BUSD - Board Meeting - 5/8/25

001[Music] Test one, two, one, two, be fair. Yeah. Should be ready. There we go. Good evening and welcome to the regularly scheduled May meeting of the Bonsel Unified School District Board of Trustees. We will start with a roll call. Nani Usua here, Trustee here, Erica here, Leo here, Roger Merch here, Michael Gad is here, and Lissa Anderson here. And if we can all rise and have our student board members lead us in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you all for being here. It's nice to see a full house. Uh prior to convening here in open session, the board met in closed session where we considered the appointment

002employment evaluation of performance discipline transfer and dismissal of employees. Discussed our position regarding collective bargaining with the Bonsel Teachers Association and the California School Employees Association chapter 703 in order to direct the superintendent as chief negotiator in the matter of BTA and CSEA contracts. uh uh spoke regarding the uh public employee performance evaluation per government code 54957 regarding the superintendent evaluation conference with legal counsel and in close session the board took action to approve a final settlement agreement and general release and OAH case number 2025030352. Under this agreement, the district will fund and provide educational services to the student involved. In return, the students parents have agreed to release all claims against the district as detailed in the settlement agreement. Upon a notion by trustee Ortega and a second by Trustee Laarei, the motion passed

0035 to zero. Also in close session, the board took action to approve a settlement agreement and release an in a unfiled employee matter. All parties agree that the settlement agreement resolves the dispute over compensation. Upon a motion by Trusty Ortega and a second by Trusty Laarei, the motion passed five to zero. And the uh board also discussed conf uh a real property negotiation with the property location on the east side of Horse Creek Ranch Road in Fall Brookke. That takes us to our agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the current agenda? Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously bringing us to the minutes for the regular meetings of March 13th and April 8th as well as the special meetings of March 27th and April 15th. Motion to approve. Second.

004All in favor. I. Motion carries unanimously. Brings us now to our reports and I for the reason why most of us are in the room today. Our superintendent report and our recognitions. Good evening board and uh Miss McCannernney and so amazing to see this full house tonight. I am Dr. Heather Golly, very proud superintendent here in Bonso Unified. And I'm super happy to bring this superintendent report to you tonight at our May 8th, somehow it's already May, our May 8th board meeting. And this picture that you can see if you look at little Ida's face, take a look at her, right? That's my face when I think, oh my gosh, how are we already in May? So that's shocking that this is we've got one month left of school. Bless you. Which is just really,

005really incredible. But that's not why Ida's giving us that face. What you may not be able to see, and you might have to squint, is Miss Peek is holding a little baby chick. And she is uh probably looking like I did when I got to see a chick hatch for the first time in my life in Miss PC's classroom last year. And I had to show you this because this is just an example of the many, many amazing things that I get the advantage to see as I walk through our classrooms and see what it is that's happening in Bonsel Unified School District. And it's a great example of the ways that we embody, belong, believe, and achieve in all of our classrooms. And as you know, we like to start with our vision and

006our mission. I also think that you're going to see a lot of our vision and mission in action tonight. And for your last board meeting, Nani, would you please read our B USD vision loud and clear for all of our guests to hear? Yes. All students in Bonesville Unified School District engage in rigorous and relevant learning experiences that inspire them to be productive community members and future ready lifelong learners. Excellent. Thank you. and Eiley, would you please read our mission? We empower all students to thrive in a positive, safe, and supportive environment through highquality education focused on the whole learner. Thank you so much. And for everybody who's maybe seeing this for the first time tonight, I know many of you you're used to us looking at this. That vision is what we aspire to.

007The mission is what we do every single day to get us there. the learner profile outcomes we see in action all the time and our values along the bottom. You're going to see a lot of evidence of that tonight. And I think it's really appropriate that this happens to be a week where we are celebrating our staff. This is staff appreciation week. And if you were in at any of our sites this week, you would see a lot of amazing appreciation happening from our students and from our families, from our PTA groups. As a matter of fact, as you can see up there in the right hand corner, our PTA at Bonszel Elementary had flowers donated so every single student could pick a flower and make sure that they gave that to their teachers. And

008my favorite thing as a teacher for a long time, handmade cards. That's that's really what I think is something that you just hold on to. There's a quotation there from Mandela that I want to make sure I highlight. He said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." And I need to be very clear tonight that the strength of our school district lies not just in resources we provide. That's important. The programs we implement are important, but the strength really lies in the dedication, the passion, and the resilience of our staff. And we have some of the finest staff members that I've ever seen. Every single day, our teachers, our support staff, our administrators, they come together to ensure that each student feels seen, heard, and supported. That they

009belong, believe, and achieve in challenging and interesting times that we're seeing right now. The work we do in education has the power to shape the future, not just for our students, but for our entire community. And you're going to see a lot of evidence of that. As I said tonight, we're super fortunate to work alongside such incredible professionals. They're shaping our students and our community, one student at a time. So, as we're reflecting on all the things that you hear tonight, please keep in mind how much we express need to express our deepest gratitude for all that those educators do inside and outside the classroom, classified and certificated staff, all alike. Okay? Their efforts do not go unnoticed. and I'm super proud to serve in this district alongside all of them. So, a few examples.

010What are some things that would not happen if we didn't have such incredibly dedicated staff? Bonsel Elementary Invention Convention, opportunities for students to be entrepreneurs and to solve real world problems. Our Bonsel West Living Museum, look at these famous people I got to meet. I I got to meet Lucille Ball and Juliet Gordon Laauo and she actually gave me a Girl Scout cookie. Um, we had Amelia Heheart. I didn't even I couldn't put up the pictures of Henry Ford and Michael Jackson and all of these uh famous figures that our students researched. It was just wonderful that comes to life because of our of our staff. The annual Tomlinson games. Many of you know that this is a tradition in Bonsel Unified started here by Cindy Tomlinson on the left and carried on by fine

011educators like Coach A and the rest of our staff across the district that ensure that a tradition like this can continue. It was awesome. Koopa days in Paula. We had a booth where we had staff that went to make sure that we are able to support our students and our families from Paula as they are celebrating their culture and their heritage. And we had staff, this is on a weekend. They're just volunteering to go and to support and to be there. That wouldn't happen if you didn't have dedicated, caring professionals. something like the mural that we had, and I'm not going to belabor this right now because I know that both our secondary principles are going to mention this, but this was an incredible effort that would not have happened if we didn't have staff

012members such as Coach A, who approached our board, who approached Dr. Typicconic, who approached Trusty Ortega and said, "This is something we really feel passionate about making happen." And that's really the result of our of our staff. So tonight, as you're listening to and we're about to get into some recognitions where you're going to get to really see um on a personal level some of the incredible staff that we have. As you're listening to the rest of the presentations, I just want us to keep that lens that we're super fortunate to have the people that we have in our organization. We also have a lot of staff members and I just want to shout out we have a lot of them coming to support our facilities planning and I want to just mention that that

013is continuing. Next week we have our next B USD advisory committee meeting on May 14th. We are continuing to explore things like funding options with developers, various school configurations, adjusting study maps so that we can actually look at the student generation that's coming from these developments so that we can identify projects, prioritize and establish budgets. And we have committed staff members who are coming to participate in that along with committed community members who are supporting us. If you do want to track some of the progress or just have updates, we are putting everything on our website. So underneath the business services there is a link for facilities planning and you can click on it, you can get updates, you can see the slide deck. So if you can't make it to the meetings, you can

014still see some of the work that we're doing. Again, shout out to the staff that don't have to come and support with all of that, but they do and we're really appreciative. Now, I'm keeping my remarks somewhat brief tonight because I know what we really want to see tonight are some recognitions before we get started with the rest of the board meeting. Right. And the first um recognitions, as I said, it's perfect timing with staff appreciation week. I'm going to call um our wonderful executive director of human resources and student services up to start us with recognitions of our very very valued employees. So, Mr. [Applause] Williams, thank you Dr. and good evening governing board. Um it's so nice to be here and this is really a special night for us in education. This is

015the night when we have the opportunity to celebrate the very best. And with so many fantastic staff members across our district, it's really hard to pick, but we've got some exceptional employees that we want to bring forward to you tonight. And I'd like to start with our site classified employees of the year. I just want you to know that both for our classified employees of the year and also for our teacher uh site teachers of the year this is colleague driven. So these are folks on the campus saying that these folks we want to put forward as someone who really embodies all those qualities that embodies the mission the vision and the values of our district. So let's do this this way. classified uh uh site employees of the year. I'll call you up and

016if you could just stand up here and then I'd like to say a few words about each one of you and after we do that we've got a wonderful video about our district classified employee of the year and then we're going to gravitate right over here and hopefully some of our principles can get right behind those chairs and we'd love to take some photographs so that we can share out with everyone. So with that being said, let's move forward here. Let's call up Maddie Casillas from Sullivan Middle School [Applause] professional. Also, we'd like um Sonia Johnson from Bonso West Elementary School. [Applause] Tisha Tokars, Bonso Elementary [Applause] School. And from Bonso High School, counseling and career technician, high school registar, Crystal Diaz from district operations. Jonathan Castanos. And from Vivian Banks Charter School, paraprofessional Jackie

017Withers. [Applause] [Laughter] All right. So, oh, right here. Okay. Either side. You guys can come. There you go. Fantastic. So, I'd like to share a little bit about Maddie Casillas from Sullivan Middle School. Her genuine care for the future of our children and her passion for facilitating their success truly sets her apart. She is 100% there for the students. She makes connections, meets their needs, and is completely dependable and cares with her whole heart for students. She walks around campus with a smile and is willing to do whatever, whenever for all of us. Her innovation and creative approaches to students and professionalism have made her a key figure in our student success. Congratulations, [Applause] Maddie. Sonia Johnson, Bonso West. Sonia demonstrates compassion and patience in her incredibly important work serving and supporting students. She works

018tirelessly with students in the mild mod setting, providing essential support for their IEP goals and to carry out their 50 plan 504 plans with fidelity. The skill she demonstrates managing her workload and fulfilling all that is asked of her, which is extraordinary, is admirable. Her dedication and kindness are not only appreciated by her co-workers, but also deeply valued by the students she works with. Congratulations, [Applause] Sonia. A couple of our folks are walking on watching online tonight. All right. Tisha Tokars, Bonsel Elementary School. She knows everything and handles everything. She solves problems quickly, communicates professionally, and makes herself available for all staff. She has a positive attitude and is an ultimate team player. Whether it's ensuring substitutes are scheduled for our absences, turning on the projector for rainy day movies, setting up the NPR for

