001The meeting is open and the live stream is on. >> Thank you. Good evening, Isuza community, students, parents, and staff. Welcome to the board of education governance workshop. For item 1.1, I would like to call the meeting to order on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. at 5:29 p.m. Moving on to item 1.2. Roll call. Board vice president Rodriguez Pñena >> here. >> Board clerk Ramos >> here. >> Board member Greer will be absent tonight and board member Arianas is running late and I am present. Moving on to item 1.3, pledge of allegiance. Can the board everyone stand please >> put your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
002and justice for all. >> Moving on to item 2.1, approval of agenda. Can I have a motion? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Second motion. >> Any discussion? Colleagues, please place your vote. And tonight we're going to do it by hand vote. >> Board Vice President Rodriguez Pñena. >> Yes. >> Board Clerk Ramos. >> Yes. >> And me? Yes. Moving on to item 3.1, public comment on agenda or non-aggenda items. Hope. Do we have any blue cards? We have no blue cards. Leica, do we have any hands raised on Zoom? >> We have no hands on Zoom. >> Thank you. Moving on to item 4.1, participation of board governance workshop. Mr. Ortega, I turn it over to you. >> Thank you, board president Benabidas. Uh, tonight is uh our governance uh workshop and we
003are happy uh that Miss Angelina Pride uh is with us. uh again uh to help facilitate uh tonight. Um so with that, I'd like to turn it over to her to kick us off. >> Thank you and thank you for having me back again. And um tonight our agenda is one that I really enjoy talking about our governance handbook. Uh but before we start the governance handbook, I wanted to go through a quick refresher. Um, so we're going to start with that. So our agenda today will be a board effectiveness refresher. Then we will also be talking about AB1390 and then we'll go into the governance handbook and then we'll close out with just a quick uh reminder about governance during an election year. So with that said, let's go ahead and get started. So,
004one of the first things I want to remind you of is that in the study sessions like this, the board meetings like this, this isn't a policy meeting. We won't be making any excuse me, we won't be making any policy decisions um as far as the district goes, but more about the board and how the board governs itself when we talk about your handbook. So, keep that in mind. Um, so with that, let's talk about board effectiveness and the individual trustee. Just want to give you some reminders about your positions because this will help guide our conversation when we get to the governance handbook is most importantly remember you need to stay informed and stay prepared when you come to the meetings. You need to have read your packets. You need to have asked questions
005of the superintendent in advance if you have any. uh make sure that you fully understand what you're coming in to to vote upon when you get to the meetings. And then also remember your governance role that the body has authority, but as an individual trustee, there is none. You can go to the superintendent and have a one-on-one with him and talk to him about things, ideas that you have, ask questions about things going on, but you cannot provide any direction to the superintendent as an individual. It has to be done as a board and it has to be agendaized for the discussion for that purpose. And if you have any questions, thoughts, you want to reiterate something, please feel free. And then um communication with the superintendent. Just make sure that you do go to
006the superintendent and have one-on- ones sometimes just to talk about things that you may be curious about at the district. Maybe there's things that aren't coming up on the agenda or things that you've heard in the community that you would like clarification on or information that you would like to share with the superintendent. Remember, he can only be in so many places at one time. So he relies on the board to provide him with information of what people think, what they say, um you know the climate of the district. So you are that person who can say, "Hey, you know, I was at two events this weekend and let me share with you some of the things that I heard from the community." And he appreciates that. So make sure you take the time to
007have those one-on-one sessions with the superintendent just to have conversation and to ask questions. and then act in the best interest of the entire district. I know I always say this one because when we not every district started by trustee areas and so when it went to trustee areas there's some people who thought okay well I only represent this group or that group or you know where I was elected and that's not the case you still represent the whole districts the votes that you take from the deis they don't just impact one area one trustee area it impacts every student every district every staff member every part of the district, every staff member. Um, so it's important to just remember that yes, you were elected by this. And uh, question, do any of you know
008why they did trustee areas when that legislation was passed? Do you know why they did that? I think for people throughout the community can be represented >> um right represented and and also I mean I'm not comparing myself to the um supervisors but at least they know what person to go to because you know you're district five or she's district three or num two or what have you and and they know who to go to also >> um to get their message across. Maybe maybe I think that um it's more effective that way. Yeah. And um like you said, and thank you uh Trustee Rodriguez Mimia. Um you're right on target. And the biggest part of it, like you said, was so that everybody had representation because what they found is that in some districts
009all five board members might be from one neighborhood >> and all their kids went to one school. So it turned out that then they were doing everything to allocate the resources to that one school that all of their children went to. And of course that's not what public education is about. >> And then not everyone runs in every part of the district right now. Now they you need to have someone exactly the division divided uh five districts. And actually, um, back even when I ran, I ran specifically because I wanted to represent my district cuz no one lived in my area. I'm like the first person in the unparred area that's run for school board >> and we never had representation. So, I felt, well, >> I I'll do it. >> That was great. I'll
010try. >> That was great reason to run. >> Yeah. Because it no one has everyone usually lives in in the north side of of town. >> Yeah. But um now >> the way that it's divided, the whole Isuza community is represented >> and it makes a huge difference. But I think also that it empowered a lot of people to say, well, hey, you know, I didn't even know that this was a thing. I mean, one thing I found out when I was running for school board is a lot of people don't know that there is a school board. So, you know, that kind of opened people's eyes when they were hearing the um conversations about that. So, it's a positive thing. Yeah. So, those are the things. And then, um my final thing that I
011have in my notes just to remind you of is that just remember that there should never be any surprises on either side. No surprises for the superintendent of something that you said, heard, or did. And it should be no surprises for the board of anything the superintendent has um authorized or done either. So the communication is a two-way street and um your district is really good at that. Yes. >> And how do I say this? Uh so when we're in discussion as a board and and I'm you know thinking of the president you know even when I'm sitting there whomever >> um do they usually take the consensus of the board when we're having a discussion >> and not not the individual person like you know a person might say I want to build the
012wall there or whatever right and we're like no maybe we don't but the board president has to kind of take in into consideration the majority Yes, absolutely. >> So, but are you talking about something that Well, no matter what, >> no matter Yeah. Whatever the situation is, >> but are you talking about something that's on the agenda or something somebody says in their their comment on an >> item that general someone said, you know, you know, I I want to have free lunch every day and >> three other board members like, no, I don't think it's a good idea for AB or C. But I'm just saying that >> the more present doesn't have to take it from one person. You know, when you hear the discussion, you kind of know where it's going. >>
013Right. And you need to um >> work with the majority is is what I'm trying to say. >> Right. But remember your process for putting items on the agenda because if you want to move forward to have a formal conversation about something that comes up in in discussion, you would have to agree to put it on the agenda. >> So when we get to the governance handbook, okay, >> and we start talking about we go through that, you know, when we get to that part as a review, >> then that's when we'll have that discussion. But basically, your answer is still yes. Yeah. >> Um, but it has to be in conjunction with agendaizing something in order to have a formal discussion about it if it's not on the agenda that is currently before you.
014>> So like let's say um let's use your example. Let's say you just got a presentation from food services and they were just telling you about, you know, how many kids have been eating the lunch and they changed the menu and everything is better and wonderful and then somebody says, "Hey, well, do we have free lunch? I think we should have free lunch." And it comes up as that that was not on the agenda. Mhm. >> So then yes, they can take this consensus to see do we want to put this on the agenda as at a later time to have a full discussion about that. >> Yeah, that that that's exactly what I meant that you you need to have the consensus um in order to put on the agenda. If all five say
015no, I'm just saying example >> then you don't put it on. >> Well, let's wait until we're talking about it and then we'll go we'll go through that. >> Okay. So we'll jump ahead and then get off track. >> That's easy for me to do. >> Yeah. So, >> so, okay. Um, then the next thing on the next page I'd like to talk to you about. So, right now we are on your handouts. We are on page >> two, the slide of board effective team governance. here. >> Yes. Slide four. Thank you. So, this is one of the things we just talked about is governing as a collective body. Again, just reminder that no one person has authority. You can't you shouldn't make any promises to anyone in the community that the board can do
016something or that the district can do something because you can't without that. And I know we've had this conversation lots and lots of times, but it's always helpful just to have a reminder. Um, one of the other things I want to just remind you of is respecting differences while maintaining unity. The last time we were together, we talked, we did the board self-evaluation, but this came up. So just remember that you govern as a team and you have to work together as a team and everybody is going to have their individual opinions and then everyone is going to also be representing possibly representing the um opinion from their trustee area. So we have to respect the opinions and the thoughts from others even when we don't disagree even when we don't agree with them. um
017being prepared. I already touched on that one. And then building the trust and the working relationships. I know that this is one that we've talked about quite a bit um about building trust and working relationships amongst the board and I hope that the discussions that we've had in the past have been heard and that there is relationship building um going on. I just did a workshop on Saturday and one of the there were um individuals who didn't work well together and we were able to have some good conversations and gain consensus but the main thing was that um oh yes I did bring extra copies. So, um, one of the main things was that, um, a lot of times when we get to know each other, personal things about each other, we do have a
018better understanding. And I'm not saying that you have to go and tell somebody your whole life story. But there's things in our lives that impact the way we think, the way we operate, the way we believe, the how we believe, you know, how we perceive things. Um, and we we that impacts how we govern as well. And so sometimes just having a conversation with someone and saying, "Hey, you know, I know you didn't like that I said that we needed to have um free lunch." But when I was growing up, you know, that was my lunch. I had free lunch. And if it wasn't for free lunch, I wouldn't have eaten. So I understand what those kids are going through. So sometimes just having understanding about where we come from and our backgrounds and how
019we you know how we grow up and you know what we believe in some of the things that we've gone through. It helps to build relationships and again I'm not saying that you have to tell someone all of your personal business just you know build relationships based upon maybe sharing some things that help people to better understand where you're coming from. A lot of times people think that individuals are coming from a place of anger or place of hate, you know, or just disagreeing to disagree and there's a lot so much that's more behind it. So, we want to keep that in mind. >> True. >> I say hello. I'm glad you made it. Um, so any questions, comments thus far? And so, um, Trusty Ariana, uh, we are on slide five, page three. So
020>> just one more thing I'd like to um cover regarding the review of governance is your board roles and responsibilities. Um remember the board sets direction. That's your goal. You're the what and the superintendent and his staff are the how. It is very very important just as a reminder that you do not try to cross over into the how. You as a board have discussion on the things that come before you on the agenda. You ask questions. You may get a presentation. And then from there you determine by your vote, yay or nay, if that's the direction you want the superintendent and staff to take the district in. And once you cast that vote and you say yes, then the superintendent and staff take over from there and determine how. And then what they do
