker. >> Uh, excellent job. I was very excited to hear from our Phoenix uh Academy students and thank you so much. I love the postcards and this is amazing. It will be going with me when I travel. So, thank you. Um I too was eyeing the shirts uh at the state of the the district and I'm like so excited. I can't wait to wear that. Thank you so much and thank you for telling us the wonderful things that are going on um at school. Uh, granted, I've gotten a chance to see some of your basketball games. I I

053gotta see the soccer now, but um, thank you so much for your uh, telling us everything that that goes on in Effie. Uh, I'm so excited to see you and Mr. Sunundevil. Um, that's going to be re really amazing. I was excited this week. Uh, I found out because I graduated from Apple Valley, I found out that our class reunion, our 50-year class reunion is going to be over um um Labor Day. So, everyone is super excited about going and actually seeing the changes in Apple Valley since then. So, thank you very much, students. >> [applause] >> Maria. Well, um this is the high point of my evening when we come to these things um to hear from the students. Uh I get really excited. That is my wheelhouse. When I look at the faces

054of the students sharing the beautiful things happening at their schools, I'm going to start with Phoenix. Uh Phoenix Academy. You told me Phoenix rocks. I can tell you that Phoenix rocks because you are in it. Uh so I'm excited uh for what the future holds for you and uh to hear the beautiful things that the students are doing. I if for the next presentation, I had one of your Phoenix classmates that gave me this this gift and I I have to say it was probably the best thing that has happened to me in my how many years of my life since I've been 25. Um so and I've just I love this picture so much that I had to frame it and bring it to this um presentation today because I want to talk about

055it uh when we have opportunity to talk as a board. Uh hi premier uh it is important that we listen to one another based on what you said. Uh we have to listen to the to the kids. Uh out of the mouth of babes you will hear all kinds of things. Can you imagine what your children tell tell you when you least expect it? And so I really respect that comment that came from you. Uh I came to your school and I I was really blown away by um how um casual it was. Uh it was such a friendly environment, a very welcoming environment, and I love that so much for your school and for all of the other schools. Uh Granite Hills High School. I'm impressed that you have 109 students entering the CTE

056program. That's huge. Um 109 going in to represent your school and in so doing you represent our district and in so doing you represent their fabulous teachers who have prepared you and in so doing we you rise to represent Apple Valley. Um uh you are the very best. You all are the very best that we can we have right now. Um so amazing things are happen happening. Uh and especially you are undefeated. How could that be? You know you know to to be undefeated means that there are other people struggling to beat you and you continue to strive. Apple Valley High School. I can't say enough about Apple Valley High School because I bleed orange. Um, and so, um, when I hear about Apple Valley High School, I get so excited, ecstatic, and you're also

057going to Skills USA. Um, and you talked about mental health awareness. Um, sometimes we don't even realize that we have mental health issues. Uh, but we need to pause for a minute and take care of our mental health. I tell people all the time, go outside and catch your breath because you need to be full before you can give to somebody else. Um, Sunundevil pride is always contagious. I've never been to Mr. Sunundevil. My five children went to that school and they went to that Mr. Sunundevil, but I never went. But this year, I'm going to make a point of going. And this year I'm going to make a point of doing things that the teachers are doing as well so that I can remind them that I was once them. Thank you so much.

058[clears throat] [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you all for coming. Um Phoenix Academy. So I saw it kind of go through your little slideshow. I was out there for um the spelling bee where um Genesis took first and Ethan took second. Um but that was such a great my I just sat there I felt like on pins and needles for every kid as they would get up and spell. Um I felt like they were all my kid and I was like come on get it. Um it was it was lovely. Um, High Desert Premiere. I want to come out if I can when you guys are doing one of your esports competitions. Like, I want to see this because I've been in the room where it happens. Um, but I want to see because it's

059it just amazes me. Although, I feel like sometimes my living room is like its own esports with my own children. But, um, I definitely want to make it out there for that this year. Um, granite. Yes, I wrote down the 109. That is amazing. Going to Skills USA. Um, but I am really looking forward to the importance of being earnest. Uh, that was always one of my favorite plays to teach. Um, over at Silverado, which which will beat them? Was that you? Good job. >> Yeah, good job. Good job. [laughter] Um, but yeah, that was always one of my favorite plays to teach. Um, and then Apple Valley High School, I saw all over like the town page and everywhere the cheerleaders at Raising Canes and I was just like, "Ah, I should have cut

060school that day and gone." Like that would have been great. Um, but I that was I it's so nice to see them inviting the students, the students supporting it because we are all one community. And then to hear that they donated money to the athletics is fantastic. So, thank you guys so much. Um, and then Superintendent Nelson, Elizabeth, and Sophia, I would agree. PJ Day should be the favorite. We get to do it one time each year during the at the district. We always have to bring a change just in case there's an emergency, but um, we try. It's fun. So, I'm with you. And I do appreciate you talking about the tide pools for the TK and kindergarten. um having taught preschool in the past, I think it's really powerful to give them experiences

061without actually taking them places and fearing um losing them or all the other things. So, um wonderful that they got those experiences and that you shared the other experiences students are getting. So, thank you so much. Um Jaden, we did miss you. We asked where you were and found out that you were sick during student advisory. We will be back. um Angelica did a good job, but she knew that you needed to be there, too. So, data was um the topic and she was right in sharing that and we look forward to coming back and spending some time with with the group again. Um you are absolutely right about nurse Bryant and the relationships that she builds. Um they last a very long time. I I see kids coming back to HDPA. I know they

062say they're to check in on other people, but I know they're there to see if she's there. So, um we are proud of her as being recognized as one of the um count we're sending her on to the county for um employee of the year. So, pretty cool. Jillian Eye, I'm just going to say this together. First of all, Jill, I didn't just come out for the attendance, right? I was there. Well, I came out for you. That's correct. Did you hear she was pointing? It's Jilly. It was for Jill. But Effie, I have to tell you that whatever color I had on that day, Jilly tried to convince me that it was the color I should wear all the time and that there was this and there was this color that really didn't look

063good on me. And I said, "What would that be?" And she goes, "Orange." So, it doesn't matter the location. The the competition is always going. But I love Jill getting up and when she's celebrating something, there's a yay or a woo or a a little clap and we don't miss it. We we catch it. We know it's there and we're waiting for it. So keep doing what you're doing and you just bring such sunshine to everything you do. Effie, I fear anybody that is going up against you in Mr. Sunundevil. It may just need to end now. Um they canceled it last year, right? We had to cancel. So maybe I don't know. Maybe they should just bypass and crown you. But um we're excited about that and get look forward to seeing what what

064happens there. Um I think that the hardest part is hearing about the senior quotes and baby pictures because that makes it real for the parents out there. Um and for all of us that have watched you grow up like long time and here we go and the next thing will be watching you walk across stage. So we're going to savor these next few months as you come and talk to us, but um we know that that's your target and what you're looking forward to. So, thanks for being here tonight. [applause] >> All right. At this time, students and your families, you guys are welcome to go home since it is a school night. >> We're doing some recognition. So, if you want to stay for a couple minutes, no, we want the kids to see

065the amazing things that happened with um within, but then we'll send them if that's okay. That's fine. Okay. So, I think I'm going to start with the person that's probably the most nervous to have to come up here. Um, Marissa Lambert, would you come up please? [cheering] >> So, there was a question as to whether Marissa Lambert was actually going to show up tonight for this recognition. Um, Kylie doesn't know her, so she was um concerned that >> there might be a problem getting her there. And I said, "That's okay. I'll call her." um she doesn't know who the nomination's from. That's um a secret until they come up here. But tonight, I want to um share the nomination for one of our registered nurses, Melissa Wheeler, for um Meliss Marissa Lambert, who's a teacher

066at Vanguard. I've had the this is these are um Melissa Wheeler's words. I've had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Marissa Lambert for the past three months. While my time at this site is new, it has taken only this short period to recognize Marissa as one of the most dedicated, effective, and compassionate educators I have ever had the privilege to know. Okay, don't start crying, girl. Yeah, it's a little bit longer. Marissa Lambert is the living embodiment of our district's value of dignity values of dignity, service, and authenticity and community. Dignity and service. She demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to um service. I have never seen a teacher more dedicated to the specific individual needs of her students. This is evident in her work with students who present behavioral challenges. She operates with boundless patience, meeting

067them exactly where they are and working to address the whole student rather than just the behavior. This signifi dignifies their experience and creates real breakthroughs. >> [snorts] >> community. The love she has for her kids is palpable. She has cultivated a community and unconditional love, safety and acceptance, allowing every student, regardless of their struggles, to feel seen and valued. Authenticity. Her authenticity is striking. She is a genuinely caring human who understands the complex needs of her students on an in in new in intuitive level. This allows her to build deep trusting relationships. Advocacy. I have attended IEP meetings with her and seen firsthand the unmatched depth of research and personal involvement she brings. She advocates tirelessly for her students, ensuring their academic, social, and emotional needs are all addressed. I do not know the total

068number of years Marissa has been with the district, but I can guarantee that that her devotion has profoundly enriched the lives of her students. She has the kind she is the kind of educator who doesn't just teach, she changes the trajectory of lives. And when when Melissa did not have Marissa's history, I actually do. They know she began as a pareducator in ABSD. >> No, I did not. >> A student worker. Well, I I kind of skipped that because that's we know so many of our student workers, but her official her official um is the PAR educator in um January of 2012 at Sandia Academy. The following year moved to Phoenix Academy to a special needs pareducator position. In January of 2006 um until January of 2006, three days later, she became a teacher. She

069took over a classroom at Vanguard Preparatory. I will never forget the day I called and said, "Will you please come take this class? We need somebody to take care of these kids." I remember with fondness her dad who was um working at the district for a period of time with me um who set up an appointment in HR for me to talk to his girls about being teachers. Christina and Marissa are both now teachers in our district. I said to him that day, you're bringing them in for me to sell something that I have such a passion about. I don't know that I'm gonna convince them to go do anything else. Terry, right? Do you remember that? Yeah. And here they are. Amazing. Both of them. So, I just want to have the board know

070that um I love when I see these nominations come through for people that um we saw years ago had the commitment and the passion and the ability to go take kids to the next level. So, Marissa, congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> Eileen and Terry, I wasn't sure she had told you. I thought she'd keep it a big secret and just show up. So, I said, "Do I have to call mom and dad?" >> I Yeah, she did. She told me she had. >> Well, good. I remember when we started doing these values, um, Miss Okara said to to me, I want to see more than just staff. I want to see some administrators, too. >> Um, we don't solicit nominations, but this particular administrator received two nominations. Stephanie White >> [applause] >> the two nominations

071um separately during separate solicitations for nominations. One was from Wendy Watt, a peer, and one was from a teacher, Michael Richardson. from Wendy Watt. Miss White overheard a conversation between Miss Watt and the parent of a basketball player about how great the Sandia boys played against the other team that day. Considering that the Sandia players only practice outside on the blacktop and the boys at the other school had the advantage of indoor practice. The following week, Miss White reached out to the Sandia athletic person and offered to the use of the Phoenix Academy gym two afternoons a week so that Sandia players would have the benefit of indoor practice. This offer was not without sacrifice as the Phoenix students shortened their practice to allow for Sandia to practice. This demonstration of commitment deserves recognition. The

072Sandia students are grateful for the practice space and ha and it has generally built a spirit of sportsmanship between the two schools during the sporting events. Isn't that amazing? That's Steph. You give her a problem, she finds a solution. Um and then this one is from Mr. um Richardson. Since taking over the role of principal at Phoenix Academy in 2020, Stephanie White has transformed the school culture. She arrives daily as early as 5:00 a.m. I can attest to that because when she really needs to send me something, it's at 5:00 a.m. I'm up, but I know she's at school. And she works hard all day to serve the students and staff. She demonstrates authentic care for the Phoenix Academy community by treating students, staff, and parents with dignity and respect. Every year since she has

073been the principal, I have noticed, Mr. Richardson has noticed the huge improvements in school culture. Thanks to Stephanie and to Ken Davis and the entire administrative team, including the district administrators, for putting this team in place. I'll I don't take credit for that, but um we're thrilled that you're there for making Phoenix Academy one of the best schools in the Apple Valley Unified School District. I'm very glad I chose to stay at Phoenix Academy for 28 years because the reward of writing out some difficult years during the transition from Vista Compana Middle School to Phoenix Academy is now I'm enjoying the completely transformed school culture under the leadership of Stephanie White. Stephanie, congratulations. >> [applause] >> Come on up, Michael. Wendy, come on up. [laughter] Thank you. [applause] >> I'll stand behind >> Steph. Good.

074I'll stand behind her. >> This is good. One, two, three. Perfect. [applause and cheering] And the last recognition is for a group. And it won't surprise you that we're doing this as a group. [clears throat] you better. >> Tonight we are recognizing the Apple Valley Family Center coordinators. So if I can have I know somebody's not here tonight, but if I can have Aurora Martinez, Jackie Tistado, [applause] Jackie's here. I see her. Cindy is not here, but Cindy is one of our family center coordinators. Brenda King. [applause] Sariah MSAS [applause] and then the young man that makes all of the things get delivered, Andrew Led Better. [cheering] [applause] >> You guys are amazing. >> Isn't this great? >> Oh, yeah. And Mariana Torres is sick, so she can't even be here yelling from the back

075and cheering. Um, but we're we're hope she's watching and she better get better fast. She has a lot. Representing the ABSD mission uh um to serve its community, addressing students unique needs so that they can thrive in a ch ever changing world is at the essence of the ABUSD family center staff. The more visible events that they host to support the students and their families are, and I'm going to list them, but I'm going to tell you a little bit more. The backpack distribution. The annual backpack distribution is a vital initiative that ensures all of our students have the necessary supplies for a successful start to the school year. This year, 1150 backpacks were distributed to students in Apple Valley Unified School District. Harvest of Giving. The Harvest of Giving program, a corn a cornerstone

076of the ABSD family centers and food pantry through Velma's legacy, demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the community welfare. This year's initiative successfully provided 243 families in need with a full Thanksgiving meal boxes, turkeys, and boxes and turkeys. a monumental effort that highlights the power of collaboration in address in addressing local food insecurities. I know so many of the board members have participated in these events and supported it. So um you know you see it spark of love. The culmination of this year-long effort is the distribution event where the community comes together in a powerful display of support. The fire department partnership, Santa Claus, Inc. staff and volunteer dedication, community and business support, the PAL program, which is the police assistance league, um, and all provide contributions for this effort. The things that happen as a

077result of Spark of Love are the shopping day support. On the day of the event, a diverse group of volunteers, including district staff, board members, and community partners, assist the families as they shop for their children. This is not a bring your child and let them pick an item. It is so that the family has something to provide to their child on Christmas morning that they would otherwise not have. It's a quantifiable impact. This year alone, the combined efforts of Spark of Love program and the family center coordinator successfully served 209 families. This benefited 623 children. Furthermore, throughout the holiday season, family center coordinators work closely with local organizations to coordinate services, prevent duplication of assistance, and through these partnerships supported an additional 23 families benefiting a total of 74 children. And then one of