019staff meetings, opening the camps on weekends so we can get work, restocking our candy basket, covering noon duty, or walking the halls to assist a student in need. Her contributions are countless. Well done, Tisha. [Applause] And Crystal Diaz, Bonso High School. Dance. Crystal. Oh my gosh. Oh, good. We got it right on the screen. Okay, we got it right one place. Forgive me, Crystal. Let's share a few words about Crystal Dent. Crystal has been an unwavering pillar of support for the entire Bonso High School community. Her commitment to students, families, and staff shines through everything she does. From organizing our annual car show to coordinate coordinating impact community service opportunities in district-wide events, she is constantly doing everything she can to serve and support BHS and its day-to-day operations and for large-scale projects. Crystal brings

020integrity and purpose to her work and inspires those around her. Also, I also want to add that Crystal had uh this opportunity through a quick action to save a life on campus last year on someone's birthday that I won't mention and uh just absolutely save the day and it's indicative of the things you do and the quick action you take every single day at Bonso High School. Congratulations, Prince. [Applause] I also want to share this about Jonathan Castenanos. Um, he works here at the district office and many of us in this room know him really well. Whenever you interact with John, he makes you feel like a million bucks and he makes the district grounds and offices look that way, too. John values building relationships with everyone and he does that by his smile, handshake,

021hug, and friendly exchanges about family updates or weekend experiences. I know this personally from John. He brightens everyone's day. All the while, his work ethic and teamwork it to get the job done is top-notch. And he's so deeply appreciated by the district office team. And I know John's watching online right now and the sites that he goes out to support. Congratulations, [Applause] Jonathan. Now, it's my distinct pleasure to introduce to you Jackie Withers, Vivian Banks Charter School. Jackie is not only the site classified employee of the year, but also is crowned, even though she gave up her crown because she's so selfless, also is crowned the Bonso Unified School District Classified employee of the year. [Applause] Congratulations. Mrs. Jackie Withers is the heart of Vivian Banks Charter School and has an immeasurable impact on campus

022each and every day. Mrs. Jackie brings not only decades of wisdom and lived experience, but a deep generational love for the Paula community that radiates through her every action. As the revered matriarch of our school, she is a pillar of strength, care, and consistency. A powerful but gentle community voice whose presence inspires both respect and affection. Congratulations, Jackie. Now, I would love you all to take a seat right over here. We're going to do a photo, but we're also going to look at a video that we put together for Jackie to celebrate her and the folks and her team at Vivian Banks Charter. So, if we could have someone press the lights or I'll do it. It takes It takes just a moment. And uh yeah, let's enjoy. So, I've known Jackie for over 10

023years. I first met Jackie as a BHS parent when we first opened the high school. I was struck immediately by her just radiating warmth, her friendly smile. She is contagious with love and laughter. People go to her when there's celebrations, when there's challenges. She works with the kids and loves them as her own. I went to school here. I went to school here before it became Vivian Banks Charter School. I was married in this church. My kids are baptized here and so this place means a lot to me. She wears so many hats, but I think the most important hat that she wears is caring and helping children learn. She has this like great balance of compassion and understanding and love and authority and and patience. and it's so needed in our classroom. Our students

024just love her dearly. A lot of the kids that are here are grandchildren and the people I went to school with and um the parents and so it's like generational. The best thing about Jackie is that when you're not feeling like you belong, she pulls you in and she makes you feel like you belong. She does that with all the children. She loves the kids. She loves them like family. I've known her for maybe 15 years or more. It started when her kids came here and then we gradually became friends and now and we call each other family. I love my co-workers. They're my They're my co-worker family. They're my family. As you can see, my co-orker family gave me my crown and my scepter. I see her not only as a co-orker, but as

025kind of a trusted confidant. She is always spot on. She knows our community. She deserves this award because she's a team player. She goes wherever we need her. She's in the office. She's in the classroom. She's in the cafeteria. She's Yeah, she's everywhere. Miss Kathy is super nice. She always comforts everyone when everyone is sick. Jackie is nice and helps everyone with the internet. So, she's very kind to everyone here. was a very big surprise. I'm very honored. Thank you everybody who said my name. I appreciate [Music] it. I'm going to ask that the principles please principles if you could take get climb in right behind them and we're going to take a photo here and then Dr. if you could join them as well that would be great. So, I've known Jackie for All

026right, let's Yes. One more round of applause. [Applause] Oh, okay. Very good. Okay, great. Now we continue with the celebration and we're looking forward to bring up these folks. So from Sullivan Middle School, Monica Powell [Applause] and these folks are site teachers of the year. So let's bring up from Bonsel West Elementary School, Adena Hendrickson. from Bonsville Elementary School. Katie [Applause] Spencer from Vivian Banks Charter School. Leine [Applause] Emerson and from Bonso High School, Greg Hinchliff. [Applause] So, these are our superstars and I'd like to share a few words about each one of these teachers. And I'd like to start with Monica Pal from Solivven Middle School. Mrs. Powell, as a colleague made clear, uh, excuse me, Mrs. Pal as a colleague made clear works with the attitude of this can be done. No matter

027the situation or challenge, she is always poised to usher in student success. When she began her teaching journey at Sullivan in the math department, she was committed to student learning and having students skillfully demonstrate that academic achievement on state examinations. And as she followed a data-driven instructional pathway, they did. Through her years at Sullivan, everyone could always depend on her for her positive energy. Yet also, she had plenty of physical energy in meticulously setting labs for wonderful student science experiments, in delivering lessons with enthusiasm and excitement. She has always challenged students to do their very best. Monica, we all know that you are not just closing out another remarkable year, but a storied teaching career. The school and district is deeply indebted to you and we are so glad you were named as Sullivan's teacher

028of the year. [Applause] Congratulations Adena Hendrickson Bonso West Elementary. [Applause] For over 20 years, she has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience nurturing young learners in her classroom. She displays a deep understanding of child development, effective teaching strategies, and how to create a positive and engaging classroom environment. Mrs. Hendrickson sets high standards, fostering a culture of accountability, perseverance, and achievement. Her students not only rise to the challenge but also thrive under her guidance, developing both academically and personally. Students respect her deeply, knowing she genuinely cares about their growth and success. She also plays a vital role in shaping our school's future as a valued member of the leadership team. She is the embodiment of excellent teaching leadership and an absolute dedication to her students and their success. Welld deserved, Mrs. [Applause] Hendrickson. Now to

029Katie Spencer at Bonso Elementary School. Mrs. Spencer, you can you can applaud [Applause] there. Welld deserved. Mrs. Spencer is an incredibly dedicated teacher who works tirelessly to create a structured, exciting, and enjoyable classroom environment for her first graders. She prioritizes the best interest of all her students and tailors her curriculum to meet the diverse needs of her class. Katie goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel loved, valued, and special. Her classroom management skills are exceptional, fostering a positive and productive learning space. Because of her expertise, she has been called on to serve as a mentor teacher for students in the Cal State credential program, and she is always open to welcoming her peers to observe her teaching methods. Katie does so much to share herself and her resources with the entire Bees family.

030She is an absolute joy and treasure to all of Bonsil Elementary School. High praise to you, Mrs. [Applause] Spencer and Mrs. Emerson, Vivian Banks Charter [Applause] School. Mrs. Emerson is known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her students. A very proud US Marine Corps veteran, Mrs. Emerson brings the values of discipline, resilience, and leadership into her classroom, creating a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her ability to inspire and connect has made a lasting impact. Mrs. Hammerson has served as a respected mentor to new teachers, offering guidance and support that has helped shape the school's strong educational and caring culture. Her current students say that Mrs. Amerson quote helps us learn a lot and do the right things. She's really nice and kind and helps others all the

031time. She has a special place in her heart for the students of the Paul community, demonstrating her deep commitment to their success. Congratulations, Miss Emerson. [Applause] Greg Hinchliff, Bonso High [Applause] School. Mr. Hinchliff is Bonso High School's teacher of the year and the district's teacher of the year. Congratulations. [Applause] Greg is collaborative, thoughtful, empathetic, and does everything he can to make sure students are engaged in class and that staff members feel supported and, as a colleague added, an expert in organization. Greg is ready for every second of every day. Over the years, he has built and refined curriculum for a number of classes on campus that are authentic, personalized, community focused, and engaging. This year that work continues in his split role as a pathway specialist where he has begun creating individualized pathways for students

032in the early college program. At the same time, his speech and debate program annually turns out first place finishers at county tournaments. Greg's Native American studies class off often collaborate. He often collaborates with the POA tribe to bring authentic learning into the classroom. Greg, like your colleagues, you are an absolute superstar educator. Congratulations. Now, I'm going to I'm going to ask our teachers to find a seat right over here if you could to the left to your left. And uh what we're going to see is the video that the district submitted to the county because uh Miss Mr. Hinchliff is very much in in in deep now. They're really looking at him closely to be selected as one of the county teachers of the year. So, we're very hopeful for that. It would be welld

033deserved. We'll go ahead and roll the video with the lights again, please. [Music] One of the big wise for me in terms of getting into education is its impact on society. Greg not only inspires all of our students, but he inspires our staff and he inspires our community. It brings us together. My name is Greg Hinchliff. This is my eighth year teaching at Bonsel High School. Taught a variety of subjects here. all grade levels, English, Spanish, history, speech and debate, and Native American studies. He's always really passionate about teaching and making us go outside of our comfort zones, but in a really good way. It's super fun to be in his class, and I've learned so much from him. I went to my first speech and debate competition because of him. I am very shy,

034introverted, but because of what Hinliff has put into speech and debate with teaching us and training us, I'm actually able to talk to a crowd. He's really able to engage the students in learning through his uh I guess unique lectures, creative assignments. He really goes above and beyond for all of his classes and students. One of the things I do as an educator is I make sure to involve myself with the community at large. For example, partnering with San Diego County Office of Ed and some of the organizations that they work with. One of my biggest partners who I've delved so much into their research is California Indian Education for All. Greg is working with the state. He's working with local agencies to build the Native American Curriculum. He's working with our local tribes to

035bring in real experiences for our students to get to know all of the culture that really preceded us here in this area. I've really enjoyed working with other teachers up and down the state to come together and ensure that teachers wherever they are in California have an opportunity to bring into their classroom authentic and culturally responsive materials. It does kind of hit close home for me since I'm Native American. I'm Paula. I'm from Paula. It really was something I wanted to pursue. I love to bring my own personal background into the class. I have a lot of different hobbies. One of my favorite things is traveling. As I have gone through my travels and interacted with different uh cultures, different people. I always want to make sure that I'm incorporating what they've taught me. He

036is always intentional about the way that he designs his lessons, the way that he designs um projects. He's always very focused on what is the end result and how am I going to get my students there. He has such a passion for teaching, but also he just really inspires staff by promoting culture within our school and community. [Music] [Applause] [Music] If we could have the principles join our teachers. All right, and let's have one more round of applause. [Applause] As I said, you would get to see some of our best and brightest. And congratulations to all of our employees of the year. Um, simply fantastic. Thank you for representing us so well. Now, we know that as part of a school district, it is absolutely essential that we have strong community partners. And we've got

037a couple really outstanding community partners that we want to recognize tonight. And the first one that I want to recognize, um, let's see, I think I'm going to be right here. Um, this is a really special special group who has done some incredibly special things for our community. And I'd like to bring up, oh my gosh, a variety of people. Um, we should have here I see Brent McFarland. I see Billy Walker. I see Jeff Strick Feden. I see Connor McA Con Mcfatin. I see Jesse and Loose. Right. Can you please come up if you're with North Coast Church? Okay. Yes. Hold on to that for me for a second. Okay. All right. So, yes, this is a really special group. And I will say before I share some of what they've done, I've had

038the opportunity to see what North Coast Church has done through their Serve Your City. Used to be called Weekend of Service, if I have that right. Yes. Um, I've seen projects all across North County and I've experienced it since this is my 30th year in education here in North County. And it is truly remarkable when you have a group that identifies something that they see as a need. They can they see something that's a problem. They see something that is is just could help out the community. And they literally shut down all of their services and spend months and months in preparation to complete projects simply because they recognized that they could help, which is really truly remarkable. And I'm going to share a couple things about um about what I've seen especially this year.

