001Okay. I will call the meeting to order. Uh we'll start with the flag salute. Lucy, would you please lead us? Pledge allegiance 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. Thank you. You may be seated. So, we need to adopt the agenda. Is that correct? Yes. Do I have a motion to adopt the agenda? I move that we adopt today's agenda. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Kosnik? >> Yes. Thank you. All right. And then what do we do with order of business? Okay. Just order of business. Um Uh report taken action report of
002action taken close session. There was no action taken in close session today. Now we have school related reports. Do we have any um anyone from CTA this evening? All right. ADTA? Good evening. I'm Donna Maguire, the um vice president and I'm on negotiations also. I'm here to remind you, invite you, um tell you about Thursday as our annual teacher of the year celebration. Um it's at the Lake Park area one and two. We would love to have you join us. We will celebrate not only our teacher of the year, Julie Davis from the middle school, but all of the nominees and all of the retirees. And this year we're actually going to celebrate all of the um pins that are awarded for multiples of five cuz for some reason multiples of five are special. Um
003so please join us. I'm getting my 30-year pin. No, I don't. Took me three decades to get it. Excuse me. >> [laughter] >> Took me three decades to get it, so. Um I have a special hand-delivered invitation for you. It's a wonderful event. It's a joint um effort between the union and or the association and the district. It's really wonderful. I think Mr. Dr. Benedict was the first one of the first events you came to last year. The first event, so. Um it's a great event. Thank you. Thank you. When is it? When's Thursday. Thursday. I said it at the beginning. That was my opening. You had not heard it. I lost my voice. Thank you. Or some of the roasted vegetables. Yes. The kids are prepping those tomorrow. Oh, perfect. All right. Our next
004report is our student representative, Lucy. First, I want to start off by saying happy teacher appreciation week. It's only a day, but at a test at the high school we do a whole week for our teachers. We just had our prom and the theme the theme was Moonlight Masquerade and lots of kids showed up and it was very fun. ASB just elected our new executive board. So, we have our treasurer who is Dane Mallory. Our secretary is Malika Tonga. Our activities executive is Kaylee Lang. Our public relations is me again, so I'll be here next year. And our vice president is Jordan Best and our president is Sheila King. We just distributed caps and gowns to our seniors today. And it is also seniors week, so we have senior signings, spirit days, and activities for
005our seniors all week long to recognize them and congratulate them on a whole year. We just had a group of kids unified students, so our special education and our general education go to the 8-5 games to participate and to cheer each other on. We have our last blood drive May 12th for students to donate blood. Our sports are heading into CIF, so our boys volleyball team is actually playing right now, so hopefully they're doing good. Our students are finishing up AP testing this week and I want to say congratulations to our robotics team. And our scholarship night and top 30 are both events to recognize our seniors that are coming up as well. Thank you, Lucy. All right. Now we come to oral communication from the public. Mrs. Koznek. Um comments must be limited to
0063 minutes in length and a limit of any one topic is 20 minutes and you may speak on any item at this time or you can hold your on an agenda item if you're speaking on an agenda item. Uh and our first and only speaker is Sharon Fredericks. Sorry. Good evening, honored school board members. My name is Sharon Fredericks and I'm here with Karen Morris and Lynn Ogden and we are volunteers with the Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County and this year we are celebrating our volunteer organization's 30th year of clothing students in San Luis Obispo County. I am proud to be here tonight as one of the North County coordinator co-coordinators to share with you our primary philanthropic program, Operation School Bell, through which we provide new school appropriate clothing to kindergarten through
00712th grade students in need in every school in all 10 school districts within our county. This year Operation School Bell provided services for 2,124 students. In the Atascadero Unified School District, we served 247 students. Each K through 5 student received $200 worth of clothing and shoes. Each 6 through 12th grade student received $250 of clothing and shoes. The cost of clothing these students was $56,563. Statistics prove that when students go to school dressed appropriately, it positively affects their attendance, which leads to academic and social success. And as a retired AUSD middle school librarian, I can attest to that. Through Operation School Bell, in addition to new clothing, each child receives a new quality book of their choosing in a tote with school supplies. The cost of providing all of the clothing and supplies for the
008247 students in Atascadero was $58,909. The process of assigning students for services through Operation School Bell is objective. We allocate an allotment of referrals to each school based on our budget and the pro rated data from the state of California website reporting numbers of students eligible for free and reduced lunch at every school. The individual students are then referred by their school staffs who best know which students are most in need. We could not do this without the dedication and cooperation of your school secretaries and counselors. Each school is assigned particular dates and times for their students. All North County students are met by our dedicated volunteers at Kohl's in Paso Robles. If students are unable to arrive at the appointed time, we work with the school staff to reschedule them. Throughout the year, we
009also shop with individual students referred on an emergency basis. As district administrations and Board of Trustees change, we believe it is our responsibility to continue to inform you of our efforts in your district. Thank you for allowing me to speak with you this evening. I have a letter for Dr. Bennett, which details the number of students served at each school. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you. See you. Yeah. Thank you. >> All right, then we have we've come to the superintendent's report. Well, first of all, thank you. Um I want to start off by just saying thank you to Lucy for your report tonight for the support that you've been able to provide the board this year. John's invitation, it's great to be able to have um ADTA be able to come
010and invite us to be able to participate, you know, in the uh the the the gathering. And Sharon's report as it relates to the great work that's being done within our community through the women's assistant league. Um it's great. I really appreciate the efforts. Um tonight we have several uh recognitions that we want to be able to provide. Um the first one that I want to be able to talk about is that we had the 805 Games that was held this past Friday, May 1st, at Cuesta College. And we'd like to be able to recognize our students who participated and the the faculty and staff who provided support. Just as a quick background before I invite everyone up, um the 805 Games provides an opportunity for our community members with special needs to be able
011to participate in a track and field event. And this year we added um a basketball tournament. Fundraising efforts allowed our students from our district to be able to ride out to the game together. So, here's what we had that showed up. 70 students with special needs from seven school sites that participated, including Monterey Road, Santa Margarita, Santa Rosa, Atascadero Middle School, Atascadero High School, and Steps 1 and 2. We had 70 plus uh support staff, 15 peer buddies from Atascadero High School, which Lucy had referenced. And I'm proud to be able to share that our basketball team, they won their first game. So, all of our athletes participated with bravery and character and represented Atascadero with pride. And for that, we are so thankful. So, I'd like to be able to invite Shelley Sistrunk, PE
012teacher at Atascadero High School, and everybody else to be able to come up. We want to be able to capture a picture, if we're okay with that. And then, if I can get if I could have Shelley to be able to share a little bit about how the 805 events happened. So, that would be great. >> The other thing that I want to be able to point out, although he didn't he wasn't here tonight, um Zachary Hyatt ended up singing the national anthem at this 805 event, which That was amazing. Well, I That's what I heard. I heard it was fantastic, so I really want to be able to make sure that we pointed that out. So, thanks everybody that showed up tonight. Um we are so proud of you and our community, so thanks