078our favorite events of the year, the International Children's Day. International Children's Day is a cherished annual celebration held at our district office dedicated to celebrating the joy of childhood, the strength of family, and the wonder, the wonder of play. This district-wide event brings our community together for a wonderful showcase of student talent in music, art, and dance. Last year's event was a resounding success, drawing an estimated 1,700 attendees and featuring 65 diverse booths from schools, local community organizations, district partners, and food vendors, even including a Blackhawk helicopter for families to explore and learn from the pilots. While these events are everyone everyone is familiar with the team also supports food pantry individual family needs through support for clothing and the basic needs every child deserves. They should also connect family they also connect families um

079to other community supports when the need arises daily. They represent our values of dignity, community, authenticity and service. We are so fortunate that we are a district with such an incredible effort to support children. So Congratulations Jackie. was yesterday. It was yesterday. >> Scooch. >> Yeah. Forward. >> Yeah. >> There you go. Ready? Go. >> Got it. Got it. [applause] >> [clears throat] >> Okay, now >> we'll switch that next one. >> Yeah, I [clears throat] I should have said >> now who's >> Yeah, that's what she just said. >> So good. >> All right, now our students are welcome to leave. Thank you for staying for the recognition. >> Thanks you guys. Have a good week. Dude, [laughter] I'm Good job. I'm sure she did >> [laughter] >> Okay. >> All right. We're going

080to move on to board comments. Renee Longshore. Good evening. It feels weird going first. Uh Trusty Tucker always did a wonderful job with covering all of the um you know the holidays and the recognition and amazing. So I'm going to have to get notes from her now. Well, welcome back to our families, our students and staff. I hope you all had a wonderful time of rest and reflection coming into 2026. Every new year is filled with great hope as we have a time to reflect and think forward. I have enjoyed attending many school activities since our return. It has been a joy to watch Granite Hills High School and Apple Valley High School's basketball teams give their all on the court. I even managed to catch a girls basketball game at Phoenix Academy as they

081matched off against Mariana, and it brought back many fond memories for me. Um, I attended CSBA's 2026 governor's budget proposal breakdown. Um, the ABUSD state of the district presentations. Apple Valley I had a chance to visit the Apple Valley Center for Innovation on Vanguard Steam Night and was excited to see many thankful families at our food pantry as it geared back up with great heart and vigor. Like many of you, I also attended the expenditure reduction meeting held across the district on January 5th. My heart was heavy as we were asked to prioritize 180 positions listed under 15 categories. I personally did not. I have heard from many of you who felt the weight of this request. Please know the board gave no specific direction for the organization or the conduction of these meetings. After

082two years of significant deficit spending, we do need to make cuts. But we need to not just look at the 180 positions listed. We need to consider all 427 new positions added from 2020 to 2023. It was our responsibility to inform and then receive input from you. And that is still my hope today. So, I brought spreadsheets for those who are interested on the back table and I have them here to to hand down to any staff who might be interested. [clears throat] Since 2018 and 19, ABUSD increased revenue 57%. And increased spending 63%. Any category that increased more than 57% has contributed to our deficit spending. Spending for supervisors and administrators, both positions and salary, increased 91% on average. services and other operating expenditures 5100 and 5800 [clears throat] which are services and consulting

083rose 139%. And capital outlay 305%. We even have a special reserve fund for capital outlay projects that increased 123%. The 90% increase for cost for administration and management is staggering with a big chunk coming from restricted funds. And the largest individual salary increase, a salary increase of $52,000 in just two years was given to a director. That's a raise of $26,000 a year. Compare that to our certificated staff. 102% cost increase for administration and 39% for teachers and counselors. Only 39% for teachers. Remember the 57% increase in revenue over the last six years. I offer you this information ahead of a board meeting scheduled for this upcoming Monday. the only day that was offered at 9:00 am even when Trusty Tucker and I said we couldn't make it. Before we sit down for this very

084important conversation, before our district enters factf finding, you must be informed. This past year, I've spent dissecting AVUSD finances and have become well-versed. You may have seen me asking questions and discussing numbers. As a result, 2425 was the first year in a long time that the numbers added up. No money disappeared. It is our responsibility to set direction, provide fiscal oversight, create policies, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and ensure accountability. It is our job to lead. AVUSD is at high risk due to deficit spending, unstable due to significant loss of staff, and academically struggling. I have spent many days this past year locked in my study researching. I do this work because our kids deserve the best. To my fellow trustees, last January, I told you we had money. I showed you where the money

085was. I even told you we would have to cut staff. There was no way around it. Now a year later, all of this has only been confirmed. In fund one reserves, confirmed $31 million in our salary and insurance offer to classified in management. Confirmed in our most recent budget financial report, confirmed by Mr. Schulenberg, another $17 million. In fact, in the budget financial report recently passed, I see a projected surplus of $24 million as long as the stated numbers are accurate and more in special reserve funds, too. It is unfortunate we are not being given the total until mid-March, but I estimate a solid 16.4 4 million, not touching 59 million across all reserves, give or take a few. Are you okay with this? Lack of information has caused the board to make decisions in

086the dark and over the years has led ABUSD careening towards fiscal insolveny. It has systematically drained our classrooms of experienced educators, led to salary imbalance, and now impass factf finding. It is time to stand united so we can give clear direction. This past year has not been easy. But as long as the people ask, I will stand and advocate on their behalf because in the end they elect us and they decide who leads. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Anita, >> good evening. I want to welcome you all back to our new semester. I hope our students, staff, family, and community had a wonderful holiday and break and were able to get some welldeserved rejuvenation and rest and spend time with their families and friends. In January, we celebrate National Blood Donor Month. And if you

087are able to donate blood, you can save three lives. I'd like to thank my colleagues on the school board for their willingness to graciously change the board meeting date to allow me to participate. I truly appreciate their kindness and support. I know that these are challenging times for our district and the ability for all members to attend and participate is vital to ensure that all our voices are present. I'd like to personally thank Trustee Raleigh for his dedication to the district and our board this past year. Additionally, I welcome President Buchanan and Clerk Apara to their new positions for the upcoming year. This past month, I was privileged to attend the Spark of Love event in December with other board members and staff [clears throat] to support our students and families. I was also very

088honored to attend the CSEA Christmas party and celebrate with our amazing classified staff. I was also extremely excited to participate in our classified staff of the year reception where we were able to see so many of our brilliant classified staff receive recognition and honor for the outstanding work they do each and every day. I was also honored to attend the CTA board members reception and speak with many of the members who work so hard to support our incredible certificated staff. I was really excited to attend some basketball games, Granite Hills and Apple Valley, and see some of our exceptional athletes perform. And I look forward to being able to attend many more competitions for all of our schools. I was also able to attend the CSBA budget workshop webinar and yesterday attended the capital advisors

089January budget workshop in Downey to gain information and insight on the upcoming budget. Lastly, it was great to attend the state of the district on January 13 and see the great work that our students did and hear the band and choir and speak with some of the students who shared uh their CTA work. Very impressive. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Maria. >> Well, thank you again. Um, here we here we go again. Um, 2026. Who would have thought that we will see 2026. Uh, although we lost uh two um vital members of our district family, both retired and current. Um, I am truly grateful that we are alive to see this day. Um I'm going to go back to uh December because that's where um we we pause before coming up to January. Uh so

090in December I had the opportunity to visit several schools um just as soon as the board meeting was over that Thursday, the Friday, I started showing up at different schools and uh and at least to get a feel for what the how the students are preparing for Christmas. Um, so I went to Phoenix Academy, um, Mariana, um, Yakaloma, um, High Desert Premiere, Vanguard, Sandia, and then I went to Sitting Bull Academy and Rio Vista and Rancho Verdie. In all of those schools, the kids were engaged and I didn't just pop in. I didn't do a driveby. Uh, I I actually spent time at those schools. I'm going to give you some of my highlight of the schools. Uh when I went to um um Vanguard, I had the opportunity to visit with the teach the

091principal and to visit with the staff that I would see in the in the office and outside the office. So it wasn't I didn't have to go into the classrooms uh to disturb the class. I just visited with the people so they knew that I was I was just there to wish them a a wonderful holiday season. Then I went to San Diego school. I love San Diego school. When I go to San Diego school, uh you never know what I'm going to see. You know, the the principal leaves it open for me and he's like, "What do you want to see?" He's like, "Take me anywhere. I don't care. Uh you can take me to the restroom. Whatever it is that you're doing, just take me somewhere." And so I really enjoy going into

092that campus because they they make me feel so welcome. When I arrive, it's like, "Okay, I'm here." And and they know my voice from a mile away. Um then I went to uh Sudin Academy. I got to tell you, I've lived in this country since um since 197 um 76. Um for the first time, I had to I I joined to make a snowman. It felt so real. Uh the kids walked me through the steps on how to make a snowman with with rice. Of course, my mind is going, "This is rice I could actually cook. What am I doing putting it in socks?" Um, but it felt so real just to have those kids show me how it works. And I still have my socks, my snowman at my house. I don't plan to

093get rid of it every year. Maybe I'll add more to it. So it's it's such a a beautiful experience. Uh then of course I went to Rio Vista. Uh they had an assembly outdoors and when the assembly was going on I you know I didn't know what was I what am I going to see but uh of course anybody that knows me knows I like to dance. So once the music came on I started dancing from the upper campus all the way to the field and you know it was like okay I got to go now. But I ended up having to learn how to make um gingerbread house. I have never done it. And I sent a picture of my gingerbread house, which didn't look pretty, but I was proud of it. Uh I

094took I took pictures. I thought it was the greatest gingerbread I've ever seen. And it lasted through Christmas and New Year at my house. And my grandkids all kept saying, "Uh, are we going to eat this?" I said, "There's no we. I'm going to be the one eating my gingerbread." So um those were all of the exciting things I had the opportunity to do the sparks of love and food pantry. I have to tell you um when you come to give somebody something um and you don't treat them as if they are less than it gives you so much joy um to see those families come in and they get all the respect. You respect them as you hand them their backpacks or you hand them the food and you see the runners. Uh uh

095trustee Longshaw likes to do be the runner. She runs to go get the cart and bring it back. I can't do that. So I'm I'm the greeter. Um so of course we went to the budget meeting in January um and to hear from um all of the um things that we need to consider uh taking off. I have made it clear here through the years that I am reluctant to vote for anything that will go to the classroom, take away things from classroom. I'm reluctant there. But I also am aware of the fact that uh we have to find ways um to compensate the the people who are in front of the children every single day. We are not in front of the children, you are. So we need to find a way to have

096a conversation like civilized people to just say okay let's find something to say thank you for the work you do because this is what it is. Thank you for [clears throat] what it is. Um um I went to um I call it the evening to visit the stars. I I went with Vanguard. Was it Vanguard and sitting bowl of Vanguard and Sandia? They had the visit to I call it visit to the stars at the science center and um and we went to visit Jupiter. Uh and it was such a pleasant experience for me to see Jupiter and to see all the other moons lined up. They told me how to look at it with my naked eye and look at it with in the lens. And you know, it was just fascinating what the

097kids are doing and what they're learning in their schools. And I saw all kinds of toys I would like to take to my house, but I don't have a way to take those toys home. But I enjoyed it at school. Um, so I continue to thank the uh school bus drivers because when I'm on the street and I see them driving, I am so filled with joy because they're taking our kids to school and they are bringing them back. I thank you so much. We had um uh an event here yesterday for us to hear from uh the district on what they are doing to support the special group of students that we have on campus. So that is very important to me. But my final thing that I have to say, I know I'm

098taking so much time, is I really would like to know what is the pos what the district is doing with special education and the standing the the support staff that they have in their classrooms because I hear so much about it and now I need us to get to the bottom of it. I need to know what exactly they are doing with those special education teachers that they are no longer following the students. If you are doing inclusion, I want to know what inclusion looks like. If you're doing um um a co-eing, I want to know what that looks like. Uh I I teach it at a college, so I know what co-eing needs to look like. Uh so I'm curious about how that's working. uh because a special education teacher has an IEP that

099says I will be the teacher teaching your child. So when that child is no longer being taught by a teacher, I need to know the reason why that is the case. Thank you. [applause] >> All right. Thank you. So, over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend several events across our district, many of which have been mentioned. Um, and I do continue to be impressed by the talent, the dedication, and the heart of our students and staff. I'd like to begin by sharing, I'm going to go back and kind of start in December, try and do it chronologically here. So, I'd like to begin by sharing how much I enjoyed the holiday coral concert at Rancho Verie. Uh the student performances were fantastic like both musically but also the confidence. Um you

100could they when they announced them on stage um they said you know give them a give them a booth clap for them because they're really nervous. You could not tell they look like they belonged on stage. It was fantastic. Um but it was also a reminder of how powerful the arts are in building community. um creativity, discipline, and joy in our schools. So, thank you to all of the teachers and staff and families who work so hard to prepare the students for such a beautiful evening. Thank you as well to Yakaloma Elementary for welcoming me to their budget committee meeting. Um I did truly appreciate the time and thought that went into um the meeting. The decor in that meeting, I'm sure the others were great, but the the decor in there, like the woman

101that was responsible for that, it was phenomenal. I took a bunch of pictures. Um, but it was very wellleled and, um, [clears throat] meaningful engagement like this is essential as we are working together to make informed decisions that best support our students and our school sites. I also, and I mentioned this a little earlier, but I also had the pleasure of attending the Phoenix Academy spelling bee, and I know I congratulated Genesis and Ethan. Um, and so then I also came to then the district spelling bee. Um, and I was sad to hear Ethan was sick. I I know it's going around. Um, we've heard that a few times tonight. Um, but it was wonderful to see the students challenging themselves and some of the words, I swear I say this every year. Some of

102the words I'm like, I don't know that I could spell that one. Um, and I was an English teacher or am an English teacher. Um, but they also just support one another throughout the competition. Like if somebody maybe got the bell on them because they didn't get the word correct, they'd come back to the seat and the person next to them would be like, "It's okay. Good job." Um, yeah, it was great. So, I then attended the district spelling bee with Maria um where the school champions from across the district competed for the opportunity to advance to the county level. Uh congratulations to Clarissa for earning first place and Avery for coming in second. Um Avery was adorable. I don't know if anybody in here was there, but it was so cute. They'd call him

103up and every time he'd come to the mic, he'd be like, "Hi." It was so cute. I was like, and he was the fourth grade and he got second place. Fantastic. Um, I'd also like to extend my congratulations to all of our classified employees of the year. Your work is essential to the success of our schools and you make a meaningful difference in the lives of students every single day. I wish you the very best as we move forward to the county level and I am hopeful that we're going to have the same overwhelming success again this year. Finally, I want to offer a huge thank you to all of the district and town staff who work together to put on such a wonderful state of the district event is well organized, engaging, and truly

