001All righty. Good evening everyone. It's 6:01 p.m. and we're starting the May 13th school board meeting and we have all five trustees present and we will convene to close session at 6:01 p.m. You you are correct. I should have muted it. All right. In close session, we will go over student discipline conference with labor negotiators and public employee discipline dismissal release complaint. Now we can we will close to close session. Sorry. All right. Good evening, everyone. It's 7:20 p.m. and we are reconvening our school board meeting. Um, we will go into the flags salute. Vice President Hua, would you like to lead us in the flag salute? >> Yes, please. Right. Thank you so much. Um, clerk Shinasan, would you like to read the district mission statement, please? >> Certainly. Uh, Basian School District provides
002all students the skills to become lifelong learners and successful 21st century global citizens. >> Thank you so much. And trustee Brewer, would you like to read our norms? >> The Berasa Union School District Board of Trustees agrees to focus on the best interest of students at all times. Be respectful, listen openly, address problems and process, not persons, keep each other informed, maintain confidentiality, work toward the future, learn from the past, equal participation from all members, and stay on task. >> Thank you so much. And there were no actions taken in close session this evening as well. And now we're going to adopt the agenda. Can I have a motion, please? >> Move to adopt. I'll second that. >> All those in favor? >> I agenda is adopted. So now we're going into recognition and ceremonial.
003And welcome to Welcome to Pedmont Middle School. We're going to be honoring you this evening for gaining the distinction of being honored as one of our California distinguished schools. specifically helping close the achievement gap in between um different groups if you wanted to say. >> Thank you, President Hog. Yes, this evening is definitely a special opportunity for us to be able to give our congratulations to the entire Piedmont Middle School community. Our um this is definitely a combined effort amongst all of the staff, the teachers, the support staff, the parents, the students, and administration. and uh they just recently received their award by our state superintendent Tony Thurman. That was just about two weeks ago at a celebration in Southern California. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome uh Dr. Barnes, the principal,
004and his entire team if they would please all come forward. As we know, um these achievements don't happen overnight. They take lots of concerted effort and a lot of different um goals and objectives that the school establishes. One thing that I I like to share about the California Distinguished School Award, it encompasses a variety of different areas. So, it's not just about um academic achievement. That's certainly a key area, but it also includes all of the criteria that's listed in our California dashboard. So, um, you know, in terms of, uh, student attendance, student character, you know, showing up for school every day, all of those things matter in terms of, you know, their their citizenship and their success in their academics. So, I'd like to give Dr. for Barnes an opportunity to share a little
005bit about some of your focus areas and your own thoughts in terms of this achievement >> and you can also introduce who you have here with you. >> Absolutely. We'll start there. Um special thanks to the team for showing up tonight. Um, assistant principal Rhonda Jacobs, Katherine Walterbeek, core teacher, math core teacher extraordinaire, Miss Laur Umali, Karly Pridam, and Lydia Siggoaniano. Thank you guys so much for being here. Uh, thanks to the board, Superintendent Funes for the recognition tonight. Um, we're proud of our early intervention efforts. um we believe in looking at the data that our early literacy supports before school start had a big role um to play in the recognition. But having said that, as Dr. Fuentes eloquently mentioned earlier, it is a community effort. Um not only do I want to thank
006the team here this evening, but the entire team staff at Pedmont Middle School, our community, our parents for working with their children, and most importantly, um we all believe this firmly stands on the shoulders of our students who get up and show up every day. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. And so we do have a recognition that we'd like to share and we also look forward to hosting a lunchon with all of your staff and those who couldn't be here at the end of this month. So if we could have the team come forward and we'll have our trustees come out in front. Go right ahead. >> Yeah. And we can let the gentleman come in behind you and make a second row there. kind of get a little in the window, guys.
007It's like we tell the kids to see you again. Thank you so much again for joining us and for your amazing work for really helping our students be able to achieve their achievements. And also we're just happy that you're able to join us and celebrate this because this is something that only a handful of schools uh get the distinct honor for and so we're really excited that you're here and it is a team effort. So really happy and proud that Pedmont Middle School is reaching those greater heights. So thank you. >> Yeah. And one thing to add to those numbers, um, so this year for California Distinguished School, it was the secondary cycle. So it was specific to middle school and high schools in our state. For those levels, there are over 7,000 middle school
008and high schools in the state of California and less than 400 that received this distinction. All right. So, we are going to move along. There were no public comments on consent calendar items that I don't see. And so, we're moving into our consent calendar. Can we have a motion to adopt? >> I'll move to adopt the consent calendar. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All right. Great. And now moving on to item number nine, comments from the public on non-aggenda items. We have a few comments here and so I'm going to read a speaker conduct card to keep in mind as you all make your remarks and welcome to our board meeting. Thank you for being here. So for all who wish to address the board during public comment periods, speakers
009are requested to state your name and affiliation for the record. Each speaker will be given three minutes to address the board, five minutes per organization, and a maximum of 20 minutes per topic. However, in exceptional circumstances, when necessary to ensure ensure full opportunity for public input, the board president may with board consent adjust the amount of time allowed for public input. Any such adjustment shall be done equitably so as to allow for a diversity of viewpoints. The president may also ask members of the public with the same viewpoint to select a few individuals to address the board on behalf of that viewpoint. Speakers, please, you are reminded to communicate with respect, fairness, and courteousness to each other and to all present. We ask that you not use the name of any district employee in your