013for all that you do. Um the next group that I want to be able to recognize our Greybot team 973. So, I am pleased to highlight the wildly successful 2026 season performance of our Greybots team 973. Just a little bit of a background and then I'm going to have you guys come up. The team celebrated their 25th anniversary season in 2026 with their robot Dustbowl. I'm not sure how that came up, but okay. Um so, this year in the Ventura County Regional they took first place. Central Valley Regional, they secured second place and won the creativity award. They went to state championship in Anaheim, brought home the autonomous award sponsored by Google. Some small little company. The team just returned from the World Championships held in Houston this past weekend. And so I'd like to
014be able to invite them up and um I don't know whether our Kira is here. Yes, no. Great. Great. And then if you can share a little bit about the season and then I want to be able to see board if you wouldn't mind us being able to get a picture as well. That would be fantastic. But Kira, if you'll be able to help Kira is the vice president of the team to be able to introduce the other team members and also to be able to share a little bit about about this weekend. One. Hello. [clears throat] I'm Kira, the vice president of the robotics team as Dr. Bennett said. Um yeah, we had a lot of successes this season with our robot Dustbowl. I want to kind of start off by introducing the team
015members I have who joined us. Um this is Caden, our design lead and co-driver. This is Ari, our programming student. Cameron, our programmer and pit crew programmer at competition. And then we have Alan Bailey, our lead technical mentor. And Jack Bowen, our fabrication and strategy mentor. And yes. So. But yeah, um we were really really happy to be here and we are really honored to make the World Championship in Houston, Texas. Um it was we were currently right now we are top 1% in the world out of 4,000 teams. So that is a huge accomplishment for us. And we were just really happy to be there with all the other teams and just collaborate different strategies and different and work together in robots and yeah, it was really great. Does anybody want to say anything
016else? Okay. It's on YouTube. You guys can watch it. Great. Can we get a picture WITH YOU GUYS? >> [applause] >> I'M READY. COME ON. COME ON. >> [applause] >> SO, JUST TO BE REALLY CLEAR, um being able to go to state championship is a pretty big deal. Um and and then you take it to the next level of world championship and for them to be as successful as they were, just fantastic. So, we are really excited about the work that you guys have been doing. And so, congratulations and keep up the good work. Um next I want to be able to share some exciting news regarding uh student wellness at Atascadero High School. So, the AHS Wellness Center, which was established in 2016 and led by Kamala Pru, provides important access to students for
017our our uh provides I'm sorry, provides important access to services for our students, including support from our licensed marriage and family therapist. This year, Kamala uh successfully secured a $35,000 wellness expansion grant from the county. In partnership with Principal Baca, she's developed a thoughtful plan to expand services, enhancing the space with improved furnishings, increasing student access, and creating paid internship opportunities to further strengthen student engagement and support. We'd like to be able to take this opportunity to be able to recognize the AHS Wellness Center, Kamala Perue, and the South Standing Achievement. So, thank you for all you do. Kamala, are you here? There you are. If you would come up, that would be great. >> [applause] >> I just want to be able to thank you. Really appreciate all that you've done. Thank you for
018your support of our district and all that you do. So, yeah. Anything that you want to be able to say, you're welcome. Oh, you know, I just wanted to share this with So, I don't know. I think you can hear me now. Yeah. Yeah. Push the red button. Push the red button? It's for our friends at home. Okay. Um So, this was just really cool timing. Today, I went to my mailbox, as I do every morning, and I had this letter from one of my students. And she said, "Dear Kamala, happy staff awareness week. Thank you for being such a big help to me. You have made a huge impact on my on me and my life. What the people in the Wellness Center are doing is amazing and should be recognized more. I have
019felt so supported even when I was alone. Thank you for listening to all my problems. I'm really grateful for all you do. Thank you." And I won't say her name, just for confidentiality. But, this young person, her father died unexpectedly last year, and been supporting her through that whole process, and it's just been an amazing journey to walk with her. And what a great thing to have in my box today. >> [laughter] >> So, that's just one little sample of what we do. Great. Thank you. Kamala, thanks for all you do. Really appreciate it. Uh-huh. >> [applause] >> Finally, I would like to be able to take a moment to recognize two important celebrations. Friday, May 1st was National Principals Day and this week, May 4th through May 8th is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Our
020teachers are the heart of everything that we do. Each day they bring dedication, creativity, and care to their classrooms, inspiring our students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. The impact extends far beyond academics, shaping the confidence and future of every student that they serve. I also want to recognize our principals whose leadership sets the tone for our schools. They support our staff, build strong school communities, and work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every campus is a place where students and adults can succeed. To all of our teachers and principals, I want to sincerely thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and to our district. Your work matters deeply and we are grateful for all that you do each and every day for our students and staff. I would also
021like to ask the members of our community to please take a few minutes this week, reach out to your teacher, your principal, and give them a sincere thanks. I'll just tell you from first-hand experience, it's not getting easier being in public education today. And so whatever appreciation that you can extend and provide would really be helpful. And with that, this is the end of my report. Thank you. Now we come to the board members' report. Mrs. Kosnik, would you like to go first? >> Oh, sure. Um I'm some I'm always amazed and thank you so much, Dr. Bennett, for bringing these acknowledgements to the board meeting so often now. It's always I I I don't get to see as much going on in the district sometimes, and so it's nice to see the kids' faces
022and not just read about them in the weekly newsletter, so. Um, but I got to partici- not I didn't participate. Um, I was down at the 805 games, and that's just It's It's an amazing am- amazing time, and then them adding basketball this year. My daughter is not a track and field star, and she doesn't enjoy them, and um but she's been playing basketball with the Special Olympics on Tuesdays, and they added basketball. And I mean, they kicked butt down there. She ran She ran more than I've ever seen her run, but I I think the a huge thanks to the teachers that go down there. I know Shelley and Jade have and that adaptive PE class has been a huge passion for them uh this year. I did it start started last year? Three
023years? Ella's been in it 2 years. Um but that's just been a huge passion for them, and and you can feel the love they have for the students, and that is Ella's highlight of the day to go to gym. Um and and then the gen ed students that went down there with the kids just I I I knew a few of them, so I'd taken pictures and sent it to my to to their parents and stuff, and it's just takes a a special a spe- a special student I don't want to say that they're not spe- all the kids students aren't special, but it takes a special little extra drive to go out there and help help those kids um at those games, so. Uh I didn't really have anything written down, but it's I
024love seeing and being able to acknowledge the hard work that all these all these students and teachers are doing. Oh wait, hold on, one more thing. I I looked at my notes for my two things, but Zach Hyatt doing like like you said, doing the national anthem, it was cuz he's he played I I know his family. His dad is the assistant varsity coach, right? For soccer. Yes. Okay. And so Zach is also one of the assistant coaches during soccer season. And he's 21 or somewhere around there. And but man, he did so well the national anthem. So big shout out to Zach. No more No more add-ons. >> I don't know. Maybe. Okay. We'll circle back to you. I wanted to say thank you to Sharon Fredericks. Did she leave already? But what a
025what an incredible thing to to clothe students that are in need. So that's very special. I'm glad she gave us details on how much of an impact that she's making. So I want to say thank you. Also the 805 games. I wish I would have known. That sounded incredible. And I would have loved to have gone. The Greybots. Wow. That was incredible. So glad you had that highlighted for us so we know how successful that program is going. My only committee meeting this between rotation was the L cap that I didn't get to go to physically, but EJ always does a great job of informing us and I reached out and he sent me all the information. I think you're going over some of it tonight. So Oh, you're not this meeting. Okay. Well, the