021is they come back and give you guys reports on how things are going. And that's how you monitor the progress. Policy and governance and legal compliance. Those are things that you must adhere to. And I always refer people back to the to your um bylaws, the board bylaws and the other bylaws of the not just the 9000s, which are the board bylaws, the 9000s, but all of the bylaws from the district because you can go to those to determine, hey, what does this mean? How what how are they doing the right thing? You can look at those and it'll tell you if they are, if they aren't. uh your superintendent evaluation. Um you guys are not hiring a superintendent. You have one, but the evaluation of the superintendent, that's the job of the board. That's
022your one employee and that's the one that you need to make sure you evaluate and that should be done annually of course. So um don't neglect that duty. Fiscal oversight. It's your your job to ask questions when you receive um budget reports. And if you're like me, I don't like numbers unless they're like my money, I like those numbers. But in a budget report and when um working in the community college, the K through 12 budget is different. There's little similarities, but it's different. So, I had to learn the K through 12 budget when I sat on the board, and it was a challenge. So don't be afraid to ask questions about it. Don't be afraid to ask the scheduled time to meet with the superintendent or your CBO to say, "Hey, you know, put
023this in plain English for me. Help me to understand how this works because it is different and and but you have to understand it because you vote on that. So I don't expect any of you to be an expert at it. I was never an expert at it, but I did take the time to try to make sure I understood it enough to know, do we have money, do we not have money, how much is going out, how much is coming in, what's the forecast? You want to at least understand all of those basic things. And would you add anything to that about the fiscal part of it, what they need to make sure that they pay attention to? Well, I mean I think that um we have done a really good job of not
024only the first interims, second interims, the budget uh uh approval process which is two board meetings um but like always and in anything right I think that we appreciate and when questions come in specifically like you said hey help me explain help me understand this this piece. Um, and I think that that is helpful because at the end of the day, you're you're making motions and you're voting on these things and so, um, that is never ever a problem and we're always happy to to elaborate on on things that need to be elaborated on. >> Right. Thank you. And one of the biggest things I'll say about the budget is something that when you're out in the community and people ask you, well, why we don't have money to do this? Where's all this money
025going that comes to the district? The biggest thing I would always tell individuals is there's restricted and unrestricted money. So a lot of the money that we get is already designated where it can only be spent on A, B, and C. Then we have this little bit of money left over that we can spend on other things. But how many schools do we have? You know, how many children do we serve? How many staff do we have to pay? you know, there's all those other things that those other costs that individuals don't think about that the districts have. And so, and when I was in the community, I think that that found that was the easiest way to say there's restricted and unrestricted designated only can go here. Money that we can be a more
026a little more flexible with. Yes. >> Do I raise my hand to my board president or do I raise my hand to you? >> To me, it's fine if you're if you're okay with it. Yeah. No, no. Um, when people do ask me that, you know, when I know that we're going to be discussing the budget, >> I invite them to the meeting or they can watch it online. Um, because M. Latasha does a great job at it and and they'll understand it, right? Because they do talk exactly what you just talked about, the restricted, unrestricted, general funds, so and um then I don't hear anyone respond to me again because I guess you get it, right? and and that's how you know >> right >> about educating them um because even if you do
027explain to them if you're not familiar like when I came on this board I felt the same way >> um because I came from an elementary school level >> and um we had no high schools and no adult schools and I sat here like >> what did they say right but you have to learn as you go on and and I think that that's why I invite them to the meeting so you know we're have a meeting on such and such a date regarding the budget you should probably watch it or come in and see Right. Absolutely. And that's a great thing to do is to have them come to those meetings to get a better understanding of it. Um to hear that presentation in real time and hear the questions that come from the
028board about it. It helps. And I'll tell you, I work with the student board members. I do workshops for student board members. And when I tried to we were working on the board um budget part trying to explain that to student board members. One of the things I told them I said okay I said I'm going to try to explain this in in terms that maybe just maybe you guys will understand. I said your mom your parents have a job. They get a paycheck every month right? They're like yes. I'm like okay so that paycheck is in their checking account right? Yes. Okay. But aren't there some things that no matter what they have to pay out of that paycheck? Like where do you live in a house? So they got to pay the mortgage.
029Yeah. Lights on. Yes. They got to pay the electricity. I said that is restricted funding. And then they were like, "Oh, okay." I said, "Now when you want to go to the movies with your friends, that's unrestricted. That's the that's the leftover money that they have to say." Hey, okay, we we have a little money to play with and this is what we can do with it. But the kids, it made sense to them. And sometimes for us as trustees, we need to break it down like that to people to help it all make sense to them as well. So, I'm glad my kids are older now. Otherwise, I'd still be giving that talk. Restricted funds and restrictive funds. Um, so accountability for student outcomes. Um, when you again get your your reports at board
030meetings, when your assistant soups of ed services comes in and gives you reports, when you guys get the go over the test scores, when you're developing your LCAP, um, all of that that comes down to this accountability for student outcomes. So you hear all of this information and there's things that they're asking for the board to approve, to vote on, to move forward. So make sure you pay attention to those things in detail. Ask questions and I know I say that 50,000 times, but understanding is so important because of the vote that you cast. So, I know sometimes it's they, you know, you might feel like, well, I've already asked questions. You know, I've already had a meeting with the superintendent about this, but I still don't quite get it. When you're up here and
031they do the presentation and they say questions, ask your questions. You know, you have to make sure that you're voting properly because you're going to be the one held accountable for the vote that you make. And then finally, just community leadership. And um I know that I always hear about the events and everything that you all attend, but that community leadership is important. They need to see you. They need to see that you're visible at the different awards ceremonies, the graduations, the some of the sporting events. And trust me, I understand that it's hard sometimes because you, a lot of you still work. Um, you might commute. You, you know, you have kids that are in activities that you have to get your own kids to or grandkids to. Uh, but try to make sure
032that you're visible in the community and that people know who you are and they see you there supporting. Uh, I know you all have felt it like at back to school nights and things like that when you walk in that classroom and the teacher is like, "Yay, you, you know, you came." Or when somebody invites you to something that's at their school and you show up and they're just so excited to see you there. So, just make sure that you continue to be visible in the district and participate in things as you can and that you um are demonstrating the leadership of the board at all times and of the the district as well. Any questions? Okay. So, with that, we're going to move on to talk about AB1390. Did you want me to cover
033slide? you going to cover it? Okay. So, I'll go. >> Okay. So, um AB1390, all of you familiar with that. So, for the public, um, just to let them know, AB1390, that was, um, legislation that came up and was signed into law in 2025 that stated that, um, school boards, K through 12 school boards could increase the stipens that the um, school board members receive. I'm going to pause there for one quick second. A lot of people, you have two sides of the stipen issue with school boards. Some people think that you do this for free. You kind of do, but some people think you do it for free. Other people think you make a gazillion dollars that you're getting this full paycheck, you know, every month for doing this when it's actually closer to
034the doing it for free part. Um, so they don't realize um how that that stipen is determined. And you know, there's some school districts where the board members do not get a stipen because the districts are so small. We're talking about those rural districts maybe only have three board members where the superintendent is the superintendent and the principal and the Yes, exactly. Um, so we have to we have to make sure that, you know, people understand as we're getting ready to have this discussion as to what a stipen means. Um, so I just wanted to make sure I gave a little bit of background. So effective with January 1st of this year, um, it says that that boards can increase their stipen amounts based upon enrollment. still there's some districts that are exempt from this
035districts like LUSD because they are humongous and their their board members basically are full-time employees because of the number of schools they have. But for regular school districts like like ours, you know, this is something that they they passed so that the stipens could be increased. Um it's also allowed then now that you can also increase it annually up to 5%. Now one thing I want to say is that this law is permissive. It's not mandatory but it is permissive. Uh one other quick slide that I'd like to cover with you on page four the top slide slide number seven. Just a little bit of background as to why this matters. Number one, it does reflect the time that you put in as a school board member. Um, I know when I ran for school
036board, I did think, you know, knew that I'd have to be investing some time, but there's certain periods where there's a lot of time invested and there's a lot of work that goes into it. a lot of reading of materials, um a lot of going out to the school sites, um the the extra meetings that happen, all of those things that take place. So, the this AB1390 wants to recognize that that does happen and that the board members do spend quite a lot of time on their positions. uh retention of experience. There's some board members who have been on the board for a while, but maybe a circumstance in their life comes up where they say, "I have to go get a second job now. I don't have time to to do this." Or, you
037know, I can't afford to to give up this time. I need to make extra money. Well, this helps you to retain some of that experience on the board when family when trustees may be going through financial issues um in experiencing where do I have to make a choice between getting another job or trying to earn extra money or continuing my work on the school board. It also supports equity and access to service kind of for the same reason. Um there are some people in lots of districts that um maybe there there's a section of a district that's a lower socioeconomic area where parents do want to get involved and be more involved but just can't afford to give give up their extra work that they do. And so they say, "Well, no, that's too much
038time. You know, I'd have to pay a babysitter even if they have, you know, the resources to serve, but they maybe they can't pay a babysitter when they have to go to a meeting and they have no one to wash their kids. Well, this could help to pay their babysitter so that they could come to the board meetings and go to the events." So, things like that. But the biggest one for me that I see um personally is that it does address the stagnation in the stipen for school board members. It has been well over 40 years since this has even been looked at. There are districts um where the board members are making the getting receiving the same stipen that board members who came before them 25 years ago received. So it does need
039to be addressed. I want to make sure that people understand that being a board member doesn't mean just coming to the a meeting once or twice a month here. There is a lot of driving involved, going to different um places, different events, visiting school sites. Um the gas is expensive. So, you know, there's other expenses that come with this. So, that's why I wanted to bring that one up as well. But to have some further conversation about this, I'm going to turn it over to Superintendent Ortega and so he can kind of guide you based upon how this will >> be discussed. >> Thank you, Angelina. Um, so as was stated, uh, AB1390 was signed into law, uh, in October 2025. The law, as was pointed out, increase the maximum amount of board member stipens
040depending on the district's ADA. So, for context, the current maximum amount for our district based on our ADA is $240 a month. There was a time in Isuza's history where we were actually in a higher bracket because the district had more than 10,000 students. When when when that happened in Isuza, the stipen used to be $400, but when the district went below$10,000, we now entered a new bracket. So that $400 had to be decreased to $240. So that is the current maximum amount that was allow that was allowed by the law in the state of California $240. Now AB1390 for our bracket of a district the maximum amount allowed for the the monthly stipend is $1,200 a month. Okay, just for some context. It is also important to note that similar to AB1390 which we