039I had the privilege of witnessing the many many hours of preparation, the organization that occurred for months before the event. I know that it's called to serve your city. I know that it's I'm glad you actually changed it because it's not a weekend of service, right? It's so much more than a weekend and we know that. I think finally you were like, we just have to change this. It is not just a weekend. There's no way. Um, but the impressive coordination that had to happen for two massive projects. And what you see right here is literally a quarter of the volunteers that came out because what I captured here was the start of one shift in our Bonsel Farm uh project and one shift of our Sullivan Middle School project. And so you would times

040that by well I can't do the math but that's one quarter. Okay. So it's it's amazing. All right. The progress that they were able to accomplish in the space of that weekend was absolutely amazing. And I had shared with them when I greeted the volunteers. I shared with them our values. And I kept them right there at the bottom. Service, innovation, collaboration, integrity. And I stated this then when I greeted your volunteers, I'm stating it again. You literally are a beautiful embodiment of all of those values in action. And that is absolutely incredible. We talk about think global act local. Well, that's exactly what you're doing. So, as you know, North Coast Church was responsible, many of you know, for the first phase of our Bonszel farm. So, for all of our students who have

041benefited from the incredible experiences in our Bonsil Farm, that only happened because we had a partnership with North Coast Church and Joseph Clevenger worked very, very closely with North Coast Church to ensure that that project could be successful. And it is just grown. It has grown tremendously to the point where they identified Bonsel Farm as another project for this year. Okay. And with the phase two project, they've once again made a tremendous impact. And I'll just show you a few of the pictures. I have an entire photo gallery that I can't wait to share with everyone. But with this phase 2 project, they cleared and leveled land for better accessibility. They improved drainage systems to prevent flooding. They repaired and reinforced structures like the Pergola roofs. They added irrigation to the orchard. They installed 15

042more citrus trees. They enhanced the farm security with new fencing, a shade structure, and a large metal shed were also added along with a hybrid aquaponic system. Thank you, Brent. I think you uh might have had a hand in designing that using something called CAD, I think. Um in the greenhouse to support sustainable food production. Their work has significantly improved the farm's functionality, security, and capacity for hands-on student learning. And all of our students at the elementary level right now get to experience that. And we're looking at ways to phase that out so that our high school students can as well. And that is absolutely beautiful. At Sullivan Middle School, and I will I should actually I'll come back to that quotation in a minute. at Sullivan Middle School. They yes, they organiz they recognized

043that our aging portables needed a significant faceelift and um I I was speaking with Brent and some others about some of the needs that we had and and literally Brent and Connor said, "Maybe we can help." They came and they walked to the campus and said, "Oh, we think we can probably do something. Look at your staff lounge. That's absolutely horrendous that that's what your staff has as an as a chance to to go relax. And then they just kept growing it. They brought in loose, this incredible muralist who who helped design with Angie and her team the entire front office. When you see the finished product and and the the murals that that she was able to to complete with all of these volunteers, just absolutely beautiful. And I think the project kept growing

044because I think they were going to paint five classrooms and then they were moving quickly so they painted 10 classrooms. They doubled the amount they originally planned to tackle. The entire front office was painted in advance. The whole staff lounge was gutted. They they again had to do a ton of work to prep it. Um they uh let's see some of the other things. Oh, and and the words all over the office. students. We have pictures of their faces walking in for the first time seeing it and they're just in awe because it's just filled with pride. There's Sullivan Wildcats everywhere. Kindness really matters everywhere. # Sullivan I think Sullivan Wildcats everywhere. Absolutely incredible. Um the staff lounge has a new flooring, paint, lighting, a fully upgraded kitchen, including a fancy little machine that I

045don't know if I'm allowed to announce yet because it hasn't been um revealed to the staff yet. It was really a truly just a stunning amount of work and and really all of it just like I said a meaningful exemplar of what it is to have a spirit of service and collaboration. I was telling a group of volunteers that just came purely out of my heart that um I was leaving on Saturday after the last shift and I was watching the trees. I was looking at the trees and they were finishing up with some of the planting and I thought of that proverb that says, "Blessed are those who plant trees under whose shade they will not sit." And that's really what so many of your projects, that's what you're doing. It's not necessarily all

046people that were tied to Sullivan or the Bonsel farm. You are planting trees metaphorically and literally under whose shade you will not sit. and and we're just so grateful. And and I do want to recognize too that we have staff members that we want to recognize who who had to, you know, they worked with you so intensively. I'll throw out some of their names right now. Um John Norton, Manny Rodriguez. We had um Haley uh Burkes and Audrey Greenwood Greenwood and it's Sullivan, Angie James who I think was just there 247, Linda Pipe, Leo Herrera, so many of our staff members and they were so excited to do it. They were energized by your spirit and and they were just again everyone is so incredibly grateful. So with that on behalf of Bonso Unified School

047District, it's my honor to present Do I have Yes. A I want to present a certificate here of recognition to North Coast Church as an exemplary community partner. My quotation had to make it in there. Okay. So, it is listed on there. I'm glad it did, too. Right. And it just states a lot of what I just stated along with that wonderful quotation because again, that is what you represent. So, from the bottom of our hearts, we are so so so grateful. Thank you. And again, I think Billy, you're just, you know, you're just part of Sullivan staff now, right, Brent? you too, Loose, Jesse, um, and Jeff, you're just in our Bonszel farm as much as you want. Okay, so thank you. Thank you so much all of you. We're truly grateful. [Applause] So,

048we've had so many wonderful, beautiful things happening that we're not limiting to one community partner that we're recognizing tonight. We have another very, very special community partner that we want to call up and we are going Yes, there's um our president Anderson right in the middle. Um could I please have President Patty Miriam from Bonsa Women's Club come to the podium? [Applause] Yes, it is. Well, yes, it is definitely. She thought she was coming just to present uh some prizes, but no, we want to recognize you as well. Um it is such a a wonderful joy to be able to work with Bonso Women's Club and over the last now four years to see what you do for the community is amazing. This is a powerhouse group of women in our community and I would

049I would say since I think the um 1970s we've had a strong partnership with Bonsel Unified School District and really the purpose of Bonsel Women's Club if you're not aware of what they do and it was great because we had Olivia Haro our um some our Bonsil teachers association um representative that day she came and she looked around the room and she saw this entire room filled with Bonso Women's Club members and she said, "Oh, I don't I don't know if I realized how extensive this group is. Um, they really focus on volunteer activities that serve our community and our country. They place special emphasis on on really promoting civic interest in helping our youth, our needy, and our elderly. And this incredible group of women are they're exclusively dedicated to charitable and educational purposes,

050which is beautiful. They really do a tremendous amount to support our schools. Just last week with perfect timing for staff appreciation, I can announce this right. We had um Olivia Haro come as a representative from Bonsel Teachers and they have generously donated so that every teacher in Bonsel Unified will receive $50 for any supplies or classroom needs that they have. And in the past they have donated for elementary teachers and they've they've now branched out and said every teacher in our district will receive $50. And that rece I think a huge round of applause. And as you know this is we've just had our third annual stages of inspiration art show. And it was three years ago that Patty Miriam um came to our district office and said, "I have this idea. I would love

051to partner Bonsel Women's Club and BUSD to have an art show that really showcases all of the community." So, we've got Bonsel Women's Club members who are really amazing artists and our students across the district. And it has grown. We had, I think, almost 400 submissions this year. and that was uh our students from across the district and also Bonsa Women's Club members. The the show was on April 30th. It was wonderful. We showcased dancing and music and also the beautiful art. And this year, and I love how it just keeps getting bigger and better, they instituted a student jury who then evaluated all of the work. and they were the ones who selected the first, second and third place prize in all of the categories and they had a wonderful time I think really

052understanding more about art and selecting. On top of that, all attendees had the opportunity to vote on community choice awards and they partnered with um well, I know they partnered with Nessie Burgers for lots of great prizes and Fbrook School of the Arts to assign a best in show and those were two purple ribbon winners. So, it really is a fantastic partnership. There's so much they do for our schools. We're so appreciative. So, first we want to give you a certificate of um recognition for being an exemplary community partner. [Applause] Yes. Well, it's very welld deserved. And this is how we get to marry our recognition of community partner with student recognition. So what we have done is we have invited our students because the night of the first, second, and third place students, they

053were given their prizes that night, but the community choice awards, we had to tally all of those votes. And we've invited those very deserving recipients to our board meeting tonight for recognition. and trustee or president Anderson who was the chair I believe of the art show committee this year and worked so closely with with Patty and everyone else to to facilitate this um is going to help and and give those prizes out. And I do want to recognize specifically Melissa Ledri and Anna Maguire and Sergio Guzman and Rayan Dupant for their really wonderful work in helping to organize all of the student submissions. Big round of applause for them. [Applause] and our principles and our music and dance teachers. Um, we had Cassie Costa and Emma Jadeie and we also had Brenda Gutierrez and Alexa

054Santos and um, Caroline Sanchez Caramo and our balorico. There were so many wonderful staff members as well. So, thank you so much. Now, I'm going to turn it over. Yes. and our administrators for helping. Thank you so much. Okay, I'm going to turn it over now for student recognition. Thank you. Thank you everybody. Um so if I can have all of the I'm going to name call up the names. Uh Preston Grod um that's our TK1 uh community choice for Cat in the Hat. [Applause] Gabriella Rodriguez for Golden Dreams: Building the Best Classroom. [Applause] Riley Roth, the floating cow. [Music] Brooklyn Mack, the coyote portrait, Melody B. Endless granny square crochet cat blanket. [Applause] Addison Fish, Turtle in the [Applause] Sea, Analia Morales, the Quipon Congratulations, Carter Rankin. Uh, Lake [Applause] and uh, Jayen Zolo

055for Tuttle Vision. also memorizing and then Miley Hail for Weld Flower Cube. Thank you. So these are our community choice award winners. There were 30 awards also given at the night of the art show. And if you are an elementary school student, uh be sure to actually take your artwork home. So, one more big round of applause for touch. All right. Very good. and excellent talent. And also I just wanted to recognize that we had two special awards from the Fber School of the Arts. Are either Izzy Hail here is not Izzy Izzy Izzy Aton, sorry. And then uh Miley Hail was also the other the secondary recipient of of the school Fullber School of the Arts. So [Applause] great job. [Applause] and and and again, thank you so much. We've got one more recognition.