104reflective of the great work that's happening throughout our schools. I especially love the videos that were created by students and their teachers. Um, the CTE ones were just they blew me away. They look like it would be professional on the news or something. It was great. Um, sorry it is like keeps jumping around on me. So again, thank you to everyone who continues to show up every day in service of our students and community. It is an honor to witness and support the incredible work happening across our district. Thank you. and superintendent comments. >> On tonight's agenda is a resolution in which we honor January as schoolboard recognition month. I personally would like to thank our trustees for their time and commitment to the Apple Valley community. And I think they should get a round

105of applause because it is [applause] since the week we returned from winter break, we've had an abundance of events. I can I concur with everything everybody has said. The elementary superintendent advisory met for the second time this year and the students were able to review the school site and district youth truth data. While they that may not sound fascinating to you, our principles attended a portion of the meeting and can attest to the student engagement in data review. So, if you have kids that are part of that and they won't get into their math, um they're fooling you because they were in it. We couldn't convince them to leave and go get food um until the taste test. But over the years, what we've recognized is they've become accustomed to reviewing this data, making plans

106to address specific site needs. As always, they also had some taste tests from the nutrition services department, and some came closer to hitting the mark for being added to the menus than others. Students did agree that the macaroni and cheese still needed work. This was their second try, and while better, it was not quite ready. According to our students, we have one student, I won't name her, but every time we do a taste test, she has more than just a suggestion. And so instead of having her write it, I always just send her next door to the nutrition services staff and I let her tell them how it could better be put together and what she would like them to do. I think she probably is going to be a nutritionist someday. Um, I would

107like to recognize um, Miss Renault and Miss Brcenio for um, being part of the engagement activities with our student advisories. Um, we also met with HTPA student advisory for the first time this year. Um, that one's a little bit different than the others because we have students that um, fluctuate depending on going back to their um, school of residence or whether they stay through the second semester. But we had a great group and um we look forward to the next meeting. I would like to recognize those that were here as classified employee of the year. Um while each school site nominates and we had a recognition here at the district. Um congratulations to everyone who received their site um nominations and recognition. As a district we will be sending forward eight to the county process.

108Summer Krasco from um Sitting Bull Academy who's a Yeah, you can clap. [applause] She's a clerical administrative services group um with nine years of experience. Angela Galvan who's a nutritional services um has been in that department for 21 years. Sitting bull academy as well. [applause] Cliff Led Better who's transportation services. He's a warehouseman and has been with us for 17 years. You heard the words nurse Bryant earlier. Shayen Bryant will be moving forward for the county to the county event um in health services. She's been an LVN in our district for six years at High Desert Premier Academy. Jonathan Silva will be moving forward in custodial and maintenance services custodian 2 for 19 and 3/4 of a year at Phoenix Academy currently. Jennifer Mada who is safety and security services. She's a school police officer

109with 6.5 years and she's um assigned here at the district office to Apple Valley um school police department. but really she's at Phoenix Academy the majority of the time. Uh Amber Tacetti who's a par profofessionals um services um category par educator for 7.5 years at Sandia Academy. And while I know that Rachel Yokam was thrilled to get her technology services um she's a database systems analyst for eight.5 years um here at the ESC. Her biggest award this month is the designation as grandparent to our newest AUSD family member, Milo, who was born 114 to parents who are also employees of Apple Valley Unified School District. Tyler, who's in our IT department, and Vanessa Dwarte, who's an Apple Valley High School teacher. So, congratulations to all of them. Likewise, to celebrate a few teachers in the

110district, yesterday we received notification that a teacher that teachers Holly Perser at Apple Valley High School and Leon Whitfield at Yakaloma received the 2025 Education Foundation for California Schools grant. Senora Perser has received the grant to work with her students to translate Ren, the revival sequel to Ren, um called the Arrival. They did it last year. It was amazing. And now they're doing, was it last year or two years ago? Two years ago, but now they're doing the the author had come out and they're doing the um the uh sequel. And then Miss Whitfield at Yakaloma is being um rewarded uh the grant for Shine and Grow, empowering entrepreneurship through science literacy and self-expression. I too attended the spelling bee. There were second there was a second grader on the stage with eighth graders. That's

111right, Sigma Rocks. He was amazing. Um, his dad said he'll be back. He's got some practice. They know what to do now. Um, I think people should watch out. Uh, but I will tell you that my favorite was a student that stood up on the stage and, um, those of you that are elementary teachers will know this. At one point, she got stuck. She took her arm and she went down and segmented and then said the word. And I saw the skill. I turned to Mr. losser because we don't get to see that very often, but it was a joy to know that that is something that she utilized to participate. Yeah, all of you know. >> Um, but congratulations to Clarissa and Avery. It was a wonderful event. >> Thank you so much. [applause]

112>> All right. Union Representative reports California School Employees Association, CSEA, JC Scott. [applause] >> I had a public comment card earlier. I'm not sure what happened to it, but it could be disregarded if you still have it. But good evening, Superintendent Nelson, members of the board and cabinet, President Saber Auda, members of our community, and my brothers and sisters of the California School Employees Association, chapter 828. My name is JC Scott. I proudly serve as chapter president for this district and as the newly appointed regional representative for this area. Before addressing my primary concerns, I would like to publicly congratulate and recognize the following newly elected Chapter 828 officers. Cookie McIntyre, elected chapter secretary. Shalon Bryant, elected political action coordinator, and Brad Centur, reelected as our public relations officer. [applause] I'd also like to recognize

113all the classified employees of the year that were nominated and sent on to the county level, two of which are also um chapter officers of mine. So, thank you so much. I'd also like to thank the cabinet and the board members um Ava and my fellow members who reached out to me a few weeks ago when I was admitted to the hospital. The outpouring of love and support was very overwhelming and it was definitely felt. So, thank you very much for that as well. [snorts] So, tonight I'm here to condemn the district's ongoing poor performance in financial planning and transparency and to strongly oppose any proposal to authorize or rubber stamp a $10 million reduction without clear oversight, public accountability, and a detailed board approved plan. The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools has formally

114reviewed this district's first interim financial report and issued a qualified certification, meaning the district may not be able to meet its financial obligation in the current and subsequent two fiscal years. This is not a minor warning. This is a red flag that demands precision, transparency, and shared responsibility. Instead, what is being proposed is a massive reduction number that is attached to vague language and future promises of detail. We still haven't settled with the teachers. By the way, $10 million is not a line item. It's classrooms, its programs, its student services, and its jobs. It's the people who open our schools in the morning, people that care for our students during the day and that lock our doors at night. Fiscal responsibility does not mean writing a blank check for cuts. It means presenting the public

115with a clear, itemized, and honest plan, what will be reduced, when it will be reduced, who will be impacted, and how students will be protected. Oversight is not optional. It is your fiduciary duty. The county superintendent's report makes clear that the districts operating below the state's required reserve levels and continues to project ongoing deficit spending. This does not happen overnight. It is a result of long-term decisions, inadequate forecasting, and a failure to correct course early. Yet tonight, instead of seeing a comprehensive recovery strategy, we are being asked to accept a number. $10 million. Again, you still haven't settled with the teachers. As if the size of the cut alone proves seriousness, it doesn't. What proves seriousness is transparency. What proves leadership is accountability. And what proves respect for the community is allowing stakeholders, that's the

116employees, the parents, and the public to see and understand exactly what is being proposed before it is approved. Our members are not expendable. Our students are not bargaining chips. And our community deserves more than a vote based on uncertainty and after the fact explanations. I urge this board to reject any proposal that authorizes sweeping reductions without a full disclosed public reviewed and clearly justified plan. Slow this down. Bring the details forward and do this the right way because responsible governance is not about how fast you can pass a motion. Is about how well you can protect the future of this district. Now, I'd like to start with another disclaimer. Unless otherwise stated, none of my comments at this podium is intended to be a personal attack. My remarks are not made or excuse me, my

117remarks are made strictly in my professional capacity in service of the members I represent and are grounded in verifiable facts and at the current state of the district. Any concerns raised relate solely to conduct, governance, and accountability, not individuals, unless otherwise stated. I would be happy to address any concerns personally if anyone feels offended in any way. Now I would like to speak in opposition to the unprovisional conduct, legal violations, hypocrisy and fabrications that were presented from this das during the last board meeting by a trustee. law 9010 of the Apple Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees policies says the governing board recognizes the responsibility of board members in their role as community leader community leaders to participate in public discourse on matters of civic or community interest. However, to ensure communication of a

118consistent unified message regarding district issues, board members are expected to respect the authority of the board to choose its representatives to communicate its position and to abide by established protocols. It further goes on to state, "When speaking for the board, a spokesperson shall exercise restraint and tact, communicate in a manner that promotes public confidence in the board's leadership." Board members are reminded that when speaking publicly, their statements may be perceived as reflecting the views of the board as a whole and they have a responsibility to clearly identify when a viewpoint is personal rather than the representative of the board of the district. Board members are also expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner and to model appropriate behavior for the students and the community. A trustee failed to follow that policy.

119That is hypocrisy. Early in the meeting, two members of the public were denied the opportunity to complete their comments because it exceeded the allotted time by a minimal amount. It was stated, "We have rules and we're going to follow these rules." Yet, moments later, when another board member raised a point of order regarding a violation of the same rules, the response was, "I'm going to anyway." That again is hypocrisy. It was also claimed that both bargaining unit presidents routinely call this trustee to to negotiate. That statement is a fabrication. Bargaining unit members negotiate with the district, not individual board members. Any negotiations of substantive discussions conducted by an individual board member outside a properly noticed public meeting would constitution would be a constitute a violation of the board uh Brown Act. Furthermore, we can substantiate

120with phone records demonstrating that neither bargain unit president has ever called them for negotiations. These actions undermine public trust, violate board policy, and er confidence in the leadership of the district. Accountability must apply to everyone, especially those trusted with government authority. Earlier in the evening, a member of the crowd, clearly emotional giving the current state of the district, momentarily stepped out of line. They shouted a coward. To which the response was, "Oh, I'm a coward. I'll remember that during negotiations." Later, however, it was stated, "Some of you like to throw insults at us. That's fine. You know, we can take it." Yet moments later, after making that claim, they became clearly visible, offended when I merely recited applicable law regarding bad faith conduct. That contradiction speaks for itself. Additionally, this trustee publicly singled out me

121and my bargaining unit for statements made by someone else, an individual they could not clearly articulate or identify as a teacher, an employee, excuse me, or even a community supporter. Despite that lack of verification, they proceeded to make untrue statements about both me and my bargaining unit. That conduct is not only inappropriate, it is reasonably viewed as bad faith conduct and intimidation. Bargaining units are not responsible for policing or holding individual members of the public accountable for their speech. That responsibility rests with you, the elected officials, who are bound by your oath of office to act fairly, lawfully, and without retaliation. Based on all the facts stated above, the governing board of the California School Employees Association, chapter 828, including all voting members present on January 21st, 2026, unanimously admonishes this trustee and formally calls

122for their resignation. Should they refuse to resign, we demand that the remaining trustees take swift and appropriate action in response to their conduct at the December 11th board meeting. Lastly, we continue to stand in solidarity with President Sabers and the Apple Valley Unified School Teachers Association in sincere hope for dignity, community, authenticity, and service. President JC Scott, thank you so much. [applause] Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association. Avooda Karen Sabers. [applause] Good evening, Superintendent Nelson, board members, cabinet, audience, President Scott. Tonight's going to be a little different. Normally I write a speech. I did not. What I want to address tonight is the 16page paper that was sent out to all staff. basically saying that we were not telling the truth when we stood up at this podium and spoke. So, I'm going to go through

123each one and I don't have a script. I'm just going to talk. First, we made a claim. When trying to negotiate counseling case loads or compensation, the district offers ultimatums, not negotiations. There has been no positive leadership, no negotiation, and no good faith effort to even have a conversation. Second claim that we made, I think we have a couple of different ideas of what negotiation looks like. And so coming into a room that says first, last final only offer isn't really negotiations. factual response from the district. um they talked about on September 12th we came into negotiations and we worked on um article 11, article 17, article 19 and that um we worked on also we newly introduced a concept of of a cap to the counselor case loads. That is in fact false. I'm

124going to go through I pulled minutes out of our negotiations. They are shared minutes and so they are factual. It is what is said in negotiations. First of all, I'm going to go back to the two claims and tell you why they are indeed factual. On 4425, we were told We have no direction from the board. End of story. No negotiations. So we gave options because of course then we were doing IBB. We in fact gave 21 options some of which were options like 8% for 2526. Offer $10,000 stipen to teachers who sign on and stay for 5 years. Improve longevity at steps 26 28 or 26 to 30. um cola plus 1% until we get up there. We gave many options. They gave five options. Attendance incentive for staff members. Not salary. Is the

125idea to get us to be number four in the region? Yeah, we'd like to be up there. Supplemental salary schedule comparison. Look at CTE for teachers. Keep up with cola. preserve programs we built and add into the system. No salary negotiations because we were told the board did not give direction. We come in again on 52325. We were told there is no easy way to say this. I have no money to offer towards salary and that was for a three-year budget. We come in again. 8:225 them. What would be helpful? Us something from the district. We have passed out papers, but we haven't been offered anything. At that point, we were done. We were being drugg along and not offered anything. We were not being negotiated with. We do not negotiate with the board. We

126negotiate with the district. They bring it to the board. So at that point we had asked if they had thought about impass and were ready to file for impass. They said they were not. We said well we have spent 84 hours 13 sessions with no movement and we are considering impass. Come back to 9:22. That was indeed the first time that they came in with an offer. In fact, they did not hand us the offer. They told us the offer at first and then we were sent a message asking if we could please share our digital copy with them so they could prepare a counter offer. Which is why when you see the offer, theirs was at the bottom because they took our offer, added their offer on to it, they crossed out our count

127our um counselor case loads, and then after crossing out our counselor case loads, they also put an X through our salary schedule and then handed it back to us with theirs attached at the bottom. So you see when we make the claims that we have different ideas of what negotiations is, it is because we do. We wanted to negotiate. We can't negotiate when somebody keeps coming in and telling us we have nothing to offer. It's it's I don't know what you expect. Okay, we go to newly induced introduced concept of a cap to the counselor case loads supposedly September 12th. That was the first time we were supposed to have given that according to this 16-page document that was sent out. That is indeed false. in negotiations. US elementary counselors were worried about their um

128case loads. Counselors in elementary school don't see all students versus high school counselors. That was them. Then we spoke about um speed pathologist case loads. So we did start the conversation back in May. Fast forward to August 22 when we went in counselor case loads. Again, we then proposed caps of 350 cap per counselor at the high school level, 500 at the TK8 level, and 650 at the TK6 level. them. They asked if the goal was to settle um 17 and we said the goal is to include counselors in that article. So then we discussed the idea and we set up a committee that would research counselor case loads and there were four people assigned to that committee. So you can see was not the first time we had ever it was not newly introduced.