041are discussing today, SB 329 was signed into law in June 2023. That is kind of like the the partner bill. That bill changed the amount that city council members could receive as as a stipen. >> I'm sorry. Can you say that bill again? uh Senate Bill 329. That was about a year and a half ago. Well, in June 2023. So now two years later, right, a similar law has passed to uh for board members. Um, like Angelina said, uh, this current maximum of $200, uh, a month has been in place since 1984. So over 40 years ago that that this has been in place. And so for 40 years, right, the board member stipens have remained the same and have not increased. In the case of Isuza, they decreased, right? Because we went from a
042district over 10,000 students to a district under 10,000 students. to reiterate um what Miss Pride said, part of the intent of AB1390 is to ensure that boards reflect their communities and that they reflect their in their communities that include working parents that include young adults that include stakeholders from all social economic uh backgrounds. The reimbursement for service has to be at a level that makes sense for those different stakeholders to want to get to to get involved, right? And more importantly, as was spa uh stated by Miss Pride, not only want to get involved, but that they can get involved, right? and that finances doesn't become uh a a roadblock or a barrier to being involved. Currently, our board aligns with the maximum limit established by the state of California, right? The state of California
043says this is the maximum that you can receive and our board aligned to that. Well, that maximum has changed and so it makes sense that the board adjust and align with the new state authorized maximum that is allowed for a district of our size, which in this case would be $1,200. Um, Miss Pride, uh, board president, what I am looking for today is for a consensus, a direction from the board of education, uh, so that we may bring this to our February 10th board meeting so that the board can formally take action, uh, to align to the new maximum or something different that the board uh, that the board desires. Yes, >> board vice president Rodriguez. >> So, um I was one I was one of those persons that came in in 2011 where I
044was getting $400 or approximately $400. >> And then after a couple of years, my check went down to like $18. And I asked the CVO at the time, which is Mr. Brad Frick, which was a long time ago, and he explained to me exactly what you just said. I'm like, so for 15 years I've been sitting here, I've been getting my check of $188 a month. It's probably maybe 220, but I put it for my dental, for my vision, you know, but um 15 years with the same paycheck. So my um how I feel that I believe that we should align with the maximum allowed by bill 1390. The reimbursement for schoolboard members service has not abated since 1984 like Superintendent Ortega mentioned 40 years ago and the service cut remains the same. Also, the
045goal, yes, it may attract more people um to run for office because it would be affordable for them um to to to maybe have have someone take care of their child and still do do their job. So I feel that we would attract more people. Um I want to say five years ago. I mean board member Arianis ran, I ran, Mr. Grier ran and we always ran on a post. Even Mr. Ramos and he's new. And again, I'm not I don't know if it's the money. I'm not saying that. But you know, maybe it would attract other people or people to run. I mean, we may lose our seats, but you know, we have No, we would never lose our seats. I'm just kidding, but I I I just think that, you know, maybe we
046would attract people, and that's a very true statement. So, um I I did hear other districts, you know, are passing it and um for the purpose of, you know, it it's allowed to us, you know, and and um it has changed for the first time in 40 years. I mean that that's my belief that I I I feel that we should stick with that um maximum under bill 1390. >> Board member Ariana. >> Yes. Board President and colleagues, I I do agree with not only the legislators who passed this um AB 1390 but with um board member, vice president uh Rodriguez Pena. the the the the aotted money that is um that is a stipen for us. Um you had said it's in gas uh the fundraisers that we give to at the schools. So
047it is way over, you know, the $200 that we receive that we give back to the community. So I I would um also agree that we would we we should go to the max of um of what is allotted for our district. And I just want to say that um for me I I mean I I'm grateful that this is an opportunity for us board members and after hearing some content uh uh with respect to history right and how it's been long overdue. Um I just want to say that uh I think I appreciate the fact that we have people that want to serve even with the smaller stipen. I think this does open the door for different opportunities to get more diversity in here. And I I do believe that um I've seen it
048where they they come in and you know they run unopposed and I've only this is my fourth year and I I think that um there are a lot of people that especially in this economic climate right now. this is a great opportunity for this because hopefully it will inspire you know um I always think that we should look to the younger generation right because they are the generation of tomorrow. So I I definitely support this opportunity. >> So I think I have consensus. So, February 10th, um I will bring an agenda item uh so that the board can formally vote on uh the new maximum. Thank you. >> Thank you. That was easy. >> But I appreciate your comments. Um I really do appreciate your comments and having someone who's been on the board for
049as long as her vice president has really is helpful. Alrighty. So, >> and trust me, I didn't do it for the money. >> Yeah, >> because honestly, when I first run, I didn't realize that you got paid. >> I was say the same exact thing. I didn't know. They asked if I wanted to run. I'm like, "Yeah, why not?" You know, I mean, I was interested and I just um newly retired >> and why not, right? You know, I love schools. I love kids, but I I didn't realize that >> most of us didn't. >> Yeah. And then they have you fill out all this paperwork and it's like what's this for? >> Oh, did you get a check? Oh, >> actually we have a comment from board clerk. >> Yeah, sorry. I mean I
050I'm I'm in consensus as well, but I just had a couple questions. And here on the presentation, there's a point about um the fiscal impact. And so just to be clear, if you put it on the agenda for our next meeting, um is there going to be discussion or are we going to get feedback as far as, you know, is that in the budget? Is it within the budget or how does how would that process work? Or um is it a matter of us voting on it? Obviously, if we all are in consensus, we're going to vote, you know, the way we're going to vote. But, um, is there another part of the process in our next meeting or discussion where we're going to have to touch on some of the points like, you know,
051is it in the budget, right? I mean, that's um the assumption is yes, but we can't assume that, right? So, just a little bit clarity on that, please. >> Yeah. So, the board agenda item uh will have a budgetary impact uh on the actual agenda item so that the board can see what that what that is. Thank you. Great question. Okay, let's get to the fun part, the governance handbook. So, we've done a lot of work on this handbook over the years. And um I think each time we go through it, we find new things to to add or revise or change depending on what's going on in the district, what's going on, you know, period. And I think that sometimes we also find things that are missing based upon what's occurred over a year.
052It's like, hey, we realize we need to have a protocol for this. You know, something you didn't think about before. So, we're going to be doing that. So basically in the handout that I gave you on page five slides nine and 10 I just you know just reminding you that it's it's important that you you look at your handbook at least every other year if not every year especially if your board changes you need to look at it because you need to make sure that the new person coming in uh understands what it is and what its purpose is. And then in slide number 10, I gave you um just some bullet points for things for you to consider when we start reviewing the handbook. You got to make sure that it's like I said,
053it remains relevant because things change. And so we want to make sure it remains relevant. You also want to make sure that it it reflects your unity of purpose and the protocols and the agreements that all of you should be working um in conjunction with. And then what about the agreement uh the other agreements line outlined in the handbook and how you how they're operationalized, how you could use things better in the handbook. Are you guys adhering to it? Are there things that you guys have forgotten about and what steps you can take to better reference the governance handbook coming up in the next year? Because you sometimes have to remind each other about things that you have agreed to. And I mean, we're all humans. Sometimes we forget. And so you can say, "Hey,
054remember in our governance handbook we decided we would A, B, and C or X, Y, and Z." So, it's nice to have something to be able to go back to. So, and then on page six with slides 11 and 12. Oh, no, that's last. Never mind. So, we're we're good at this point. So, we're going to go right into the handbook. So, you have your handbook there. Um, now you're a superintendent. Where do we have a handle? >> You don't have a copy of it. Okay. We we did not get a copy of it. >> Oh, or can they pull it up >> or we just are you just going to go through there? >> That's either way. >> Okay. And I apologize. I thought >> So that's that's mine. We I should have asked
055for clarification on that. So my apology on that. Um so we have it up here though for view. Uh so let's start looking at this from the page. that superintendent has up which is page five in the handbook. So we start here. Now one thing is um superintendent Artega has did go through it as well. Um and based off of things that have changed or um things that have occurred, he made some notes also of some areas that we need to look at that where there possibly needs to be some changes, some additions, some subtractions. Um so we'll be going through some of those as well. So you can hop in at any time with any of the changes that you proposed as well. So the first part here talking about our communication, how do
056you guys feel that's going between this communication between the the governance team, between the especially between the board and the superintendent, the first part, the first three I would like to make a comment. So I think that I mean I see a lot of the board members including myself we are I mean I think we're very comfortable with our superintendent. We feel that he's approachable and if he doesn't have an answer then and then when we're asking a question he makes sure to get back with us. of colleagues. So the um the first one the superintendent and the board members commit to open dialogue with one another meaning with one another us board members with with a superintendent or with one another. >> Can I get clarification on that? So, the way that I read
057this and um going back to when we first um updated your did like a a huge update to your to your governance handbook. This was the communication between the superintendent and the board because um going back at the time and this has been many years now. At the time, there was some struggles in that area with people doing things or saying things without running them through the superintendent or keeping the superintendent um updated on what was going on and making decisions independently. And so we needed to clarify that the superintendent and the board members need to talk to one another. They need to have that open dialogue. And like I was saying at the beginning with at the meeting, you know, with making sure that you continue to touch base with your superintendent on a
058regular basis just, you know, just to to have chats and see where things are at. So that's how I remember it. Um, let me go to Trusty um Rodriguez Pñena first. >> Yeah. So I think it the way it's written it it does look like you're it we're saying the superintendent and board members again like board member Arianis mentioned I mean is it between the board members and superintendent or the board members within the board the board of ed board members >> well when we say board members we're talking about all five of you. So whether you're >> But when you're talking about dialogue between the five of us, you're talking about dialogue between us and the superintendent. >> Any dialogue between you and the superintendent, whether it's providing direction at the board meeting or
059whether you have questions and want to meet with him oneon one because I think it would sound weird if we said the superintendent and the board members as individuals or as a board. We could add that in there if you want to. >> Something like Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I was even thinking, I don't know, removing the superintendent and board members. Yeah, that's just kind of >> how did you interpret it, superintendent or >> I interpreted the same thing because the first parts are about the superintendent. >> So, I thought this was communication between the superintendent and board members is the way I would have interpreted it myself. And does it matter to you when you read that? It does it did you define in your head whether it was between you and like one
060particular board member or the whole board or either type of communication between the board member and the superintendent. >> Either type of communication. >> I I would actually like to include um that it be universal with each other and the board. Well, look at this first part like superintendent artic this one it pertains a lot to the superintendent the board superintendent relationship is more when you get down to number let's see no this is more about the superintendent and the board there's other places where we can talk about the the board >> okay then can we then add something to it I would I would I would like to ask them to to add something with each board member like the superintendent. Um can we Yeah, I don't know because I I'm I'm reading it