026information that you gave I thought it was super cool that you gave questions and got feedback from the students teachers from the different schools. And I loved the part where you asked what what they what our students had wanted extra classes and the high school students, a bunch of life skills were on there. Administrator in middle school and hands-on learning, which I love because, you know, my alma mater Cal Poly is learn by doing and it makes sense that everybody there wanted that same thing. So that was all that I had for this week. Oh, thank you for the invite for the teacher of the year, too, Johna. I want to go to that, so I appreciate that invite and I think that was all that I had. Unless I think of something else. So
027yeah. Well, yes. Um I guess I'm just going to say yes, yes, yes to what everyone has said, but I do want to recognize Sharon Fredericks with Operation School Bell. That's just been ongoing for so many years and has put so many smiles on a lot of students in helping them feel pretty darn good when they are able and they're to walk around and have their new clothing on and and shoes and that these are items that they have picked out. So um it's very rewarding. I've watched students up at uh Kohl's doing their shopping and and they are very happy. So thank you. And for the Greybots with our robotic team and the 805 games and our national principal and teacher week that we're celebrating this week and whatnot. We're recognizing all of these
028wonderful people that support these different events. And I'm so grateful for this because did you see these students, how proud they were? That's what we're all about. We're help I I just commend all of you that have stepped up and and are helping these students and um acknowledging their their uh achievements. And my gosh, world championship >> [laughter] >> for robotic team. I just that's amazing. So anyway, and Lucy Chapman, our student that's up here all the time with us, she's she's so inform- informative and has such a beautiful heart. But I'm saying that all of these adults that are helping these students, you truly have children in your hearts and it it's reflected. So, thank you very much for all of your hard work. That's all I have. Mine's going to be shorter, but
029the same. >> are you sure? No, well, yes. Um yeah, Lucy, good job like always. Um thank you to Carmen and Sharon for everything you guys do. Very impressive and then I'll finish with congratulations to all the 805 athletes. That's uh that was awesome. And then the robotics team, wow. And thanks for bringing these guys up for the and and recognizing this is this is great. So, um well, I'm sorry. Okay. Um you know, ditto. Uh and I also have been attending the open house um open houses. It's one of my favorite things to do. I haven't been able to get to all of them, but um went to San Gabriel and to the middle school. Of course, the middle school and walked around and I just love going into the classrooms and seeing what's
030posted and what's learning and just going yes, this is this is what we're what we're here. Why we're here. And um and the sm- happy faces. You saw a lot of fifth graders at the middle school. A lot of fifth grade parents and kids walking around and shopping as I call it, looking at the different classrooms, asking questions, where's this, where's that? And I was quite surprised that I was able to answer some questions. I still have I'm still in the know. I'm still in the know. And then my other um Kiwanis has been serving breakfast uh in the mornings cuz we are starting we are testing. So, we um send them off with uh good breakfast in the morning of pancakes and sausage and orange juice and of course tons of butter and syrup.
031So, they're [snorts] ready to go. We've been to Santa Margarita was our first school, then we went up to the high school for the juniors that were testing. And then Creston Creston and we were able to hit Creston Plains because they were coming into Battle of the Books with a small school. So, we were able to feed those students. Um So, we we'll have to kind of coordinate that again when they do small schools when they rotate between Santa Margarita, Monterey Road, and Creston. And then we went to San Gabriel and today this morning was Monterey Road. So, we look forward we got three more. We have San Benito next week Fine Arts and then Santa Rosa we that is where we end. So, 5:30 wake up call for a retiree. >> [laughter] >> So,
032a bit early. And then I want to say thank you Jonna for the invite. Looking forward to um congratulating everyone and to our retirees and the teacher of the year. So, that's a big yay yay. And what is the menu for Thursday? May I ask? Oh, I love the picnic. That means chicken. Yeah. Okay. Um that's it. >> You didn't mention the band. Oh, well, I was going to let you do that but okay okay now I I was invited to Yes, I was invited and I attended the the band fundraiser over at the Elks Lodge on this last Friday. And what a wonderful show. Oh my goodness gracious. And we had a spaghetti feed the spaghetti was delicious. And the place was packed and the silent auction they had a lot of different items
033from a from a variety businesses in our community. I was really impressed with some of the different items that they had. Um of course I bidded and I got outbidded Um, I'm okay. I wanted things and no, we went 22 and 77 went back and forth for a while. I had to give it up. Um, but yeah, it was a fun evening. So, I know the end of the year we have a lot of things coming up. So, I hope we're ready to put on our running shoes because uh we got top top awards and all that etc. Oh, graduations. So, I love the end of the year. That's it for me. Yes. Say that again. You love the end of the I do. I love the end of the year. Well, I'd like to
034share that I attended open house at Santa Margarita Fine Arts Academy and Atascadero Middle School. Um, it was great to see the student work, talk with teachers, and see the students at work at Fine Arts in Atascadero Middle School demonstrating their skills and leadership abilities. Uh our Fine Arts students performed and helped to prepare uh for staff appreciation week. Um, uh AMS students were greeters and helped to direct visitors. Uh they all showcased some they showcased some of the clubs, sports, and elective classes available. And as students get take or get ready to take their state CASP tests, I think open house shows that there are other metrics and indicators of success that we want to see with our students in uh AUSD. I encourage our community members to come out to open house every
035year and see what our students are are doing like the great work they're doing. Uh speaking of success, we had an EL Cap meeting on Tuesday, April 28th. Mr. Rossish Rossish shared feedback from our student ambassador groups at our secondary sites. So, that's our high school, middle school, Fine Arts, and Paloma Creek High School um about what opportunities at AUSD that have made an impact and what else or more we could do to improve as a district. It was validating and inspired a lot of hope. Um, I I that this information gets shared with the entire board, cuz it was very um wonderful um Uh and then I tend attended the Atascadero High School Band Spring Concert uh and it was fantastic. It was a sold-out event at the Atascadero Elks Lodge. We had incredible
036performances by our jazz combo, strings orchestra, jazz band, and concert band. Uh so many great songs um were performed including And I Love Her by the Beatles, uh I've Got You Under My Skin, uh my favorite was a medley of tunes from the movie La La Land. Uh it was a very success- >> That was a good one. Yes. >> that They did that one right. It was a very successful event all around for the Atascadero uh High School Band Boosters. Uh thank you to Mr. Nate Conrad and all the parent volunteers. Uh I think they had a total of 41 silent auction packages from again various businesses, organizations in our community. And they raised over $9,000 that evening. Oh, nice. Um I was happy to see that CAPS is back in action and uh
037getting ready to do a an online silent auction. Um look for those who are uh having who have graduating seniors this year, they have look for their VIP graduation packages where you get 10 VIP seats along the track uh under a canopy with drinks to watch the ceremony. Um This is a fundraiser for our entire school district. It provides teacher grants for our teachers um to provide things that go outside of uh the traditional outside-the-box learning. So, it's a wonderful um organization and a wonderful cause to support. Um and I'm looking forward to the Educator of the Year event this week. It's always a fun family-friendly event for our certificated teachers and staff to celebrate our honorees. And that concludes my report. All right. Now we have um to approve the minutes of the regular
038board meeting of April 21st, 2026. I moved to uh to approve the minutes for April 21st, 2026. I'll second. Thank you. Um roll call vote, please. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Ellis White? >> Yes. Mr. Arnold? >> Yes. Thank you. Um we've come to the consent agenda. Is there anything that anyone would like pulled from the consent agenda? I would like to acknowledge items E and F. and F. >> 11 E and 11 F, okay. Um Matt Pierce Inc. donated a hundred almost a hundred ninety dollars to Santa Margarita Margarita Elementary School and McConnell's Fine Ice Cream donated just over four hundred dollars to Santa Margarita also. Um so thank you to those guys. And it goes towards um science camp. Oh, that's right. Yeah. >> Yep.