129We had been speaking about counselor case loads. So that is a false statement there. Now we move to Okay, let's go back to the last best final. Although we put on ours last best final that was a formality, it is what we had to do because we could not continue in the process to go move to impass staying with IBB. We had to go back to passing the paper and saying last best final in order for PERB to accept. It did not mean that we weren't willing to talk. In fact, there are many messages where we have said we're we're open to conversation. We are willing to have conversation. But we had no choice but to do this because we needed to move it forward. We were not getting anywhere and we needed to help.

130Um but we've always stated that we were open to communication even then. Now we move to the next. Okay. All right. The claim arling since the 2021 school year through the projected 2025 budget total district revenues have increased by 58% total expenditures have gone down by 54%. On the surface that might sound balanced but when you look closer the distribution of those increases tell a ve very different story. During the same period, Abuda salaries increased by 26%. Meanwhile, administrative salaries went up 84%. Factual response from the district. The claim that administrative salaries increased by 84% while VADA teacher salaries increased by only 26% is untrue. Administrative spending figures is due to massive salary raises is not due to massive salary raises for administrators. Instead, it is an expenditure category change caused by the budget recategor

131recategorization in July 2025. As it is explained more fully below, several groups of the employees such as nurses and psychologists were moved from certificated budget codes to management budget codes. Their salaries are now counted in the administrative bucket, making the category appear to have grown disproportionately even though individual salaries did not change. I have to tell you, I made that claim and when I stood up here because I had gotten word that one of the principles made a comment that I haven't seen that in my paycheck. I didn't get that raise. I specifically turned around and looked at management and I said, "We know that you did not get a raise. We know you did not see that money in your salary. Go back and watch the films." I said that we did not say

132that it was due to raises. We know it's because of categories. Now that takes us to 9125 when we were in negotiations. Mr. Schulenberg came in to speak with us because Steve and I have made some claims up here. Mr. Schulenberg, you made more comments in certificated salaries. You mentioned admin is going up 25% and that is in fact true. If you look, we had certificated pupil services, nurses, BCBAs, and moved them to a different line because they are not teachers. 5.7 9.3 that's 15 million. And you look in the budget year, 15 million. No new positions, no salary increases. It was merely a switch in code of where those individuals were paid from. 1300s are unrepresented positions. me. What was the reason? For additional transparency and ease of reporting. The 84% is in factual.

133We order the DAT files from the district. CTA runs them through and when you look 2021 unodudited actuals 7 million 7.9 million 2526 budget 14.5 million an increase of 6.7 million 84%. Those should not have been in that category to begin with. So by moving them they were in the correct category which did amount to the 84 help with the 84% increase. So that is in fact true. Now we go to the last claim. We've teachers only received an offer of 3% which isn't keeping up with inflation while management has given themsel in addition to an already 11% a 16% annual bonus at 30 plus years of service along with a 9% raise. factual response. There was not a 9% raise given to managers unrepresented in 2526. All groups classified, certificated, and management unrepresented were

134offered the same 3% salary increase for 2526. The superintendent and assistant superintendent were not included in this offer. The classified bargaining unit and managers unrepresented accepted the offer which was ratified at the board meeting on October 2nd, 2025. Board agenda, you could click on it. So it says that the claim that they did not receive the 9%. So I ask if they did not receive the 9% why does the AB1200 that goes to the county have 8.89 or 9.97%. For classified I know FMAD had said they recommended one do be done for management but that we haven't seen one but that's a 9.97. It says Abuda received the 3% raise in 2425. It was not across the board 3% raise. I have handed these to you. I can hand them to you again. We were

135offered 2,750 per cell per step. That does not amount if you're at step one, you're getting 4%. If you're at step 40 34, you're at a 2%. It is not a straight across 3%. We did that in order to help the district with retention the same way that we also agreed to a $5,000 sign on bonus to help with recruitment. We did this for recruitment, too. But now it's being said that we we were offered a 3% we were not offered a 3% across the board. So that's all the claims. So you can see that we have data, we have facts, we have minutes to back up everything we say up here. We have the right to come up here and state what we have with the information we are given. Thank you and have

136a good evening. [applause] >> Thank you. The clerk will read out any action taken in close session. In close session, the board of trustees took action in support of the following recommendation from the superintendent. Uh B1, conference on litigation, government code section 54954.6 subsection D and 54956.95 uh S. Waters versus AVUSD. On a motion by Mrs. Ter seconded by Mr. Raleigh. The board voted unanimously to deny the claim dated December 30th, 2025 of Sharon Waters. Uh as a vote of 50. In close session, the board of trustees took action in support of the following recommendation from the superintendent. Public employee discipline, dismissal, release, reassignment, transfer, leave. Approve approved the separation agreement between the Apple Valley Unified School District and employee number 3160 voted by Mr. Raleigh and seconded by Mrs. Buchanan and a motion of

13750. Yes. >> Item nine, adoption of the agenda. The board may approve the agenda as is or add and/or pull items from the consent agenda for discussion and/or action. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> I move to approve the agenda. >> I'll second. We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. >> Hi. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. >> I. >> Miss Apara. >> I. >> And myself. I. >> All right. Item E. We have a discussion information item. information on SB328 and ABUSD rural status for purposes of exemption from education code section 46148. >> Madame President, if I may ask if we maybe we could table this. I don't see the young man here. Oh, is he here? Y >> there he is. Oh, okay.

138>> I was been looking all Usually you're over there. >> He's over there. I'm looking. >> He's here. >> Okay, we got Ken. >> Okay, go ahead. I'm sorry. I wanted to make sure he was gonna be here. So, I was gonna call him next month to be able to be here. >> Yeah. Just for um some history, when the assembly bill was or the Senate bill was passed, uh there was a a designation in areas that were rural that it would impact that you could um there was no requirement to do a resolution as a board. Um it was just a recommendation to do a resolution so that we had a history of why we chose not to move to the later start time. And at the time on May 19th, 2022, the board

139did take action to support a resolution to remain with the same start time at our high schools. Part of that had to do with the impact to transportation. Our district runs three flights of transportation. The first flight is for high school. The second flight is for our TK through 8th grade campuses. And the third flight is for TK through sixth grade campuses. And in order to maintain um that transportation segment by segment route, it was determined that um putting the changing the start times for the secondary schools, the high schools would impact bringing our youngest students to campuses and we would have to flip-flop the two and in order to make that happen. Um or invest more in buses and bus drivers. Um, at the time when we did the estimation, it was going to

140cost about $2 million in just supporting changing um the start time. There are a couple things that we can do moving forward. While I don't believe we can change the start time at this point for next year, we certainly can come to the board with a recommendation very early in the school year with some ideas of what we can do. So, um, I checked with other school districts. Currently, Mountain Desert, so that's the group that I would reach out to because because they're closest to us, um, and asked what their start times are. The only district that is um, utilizing SB 328 is the Victor Union High School District. They don't have littles to transport. Um, they're just dealing with high school students and seventh and eighth graders. So they are at an 8:30 start

141time as is AE as a charter. They have no transportation. It's parent transport. So for us we would have to do an analysis of um what we could provide so that we could either not offer transportation to the high school which could could be an option because there's no requirement to do that and I think that would harm um our students ability to get to school. But we also um recognize that there are some schools um in the Victor Union High School District, they run a zero period. So they do have some students that start early in order to finish the day similar to what Apple Valley is doing. Um so we can certainly look into some of the options, bring back a proposal for the board to look at and um that way schools

142can plan, negotiations can take place because any of this would um have negotiated effects to it as well. So questions. >> I don't have a question. I have a comment though. But um since I brought this forward uh I think it's great that we um discuss it and can revisit it again. I mean there's very you know good reasons why this original bill was passed or was passed to do this. So I I'm all for revisiting it at a later time and getting a further further options. I would recommend if we're going to do this, we have to have some decisions by early fall next year just so that the planning, the the negotiations, all of the things that would take place as well as um master schedule, all of it, transportation times, nutrition services,

143all the different things that would impact. Okay, >> great. >> And families obviously. All right. Number two, review the Apple Valley Unified School District governance handbook. >> Um, Madame President, I would like to make a motion that we table this until a later date. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> I'll second it. >> Okay. Any discussion? I I believe that this would be better served to do at a different date. >> I'm okay with it >> tableing it. >> Okay, let me do a roll call vote then. >> Um, this is a motion to table item two, review of the Apple Valley Unified School District governance handbook. Mrs. Longore, >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh, >> I. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> I. Miss Akara >> I >> Mrs. Buchanan I >> number three review of

144interd district and intrad district transfers Mr. Patrick Saucer Assistant superintendent educational services >> thank you I'll I'll start by um hoping that I hit the mark with this um requested item. It is a focus still on high school transfers. So I did not include in this analysis any transfer whether it be interd district from those outside or intra district from those within for our TK6 or TK8 sites. So we'll talk high schools and if there's further information required for another segment we'll do that. So um just to review, you have in the program our re a quick review of the ex administrative regulation 5117 that um governs interd district transfers, those coming from outside the district. And so um there's 13 reasons we mostly focus on just a very few of them. Um number 13

145is the most common for students whose parents are primary primarily employed at the school site um where they want their children to attend. The great majority of the students at really every segment who are in on in an inter from outside the district come to us because their parent works at a school site. At the high school level, we have students who do move at the very end of their high school experience. And this ed code very humanely allows them to stay and finish their high school experience at their school. Some students are in that particular boat. And so, um, these are the numbers, uh, as of right now, uh, at Apple Valley High School and Granite Hills High School. Um, eight and eight. uh five of which at Granite were granted this year, four

146at Apple. Um but the current numbers um no change from the last although I I couldn't tell. It looked like maybe one student had graduated early. So um that was the numbers for transfers in and and like I mentioned before transfers out mirror that and they mirror for the same reason. people who live in um maybe Apple Valley and whose children are designated to go Apple Valley schools, but they work in neighboring districts, they want their children on the same calendar and to be at their school site. And so that's area districts do these kinds of transfers. Now to intra district transfers. Um right now the windows um open for intras and so we receive them in January. We take a look at space available and we respond to those requests. Here are the five

147criteria we use for intras. Um they're in board policy and administrative regulation. And so in February once the window closes we look at those five categories. For this year, we had uh 11 um who came to Apple Valley High School and three who um moved to Granite Hills High School. And those were mostly again for item five or item four. That's just the most common. Four and five are the uh line share of students who transfer for those first five reasons. So that's the first 11 and three. And then um it does consider it says after priorities 1 through 5 site capacity can be considered essentially to um you know allow students to participate in the program at those schools. We have to remember that just because a student wants a particular elective course that's

148not the only course they need. They will need the rest of their day. So we have to look and see if you know there might be um room for example student says I really want to participate in the granite hills high school great academy program awesome but they will also need math English science etc. And so especially now with um carefully negotiated class size ratios we look at the rest of that student's schedule to see if we can make um make a fit for them. So, here's an example I gave you last time for someone trying to go down by high school to their a engineering program. And if there's space in every class, the transfer is granted. We actually sit and do this with high school principles because they can look at their schedule

149right then and there and figure out, you know, we can fit them and so they really try to make we try to grant every transfer. We want people to attend where they want to be. It goes back and forth. This year we were able to grant 10 more to Apple, nine more to Granite. numbers almost always are pretty even because as one leaves, we try to look for another one to match. We lost a freshman at Apple. Let's find a freshman who wants to go to Granite and keep those spaces filled at that time. So, here's the numbers um the requests, the ones that were denied and then the granted. So that apple hive that initial uh number those two numbers that were granted in numbers 1 through five and then those later for program

150those equal 21 at Granny Hills the three and the nine equal 12 and there are denials and I'll tell you the denials in some cases are like students will write or parents will write medical program well we have that at both high schools that's an inappropriate reason to change high schools given our current policy if that policy is to change um you know we could simply accept back and forth but at the moment or things like um football one word well both schools have a football program in fact granting for that reason throws an automatic CIF issue into play so I just want to you know just a little bit of information uh we all had a chance to attend uh CSBA and um some of the board members were in a session with me

151on transfers. Districts do these for all kinds of different reasons. And I was interested in this slide that had to do with intras. And at the third bullet there talking about, you know, we have to employ equitable and non-discriminatory reasons such as capacity, including classroom space, staffing, and studenttoteer ratios. We do take the student names off these when we do them just in case there's some concern that, you know, that's an issue. We do somebody has to look up and see what schedule they're looking for though. So we try to um reidentify them with letters. Then the question becomes but why are you letting those kids in from the outside? Like why those interests that those could be spaces we're using for more interest? And the the answer really is um this is a benefit

152to staff. Staff really like having their kids at school with them. And so um that's the reason we operate in this manner. But this policy can be changed and we can remove this benefit from staff. Okay, thank you. Are there any questions? I do have a comment. Okay, I know I've already presented some data to you um on this topic of equity across our cl our campuses, our high school, two in particular, Apple Valley High School and Grant Hills High School. I'm just going to add to the information I've already presented. Um 282 Apple Valley Unified School students were denied transfer to the high school of their choice while 82 students from outside Apple Valley were let in. Only 22 of these were staff children. 60 were not. 60 6. Somehow we managed to find

153space for kids outside our district to come in while denying our own. This practice over time has segregated our student population and disproportionately denied students access to programs and opportunities offered exclusively at another site. Education code section 35160.5B requires that we honor parent preferences irrespective of where they live in Apple Valley. Our current board policy does not suffice. We must take steps to ensure equitable access in AVUSD. We must improve our random selection process. Covering names just doesn't cut it. We need a public and random selection process. We need to prioritize all students in Apple Valley. To begin, I move that we make board policy 5116.1 an action item in order to consider amending it to include enrollment priorities. Quote, "Every student currently residing in the district's attendance area, shall be given priority over all

154non-staff inner district transfer requests. I move that we make this an action item. I will second. >> All right. Is there any discussion? >> Can I ask for some clarity so I don't bring the an item that's unacceptable? Will will we be maintaining the um ability for students who are seniors the way the the way the policy is written borrowed from law is it that if they move during their junior year will they be allowed to remain and then I'm assuming number 13 would stay staff families >> right so what we're looking at is just making sure we're making part of our policy prioritizing the students of Apple Valley as guess as a board we would be discussing details >> respectfully. >> Do you want me to bring a draft? >> Actually, let's respectfully I