010comments. The board welcomes orderly communication from the public. All right. And with that, we will begin with Peg Carlson Bowie. All right. Welcome. Thank you. Hi, my name is Peg Carlson Bowen and I'm speaking tonight representing the San Jose branch of the American Association of University Women, uh, which has been at supporting women and girls through education, research, and advocacy since 1881. This week is period poverty awareness week, May 11th through the 17th. What is period poverty? It's simply when there's not enough money or access for tampons and pads for students. 20% of those people struggle to pay for period products or can't access them at all. Twothirds have worn tampons or pads longer than health providers recommend risking infections such as toxic shock syndrome. and almost 85% have either missed school days or class
011time or know someone who has because of lack of access. So I assume that board members, teachers, and administrators are aware of the menstrual equity for all act which was passed a couple of years ago that requires that period products be available free from grades 3 to 12. What you may not know is that there is a comprehensive toolkit in handbook available to help schools when they implement the act. It contains an implementation roadmap, a model board policy, frequently asked questions and a fact sheet and reimbursement options from the state for any costs that you incur and also successful case studies. The toolkit is available by searching the web and I've also left a copy of it. This may be old news to you. You may be aware of the toolkit, but I did a
012search on the school policies and so forth and then didn't see it referred, so I thought I would bring it and then provide it to you. Thank you. >> Thank you. And our next speaker is Jan Bartola. Hello, I'm Jan Bartalada, a Beressa Union School District teacher at Toyon for 10 years and a tenure substitute in the district from preK to 5. I was blessed to be a toyon with a diverse student body and creative staff aware at of the diverse needs of our students and eager to meet them. wonderful memories of a school now closed. Today I'm speaking on behalf of the San Jose branch of AEW, American Association of University Women. I and my colleagues are members of the San Jose branch. AW supports academic freedom, protection from censorship, and bias-free education, as
013well as access to curricula that represents historically accurate information. According to the California Department of Education in California, it is the state board of education, not each school district, that decide decides on the standards for all students. Keeping this in mind, I refer to ED code section 51,23.5 requiring that so social science instruction include the role and contributions of both men and women, members of various races and ethnic groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic and cultural groups. to the economic, political, and social development of California and the nation. California and our nation cannot thrive if our people don't understand and respect each other. Thank you for all you do to safeguard the rights of all students in this district by following this guidance and providing bias-free
014education. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Tina Divera. Good evening, superintendent, board, and cabinet leaders. My name is Tina Divera, and I've been a proud Ruskin parent for nearly 15 years with four children who have gone or are going through the school. Um, I'm here to represent the front desk, um, the front office staff with one clear request today. Ruskkins front office needs an additional full-time clerk. This school year has been unlike any other. The merger brought a significant increase in student population and with it a strain on our front office staff that has simply not have not been met with enough support. Let me give you a clear picture of what a typical morning, early afternoon looks like. Two people, one clerk, one secretary. Managing gate access almost every five to 15 minutes.
015Handling attendance, answering phones, responding to staff and parent volunteers, questions, guiding and taking care of students in and out of the office, covering health clerk duties until she arrives because she's only part-time, and trying to get through their own daily workload. all at the same time. This is not a two-person job and this is not sustainable for our Ruskin community. Additional hours have been granted to accommodate the increased workload and we appreciate that. Thank you. But ours don't solve the problem when the workload requires another set of hands, a physical full-time presence, another person who knows the school, knows the students, and will be there every single day to assist. Rotating assistant principles, and we love him. One of them is here. However, are not a substitute for permanent front office support. Ruskin serves over
016710 students. Our front office staff are doing the work of at least three people with the resources of two. They are dedicated. They are capable, but they are being set up to fail. I understand that there have already been conversation about hiring an additional clerk for the next upcoming school year. Thank you. I commend that conversation and dialogue that was started. But I am here to say please follow through. Please make sure the hiring contract for the additional clerk is complete and confirmed and secured. This is not a luxury request. It is what Ruskin needs to function effectively and to give our students, our staff, and our families the support they deserve. 100%. Thank you. Thank you for your time, your openness, and your continued partnership with our Ruskin community. >> Thank you. And our
017next speaker is Leslie Cado. Okay. All right. Good evening. My name is Lesley Cado and both of my girls attend school in the Beresta in the Beressa district. one at Morel Middle and one at Mincity Park. Middle schoolers right there. We recently learned that our music teacher at Morel will be transferred to another district school next year. My 13-year-old daughter, Amy, attended Moral in sixth and seventh grade and will be entering eighth grade next year. My youngest, Issa, will also begin sixth grade at Morel next year as well. One of the main reasons our family has valued our experience at Morel has been the strength of its music program. I was amazed that through the music program, my daughter formed such meaningful friendships and found a sense of belonging during what can often be a
018challenging stage of adolescence. I'm also deeply impressed by the music teacher herself. Her dedication to the students has created a safe and supportive environment. Knowing that my child is not only uh cared for but genuinely engaged at school has been an incredible source of comfort. This teacher has given our kids exciting experiences through concerts, performances, and educational outings that build school spirit and independence. Teachers who build these programs and relationships should be valued and supported whenever possible. The Moral Middle School teachers passion and experience to this music program are invaluable and cannot be replaced. I only recently learned that she would be leaving. Like many parents, we assumed that she would return next year because of the program's success. under her leadership. I heard from my daughter that the teacher doesn't want to leave Morell,
