001Happy to see you all this evening. Um I'm going to bring us back from closed session. We are now in open session. Um we have nothing to report from close session but we will be going back into um close session at the end of our open session meeting. Um so um this meeting is recorded for live streaming and archiving on the district YouTube channel. Um the pledge of allegiance it will be with reced and Freda. Okay. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. and um the mission statement. All right, sorry about that. In partnership with students, families, staff, and the community, we
002are committed to inclusive communities, respect, diversity, and nurturing a safe e and equitable environment to empower students being responsive to student needs and voices while fostering the passion for learning, collaboration, and individual expression needed to reach their future ambitions. strong character, promoting social, emotional learning, integrity, mental, physical awareness, and values aligned actions. Academic excellence supporting and retaining a caring and well-trained staff who promote critical thinking, cultural and techn technological literacy by ensuring rigorous and innovative programs. Well-rounded and global citizens, offering relevant um learning opportunities to help build a sustainable future. Um, we are an inclusive community that captivates an equitable and responsive environment empowering all students to develop strong characters and academic excellence to become well-rounded and engaged global citizens. >> Thank you. Um, and approval of the agenda. I move that we approve the
003agenda as written. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> Okay. So, um Mr. Calibari for our uh highlight. >> Yeah. Uh you know, being in this district for less than 30 days, there's a lot of incredible people that work in this district and um and incredible students and I I I can't say enough about how honored I am to be here. Um, and one of the things that's unique about Benicia is that small town feel and that you um, if you hear about something at Benicia High School, you then hear about it about Mary Farmer. And so, keeping a secret from this individual is incredibly hard. Our highlight tonight is Georgina Martinez. [Music] [Applause] >> Georgina is the heartbeat of this district. She's the culture of this district. She she is
004someone that people go to. She uh has her, you know, always knows what's going on and her loyalty to this district is just absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about her. I am forever grateful to her and um and so we're going to take a little break right now and celebrate Georgina. >> Oh my gosh. >> We're gonna Yes, we are. So, I'd like to um take a moment to recognize Georgina, whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt in every corner of our district, our um exceptional executive assistant to the superintendent. Georgina is a quiet force behind the organization and um execution of countless moving parts from coordinating different calendars and meetings and activities to ensuring seamless communication between the district, the public, the statewide educational organizations. She manages it
005all with grace and poise and skill. Among many other responsibilities, Georgina attends every governing board meeting. capturing proceedings, ensuring followup on key issues, and providing all board um items. Oh, proofreading all items for accuracy and clarity before they ever reach the table. She has saved me so many times. Um, she also serves as a vital leaison between the superintendent's office and staff, public officials, legal counsel and the broader community, always representing the district with professionalism and care. Not to mention helping all of our new superintendents get settled in in while sharing past practicees, traditions um, within the district office and our school sites. When media requests come in, and there have just been a few in the last couple years, um Georgina responds promptly and thoughtfully. And when the superintendent walks into every meeting, official
006or informal, it's Georgina who's prepared the agenda, the background data, and the briefing materials to ensure our leadership is fully equipped to lead effectively. Let's not forget the countless other tasks she does. Um, planning, researching, preparing reports, coordinating professional learning, um, calendars while maintain while maintaining confidentiality at every step. The workload is immense and we know that. But what's more impressive is the calm, grace, and sense of purpose that you bring every single day. So today, on behalf of all of us, I want to say thank you not just for what you do, but for how you do it with heart, with integrity, and with unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and schools. We see you, Georgina. We value you, and we are grateful to you. [Applause] I'd like to add a little bit, but
007I think you're going to hear a lot of the same words. Like >> as as as President Grubs was reading that, I thought, "Oh my gosh, I have so many of the same things to say, but a little bit different." So, I will say, Georgina, thank you. You are the definition of professionalism. You are kind. You are caring. You are consistently organized. You're detailed. You're thorough. Um I've never seen you upset ever. I And and I know that you you are the first line. You are the first person who speaks with people who are calling the district with questions, people who are happy, people who are unhappy. And I am so thankful that you are the face of our district and you're that frontline person really. um you know your professionalism, kindness, dedication, it reflects
008the very best of what we value on our team and I sincerely thank you for all that you do. It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you. >> My turn. Um I might cry. Um no, Georgina, I appreciate you more than you know. I tell you, but I just you are incredible as a board executive assistant and the chief assistant to our superintendent. You do amazing work. Um your hard work and incredible attention to detail is invaluable to the district. You are the glue that holds us all together. Um you make your position seem effortless and always with a smile. She's right. you don't ever seem upset. I mean, you may be, but but it's it doesn't come across to anybody that you see. Um, navigating the onboarding of two superintendent is a monumental