039I should have opened them up. Thank you. Is there a motion to approve consent agenda items A through F? So moved. Is there a second? >> Second. Second by Mrs. Ellis White. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis White? >> Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Thank you. Okay. The next item on our agenda is uh strategic plan planning. Dr. Bennett. Thank you. [clears throat] Um This is an a a piece for an ongoing conversation that we've had related to um the mission, vision, core value, and portrait of a graduate conversation that we've been having. So, just as uh backdrop um we've had small group and one-on-one meetings um on each of these trying to be able to elicit information, response, thoughts of what you trustees
040would like um as it relates to each of these statements, which are critical as we go through strategic planning. April 21st meeting we had um as part of our study session a conversation about each of these as well looking to be able to refine them. What we're shooting for is a draft version that could ultimately go to the strategic planning task force as a draft. Just to be able to say we're interested in moving in this direction. So, it doesn't need to be perfect yet. I think ultimately what we will want to be able to do is to finalize each of these statements after or as we go through the strategic planning process. And then as we um refine those as the two of them really come together. And so, what I'm looking to be
041able to do here tonight is to review each one of these just to be able to see the draft that we have set up based on the feedback that we received from you in small group and in one-on-one meetings. Um and then revised and put into draft. There were a few comments that were made. And those are reflected in the current draft that you see. And if you'll notice on the bottom of your document it shows draft 5 5 26. And so, there were very few and primarily the only place where those changes came was in the draft profile of a graduate on page two of your document. So, if we could start there just to see, just a query. I can bring this back if we would like to, but I wanted to find
042out if there was any other input that we might want to be able to make related to the profile of a graduate that we started off as a draft. Under communicator and collaborator, I thought we put down collaborator uh listening to understand and got rid of active actively. Um listen So, listening to understand and working towards shared goals. I thought that's one of the things we had edit or edited. Okay. That will be reflected. I know that we had shifted Thinkers and Innovators to Innovators and Thinkers, which was one of the other elements. Um Build Okay, under self and community uh the third book socially and emotional emotional intelligent Yeah. Uh understand and manage emotions, demonstrate empathy, and build and sustain positive relationship. Okay. I have in my notes that we said act with empathy
043rather than demonstrate. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. Anything else? And I'm still struggling with the I know we changed the self and society to now self and community. Um To me, like the other headings are nouns of like people, you know, and it's it's kind of self-evident looking at it. Self and community still seems kind of not intuitive to me to um looking at it. And I was looking at other districts um what their profile of a graduate um for some ideas. And one of the ideas was um they had um What was it? Um someone who was s- self uh >> [snorts] >> I don't Like having a sense of self or self um It's more than that. It's just like being able to control your emotions and your um your thoughts and being able
044to j- just have just an overall s- sense of self. So Cuz I think self and community kind of the community part blends in with the responsible and literate citizen goal um like that that goal. Um Being a responsible literate citizen means you're being you're part of a member of a community. You're doing, you know, um So I think this for this This header needs to change. >> This header needs to be about the individual and having the skills to be successful um So it's just a matter of changing the heading so that it's when someone looks at it, it's very apparent to them what we're what we're grasping at. >> Sure. Well, that sounds good. I think the word that was changed from the last one was community. And uh and so that's what
045was reflected. But I'm happy to be able to pull that back and look at something that's more focused on the individual. Any others on this one? And I just want to say overall, Dr. Bennett, I you've put a lot of work into it and I'm glad to see that like in your conversations with us, we're all pretty much in agreement on what we want to see in our our students and our graduates and um yeah, I think there's very little work we need to do on these. >> Right. No, and I think that's the case from the conversations that I've had. Um and I appreciate that. Thank you. As we look at the next one under the the draft core values for AUSD, I recall from last time there were some very positive comments about
046the the structure of it, the the unpacking statements as well. Um I I recall not receiving anything from this. Again, what we're looking for is a general yes, this is kind of got the right feeling of the direction. It may not be wordsmithed perfectly yet, and that's fine. Um and I don't think that we need that because I do anticipate edits as we work through the strategic planning process and further clarify, you know, our core values, for example, um as well as our mission and vision. Um But I'm just looking to see if there's any other drafts that we want to make. On this one on the core, I thought we were going to add something to do with finance, uh good stewards. Something to do Uh no, I do recall that. Yes. Sorry. Yes,
047we did we did talk about being good financial stewards. >> values, the values. >> Yes, yes, yes. Yep. Thank you. Good financial stewards. We want to be good stewards of the resources that we have as a organization. Great. Thank you. We'll pull that in. >> And then you can get your >> Anything else? >> your dots. All right, I can do that. I can impact that. Uh mission statement was the next one. There were three different versions of it, if you recall, a more detailed version, a brief version, and then a slogan version. I think from the last conversation that we had, the brief version was the one that people were gravitating towards, suggesting the detailed version may have been too much detail, and the slogan was was too short, not really saying a whole
048lot. Um so, are we still on the brief version and if so, are there any edits to that? All right. So, we're still looking at the brief version. Great. And then finally, it's the vision statement then just to see if that's still hitting home. Um and that's on the very last page, page eight. And then for each one of those, you can see our current vision statement provided directly below. And I don't think they hit Yeah, there was no edits from the last time. >> No, there was no edits. I think every um Okay. But I do have um when I was looking at uh the mission statement, I the word or in the brief one, it says every student for success in college or career and in life. I or is like pick one
049or the I I'll just get started Well, that's what I was thinking instead of saying or college, career and in life. But I think what we were talking about last time is that we had as we were thinking about high school as we were thinking about high school is that some students are going to go on to college, others are going to go down the CTE pathway and all of them need to be successful for life. And so, I think what we were trying to be able to represent in that statement was if you're going down CTE, we want to be able to prepare you in that way. If you're going to go down towards going into college cuz not everybody's going to college, then we want to make sure that you're ready for that.
050And then finally, you're ready to be successful in life be far beyond college and CTE and your career. But it doesn't flow with the or. Sorry? Yeah, [snorts] it doesn't flow with the or. Yeah, it doesn't flow with the or. >> Yeah. College career. So, then maybe restructure the wording. >> Yes. Here, can we can we just put a uh a comma in there? I'll take a look at at the best way of being able to >> That's grammar. Yes. All right. College career and a life. Okay, great. >> good choice With that, thank you. Unless there's any other comments. Thank you, Dr. Bedell. Thank you. I'll make revisions. I'll provide it to you and we'll continue the conversation. Great. All right. Our next uh item Oh, let me get my notes. The next item
051on the agenda is item 13A, public hearing, collective bargaining agreement between the Atascadero Unified School District and the California School Employees Association, Atascadero Chapter 124. The board will open a public hearing and take public input regarding the collective bargaining agreement between the Atascadero Unified School District and the California School Employees Association, Atascadero Chapter 124. As acting president, I hereby open the public hearing. We will now hear from the public. After we've heard from the public, the hearing will be closed. Has the board received any requests for comment during the public hearing? No. All right. So, I will now close the hearing. And the board now may may now discuss the item and make a motion to accept the public disclosure. You need a motion? Yes, need a motion. I'll move to approve agenda item 13A.