019but that she just wants to teach music. Regardless of the circumstances, I want the board to know that our music teacher is deeply valued at at the Morell um parrot community, and we truly appreciate the dedication and positive impact that she's had on our students. I respectfully ask that the board not only review this particular matter but also to carefully considered how future decisions of this nature affect students, families, teachers, and the broader community. Thank you for listening and thank you for your consideration. Thank you all for your comments. All right, now we're moving to reports and presentations. Um, measure U construction bond program updates. >> Good evening everybody. I'm here to present the measure U bond update for the month of May and we will be going through the overview. Measure U project updates
020includes the school renovations, infrastructure improvements, technology upgrades, as well as safety and security enhancements. On the program schedule, it basically goes through the phase one design and planning. Phase two is bidding and award, phase three, construction and execution, and the last is completion and closeout. And that's that wonderful colored key that I made. Um, measure you project updates. So currently we are doing the school kitchen assessments and the first the group the group of five first schools it will be walk be sorry my I'm talking too fast for my brain um the first five schools in the first group will be walked this week um by the end of the week to determine um the uh conditions of this of the kitchens and what type of uh equipment can be reused reused. Um this and
021that group is Sermont, Morell, Ruskin, Northwood and Vincy Park. Um the next is fire alarms at Sierramont and Ruskin. Those are going through the DSA process. Exterior window replacement at Northwood is also going through the DSA rep process. And um as promised I brought in on one of the slides is a rendering of what the actual windows will look like. And the last one on that category is library tables for all sites is in progress. Um and again the mechanical infrastructure and utility assessment program um HVAC replacements at both Majestic Way and Summerdale um are in design but we're also in progress with that that as well. we've kind of started process to get a good jump on the work ahead because it's going to be a crazy summer at these two sites. So, we
022we used Brook Tree not only as a guinea pig but as a learning um a learning thing so we could figure it out and uh not have so many issues with the next two schools. Um, we got portable P1 and P2 at at Majestic Way. Those that is out for bid and um also going through DSA about 80% through DSA is what I heard today. Um, projects that just bid was the roof replacement for K1 and two at at Ruskin and we received four bids on the 7th. Um, and the recommendation of award was actually in the consent calendar for $170,335. Now, at Ruskin, we're only doing K1 and K2 because historically that roof has been like Swiss cheese. And no matter what we've done it, we've never been able to keep the water from
023going inside. So, we decided to re-roof the whole thing. um Majestic Way Landscaping Rehab that has been bid and and actually was um approved with the consent calendar. So just like the Summerdale um rehab landscaping rehab project, we're going to be doing the same at Majestic Way. Um and the last on that projects out to bid is the TK toilet conversion at Brookree Majestic and Somerdale. So, what we're doing there is we move TK TK classes and the toilets that are currently in the bathrooms are wall mounts and they do not make a fixture this the correct size for the TK TK kiddos. So, we're pulling those we're redoing the plumbing and pulling it off the wall and making a floor mounted so we can actually install the baby deo toilets. Um, currently to get
024around that, we've built platforms in the bathroom. Um, and that's been pretty successful. Um, but we want to do it the right way and and install those Baby Dro tots. Okay, moving on to projects in progress. So, B USD warehouse is moving along. A lot of the underground construction is is um go moving and uh I've got pictures to show. A lot of trenching, the electrical, plumbing, electrical plumbing, um sewer, water, um and conduits for data and stuff have all been trenched and and pipes have been laid down. Pedmont asphalt, we completed a section of that over the last spring break. That was the mechanical area. We're going to be um doing a slurry coat and the front parking lot as well as revamping the whole playground um the tennis courts um the basketball courts
025um that's you know all that asphalt's all going to be pulled out and replaced. Um I've met with Greg the principal over there and and we're on the paint schemes and I think we're putting in some pickle ball courts and and um numbers for emergency um lineups and all that good stuff. The Vincy Park door and window project um is in progress. We are going to be taking delivery of those doors and windows because they're coming in as a section pretty soon and we're going to actually be storing those at our old district office until the summertime in the warehouse portion of the building. And the storage shelvings for all elementary school portables. We're going to be walking with um the team and meeting with the teachers and principles in those portables to decide and
026basically do a layout of where these uh storage shelves are going to be placed and to best position them in the classroom where they work out the best. um the classroom open reconfiguration at Brook Majestic and Somerdale that's scheduled for this summer. And we're going to be working around the HVAC um revamp at Majestic and Summerdale as well. The comprehensive infrastructure renewal and utility assessment of the solar is ongoing. Um P Gen is kind of where we're at, a little standstill. So, um hopefully we'll know some more news in the next month or two on that. Uh projects in progress continued. Uh we have the fire alarm at Northwood which is almost completed. We are going to be testing that this coming weekend and hopefully by um June 1 that will be um fully executed.
027Security replacement is down to now three schools. Cherrywood Lane View and Vincy Park. We're going to be doing Vincent Park while we do the window and door replacement because that school is not going to be a summer school. So, that's kind of we waited for that. Um, Cherrywood is ongoing. They've started that site and they're pressing to get to Lane View. Um, just waiting on a schedule to present to the Lane View tenants so we can get in there and do that. HVAC controls have been um updated at Brookree, Noble, Morell, Sierraont, and Somedale. We're working on economizers and CO2 sensors. And because I'm so excited about the storage shelves, I put it on the the agenda or the uh the presentation twice. With all that said, the projects that we completed was the TK