155know that we had a motion and a second that is it is not an action item. So there is no motion or second. It would be something that you would recommend as a future item for us to bring to the board. >> So when I make a motion to add it as an action item, you're saying I cannot do that. There's no need for the motion. It can just be added as an a future item to the board. That's why we have that as part of the um script. >> Okay. Um that's wonderful. And can we do it as soon as possible? I know we have um January is when intra district transfers are being accepted. Could we do it at the next board meeting? >> I just have a comment. I have a comment

156on this. uh regardless of what we do, we need to know exactly if we have the staffing, if we're willing to move staff to follow the students to where the numbers are. So, if we're going to have a growth that is going to move students from say Granite Hills to Apple Valley High School and we don't have a room or classroom set up to be able to accept that growth numbers and we we don't have the teachers, then these are all things that has to be negotiating. If negotiated even with the bargaining unit because you cannot forcibly move a teacher to another school site just because a parent wants their child to go across town. So th there's a whole lot of things that needs to be considered before we even begin this conversation. The

157bargaining unit needs to be involved in this conversation. The um all of the team the people that have these dealings have to be in the discussion. We cannot make a board decision without considering the bargaining unit. That's where I stand. >> The board policy will take a two read. So even if it comes to the next board meeting, it would be March um for adoption. Um but we certainly can um add it as an agenda item. >> And I just want to make it clear, I'm not asking for staff to move sites. I'm not asking for any of that sort of thing as far as crowding um is concerned. I'm just asking that we're prioritizing the students of Apple Valley Unified School District before we let interd district transfers in. So I'm talking about already

158space that's existing with the teachers where they are at the sites, but that we're just prioritizing Apple Valley students for those positions. But what about the students that Mr. Saucer mentioned that say in the middle of their junior year, no cause of their own, but their parents have to relocate to a neighboring town and the student would like to finish with their graduating class. Are we then kicking them out? Because as a parent who recently purchased a Letterman jacket, that would be really awful. First of all, they're not going to graduate with their friends that they've been with for however long. And then I I I think at this point all of these would be uh very speculative. The only thing I've asked is that we prioritize Apple Valley students >> at the expense of

159who? and at at the advantage of the students that we receive federal, state, and local dollars to educate. It's not going to cause a displacement. It's not going to cause staff children not to attend. It's just going to bring to light to the the fact that we need to prioritize the students that we receive federal, state, and local dollars for. Well, we receive that for any student that attends in our district. But we're tasked with the responsibility of educating Apple Valley students and we are. It just may not be their preferred school if there's not room there. >> Um I would like this brought to the board for a vote. That's why I requested it be an action item. >> Okay. Um what's the will of the board? Do you guys want to consider changing

160our board policy to >> I thought we don't have to vote on this because I did >> we're not voting but we're deciding whether or not we would like to add it to the agenda as an action item. >> Okay. So that's exactly what I'm addressing is I [clears throat] called for a vote to add it to the agenda because that has been done in the past. um while it'd be not very um equitable um and perhaps uh discriminatory um I think just adding the agenda item as an action item as suggested by Superintendent Tene Nelson might be a good move at this point. Okay. Um so I'm aware of your opinion. I'm just going to go down the line and make sure that's what everybody would like to do. Rick, would you like that

161added? >> So, what you're asking, Renee, is to um put this on a future agenda item or a discussion and an action item at a later time. Correct. >> I don't have a problem with with it being added to future agenda or further discussion. There's a lot of issues that were raised by trustee Yokara and but you know we can definitely discuss it in more detail. >> Okay. >> And Anita uh yes. Okay. Maria >> I said we say yes. I say yes [clears throat] but we need to get all the information that we need to be able to make that decision. Uh we can't sit here and make that decision. We do not know the numbers. So we need the district to give us information. We need to have conversation with the bargaining units

162because regardless of how we are looking at it, one child put into a a different class could change the trajectory of a teacher. So I want to be sure that the bargaining unit is involved in this conversation. And so when it's brought up for us to have a a conversation that we have all that data going in, half information will not cut it. I need all of the information for us to get forward. Okay. All right. So, can we add that on as a action item >> for discussion? >> February 5th. >> Thank you. >> All right. Kylie, do we have any public comments? >> Um, we do. We have four comment cards. >> Okay. As provided on our public comment card, speakers are requested to limit comments to a maximum of three minutes. If

163more than one person wishes to speak on the same topic, subsequent speakers should limit their remarks to new information only. Public comments shall be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes per item. Kylie will provide a 30 second warning. Our first speaker will be Kian Peak and Terry Peak. You'll be on deck. Um, good evening, esteemed board Superintendent Nelson. I am grateful to finally be on the agenda after five months of late night meetings, waiting through long-winded, repetitive speakers asking for what they believe in. Maybe even if it's not my belief, too. But I wish I was on the close session agenda. After all, I am a student who has things to do. and waiting this long into the day doesn't necessarily help. For those of you who are still here, thanks for sticking around.

164Uh my name is Kian Peak. I'm a lifelong student of Affle Valley Unified School District. I am currently a junior at Granite. I have been advocating for following the law, more specifically SB 328. Thank you for your presentation, Superintendent Nelson. I am grateful to finally hear an explanation. I'm also grateful that your answer was not just, "Oh, we're rule." because boy did I have a a um a response to that. So, kind of got rid of a lot of my speech, but there's still some parts that I'd like to mention. Um such as this law is producing such positive data that even other states are beginning to follow in California's footsteps. This week, Clark County, Nevada school districts voted to adopt an 8:30 start time for high school students beginning the 2627 school year. So,

165if they can do it next year, I don't see a reason why we can't either. You're all educators. Wouldn't you want what's best for the students? ABUSD is being left in the dust of progressive, more successful schools and districts. Lately, all I see, hear, and read is negative commentary regarding this district and the board. Please be as proactive as you can to bring this to our district. I thank you for uh just mentioning it. I'm ad liibbing a lot here, but I I got rid of a lot. I'm sorry. Um I just I don't know. I don't I guess I'm not satisfied with the answer. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but the I don't feel that spending should not be the deciding factor and whether you should follow law or not.

166I'm a teenager. Registration and insurance for a car is expensive. So, if my mom doesn't want to pay for that and I get pulled over, is the cop just supposed to, you know, understand that, oh, I don't want to pay for that. No, there's consequences to not following the law. And don't think that just because you finally told me what I kind of already knew means I won't come anymore. On the contrary, uh, this leaves me kind of dissatisfied and I have the desire to be louder and more public than ever. Um, with that, I have school in 9 hours. So that doesn't even include the two hours that I'll probably stay up doing homework and the 15 minutes that it'll take to get home, plus the hour that it's going to take to get

167ready in the morning. So that leaves me with about 5 hours and 45 minutes of sleep if my math is correct. I don't know. Um, and that's to go through my entire school day on top of uh a girls water polo game that I will be stat boy for. So, thank you and good night. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right, Terry Peak. And we have Joshua Justice on deck. Hello. There we meet again. First, I'd like to say thank you for finally putting my son on the agenda, although we kind of already knew what information was going to be passed along for the presentation. Or so we thought. The agenda does say rural. We were proactive. We looked ahead. The rumor has been rural. Our own knowledge though has been confirmed that money always

168rules the roost. We happened to keep the live feed on through the end last month just to hear the legitimate ad key into the agenda. At 7 hours and 23 minutes, we kind of knew nothing was ever going to happen. Though the tone behind the, "Yeah, we know it's just information. It's not action." was disappointing to us to say the very least. I think it's disrespectful to string a passionate 16-year-old along for 5 months when at any time he could have just been answered directly. We feel you've never intended to make a change. You've patronized him enough just to make it seem like you care when maybe you really don't. That's shameful and despicable to me, especially when I feel that we've grown so fond of quite a few of you. We've enjoyed listening to

169you coming each month this year. I need to know though honestly are you really going to escalate this into figuring out how to do this for future students? I mean it's not going to effectly direct him, you know, affect him directly. Pardon me. I had surgery this morning, so I'm [laughter] a little off. Um but I hope that it can affect other students for years to come. Um, it baffles me that you acknowledge how beneficial this time change could be, but still haven't complied. But I do want to thank you for giving him even more drive to force compliance to a law that benefits him and so many others. This may be a stall, but the fight will go on. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right, Joshua Justice and then Monica King, you are

170on deck. Hi, my name is Joshua Justice and I come here on behalf of a lot of other parents that share the same views and feelings that I do as well as a lot of other educators in the district that I've gotten to know just from living in Apple Valley. Um, so first of all, I love this district. You might have seen my kids here. They just left. Uh, they saw their principal. They saw their teachers. Uh, my younger son got his shoes to match his teaching assistant. So, um there's a lot of great things in the district, right? But I'm here to talk about some very uncomfortable things. Um things that my wife has given me permission to share as an employee of the district and things that I won't have time to get

171to. Um that are well known like this district is very well known for cronyism, nepotism, uh retaliation, and intimidation. Um I've experienced it through my wife and we know a lot of other people have. Um one of the things is that there's deteriorating trust with the finances. You can hear a lot of other people talk about it. I work in business and I am auditing things all the time. So when I hear that the district is not regularly auditing anything and when I asked at the budget meeting two weeks ago, is there a plan for it? The response is the county does it. Well, that's not how it works. If my job I relied on somebody else to audit it, things would not get done. Profits would not be made and I would not be

172I would not have a job. Um there's a lot of answers that are not clear. You can go back to um the live question answer from that night on the 5th and the answers are very not clear. It's it's a bunch of BS. I work in corporate America. I've worked at brands that everyone in this room you've bought products from. Um I'm very experienced in this and it's just a joke. Like you're not answering the questions. Um three to point out. number 26 314 45. There's no internal audits. Um, when we ask questions, it only gives us more questions. It's very irritating. It's honestly like talking to a kid that's trying to be a smart al. They answer the question, but they're not really answering the question. And I can tell you that there's a

173lot of parents that feel the same way. Um, so when we hear about this stuff with teachers, my wife is also a teacher, it it doesn't feel like it's in good faith. Um, one thing that was very concerning is that at this meeting, um, we were asked to rank people and I I honestly found it quite disgusting and I I tr I think you owe the community an apology for that. Not a not a no like a video apology because it was not okay and I was disgusted. I was pissed off and a lot of the Rio people are not here, but they were there and they they saw me pretty fired up. We were told if you did not want to rank, you could leave a note and leave feedback. So, I did that,

174but it was not included and it was not posted. >> And when I um when I requested it, >> uh there said, "Well, you said you did not want to participate." I wrote, "I did not want to participate in a Hunger Games type of activity, right? That doesn't mean I do not want the paper up." Like, that's common sense, right? Every director and above at the district is over 40 from what I know. Like, you guys are smart. Um >> that was time. if you could just >> Well, there's a lot more to say. Um, I'm not out of words and you will hear me talking online about stuff because um, my wife has been retaliated against. She's been threatened with retaliation. Dustin, I think you remember five years ago, there was a very serious

175issue where the district was withdrawing money from her paycheck. And after seven weeks, instead of me hiring an attorney to sue the district, I asked my wife if I could get involved with the district. and right on her behalf. I talked to an attorney that represented school districts for 40 years, was an expert, said every time this happens, it's a misdemeanor. Happened five times. Took so long to take care of. We wrote to the financial the fiscal director did not get any reply that was worth anything. Did not give us a policy. If you recall, Dustin, I know it was five years ago, I had a meeting with you, with that [clears throat] director, with somebody else that does not work at the district. And after an hour after taking PTO, losing hundreds of dollars

176for that day uh in PTO, that person said, "I never read anything you sent. Never read any uh Excel document. Could not put together a list of this is the money that was owed, this is what was paid, and this is how we correct it." So, we were in that meeting, and I don't know if you remember because I do. An hour in she says that I'm sorry, the director said that. Hold on. I'm I'm almost done. Uh because this is very serious. We're talking about misdemeanors. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> Over time. >> So the next day, what happened? I got an email. No, my wife got an email. I apologize. 3:20. What happened before 3:20 at 1:00? The um the union director called Hannah and said someone from the district just said,

177"You're not going to get you're not going to be not renewed now, but it's going to happen next year." So, who was it? There's only three people on that call. One person that doesn't work here that had a good reputation. Dustin, from what I've heard, you have a good reputation. One other person. You ask 100 people in the district, who of these three people would have done that? Everyone knows. Everyone knows. So, I can tell you, you can look at your emails. May 4th, May 12th, 2021. >> Okay. Thank you, Monica. You're up. >> [applause] >> Good evening board members, legislators, and community members. My name is Monica King, and I'm a mother of two boys who are currently in the school system. A couple years ago, one of these boys came to me and

178bravely disclosed that he had been sexually abused at Rio Vista Elementary School. Most children never speak of their abuse to anyone and grow into adults who also never speak of it. So imagine the courage it took for him to disclose this as best as he could as he shook and baldled in my arms. And thank God he did. Imagine the fear he carried every day before and the relief mixed with terror when he finally told me. He made me promise him in that moment that he wouldn't have to speak to anybody until he was ready. So what happened next was a second trauma to both of us and a breach of trust in a very fragile situation. In response to his disclosure, after I came to the school to report what he had said, two

179police officers were sent to our home unannounced, wearing badges and carrying guns. They came without specialized training in child psychology, without trauma-informed interviewing skills, and without me, his parent, allowed to even be present. I want to reiterate that this was right after I promised him he didn't have to talk to anyone until he was ready. Let me say this part one more time. A child who had just disclosed sexual abuse to his mother in fear was placed in a room with two strange men, armed law enforcement officers, and questioned alone. That sounds terrifying, and I don't know where you stand on the parenting spectrum or child psychology, but I don't know a child on the face of the planet who would disclose the most terrifying, traumatic, and horrific event in that situation and under those

180circumstances. [sighs] So, is it really a surprise he didn't say anything of substance to these men? Therefore, no investigation followed. No predator was held accountable. No safety plan put in place and no healing was offered. The child who had been deeply harmed was harmed again, further traumatized. And the predator remained in the school system. And I can guarantee you one child is not the reason he's there. Because of this current protocol, predators are being protected over our children. There's no accountability, no justice, more risk, more harm. And I'm done losing sleep knowing that this man is still out there amongst too many others who understand how this system works. We have to also understand that children do not process trauma the way adults do. They forget key details. They provide disjointed or brief responses. They

181avoid eye contact, become quiet, shut down entirely, or answer, "I don't remember out of fear." These behaviors are not indicators that abuse did not happen, but rather that a child was scared, overwhelmed, and retraumatized by the environment and approach. We need protocols for our children that are grounded in science, dignity, and healing. We live in a time where we like to say that we're protecting our children. You have your policies. You have your protocols. You have your procedures, your trainings, and your paperwork. And yet, our children are still being harmed every day. So, we have to ask an uncomfortable question. Who are these systems actually protecting? Because it's not the children right now. And I'll tell you that. And our children, aren't they quite literally the entire reason that we're all here? So, if we're