009task and you've handled it with such grace and professionalism. Thank you for being so dedicated and always being a positive presence. I know I'm lucky to be a colleague of yours. more importantly your friend. >> I love you, too. >> No, you're just amazing. I don't have a lot that I can add that they haven't said, but it's just it's so obvious how much you care and you're great with everybody and you really care about this district and the people in the district and could not appreciate you more. Thank you. >> Thank you, George. [Applause] So, now we're going to officially take a break and and uh we have a few items to share here to celebrate Georgina, but you get the first choice, though, of course. All right. >> And we need we and
010then we get to turn the tables and take a picture of you. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah, let's do let's do a picture right now. >> All right, guys. [Applause] open session. I I want to thank Georges and his family for being here. >> Did you guys keep this secret? >> Good job. Good job. [Laughter] >> And so now we come to our um our reports, our student reports. Um, Barca and um, Freda from uh, Liberty High. >> Good evening, President Grubs, Superintendent Calibesi, fellow trustees, and board members, cabinet members. Several students from Liberty High alongside BHS participated in the forestry challenge. Actually, all of us were there. Um, our students had the opportunity to explore careers by interacting with natural resource professionals including foresters, hydraologists, soil scientists, wildlife biologists, and fire scientists. This was
011our fourth year participating and we hope to return next year. We had to do a presentation. We learned a lot about nature. It was super fun. Great opportunity to get into forestry. We have started to decorate our aphrena in honor of diia de los mutotos. We will be adding pictures and symbols of those loved ones that are no longer with us. As part of our learning learning through interest program, we have recently welcomed a last technician who shared her career journey and experiences in the beauty industry. In the coming weekends or weeks, we will um visit Solano Community College EMT program in the inst in Insulators Union Local 16. Next month, we will be visiting the Solano Community Courthouse to explore careers in different law in law. We would like to thank Trustee Hirs for
012her support in making this opportunity possible. Um, during the week of Halloween, Liberty students will have a opportunity to volunteer and clean up the city cemetery, which I have signed up to do, and I'm kind of excited, especially since it's two days before actual Halloween. So, yeah. And on behalf of Liberty High School, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hello, President, superintendent, and fellow council members. The last few weeks at Benicia High School have been very busy. Our school hosted its own SAT last week and the PSAT today, which I took, and held a college info night this past Tuesday. Last Friday, students and the community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with the festival deaconad event. Our band competed at the Franklin Band Review, placing first in almost all the categories. Our BHS forestry teams placed
013first and 10th out of 32 teams and our winning team will be moving on to the championships in April. Additionally, water polo had their senior night yesterday and football and cheer have their senior nights ceremonies tomorrow with a pink out theme. Other events in coming up include unity day on the 22nd where we wear orange to pres protest bullying and college application work workshops during access. The improv team will host their first show next Friday and the band competes at another review, the Foothill Band Review. On October 27th, there will be a meeting for anyone interested in playing winter sports. And on the 28th, our amazing BHS dance team will be performing at the Warriors game in San Francisco. >> Last but not least, leadership is hosting a trunk or treat event on the day
014before Halloween, October 30th, which is open to any of the community to come check out. on half behalf of Benisha High School. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have a quick question. Did you say pink out? >> What does that mean? >> Oh, breast cancer. >> Gotcha. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you girls. And if you would like to carry on with your evening, >> uh you can certainly do so. >> Thank you so much. [Applause] And now we come to our superintendent reports. >> Yeah. So, since we were last here, been out and about and I just want to share some items with you. >> I'm not smarter than the collector, Georgian. And I failed. There we go. So, Robert Simple uh elementary school visit. So, first off, I just want to point
015out that um our principal, Christina Moore there as she's interacting with our TK students. Um this is day 36 for these TKers in the district, right? The first time interacting in a school setting like this. And I just have to say, man, they were on it. They really were. And the the the staff in there from the cafeteria staff to to the aids were just really supporting these students. But these students were already recycling and knew what to do. in in the whole process and it it just speaks to the expectations when we raise expectations of kids, they rise up to it and I just have to have a shout out to to uh principal Moore. Um she knew everyone's story. She knew every student's story. She kept stopping me and said, "Oh, you know,
016I I got to talk to the student. I got to check in with them." Just knows everyone. Our food service team, would you look at that that lunch, that salad bar? Uh just absolutely amazing. I'm just so so impressed. I did not steal any carrots, though it was tempting. Um, but they just do a phenomenal job. And then on the far left there is a is a picture of they were doing some interaction and and the students were getting to work with some boards and actually uh build some items there and in in an integrated science kind of lesson and I was super impressed. Again, students were super engaged and um and ready to learn. You heard our students speakers talk about this from uh Benicia High School, but the part to me that's so
017important is that Mary Farmer Elementary School partnered with Benicia High School. And so here's an elementary school partnering with our high school to have the festival de launid and it was just a wonderful event and to see the ballet forkloral dancers was just absolutely amazing. And then that's our very own Alfredo out there playing drums with the with the band there and um they did a great job. I did not get on the riding bull even though I was asked to. I don't think that was covered in my contract and so I was afraid of a back injury and not being able to show up to work. But um lots of fun by all and then the the activities that they had for the students were fantastic. It was a it was a great night.