028playground structure at Brookree. Um playground looks amazing. I have pictures of that. We have one little snafu with a piece of equipment that spins a little too fast for the kiddos. And so, um, I've presented a replacement, um, piece that the company's willing to replace at no charge, um, to the principal to make sure to see if that's what they want to do. Um the mechanic shop HVAC got re reddone because when we started the H or the the warehouse project, we discontinued the gas service. Um and the mechanic shop heater and HVAC was ran on gas, so we had to upgrade that system. Sierramont and Ruskin both have their PA and security completed. So those those are up and working now and they're working wonderfully. Okay, on to the key. So this is the
029key of the the program schedule. The next three slides are the program schedule. And onto the pictures. So here's the pictures of the underground work that's happening over at the MOT building. As you can see, there's trenching and pipes. Those are conduit and either water lines or um electrical lines. And so once this is completed, we can build a slab and then bring our building in and erect it. Here is the mechanic shop new HVAC. So that's both the two electric units. The one on the left is called a resinor. That's just a big heater. The one in the mechanic shop office that is a called a split system. that does heating and a mini split system that does heating and cooling. Here is a great picture of the new playground at tree. Here's another
030angle of it. And the small uh piece of equipment that looks like a circle is the one that we're most likely going to be replacing. Um, this is a rendering of the Northwood window um, replacement because we wanted to kind of show you what we were doing. So, as you can see, the the darker blue panels, not the door where it says 303, that's the door under it. But the darker blue panels is going to be a Hardy Backer um solid piece of Hardy backer, which is a c cementatious piece of um, sighting. um that doesn't rot. It it lasts forever. And then the light colored blue above that is the window. So you can see kind of where we brought that that panel up to for security reasons, people can't look in, but yet
031with the larger size windows and the clear windows, it'll let a lot of light in. And so you can kind of see the height of those panels in the window as compared to the the person in the door. questions. >> Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation as always. Are there any questions from the board? >> You know what? I have one more. >> Oh, okay. There you go. >> So, I'm sorry about that. But, uh, there was a question that was asked about um what type of um plants that we were planting at at North or was it Somerdale? And I all I could tell you it was a drought tolerant plant. I actually have the the name. It's called a oh gosh rafolipus um indacica otherwise known as an Indian hawthorne and
032it's a drought tolerant plant. >> I appreciate that. >> So with PGN is there anything for the solar projects? Is there anything we can do to push them? I know they take a while but >> yes so that has been our biggest downfall and um it's it's I guess they have such a large backlog right now that um >> they're going to get to us but we just don't know when >> we don't know when um and as far as the HVAC system goes what do we plan what are we planning for Vincy Vincy had an issue right with the chiller >> right so we we really haven't discussed or deced excited anything as of yet? Um, I know that we've brought Tony into the mix on that and I think we're going to be
033presenting a bond, >> what is it called? Bond >> priority list update and I believe that's going to be on there. >> Okay. >> But in the meantime, we did a a a real good job on repairing that to try to get us through the end of the year and so far the machine is working well. I mean timeline wise I mean if even if we get a get it next month let's say it's not going to be done this year correct so we hope that the >> correct as we mentioned the last time for HVAC pro um replacement that requires a a year out of planning >> so um there's a few different things that we needed to provide to the board was first just another review of our existing priority list. >> Yes.
034>> What is the cost for full replacement of HVAC? Because then that means uh removing projects that are currently on priority list one if the board's desire is to um move more quickly on complete HVAC renovation, which is one of that and roofing are the two most expensive projects that we look at for our schools. And so that'll be a special meeting that we'll have with the or it'll be part of a another another future meeting to be able to decide from your feedback where you want to do. So, we're doing the analysis of which projects we would recommend to remove from priority one to replace HVAC systems if that's in fact what you'd like to do because you need that information as well in terms of which existing projects would we be delaying and
035whether or not that's the best course of action. >> Okay. But in the meantime, let's keep an eye on it because I mean towards the end of the school is fine, but uh start of the school will be warm and you know it'll get cold and >> it's just let's keep a closer eye on that so so our children are comfortable. >> I happened to be at the site today and did a once over and checked out the air handlers on the roof as well. >> Maybe like a periodical go up to the roof and check the chiller and see whether it's still running any leaks. >> Sure. >> You know what to do. Yes, >> I try. new trusty. >> Thank you, Dan. >> Thank you. >> I also had a couple of questions
036as well. Um I'm happy that you added the um storage for the portables because I'm also curious about that about when the estimation of the shelving will arrive. Is it also next school year? >> It's going to be over the summer. Yeah, >> over the summer. Okay, that's great. And I also on the solar piece, um is the holdup from PG& just like they just have too many solar panels to install or like what is the hold up? Do you know? PG& just likes to take their sweet time. >> Okay. Because I have um I have a colleague who does PG& um intergovernmental relations and so we can if you we can follow up after and I can >> I would love to get that contact number. >> Yeah, I can follow up with her
037and see if there's something that we can do to try and push it along. >> Yes, please. >> Okay, that'd be great. Any other Yeah, I was just going to reiterate that contact would be great because um our communication with PG& is rarely fruitful. especially with the outages. Um, and I'm not sure if there's been a change in their division, but in the past we've had a direct contact, uh, who would like pre-warn us with power outages that are going through the cycle, etc. For the past year, that's been non-existent. And to be able to get access to someone who knows status on these situations as they occur have been very challenging. I will text her right after this meeting to see if what we can do. All right. Any other comments, questions? All right.