052Do I have a second? I'll second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Spears? Yes. Mrs. Coonley? Yes. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis White? Yes. Thank you. All right, thank you. Happy have 13B resolution 15-25-26 year-end transfer authorization. Thank you, trustees. [clears throat] This evening, I'm going to be bringing forward three annual items. This is our first one. So, this is an annual housekeeping item. This resolution is a procedural item that supports the closeout of the fiscal year in accordance with California educational code section 42601. It authorizes the county superintendent of schools to make necessary transfers between expenditure classifications within district funds. This practice provides flexibility to align budgeted amounts with actual expenditures, ensuring that financial obligations are properly reported and paid. The recommendation is that the Board of
053Trustees adopt the resolution authorizing year-end budget transfers resolution number 15-25-26. Right, thank you. Do I We have a motion to adopt resolution the resolution? I move that we adopt this resolution 15-25-26. Thank you, Mrs. Ellis White. Do I have a second? Excuse me, just a question. Um is is it Would your name and Dr. Bennett's name be on that to make the transfer? To sign for the transfer? Yes, our our approval is involved in all of the adopted budget from Atascadero. Yeah, to transfer funds from funds. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Just want to make sure Dr. Bennett was on there. All right. We're still looking for a second. I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Cooley. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mrs. Koznick? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes.
054Thank you. Thank you. Now for 13C, Resolution 16-25-26, temporary borrowings borrowings between funds fiscal year 2026 through 27. Yes, thank you. Um this is another annual procedural item. This item is the district's annual resolution to authorize temporary interfund cash borrowing as permitted under California Educational Code Section 42603. This routine measure allows the district to transfer cash between funds on a short-term basis if needed to address timing differences in revenue receipts or expenditures such as uh when there are state payment deferrals. At this time, the district does not anticipate any cash flow challenges. This resolution is um just a proactive step to ensure flexibility in meeting financial obligations should the need arise. The recommendation is that the Board of Trustees adopt the resolution authorizing temporary interfund borrowing Resolution Number 16-25-26. Thank you. Are there any questions
055or a motion? I move that we adopt Resolution 16-25-26. I'll second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Coonley? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Right. 13D. All right. Um this is our last uh annual item this evening. Well, for me at least. Um so, this is an annual item required by the California Constitution. This resolution affirms that the funds received from the education protection account, the EPA, will be used exclusively for instructional salaries and benefits. Currently, within Atascadero, we use it to pay teacher salaries. The EPA was established through Proposition 30 and provides additional state funding generated from temporary taxes on higher income individuals. These funds are specifically intended to support classroom instruction. By approving this resolution, the board ensures
056that EPA funds are directed towards certificated salaries and benefits, supporting student learning while maintaining transparency through required public reporting. The recommendation is that the Board of Trustees adopt resolution designating EPA funds for instructional salaries and benefits. Funding is, of course, determined on an annual basis and is based on average daily attendance. Um the recommendation is that the Board of Trustees adopt resolution number 17-25-26. Thank you. Is there a motion? I move that we adopt resolution 17-25-26. Thank you. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Taylor. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Coonley? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. 13E Certificated management salary schedule, classified management salary schedule. Thank you this evening. Um this I uh this item we are bringing
057forward is new salary schedules aligned with the increase um that was negotiated with our bargaining partners um for our certificated managers and our classified managers. It is recommended that the certificated management and classified management salary schedules be increased by 1% effective July 1, 2025. And the certificated management and classified management salary schedules be increased by 2% effective July 1, 2026. And it is also recommended to increase the annual health and welfare contribution from $8,300 maximum contribution to $9,000 maximum contribution effective October 1st, 2025. October 1st is the start of the new plan year. Thank you. And do we need to vote on this as well? Okay. I'll move to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Koznick. Is there a second? Thank you, Mrs. Cooley. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes.
058Mrs. Koznick? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Thank you. Okay, 13F. Uh This item is the board's discussion and possible approval of a contract addendum for the employment of superintendent and assistant superintendents. All contracts for the employment of executives and department heads in a public agency must be approved at a regular board meeting in open session. Before the board may act on the contract, there must be a verbal summary of the material terms of the contract made in open session. The assistant superintendents and superintendent employment agreements are agenda-ed for approval. The material terms are as follows. For all four positions, the salary schedules were increased by 1% effective July 1, 2025 and 2% effective July 1, 2026. This is the same increase given to all other employee groups. One, the superintendent salary for 2025
059to 2026 will be 244,941. For 2026 to 2027, will be 2,258,582. The assistant superintendent of business services salary for 2025 to 2026 will be 171,666. For 2026 to 2027, it will be 181,228. The assistant superintendent of educational services salary for salary uh services salary for 2025 to 2026 will be 192,236. The assistant superintendent of human resources salary for 2025 to 2026 will be 171,666. For 2026 to 2027, it will be 181,228. The district's contribution to health and welfare benefits will be increased from what 8,300 to 9,000 for all four positions. That concludes the summary of the compensation and benefits provisions of the changes to the contracts. A complete copy may be reviewed on the district website as an attachment to this agenda item. A copy is also available from the district office upon request. Is
060there a motion and a second to approve the employment agreements as presented? I move to approve. Thank you, Mrs. Cooley. Is there a second? I second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, uh roll call vote, please. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. That brings us to uh item 14A, Mr. Rossi. Thank you, Mrs. Acting President. Uh tonight I also have two annual items to bring to the board that we bring each May. Our first uh annual item is um our request for federal funding. Each May we come to the board to ask for for federal funding to be applied for in June through our consolidated application. In order to be eligible to receive federal funding through the Con App,
061school districts must have school aboard approval for each fund of the funds they apply for. For the 2026-2027 school year, AUSD will request federal funds for Title 1 Basic Grant, Title 2 Part A Educator Educator Quality, and Title 3 English Learners. Tonight's recommendation is for the board to approve the application for federal funds for the 2026-2027 school year. So moved. Thank you, Mrs. Koznek. Uh second? I second. Thank you, Mrs. Taylor. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? >> Yes. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Rossi? Um yes, our final annual item for this uh board meeting is to identify schools receiving Title 1 funds as school wide programs. So this item is brought each May also to designate schools that receive
062Title I funds as either targeted assistant schools or school-wide programs. Atascadero Unified has three schools that receive Title I funds, Creston Elementary, Paloma Creek High School, and Santa Rosa Elementary. Our recommendation is to designate all three schools as school-wide programs. The purpose of a school-wide program designation is to improve academic achievement throughout the school so that all students, particularly the lowest achieving students, demonstrate proficiency in the state academic standards. Through working as a school-wide program, the improved achievement results from improving the entire educational program within the school. In contrast, a Title I targeted assistant school, those Title I funds can only be used to support specific students who qualify as Title I recipients. All AUSD schools receiving Title I funds qualify as operating as school-wide programs and meet each of the federal requirements, and approval
063of this action item would designate each of these Title I schools as a school-wide program, which is our recommendation tonight for the board. Great. Thank you. Is there a motion? I move to approve Title I school-wide program designation. Thank you, Mrs. Ellis-White. Is there a second? >> I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Cooley. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mr. Arnold? >> Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. So, we have the English Learner Master Plan. Thank you. Our next three items are actually information only items that are all coming to before the board tonight for a first reading and will come back to our next meeting on 5/19 for possible approval. Our first item tonight, the first reading is of our English learner master
064plan. The 2026 to 2029 English learner master plan guides in our processes and supports for our district's English language learners and reclassified fluent English proficient students. The EL master plan is a 3-year plan that ensures district alignment with state and federal regulations. Led by Colleen Matson, director of elementary curriculum instruction, the plan is developed in collaboration with staff, administrators, and the district English learner advisory committee. Key focus areas in the plan include instructional programming, assessment, professional development, parent engagement, as well as continued celebration of biliteracy. Once adopted by the board, the plan undergoes annual review uh to remain responsive to student needs. Uh Mrs. Matson's available tonight if there are any specific questions. Uh again, this is a first read where we can answer questions and then come back next meeting with a final draft.