061and that's how I would take it if I was not here. So, can we put um after board member maybe in parentheses put the superintendent and board members um as individuals or >> uh oneon-one something like u superintendent and board members commit to open dialogue one-on-one, >> but it's more than one-on-one. We're talking about whether you guys are talking to him >> either in the DAS or in one. So yes, >> collectively and or one-on-one with the superintendent. >> Collectively or oneonone? >> Collectively. Yeah. >> Uh superintendent Artega, your thoughts. >> I'm fine. Whatever the board consensus is. >> I'm actually fine the way it reads. I mean to me it's it's the communication that I as an individual have with superintendent Ortega and the communication that us as board members have with him whether
062again whether it's individual or as a group because it is about that dialogue or the communication with him whether it's individual or as a group I I I think that's that that's the intent of that to cover all those areas right connected to the superintendent um so for me it's fine like that but So if we feel that we need to add more to it and I'm not sure if maybe if we delete this does that make more sense >> I think when it says with one another dialogue with one another that maybe I like the superintendent and the board members committed to open dialogue that's it yeah and not the >> that that sounds good >> like that >> and and just to respond to that well for me I think we have a
063great communication us board members >> and the uh superintendent, he's always um open for discussion and we text him, call him or what have you, he will call you within the hour sometimes, you know. Um I mean that's my experience, you know, right? And um >> yeah, and I agree actually striking that out. >> Yeah. >> It's just straight to the point. >> Yeah. Open dialogue period. That's it. Yeah. you want to ask? >> No, I'm fine with it. I think I was um kind of read it reading it like a board clerk Ramos had indicated. It's just to me I was thinking collectively and anyways. So, and that's fine striking that out. >> Okay. So, we have consensus on that. >> Thank you. Um are there any of the other bullets? And I'll give
064you a a couple of minutes to look through those to see if there's anything else. I know number four, uh, our vice president just said that's that one we know is not an issue. >> Yeah. Number five. Are we okay with that? Are we doing good on that one? We are adhering to that. >> Okay, that's that's one I always am going to ask about no matter what. Um just because yeah, >> we got to make sure that that doesn't happen. >> And I think on number six, um >> you can hear I just want to make sure that we keep our community in the loop. >> Yeah. >> That the governance handbook can be viewed on um online for anyone that's watching as well. >> Okay. >> I was just going to move on
065number six. I think number six is just the superintendent can answer that cuz I don't know if he gets surprises or not. I mean, you know what I'm saying? I mean, I it's individual, man. I I don't know. >> Are they doing well in that? >> So, he would have to. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. So, we're just taking that one part out and the rest is okay. >> Yeah. That was easy. >> Okay. Maintaining confidentiality. Um, have we had any any issues in that area? any concerns where you feel like the the current bullets there or the current numbers there listed are need to be >> more clearly defined or are they okay? >> I think they're clearly defined. In fact, I I want to just, you know, compliment ourselves because I think we we're
066very tight tight lipped and um I mean because obviously there would be, you know, some kind of confrontation or things like that, but that's one of the things I think that we really respect each other and the confidentiality as board members. As long as I've been here, I haven't seen any problems. >> Okay. And and I I do agree with you. I know that there's been tough decisions that this district has had to make. And especially during times when you're making those tough decisions, confidentiality is that's is like the key to being able to get things done. And so I'm glad that the Brown Act is in full effect and that you guys are all adhering to it. So no changes here. Great. Thank you. Okay. So, in this area, we do have one suggestion
067um by Superintendent Ortega on number three. >> Yeah. So, >> I'm sorry. Is it number three? >> It is. Um, so my suggestion, what you look at right now, number three, where it says the board president, superintendent are the official spokespersons of for the district, that was buted up with number two, and I'm just suggesting that we make it its own number. That's it. So, in the current handbook, this number three right here is actually part of this number two. And it just makes more sense to me. It looks cleaner for it to be its own number. That's it. Okay. >> We have consensus. >> I think I'm I'm good with that. Okay. Um, as you look at some of the other things there, any questions, concerns? And you can take a minute. We good.
068Colleagues, any concerns? >> No. Okay. So, that area is okay with the change of adding a new number three. Okay. Next. How about handling concerns of the board? Is everyone doing following this protocol with getting information? And I see superintendants nodding. So that's always a good thing, especially in this area. So you're okay. I just want to say that um I know that when we have some concerns, you know, from parents or the public in my tenure here, what I've noticed is uh if if we get a concern, we forward it to the superintendent and from what I see from the superintendent and staff is that they they try to address it right away and and try to handle it at the lowest level as indicated here. Um, and I have yet to see any
069situation escalate. And what I appreciate is the fact that um, we they jump on it right away and and you know are very um, communicative with the parent or the public. >> Thank you. I'm sure um, Superintendent Ortega can pass that that compliment on to staff as well. um because it is important because if they don't it not only reflects on the on you but as a board member who they trusted and came to but it reflects on the district as a whole. So the fact that it's being taken care of in a in a very timely manner is uh very positive for the the district overall. Thank you. And you know when I do have concerns may be a staff member or even a parent and I do tell them that I'm going to
070speak to the superintendent about so they don't think that I'm just telling him something that they told me and and he'll say you know didn't have the number. I'll give him a call or you know what's the best way to communicate but I let them know that I will I will talk to the superintendent about it. So, so they know it's not like they're telling me a secret and I'm telling him, but he should know cuz there certain things that he can handle that >> that I can't do. But that is also our protocol is to pass it to the superintendent, not for me to go to the principal and talk to him or anybody else >> right now. Pop quiz. What do you do when someone comes with a a complaint or a concern
071to you and they tell you this whole story and then they say you say, "Okay, I'm going to talk to the superintendent about it." No, I don't want you to do anything or say anything. How do you respond? Well, h how do they expect the matter to get taken care of? I'm one person. I tell I'm one person only 20% of a vote or however you come to the board meeting, get your three minutes of fame. My colleagues are here. the cabinet and superintendent's here and that's how things can get taken care of, right? And oh, okay, then you could tell them >> and if they and if they still insist, no, you can't tell them. >> I've never had that situation in my >> Anybody want to take a guess? >> Trusty had it.
072>> I I I did have a situation where a parent um did not want to disclose who they were. And so they didn't they didn't want me to tell him any information except that this needed to get resolved. And he's like, "Well, I need an email." And I was like, "Well, they're not wanting to." And the the the parent was just really scared. Um I think superintendent. No, no. You know, but the one thing that I appreciate about um Mr. Turo Ortega is that even though the parent did not come forth, he did look into it and he he did what he, you know, if it needed to be addressed because I didn't hear back from this parent. So, you know, the parent refused um that was okay, but I one thing that I know
073for a fact is that the superintendent will still look into it. can't give the person, you know, a response since there was no email or telephone number. Um, but I from my understanding, I guess it got resolved because we didn't hear I didn't hear back from that parent. >> Good. >> Yeah. >> And the one thing that you have to remember is in your case it worked out because it was something that he could still look into. If you do have those situations where an individual comes and tells you all these things and says, "But nope, nope. I don't want you to do anything. Nope, I'm not getting involved. Don't say anything. You know, don't use my name or anything. remind them that how can I help you if you won't you know provide let
074me talk to the superintendent about this or how can I help you if I can't you know reach back out to you or the superintendent can't reach out to you for additional or staff reach out to you for additional information because sometimes I don't think that they fully understand that that you want to have the superintendent or staff get back to them or get the additional information that they need so that they can address the concern. So, make sure you let them know that part of it as well. But yeah, you guys are doing great. Okay. So, we're good on handling concerns. Okay. What about board meeting prep the prior to the board meeting? And we kind of talked about this a little bit earlier. um about asking questions and this was one that um
075years back this was this one was a challenge and I know we've made progress. Are we still doing well on this one? >> Let me ask the superintendent. Are we still doing well on this one? >> Yeah. Um I think um we haven't had an instance like when a board member says I want to pull this item without notifying myself first and then that allows me then to uh notify hope so she's ready to mechanically do it allows me to notify the president whoever's presiding uh and then but more importantly I think it also allows us to be prepared and ready because most of the time the intent is that the community has like some kind of benefit uh and it's hard to provide that benefit if we don't know what's what's what's coming and
076then they get the answer but the community doesn't get the answer. >> Absolutely. Thank you. I Yes, you hit the nail on the head and when anytime I teach a MIG a masters and governance workshop that's one of the things that I always tell individuals is that an asking questions in advance isn't like you know going around the community. It's making sure the community gets the an the full answer because then during that discussion at board meeting it will be said publicly and if it's not for any reason then you can ask that question and they're prepared to answer it but if you don't ask in advance and I know sometimes things come up in discussion where you think of a question and you ask it at that time and that's fine that's please do
077that but if there's questions you have you know in advance and you don't ask ask them in advance then they may not have the data with them to fully answer the question and then nobody gets the information but you. So it doesn't benefit the public. I know people will always some trustees will say well you know I I just want to make sure the public hears it and gets the answer. That's the best way to make sure they get the answer is to let the superintendent know, hey this this is a question the community wants to know so that it comes out. Otherwise, they may say, "Oh, I don't have that with me. I'll send it in the Friday packet." Well, you got it, but the community didn't. So, always remember that. Thank you. >>
078No, I just I just wanted to to make a comment on that. Um, and I think, um, Superintendent Te does a real good job of kind of poking us a couple days after the board packet and to, you know, if you need anything, I'm using this on a Monday and I know that I take advantage of that. So, as I'm going through the information, I always, you know, that that kind of triggers me to there's anything that I need to bring up, you know, prior to to the meeting or just for discussion. So, I think that's a good practice that he's that he's had, I'm assuming, for a while now, right? um that it it it helps me to okay there is going to be a time where I can ask questions so I got
079to you know prepare myself and this is a time to ask a question although you know at any time I can give him a call and you know off that time too so he he really makes it really easy for us to to comply with this part of it right so and I think we we've done a great job >> um at least the time that I've been here so >> right thank you for sharing that okay so we're good with prior to board meeting. I'm happy about that one. So, board meetings and here um there's a suggestion by Superintendent Ortega. Uh yes. Uh so I'm suggesting that we strike out um the first part of number one because we say the same exact thing in number two. So it see feels redundant to have
080it in both places. Um so that's just a suggestion. >> Okay. So, we're all good with that one. I'll give you a few minutes to look over the other ones to see if you have any questions, concerns. And I know number three, we talked a little bit about at the beginning of the meeting about respecting um one another's opinions when they differ from ours. How are we doing on number eight? >> I'm sorry. Right now I only have one uh two, three, and four. >> Oh, you only have two, three, and four up. Okay. Any any questions on those? Two, three, and four. >> I just want to reemphasize number four. that uh important for us to remember um right to be respectful of one another uh presenters, attendees and recognize the impact of comments