038Thank you so much for the presentation. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next is the superintendence report. Dr. Ventus, >> thank you. Um I have a few things. Uh just one thing I want to talk about because it's timely is just our um where we are in the process with our state budget. Uh right now we anticipate the governor's proposal for the May revise to come out this Friday and there's been a lot of advocacy these past month and a half or so uh in terms of public school funding and the supports that our schools continue to need. I just want to encourage our board as well as our community. This is the time to reach out to all of our elected officials to let them know how important this funding is. There's two points
039that are really critical right now. The governor proposed a discretionary block grant back in January. We want to ensure that that block grant is flexible use of funding. There's been different discussions in the legislature to make some of those dollars restrictive, meaning they have to be used for a very certain purpose. We do not want that. We want to ensure that it's flexible so that way it can be applied based on the needs that we have in our district. So that's the first ask that we want to make sure our elected officials hear from us. The second ask, the governor has proposed a loophole of Prop 98 funds. There is a minimum guarantee in the funding formula that public schools are expected to receive. He has created a loophole to be able to hold back
040some of those minimum guaranteed funds to be used for the state deficit issue. So, we um are speaking in Sacramento. I've been to Sacramento three times this past month to talk on this issue. For our district, it's a little over $4 million. There's quite a bit of um resource and service support that we could utilize those funds for. So to know that this loophole has been found and there's no guarantee, there's a broken or a an intent an intended promise that we'd get those those monies back sometime with no uh no date of expectancy, which means we won't see it. And so um in my conversations with the elected officials, I was just in Sacramento a week ago. I was told that the governor um is very much focused on attending to the state deficit
041and he feels that during his term he's been very generous with public school funding. We appreciate, you know, the funds that we've received and the special programs that he's been able to implement, but we're only asking for what we're required to receive. And so, uh, just knowing that the loophole that he's created is is problematic and is in fact withholding funds from public schools, we need to make sure our legislature hears from us. Uh, they have there have been lots of folks going to Sacramento, um, you know, teachers, schoolboard members, administrators to let our elected officials know that this is not okay. And uh just last week the assembly put out a communication that they and the Senate are both in agreement that this loophole should not be utilized. Um but it's going to be
042a negotiation piece between them and the governor. So uh really important time right now that they hear from us and let us know that, you know, we want what's expected in law for us to receive. So those are the two points that I think it's really important for everyone to be advocating at this time. And um and then uh the second thing that I wanted to share is our city of San Jose is also in the midst of their budget discussions. And an area I think our community should monitor is any budget reductions that are being proposed in terms of safety and safety that not only impacts our community at large but our schools. So today I had a meeting with our city of San Jose school collaborative and one of the budget cuts that
043is being made is to our school liaison unit with San Jose PD. And so that program has been cut by the city over the years. I mean, really, there's been two officers that have handled all of the city of San Jose's schools, and they're amazing. They're really great. Um, they're very accessible. You know, when our principles call and need support, it's nice to know we have that direct contact that's being removed. Those individuals also um also support uh any kind of educational programs that we want to offer to our parents to learn more about gang prevention, drug prevention, they will no longer be able to provide that. And then a third piece that's also problematic um is they're also our partners in reviewing our school safety plans. And that is actually a requirement in EDC
044code that we work in collaboration with our law enforcement agencies and they let us know that they may not be able to provide that support. So I have called our council member this afternoon to let him know that I was highly concerned and that that was that's a real problem. Like we need that expertise and we need that partnership from them. There was uh another council member that was in our meeting this morning. She heard all of our feedback. Uh that was a number one issue that all the superintendent expressed concern about. She said she was going to take that back to council so that they can find, you know, an avenue, a better way to be able to support that effort. Um you know, uh the captain was there that oversees that work. we
045made sure to let him know we appreciate their partnership and everything that they've done. We've always been able to depend on those resources and so we'd like to make sure that gets sustained. So I think that's um a really important piece that I wanted to mention. And then also uh just on positive note, we have open houses happening. Um I want to just remind everyone we still have another round of open houses this week. On Thursday, we have Brooktree, Vincy Park, and Noble. Uh, you know, all the open houses I've attended uh have had great participation from their um their uh families, but also want to let our families know at large, this is a good opportunity to visit our schools. Uh, you know, if you've got an incoming TK or kindergartener, come and take
046a look at that elementary site. Uh, get to know the staff. you know, it's a good way to also see the next grade level. What are those expectations for the student the next year? Um, our teachers work really hard and their support staff in sharing all the progress that the students have made up to this point in time. So, we want to make sure everyone's there to celebrate that. And um and then just uh also we've had a good round of multicultural events happening. It's always nice to see how those are done, you know, with variance. across the different schools. Every school has their special mark with those um opportunities. We have one more this Friday at Ruskin. So that'll be coming up. Opportunity for everyone to come out and celebrate our diversity. And then
047um before our next meeting, we will have already reached our last day of school, which is coming up June 12th, just around the corner. So, uh, again, you know, this month of May is our month of, um, staff appreciation. I know that's on the agenda for the board, but want to make sure we give thanks to all of our our staff that have made this year go round and and everyone who has supported them to ensure our students have a great year. >> Thank you so much for your comprehensive update. And are there any comments or announcements from the board that folks wanted to share? >> I'll just share the echo the sentiments for staff appreciation. It's a great way for the community to to thank >> not just the teachers but the entire staff