065Thank you. Are there any questions about the master English learner master plan? Comments? I I have a comment um and I uh I was thankful that the cabinet was allowed me to ask my questions uh earlier today uh to get more thorough understanding of the uh information in this plan, but uh I was very pleased to see this plan. It was a very thorough and well-thought-out plan. I loved the fact that we had such great participation with our ELAC and DELAC members and stakeholders, as well as consultation with other school districts. Um and this was the first time I think I've seen a complete picture of how our district identifies, assesses, places, and reclassifies our English learner students. Um I was uh just uh proud to see that uh in our district um for this
0662025-2026 year, we have 307 uh English learners. Uh 42 of them reclassified. So they were tested and determined to be English proficient. And then in total we have 224 students in the district that are have been reclassified. And this is amazing because these students are not only you know, keeping on top of the general curriculum that we provide, but learning a new language at the same time. So it's I really want to extend my appreciation to Mrs. Madison for her work on this and for our staff for the wonderful work that's happening in our district. So thank you. Thank you. All right. Our next two items again are first reads for our district. And I have Josh Aston, our director of secondary curriculum instruction available tonight if we have questions about our textbook adoptions. Our
067first textbook adoption is for our grade six through eight science adoption. The publisher is Savvas and it's California Elevate Science. So tonight's first reading Savvas's California Elevate Science 2020 curriculum meets 100% of the California Next Generation Science Standards, includes both hands-on investigations and digital resources. This recommendation comes for Elevate Science came through extensive year-long training, review, and piloting process by our middle school science teachers with input from teachers across grade six through eight of both campuses. This curriculum and resources received the highest recommendation from the committee of teachers and the resources will be available here at the district office for public review between now and May 19th when they will come back before the board for possible approval. Great. Are there any questions about the science adoption? I do. Is this just for textbooks or
068is this like a whole new curriculum? >> New curriculum online resources, which most of it the teachers wanted the online resources cuz they get um easier access to it for students and for teachers. So, it's just the online? Um online, they're looking um some handbook uh possibly. Um but the teachers have been using it for the year really just like the online because they do so much labs and that with their hands-on. I had a question for Mr. Ash- Aston. Um so, the cost of it was uh 67,260, which seems really inexpensive for textbook adoption. Um is this an annual cost or is this um like a a one-time uh one-time cost? It's a one-time. It's a 4-year adoption, so that's the price for 4 years. Great. And then, um with the online curricula, does
069it have an um does it is it adaptable to our English learner students as well? Uh one of the nice things about this uh this curriculum is that it's it's published by Savvas, which also publishes our English ELA curriculum and our math curriculum for the secondary level. And so, they do have resources um uh digital and some print resources for English language learners. Um it's going to be and it's going to be very similar to what they're used to with the ELA curriculum and the math curriculum, you know, the highlight and translate sections um as well as uh they have they have some resources for the teachers too that are uh in both languages to send out to to families and whatnot. So, yes, there are a lot of a lot of resources for English
070language learners. Wonderful. Thank you. All right. One one more question. Cuz did a little bit of online stuff. Um and like the biggest complaint the teachers had for the Savvas was it requires a lot of supplemental materials. Is that something that we're running into? And how long have we had this particular science curriculum? We haven't had this science curriculum. This is a This is a different one. We had STEMscopes prior up until up until this year. And they And they liked that one the least out of all of them. Like uh reviews from teachers. STEMscopes, yes. But the other The other complaint that they were that the teachers had um was the online um was kind of poor quality. I don't know if that's something that you guys had looked into. Um Looking at Yeah,
071they said that it it doesn't flow and even like the tests and stuff were um covered things that weren't necessarily gone over in the curriculum. Was that from our our teachers or just an over Yeah. Like an uh like uh an online uh like forums and stuff. Uh I I I think overall it was the better of like all the popular ones. There's that STEM one and FOSS and like Amplify. Right, yeah. >> Um uh FOSS and Savvas were the ones that people liked the most, but um it seems like there's still a lot to be desired in all of them. >> I'll be honest. Like I don't know if there's a I don't know if there's a silver bullet when it comes to to curriculum. Um maybe I shouldn't use that term, but you
072know, like the the absolute perfect the absolute perfect curriculum that's uh that's going to be out there. But so we have to kind of weigh the weigh the pros and the cons um when we go through the process. So all of your sixth grade science, seventh grade science, and eighth grade science teachers had this for a year or just a a semester? Um all year. The The ones at the middle school at at AMS did. Okay. Um and just the the reason for the just a side note just a reason for the four-year adoption rather than something more comprehensive is because then it'll align with our elementary adoption, which will So, we'll be we'll be able to have everybody on the same schedule, science TK through through >> come you how come we're going out
073of sequence on this? Because how come we're going out of sequence with them now? Um you know, it's a great question. That was uh what the the the contract when when I got here was was for that number of years, and so Yeah. It's not the same sequence that there used to be where the state ran the sequence. It's not the state that runs the sequence. >> it and it and it it coincided it coincided with the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, which wasn't Yeah, it wasn't wasn't uh probably did not line up with our um with our schedule that we had already previously established. Okay. Well, thank you, Mr. Aston, and thank you to our middle school pilot committee members as well. And our last item for tonight uh is another a
074textbook adoption. This one is a even smaller adoption for our AP Human Geography course. Um tonight's first reading of a new edition of a previously utilized textbook uh to uh maintain your official AP designation, specifically for AP Human Geography, uh the district must update its primary instructional materials to meet the current College Board standards. This adoption replaces our outdated sixth edition of the Cultural Landscape textbook to an updated 14th edition um published also as by the same publisher, Pearson. The College Board periodically updates course and exam descriptions, requiring schools to use contemporary college-level textbooks to remain authorized as AP courses. This update ensures that the curriculum aligns with the latest geographical data and spatial analysis required for the AP exam. Approval of this item includes both student editions and teacher resources uh materials necessary for
075the 2025 school year and beyond when that update was required. Again, tonight is a first reading and um resources are available here in the district office between now and May 19th, our next school board meeting. Thank you, Mr. Bros. >> office. Thank you. All right, with that we can move on to 15A, Human Resources, Mrs. Arguine. Thank you. Trustees, this evening I'd like to start off by acknowledging Resolution 18-25-26, the proclamation declaring May 4th through 8th as Teacher Appreciation Week. The California State Legislature, in partnership with the California Department of Education, has designated May 4th through 8th, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. In recognition of this, we'd like to take a moment to honor the extraordinary work of our certificated teachers across the Atascadero Unified School District. Each day our teachers bring dedication, creativity, and