018Um I'm kind of embarrassed that I really only took a few students as I went through Benicia Middle School. I got to spend three course the day there and went through with uh Principal uh Nelson. And the picture on the far right uh is Miss Warner's math class. and those students were learning integers and they were so on it and her transitions were just incredibly smooth. The students could tell me exactly what they were doing and what they were learning. Um it was I'm just going to keep using the word impressive. But our band students, this middle school band that the middle picture was actually a video and that young man was conducting and uh you close your eyes and they do not sound like a middle school band. You think that they are seniors
019in high school or a college level band. It was so incredibly impressive. I got teareyed um listening to them because I wish I could play that. Well, I was a uh 12th row clarinet player in the fourth grade and that's the peak of my band experience. If you I don't know if you know this uh board of trustees that we do these learning walks and so administrators within our district along with cabinet go out and we we go and look in our our classrooms at our sites. And so this is um at Matthew Turner and we're doing a learning walk and you see Pat there and you see see u principal uh Kleinmidt in the back there and um we're looking at what students are learning and we're looking we're asking the question what do
020we want students to learn? How do we know they've learned it? What do we do when they have learned it? And what do we do when they have not learned it? And um it was just incredibly impressive um and to see the work that the students were doing. They're so engaged and and they were on top of it. The two students on the left there are learning about the state of California and learning about the different regions of California. And I was asking them questions. As a California farmer, I was really proud that they knew where the Central Valley was and they knew why the Central Valley was significant. And so they're they're learning. They're they're meeting their learning targets. And so it was exciting to see. I want to let you know that I'm
021doing some coffees with the superintendent. And so, uh, on Thursday, October 23rd from 11:15 to 12:45, I'll be out at Majestic Cafe, just trying to meet people where they're at as opposed to always at school sites or here at the district office. And so, I'm going out there and we did a little RSVP and so people are coming to that and just to be able to answer questions, get to meet people and hear what's going on in the in the community and hear about their celebrations as well as the challenges that we face here in Benicia. And then on October 13th, we honor Indigenous people day and the first people of this land. Um, and I just want to take a moment to to recognize the fact that the Benishia Unified School District sits on
022the ancestral territory of the Miwok and the Padawan tribes. I don't know if you've seen this hanging up in the hallway of Liberty High School, but this is Mona Benicia. And our Liberty High School students created this along with a local artist and I'm just so enamored with this. I think it's absolutely fantastic and what they captured there of the different scenes around Benicia and integrated the Mona Lisa into it. And I really like the fact that she is holding an ice cream and in the middle of that ice cream is Italy. And so super cool just the the creativity that they that they did there and um the artistic talent, right? It's really impressive. Then a shout out to our Benanisha High School band. First place in parade, first place with drummer drum major,
023first place concert, win ensembles, and third place in color guard. Just super impressive. Our music program in this district is just second to none in my opinion. And so again, just well-deserved rewards there. And a shout out to them. I don't know if you captured in the news recently um that uh Solano students show test score gains. Venetian Unified School District students scored the highest in the county in three subjects obviously uh reading, writing, and math here. And so that just speaks to the hard work that's been done over the years. That doesn't happen overnight. That doesn't happen in a year. That happens in classrooms every day over several years. And so I just want to shout out to our teachers, to our leaders out there, to our our educational department here and for the
024work that they've been doing. And so congratulations to them. >> And that concludes my superintendent report. >> Thank you. And now we come to um board reports. And um does anybody mind if I start? >> Yes. >> So um I'm really happy to report to you that the pedestrian bridge is just about done. Y >> I went by there um this morning and and although it's still blocked off, the um the paths leading to the bridge are um looking so much safer than they were, they're much more even. They look so much better and they just and it struck me that they were um a lot a lot safer. The bridge is fantastic looking, you know, and they have um there is mesh on the on the um Yeah. On the bridge itself. Um, and
025it's it's really a pretty bridge. So, I think it just it adds to um to the beauty of Benanisha. I I want to give a shout out to uh Roxan Egan for her hard work on this. Um it it looks fantastic. And I think the opening is scheduled for October 30th, correct? >> At what 2 2:30? So, it's going to be a fun little time and uh anyway, thanks. That's it. >> Okay. Um I have a few things. Uh first of all, I went to a lunchtime CSBA legislative update. It was a virtual update with Chris Reef, who's one of the lobbyists with CSBA. He's um one of my favorite people to go um see during CSBA, the convention. And I wanted to bring this up. I wanted to attend because the um the main
026part of the the main point of the update was to discuss enrollment based funding instead of uh ADA. And I have a slide deck that I can circulate. I'll send it to Mrs. Martinez and maybe you could circulate it. But just for the board, um I learned that the issue is much more complex than it seems. And um the big takeaway is that the governor recently signed a bill that requires the legislative analyst's office to submit a report to the legislature about the effects of changing the model. So there was a bill to change the model, but it kind of got slowed down. Amendments were made and now there's going to be an analyst report on the effects of that. So it's still in process. I thought it was really interesting and I'll send the
027slides out so that you can see. Um I was invited to speak at the Solano County Real Estate Association last week and uh during my speech I focused on what are the challenges that we have here in Benishia Unified in terms of enrollment and funding and how real estate professionals can help. There were a lot of questions about the impact of Valero leaving. There were a lot of questions about our transfers, intradist transfers. Um, and it was a really rich discussion. I want to thank the Solano County Real Estate Association for having me. Really nice. Um, it was a busy couple of weeks. I attended the Valero CAP meeting, which is the community advisory panel at Valero. Um, and we discussed the financial impact report that was presented at the city council meeting on Tuesday.