048that make our schools um run um so efficiently and you know effectively. Um it's I used to do that as as a PTA uh leader. I used to organize those things. I miss those miss that time. Um but it's a great way for us to recognize those efforts and uh you know and uh we always appreciate staff appreciation should be throughout the year according to you but uh to have that um you know recognition in that week is um is always great and thank you for the update and and also with the uh funding uh you know there are multiple things going on you know I know that from a from a larger uh discussion point we've been talking about restructuring schools, how schools are funded. Uh you know, enrollment based funding versus attendance based
049funding. That's not that doesn't get spoken very spoken about very often uh how the how the funding formula is applied. And it's it's very complicated. Uh even after listening to it multiple times, you know, we always come up with new questions, you know, why why is this the way? And uh there there needs to be more advocacy from uh from the collective board uh members throughout the state uh through CSBA to change that funding formula uh to you know make it uh fair to uh middle of the line school districts like like ours, right? We are not we're not the at the uh far end of the of the uh of the funding. Neither are we a basic aid. So we we're right stuck in the middle. So we are very dependent on the state
050dollars uh for for to run our program. So it becomes a little tricky and of course you know always uh there's a great reminder from Dr. Fentes to stay engaged with your elected officials. You know just like how uh we see uh our community come to the board meetings and point out deficiencies in our budget in the school budget. uh we should also be brave enough to stand up to the elected officials uh at the city uh and the state level to to tell them that hey maybe we don't need a highspeed rail we maybe you know send that money to the schools we need better school uh u facilities and so on so you know we should be able to do that uh with them as well and I do that you know I'm
051not just uh preaching I'm just I do that every opportunity I get I remind them you Keep your make sure you have your eye on the ball. Don't uh make sure you're funding your your spending uh you know uh makes sense. You just just just don't uh keep uh throwing money here and there. Just make sure that you're uh uh you're being mindful with our tax dollars is is what uh I tell them. And I'd encourage the um the community to do the same as well. Um and yeah, let's hope uh good sense prevails in Sacramento and we get uh the appropriate uh funding that we deserve uh to serve to make sure we um serve our students well. We are able to serve our students well as well as take take care of our
052um our staff and teachers. >> Yeah, thank you for that. I wanted to add on to the advocacy piece as well. Um the governor's budget should be released by this Friday. And so this is really the time to appeal to your assembly members, state senators. Um the specific things that we're asking for is to fully fund Prop 98 in Beressa. As Dr. Fontes mentioned, it is $4 million ongoing that we would get um as a school district. And that would be huge. As you all know, in the past, we had a $6 million deficit. And so $4 million ongoing can be ch like changing for the district. and also getting the proposed block grant from the um governor as well. That would provide us almost $3 million a year. And so that funding can go
053towards salaries. That money can go towards hiring new folks, adding programs for our schools. So I know there's uh a lot of folks in the audience who do advocacy at the school district level, which is amazing. But we also need your voice at the city level, city council meetings, and also appealing to our um state legislature as well. And I will also mention the speaker of the assembly resides within Santa Clara County. he represents a part of us and he's someone you should also reach out to and talk to. So that's also at the end of my comments as well. All right. Any other things? >> Yeah, I just want to echo the thanks for our staff and teachers and I hope you were spoiled by your parents and and kiddos last week. Um I've
054been visiting a lot of schools the past couple months and I just have to say like it just is constant reminder of how special Beressa is. Um, not only are are the classrooms just so fun and engaging, but when I talk to teachers and I and they are so excited to show what they're working on, whether it's science projects like spread across the room or um making musical instruments and podcasts and just how the learning is being applied, you can really tell the passion is in the teacher and then the students really respond. And so that's like the above and beyond. Um, and I saw it everywhere I visited and it really just brought to light the learning and what was happening and it was not, you know, it wasn't just walking in the classroom
055and going this is DK and it's like great, thank you and we keep like it was genuinely I felt welcomed and really got a sense of um how learning is happening in our district and I appreciate that and and um I appreciate all of you. So Thank you. And I will move on from that. So we there's nothing under comment or review and discussion. No public hearings. We have a couple items for review and action. And now we are going to the resolution that we're all talking about to declare May as employee recognition month. I also want to add to the chimes of just saying thank you to all our Beressa employees. is you really make our district work. And it's your work every single day that ensures that all of our students are able
056to achieve the heights that they can achieve and really being able to be there every single day with them at all levels of the district, whether be a bus driver, a teacher, clerk, and even here at the district office. We really appreciate all the hard work that you do. And so we wanted to pass this resolution and say thank you for your amazing work throughout the year. All right. So passing this resolution. All right. Do we want to say have a choice? >> Yeah. >> All right. And I will go ahead and read the resolution and then we'll take up a vote. So employee recognition month. Whereas Beressa Union School District concurs with the governor in the state in recognizing public employees play a vital role in the educational well-being of students. hand. Whereas the
057Beressa Union School District recognizes its administrators and the effectiveness of the leadership team. This year the state proclaimed the week of October 11, 217, 2026 as week of the school administrator. And whereas Beressa Union School District recognizes the importance of its teachers by joining the state in proclaiming May 4th to 8th, 2026 as National Teacher Appreciation Week. Whereas Beressa Union School District acknowledges its dedicated classified staff by recognizing the designated week of May 17 to 23, 2026 as classified school employee week. And whereas the board of education and Beressa Union School District wish to commend all employees for their unparalleled contribution to the lives of students as mentors and as examples of character who continuously provide exceptional education and who work tirelessly to provide distinctive learning environments to meet the needs of all of our
058students. And whereas all employees of the Beressa Union School District are committed to their profession in providing highquality programs and services to the children, setting exemplary standards, serving as role models, and motivating and promoting success for all learners. And whereas it is timely and appropriate that we recognize this extraordinary endeavor exercised by our community of dedicated educators and employees, that we set aside a moment to express gratitude for their place in our students lives. that we appreciate the unique gifts of those who impart knowledge and integrity and that we la the individual and combined efforts of all those who whose work is serving students. Therefore, be it resolved that the board of trustees of the Beressa Union School District recognizes all of its employees for their outstanding contributions in educating the children of Beressa by