076compassion into their classrooms, creating a meaningful learning experiences and lasting connections with our students. Their impact extends far beyond academics. They inspire curiosity, build confidence, and support the social and emotional growth of every student they serve. Throughout their commitment, they will not Excuse me. Throughout their commitment, they will help shape not only student success, but the future of our community. On behalf of the administration, we respectfully recommend that the Board of Trustees proclaim May 4th through 8th, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week as a way to formally recognize and express our sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions of our certificated staff. I'd like to now ask Trustee Ellis White to read the procla- proclamation. Okay. Um this pro- proclamation declaring the week of May 4th through the 8th, 2026, Teacher Appreciation Week. Whereas, it is appropriate
077that we recognize our teachers and express gratitude for the interest and concern they have for their students. And whereas, our teachers frequently and often selfishly participate in non-classroom activities that enhance the education of our students. And whereas, along with academic instruction, teachers provide students with valuable guidance, support, and encouragement toward helping students become tomorrow's leaders. And whereas, providing quality education to our young people continues to be our never-ending challenge, as it represents society's greatest and most lasting gift to new generations. And whereas, the future of our state and country depends largely on the work of dedicated and professional teachers. And whereas, school teachers are relied upon to ensure that our children receive proper instruction in a wide range of subjects. Now, therefore, it is resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Atascadero United United
078States Atascadero Unified School District hereby recognizes and wishes to honor the contributions of these teachers to quality education in the state of California and in the Atascadero Unified School District by hereby proclaiming May 4th, 2026, through May 8th, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. Encourages all citizens to participate in this observance and to express their appreciation. Thank you. All right. And then we have 15b. Thank you, Acting President Pierce. Resolution 18-25-26, proclamation declaring May 17th through the 23rd as classified school employee appreciation week. The California State Legislature in partnership with the California Department of Education has designated May 17th through 23rd of 2026 as classified school employee appreciation week. In alignment with this recognition, we would like to take a moment to truly honor the incredible contributions of our classified staff here in the Atascadero Unified
079School District. These individuals are essential to our daily successes of our schools. They support our students, staff, and families in countless ways. Often behind the scenes, but always with dedication, care, and professionalism. Whether they are welcoming families into our front offices, maintaining safe and clean campuses, supporting instruction in classrooms, preparing meals, or ensuring safe transportation, their impact is felt across every corner of our district. On behalf of the administration, we respectfully recommend that the Board of Trustees proclaim May 17th through 23rd, 2026 as classi- classified school employee appreciation week as a way to formally recognize and express our deep gratitude for the commitment and service of our classified employees. I now ask Trustee Pierce to read the proclamation. I think there's a typo on the resolution. It should be 19, right? 19-25-26. Thank you, Trustee
080Pierce. We will If I can also ask to be able to go back to 15A as well when we're all done. Both of these need to be approved, so we'll need votes for 15A and 15B. Okay. Thank you. >> on the agenda, it's um on the agenda, it says it's May 17th through the 27th. So, if you guys Yeah. 27th. Thank you all. All right. Resolution 19-25-26. Um Proclamation declaring the week of May 17th to 27th, 2026 Classified School Employee Appreciation Week. Whereas the Classified School Employees represent a wide scope of talents and skills and provide valuable services to the schools and students of the Atascadero Unified School District. And whereas the Classified School Employees contribute to the establishment and promotion for a positive instructional environment. And whereas the Classified School Employees of the Atascadero
081Unified School District strive for excellence in all areas relative to the educational community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Atascadero Unified School District hereby recognizes and wishes to honor the contributions of these Classified School Employees to quality education in the state of California and in the Atascadero Unified School District. I hereby proclaiming May 17th, 2026 through May 27th, 2026 as Classified School Employee Week and encourages all citizens to participate in this observance and to express their appreciation. It's the 23rd. >> Oh, sorry. May 23rd. Too many numbers. All right. Uh may I have a motion? I move that we uh pass resolution 18-25-26. Proclamation declaring May 4th through May 8th, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week. Is there a second? >> I second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs.
082Taylor? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? >> Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Kosnik? Yes. Thank you. All right, thank you. May I have another motion? I move that we pass resolution 19-25-26 proclamation declaring May 17th through May 23rd, 2026 as classified school employee appreciation week. Second. Thank you. Roll call vote vote, please. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Ellis-White? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. [clears throat] Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Kosnik? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. So, now we have item 15C. College and career technician job description. Thank you, trustee Pierce. Attached you've seen the MOU that was signed by CSEA and the district in regards to a career technician job description. So, at the last board meeting we had, we had an approval for the college and career counselor, which was is
083grant-funded for 1 year. This is a classified position in which this college and career technician will be at the high school level in the classified range of 21. Along with the updated job description that you see in your packet, we ensured that the title reflected the same onto the salary schedule for the classified salary schedule schedule range 21. Thank you. Um do I have a motion to approve the job description? I move that we approve this memo MOU. Thank you. MOU. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Ellis White? >> Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mrs. Kosnik? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is item 15D, initial bargaining proposal from California School Employees Association chapter 124,
084CSEA, to the Atascadero Unified School District, AUS D, for the 2026 to 2029 school years. The board will open a public hearing and take public input regarding the initial bargaining proposal from the California School Employees Association chapter 124, CSEA, to Atascadero Unified School District for the 2026 to 2029 school years. As acting board president, I here I hereby open the public hearing. We will now hear from the public. After we have heard from the public, the hearing will be closed. Seeing no uh Yes. Oh, yes. Thank you. Yes. Yes. Yes, please. I just wanted to I'm a parent at San Gabriel and a substitute for the district. I'm not sure where you guys fall in with the the union, but I was going to remind you on behalf of all the kids that teach, my
085son, and everyone at the school, and everyone in the district, it's a real bad look for you guys to be taking a big giant raise during a year when you're giving them one, you guys are taking two, and 2% of your salaries are already exponentially more than theirs. Just something to consider. Thank you. Uh is there any other public comments? Um I will now close the hearing. The board may now discuss the item and then make a motion to accept the public disclosure. Is there a motion? Okay. Um I move that we uh approve this uh Cali- uh CSEA's initial bargaining proposal to AUSD. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you, Mrs. Cooley. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Koznek? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Ellis White? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Mrs.