028Um, there's a forecast of 10.6 million in revenue loss to the city, which is basically taxes that we won't be collecting. Um, it's a minimum amount. Of course, it could be higher. There are impacts to contractors and other businesses that aren't yet known. Um, one takeaway that I wanted to share here was one of the CAT members raised a point about the contamination of the Valero land. Um, and she was saying that uh, you know, there's a lot of fear of the contamination. I imagine like a Chernobyl, like just a vast wasteland for sitting there. She said that's not how it is. They're subject to very strict state requirements. There's testing going on. There's a lot of remediation continuous. Um, and so at the next meeting, I think the topic may be regarding those remediation
029efforts that are going on. So if anybody's interested, the public is welcome to attend those meetings. The meeting will be on December 9th at 4:30 at Valero East, which is a facility deeper into the industrial park. Um, and I think they're going to discuss that. So if you're interested, please attend uh December 9th at 4:30. Um and you can reach out to me if you need details. Um and the last part of the Valero update is that Valero engaged Signature Development Group to develop um a plan for the Valero property. and Signature has created a feedback form which is for anybody who's interested in sharing their thoughts about what should what development should um should potentially happen. And that feedback form is online at movebeniciaforward.com. And then last, but certainly not least, I attended the
030Liberty Rotary Oversight Committee meeting yesterday, and I'd like to extend a very special thank you to Rotary who acts as basically the PTA for Liberty High. Um they provide funding for field trips, graduation, yearbooks, um the mentor program, PBIS, and basically anything else the school needs. They're very generous, great, great group. Um and the Rotary has invited all of all of us trustees Mr. Calibres and cabinet um to the next meeting which is actually going to take place at Liberty and on November 19th at noon. That's my update. I'm going to make it easy. I didn't do I didn't go to any meetings this month and you would have made all of us look bad. So, you did great. Thank you. Thank you. You did a lot. >> So, we're going to go on to
031item 10, comments from the public. So, members of the public may address the board at a regular meeting on any item within the board's jurisdiction. Speaker cards are available at the entrance table. Please note the item you wish to speak to and submit a submit a card to the board secretary. The board president will call all the open session general comments government code section 54954.3 during the public comment item. Comments on items on the agenda will be called for the specific items. I really have to narrow this little speech down. Um, comments are limited to no more than three minutes per speaker or the board may limit the total time to 20 minutes per item with the timer displayed on the monitors. By law, no action may be taken on any item raised during the
032public comment period and matters may be referred to staff for placement on the future agenda of the governing board. Please be reminded to keep your comments respectful as students may be watching the board meeting. Thank you. So, I think we only have one comment tonight and that is from uh Cindy Crane. Welcome to the podium. >> One of these days I'm going to get less nervous about these things. >> So, just bear with me. >> Oh, thank you. >> Okay, let me see if I can get Okay, there we go. All right. Good evening, superintendent, board, and community members. I come before you as a president of CSA local 1096 in representation of my members who are all workers for BUSD. I represent everyone from student supervisor aids, childcare workers, campus supervisors, maintenance, custodial, and
033IT just to name a few. My members are the lowest paid in the district and are dealing with constant cost of living increases. Every worker here loves what they do and are working here and working here is a choice. But now, let me try again. But right now, it feels like a sacrifice as many cannot afford to pay their bills. We are currently at the table bargaining and we have put forth a proposal we think is fair for both members, our members and the district. The health and welfare for Kaiser Traditional, the plan that the majority of my members are enrolled in, has increased by $98 a month. It is a hardship for them. At a time when the district should be wanting to retain its employees, workers are looking at the if they can
034afford to stay. Some may be forced to to look for a second or third job. We understand decisions were made, some within your control, and some were not. But we don't feel that it is the classified workers, it is fair that classified workers, some of which don't make a living wage, have to suffer the consequences. I respectfully ask that you give the district the authority to come back to the table with a per proposal that our members can agree to. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Now we come to item number 11, approval of the consent calendar. >> Is there am I able to bring something up about the consent calendar that we can either pull or I can ask about? >> Yes. >> Okay. So um 11 I is regarding um uh
035declaration of obsolete items at Benanishia High School. And I went through the list I thank you Georgina for sending that um of these particular books and I am I'm pretty surprised. But before I get to the I don't want to I don't want to start there. I want to start with do we know if these books were replaced or were they just taken away from the library? um I can get you that information, but typically they are books that are outdated, falling apart, um or damaged or haven't been checked out in a long, long time. So, I don't know the exact answer for this, but they do have a report when they put it through Destiny that shows the reason why. Okay. >> Um that So, they're not getting rid of books that are checked
036out regularly or are in good condition, but I don't know if they've replaced all of these titles. Okay, then I'm going to make a comment about it. Um, these books I hope were replaced because 90% of them are on band lists at other schools. Um, and that really bothers me that they're taking those kind of books away from students. Um, I don't think that is okay. If they're replaced and there with a better copy of it, I'm great about it. But I think that item needs to come off of the consent calendar until those answers get made. I I hope they didn't get rid of them yet because I'd like to I mean, even the the the dates that they were received to the library or were they really damaged? I can't imagine that all