059declaring the month of May as employee recognition month. All right. And this is a roll call vote. >> I will move to adopt resolution 2521. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Thank you so much. And this is a roll call vote as well. >> Yes. President Hal. >> I. >> Trustee Nuin. >> I. >> Trustee Shrinavasan. >> Hi. >> Trustee Brewer. >> I. >> Trustee Boak. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Right. Next is the 2026 to 2027 regular board meeting dates. >> It is recommended the board establish the board of trustees regular board meeting dates for the 2627 school year as proposed. >> Comments, questions, or motion? >> Move to establish these the published dates. I'll second our motion. >> Okay, moved and seconded. All those in favor? >> I. >> Great. And item
060B1, board policy 3311. >> Um, just for board reference, uh, B1 and B2 go somewhat together regarding the bidding process. Um, for this first one, 3311, it's just updating uh, language to ensure it's in alignment with the legal requirements for bidding procedures. >> I'll entertain a motion. you can combine the two items. >> Um I will make a motion to move uh to review and approve board policy 3311 for first reading as well as a motion to approve board policy 3311 as stated. >> Is there a second? >> Second. All those in favor? >> I Great. Item C1, resolution 2522, declaration of need for fully qualified educators. It is recommended that the board adopt resolution 2522, declaration of need for fully qualified educators for the 2627 fiscal year. This is a resolution that we do
061annually just to ensure we have appropriate staffing for the start of the school. >> Go ahead. I'll move to adopt resolution 25-22. >> I'll second. >> All right. And this is a resolution. Roll call vote. >> President Hal. >> I. >> Trusty Nuin. >> I. >> Trustee Strvas. >> Hi. >> Trusty Brewer. >> I. >> Trusty Boak. >> Hi. >> Thank you. The resolution passes. And next is D1 Algebra 1 curriculum presentation and adoption. >> Thank you. And so with this, it is recommended the board approve and adopt the recommended algebra 1 curriculum following uh the presentation which will be led by Dr. Barnes from Piedmont Middle School. >> I got it. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Greg Barnes. I have the privilege of being principal at Pedmont Middle School. >> I'm Kristen
062Hoffy. I teach at Sierra Mont. >> I'm Sandia Raman. I teach at Morel Middle. We wanted to start this evening with this uh simple structured quote but complex in its meaning. Mathematics rightly viewed possesses not only truth but supreme beauty. It suggests that math is more than just getting the right answers. It is creative. It is elegant and indeed around us all the time. Oh, let's see. Well, we did have some photos in here. Um as mentioned, Miss Hoppy and Miss Raman are here. not here this evening, but in spirit is Miss Umali and Miss Chi. Uh I want to take this opportunity real quick just to thank the team. They stepped away from their classrooms for over 26 hours over the course of this school year. That's time away from their students. That's lesson
063planning. It's a huge undertaking and we would not be here this evening without their dedication. Uh we had three major objectives in the algebra 1 adoption process. One is to align our program with our major feeder district um or sorry where we feed into Eastside Union of course um they were um entertaining two major publishers and I believe still are that's uh Savis and McGra Hill. So we piloted both of those publishers um and then the goal was to pilot that during this school year in the hopes of having something to adopt for the 2627 school year. A quick overview of our timeline. You can see in September and October, both presenters, I should say both publishers presented all day, three hours for each publisher for half the day, ending up being six hours in
064September, six hours in October. The pilot began in earnest at the end of December, but really hit the ground running in January and February where they piloted um SAVIS for the first three months and then in March, April and we're still piloting uh finishing up our McGraw Hill timeline. When it came time to make the decision, um obviously we had rich dialogue amongst the four teachers and their experiences, but what I really appreciated about the team was getting their student experiences. You can see here it's a snapshot of a Google form. Many of them got the students experiences which um if you're interested they can share with you later what that looked like. Um and then of course we used the California algebra one adoption rubric to not only base our decision but independently they
065all filled out their own Google form and we tallied the votes. So with those three metrics, we were able to land on our outcome of wanting to do a 7-year adoption uh for McGraw Hill Reveal Algebra 1. Questions for myself or the experts in the room? I think I just want to share a little bit with the board knowing that um curriculum adoption process is quite tedious. So you know you may not be familiar with that process. It doesn't happen frequently. We go through different cycles. Usually it's a 7 to 8year cycle um by the state timeline in which we go ahead and then pilot new materials. So, right now is the time for math. Um, as we've had previous conversations, we're very much in alignment with our East Side Alliance groups, right, which is
066all of the feeder elementary um districts going into East Side Union High School District. Math is our area of focus that we um that we engage in and and talk about so that we're all in alignment moving forward in the same direction as much as possible. So, most recently, the change last year, which I had shared with the board, was a um shift from the integrated math pathway back to an algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2 sequence. And so Eastside Union has been working on that, you know, with their teachers, shared that information with us and our assistant superintendent that also meet monthly to talk about um that subject area and what are the different strategies and planning that everyone is taking uh is doing. And then we did communicate last year that with our families
067in a uniform letter across the entire East Side Association that this was the new direction and we'd be working on our adoption of our materials um accordingly. And so this is that next step in that process. And in terms of reviewing these curriculum materials, there's quite a bit of um uh recommended requirements. Uh so it's not just getting a a one-time presentation from the publisher, but really digging in to the scope and sequence of the standards. You know, what are the um different activities that the students are being asked to do? How is that in alignment, you know, with our state assessments and the kind of feedback that the teachers can get from, you know, the student work and and their progress and and all of the different resource supports that are built into the
068program. Every publisher has a different model. And so we want to make sure they're teacher friendly, you know, and that's where the teacher expertise in reviewing those materials is so important, you know, um how does it assist in their lesson planning? um what is that time frame that's allowed for teachers to teach have students practice retach if necessary before they move on to the next skill. So there's quite a bit that is under consideration as they're piloting these materials and seeing the impact that it has on, you know, the student learning and and reaching those outcomes that then they take to um discussion and ultimately a vote on what is their recommendation based on that experience. So just for a quick synopsis of what's entailed in that timeline that they shared with all of you.