182not protecting our children, what are we even doing? 5 seconds. When a child speaks up and is met with silence, that to me is the greatest failure. What do you think that does to them? When concerns are minimized, delayed, or buried under bureaucracy, and children learn that speaking up leads to being interrogated, further shame and trauma or being ignored completely, they stop speaking up entirely when things do happen >> and valuable information is lost. Thank you. I'm not finished. That is not protection. That is preservation of image. That is risk management. And that is a system protecting itself. Children do not need perfect paperwork. They need adults who believe them. And telling me should have been more than enough for an investigation. All of our children deserve that much. All of the protocols. >> Thank

183you. Thank you. >> But we do have to ask you to to wrap it up. It is over the three minute. >> Okay, I'll wrap it up here. To our legislators, to our boards, and to our law enforcement leaders, we need to change these protocols now if we are really here for our kids because our children's futures depend on how we respond. Today I'm going to just keep coming back and each time I'm going to get a little [clears throat] bit louder because the system that is designed to protect itself, we lose innocence of our children and that is not okay for me. Thank you. [applause] Board comments, Renee Longore. Um, I just want to thank everyone who stays this late to um come and share uh your experiences with us. Um, I know we

184have a new sitting president. I would just like to also bring forward the idea again that we move public comments sooner in the evening. Thank you. >> Rick Raleigh, >> Anita Tucker, >> no comment. Maria Akara, >> no comment. >> Okay. I have no comment. Superintendent Nelson. Okay. All right. I need to or I need a motion to adjourn to a public meeting of the Apple Valley Unified School District Public Facilities Corporation for and new business as deemed necessary at 10:09. A move that we ajourn. >> Okay. I'll second. We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. Um so I it says conducts this meeting taking roll call and then asking for action on any items for approval. No, we are doing >> first we need to take a vote to adjourn

185for the special facilities. Oh, >> okay. >> Um, so >> roll call. >> I >> Rick Rollley. >> Hi. >> Anita Tucker. >> I. >> Maria Akara. >> Hi. >> Amanda Buchanan. I >> It's your part. Um, so as far as what I understand, it says, "I conduct this meeting taking a roll call and then asking for action on any items for approval." So roll call. Renee Longore here, Anita Tucker, um, Rick Raleigh, and Amanda Buchanan. So is this a vote on something? >> You're taking ro right now. Okay. Okay. So yes, Renee Longore here. Anita Tucker >> here. >> Rick Raleigh. >> I'm here as well. >> And Amanda Buchanan, >> I'm here. >> Action items. Public Facilities Corporation. The following are the current officers as elected at the January 23rd, 2025 meeting. President

186Renee Longshore. Vice President Anita Tucker. Secretary Amanda Buchanan, Chief Financial Officer Rick Raleigh. That says only elected officers may vote during this portion of the meeting. My apologies to Trusty Akbara. [laughter] Public Facilities Corporation action items. Public Facilities Corporation selection of officers of the board of directors of the Apple Valley Unified School District Public Facilities Corporation. So, it looks like we're electing a president. >> Yeah. >> Um, do we have any nominations? >> I nominate uh trustee at Parara. >> I'll second. >> All right. And we'll vote by roll call. Um, Renee Longshore. >> I think we do it as a slate. >> As a slate, >> I believe that's Is that correct? Yes, >> it's it says vote. Oh, so like fill it in all the way down and then take a vote. >>

187Yes. >> Oh, understood. Thank you. Um, so vice president, do I hear any nominations? >> I nominate uh Trustee Raleigh. >> I'll second that. [laughter] >> Uh, secretary, any nominations? >> I nominate you. >> Oh, >> you can't. You're already the president, right? >> Well, no, we just put Akbar as the president. Okay. >> So, I could be the secretary. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> And chief financial officer. >> I would like to nominate Mrs. Buchanan. >> Uh, do we have a second? >> I'll second that. >> Okay. So, we would have uh President Akara, Vice President Raleigh, uh, Secretary Longshore, Chief Financial Officer Buchanan. Any discussion? Okay, we will be taking a vote via roll call. Mr. Rowley, >> I. >> Miss Buchanan, >> I. >> Miss Tucker, >> I.

188>> And Miss Long Shore. I >> selection of a time and place for the regular meetings of the board of directors meeting time and place is January 14th doing uh 2027. >> So moved. >> Okay. and a second um held in conjunction with the first regularly scheduled board meeting in January 2027, January 14th, 2027 or as necessary. Is there any discussion on this? We'll be taking a vote via roll call. Mr. Raleigh, >> Miss Buchanan, >> hang on one second. We have a question down here. Oh, yes. I >> have that Miss Buchanan made second. >> You didn't vote for this one. Just making sure we had the correct people for the motion and the second. [clears throat] >> Okay. Are we good? >> Now you can. Yes. >> Okay. Very good. So, um I'm

189going to go ahead and restart the vote via roll call. Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Miss Buchanan. >> I. >> Miss Tucker. >> I have a question. Am I voting? Because I'm not on the the slate anymore. >> I believe so. To today you are still official. >> Okay then. Yes. [laughter] >> All right. Authorization given for the filing of the annual statement of domestic nonprofit corporation with the state of California. Do I have a motion for that? >> Move it. >> Second, Rick. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. We'll be taking a vote via roll call. Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Miss Buchanan. >> I. >> Miss Tucker. >> I. >> And Miss Longshore. I. Adjournment. It is recommended that the board of directors adjourn the meeting of the public facilities corporation and reconvene the

190regular meeting of the Apple Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. The time is 10:14 p.m. We hereby convene the regular meeting at 10:14 p.m. All right. For our discussion and action session, it is recommended that the board of trustees discuss and take action on the following items. Number one, review the fiscal year 2526 access educational institution service for schoolboard members enrollment information and provide direction on school board member enrollment. I'll Okay, Maria, and I'll second it. All right, discussion. >> Um, I just had a quick question. How did we utilize this in in 24 and 25 and so far this school year? Are we getting are we utilizing it >> for 2526? It's a new offer that they have provided. That's why I've brought it to the board. We have not done this in

191the past. Um, and I wouldn't just assume that you wanted it. So, I brought it as an item for you to decide. Um, as soon as if you if you approve it tonight, you will start begin getting um the items that are listed in the background. Um, but we'll have to enroll each board member um in that process. >> How much is it? >> $1,000 total. >> Any other discussion? All right, we will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longore, >> hi. >> Mr. Raleigh, hi. >> Mrs. Tucker, I >> Miss Apara, >> I. >> Mrs. Buchanan, I. Number two, approve the recommendation of the administrative hearing chairperson effective immediately. Hold on. >> For clarification, was the direction to approval? Approve. Okay. >> This is not highlighted, but do I read this part?

192>> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I just want to make sure it's first time. Approve the recommendation of the administrative hearing. Chair Herson effective immediately on EXP7 AR 12 202526 through AR17 and expungement of expulsion case exp number 18 2324. Are we going to do them individually? >> No, >> you can do them as a batch. Okay. >> So, we will be taking a or Yeah. Can I get a motion? >> So, moved. >> I'll second it. >> All right. We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. >> Hi, >> Miss Apara. >> I. >> Mrs. Buchanan. I >> We can skip a few pages. All right. Okay. Item three, approve the certificated and classified personnel actions as listed. Can I get

193a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? Um I have a quick request. Um, is there any way um that as we um add teacher positions that we could have more uh specificity and say specifically what they're being hired for? Um, what position, whether it be elementary or single subject or etc. Um, that would help me to understand who we're giving authorization to hire and for what position. If the school, if it says elementary school, we pretty much know it's multiple subjects, isn't it? >> But it just says teacher >> primaries. Pardon me. >> But it just says teacher every time. It just says teacher. And so far this year, we've hired uh if we passed this, we've now hired 63 teachers. >> Now, did it say school school site? >> No, it just

194says teacher. >> Okay. So like the would would the clarity help if it said like um teacher multi-ubject teacher single subject social science teacher >> that's what I'm requesting. >> I can that's that's easy. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? >> We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longore. >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. >> Hi. >> Miss Apara. >> Hi. and Mrs. Buchanan. I number four, approve the ratification of the dispatch services contract between Apple Valley Unified School District and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I will make the motion. >> Uh second. >> Okay. And any discussion? All right. We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. I Mr. Mr. Raleigh >> I >> Mrs. Tucker >>

195I >> Miss Apara >> I >> Mrs. Buchanan I number five approve the recommendations for requested leaves as noted >> so moved >> a second >> any discussion we'll be taking a vote via roll call Mrs. Longshore I >> Mr. Raleigh I >> Mrs. Tucker I >> Miss Apara I >> Mrs. Buchanan I. Item six, formally acknowledge the receipt and review of the 2024 2025 audit report as prepared by Nigro and Nigro PC. And then we have uh do we do the motion before the presentation or the presentation before the motion? >> We uh I if you'd like I can do the presentation before you entertain the motion. I'm just trying to connect to the screen and uh it's not going as quickly as I had hoped. But you do have a paper copy of

196the presentation in front of you on the table. >> Mr. Schillerg, before you get started, do you anticipate this would take longer than say eight minutes? >> I don't anticipate that. No. >> Okay. >> If I can get this to connect for the uh Mr. Buchanan, it's not letting me connect and I don't know why. So, I'm going to move on. Um you have a paper copy of the presentation at your uh [clears throat] at the table. >> This is aformational presentation on the audit report. Basically what this does is this takes last year's unodudited actuals and audited and they become our audited actuals. Um this expresses basically you see there on page two it's a independent or slide two it's an independent opinion of the financial statements and just some highlights as you look

197through the audit that was attached to the board item. Uh pages 1 through three are basically the auditor's report. It's an unmodified opinion which means it's a clean opinion. There's a management discussion and analysis on pages four through 10 which is what the auditor terms a readable analysis of the district's financial activities. Just to call a couple things out, you'll see the comparison of current year to previous year. Uh >> Oh, thank you. >> It's mine. It's not yours. >> Okay, >> I'm on slide two. >> Right there. Thank you. And you'll see at the comparison of the current year to previous year, the fund balance comparison table on page seven, uh, talks about our outstanding long-term debt on page nine, and the auditor writes up summary of the factors that they believe will affect

198the district's future and in the particular budget cycle. And the next slide, pages 11 through 51 contain the governmentwide financial statements. And just a couple things, the statement of net position there reports a net position of 57.8 million. Of course, that's assets, less depreciation, and um long-term liabilities. Our governmental fund activity is covered on page 15. And the notes on page 17 through 51 are the the readable explanations of those governmentwide financial statements. Um so, it's really the numbers in the first section and then the the explanations in the the latter part. Uh page four calls out the section titled supplementary information on pages uh 52 through 68. Again, there's the budgetary comparison schedule, uh, net pension liability, oped liability, which is other post-employment benefits. Um, schedule of our ADA and instructional time are included

199in the supplementary information on page uh, sorry, slide five, the AVUSD audit findings and questions costs, questioned costs are covered in page 79 through 83. how we had no findings uh and no financial statement findings, no federal award findings and no state award findings. What that means is the auditor in examining our financial transactions uh discovered that everything was done uh legally and appropriately and we followed the rules of the federal and state programs that the auditor tested per the audit guide. Slide six. Uh when we have previous findings, um we're required to document the corrective action. We did not have any findings last year. So the previous findings and question cost for this particular audit is none because there were no previous findings. And then I think um yeah thank you. >> Thank you.

200Okay. Per board bylaw 9323 meeting conduct. I make a motion we extend the meeting not to exceed 11:30m. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. Okay. And then we will take a roll call vote. >> Mrs. Longshore. >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. >> I. >> Miss Apara. >> Hi. >> And Mrs. Buchanan I >> Okay. Were there any questions in regards to his presentation? >> Um I do have some discussion items, but I'd like to invite anybody else who might have questions to go first. >> I think it's me. >> Okay. Um I would like to point out >> Oh, you know what? We need to make the motion first. >> Oh, for discussion. >> Got it. Um, [clears throat] so I'll go ahead and make the motion that

201we acknowledge the receipt. Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Okay. Now discussion. All yours. Um I would like to point out um that it um quoting from the NIGROG auditors report management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error. On the next page, they say, "Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. Governing auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher. As fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal

202control. So, I just wanted to point out that this um audit report is more of a yes, your numbers are say what are what they what you say they are. Um and I wanted to bring up the idea that um FICMAT uh asked us to address specifically a a high risk of fraud and compromise um due to our lack of internal controls. I know it's been um brought up um by um VicMat of course, by me um by a couple others. I remember hearing it. Um they they expressed concern over this and I want to just reiterate um that as a board we need to seriously uh look at this and address this. Um so internal controls and fraud prevention is something we need to look at adding. Um, also another concern Fikmat um pointed

203out was an access to rights following employment changes um and lack of oversight in accounts receivable. I'd like to point out specifically such as like when the community schools grant um got completely added to our uh budget and then got removed. Um controls over that oversight would help. Um they also had a concern about the absence of fraud detection and reporting process. Um so as we take uh steps to address our deficit spending, I move that we also take steps to address our district's risk of fraud and compromise as noted in FICMAT's report on October 30th, 2025. I'm not sure if I need to make a motion for this or if that's I know when President Buchanan mentioned moving forward with coming up with a plan, she addressed um our superintendent directly. So, is this

204something um Superintendent Nelson that I could just direct uh directly address you or is this something that we need further action on? There is a motion on the table right now just to formally acknowledge the receipt of the audit report. >> So, didn't we do that? >> So, your motion is about the audit report um not giving direction on the FICMAT report, but I can talk to you about that when we get to um other items particularly if that would work. >> Yes. So it was in relation to this um audit report um asking that we take it to the level that FICMAT um advised us and looking to add internal controls and fraud prevention, access rights following employment changes, lack of oversight and accounts receivable, absence of fraud detection and reporting process. Everything that

205was in the um FICMAT report that had a no, we'll come back to the board with either a plan of how we will respond to that or a process by which we have completed that. >> Okay. Do you have a date on that? >> I don't. >> Okay. We have to um before they come back and remember they won't come back until a year from when they were here. Between a year and 18 months is when they will come back. So between now and before we leave for the summer break, you will have some information about how we have resolve those issues because remember like the fraud reporting with something like our um we tip. We just have to process that out to everybody and have them understand that that works as well for any

206fraud concern that they have. If some of these things are just tying them back to systems we already have in place, but people are not aware that they can utilize them for any um budgetary fraud that they think is going on. Do you follow what I'm we already have TIP? We just haven't tied it to telling the entire staff that they can utilize it for um fraud reporting. Okay. So, that was one of the um four points that I >> right I'm giving it as an example because that's one that is very simple to resolve but we um will be bringing that as I have stated in a plan so that the board things that the board will have to either give direction on there'll be an item for direction if it's something that is

207just an internal system we will report back how that internal system is so that we can clear it with Fickmat. >> Okay. I think these things definitely need to be addressed sooner than later. Um so I'm just bringing it up for um consideration. Um just like our our finances. So thank you. >> So so can we complete the the formal acknowledgement of this receipt and complete it and then we move on to the next item to be able to address some of the issues that are not related to the acknowledgement of the receipt. Um, I'm still I still have points on the auditor's report that I'd like to address. Is that okay? >> Is that from and >> Yes. >> Okay, great. >> Okay. I want to um look at page six um of the

208auditor's report. Um it points out that we had a loss of a grant, $10 million grant. Um, so I was curious as to which grant did we lose, page six. And if you don't know, um I just think it's important to bring up that if we lose a grant, it's important to also ask the question, um what was being funded by this grant? And then did we also follow up by cutting that cost? >> Would it be possible for you to provide your questions as an email so that the staff can review it and respond to all of us? Because this item is only acknowledging that they gave us the receipt. That's it. Okay. So, I can't ask for clarification on it. >> Well, there's nobody from Nigro and Nigro here that could answer that.