037the books in that kind of category were damaged. It's just very ironic. So, that's my that's what I would like to say. Um, I don't know if anybody else has any questions about that. Uh, but I'm I have very strong feelings that these books should not have been taken away if they were taken away and not replaced. >> I don't know if we need a second to do that, but I'm happy to support you in that and until we get uh more information. Yeah. um books um on Hamlet alone. I can imag you know I've seen a lot of those books and some of them are in they've lost pages they've been used for years and years but yes replacing them I think would be um >> well Hamlet I can understand but it >>
038well but still it's a >> it's a banned book it's considered a banned book in some areas >> so yes I looked them all up I know that we don't get rid of books that are banned as rule >> that there's certain reasons why and I I apologize that they're not on this uh form. >> Okay. >> Like I said, I know as I'm looking at this list, like I know Raisin in the Sun is being read in classes right now. So, my assumption is those two copies are not in condition to be in in the uh cycle, but I can definitely find out more information. >> Thank you. I would really appreciate that. Thank you. >> So, did you want to pull that item? I would Yes, I would definitely like to pull um
039item I >> item um >> from the consent calendar >> 11 I >> Okay, >> so I make a motion to to pull that and I think Amy seconded it and >> All right. Thank you. But other than that, I approve the consent calendar as written. Well, I >> without >> Okay. I approve the consent calendar as written with the exception of item I >> and I'll second. >> Thank you. >> And it is a roll call vote. So, President Gre, Trusty Hirs, >> yes. >> Trusty um Seda, yes. >> And trusty Melli, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And so we come to minutes of the October 2nd. >> We're going to do the resolutions now. They just need a roll call vote. >> The minutes are part of the consent calendar that
040you just approved. >> Okay. So approval of resolution number 25-26-14 items declaration of obsolete items from Venetian Middle School. And that's going to be under the same first and second. So, President Grubs, >> yes. >> Trusty Hirs, >> yes. >> Trusty Seda, >> yes. >> Trusty Miselli, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Item I has been pulled. So, item J, excuse me. Approval of resolution number 25-26-16, declaration of obsolete items from Robert Simple Elementary. >> President Grubs. >> Yes. >> Trusty Hirs. >> Yes. >> Trusty Zeta. >> Yes. And trusty Miselli. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Now we come to um item number 12A's. Uh and Dr. Beatson, you are up. >> Good evening. Um I'm here tonight to share with you just to give you an update about the status of our um actions
041and services that are within the LCAP that are paid with one-time dollars. So, as you recall, I'm sure uh starting with uh uh coming through COVID, we received about $14 million in one-time funding in a series of grants from the state. And over the years, since that time, we have been very strategic in the spending of those grants um to be able to extend the actions and services for as long as possible. What I will let you know is all of those funds will be gone by the end of this school year because we've spent them. We've actually overspent a little bit. And because this is the end, they all had to be spent by the end of this year as well. And so I wanted to just this page just shows you all of
042the different grants that were received and when one fell off, when we dipped into the next one. But these are the actions and services in the LCAP by LCAP goal that we have been paying with these onetime dollars. And I just wanted to be really transparent and clear that unfortunately at the end of this year we will not have funding to continue those. So it's the staffing in the wellness centers, the extra supervision at the elementary schools. And so we've always had uh student supervision age. they before COVID would come in right at lunch and just be here for about an hour and a half over lunch and recess. And we had the opportunity over COVID to be able to provide um longer hours so that students had more um uh points of contact out
043at recess. Um so we'll have to go back to the original hours for those. We have uh were able to add an extra mental health clinician to provide services to students in special education. We were able to do some professional development. Um at the bottom there you see um a teacher coach. So uh someone that was providing support to um last year it was to new teachers because we had so many. This year it was teachers new to Benicia or any teacher actually. She supports other folks. That's not written in the LCAP this year. We didn't think we were going to be able to continue it, but there was some additional educator effectiveness funds that also had to be spent by the end of this year. So, we were able to do that and um
044bring that position back. We have in um all the elementary schools intervention assistants. They're classified positions. They support students uh who are struggling in reading primarily at the primary grades, but not solely at the primary grades. We have an English uh learner teacher who provides direct support to students who are newcomers. So those are students who speak little to no English have come into our system. She also supports um the testing of all the ELPAC which is the re state required um EL test that hap has to happen yearly and supports the two sections the one at the middle school and one at the high school in EL um in the uh math and steam category we were able to bring on an extra IT technician with the onset of increasing the amount of technology
045that we had that started over COVID we needed that support and then as you know we've been able to offer the Willie B. Atkins program here in Benicia which is open to 8th through 12th graders um open to anyone but it has a primary focus of really supporting our uh students who are African-American in um going to college and so they do resume building um interviewing all types of uh workshops to get them prepared. They even go on field trips to um historically black universities. So, I just wanted to kind of remind everyone what was on the list of one-time actions that and not onetime actions, actions that were funded with one-time dollars. Um Whoops. And then I just wanted to also uh let you know we monitor anything that's in the LCAP, not only
046with the big data points that come from the state, the suspension rates, the CASP test, all of that, but we also with the LCAP team identified um smaller progress monitoring data points to see are these things making a difference. And I just wanted to present to you those actions and what um the data is behind them. So, in our wellness centers, so far this year, we've had uh over 2400 visits across the district. Our mental health clinician is providing service to 18 students. Our um professional development, we used the satisfaction survey. We didn't have we don't have a lot of money left to go out. It also pays for the induction for um our teachers who are clearing their credential. Okay. Um uh but the professional development that we did in-house got an 85% satisfaction