056Very, very special. Everyone who's attended our board me our board meetings this year knows that we have been very fortunate to have two wonderful representatives from Bonsel High School as our student board members this year. And this is their last board meeting. And it's just amazing because that was you in August. Look, that was you in August when you were sworn in. very very exciting and now all of a sudden it's the end of the year. So we want to recognize you. You truly have been wonderful representatives. Come on up here please both of you. Excellent. So both and Nani have um been professional poised prepared. Do you like my alliteration? They they consistently ensure that they are providing us with excellent reports and you really have been stellar models and we really appreciate it

057because that's not always the the case that we have students that are just everywhere you go. Absolutely. representing us beautifully. And I know since you're seniors and you're graduating and you're off onto whatever wonderful adventures you're going to have, we know you're going to continue to make us proud everywhere you go. And we're really, really appreciative. It's been a wonderful year with you. Thank you for everything that you've done and the ways that you've informed us and the community of all of the amazing things that are happening here in Bonsil. So, thank you. So [Applause] I would be Yes. Um, yes, we're going to have before and after for sure because what what we typically will do right now is we'll we'll take a brief recess. Everybody that is here during the recess will have

058photo opportunities. I'll put it back because you're going to get that photo right there. Um, we can have some photo opportunities with the board. Uh, if you haven't had a chance to take a look at the beautiful artwork, and remember, elementary school students, you're going to take the artwork home. And then what we'll um come back when President Anderson tells us the recess will be over. It is 709. Uh just a reminder, if you are a Sullivan's uh or a Bonsel High School student, leave your artwork here, please. The art teachers have requested to utilize that for uh future purposes. And um we will uh adjourn for recess. It's 7:10 right now. We will reconvene at 7:15. [Applause] was very silly. So, that was cute. All right, I thought we could have a break in

059five minutes. It's already been eight and we're going to regroup. So, thank you again for everyone being here. I appreciate your participation. And for those who want to stay for the rest of the meeting, we have lots of agenda items to get through as well. So, thank you again. That brings us to our group reports. Uh we have what's what's our first presentation today? Okay. So, so nobody here from any of our teacher organizations. So, then we have our labor reports. So, so none of our none of our parent organizations. We do have our teacher organizations. However, Miss Jen Ariano, why don't you come on up for Bonsel Teachers Association. I think this is my favorite board meeting. It makes me feel like the family that we really are, you know. Um, I think there's

060a lot of love in this district and a lot of um, good intentions and um, it really comes through on nights when we celebrate our own and I just appreciate the time that you guys do to do that. And I want to appreciate some people as well. First of all, all of our teachers of the year. Um, I know them all and they're all really really deserving and it's it's very exciting to have um been able to see them in action. Adena with her um little ones during like they do this whole thing with the train and cocoa and and it's it's very magical. And Katie Spencer is the reason why I'm in teaching because we're at Bait and Nuts Farm. She's like, "Oh, yeah. That's how they get you as a parent. They say

061come sub and the next thing you know, you're teaching." And I was like, "Wow, it's like magic." Um, and Line has I've had the privilege of being on her team and teaching fourth grade with her and I know what a powerhouse she is um and so important to her students. And Monica um is, you know, a big boss cuz she's gradu, you know, she's graduating. No, she's retiring. Um and but you know, she's always been there like the quiet strength and was out there helping us uh get several board members elected. Um always could count on her. And Greg, you know, I spot talent. You know, I used to be in film business and direct movies and stuff. And when I walked into a big classroom, um, getting my single subject English credential, I looked

062around of all the teachers are about, I don't know, 40. And I found Greg and I sat next to him and I said, "Yeah, let's do all the projects together." And we did, didn't we, Greg? Yes, we did. And they were amazing. We couldn't wait to get out there and start teaching our students and then on the first day of new teacher. I looked across the room in the NPR and there was Greg. We both had landed in Bonsel and then I had the privilege of teaching ninth grade with him. Um and so I can verify by personal witness that they are all very deserving. And so I'm so grateful that all of these teachers are here representing us. They're absolutely the best. It's such a privilege to work with them. So that's pretty much

063all I have to say tonight. Okay. The state of the union is strong. No. Okay. Have a good night. Thank you. And um to our board members, I just all want to say uh Nani and Illy, you guys have been amazing. Um, also Nani is starring in the musical um that's opening here uh next week and she is a wonder. Wait till you hear her sing. Amazing. Thank you, Miss Starkweather. CSCA chapter 703. Good to see you. Good evening board members, Miss Gina and Dr. Um, good to see you all. It's been a while. Um, just want to say our main concern as CSCA right now is our members out at Vivian Banks. We want to make sure that they're being taken care of, being informed of what the steps are because they do care

064about it and they want to make sure that they're taken care of, too. Um, we've had some negotiations recently. Some really good things you're going to vote on today is the stipen for our um bilingual people that want to interpret and translate IEPs. That will hopefully take away the contracting out, which is $70 an hour for a minimum of two hours. You're going to pay our staff $40 for interpreting one IEP and $70 for translating per IEP. So, I think that's very nice and generous of you. And then also the employee at Bonsel Elementary is looking forward to her new position. And so we do thank you guys for approving that tonight also. But I think we're on the countdown of having 21 days of school left. Um so I Nanie, it's been a pleasure

065seeing you. It's a pleasure seeing you at school every day. You guys definitely represent the school and everything. And I do want to take a brief moment and this is his last board meeting as CSCA president and his office manager. I want to say thank you for the time you've been with us and we truly appreciate everything you have done for Bonso High School. So that's all I have to say. Congratulations to you graduating and look forward to next time. Thank you. Thank you. I forgot something. I want to say thank you. BTA wants to say thank you and we are officially saying thank you to the Bonsel Women's um club for your generosity. It's really amazing. I I can't tell you how many teachers when I let it leak that this was happening um

066were just blown away. and we are working on some thank you for you. Thank you very much. It's very meaningful. Thank you. [Applause] And now we're at our school site reports and our first presentation of the evening is Miss Angie James. All [Applause] [Music] right. Okay. All right. Good evening, board of trustees. Superintendent Dr. GI and Mrs. McCannernney. Um, today I'm honored to be here to share some exciting and meaningful things happening at Sullivan Middle School. Um, if you take a look at this, this will be a preview of what we're going to be talking about. And um, I should say Dr. Glly hit many of these points. I could say ditto ditto ditto, right? Um, but if you take a look, I just highlight a few things. In the upper corner, you can see

067where we had pi day. I think I left off there. The students who won got to um pie myself, Mrs. Janikowski and Mr. Prectal. They were good sports about it and um I did not cover my hair or face enough. So, it was for the rest of the day um that it was very sticky, but it's all good. The kids had a great time. It was a lot of fun. Um and in the lower part, you can see where we have sixth grade camp that is currently happening. They're very excited to be up there. cold at first, but I think tomorrow it's supposed to be almost 90. So, they should be should be well on their way for hiking over there. So, what I'd like to start out with is our mural and land acknowledgement

068that we had. And I know we've heard a little bit about it from Dr. I know that Mr. Smutz will be following up. Um, but this was a very powerful presentation and something that's been in the works for a year. Um, but one of the ways that we brought this acknowledgement to life is through our Native American mural project, which is a collective effort between students, Dr. Tip Aconic, who's a professor at Cal State San Marcos, and tribal representatives. This mural is not only a powerful visual retribute to the native heritage and culture, but also a daily reminder to our students of the rich history that surrounds them. This is just one example of the work and partnership that we have developed with the Paul Aabana Mission Indians. And thank you, Mr. Ortega for being

069such an instrumental part in the efforts and the work. It truly was a special night. This year we've also embraced the Bonsel Forward initiative. This is aligning our efforts to prepare students for the future through innovation, equity, and community partnerships. Whether it's through academic rigor or inclusive practices, we're proud to be a part of a district pushing forward in thoughtful and student center ways. Sullivan seventh grade students visited five different locations. They participated in various activities such as dissection of squids. You can see in the upper corner casting Mrs. Gresbrink's arm and then each other's arms, right? Um and then x-raying plastic models and then they wanted to x-ray their cell phones. So of course they let them do that because that was the most important thing they wanted to do for the day, right?

070Um, so they had a great experience and we were one of the only schools that were able to actually because of Miss Crestrings connections um go to the UCSD medical uh for the radiology, orthopedics and physical therapy. So the students had a really good time and one of the highlights for this spring was career day which connected students with professionals from a wide variety of fields from engineers, chefs to firefighters and digital media specialists. Our students were exposed to real world possibilities and left inspired to dream and think boldly about their futures. If you take a look, we've had 19 presenters from parents, community members, and former students that have written a book and he came and presented and uh he had so much fun he wants to come back and actually read for the

071elementary. So, we definitely invited him. He's going to hand out some free book uh books. So, elementary principles and teachers um we're going to send him your way. We also had um our students also had the opportunity to showcase their creative creativity at the BUD and Bonsel Women's Club art show. Their artwork reflected talent, emotion, and diverse perspectives, and several students were recognized for their outstanding pieces. We're grateful for the partnership and continued support of the women's Bonsel women's club and BUSD and elevating student voices through the arts. I would like to give a shout out to Miss Lissa Anderson and Patty Mirram for helping to organize this year's event. Melissa Ledger also who turned our MPR into a magical art gallery to showcase all of the beautiful artwork and Anna Magcguire who helped the

072team organize the student judges and art pieces. Also, I know we heard a lot this evening um about our north course north coast church. Um but this has truly been an endeavor. Uh and it's it's not I think we started this back in October and uh we've continued it was the full weekend. They're coming back this weekend and they're coming back next weekend. Um Dr. said I am not allowed to come on campus. No, I'm just kidding. So um but we have organized and I'm gonna I am going to come up and take a peek. I just can't help myself. So each of these as far as the North Coast Church, the recent beautififications of our campus was made possible in large part thanks to the generous support of North North Coast Church. Their volunteers