081and tone made in public towards one another. Um it's really important that we treat each other with respect if we have right I just want to remind us that if we do have an issue it's important and this is I guess where I would like to ask you that um u and I would like to let my colleagues know I have a new number um so if you tried calling my old number I apologize I have not given you my new number so um I think it is important for us to dialogue you know we're adults and Um, I I think uh it, you know, it is important. Like for example, I've known Yolanda now long enough and being able to cooperate with her. I don't agree with everything she says. I don't agree with
082her boat sometimes, right? >> But I'm not going to take it personal or she suggests something and I'm just giving her an example since I've worked with her on the board, >> you know, where she talks or she says something to me and I'm like, "What?" you know, I don't address it right there at the board meeting or give her attitude. I make sure that I'm like, "Hey, can I can I talk to you later?" You know, >> or I'm just saying, for example, >> I want to know the example because I don't recall what you're saying. >> Oh, no. She up an example. >> I'm making up an example. I'm just making up an example. >> I'm with you. >> I got you. Sometimes the way we come to you know to the meetings
083you know I may say something or but it's it's not just reminding ourselves that you know what if we someone says something or whatnot or if we want to call the attention of someone you know just not because the public feeds off us >> right and it's important that we watch what we say when we're on the dis and I'm just speaking in general I'm not you know It's important and I've learned that um through the last couple years, right? A lot of this uh board bylaws, I'll tell you guys, were not here prior. We we went >> and they weren't. Yeah, >> they weren't. A lot of this is because of things that have happened, right? And um Angela came at the right time to be able to to help us produce this. Um,
084and so I I just want to be mindful and just in general, you know, just be mindful if we're upset at one another, just remember every relationship has an, you know, we'll have an argument. We may not agree even in your with your marriages or with your kids, right? You must be lucky. >> Mr. Ramos, you're lucky. You just say yes, ma'am. >> See, you keep the wife happy. That's right. That's right, Mr. Ramos, you got a good one here. Um, but just a reminder, right, that that everything has a a a solution and I think we're all levelheaded here on our board that we're able to you know what I I don't agree with you, but I'm not going to get I'm going to talk to you right after. you know this is the
085dis and it stays at the dis and we do have a personal um you know like maybe I said something to somebody and and they took it a way that maybe I didn't I didn't mean to say it that way. It's it's important to address it and not harbor feelings to the next meeting and so forth. And I I just want to open up I guess that communication towards one another. Um and I gave you an example but it wasn't like a real example. I'm just saying that there's been times where I've said something or you know you've said something and we'll let the day go by day or two later she'll call me like, "Hey, can we talk?" And it's it's important to do that because we hash it out. We're done. Okay, I
086I I see how I hurt you or I see what I said. Um could have taken that way or vice versa. Um, but I think it's important to hash that out because we can sit here for another year until election comes. Right. And I'm speaking for the ones that are going to be running again. And actually, there's two of us. Um, >> oh no, he's Oh, yeah. >> Right. Right. There's two of us here on the dis. Right. Um, we have to work with each other, right? Just like Mr. Ramos says he doesn't have any arguments, right? But I'm sure you know what in every relationship you That's right. I think you should teach the next uh the next couple's therapy session. The woman's always right. Um but you know, in in reality, I mean,
087it's important. There's been times where the super, you know, I have some something to say about the super that I'm not okay with. You know, I'm not going to say it in front of everybody, but I will schedule a time like, "Hey, can we talk? Hey, I wasn't okay with this. this is how it made me feel and this is the way I perceived it and then this is real >> and he will say you know with all due respect I viewed it this way or you know and it may be similar or it may be a little different because sometimes the way we perceive things may not be the reality of it. So the dialogue is important. I see you smiling Angela. >> Oh no I keep talking. I'm listening. >> Okay. I just
088you made me think of a quote that I want to pull out. >> Awesome. Awesome. Yeah. And I'm just extending that to to my colleagues, you know, that um um to have open dialogue and to be able to to address what needs to be addressed here and then out, you know, and that way we can just hash it out, work together. And I think we we work really well together regardless of, you know, if if one stands alone or or whatnot, however we vote, we vote, you know, after that it's back. we're back. It's just a vote, right? And we go with the majority and that's that. >> So, this this quote is very timely. It says, "Every time we assume we know what someone's true intent was behind their actions, we miss out on
089the opportunity to uncover the truth. Maybe your assumption is correct, but you'll never know until you have a conversation." And that's one of the things and that all of you can attest to um with the board here that I have said a gazillion times is that so many things can be addressed just by a simple one-on-one conversation. And um so just just to respond real briefly to what you just said and thank you for that is number one um you do have to be willing to talk. You do have to be willing to have a conversation. If you have a disagreement with somebody that you know you feel like you know this is bothering me. Don't let it fester. Have a conversation. Get it out the way. If you feel like like you and one
090other person can't have a conversation together, the superintendent can meet with the two people and have the conversation or be there to mediate the conversation when it takes place. Um the other part of that though that I want to say is that once the conversation takes place and Okay. Yes. Okay. I understand. Okay. Thank you. Feel better now. Don't keep bringing it up again. whatever the issue was because then that just restarts the whole fire again. So that's something that has to not occur. Um once you've said, "Okay, I accept this. Yes, I understand. Okay, I understand." You may still not agree, but you've had a conversation. You come to a consensus of either, you know, you don't agree, but you're okay with it, we're cool, or maybe we're not cool, but we can work
091together. Whatever way it is, just don't keep bringing it back up. That's something that has um happened a lot and we want to make sure that that that goes away. And then um don't expect others to have the same feelings about um something being an issue because sometimes like you were saying, we may say something and or somebody says something and you take it one way that intent and but they didn't mean it that way and so they don't understand why you're mad. Um and then it gets all blown up and we have to talk it out again. so that clarity can be had and you can move on because you do have to work together as a governance team. >> Can I just rephrase? You said make it go away. Instead of making it
092go away, can we address it and resolve it and move on? >> Resolve it and move on. I like that better. Thank you. >> Resolve it and keep going. >> Yes. Yes. And that's what you have to do. So, thank you for bringing that up. And um hopefully now we'll move on and we won't have to come back to that one again. Any other ones up there? >> I just have a suggestion to strike out uh number five. It seems out of place. It doesn't seem like a protocol. I mean, we calendar study sessions every December, right? >> Um because everything else is what the board's going to be doing, what the superintendent is going to be doing, the what the president's going to be doing. Uh so it just seems out of place to
093me. It seemed to just kind of be weird stuck right there in the middle. Um I I would like to keep it maybe in another place ju just for future reference. Um, I know Superintendent Ortega like is probably redundant, but there was a point where I've been here on this DAS and we didn't have any study sessions for like for a while. And so that's I >> that's why it's there to just to remind the board and to remind the superintendent um, hey, the study sessions need to be scheduled because they they weren't being scheduled. we were not having these conversations. Um there were like three of them or something like that and that's why that was put on there. >> So just leave it here. >> Any other comments on this? >> I I
094think we should put it in in maybe where the calendar is at. There's a calendar on here, right? >> Um I thought I saw one here. >> Yeah, there's I was looking. Maybe where the calendar's at might be great. Uh but you're right because it doesn't fit into this discussion here does not >> the meeting dates. Yeah, we have a calendar back here. >> Oh, there's a calendar. Yes. >> So maybe >> but he would just every year and you wouldn't know like he wouldn't know what to put on here until the calendar is developed for that year. Maybe just making a notation at the bottom or something or >> an aster or something. >> Oh, of the actual calendar. Oh, I see. Yes. Okay, understood. >> Yeah. >> So, strike it out of number
095five. Yeah. >> And then now moving forward on our calendars, put an asterisk at the bottom and put that. Okay. Great. I love it. >> It's a reminder. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> Okay. So, let me make a notation here. No, I think we >> Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. Mhm. Okay. Any others under that section of board meetings? I just want to do I do want to pinpoint um number eight where you say board members will attempt to be ready to begin meeting at least 5 minutes prior to the board meeting start time. Um, just please remember that and I know things happen. I I'm a commuter myself, so I know like sometimes traffic. Yeah. Um, but please remember that the public is here. They want, you know, to have
096everything start on time. They expect the board to be present to be ready to go and they expect that, you know, their area will be represented by their trustee when that first um item on the agenda for a vote comes up. And so if you're not here, then they're not they're feeling like they're not represented. So please, please, please, and I do understand things come up, but please, you know, plan accordingly. T Vice President. >> Yeah. So, what I like to say to that I I I really think that it should say seven minutes prior for the reason is that we're in close session, right? And um you know, a lot of us need to go to the restroom before we come in. And and I also, you know, so you think about you lose
097five minutes, you still got to go to the restroom. You still got to come in. I personally don't I don't like running in when people are all sitting here. you're running in and you're getting your papers and you're putting your computer, you're doing all this kind of stuff, you know, it's rushing and people are looking at you and they're like, you know, geez, I I I just think the time just maybe seven minutes so that you could stop. Well, the board president is in charge of the close session. So, they have to monitor the timing, right? And us also should be respectful of knowing what our timing so we're not talking so much or asking too many questions. We can always come back to close session. That that's we can always do that. We don't
098have to keep talking and talking either. So I I I think it should be seven minutes prior to So we're all sitting here. People are here and we're sit up and we're ready to go right there. >> I hear you. I don't think that putting seven minutes versus five minutes would make a difference. >> Well, I'll say 10 minutes. I really was thinking 10 minutes. Well, what I think what I think makes the difference is what you pointed out is to end close session in enough time. I think that's the the point is ending close session, >> right, >> to give trustees time to go to the restroom and then come to the DES and get settled in. So, um, yeah, I'm I mean, honestly, I didn't even think like having the five minute thing
099there was was uh good, but I just think that you got close session about close. >> Yeah, >> I I I want to chime in here. I think that because sometimes during close session we kind of lose track of time depending on how heavy the agenda is or if there's a particular topic where >> we're all kind of deliberating on it and giving feedback. >> So we do lose track of time and then we are running in like vice board president Rodri has indicated. So, I really appreciate maybe making it a 10-minute because I mean sometimes we have a full room in here and it is difficult to get past the door, believe it or not. >> And um this just allows us more time, you know, that we whoever the president is, that we
100make sure that we're the monitoring the time and that other board members are being respectful that we need to move. So, is it just real quick, let me ask a quick question so I don't forget. Is putting 10 minutes here going to change how you act in close session? >> Well, it would remind that we should end >> because you just said that people don't watch the time that you don't watch the time properly. >> Yes. But because it would remind the board president that we should stop 10 minutes prior. Maybe me, maybe her, maybe who whoever else comes afterwards. >> Okay, I think we're addressing two different things. >> Okay, I think and please, I just need clarification. So, are we speaking prior to the close session meeting or are we speaking a >>
101after the close session meeting when we come into our regular board meeting? Because I'm hearing after, right? But I heard you, Angela. I I heard you. I don't know if I'm incorrect. >> Go ahead and say what you think. So to kind of squash all that and from what I'm hearing from my colleagues, I I I would um I instead of will attempt >> I I would like to to actually address the board members will be ready to begin the the um the regular regular um open session open session meeting um 10 minutes prior to the board meeting start time. And I I don't know how you guys feel about it, but I I you know, I don't know if it should be uh the clerk, right? Keeping time because the clerk is the one