047rate. Um our intervention assistants are seeing 98 students and um one of our other data points is those students you know the NWA assessment that we give they have the the color coding. So students in the red and the orange level has decreased by eight points over from last fall to this fall. Uh, our English learner teacher is supporting 45 ELEL students. Our IT extra technician has closed 75 tickets. There are 28 students enrolled in the Willie B Atkins program and an average attendance of 20 each week, which is up from last year. That's work we've been working on. And then our teacher coach so far has supported 21 teachers um on a regular basis through the district. So, just kind of give you a glimpse of um what we've been able to do with
048that money. And we know all of it collectively has helped us see some of those increases that we've been able to accomplish. And so then I just wanted to talk about what are some potential impacts and things that we need to think about and then what are we trying to do to fill the gap that we see coming. But realistically we will have um fewer students able to access mental health supports because we will have fewer of them available. um we potentially could have increase in absenteeism or disciplinary referrals especially when there's fewer uh contacts out at recess. Um so we have uh we will have less support for teachers implementing new curriculum especially ELA without a teacher coach and um uh less opportunities for professional development small groupoup reading intervention e support that will
049need to some of it is legally needs to happen. So then we're going to have to think about other ways that'll have to happen back in the the classroom at the elementary school for uh and then the secondary um and then just the support for our African-American youth. And um really it it may end up with just some greater workload for teachers trying to manage some of that. And I feel like that's the doom and gloom of where we are and we're really trying to think about how else can we provide some of that for students. We just had an LCAP meeting uh today and I shared this information with them and really trying to brainstorm what can we do. Um so a couple things that we are actively doing. Um I want to give
050a shout out to Dr. Ovik. Um, we are part of a consortium with uh the Solano County Office of Education because there was a new law in California that said that um school districts could bill private insurance if parents give permission could bill their private insurance for mental health services received at school and then they would reimburse at a cost at at a cost. And so it is a very complicated system. I'm learning more about the medical how that all looks and you have to create a medical uh electronic health record and depending on what position is providing the support there's a different um reimbursement fee. So a classified wellness technician or coach may get $8 for every 15 minutes of service. If you're providing if a school psychologist is doing an assessment it might
051be $150. So, it really depends on what the service is. There's a whole list and how much you can um try to get reimbursed for, but it's it's not for students. It's for private insurance. So, Kaiser and that. So, we're in the process of working to set that up. It takes a couple of years to really get that up and going. Um and it takes a big lift and a a big a team. So, we're trying to do that internally and and Dr. Oick's taking the lead. Um we're uh looking for uh ways that we could potentially go to computer carts in middle school instead of having students take the computers home, you know, class to class just to reduce the amount of damage. The the piece that we run into is that um we
052have textbooks set in the classroom and all the textbooks that students use are online at home and so we need to ensure that they have access if they don't take a computer home from school. Um, and then of course we're we're monitoring the use. But I I have been racking my brain. I'm just going to be totally honest with how else we can fulfill some of the the things that we'll be losing. So, I just wanted to bring that up and make it really transparent for folks. >> I have a question for you. Um, I was approached by somebody in the community who wants to part she I think she runs wellness centers potentially in Valo and was asking about potential partnerships. if who can I direct that person to? >> You can absolutely have
053them call me. >> Okay. >> And one of the things that you know we had a um uh the suggestion of can we have some volunteers and we can't because they're positions for us. So we also have to be very careful about what we know we can't replace the same positions with volunteers or contracts. But absolutely you can have someone contact me. Any other questions? I I Well, first of all, thank you for putting this together and being really succinct in it. I mean, I understand exactly what you're talking about here. Um, what are the next steps? Like, who makes the decision on because we got to talk budget stuff. So, who makes the decision on what things we're going to have to move to the side and how we could keep some of them
054and pay it through our general fund? like when does that get made? Um, and is there going to be input from the board on some of these these uh cl these classes or these teachers or staff members or whatever. Is there going to be are is board input going to be given ex accepted before decisions are made? I'm not sure what exactly where the decisions are going to be made. >> Absolutely. We will right now all of those things are going away because there is no ongoing funding stream for them. That's the when I was meeting with the LCAP team, one of the things as part of the LCAP process is to solicit feedback on programs and what's working and what are the needs and what we've been able to do over the last few
055years as we've had to reduce some of these one-time items. As you remember, we've had some that have already dropped off. We solicit feedback from families and staff and um anyone is welcome to fill out the the surveys and information but we use that information and we use the data behind it to say okay well we can unfortunately we can't afford all of it we can afford these things now um so we have done in that in the past but the conversation we had with the elcap team is what I'm not even sure exactly what question to ask because I'm not aware of what kind of funding stream we would have to what choice so it's just like in their house, right? It's like, well, I'm not going to do this in instead I'm going
056to do this. And there there isn't a lot of choice for us of what we would trade at this point. Um, but we're absolutely open to feedback. I mean, um, I I I'm sad about these positions. I know our financial situation is as what it is. Um, but some of these seem to be very helpful to our students. Um, but I understand completely. Um, unless we get a grant or something big. Anybody out there want to give us a grant for these? Um, that would be how we would have to pay for it. I think >> we would and that would be one time again. And so one of the things, you know, the rule of thumb before we got the $14 million was we don't typically put people in one-time funded positions because they're