073gave their time, energy, and materials to help us paint classrooms, remodel our staff room, and bring the mural to life in our front office. Their partnership has truly transformed spaces across our campus. and I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to them for their incredible service and community spirit. I also want to give a special shout out to Billy Walker who has been in charge of his undertaking and his pro he probably has spent more time in our school office than he ever thought he would as an adult, right? Probably as a child too. Um, but he has been truly amazing and it wouldn't have been possible without his collaboration and communication. Thank you again, North Coast Church. You've helped create spaces where a wild cats can feel like they truly belong. And this

074is the final. So, as you saw the paintings before, um please come up and take a look, but I wanted to take pictures. I was in the office and Linda said, "Let me clean the desk real quick." So, we took pictures of the front office and you can see the final um what the mural looks like just in the front office and then next week we'll have the unveiling of this the staff lounge. Uh, we're celebrating teacher appreciation next week because we have the sixth grade teachers, some of them that are camp this week. So, I will make sure that I post. So, be on the lookout next week for pictures of our staff lounge. All right. I want to just cover briefly. Um, I'm pretty proud and I I just want to highlight our

075school counselor and our our school psychologists for all of the work that they do, the social emotional and just supporting our students academically. Um, so I asked both of them to keep count for the year of how many times they've made parent contacts, how many parent meetings, we call them triad meetings, um, as far as what they're organizing, um, all the events, all the things that they do, right? which this is just a snapshot. I can't even encompass everything that they're doing, but they provide district student support through personal counseling, group counseling, and immediate crisis intervention and risk assessments. These services are essential in creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel seen and heard. They have restorative conversations, check-in and checkout. And on the academic side, each position play a key role in

076ensuring student success through student study teams and triad meetings. In addition to these responsive services, our counselor and school psychologists are involved in schoolwide leadership and planning. They contribute to leadership teams, tier 2 and tier three teams. So, if you take a look at this, this is actually our school counsel, our school psychologist. They both help organize our boot camp, which is our culture piece, inviting new students and parents. They have student enrichment programs, which help incoming students feel welcomed and prepared for middle school life. and our students gain access to trusted adult relationships. And lastly, I'd like to highlight you. We we we celebrated Monica, Miss Powell, earlier, but she also has the um what I'd like to highlight is an opportunity that we have for our students, which is Techre. It's a program

077sponsored by the American Association of University Women, AAW. Tech Truck is a week-long STEM summer camp designed specifically for raising our rising eighth grade girls who show interest and promise in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program is held on university campuses and gives student hands-on experience in real world STEM environments. It includes lab experiments, coding workshops, and engineering challenges and field trips, all led by women professionals and college students in STEM. It is not just about skill building. It's about empowerment. Students come away from Tech Truck with a stronger sense of confidence, career ambition, and clearer picture of what's possible for their futures. At Sullivan Middle School, we're proud to support students through the nomination and selection process, working closely with AAW to ensure equity and access. This year, we have had seven students

078selected, and last year we had five. an achievement that reflects both their potential and our school's commitment to supporting young women in STEM last. So, we are very grateful to the AAW and the local chapter for this life-changing experience possible and our staff who has helped Monica Pal and mentor these students along the way. So, I just wanted to highlight the work that she's been doing and she's going to be missed. Um, but again, she's gonna the students are are very proud of themselves and that's really a tribute to what Monica has been doing over many years. I'm not going to read everything for this week and upcoming because it includes all the eighth grade things. Um, but I do want to highlight we have our eighth grade students going to Palomar because we want

079to get them prepared for going to high school and the Bonsel High School program. So, they do have one last field trip. We're going to push it to the end of the year on May 29th. where they'll take the trip to Palomar um so they can see what's in store for them when they attend the high school. Thank you very much. Thank you. And I believe it's Bonsel High School Principal [Laughter] Smutz. It's my last board meeting. She had to do it one more time. One more time. All right. Um, good evening, board of trustees, superintendent, Miss Gina, and Bonsel community. I'm honored to share the most recent highlights from Bonsel High School, a school community that truly lives out our district theme of belong, believe, and achieve. This week, we hosted the Western Association

080of Schools and Colleges, or was for our accreditation visit. It was an energizing and affirming experience. The visit was the culmination of a deep and collaborative year-long process in which our team developed a comprehensive self-study report. Over the course of the 2425 school year, staff analyzed all aspects of Bonsel High School, bringing together the voices of certificated and classified staff, students, parents, district leadership, and site administration to reflect honestly on our strengths, challenges, and path forward. The visiting committee spent three days on campus validating the report this week observing classrooms and speaking with students, staff, and parents. They praised the strong professional relationships between staff and students and described BHS as a small public school with a private school feel. They noted the accessibility of teachers, the quality of instruction, and the rigorous academic pathways,

081including our early college program. Our students shared that they feel supported, known, and encouraged. Proof that they belong. They believe in their own academic potential and the structures we've built like AP access, CTE opportunities, and personalized support that they help them achieve. Staff and students alike emphasized the sense of family, and the committee affirmed that our mission, learner profile, and instructional focus are well aligned with district priorities. This visit confirmed that Bonsel High School is on the right path and we look forward to receiving a positive accreditation result. Recent events uh I don't well the images should look a little familiar uh at this point. We've uh talked about a number of them but uh I did want to mention them. Uh our students have had a strong presence on campus and in the community

082over the past few weeks through events that celebrate voice, creativity, and academic excellence. On April 23rd, we had our mural unveiling and celebration. Uh this was an amazing celebration of culture and community which truly represented how impactful this project has been. On April 30th, the Stages of Inspiration Art Show held in partnership with the Bonso Women's Club. This event highlighted student talent and visual storytelling through a variety of media. It was another great community building event. In addition, this week AP testing began. On May 6, our AP government uh students uh took their test. Uh May 8th this morning, our sophomores took their first AP uh test in world history. Uh it was fun to greet them on their way out. Uh asked them how it felt and they just said we didn't want to

083talk about it, but uh it's their first test and uh I'm sure they did well. Um and I know that they've been prepared very well. And then uh tomorrow, AP US history. These tests mark the culmination of year-long rigor and preparation, and they show our students readiness for post-secary learning. Upcoming events, we're excited to for a number of important and joyful milestones ahead, many of which are open to the broader community. On May 10th, not open to the broader community, we have our prom, meet me at the meet me at the bayou. It's held at the California Center for the Arts in Vascadido. And this event will be a magical event for our juniors and seniors. On the same day, the Bonsel Athletics Golf Classic, community members are gathering for our second annual tournament to

084support Bonsel High School and Sullivan Middle School athletics. May 14th through the 17th, we have our spring musical, Ride the Cyclone. It's already been mentioned this evening. Performances at the Bonsel Community Center right here with evening and matinea shows. Just so everybody knows, tickets are taxdeductible and discounted for students, staff, and first responders. So, please be sure to join us. Okay. On May 20th, uh we have our English learner reclassification ceremony, honoring students who achieved English proficiency. Uh I think it's even more important to note that this this milestone also celebrates their bilingualism. Uh it's really fun to uh sit in as a principal in the reclassification meetings and every time say, "You know what? you are now twice as smart as me because you have two languages and I have the only one. Um,

085and so it is quite a celebration. On May 29th, we've got our senior awards night and on the 29th and 30th we already have senior finals. The 30th we have Grad Bash at Universal Studios and June 3rd through 6th is finals week culminating in June 6th our graduation ceremony. It's a celebration of students who have grown, believed in themselves, and are now ready to achieve their next goals. In closing, I want to thank our staff, families, district leadership, and board for supporting a school where students are seen, challenged, and celebrated. We are proud of where we are and inspired by where we're going. Thank you. Thank you. and principal Calibes Bonsel Virtual Academy. Hello. Good evening board, Dr. as well as our wonderful audience. Um, our final time with Eiley and Nani. Thank you so

086much for sharing your your knowledge and wisdom with us. Really appreciate it. Um, a lot of things happening. I know we're this teeny tiny little school, but we always seem to have a lot of things happening. Um, I wanted to recognize Mr. Jonathan Castanos. Um, he does an amazing job down here. I uh as well acknowledge that what Mr. Allen uh Allan Williams said and that he is always willing with a smile. He's always willing to come down help us out with our with our water issues and things like that. So, he is amazing and we just wanted to make sure we honored him here. We've had a lot of uh different field trip events. Um we had a beach cleanup over at Oceanside Harbor. Something that I want to say about our field trips,

087we always seem to get the best weather. So, the day of this field trip, it was pouring rain, like pouring rain. And everybody was like, "Are we still going on this field trip um and we went on that field trip and I will tell you what, you can see the the pictures show for themselves. We had a beautiful weather and it was fantastic. We the beach was really clean, so I had little pickers for everybody and there was not a lot of trash on the beach. So, Oceanside Harbor is doing a great job." Um, but the kids were so dedicated to trying to pick up trash and as you can see, we went with our ATP program and it was fantastic. This was our first field trip with our students who are wheelchair bound and

088you can see Mr. Willy's face in the corner right there in the corner right hand corner. Look at his sweet little face. He's just so happy to be there. And um our pair of professionals went with us too and they were dancing with him and it just he was making all his happy sounds and it was it was just such a heartwarming feeling. Um in the center we had another new family um join us and this is a family who is distance learning because they had to move at the end of the year and they were able to get a transfer and still stay with us. So I'm proud to say that our reputation is growing and people are wanting to stay with us in our district um even just a little bit longer with

089the virtual academy. Um, I'm trying to think. Yep, that's right. All right, the student spotlights. So, a couple of my adorable kids. That was another field trip down below in the bottom lefthand corner. The students went to Palomar Planetarium this week and they got to blast off to space and apparently was an amazing field trip. I did not get to go on this one. It was a little bit sad, but we had a lot of AP meetings um that I was supporting. Um, they got to, I guess, see Palmer College down in the the bottom as well. They they blasted off to space, so it was supposed to be really cool. Um, our students this year, this is, I think, amazing stats, have enrolled in a total of 443 classes this year. The pass rate's

090not quite what I want for all the students. 84 and a half% pass rate as of the other day. I'm hoping to get that to 100% by the end of the year, but we have some friends that have some senioritis and junioritis and sophomoreis and eighth grade itis. Um, they'll get there, though. Eight out of nine of our seniors are on track for graduation. Again, I know we'll get that up to to nine out of nine. Um, our graduation status meetings were completed for 100% of our high school students. So, we meet with every 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade student to make sure that parents as well as students know exactly what's required for graduation, how many community service hours they need, and how we can try to accelerate their pathway. Um, oftentimes the