102in charge of the signatures, keeping the you know, make sure or the vice president. What do you guys think? Maybe one person can be the timekeeper. That way they know that that person right on the whoever it is is that person who's always going to put like, "Okay, timer at 6:50. We got to stop whatever we're doing because you guys are right coming in when we have an influx of um you know squeezing through it. It's it's really hard for us to get up here because sometime there was the one time where they were all there. I had to I had to ask excuse me I have to get through and they looked at me like who are you? I'm the board member. >> I'm supposed to be sitting up there. >> I'm supposed to
103be they're like oh you know and so it it has been a couple times. So I would suggest um striking will attend and and uh board members uh will um where am I? Number eight. >> Uh board members will be ready to begin the meeting at um instead of at least let's make itative and just say at 10 minutes prior. So that way it's set that whoever the board president is, clerk or vice president who you agree with um who you would like to to um you to designate the the time watcher so that way we always end 10 minutes prior and if we do need to come back >> I don't mind taking that task on. I'm good on attendance. >> Okay. So >> that's my specialty. >> Board President, I think you have
104a a >> you have somebody a volunteer. >> Yeah. No, I think I think though we are just going back I think we are talking about two different things >> and maybe we need to add a close session piece in there only because >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Because >> during after close session we come back and sometimes the room is even it's like beyond right >> beyond. So, and then we have to just for for purposes of keeping time, you know, within our board uh close session discussion and being mindful of everyone's because we also want to be able to give everyone a chance and opportunity to speak on each item. But maybe coming back from like ending close session, you know, early on 10 minutes so that that gives us enough time to
105walk in >> and and begin the open session meeting. So I think we need to add a bullet in there if you will if my >> colle one close session ending or something like that. >> Now back up superintendent there's part that doesn't make sense. I thought we were going to change number eight. >> Oh, I see what you're saying because it doesn't state whether it's >> close session like um we had what I just suggested right now because it looks like >> we're talking about coming into regular >> the regular board meeting at seven, >> right? But if he adds if you add number nine the way superintendent Artega just put it and then on number eight take out attempt and um >> Oh yeah I like nine. Yes. >> And then just put
106um board members will be ready to begin um open session. You want to say open session >> or board just or just leave it at meeting? >> I think open session >> 10 minutes prior to the board meeting start time. >> I'm lost. what you >> Oh, I think you should say open session because you say board meeting already down there in the second part of number eight. So, if you say board members will be ready to begin uh open session at least 10 minutes prior to the board meeting start time. >> Yes, that makes sense. >> And I and I think I think the the dissonance is okay. Is number eight about you have to be here at 5:25, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Right. Number eight is about what time does the board
107meeting start? at seven. Let's just pretend, well, you have to be here five minutes beforehand, >> right? That's not about between close session and open session, >> right? >> But then I hearing that there's a need to put like a number nine to be here on time. >> Right. So, so eight is about just being on time whenever the board meeting starts 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Nine will now be about giving enough time in between close session so that board members can be ready for open session. >> So, do you think that nine should be eight and nine? Seven, eight, nine. >> So, do you think you you should switch them eight, you know? So, we end the we end the close session 10 minutes and then >> to be at our seats in five
108minutes. >> Can you switch or what do you think? I don't know. >> Eight is about being on time >> when we get here to start prior to close session. >> Yeah. >> Should I put prior to close session? Board members. Right. >> No, I I I don't think you need to do that because this applies more to >> just your meetings are more than just um close uh meetings where you have close session. Like you didn't have close session today, did you? >> Right. >> Exactly. So >> there's more than just the traditional board meeting. You have your study sessions. Um you have uh events where you do like awards like it's just a board meeting for awards or sometimes >> we have session during the awards. So though we do >> yeah and
109we do come in >> I still am advocating to remove the word attempt number eight. >> Oh so board members will be ready. >> Yes I agree. Yeah, we'll be ready not to attempt attempt cuz maybe you should or maybe should >> be like that. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> And then you wanted five minutes or 10 minutes >> on the first one >> on number eight? >> Five minutes. >> I I mean I'm okay with five with the beginning, you know, when we get here the five minutes. It's after the close session. I think that's >> Yeah. Okay. So then that then number nine is fine where it is because >> you open the meeting, you go to close session, then you guys are saying that's where the issue comes in at. >> Yes.
110>> Okay. But you have a timekeeper now. >> Yes. >> We all heard it. We all heard it. I wrote it down. >> Okay. Anything else under board meeting section? Um, I would just like to remind I guess our our board, I think we just added this last year, number 10. Um, in the event of agenda items that draw a large number of attendees, the board president may at their discretion call for a fivem minute recess to allow attendees to exit before the board of education proceeds with regular business. A staff will assist with clearing of the room during the five minute recess. Right. That was a newer one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, so I have I have a question on this because I think it came up before >> and one of
111the things is when we say staff, are we are we talking the cabinet who's here or just every all staff who's here? >> Okay. >> Usually if you notice Mr. and Mr. they they'll walk towards the crowd, right? this day is kind of like move >> but they do they get they walk that way then they start going on a >> and um and and I guess our attendees don't don't know that we can still hear them when they're outside and the and so I think this is why we we did this um >> and usually someone from cabinet or will go out and say hey you guys you know can you keep it down some or no he does Okay. All right. So, can we move on? Are we good to move on? >>
112Okay. So, the FAQ and superintendent has a suggestion for number two, but look at number one first and then go to number two. >> Under board member role in public. Um, it talks about alerting the superintendent. So, just so that it aligns, I'm making a recommendation that we add, yes, it's a good practice that they alert the site administrator and the superintendent just so it it aligns. And then on number one, um I know when we discussed this one, um we had quite the conversation, but u just remember if you do go to any bargaining unit member meetings, um don't say anything, anything you say can and will be used against you on a sign, on a post, in an email, on a flyer. Um, so yeah. >> So, so pretty much number one is
113saying just be be a fly on the wall. >> Basically, that's my advice. >> Yeah, >> my strong advice. >> So, you guys are okay with the change for number two? >> Yep. >> Okay. Okay, we can go to numbers three and four. More suggestions. >> Yes. Uh so I am suggesting that we strike out number three because it's addressed in number four. But number four, the way it is currently written is in conflict with our board bylaw 9322. >> Oh. So, so we have to resolve this conflict one way or the other. So, we either have to change this so that it addresses with board bylaw 9322 or we have to change board bylaw 9322 to align to to this. >> Could you please pick um put up board bylaw so we can you
114explain what is what Yes. >> Yes. So the conflicts. >> Yeah. >> So according to this this protocol, it said board members may request that an issue be agendaized by making a request to the board president or superintendent prior to a board meeting andor at a board meeting. So far, no conflict. Board bylaw 9322 says if you want an agenda item, reach out to the superintendent or board president. The conflict comes with the next sentence. According to this, the item will be placed for discussion at a subsequent board meeting and staff will prepare an appropriate back uh background. So, the way this reads to me, you ask, any board member asks for a board agenda item to be put, then automatically gets put on the agenda. The board bylaw does not stipulate that. The board
115bylaw stipulates that once that request comes, the board president and the superintendent uh will discuss that item and decide if it fits on the next agenda item or three future agenda items or it it's just doesn't fit right now. So that board agenda item is not going to go. Now, if the agenda item doesn't go, that board member does have a recourse and that recourse is I'm the board member. I ask board president, hey, I would like an agenda item to change the water on the dis, right? We want better water, whatever that is. The board president and the superintendent say, "No, we're not going to I mean, we're not going to bring that aboard agenda item. It makes no sense. We're not going to bring it." So then I get notified, hey FYI, the
116the request that you have for the board aged item, it's not going to get on the board. The recourse is I can then say, well, you don't want to put it on there. I'm I want my colleagues to decide, should we place that item? And so then the board will decide, should we place that item, yes or no. That's the recourse. But this doesn't follow that. So yeah, yes, I I think that they're saying two different things and um I don't think it should be up to one board member that wants something in the agenda. I believe it should be consensus of the board or the consensus of the board uh president and the superintendent and not just by one board member that wants to change the water blue. And the consensus also comes in
117with a discussion, you know, why or why not? because it's it's interesting to know why people say yes or why and then because I may also come in thinking one thing and if someone else convince me otherwise on okay you know you're right you know maybe we shouldn't you not just because I want it shouldn't be what because I want it should be let's talk about it and if we all agree it let's do this and if we don't all agree then we don't all agree >> right I I have um question a comment The reason that this was added to to to our uh what do you call it to our protocols, right? was because there there there were a board members on the dis that would request something to be put on the
118board agenda and the president would say no and would not bring it to the dis >> and that happened many times where um it got to the point where the board members were frustrated and said you know what we're an equal vote Therefore, if we bring this discussion to a board meeting, we're still discussing and still voting on it. So, why why do we u not allow right someone to bring something to the agenda if you know um we can then have the discussion and then vote do we pass it or or we don't. um being able to give that right I I feel to a board member to say hey you know what board president I would like to bring this to the agenda or you know superintendent um I would like to continue
119doing that so is there a way way that we can make it match and keep this to give more voice right the 20% that we have on this dis >> if I may so so right now >> that there is in in the board bylaw there is a I don't know if the word protection but there is an out right if a board member says I'd like to add an agenda item to change the color blue and the and the board president superintendent say that's not really an appropriate item so no we're not going to put it on there that board member their recourse is that that item they say well I'm not satisfied with a no. I want that item to come to the board for discussion to be placed on an agenda. So
120the the actual agenda item doesn't get placed, >> but there's a discussion so that the board can decide, >> okay, board Arianis, >> her request was denied because she wants to turn the water blue and we don't think that's an agenda item. the board has a conversation and then the board decides yes, let's put that agenda item on a future agenda or no that that's that's not a that's not an agenda item that we need to be discussed. So there is a recourse for the board member if the board agenda item gets denied >> vice president >> and and I also wanted to state that um and the reason I said the board president and the superintendent because they set the agenda and they may have other things that are may be more important whatever
121the issue is and you cannot guarantee you're going to get it like that next meeting or even five meetings. I mean, it depends what's really going on, how our district has been changing. There's so many other things that we need to be looking at and we need to bring forward before we bring turn the water blue, >> you know. So, um, again, I don't I don't think it should be up to one board member. I think it should be up to the superintendent and the president um if they're going to bring it forward. And yes, again, we'll have a discussion about it. But I feel when they feel it's valid, when they when it fits into our agenda, you know, cuz you set the agenda, you just don't you try to minimize it. >> Right.