209But also, we're just like the discussion we're having right now only pertains to the item which is formally acknowledging the receipt. >> Okay. So, when can we have discussion on this? >> Um, when would be an appropriate time to have discussion on this about the actual breakdown of the report? If we can get those questions emailed to us, we can respond back to that. >> Okay. Then I just want to point out we do have on page eight a surplus of $17 million increase referenced in our uh budget uh financial report. It shows on page eight 6.8 million. Is that surplus? Um, I would also like to point out that our debt has increased over these years of not managing our money. When debt increases, we have interest payments which just digs us deeper in

210a hole. As a board, we should be mindful of that. >> Okay. Can we go ahead and vote on the receipt of the report? >> Okay. Um, just one more thing I'd like to point out. um this in this uh document and I encourage my fellow board members to look at it. It addresses the idea of um the postemployment benefits um specifically um that the highest is 15 years of service to age 70. Um and that we need to acknowledge that this is a very large expenditure and especially considering um our retired members receive Medicare at age 65. This might be an exorbitant cost that we could look at as we consider costs. >> Okay. Thank you. So the motion is to formally acknowledge the receipt and review of the 2024 2025 audit report as

211prepared by Nigro and Nigro PC. We will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore I >> Mr. Raleigh >> I >> Mrs. Tucker >> I >> Miss Okpara >> I >> Mrs. Buchanan I item seven ratify the attached interfund borrowing report which lists the interfund cash transfers that have occurred to date per adopted resolution 2425-26. Can I get a motion? >> So moved >> and a second. I'll second. Any discussion? Um I do I also have discussion on this item. So this was a um a look at interf fund transfers um that are happening and specifically um the idea of the possibility of the board overseeing interfund transfers moving forward. Um in a previous meeting I thanked um Mr. Schulenberg for handling it. Um but as noted by Fikmat, we as a board

212need to re uh provide uh fiscal oversight. Um it is my um recommendation that we do uh [clears throat] start to provide uh fiscal oversight. Um and then this information was presented to us as far as um interfund loans and transfers of interfund loans. Um, I heard it's important that we uh allow these interfund loan transfers without oversight so that um children can get fed and staff can get paid. Um, and then the document accompanying it to um support that idea is an upwards of $26 million uh transferring between funds since the beginning of this 2526 school year. Um and my first question is um is this is this uh Mr. Mr. Schulenberg, would you say this is a snapshot of typical activity for interfund loans? >> Uh, relative to previous years, this is actually

213more activity, a lot related to the portionment schedule from the state and the federal government. Some related to the federal government shutdown when they were not providing cash to the state of California. Thus, California was not providing federal cash to school districts. >> Okay. Okay. So, you would say it's abnormal activity. >> I don't think those were Matt's words. So, I'm I'm going to just ask that if he he stated that it was abnormal, >> atypical. >> I'm just asking that we not put words in his mouth. >> Oh, I wasn't intending to. >> Okay. This part of this is a um it shows that you are ratifying the the interfund transfers of cash and they have been repaid. That's what this is. >> So when they are repaid, we report it back to the

214to the board so that the board can ratify those actions following all the guidelines and rules under the ED code that allows for this. >> Okay. So are we specifying that this is because our job is to oversee it. So when I look at interf fund activity last year and I see for the total year $7 million of interf fund activity and then in this one document of approximately four months I see $26 million of interfund activity. it causes me as a board member to pause and say, >> um, this is this would be abnormal. So, and I think that's our job as board members to be able to oversee things like this. Um, so I guess my question is is if this is atypical u movement of funds, why did we move millions of

215dollars into um fund 13 out of fund one but then move it back a month later? $5 million. Was it not used or did the funds come in? >> Well, as as stated, this is for cash transfers. This is not budget. This is not interfund activity. This is cash transfers to cover expenses. When we're allocated through a federal grant program, a state grant program, LCFF, for instance, this year LCFF calculator was about a little under 190 million was our LCFF allocation. We don't get $190 million July 1. uh we're aortioned the cash in pieces um through state aid, through property taxes, through the education protection account. Federal cash runs a different timeline. Um so when as the resolution states, we have our cash with the county treasurer and it's delineated by fund. Occasionally a fund

216will run short of cash to pay bills or make payroll. Thus, we're able to transfer cash from one fund to another in in so we can make those payments and then when the aortionment comes into that fund where we credited a transfer, we pay it back to the lending fund. This is cash. This is not budget. This is not a budget appropriation. This has nothing to do with interfund activity in our financial statements. This is just cash and everything has been paid back because the aortionments came through when the government went back to work. >> Okay. So, even the upwards of $10 million that got transferred, same idea in January. >> Yes. Everything's been paid back because we have received our aortionments. >> But this is atypical. Yes. This is a lot of activity >>

217for various reasons. >> Okay. And paid back in a pretty quick span of time, too. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, what concerns me about this is just keeping track of it, you know, being able to oversee it. Part of that job is being able to keep track of it. And as millions of dollars is shifting to and from several funds and in different ways, it makes it feel like sort of a a shell [clears throat] game. >> I think that's why we have the report so that we can approve it like that's our oversight. >> We can see that it was paid back. >> I hear I hear you, President Buchanan. Thank you for that input. Um but it's important for us to understand as a board that this is a typical Yeah, the government

218doesn't usually shut down. >> Yeah, it's it's atypical for, like I said, a few reasons. The federal government shutdown, aortionment schedules, and [clears throat] the the desire to pay bills and make payroll, hence the cash transfers. And when the aortionmentsortionments come in, then it those they're repaid. Again, this is not budget per the resolution. If you you read that this is not a budget allocation. This is not a budget appropriation. This is cash so we can pay our bills. Our cash is held in the county treasurer in an aggre aggregate amount but delineated by fund. Um and that allows the county treasurer to pay warrants drawn on a fund that may be short of cash. >> Yes, thank you for that explanation. I did notice that um millions of dollars were going between funds that

219already had millions of dollars in reserves. Is there a reason why we didn't utilize the reserve funds? >> Keep in mind reserves is budget. It doesn't necessarily mean cash is on hand. Cash as per our aortionment schedule. Reserve is a function of budgeted revenues minus budgeted expenditures. >> Okay. I'd just like to duly note that I'm concerned about this movement of funds and thank you for the time. Okay, we will be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longore, >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh, >> hi. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> I miss Okara. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Buchanan. I. Item eight, discussion and direction pertaining to previously board adopted resolution 242526 authorizing temporary borrowing between funds of the school district during the 2025 2026 fiscal year. Uh staff identified three possible options for board direction related

220to resolution 2425-26. Number one, the board action to maintain resolution 2425-26 as previously approved with no changes. Option two, board action to amend resolution 2425-26. Option three, board action to resend resolution 2425-26. I would like to make a motion that we do option one. Can I get a second? >> I'll second that motion. >> Discussion. Um, yes. I would like to um propose option two. And this is why it's our elected responsibility as a school board to oversee the spending of public funds. Through lack of oversight and overspending and possible misallotment of taxpayer funds, this has led to unmitigated deficit spending and potential riffs. I call on you, my fellow board members, to do different. We must help deter any possible fraud. In agreement with Trusty Akara and the FickMat report, I'm asking the board

221provide oversight. >> Can I clarify? You're asking for option number two. >> Yes. To um amend resolution 2425-26 to read quote unquote limitations subject to prior board approval. >> Understood. We do have a motion on the table for option one and a second. So, we would need to vote on that first and then if that does not pass, we can consider option two. Is there any discussion on option one? Um, as I noted, leaving it as is would not be us doing our due diligence and providing oversight and changing So we will be taking a vote via roll call. This is on option one. Mrs. Longshore, >> no. >> Mr. Ali, >> I >> Mrs. Tucker, >> no. >> Miss Apara, >> no. >> Miss Buchanan, I So now you can make your motion for

222number two. I make a motion to amend resolution 2425-26 to read limitations subject to prior board approval. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion. Um as I look at this particular one, I think we need to um the amendment has to have a it a threshold of amount of money. So if the dis if the district has um um fund transfer that is within a certain amount, the district is given the permission to go ahead and authorize. But when you pass that um threshold, we need to be able to know about it so that we can make a decision whether or not we want to approve that much money. >> That's different than what option two is. I mean, you can amend it that way if that's what you're asking for, but what I'm going to explain

223to you is likely um we would just call a special board meeting and you'd come together if there was a need to pay and we didn't have the cash to do so in a fund. That's what this stops. So, not a problem. >> Well, in light of the fact that we we keep hearing that there's money and we are not we're spending it in in a real careless way. This is a meeting ground to be to say okay. Uh in that case, show us where the money is so we can approve it as we travel. Again, this is just cash. This is not the budget. This is the money that sits in the county treasury that we have that we can utilize to pay payroll if we are short in a fund. Adult education is

224a great example of this. Adult education does not get all of their allocations right up front. So they may spend money because they're providing services to adult education students. They still have to pay those people that support those students. If the funds aren't there, we don't close the program and say come back when the funds are allocated. We move the funds from the cash that we have from another fund and we are required to pay them back which is what you just approved is the ratification of the how we moved cash to cover the beginning of this school year. All of those have been paid back. I would like to point out that the point of the budget is to see patterns of spending and put money in those areas to cover spending. It'll also

225help us to make sure we're making projections of spending and then adhering to that budget, which is another important um action of having a balanced budget. Um >> money will be there for the expected spending. Not necessarily because expected spending versus what we have received. I receive aortionment letters from the county at random times. They don't come I can't plan for them but I get an email from Ted Alejandre saying aortionment such and such has been sent from the county to the district. So while I understand the budget part of it and the spending and regulation of that, this is cash. It has nothing to do with that budget and it will not change how much you allocate in that budget area for any of those categories. What it would do is stop us from

226paying as I gave an example adultheaded staff because we do not have the cash there. We would have to call a special board meeting in order to gather the board to approve that and get the the payment um to those staff members. That's what this is about. It has nothing to do with budgets >> under the advisement of Figmad and the board providing oversight. I'm not sure why we're adverse to this idea or why it why it's um such a discussion. I would think that the board providing oversight would be a welcome move at this point. >> So, this is a question I have. Um I'm trying to have a better a better understanding of what uh the superintendent is saying. When we hire teachers or we hire adult ed personnel, >> don't we have

227funds that will pay for their salary when we hire them or do we hire them and then pay them in installments as money comes? I'm just trying to have an understanding there. >> It's it's not that way. So, Adult Head for example, we are part of a consortium. So if the money doesn't flow to us all at one time then we cannot we would have to say we have this much money you can do this much until you run out of the money until the next aortionment would come. So you would basically shut program down because you wouldn't be able to do that and in a system like ours shutting a program down is not efficient or effective. Um, and adult ed, if I'm going to give the example, is probably the easier one to

228do it because we're paying people on time cards. But we do still still have secretary. We have a a coordinator in there. Um, there is a counselor. There's people. So, it's not just a simple you don't do it. We're going to pay somebody that is is running the program. So, if you don't if we don't have the authority to do this, look at the dates that these occur. we would have to come together and meet as a board to get approval. I'm not opposed to board oversight for the budget. What I'm opposed to is the management of a of a um process by which you have already as a board given us direction that we can do and the proof is here that it was paid back as is indicated and the county is part

229of that process. We don't just it's it's not willy-nilly. That's that's the thing. there's processes and procedures that require this and I'd like to point out which is why I addressed it when the report was given to us that this is atypical activity. So I think making a decision right now to approve um board oversight limitations subject to board approval. My motion that's on the table is a reasonable step. >> Sure. And just like we're considering possibly changing it, we could also consider possibly changing it back if it ends up being something that is a detriment to our district. >> Now, if I may, um, after all of this discussion, I am I am inclined to, uh, change my vote because this is a pertaining to a previously board adopted resolution authorizing and the key

230word is temporary. is a temporary borrowing between funds of the school district during the 2526. So it is a it's not a permanent. So whenever you have to have a permanent um uh process, I say we have to have board oversight. >> So we do have a motion on the table from Trusty Longore for option two. So we would need to vote on that and if it does not pass then we can Yeah, take a new motion for whatever it is that you'd like to motion. >> So for option two, board action to amend resolution 2425-26. We'll be taking a roll call vote. Mrs. Longshore, I would just like to remind the board that this is with the intent to provide oversight and do things differently. >> Correct. >> I vote yes. >> Mr. Raleigh?

231No, >> Mrs. Tucker. >> Yes, >> Miss Zakara. >> No, >> Ms. Buchanan. No. >> So, the motion fails. >> Did you want to make another motion? So I make a motion that we go back to our first option and that is to maintain the current authority granted to the superintendent of designate to approve the process interfund cash transfers between the listed operating funds of the district and the listed operating fund is to temporary borrowing between funds uh for this 2526 fiscal year. I'll second. We'll be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. >> I wish to do things differently. I wish to bring fiscal health to our district. I vote no. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> I. >> Mrs. Tucker? >> No. >> Miss Apara? >> I. >> Mrs. Buchanan. I. The motion passes.