091students that will join us that are in high school don't always have all their classes ready to go and they're not on track. Um, I'm proud to say that we are able to get them accelerated again and back on track for the most part. Again, you can see that pass rate at the top that I'm not as proud of, but it'll get there. Our elementary students are enrolled in a total of 75 classes this semester with a 91% pass rate. And our middle school students are enrolled in a total of 78 classes with an 85% pass rate. Again, this is just as of this week. So, again, we're shooting for 100%. Um, I'm always positive. On this slide, you can see our friends coming for their Friday specials and they really have developed such a

092friendship. It's really sweet to see. They get so excited. Again, it's that family feel. It's that one room schoolhouse feel. And so, all the kids know everybody. And, uh, the high schoolers are so sweet to, you know, interact and play with the kids when they're there. We've got some farm photos there as well. Um, these two photos down over to the left hand side of the artwork, those are done by our ATP students. And look at that artwork. That is amazing. That's incredible. This week, teacher and staff appreciation week. Um, I like to spoil people. And so, we did have a little bit of spoiling going on this this week. We had customized shirts made. That was Monday's gift. We had a yummy cinnamon roll. Another yummy day of muffins. this lady in the center

093here in the boardroom. I had a masseuse come in and so we had a masseuse that came in and gave 18 minutee massages. Interesting thing about this, right? I only booked it for all the staff members, gave her the money, and she's like, "I get to work on you, too, right?" I'm like, "I didn't pay you for that." So, I did pay her a little extra. I'm not terrible. But, um, it was the most amazing massage. I I drove to Orange County after that massage. I had never felt so relaxed. It was only 18 minutes. I don't know what she did, but this morning, Angela Leonardo was like, "Look, I can move my neck." Um, so she was fantastic. If you want her name, I'll give it to you. Um, she's actually one of our

094parents who happens to be masseuse, but she also um was trying to get business. I'm like, "Hey, would you come and do this?" And so, she did. I've always wanted to do that for my staff members, but when I had a bigger staff, it was not as feasible. Um, also a little plant that came today. And then a personalized card will come tomorrow. Miss Jen will have to wait for it along with a candy bar. But I like to incorporate a lot of different people. Oh, and I forgot about lunch. There was also a special pizza lunch from Village Pizza, too. So, some spotlights. I wanted to focus on our high school students. We've had the nine uh high school students that are enrolled in the program for the total of 42 classes and eight

095of nine, like I said, on track to graduate with passing grades. one of our high school seniors has already completed their coursework early. So, that's another one of those beauties about our virtual program is that students can accelerate and decelerate based on where they're at. One of our sophomores has already accelerated her pace to such a rate that she's on track to graduate early. So, I know that's ADA and everything. I know you want to keep as much money, but how do you slow them down, right, when they're that excited to to keep going and keep going and keep going? Six out of uh 29 of our high school students are taking seven or more classes and not the typical six. Again, something that's very possible when you're in a virtual academy. One of our

096seniors is enrolled in nine classes. So, just to give you kind of a picture of what senior year typically looks like, I nan you can kind of verify and vouch for this. It's usually about four or five classes a semester, right? Not nine classes your spring semester or senior year, but the student is doing it. and three of our seniors have already taken college level classes. So, our our school works for some students, right? For some students, they haven't found a place where they belong, right? That they feel like they belong here. And a lot of our families, that lady that was on the slide a couple slides ago, I found out a little feedback from one of our staff members, she said she talked to her the whole time. And this mom loves the

097program for her daughter. Her daughter was not being successful at the typical school and she's now successful. attendance inerson data. So we do have a hybrid program so students are able to come in person and get support. I found this kind of curious. We had 599 and a half hours from March 19th to March 4th and then March 5th to March 7th only 502 hours. We have had a decrease with the number of students coming in. I do have one student, my good friend, who comes in every single day and does his work. Um, and some students come in sporadically, but it's been really fun to work with the different the different kids. I've had to really push myself. I was not a high school teacher. I was definitely not a middle school teacher. I

098was a first and second grade teacher along with kindergarten. And so, when I'm having to answer questions about senior level work, it's a bit of a challenge. It's a bit of a stretch. Um, but it's good. It's good for the brain. Um, the other pictures that you see in this photo, again, some more of the beach cleanup. That was a couple of our staff members as they were enjoying lunch. And I just included this photo just because uh we had so many kids that are coming to our specials on Friday. That's where we do music, library, dance, and farm. And they all, like I said, love having the pizza lunch from the school cafeteria, which is every Friday. Again, we've had 79 students this far this year and 57 currently enrolled. So 79 students, just

099to give you a little bit of a picture, last year we ended the year with 55. So the fact that we've served already 79, we are continuing to grow. Um we currently have about 45 students that are on track to join us at the start of the year, which is again up from 33 at the start of this year. So every year we're that reputation is getting out there. Um I have a couple of students from Carlsbad. fun student who's been with us. His sister who's going to be a high school sophomore or freshman next year is coming to join us. So, we got we got some money from Carlsbad, which is kind of exciting. Um, our students are struggling. Uh, they receive those daily weekly updates. So, I have a lot of families on

100speed dial, meaning that every time they're not getting their work done, I'm texting or I'm calling. And I will say some of the families that have not historically been very responsive, they always pick up the phone and they always respond to my text message. And so we have been able to get 24 of our 27 students who are test takers in for testing. This right here is Miss Bruninger doing a little test prep before we get started. And now a little ATP update. So these are a couple of my good friends. They go every other month or every other week, excuse me, to the Vista Library and they get enrichment opportunities. They get an opportunity to interact with other students um who are also in that um ATP program age. And so they get to

101have a chance to interact with kids from other districts. And what's really cool is I love Mr. Quinn. Mr. Quinn is getting them some shopping experience. So the kids all bring some money and they go to the Dollar Tree and they have to shop within a budget. So, they're getting a lot of real life experiences, which is awesome. And we've already had some transition meetings that are occurring for students coming from the high school. And I have to say, loving loving the new kids that are coming up from the high school. They are so sweet. All right, some upcoming dates. There's Mr. Chris. He got to jump in on the pizza lunch and he's gotten to join in on um I just got to keep, you know, I had 1.6 staff members. I had to

102keep growing it. It's like, come on, who else can I join in? Um, and then again a photo from our beach trip. But, uh, we have, like I said, the students that have already done the testing. We still have some more. We're going out to Vivian Banks as well as Swansa West so we can test some kids in their resident school so it's not as much of a difficult time for them. And a couple of things that are coming up, the art day, we've got a high school senior celebration, end of the year awards, and end of semester. And this has been a very, very fast year. So, I just wanted to say thank you so much for letting me share as always and you know, come on down and visit us sometime. We have

103it's Fridays are usually kind of our busier days. Not tomorrow though. I'm going to Vivian Banks to test some students. So, again, thank you so much and have a good evening. Thank you. [Applause] And that brings us to our board member report starting with our student trustees. Good evening uh fellow board members, superintendent Dr. Miss McCannernney, and community members. So, as we move closer to the end of the school year, it seems that nobody can help counting down the days. We have a variety of activities coming up for all of our students, especially the seniors. Some of which we will hear from my fellow liaison I including but not limited to grad night, prom, SOA teacher, and graduation. Earlier this month, VHS's Red Cross Club hosted their second blood drive of the year where they

104collected 22 blood donations, which can help to save up to 66 lives, which is pretty cool if you ask me. And as we've heard just this week, many of our students have begun taking their AP tests. final exams that if they do well on, they could receive college credit, which is fantastic. And so hopefully the hard work of our sophomores, juniors, and seniors will pay off, and we will see great results from these final tests. And next week, as we've heard, VHS, this theater company will be staging their spring musical, Ride the Cyclone, next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday here in the community center. As you can see, we have some wonderful equipment and props, and it's going to be a real exciting time. And so, less from less than a month from now, our seniors

105will walk across the stage and graduate, taking their first official steps into adulthood. Every senior has had to work hard to reach the graduation milestone. And in addition to our commencement ceremony, our senior class council has a variety of events planned for the final few weeks of school, including senior sunset, senior brunch, senior field day, senior craft day, where seniors will get a chance to decorate their graduation caps, and celebrate the very special years that they spent with their peers. And so lastly, for our final shout out, I would like to point out the wonderful contributions of my fellow student board member, I at the beginning of the school year, both and I were a bit unsure of our role as student board members and how we could properly represent our school. Working with Eiley

106this year has been very much a pleasure. She's always collaborative, kind, and an effective communicator. And what I admire most about her is her positive attitude. In all honesty, board meetings can be a bit boring at times, but but looking over to see her at my side would never fail to make me smile. And so being one of the student board members this year has been a very enlightening experience. the knowledge I feel like I've gained about how our school district works and how everyone tries to do their best in service of Bonsai Unified students here. It sometimes is easy to discount the work that everyone tries to do here when you're looking from afar, but being here even just once a month gives me hope that this community can and will thrive very long

107after the both of us are gone. And I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be here. So, thank you everybody and we hope that we can count on your continued support for our school [Applause] district. Good evening, distinguished board members, superintendent Dr. Miss Gina, and audience. Today, Nani and I give our last reports about our beloved school, Bonsel High School. To finish off the class of 2025's year, we will all be celebrating with our prom this weekend. The theme is meet me at the bayou and we are excited to see everyone dress their best and having a great time. We have so teacher this Friday where students can buy different strengths of water to barrel at their favorite teachers. ASB still has more to come for seniors as Nani mentioned in their final month. So

108we eagerly await more information. Our sports have wrapped up this month, too. Cheer held a sleepover to commemorate the year and bond one last time as a team. I am incredibly grateful that we were able to have a cheer team this year, and I hope that it will continue on in years to come. Track and field's final meet is today, and we have had many people qualify for league finals. Softball and boys baseball will wrap up shortly, too. Altogether, it's been a great year for sports at Bonsel High School. There are currently interest meetings for volleyball next year, so we will see a good turnout. I'd like to focus on what's to come in the following year. We have seniors have been really lucky to be filled in on BHS's plans for the future. Although

109I wish I had been able to experience it myself, I'm so glad that next year's incoming and returning students are going to have the opportunity they will. We have been presented BHS'smies here before and it's possible thanks to Mrs. Aaron, Mr. Van, and Mr. Dr. Hinchliff, our Bonsel District Teacher of the Year. It is incredible to help students be the most prepared they can be for life outside of high school. To me, it is something that would have typically be seen in a private school that students have the priv privilege of having in a public school. I can speak from experience that I know we might have students that struggle financially and to be able to have this opportunity for no cost is just truly one of the best things we could have done. I'd

110also like to mention Principal Smutz. I'm extremely grateful for everything he has done for us and for me personally as well. He's always there in the morning to compliment my driving and greet me with a smile. I'm sad to see him go, but students will always recall our time with him. I'm also glad that early college will continue. For a smaller school like us, I think it's just incredible that we have such a program available and for no extra cost. Like I said, I'm really glad that Bonsel is still working so hard, if not even harder to make an amazing environment for students. And I'd like to give a little personal anecdote. I've only been with the Bonsel Unified School District for two years. It has been honestly a roller coaster. This year, I was