122And and sometimes we have long, you know, have a lot of awards. We have a lot of things going on. But that's why I feel that the superintendent and the board, they know the agenda more than we do. We get it, but they said it. >> Clerk Ramos. >> Yeah. Just going back to that second part of that um paragraph there where um Superintendent Tego mentioned that it doesn't align. Um to me it just makes it simple to have to have that change so that it aligns with the with the bylaws and I think everything else that we're talking about kind of falls into that. >> Yeah, it kind of means the same thing, >> right? I mean I >> could you elaborate on what's the change? I just want to I don't know what
123the change what you're >> what he's suggesting is that he said that that second part that the item will be placed that that is going to conflict with the bylaw. So why what wouldn't it be simple to just whatever verbiage is in the bylaw make it match because it's talking about the exact same thing. Another suggestion and um is that a board members may request an item uh to be agendaized uh per board bylaw 9322 and then just put a link to board bylaw 9322. >> Perfect. >> Yeah. >> And then we know what exactly it lands because it refers to it instead of trying to >> there's a hyperlink directly to it. >> Right. I I I'm sorry but I I do want to share my opinion. I I actually disagree with that. Um
124you know I I really think it's important. So, for example, if a board member asks the board president, hey, I would like to put this on the agenda, right? Um, I I think that we speak with our vote. That's just way too it's we we only meet once a month. And this is why I I still have, you know, an issue with this because we only meet once a month, right? And, you know, it's important that by the time that um we want something on the agenda, it's going to be two, three months. >> Yeah. And sometimes we need to be able to write align it with say um something on the it uh something on the agenda is for example um let's just say for sports or something. Well it's the next agenda. So
125I want you know if I as a board member would like to speak about that it's the next time around the next meeting let's say in February. So I I think we should be given an opportunity to put it on on that. So in word in a way where we we you know um where we can um and and that's still my my suggestion. >> I don't I don't think this would happen, right? But let's play this out. Um again just to offer a different perspective um if I andor the president whoever the president is gets 12 >> and I say I don't think this is going to happen. I'm just I'm just trying to future proof this. Right. 12 agenda item requests and then we have our regular agenda item. Right? That's >> important.
126>> That's number one. Number two, another one. Again, how do how do we again I don't think this will happen, but again, right now we're talking about five board members. We don't know if different board members will be on the board of just having agenda items that don't seem to fit with the business of the board. >> And now because of this, we're saying, well, it has to be on the board because per this we're saying it has to be on there. So just a different things to consider if if you just allow any any board member at any time to request any agenda. It's just just a different perspective. That's all. >> Um just going back to my earlier point. Um if we're going to change this here, doesn't this have to align with
127with the bylaws? Because otherwise it's still going to be a conflict. So, we would have to bring Are we rewriting the bylaws or are we >> making a modification here or both? >> You would have to redo the bylaw first. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Right. That's my point. >> So, I I would suggest that we do the bylaw first. So, that way >> let's finish the discussion about this because I'm hearing different opinions um on it. I can tell you there there are some concerns looking at this from um a governance perspective and I totally hear you and I remember uh when when that happened. Um, but I think that this I think that this governance team is in a different place where if there's something that is of interest to a board member to
128have agenda that having a conversation with the superintendent even just saying, "Hey, can I talk to you? Hey, this happened with the sports program and um I think we need to take action on this and and can we get this on the agenda? And here's why I say this because it may be something that maybe the superintendent and cabinet weren't even aware about and it's something like that's happening. Oh no, we can take care of that right away. No need to put it on the agenda. Or it could be uh that's happening. Oh my goodness, you're right. the board needs to talk about this to see what we can do like let's say if it's funding related see what we can do you know well let me you know look at the talk to my
129pe my staff and see what we can you know how we can arrange this and then yes we can put that on the agenda I don't think that this board now is a board that would try to block somebody from putting things on the agenda but I totally agree with superintendent Ortega is that are the things that's going to be requested fall under the the purview of the board because if not that's that's not something that should be agendaized for a board meeting. >> So remember this is the meeting of the board held in public. So the meeting of the board to take care of the board's business. So, if it's not something that's under the purview of the board, it should not be on the agenda. I'm sorry. Go ahead. I I think that
130everybody on the board um including people who have come in understand that they're not going to put 12 items for new agenda items and they're not going to ask for, you know what, um we're we're going to go ahead and uh do a two-tier parking. And this is what I'm suggesting, right? The real reality of it, okay? And I'm going to I'm going to stand firm and what I'm saying is that we all get a 20%. Right? It is important because we do meet once a month. We don't meet every other week. And that is why I'm suggesting that we do write the board bylaw and bring it to to our board because it gives us the flexibility, right, to be able to to bring something forth. And what um what you just said right
131now, I I think and I want to emphasize this that I I with all due respect, but the decision should be made by the board and I am suggesting that we align it with board bylaw. I'm sorry that we do not that we align the board bylaw 9322 to this for us to be able to keep bringing stuff up to the board and not wait two three months for it to get on the board. So what you'll have to do, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you will have to agendize. You'll have to agendaize a discussion >> about changing the board bylaw and then it will be again up to the vote as to whether or not that you know that the whole board wants that bylaw changed. So the irony
132there is funny to me but that you have to agendaize it. So but just but in all seriousness so that would be your step >> if you um it would have to be agendaized to have a discussion about changing you can't do that tonight. It's not agendaized. You can't >> I understand. >> Okay. Oh I thought you were going to say I'd like to I was like no don't do that. Okay. I'm sorry. >> Go ahead. No, I'm good. >> Okay. Um but that's something now that um you can talk to the president and the superintendent to say, "Hey, you know, I have an interest that we agendaize, you know, the possibility of changing board bylaw 9322." And then it'll go on the agenda. You'll have your discussion. You guys will vote on whether or
133not to change that. And then you move forward. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Um, I do remember um now what I was going to say. Um, I I would just like I understand that we're going backwards and it's something that not it's not done, >> but we're we're the board. I if we all collectively, right, or not all collectively, even if there's like three or or four and maybe I don't agree with something like if if if it's something that brings equity to to the board, right? are 20%. We have to be able to to have that freedom to do that and um and so I understand that you know the superintendent like you mentioned well he knows well he does and we do go to him but at the end of it all
134it's the board who makes the decision and I want to bring it back to >> but you make your decision based off of the information provided by the superintendent and cabinet as well. Oh, >> and and I I understand what you're saying, but we're also team with the superintendent. We we do stand alone. That's true. And and we do hire our superintendent, but go back to the beginning. We talk about being a team team player working together. So, we should work together with the superintendent and not X amount and saying it's just up to the board. >> I think that um we're deviating from what we're trying to do here. Um, this is just about making looking at the handbook and making any corrections on that. It just turns out that this part of it
135is linked to the bylaws. So, let's decide if we're going to leave this as is right now because later on we might go to the bylaws or if we're going to have them align with the bylaws for right now and when we change the bylaws if we think it's going to automatically go to that. I mean, it's seems like a very strict. >> Yes. >> And in the order that it should go, not trying to check this if it's not going to align with the with the with the bylaws, which it should align with the bylaws. >> Right. And you're absolutely right. And then, trustee Arianis, then what you would do is um ask to have that agenda for a discussion to for the possibility of changing the board bylaw. So going back to what
136board clerk said, you need to decide right now for now until you have that discussion and make a decision. What do you all want to do? Do you want to change it with the link? Do you want to leave it? What do you want to do? I would like to leave it as it is and be, you know, and if and the agenda item, you know, bring back at the time um when it is agendaized to be able to go ahead and speak about board bylaw 9322. >> You want to pull your board? >> I I'm going to go back to the same thing. If we just check so it matches the link, make it simple regardless of what we do with the with the bylaw. It's always going to link to bylaw. So if
137we go back and make the check, this is already done for that. We don't have to come back again to this, right? I'm I'm just kind of think thinking through it kind of logically, but I don't know if if I'm on the right track with that because >> if I understand you correctly, you are. But keeping in mind that trustee Arianis um has the the the right to say to superintendent and board president, I want to, you know, bring back on have agenda for a regular meeting to change a board bylaw. And she could do that and then it may change in the future. But I hear what you're saying right now. It needs to be something. It needs to be correct. And right now it's not correct. It should it should >> Well, right
138now it has to align with the with the right regardless of what we want to do differently. >> We want to correct this now and then >> you can request to have it agendaized later >> like this. >> Yeah. And then if we have the hyperlink like um Superintendent Ortega suggested, then whatever we do with the other one, even if it's just >> or not. Yes. >> You don't have to go back and change this. So >> yes. >> So right now what I'm hearing is the consensus is to include the link, change it with the link so it reflects what the bylaw says and then come to a future board meeting. Board member Arianis will request it. >> Yes. >> And then we will bring it to the board in a future agenda. >>
139Right. to update the board bylaw. Am I correct? Uh yes. For an update in the of the board, a possible update of the board bylaw. Yes. >> Okay. >> And then we already took care of it aligning with this part that we're putting all this effort in. >> Yeah. So everybody's clear on next step. >> Yes, we're good. All right. Thank you. Good discussion. Thank you. And number five we worked on for a while. We we spent a lot of time on that one. We're in number five, right? >> Yes. Um I think when there's a conflict among governance team which is one of us um it it's important to to um contact the superintendent um I don't know how you guys feel about it but the board president um usually we contact the superintendent
140nobody contacted me when they had a conflict they would contact u the superintendent so I don't think that we use the board president for Um it says and >> I think it would depend on like who the conflict was with because what if it's with the board president >> right >> or um the other part of that is also relationship who you feel most comfortable being able to communicate that with like hey I have a a conflict with uh Yolanda and you know I want to us to have a conversation but I want you to be there or something like that. Yeah. So, I think the andor is is helpful. >> And also, I think it leaves it open to if I have a conflict with Yolanda, I don't. Okay. So, um then we can
141just talk about it and we don't have to get the superintendent, the president involved. I mean, that's ideally >> that's the ideal situation. >> The way it's set right now, that leaves it open to that. And it's like, okay. Yeah. So >> that's the ideal situation is that you can go and we talked about this earlier that you can go to whoever it is and just say hey you know can we talk but I I know um from past experiences that that doesn't always work because both people have to be willing to talk and at sometimes that was not the case um and so it didn't work. So, >> the reason I'm just suggesting this because the two times that I've been president, no one has come to me with for their concerns. And so,
142I'm just throwing it out there that they they usually board members don't come to the president. They go directly to the superintendent. And that's what I'm suggesting. It can be left up there. I'm I'm okay with either or, but I I'm just, you know, saying in the four year in the two times that I've been president, that's four years. In four years in the two terms, I have had no one come to me. >> But were there any concerns that were not resolved in in in that time? >> Um, I don't know about them because he resolved them. >> So then then it's it's kind of right. I mean, they took care they got taken care of. So, >> right. Like I said, I don't I don't have a problem with the wording. What I
143am just letting like letting you guys know that in the four years and the two terms that I've had, no one came up to me. That's it. You know, like we could leave it up there. Don't leave it up there. It really doesn't matter. But the pattern that I've seen for us to do is we have a we go straight to him. That's it. >> Yeah. In this instance, I think it wouldn't hurt to leave it just because like I said, the personality thing if I feel more comfortable because maybe I know the board president better than I know the superintendent. So, I'm going to go and tell her, "Hey, you know what? Yolanda made me mad at meeting the other night." See, we love to pick on you. >> Why is my name always?