057not ongoing. So, we we have never done this before, but because there was such an influx of funding and that was what the need was, we made that decision. Um the real piece would be to see is there someplace where there's some ongoing funding and we'd have to trade, I would imagine, because I don't imagine we're going to get a lot more money. >> You Dr. son, >> can I just add that all of these things are necessary for kids, right? And this is the cycle that we're in in the state of California, right? And and so we're faced with this challenge and so is every district in the state of California, right? And and we have postcoid world, we've gone to these one-time monies and and for those of us that have been around
058long enough, we had categorical funds, right? And so that went away and now it's this one-time money cycle. And we never know what the state legislature is going to fund in a one-time money package, right? And as the state of California is looking at less money coming in, uh it's likely that they're going to give us less money in one time in one time funds, right? And so these will go away and then in in our district with declining enrollment, we are faced with additional cuts on top of it. So it's it's my goal to be incredibly transparent with this. I don't want to create panic. I don't want to create fear, but I also want to be realistic that we have to make some adjustments, right? And and I want folks to know what
059that is and we're certainly going to seek input and you will be part of that process without a doubt. >> Thank you, Mr. Krace. >> Isn't the enrollment starting to tick up a bit? I mean, I remember the last meeting I was at, we're definitely not declining this year. >> We you're right, there is some stabilization this year. My concern is is that going to be long term or is that at one time? Right? That's the hard piece to pick. Right. I will also say that I'm really really encouraged when I heard that we only have four spots in TK and so districtwide and and those students are with us for a long time. So we just need to keep them here, right? So it's it you know it's versus a senior coming to us
060uh you know so that piece is exciting that the uh but is this a long-term trend or not? We don't know. And I and I think we do need to explore and look at that data and and see and that may be to to consult with some other nonprofits out there or some other organizations to find out what is the long-term impact. And we have some other pieces that are happening in the in the area with development, but when is that going to happen, right? And and how many students will that bring in these this is definitely Yep. all the challenges that we face. >> Thank you. >> Tough situation. Um, so we come to item uh 13A. Uh, Miss Egan, you are up. Um, item 13A is bringing to you the Benetian Middle School
061Fields. It's for a request for the approval of the resolution that authorizes staff to proceed with the required state filing for the SQUA California Environmental Quality Act declaring that the project is exempt. The new project does not include lighting and the new field occurs within the existing Venetian Middle School outdoor field space which is a similar use and allows our exemption. Um once filed there's a 35day public comment period and then it's finalized. Staff recommendation is to approve resolution 252617 authorizing staff to proceed with the SQA filing for the middle school soccer fields. And I'm happy to ask answer any questions. >> Um Roxan, so there is it does this does not include lighting. Is that what you just said? >> Yes. >> So what were we doing about lighting on on the field? Um
062the conversations have been that the project would not include lighting because it's for our students for daytime's activities and part of the lighting would add a lot of additional cost. Um if some other groups want to come in and pay for lighting or we could add it at a future day. It would require a different SQA filing but this um baseline project does not include lighting. It in includes the soccer fields. It includes parking lot for approximately 22 cars. It includes a concession. Well, it's kind of storage. They didn't think they would need concession, but it's cons it's a storage and restroom building. Um, and then the grading in the track. Yeah. >> I have one question and I know this is a very broad question and and it might be really hard to answer,
063but um in terms of so we have the SQA exemption. Can you give us a sense of the timeline of how these projects how long they take? >> Yeah. >> So, um if we talk about this project in specific so versus you know the and they all kind of link together. But so on this project we've had some um there's some things particular to the middle school site that had to be resolved before the project could move forward. Um, one of them was getting the city lease, you know, interim determination done. And so that's been put in place. Um, another one is we have PGE switch gear. Um, that is currently it used to light the old lights that are on the fields that were installed by the city. And so that is under city
064contract. It's a city PGE transformer and we want to use it for our new lights. Um, we've spoken to the city and the city is amendable. So, which is great because it's right there. Nobody's had a bill on it in 10 years because it hasn't powered anything. There's been no use on it. So, it's kind of silly to not take advantage of that. So, we are are working with legal right now to have that document created and get that through the city and then we'll bring it to you. Um, and then the other thing that we have is the cell tower termination, which is the city's cell tower contract, and I know that Chris has been working on that, and thank you. So, all of these things are moving. We do have a soils um,
065boring that is scheduled for October 30th. So, some of the construction documents have been started. They were put on hold while we get the high school stuff completed so that we could prioritize because we we know these other things were going to hold up the middle school anyhow. So, um I think that we're going to submit into DSA for the middle school early 2026. Um that'll probably take a couple months for approval. The other thing that is in the picture of like how soon can we start, it's not just the DSA approval. It's we're going to have the high school PAB in construction and we have to start that because we have money, grant monies that it has to be completed by a certain date. We're going to have um the high school fields in