111pretty chronically ill and probably out of school for a total of two months altogether. Thankfully, I've been able to do an independent study contract to make up for lost time. But I definitely still had some question within myself as to whether or not I was able to overcome my challenges every month. Coming to these meetings has really helped me find it within myself to keep working my hardest. The members of the Bon Bonsel Unified School District Board, Superintendent Dr. Miss Gina, and all of the staff at Bonsel have been so incredibly supportive and kind to both Nani and I. It is such a privilege to be not only one but two board members. And I'd like to give a personal shout out to my fellow liaison, Nani Uso. Not only is she the other liaison

112of the Bonsel Unified School District, but also BHS's validictorian, she is the student president of our theater club, president of the Red Cross club, choreographer for the cheer team, a valued mock trial member, a valued ASB member, and that's not even the extended list, I'm sure. She is truly an incredible individual, talented in so many departments. She's been so helpful and kind to me throughout our time together on the board and is a true representation of a hard worker. She is an inspiration to everyone, staff or student. Thank you, Nani, for everything you've done for our school and for being such a wonderful person. I'd also like to again thank the board, Miss Gina, and Superintendent Dr. for our time here at the board. It has been an incredible experience, and I'm glad that students

113are able to partake in something like this. I can't believe the year has gone by this fast. Thank you to the community of Bonsel 2 for supporting our staff and students. Thank you. Okay, board members, uh we're going to have a little tough act to follow. And Nani, you have something else to add? Uh just one more thing. Um, I think both me and I would want to thank Commander Joe for being at every single meeting and for always being so positive and for having wonderful things to say. Thank you so much, Commander Joe. Thank you for representing us at Columbia University. Absolutely fantast. Thank you again, board members. Go ahead, Mr. Ortega. You're right. That's a hard act to follow. Um, well, I know we had a lot of good things going on tonight.

114And one thing I wanted a little something to add in about North Coast Church, you know, um they helped us out with our farm that when it first went up and I I spent a lot of time in Fbrook. I see friends down there. Have a lot of friends there. So I go to visit here, go I go to different events. Uh I'm part of the Lions Club in Pal in Palma and uh one of our Lions Club members started the Lions Club in Fbrook. Just got recognized uh about a month ago. And so we've helped out a lot with that. And every time I go down there, I run into somebody that was a part of that project over at uh the farm. And they'll ask me, "Do the kids like it? Is it

115nice?" And I go, "It's really nice. You should you should go and see it." And they go, "Well, you know, I don't really have time to go over there and look at it." But, you know, there was so many people helping out over there that it seemed like every time I come into Fall, I run into somebody new that was helping out with that project. Once they learned I'm on the school board, they want to tell me, you know, what they did. One of them was putting together the the the whatchamacallit bins and the other one was actually planting things and yeah they there was so many people helping out. So there was a lot of good things there and and u it's just awesome what you can do when you have manpower you know

116manpower that's that can do a lot of good things. Um I also want to say about the the mural you know there there's only so much I can add to the mural. Um, one thing that uh was brought up was um how much I did to help out with the mural and I when Mr. A reached out to me and some other people reached out to me, I gave him phone numbers, I gave him contacts and the project got done, you know. So, I was telling people for a period of time there I really didn't have much to do with the mural. But then somebody pointed out to me that me along with my colleagues here on the board is that any one of us could have tried to stop it. And I go, "Well,

117I don't think any of us would have." They go, "That's why it happened, though. It happened because nobody stopped it." And so I want to applaud our board members here for that mural because, well, we didn't stop it, you know, and and for us, that's that's a feather in our cap because if we didn't want it, we could have stopped it. And so I guess in that sense we did help out with the mural. So um I just want to let everybody know that that um this project here was supported by everybody, you know, and so there's a lot of good things there. Um the people that were recognized tonight, um I know several of them. Um Mrs. Emerson over at Vivian Banks. There was one time when the language teacher, Capeno, language teacher was

118supposed to be there to help with a presentation. We had a group come in from the uh San Diego County uh office of education and they were going to do a presentation and the teacher wasn't there. So, Mrs. Samson stepped in and actually guided the students in teaching and in sharing the capeno capeno language with the in front of everybody as far as the presentation and I applaud her for stepping up from that situation because anybody could have said hey I don't know what that is you know we're just going to have to cancel but she didn't want to do that she actually stepped in so and not only that but I guess when they're having the classes she's actually paying attention too because she actually knew some stuff there too so that was really

119cool about Missson but That's how Mr. Emerson is and that's why she was our uh doing a great job for us out there. And um well, Monica, Monica Pow, you know, believe it or not, I went to school with Monica Pow. Um we went to high school together. Uh I actually I'm older than her, a little bit older than her, but I went to school with her brother and so I did know who she was and um I won't say what year that is because that's not fair to do to a woman tell her age, but um she is younger than me. Okay. And uh so yeah, Monik, I've known Monica a long time, although I didn't recognize her when I first met her at the campus. She asked me, "Mr. Otga, don't you remember

120me?" And I go, "No, I don't." Then she told me her name, and I was like, "Oh, yeah. As a matter of fact, I do remember you." Um but yeah, it took um you know, her name has changed now. It's different than what it was in high school. Um, and Crystal Dent, um, you guys may not know this or maybe some of you do that know her closely, but she's from, she was working in Tucson there for a while. And, uh, she worked with, uh, some f some of my family out there in Tucson. And so, um, I didn't really know her, but my, oh, she's working there now. She used to work here and do this and this. And so, um, yeah, she worked at the casino where I worked at. And so, um,

121over there in Arizona. So, uh, yeah, Crystal D. Uh, and I've, you know, because of that through my family and stuff like that, I've heard a lot of good things about her, knowing that she's done a she's doing a great job. She's a incredible lady and deserving of all the awards. And of course, there's Jackie. I always uh I always get Jackie's name wrong, so I'm not going to try to say her last name because I always get it wrong. I've known her so for so many years before she was Jackie Withers. And so, um, I tend to call her Jackie Boyclair and stuff and and then I get corrected and then her name's Withers. Oh, that's right. But I think if I say Jackie, though, everybody knows who I'm talking about. So, great job,

122Jackie. You very deserving. I know a lot of people in Paula that uh look up to you and look for your help in in all the years that you've been around in Paula helping everybody. So, that's pretty awesome. And u I remember I told my sister that you got the award and she was like, "Oh man, I think she might want might have a fundraiser for you." And of course there's Greg. What can I say? Greg um I've known Greg for several years of course but I remember at the first um was education for all America I can't remember the name of it whatever but there was a conference out there in Paula and you know it was in Paula it was about Native American teaching Native American education so I went to it and

123who did I see there but Greg and I'm like what are you doing here and he goes well I heard about it and so I came I go so no one told you to come here and he goes no I no No one told me about it. I just uh found out I saw it on like advertised somewhere and I I showed up and so I immediately introduced him to Dr. Jolie Proud who was putting that together and um she made sure that any future events he was going to be invited to because you know when you got people with that initiative and stuff, you just got to you got to just let it flourish. You know, you got to help out. And um I saw that many many years ago and he's been doing

124a great job ever since in all kinds of avenues. um if if no one invites him to something, he'll show up at it anyway because he wants to learn and he wants to provide for his students and stuff. So, he's doing a great job. And I've talked with people that weren't even weren't even in his class and they go, "Oh, yeah. I like him. He's really cool stuff." So, um great job, Greg. You deserve it. Oh, and of course, I got to do a shout out to Greg's dad. He was a a great uh supporter of our radio station. Um, you as you might know, I worked at the radio station there in Paula. Uh, Greg's dad lived right there in Pala Mesa. He could hear the radio station from there and he was always

125uh calling us and asking about a song or asking us to play a song or um getting winning tickets from us all the time. Every year he won tickets from us for something. And uh he was a big supporter of us. And it it took me a a long time to realize that that was actually Greg's dad even though that name is familiar. you know, it's an unusual name for this area. And uh but yeah, he's a he he's a great guy. And uh actually, I think he's like my brother kind of, right? Um one time he was in the hospital and Greg told me he was there. So I went down to see him and when I walked to the door, I guess his dad was in really bad shape at the time and

126um I got to the door and they wouldn't let me in. They said only family was allowed. And I said, "Oh, well, I just wanted to see if I could talk to him for a minute." And he goes, "Eric, is that you?" And I he couldn't even see me through the curtain, but he goes, "Eric, is that you?" And I go, "Yeah, it's me." And he goes, "Let him in. That's my brother." But yeah, Greg's dad was pretty awesome. And and I see where Greg gets the jeans from. He's a really good job. and along with um Greg and Jackie and all of our teachers and staff, you know, I wanted to make this small statement was um you know um our enrollment makes us a small school district, but our teachers and staff make

127us a great school district. And I wanted to make sure that everybody knows that. Just because we're small doesn't mean we have some great things going on with some great staff and great teachers. Thank you. [Applause] Uh first I want to congrat congratulate everybody who who got an award, but it goes beyond that, right? Uh you might not get an award, but it doesn't mean that you're not doing a great job. And we can see from everything that happens that uh the community and and people who might not have a stake actually in the school district are still giving time and and time is really precious and you know I appreciate so much people that are contributing uh for the cause. uh public education is critical in for the future of the country and we

128cannot get enough of that help uh enough of that support uh and it's not always you know signing a check or or giving dollars. Sure that helps but it's also really uh committing and seeing the commitment of everybody to to the betterment of of of our future. It's it's just heartwarming and and I feel humbled and really proud to be part of uh a small part of that of that effort. Uh then I will I'm I'm I might get the recording of that session and show my boss that I can be useful even doing nothing. So that way maybe I can do nothing at work. Uh but overall uh one of the things that's not being mentioned in the in the study process of m one of Mr. Hinch Hinch class is in the debate

129and in speech and debate class. One of the things that's being uh taught to the to the kids it's uh gathering facts uh learning from different news sources uh making the difference between I'm not going to say right and wrong but different opinions and you've you've heard me say many times critical thinking is is is is really essential in what we're doing and we can see in our society that it's really there and I wish that it was not an elective. I wish that every student would have to to understand that uh diversifying your news source uh being willing to listen to opinions that not comfort you into your own uh getting out of the echo chambers. uh all all those kind of things are making student better prepared to to understand uh the crazy