144That's what I want to know. >> Because it's easy. >> It's all good. I'm just kidding. Yeah. >> But but you know and also I mean I've been on the board for 15 years, right? >> Um they they've also had situations with the superintendent that they don't want to talk to superintendent. They want to talk to the board president. Hey, you're the superintendent A, B, or C. >> Yes. >> Right. So, but at least it's open that they could talk to either one. >> Good point. >> Because I' I've heard that. >> Yes. Because we are talking about the governance team and not exactly point. Thank you. >> I just wanted to add that. >> Yes. Thank you. in my senior years here. >> Your tenure, your 10th. >> Okay. Um, what is the next
145one? So, we're okay with that one. Sorry. >> Okay. So, about the question of the protocol about contacting legal. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Everybody's good. Okay. Okay. So, that was some good discussion as always. >> So, I appreciate that. Um, so we'll get those changes, those updates made, and then um you guys will get a new governance handbook printed. Here's my one thing with the governance handbook is that you all don't have a signature page. And that's something that I would like for you to consider. And what the signature page does is it just basically says, you know, the board has adopted this governance handbook on this date, you know, and we all agree to adhere to it, reference it, and then each person signs it. you bring it to to you agendaize it and
146say we're approving our new governance handbook. And after it's approved, then everybody will sign a signature page. And I'll send you um a couple of samples, Superintendent Artada, and um and then it kind of holds more value and accountability once you put that signature on there. So, if it's okay with you, I would like to um add that to this handbook. Is there anyone who has an issue with that or concern about it? >> No, I like that. >> Yeah, I think it's a great idea. >> So, I'll I'll send you a couple of them tomorrow morning and then you can see which ones they like. So, thank you. Thank you for that and thank you for a good discussion as well. Um, real quick, I just asked um Superintendent Ortega and it's not just
147your district. I've been doing um a lot of um GCS um consulting work. I have a lot of workshops scheduled for the next few months. And so I've already done two this this year already. You're number three already this year. And so because it is an election year, I just thought that it was a good time for a reminder um for everyone about governing during an election year. Um just just remember that um you should not politicize anything that's going on with the staff of the district um for campaign purposes. Avoid using meetings as campaign platforms like your board during your board comments. You know, don't don't say um yeah, hold on, I'll come to you. Don't like, you know, I'm this, I'm that, I'm this, I'm that. uh you know um you do your
148board comments like you normally do them. Um don't try to add a lot of extra things that don't need to be added as a campaign speech. Don't make it into a campaign speech during the time. Um separate your trustee and your candidate role. Remember that no matter what, no matter whether you're a trustee in your trustee position or your candidate position, you are a board member that is here for the students of this district and that has to always remain priority. So, um please don't try to make things political um just to try to win favor with voters because it's an elective year. and I'll come to you after I go to um Trusty Ariana's. Um and then just remember that um your meetings they are they are live streamed and so um you know
149if people want to see what how you voted and things in the past they can go and look at previous meetings and see how you conducted yourself and and is this the same person who I'm seeing now. They can they can look at that. That's public record. um so they can go there and and look at your votes and how you governed yourself as a trustee prior to campaign season. So I just wanted to um just remind you guys of of that because I've seen some things that have really torn some districts apart during campaign season. So just a refresher for all of us. And before I go to your questions, just real quick, I'm going to do my recap. Just remember, stay focused on your work. um challenging times. They come and go. There's
150still like lots of things that we're waiting to find out. There's a lot of things in the pipeline regarding education that's pending that, you know, is going to come before this board at some point. And so, we have to be prepared and ready. Um, we want to make sure that we work as trustees in in our areas to make sure that the voice of our trustee area is heard while still representing the entire district as a whole. And also remember that sometimes election years can be tough, but you're a board member right now and you're a board member before you're a candidate. Um, so just stay focused on your task at hand when you're in this in this room and when you're sitting up there on the deis. So that's my little spill for the
151governing during an election year. So trusty Arianis, >> I have a question. Yes ma'am. Um and uh so as if if someone is running, what you're saying with this is that we can't use this as a platform to share that we are running or we're not running either or we should not be making comments about our election or what we plan to do this election year. Correct. >> That is my understanding is that when you're on the desk that you should not be um saying, "Hey, don't forget I'm running again. Yeah, get out there and vote for me. >> Hey, I'm not gonna run. >> Go to go to Pride for Schools and donate to my campaign. No, you can't do you shouldn't be doing any of that. I don't even advise that you and
152I don't know if this is legal. I'm not an attorney. Um, so I don't know if it's legal or not or illegal. Um, but to say that you're running from the desk. Um, I don't even know that you can do that. I would never do it. Never, ever, ever. Um, like I said, you have to separate the trustee from the candidate. You know, when you're here, you should be conducting your business just like you always have on behalf of the district. When you step down and you go out in the hallway and there's still people there and they come up and talk to you, then talk to them in the parking lot, talk to them. But once you're seated up there, you're the trustee. You're not the candidate in candidate mode. I'll say you're not
153in candidate. You should not be in candidate mode. You should be the trustee. >> Um well actually one person already used the dis share and talk about campaigning or not campaigning either or and I just um want to make sure that I mean you're not going to be here at the next meeting. >> So I would say going forward then maybe they weren't aware. So let's just say >> the person's not here. >> Okay. So well yeah but I think >> how do we how do we I think that's a different circumstance. I don't want to say what his status is, but I think that was a different circumstances, but still it shouldn't be said anymore. Um, regardless. >> so is it okay we put it on our Friday packet just to remind us? >>
154Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, Superintendent Artego will just put a note in there about that. Yes. So, thank you. Um, and thank you for bringing that up. so we can all have clarity. U Yolanda, you had a question. >> Yeah. No, I was gonna ask, I never really got a clarification, but when you're running a campaign, can we or can we not take pictures in front of a school, the district office? I mean, I know you're not supposed to. I don't know if that's a true true or not. I never really got or with the students at the school or you're at a function at the school, you know, and put it on your campaign. I I don't I don't know. >> I I'm sorry that I I'm going to be honest. I do
155not know I anytime I when I was campaigning anytime I had pictures with any students they were my kids and my kids friends who wanted to be in the picture so I don't know >> that I am I don't know I'll just be honest I don't know c >> can we ask legal counsel >> yeah can >> and and I So, um, there might be links on the CSBA website. I'll You know what? Let me look and see. >> I know someone that got in trouble at another district that um they got in trouble at another district because they had a um you know um advertisement of their school and that person was on that flyer and I heard that they got in big trouble for that. the district did because they they posted someone
156on the flyer. >> Well, it does look like and that that's that's probably why. No, I I I never have, but I'm just that's just a question I just never was cleared on. I don't >> I'm sorry. I'm not an expert in campaign law. >> Yeah. >> So, that I don't know. But, um I think that there Let me look at the CSBA website and see if there's anything on there. Yeah, >> and then I'll do that in the morning. >> It's a good question. >> Yeah, it is. >> Yeah, you saying you can't >> any other discussion. >> I just want it. Well, >> you can't campaign on school grounds. Off the school grounds. >> I know you can't campaign on the grounds. Yeah. Sorry. So, if you're on the sidewalk, >> there's also
157there's also other things to consider that we have students with a no picture, >> right? >> And so, that becomes a problem can become a problem as well if you're if the picture includes uh students and they have said no. >> Um but you cannot my understanding is you cannot be on a campus taking photos and then using that for your campaign off off school grounds. That's a That's a I think that's a different story. >> Yeah, because I know I would park my truck across the street from the high school with a banner on it, but I couldn't put it in the parking lot. Yeah. So, >> that's what I was going to say that. Yeah. That I was told not on school grounds, but across the street. It's a whole different picture. >>
158Yeah. >> Any other discuss? >> But I'll still look for a dos and don'ts. I'll see if there's one that exists. Okay. >> Okay. Moving on to item 5.0 adjournment. Can I have a motion to >> motion to adjourn? >> Carlos and second by Vice President. Colleagues, um, place your vote. >> Hand vote, please. >> Yes. And the motion passes at 7:48. >> No. Yes. >> No. The it was board member first and second. >> First, second. >> No, first and second. Yeah, >> that's why I didn't want to say anything while we were still in meeting mode because that's why I said the situation's different. Yeah. Right.