069Thank you. Thank you for the overview and thank you for the presentation as well. I am a fan of the algebra 1 sequencing controversial opinion. Um I was there when the shift happened from integrated to algebra 1. So this is what I personally learn and know. But I'm also curious though with the decision. um what was on the decision rubric? I'm just curious like what metrics did you use to come to this decision for this curriculum out of curiosity? >> Sure. Yeah. So, it's a 10point rubric. >> I'm going to pass. >> Oh, thank you. Wow. Okay. There you go. >> Yeah. So, like most adoptions, there's a rubric that the state puts out um asking every district to um utilize it for their decision-making process. You can see here there's 10. I believe there's
070one on the back. There's a 10th. It's not copied on here, but there are I believe the 10th one is cost if memory serves, but you can see here um for example, standards alignment, what is that criteria? And then we get to rank it as a team one through four. So you can see there are 10 or actually you see nine there are 10. >> Yeah I think the master copy has its cost which we're glad that's the 10th metric. >> Thank you. I think everyone is also reading it over but were there other questions from the board? Yeah, >> I was just curious as far as um the the committee uh or the adoption committee goes. Are there other I know there there were some some parents that were concerned about the change from
071integrated math to algebra one. Uh is there is there uh is there an opportunity for um for presenting or sharing this this uh change with the uh with the different middle schools and how getting their input also or not need >> so the shift from integration integrated math to this is not part of this process. This is a process specific to the curriculum and the textbooks that are being used now with the algebra 1 sequence. >> That decision already >> happened. >> Okay. >> And that's what we communicated with our parents last year. >> We didn't have a so there were there any um did we get any feedback from from them? So what I'm trying to ask is is there anything that we we can we can do to stop this or we didn't
072have any option right we have to adopt this >> we're we have we're in alignment with east side union and that's and that's the work and that is the work that we've been doing in partnership in our east side alliance >> so I I know that some families were not >> didn't want and we've received that feedback and we continue to share we're in alignment with our high school feeder district because The other piece too when we're looking at the accelerated pathways, as I've shared with parents, we want to assure that our students get credit for that when they transition to the high school. So, we have to have a match. Um, I've received some feedback from parents. Well, they're not necessarily going to Eastside Union, but that is our partner. That is our feeder
073high school district, and that's who we're in alignment with. >> That's how we plan our correct. So, that's what we do. Okay. So, I was just curious how that process worked and you know and uh Okay, perfect. Thank you. >> As a as a former East Side Union High School District administrator, I am really happy about the algebra 1 curriculum. So, thank you. >> How does the um help me is algebra 1 now going to be most likely an eighth grade math class? Okay. So, how does the sequence change for students from sixth, seventh to eth? >> Uh, that wouldn't change. Six, seven, eight doesn't change. Um, and actually it's we chose to do algebra and they're going to actually at the high school started geometry. >> So, eighth grade, most eighth grade students are
074just in eighth grade. only some advanced students are going to do algebra because we didn't want want to do the geometry because that's the one that the UC schools, am I correct, look at >> at the high school. So, we said, okay, well, we'll do the algebra one and then they can deal with the geometry and the UC schools. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> I think the other thing I would ask from our teachers, you had two publications that you were looking at, SAS and McGra Hill. Your recommendation is McGra Hill. Can you share a few highlights on why um everyone felt that that was the number one choice? Um I think the the two things that uh brought us they were both very similar, but the two things that we really liked was
075the Alex program that is involved in McGra Hill. Um and it's similar to the Fractal program which we have, but it's even better. and yeah um and it's been around for years and years and and they that was really powerful seeing the kids use that was really powerful also on the last day when we were deciding which one we wanted and I should have brought one that uh McGraill brought these workbooks I can't stop talking about them um they I even contacted them because they were so amazing they were they weren't just workbooks where it was the same problems from the textbook in a workbook book. Um it was notetaking and graphic organizers and how the kids could see the important information and um and we're we're also members of the math adoption for next
076year. Um and I you I emailed McGra Hill. I said, "Are you guys going to have this for the 678?" And they said no. >> So I was really bummed because I like those were the best things that would that is just the most amazing thing. And I haven't seen anything else like them when we were looking at the curriculum for next year. And >> so that I think was there anything else? >> How about the student experience? >> Oh, and one more thing. And yes, she'll talk about that, but also they had a powerpoints, editable PowerPoints. That was also nice. That's very teacher friendly. >> Yeah, I think I just want to add that the kids were at this point done with everything being virtual and online and uh we enjoyed the hands-on experience
077that they had. Savis gave us a hard cover I mean like a like a soft cover workbook which went with the curriculum which we enjoyed. So we were actually looking for something like that from McGraill >> and they gave it to us like she said only on the last day. So we're hoping we're hopeful that we'll get that for the uh adoption that we do and uh the biggest thing was the students experience and uh we all give them assignments to work on at home. So Alex was a good u interim in place and the best thing is that if east side decides to go megraill way then there's a continuum. Uh the Alex starts where it starts for everybody and they the high school teachers or uh assessors will have access to their shift
078in learning right from when they started. So if it was at fifth grade then from fifth grade it's a continuum. So and I think there's that aligns very well with what we have for our assessments and we as teachers always want to see that. So that was another big point that student and kids loved me more. >> Um there's always the thought that whatever is piloted second is always more recent in the memory. So we leave that to speculation but kids did uh say very very vehemently that they preferred that McGra. >> I'll tell you when I when I was went to school I used to have I used to use McGraill publications. So, >> and real quick just to add so all three metrics leaned toward McGraw Hill. So, not only the teachers anecdotal
079experience, but the quantitative experience through the decision rubric, they each independently scored McGraw Hill above uh Savas and then um of course we just heard the student experience also leaned toward McGraw Hill. >> Thank you so much for the presentation. And I also have to say thank you to Miss Hoppy, too. She was my math teacher. I have to say thank you. Um, so there is a motion. I'm looking for a motion to approve and adopt the algebra 1 curriculum. >> I move for approval. >> I second that. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. All right. Next up is board policy 6173 education for homeless children. Thank you. And uh I just want to share exhibit 1 6173.1 6173.2. These are all uh mirroring the
080same language updates for uh these uh uh groups of students. Homeless children, foster youth, children of military families. >> Thank you. I am looking for a motion. You can adopt all of these policies together. >> I have one motion for all four, right? >> Yeah. So move to review and approve board policy 6173 6173-E1 uh 6173.1 and 6173.2. >> I'll second it. >> Okay, it's moved and seconded. All those in favor? >> I Okay, all the board policies pass. Next is E1, Best Contracting Services, Inc. It is recommended the board approve the Best Contracting Services Inc. agreement for bid B5 202526 for Ruskin K1 and K2 roof replacement >> questions and motions. >> I'll move to approve the uh service agreement. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> All right, that passes
081as well. Are there any requests for stop followup >> from me? >> Um okay. Items for future agendas. I actually do have one. I want to pass a resolution on um appreciating the climate change work that we've been doing in Beressa. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Nothing else? No. All right. So, meeting is adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Thank you everybody. Have a good night.