086Cooley? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is item 15E, the initial bargaining proposal from Atascadero Unified School District to California School Employees Association chapter What? Is that right? Yes. Okay, chapters um 124 for the 2026 to 2029 school years. The board will open a public hearing and take public input regarding the initial bargaining proposal from Atascadero Unified School District to Atas- to school California School Employees Association chapter 124 for the 2026 to 2029 school years. As acting board president, I hereby open the public hearing. We will now hear from the public. After we have heard from the public, the hearing will be closed. Has the board received any requests for comments during the public hearing? Seeing none, um I will now close the hearing. And the board may discuss the
087item and then make a motion to accept the public disclo- disclosure. I move that we approve AUSD's initial bargaining proposal for negotiation with CSEA Chapter 124. Is there a second? >> I'll second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Ellis White? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Mrs. Cooley? Yes. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Kosnick? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. The next item is uh 15F. This item is the board's discussion and possible approval of a contract for the employment of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Benita Schackel. All contracts for the employment of executives and department heads in a public agency must be approved at a regular board meeting in open session. Before the board may act on the contract, there must be a verbal summary of the material terms
088of the contract made in open session. The Assistant Superintendent's agreement is agendaized for approval. The material terms are as follows. The Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services salary for 2026 to 2027 will be $178,602. The Assistant Superintendent will receive health and welfare benefits consistent with all certificated management employees. The Assistant Superintendent will be reimbursed for moving expenses up to $5,000. That concludes the summary of the compensation and benefits under the agreement. A complete copy may be reviewed on the district website as an attachment to this agenda item. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Benita Schackel to the district, and we look forward to her starting on July 1. I understand that she is here tonight, and after the board votes on her agreement, I would like to invite her to the podium to say a few
089words. Um Dr. Benna, after the vote, would you please make a brief introduction? Is there a motion and a second to approve the employment agreement as presented? I move that we approve the employment agreement with um, the assistant superintendent of education services. Is there a second? I'll second. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Arnold? Yes. Mrs. Alice White? >> Yes. Mrs. Cosneck? Yes. Mrs. Conley? Yes. Mrs. Pierce? Yes. Mrs. Taylor? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Dr. Bennett, would you please introduce Dr. Benita Sheckle? I will. Um, tonight I'm pleased to be able to introduce Dr. Benita Sheckle, who is a student-centered leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing high-quality teaching and learning. Most recently, she served as the district administrator of career technical education and visual and performing arts in Hacienda La
090Puente Unified School District, where she led programs across 27 schools, managed more than $10 million in grant funding initiatives. Her leadership in CTE has been especially impactful, expanding an aviation pathway to include a capstone course, implementing state-of-the-art flight simulators, building dual enrollment partnerships with local community colleges, and securing major grants, such as the CTE incentive grant and strong workforce program. This year, she also launched uh, one of the district's first youth paid apprentice programs in IT, providing students with rigorous classroom instruction alongside 2,000 hours of paid real-world experience. An example of her commitment to ensuring student graduates are both college and career ready. Dr. Shackel also brings strong site experience leadership experience having served as a TK through eight principal in Pasadena Unified School District where she led comprehensive school turnaround that resulted in measurable
091gains in student achievement, improved school climate, and increased enrollment. Her approach to academic improvement is grounded in building coherent, vertically aligned TK through 12 systems, strengthening one instruction, and using data to drive decision-making and targeted support. She's led the implementation of multi-tiered system of support to proactively address student needs, reduce barriers to learning, and ensure timely intervention. In special education, she has deep expertise in advancing inclusive practices, supporting co-teaching models, strengthening IEP processes, and ensuring compliance while prioritizing meaningful student outcomes. Her collaborative leadership brings together general and special education staff, families, and service providers to ensure all students are supported in the least restrictive environment. Dr. Shackel's work reflects a clear commitment to equity, access, and building systems that improve outcomes for every student. And allow me to be the first to welcome Dr. Shackel
092as our new upcoming assistant superintendent of Ed Services. If you would >> [applause] >> come forward with the rest of your family, we'd love to be able to get a picture. >> Well, good evening, everyone. I am so honored and humbled to join the Atascadero Unified School District. Thank you for having me. That is my beautiful family that you just saw, husband Dominic Joseph of 36 years this summer, and our son Wolfgang and our daughter Anna. So, we are just thrilled to be here with you tonight. I am even more excited to introduce our new director of education services, Mrs. Jessica Lloyd. I am grateful to Jessica um for coming back to the Atascadero Unified School District after many years in this district where she says this district raised her. She is coming from Templeton
093High School as the principal, and I know that she and I together are going to walk shoulder to shoulder to improve academic achievement and support for all students in the district. Thank you so much, Jessica. Are you going to stand? >> [laughter] [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, we are moving on to uh 15's uh Sorry. 16. Uh board policies, first reading. Are we going to pull? Is there someone want to pull? Yes, let's pull policy 5131.8, mobile communication devices. All right. For discussion? >> Mhm. Is there anything else that um someone would like to be pulled for discussion? Uh this one's pulled because it has uh two options, right? We were going to discuss. I thought we had talked about >> That's right. >> Yep. Yeah. Um Okay. So, is that
094the only one we're talking about out of the list? All right. Okay. Um so, who wants to start the discussion? So, in our conversation, we had talked about the two different options, and um I know in our in our subcommittee, we had had discussions about polling uh the parents to be able to see what their thoughts and input were. So, the question is how would the trustees like to be able to address this issue? What would you like us to be able to do? Well, option one, um I Well, I think we should um survey the parent um just listing option one, the header limited use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices. Um yes or no, and then, you know, and then go down to option two, da da da da da da, yes
095or no. Um and then come back with Well, the other the other option is prohibit prohibit the use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices. So, it'd just be those two. That's right. >> We didn't um with the board committee wanted to bring it to the rest of the board because we didn't feel like that was Well, without surveying the parents, if that's the direction that the board wants to go, uh we didn't feel like just the three of us should make that decision on our own. So, that's why we are pulling it and bringing it to your attention. Would it be also beneficial to uh survey our staff um teachers about what their um their senses of in the classroom? >> Absolutely. Yeah. You bet. So, during our conversation, the big question was this
096is the this is in many districts cause conflict. So, it's difficult sometimes in the classroom from the teachers' perspective, but also, you know, some of the challenges that moms and dads have, you know, about their their take. The challenge is is that it's very problematic um and uh and we want to be very conscious of the decisions that would be made. And so, in our meetings, the the question was, do we want to be able to put this out to moms and dads as well as to our staff, you know, in some kind of a survey to be able to get their input upon which we can make decisions around? I feel that you, your staff, our teachers, your job is education. And so, what do you recommend to the community to the parents what
097not? I mean, I understand that there are parents concerned that if there was an emergency or what not, so let's work around that somehow, but how do we as an entity of education do our job the best and not let these smartphones interfere? And and nationwide, they're they're proving it that not having a phone on during class time what not, students are doing better. There's less cheating, >> Very true. so as the entity of education, what do we recommend? Okay. I I um but it doesn't hurt to get to get input. I I I didn't say that. >> Okay. I I'm saying yes. Put the survey out and I think it's very important for staff, too, but I think that the district needs to make their case, too. The why. >> Yes. Okay. They would
098recommend a a solution to this. Are there any other comments or So, what I hear then is that we'll put out a survey to moms and dads, but then also to to our staff. Yes. And then we'll bring that back. We'll have another conversation. We can bring it back to the policy committee and the policy committee then can decide next steps. I think that's >> Good. And what are we looking at as a goal? With the recommendation. Absolutely. Absolutely. But we'll have the conversation. Thank you. All right. Any other comments or discussion? Okay. So, then that brings us to announcements uh and the end of our meeting. Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. Closed session starts at 5:30. Regular session starts at 7:00 p.m. And with that, I will close adjourn the meeting.
099Thank you for coming and have a great night.