066construction. We're going to have the high school art lot where we the well where the R buildings were that's currently fenced in and construction fencing. We're going to be doing um concrete new ground work so that we can open that back up for use. Um part of that deal is that the Z lot buildings will get upgraded so that the band storage can be housed there. Um and then we have some roofing that we have to do. So those are all of the things that are going to be coming right away like sooner than later. Um but and so as some of those get done, that's the second piece of how soon can you pick up the middle school fields and go bid them. So we are having the construction and the pieces that have
067to get handled, they're moving on in the background and then we're going forward with these other projects that have to get done and and we'll put that in as soon as we can. >> Thank you. That's great. Thank you. Um, and then just the other question I had was I've had some community members ask me about the actual architectural plans of the middle school field and wondering if there will be another opportunity to submit feedback on the design elements or is that already set? How does that >> It would be really hard right now to do changes. So, just to review the history of it. Um we started out and we had meetings with the site users and got a lot of input for design. Then we also had open house at the middle school
068and invited all the public. We did have some people who were really excited about it and then we've also had the plans on our website. So and and with the sign off that is the direction that we proceeded with the construction design. If we go back and change things a lot of times, it's going to add a lot of time and quite possibly money. But we did get full sign off from the site users and I'm open to hearing requests because if it's something small that we can just tweak and put in there, we would, but if it's something really large that changes the whole thing, we probably can't. I mean, we do as much as we can to try to appease as many people as possible, but there's Yeah. >> And it sounds like
069you you worked with the site users. >> Yes. Okay, great. So, the PE teachers at the middle school had input. Great. >> Yeah. And we had I'm going to say two or three meetings with them. And at the last meeting that we had with them, we were like, "Okay, this is how we're going to proceed. Is everyone good with it?" And they were like, "Yeah, it just like felt like it was surreal and super excited about it." So, yeah. >> You're welcome. >> I have a question. Um, so what do you think the timeline is for the high school to be complete so that we move into the middle school? >> I think that the high school to be complete is going to be um late in 2026. >> Okay. >> And so then >>
070as we start nearing that date, then I can go put the middle school into bid and get that moving. >> And the contracts will have already been signed. Are there right? Am I correct in that? Or like for the middle school, will those contracts be signed even though they can't start the work yet? >> We won't start the we won't. So, the general contractor's contract for the middle school. So, we have to take that to bid and we have to um go through GSA approval. So, I wouldn't bid that until I felt pretty comfortable that we were close to the completion of the high school because it's going to start some middles and things rolling. >> I mean, a couple months, sure, like that's good because you can get them online and start thinking about
071them and they can start committing their subs, but not like six months. >> I'm just concerned about um the prices changing. if things are coming over from overseas and the tariffs that could add a huge amount of money to those contracts. And I know we can't it sounds like we can't do anything this far ahead of time, but I just want everybody to keep that in mind that that's going to be something that we all have to deal with >> on on projects like that. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. And you are still up. >> Oh, for item >> to vote on. >> Oh, sorry. >> I'll move that we approve Oh, yeah. Approve resolution number 2526, 2017 or 17 for the Benicia Middle School soccer field. >> I'll second that.
072>> This is a roll call vote. So, um, President Grubs, >> yes. Trusty Hirs, >> yes. >> Trusty Seda, >> yes. >> Trusty Melli, >> yes. >> Thank you. And >> now we come to 13B. and you're still up. >> Um, this next item is for Mary Farmer Elementary School, which is a project that's been in the wait a while, and I know everybody's anxious to see it move. So, this is the construction contract for SBA architects. Um, and I don't I don't have the print out on this one right in front of me. The contract amount is uh Can you give me the the agenda? >> That is the estimated construction cost. Sorry. Um the contract the amount for the architectural fees is 400 Thank you. 419,500. So that is well within our 10%.
073Um part of the way that we're reflecting savings there is because we've done a lot of master planning up front and we have a lot of our schematic designs already tied down. But so the project is for six new classroom buildings and there are modular buildings that will be set up grade. It is an additional support building that will have restrooms and storage in it. And then it will include the design for infrastructure for two possible relocated portables that would be used as interim housing because when we do the next phase, we may need those two classrooms to replace existing. that if it's if it enrollment declines, then we won't need the additional two. So, we build the infrastructure in case it's needed, and if it's not needed, we don't relocate them and use them.
074>> And these buildings um like the um grade five and four um and the restroom, the the new modulars, I think, um those are on the lawn property, right? They're not being they're in the vicinity where right now there's a softball field that the high school uses. So what's really great is that we can build this during the school year which is really important. And so that lawn, I'm sorry, not the lawn, the field. When the high school fields are complete, we won't have the section 9, title N issues with them using this field anymore. And then they'll use the downfields and then this area can go and um be used for our next build out for the needed modular replacements. >> Excellent. Thank you, Miss Egan. You're welcome. >> Are there any other comments
075or questions? And can I have a motion? Um, I will make a motion. I got to go back to the screen. Um, to approve um the consideration um or the approval of to award the architectural contract to SVA architects to pursue proceed with construction documents for the Mary Farmer Elementary School modernization phase with with a cost of $419,500. >> I'll second. All those in favor? >> I >> thank you. >> And now we come to >> Now we come to the end of our meeting. Um our next regular board meeting will be Thursday, November 6, 2025. We want to wish everybody a safe and fun Halloween. And also um trustees, we need to go back into close session. Thank you very much everyone. >> Good night.