232Number nine, approve resolution 2526-06 to authorize ongoing board approved expenditure reductions and the creation and implementation of an expenditure reduction plan for the 202526 and 2026 27 fiscal years. Can I get a motion? >> I move. >> Okay, I'll second. Any discussion? Um, yes. I have discussion. According to this, we making reductions, budget expenditure reductions of at least 2,500,000 for the 2526 school year. >> We already approved that >> and at least an additional 7,500,000 for the 2627 school year. Um, I'd like to point out that we've had $12 million of deficit spending for two years. We need to cut more sooner to protect our reserves. I move to amend resolution number 252606 to quote unquote at least $10 million in 2526. Okay, we do already have a motion and a second. So, it cannot

233be amended at this moment. >> But we can go ahead and take a vote via roll call and then move forward. Mrs. Longore, >> no. >> Mr. Raleigh, >> hi. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> no. >> Miss Okara, >> I. >> And Mrs. B Canon I >> J consent agenda. It is recommended that the board of trustees consider approving a number of agenda items as a consent list. Consent items are routine in nature and can be enacted in one motion without further discussion. This procedure conserves meeting time for a full discussion of significant issues. Consent items to be approved in one motion would be 1 through 29. Does anybody want to pull anything? I'd like to pull consent agenda items 2, 27, and 29. Okay. Are there any others from anyone? Okay. So, we're going to

234go ahead and um I'm going to make the motion that we approve item 1, 3 through 26, and 28. >> I'll second that motion. >> Any discussion? We'll be taking a vote via roll call. Mrs. Longshore. I >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Tucker. >> I. >> Miss Apara, >> hi. Mrs. Buchanan. I Okay. Um, Mrs. Longshaw. Item two. Yes. I would like to point out that Trusty Tucker and I did not vote yes to adjourn the meeting in December. In what has become a reprehensible pattern, we were ravoted by a majority and in this case never asked to vote. >> The minutes are for November 6, 2025. She said it. >> Say it again. >> It's November. >> We're approving the minutes for November 6, 2025. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Is it Can

235we call for the vote? Yep. >> Okay. Mrs. Longore. >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. >> I. Miss Apara. I and Mrs. Buchanan I. All right. And then item 27. >> Um, yes. I'd just like to take a moment to point out that no significant changes have been made since our last budget financial report, which was a welcome relief. Okay. Call for the vote. Mrs. Longore. >> I. >> Mr. Raleigh. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Tucker. I >> Miss Akbara. >> I >> and Mrs. Buchanan. I uh item 29, accounts payable warrant register. Um yes. So I'd like to point out that um this is a 308 page document and we rely on our finance department to be fully versed in informing the board. It's difficult to have all of and expect

236all of us board members to be able to look at every line item of a 308 page document. Um, but that is a pretty detailed accounting. So my question is with this level of default detailed accounting, how can we still be off by 15 million in just three months last year? As I pointed out in estimated actuals, books and supplies, services, and other operating expenditures, capital outlay and fund 7,000 in on May 30th, 2025 to August 26, 2025, we had a difference of $15 million roughly. So, how are we off by 15 million even with this level of detailed accounting? Miss Longshaw, I have to step in. I'm not going to allow for um Mr. Schulenberg to be asked questions that he wasn't prepared to respond to. This is about the pay warrants. If there's

237a question about the pay warrants, let's stay with the pay warrants. If we're going to go after a $15 million accusation, please feel free to do that, but not during this board item. >> Oh, I'm not going after anything. It was in relationship to how detailed accounting it was. And so I was just curious. This is information that was given to uh the board and the cabinet um a while ago. So I was just referencing it. If we have such detailed accounting such as this provided to the board, a 308 page document, it's very detailed. So, how are we off 15 million? And it's okay. He doesn't have to answer it right now. It's just something that I definitely wanted to bring up for reflection. Thank you. Okay, we'll be taking a vote via roll

238call. Mrs. Longore, >> I. Mr. Raleigh, >> hi. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> I. Miss Zakpara I >> Mrs. Buchanan I all right closing items future items. Do any members of the board have any future items? >> Yes I do. I would like uh the district uh the district to give us a presentation on on how they are using special education instructional support in the classrooms. >> All right. The rest of the board um >> I couldn't hear her. She's you need to talk. >> Can you say it again? >> There you go. >> Girl, Miss Opara, I I know you're asking for that. Can we do it at the March board meeting? Since we're so close to the next board meeting, it means we would have to um have a presentation ready and posted. >>

239That's that's >> Can you all hear me now? >> Yeah. Before we do move forward though, can we get the consensus of the board? >> What was she what were she asking for? >> Uh information on special education and how the paras are utilized. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So, is that fine with you? Okay. And Renee, >> are we voting on it? Well, we're just getting consensus that we all would like that. >> Absolutely. Any information anybody wants, I'm in all in favor for >> Mrs. Tucker. >> That's fine. >> Okay. Me, too. So, >> March. Okay. >> Any other um I don't know if this is asking for information or actually what it is, but I I know that um Mrs. Nelson, you said that we would get information on

240the recommendations for FITMAT uh before the end of the the school year. And also, are we going to notify them that we'd like them to come back as well? >> So, that would be at some point in the next couple months. >> Um, while we can contact them six months out, it's a year from is when they will start scheduling for us. So, they will come out between a year and 18 months from their time with us. >> Okay. Um, if we could contact them sooner rather than later, I would appreciate it. >> Meaning sooner than six months? >> No, at six months. >> Sooner than at the six months. Okay. Just so you know, they won't come until a year, >> right? >> But getting scheduled early is what you're asking. Okay. >> Thank

241you. >> Okay. And that's really Oh, sorry. Also, can we look into having um probably CSBA to come in and work with us on the budget because we keep hearing this uh conversation about where the money is and what it is. Uh and CSBA has given us a very robust training on how to read the budget. Perhaps they need to give us a budget workshop uh that is centered directly for our district and not for the whole state of California. if it is possible to look into that and get back to us on on how much that will cost because it's there's money involved. >> There will be money involved for them to train. Um but we have the contact and we will um work on getting a date scheduled. >> Thank you. >> It

242will likely be a special board meeting. >> Thank you. >> Workshop. Okay. And then one last item, which is really not a future item, but I did want to extend an invitation to the rest of the board. Um, I had an idea a couple months ago, um, when they, and this just reminded me again tonight, um, for International Children's Day. Um, I don't know how many of you have attended, but it's fantastic. And I was just thinking it would be really neat if we um hosted a craft booth, a table um for the kids that come through just on behalf of the board. Um so I plan on kind of I'll organize it, but if you guys are up for it and want to come, I know you will because you love to be a

243kid and make things. So, but like just to have some craft for the the students that they can come and make during the international children's fair. >> I I think that's a really brilliant idea. Um and I I would be happy to help with that. I'm not really great with crafts, but I I can like help them. [clears throat] >> Okay. Is that >> I think it's in April, correct? >> Okay. >> I I do have three closing comments. Um, one, um, I would like to advance the idea of, uh, making sure we put forth anou management as recommended by FickMat as a discussion action item. >> For what? >> Um, an MOU for management. The raise we gave management. >> Can we add that because it was recommended even by FICMAT, can we add

244that as a discussion action item? Are you talking an AD1200? >> Yes, >> we can produce one. Correct, Matt. Well, we can provide it to the the county. >> Yeah, thank you. Um and then um as far as the FICMAT, the risk of fraud and compromise, the u item of internal um control and an audit, I would like to move that forward as an idea. um and to be added as a discussion action item. I think that's something that needs to be done sooner than later um to not only provide feedback but also assurance to our community. >> Would that be included in what you said near future >> with CSBA? >> No. with internal well >> because you said you were you had to come up with a plan for each of the ones

245that we had as a no. >> One of the things that Fikmat we've reached out to them to ask the question because not all counties operate the same as counties across the state. They all have different protocols and procedures. When the question was asked about the internal audit practice, the question specifically was what are the internal audit practices in Apple Valley Unified School District? We didn't answer that the county was our auditing process. The county is our auditing process. They do if we send a calard um paperwork through and um they don't we they don't believe we have the right backup. They hold it. We are required to send it. That is the audit process. So, I've asked Matt to reach out to um Shayene and ask the question if that becomes the system that

246the county is our internal auditing process because that would be appropriate. If that meets the criteria, fine. If it does not, what is their suggestion for that? I guess my concern at this point is um with that and also with the Nigro Nigro, they're not really looking at the details and so I would be interested in possibly looking into um as a board how we can provide more of a detailed look at our finances or review of our finances. Are we able to consider that? Could you bring possibilities forward? >> I'm not sure what you're asking for because I I honestly don't have an answer for that. >> Okay. So, like a more detailed audit that could actually look at our numbers and give us feedback on >> the the county does do an audit

247on everything we send through. We it is not just a what we send and they agree. They audit everything we send. They pull certain items, they double check. Um, I will clarify as well that one of the FickMap responses was that the superintendent had signed contracts after the board had approved them at a later date than the board had approved them. I will also tell you that within our county when we contacted them, that was allowable for them because it was after the board had approved it. They didn't care what date I signed it as long as the board um approved it. Now that FickMad has said that, every contract that comes through is signed with the same day the board has approved it. It seemed disingenuous of me signing my name to something and

248putting a date that was previous to the day I actually was signing it, which is why when I became superintendent, we called the county and asked the question. So, Fikmat picked things that were very specific and identified them. We have course corrected those. >> Um so no on on more of a detailed internal audit. >> I don't know who the more detailed internal audit is. Last year um there was a request for a um forensic audit. We made contact with people like Fikmat. They don't provide it. Um we can bring back the cost of any of those things to the board. >> Okay. Thank you. I'll look into it a little bit more. Maybe I can um find something. And my last item is um in an effort to continue looking at equity at our

249two high schools, Apple Valley High School and Grant Hills High School, I'd like to request data. Um number one for the 2425 total spending for each site including all extracurricular activities and events and a list of certificated classified and management staff for each site with current physician and certification as of today January 22nd 2026 and I can provide this in an email to as a followup. Is there any way I can get that data? Is that the direction of the board? I'm I'm fine pulling it. It's >> um Rick, >> I don't care. >> Anita. >> Yes, >> Maria. >> Okay. >> All right. There being no further >> when you provide that data, you make sure that we all get it. um because we don't want to get half half data that is out

250there and then we get a print out that comes out and the public gets a hold of the data before we get it. So it's very important that nothing goes out from this board to the public without us getting a chance to see it first. That is just the way we are supposed to be doing business here. And I've seen it too many times when we come to a board, the superintendent is in charge of every document that you present on this in this district. When I was a teacher, I could not even pass out flyers without getting permission from my school site to be able to put it out. That is why when we go to a school site, they have a a bulletin board that is designated for teachers, bulletin board that is

251dedicated for classified. So when I come to a school board meeting and a and there are flyers being put on that table that doesn't that has not been approved by the superintendent, that is unacceptable. We have never done that this in this district and I think we need to cut it off. I have finally come to a point where I think we need to really cut it off. Whatever it is that is going to be presented to us just like the the uh bargaining unit where they have anything to give to us, they arrive here and they hand it to us. We get it before it is passed out to the public because surprise is not one of the things that I do. Well, so when we arrive here and you try to surprise the

252board, you are not going to get a vote from me. I'm just going to make it very clear. We are a a governing bo body and we speak with one voice and when we disagree, we disagree with be polite about it. And I've seen it just too many times and I have been in this district since 19 19 uh uh 84. I have never seen a district where a board member will put our flyers out on the table that the board is not aware of it and we need to cut it put it to an end. Whatever it is that we have here, we bring it straight to the board before it goes out to public. That's all I have to say and I will always vote against it anytime somebody does that. Um, I

253would just like to note that um, presentations that have been given present us with packets. Um, up until just recently, and so I'm guessing maybe even longer, um, it's been going on where we're presented with a packet the day of a board meeting. I understand that this seems to be a point of contention. Um but I am not the only one that was doing that practice of bringing information the day of. I would also like to point out that uh our um audience has today. I just want to check in. Did you guys receive any packets on our presentations today? No. Okay. Um, so I think we should >> So I know which which packets am I missing or which what is >> what is not working? >> I don't know. Did you guys receive

254packets in the back for what was presented today? >> Everything is available >> on front of the agenda that's placed at the back. It gives full access to the entire packet. It's been available since Friday. But I believe they don't have is personnel. >> They want to be able to have access at the meeting and that's been brought up. Um, also the idea of me presenting information publicly is uh covered by the Brown Act. So the public having access to information when we have access to information as a board and cabinet that is not a bad thing. Um, and so I would like to just caution the board to hesitate when you have the feeling that information is not a good thing. Um, because as far as where I stand in in making decisions as

255a body, the more information the better. >> Let me be clear. What I am saying is you have a right just like every other board member has a right to give information to the public. You have that right. But when you come at a board meeting and we are ready to do the business of the children and then there is a there's a handout that is put out there that we have not even had the opportunity to see as a board. This is a board meeting of the board doing the business of the people. So when the board is supposed to be doing business of the people and suddenly there are handouts in the back there that we don't see we have not seen we have so we didn't prepare for it. So we have

256four days or five days to come to a board meeting and then we arrive at the board meeting and then there's a flyer put out there that the pop that the public has access to. We don't get access to it. That is not how we do business. We are not going to be fair enough to answer the questions that you are asking of us. When teachers come to us to talk to us, they bring us the information. We understand that we are here to service them. But we are not here to service our own individual needs for people to see that we are the best and the brightest. That is not what we are. We are one body. We supposed to work together for a common good. The reason we are struggling right now is

257that we are so fragmented. Everybody is trying to talk talk up something for another person. And I am refusing to accept the fact that the superintendent who has the right to decide what goes on that table on this campus, this is who we hired as our CEO of this district, does not even see that flyer when she arrives here. That is incorrect. She is supposed to be responsible for this district in every way. So if you have any flyer to put up there, make sure you hand it to the superintendent. Let the superintendent give the permission that it's okay to hand put it over there. Otherwise, it's a no. We have a list of things that we put out there and let it be that way. We must respect the what the office holds holds

258here. And what the office is holding is a lot of fragmented people having their individual issues and it's it's it's not going to get us anywhere. So I don't mind staying here till 1:00 in the morning. It's a new day, but I do mind somebody trying to play games by putting flyers out on the table that I haven't seen. Don't surprise me. I have been in this district long enough and I am refusing to accept the fact that any flyer that is put out there has not been seen by the CEO of this district. That's unacceptable. >> Um just for the record, I provided that information. I did not ask questions on it and it available for you to reference um you know considering our upcoming board meeting uh trusty Apara. So I am giving

259it to you and the and the cabinet and the public ahead of time so that we can be properly informed. It is not the things that you've suggested of me. My work [clears throat] is purely for the good of the district. >> I have sat in this I've sat here long enough. I have never been disrespectful to anybody. I've never even come after somebody. But there are just some things that I don't I don't like. I don't like when you when somebody goes after even any of the teachers classified a child. I don't like it. I don't like put down. I don't like anybody talking down to anybody in my space. And what I see is a lot of people setting up a shop outside of this. And it's not okay. We have a contract

260issue that we need to address as a board and we get keep getting sidetracked on side conversations. We need to settle this contract with the teachers. Period. Okay, >> I stop because this is annoying me. >> All right, in the interest of meeting our timeline, there being no further business to come before the board of trustees, it is recommended that the meeting be adjourned, I'll make the motion. >> I second it. >> Take a roll call vote. Mrs. Longore, >> I. >> Mrs. Tucker, >> I. >> Miss Apara, >> I. >> Mrs. Mr. Buchanan and I and Mr. Raleigh had to leave. So this meeting is adjourned at 11:23. Thank you.