130world that we're living in and and you know uh at the end of the day we can get the knowledge anywhere on the internet with AI or things like that but those soft skills are what's going to save us from uh the Skynet of the future. Uh so so you know uh everybody in the community keep doing what you're doing. Uh pour your heart into what you're doing and uh keep supporting the kids in any way, shape or form that you can do and that hopefully going to shape us for a better future. Thank you. I'd like to thank our our community partners that were recognized tonight. It's incredible amount of time, the coordination. Um, I know the first when the uh North Coast Church and Bonsel Women's Club and I remember the North Coast

131Church when I was told they were going to have 600 um people out uh to do the farm at the first and I kind of laughed and I thought that sounds like three people working and another people eating donuts and and uh you know drinking coffee because that amount of coordination is incredible. Um and what they've done is is really amazing and I think that it's something that we're all very thankful for. So, wanted to thank them and all our employees. I think you know we recognized um those but I'm sure when we went through that list there was a number of deserving teachers is always near and near like well I want this person they're all great and the care um that's that's really what matters at the end and I'm really um impressed

132by all our employees. So, thank you [Applause] Hello. Um, as he always does, uh, Pascal always sometimes puts a a little spark in my brain. I don't know how he he just does. I agree with him 100% on the speech and debate. I think that it should be a mandatory. I And and I'll tell you why. Because um the freedom of speech is not just a natural right. It is a it serves a utility function. It's essential. You know, Voltaire said, he says, "I might not agree with what you're saying, but I'll die for your right to say it." And so, what that tells us is is that protecting free speech is not about protecting the speech that you agree with. It's protecting the speech that you don't agree with because people should have a

133right to do to say what they want to say. And English philosopher John Steuart Mill said he said that it that listening to opinions different than yours are they're actually have a utility. Number one, when you listen to somebody else's speech, if you disagree with it, it gives you a chance to re-evaluate your own speech to see if hey, yeah, you're right. I am right. Number two, what if they're partially right? Then it gives you a chance to revise your own beliefs. Or number three, what if they're completely right and you find out you're wrong? Well, it gives you a chance to adopt a new view. So, it serves a function and it's important because I know a lot of people hate it when they, oh, well, that person, I don't agree with them. Challenge

134yourself next time to listen to them to see what they have and and say, "Hey, is there any element? Is there any grain of truth in anything they're saying?" and you might find out, no, it's you're still the you feel the same way, but at least you gave yourself a ch chance to kind of reflect on your own views. So, I'm sorry that just sent me on that little tangent there. Um, I've been very emotional lately and for some reason today's uh today's uh board meeting has gotten me very emotional. when the church came up here and I saw all those people up there, you know, working, I was getting so I was getting choked up because it's just to me for people to to, you know, put them their time and and and to

135to help out and in that kind of a magnanimous manner is just to me it was it was emotionally overwhelming. So when I was watching it, it just gave me a sense of pride and and I was just very very happy to see that. I wish they were still here so I could tell them that, but um unfortunately they left. Um I want to mention also about the awards. This is also my favorite meeting of the year because we get to see all the people who get the awards and I got to see a couple people who um I know Mr. Hinchcliffe and and Mrs. Pal um because they she's taught my children. And so, you know, I just I think it's and I'll just say Mr. Hinchcliffe is welld deserved by the way, very

136very welld deserved. I've told you in the past about how much time and effort he puts into the speech and debate and what the time commitment is on that. And if you've never been involved in that, you have no concept of how many hours it goes into that. I mean, it is insane. And so, we're very, very lucky to have you here. And I just wanted to say I appreciate you for that. Um, the last thing I want to say is, um, you know, this last year, this time is also the time when college has come about, right? And that's when everybody finds out where they go to college and they have to commit. And this year has been was a roller coaster for me. My daughter, she got accepted to Yale. And the reason

137I tell you that is because she came from here and she was here for eight years. And so and when we were touring Yale's campus, she I I told her I said, "Well, tell me some of the teachers in your in your life that you know that you feel helped you get here." and she started saying,"Well, Mr. Miller, uh, you know, Mrs. Pal." She started naming all these teachers in from Bonsel. And so, it really touched me and made me proud of our school district because, you know, Nani over here is going to a very Ivy League school. It just shows us that that that our mission is possible. We can we can do we can help these kids get to anywhere they want to go. whether no matter what their objective is, we have

138the people that can get them there. And so I just want to say thank you to all the teachers and staff who have who have lifted these kids and helped them go to fulfill wherever they want. And and it's an honor for me to sit here. Um which goes on to my last thing I want to say really quick in acknowledgements. You know, we're acknowledging everybody. I want to acknowledge the board that I the people that I work with. Um, first I want to talk about Nani and Eiley who sit through these long meetings and you're right, they're not the most uh sometimes, you know, they're not the most interesting and they but they stay here and they through the whole meetings, right? They don't, you know, and so I'm really proud of them and

139I I just I it's really impressive to see that kind of dedication. Um, Eric is probably one of the the biggest hearted people that I know. He's always got, you know, very good input in conversations. He's very open-minded, very lucky to have him. Pascal, he works a full-time job and yet he has time to to go to these committees and during the day he rearranges his schedule to come to the board meetings and he brings a perspective as you I told you earlier. He's always making my mind pop, you know, and I I I enjoy that. And Roger over here spends tons of time. He's he's at all the committees. He he goes through that budget. I mean, he I don't know how many hours he spends just perusing things and it's just, you know,

140it's it's an honor to see him. And then Lissa here, who I swear to God must have three clones of herself because she's everywhere. I mean, every picture I see, every event, she's there. I don't know if you have triplets or what, but there's something going on there. And then Dr. Golly, who I'm learning more and more, thinks like I do sometimes. Sometimes she says things I'm like, "Boy, that's exactly what I was going to say." So, and then Gina and Gina who is the heart and soul of this district. I mean, literally the heart and soul of this district and and so I just want to thank them for everything that they do because it is a commitment and they put a lot of energy into it and every single board member up here

141takes it very seriously and they're very proud of being part of this community. So, anyway, that's all I got for today. [Applause] It's almost 8:30 and we haven't even gotten to the action items, folks. Um, but I do have a few quick words. It is teacher and staff appreciation week and I am so very very grateful for everyone in this community who makes sure that we are doing the best we can for all of the children to get the best education possible. Um it's uh I just say Jackie was in the in in the uh lobby a minute ago, but I found a quote um that I thought uh is a very much applicable uh as she was referred to as a matriarch um of the Vivian Bank school and is a grandmother relative generationally.

142And there's a quote by GK Chesterton that says, "Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another." And I think that really encapsulates especially the small district that we are and the family feel that we have here. Uh and it is very generational. You know, you've we've heard stories today about how people have gone to school with each other and know um you know know the community very well and our community partners uh very blessed to have them. The uh art show uh that the you know this is the third annual stages of inspiration art show. I actually joined the Bonsel Women's Club because the first one uh just it was it was the final straw that broke the camel's back because of all the wonderful things, you

143know, in terms of giving checks to, you know, the or giving um a big check to the school district in order to help uh subsidize, you know, because we all know that teachers are always paying for things that they'd like for their classroom that, you know, don't necessarily have budget. And so it's nice to have uh you know, some some little bit of offsetting of funds for that. uh the art show. Um one of my favorite jobs that I ever had was I was an art gallery director for a number of years. So it's kind of fun being able to curate, you know, some beautiful art, you know, submissions throughout the district and and have children really be able to express themselves. There is I was debating between two quotes. There was a Michelle Obama

144quote um but I chose a Ronald Reagan quote about art education. Uh civilizations are most often remembered for their art and thought. I have always believed in the definition of an educated man or woman who one as one who could if necessary refound his or her civilization. That means we must teach our students more than hard facts and floppy discs. We must teach them the rich artistic inheritance of our culture and an appreciation of how fine music enriches both the student who studies it and the society that produces it. The existence of strong music and fine arts curricula are important to keeping the humanities truly humanizing and liberal arts education truly liberating. So, I'm very proud to be a part of a amazing art experience that goes from TK through 12 plus all the way

145through our community members with, you know, the Bonsel Women's Club art submissions. Very grateful to Nessie Burgerer for sponsoring all those prizes that we gave to all of the students and uh the student board reps, Nani Illy, who I know she wasn't feeling well, so she left a little bit early today. Uh I read a book, one of my favorite Dr. book. So, the places you'll go to first graders earlier this year, but it's still very applicable for uh seniors as well. You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know and you are the one who will decide where to go. Looking forward to hearing all the amazing things you're going to accomplish. Please

146keep in touch and thank you for all you've done to represent Bonsel Unified so beautifully. So, thank you to everyone in our community. And now for some meat and potatoes of our agenda today. Uh we have our consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve? Motion to approve. I second. All in favor? I I motion carries unanimously bringing us to our information items and we have a uh presentation from the Vivian Banks Charter School and looking forward to having you share that with us today. Good evening, school board. Dr. Miss McCannernney, Nani, congratulations, by the way. Uh, and community members here as well. Thank you for all being here. Um so we're going to give a um an update on where we're at with our charter council revision of the um charter itself. Uh we'll

147talk about the future of the school um and and just the um the pride that we have in our community. So I'm joined um feel very fortunate to be joined by two very awesome people. um Tina Calibri, incoming principal who I'm very excited to work with and community member and charter council member Tosha Trillo. So we are presenting together. I am going to lead us off here. Um so the the purpose of our presentation um and we will all touch on these um but first who was Vivian Banks because um Vivian Banks was a very important person in the community of Paula um and has direct relational ties to Tasha and many people here in the community. Um so we'll we'll get to that. Um and she was a very beloved individual. um and many

148of our existing students and families have a direct tie to um to her relationship and what she brought to the community. She also served on this very school board that we're talking about here for over 40 years, which is very impressive. Um we're going to talk about just bringing awareness to the importance of continuing to have a neighborhood school in Pala. um ensuring that the public understands the rich history of the tribe. Um ensuring there is district and public support to enhance and grow Vivian Banks Charter School and um spend a few minutes explaining the needs of the students, the families, and the staff. Okay. So, um first I'm going to just give a a brief overview of the facilities update. As you all know, there's been a lot of um a lot of changes

149and um things going on at the site. So, this is kind of our our big update and where we're at. Um so, mid January um asbestous and termite concerns were raised by um two chili healing hearts and um site administration, which would be me. Um and at that point, we you know contacted Dr. goalie and we all started working on that. Um, termite inspections uh started in March and then early April is when we started the the move. Um, we we vacated um multiple classrooms on campus and we remain in that state through the end of the school year. Um, classrooms vacated included rooms 11 which was um where we had creative movement and uh and music classes, room 10 which was third grade, room 9 which was ELLL and reading intervention. Room six which

150was the resource room, room four which was first and second grade, room three which was K first grade, room two which was the staff lounge and the cafeteria. So, the majority of the site was impacted. Even room uh four or fourth grade, which was um or is Miss Emerson's room, didn't have to move out, but uh Miss Emerson in her graciousness moved her entire class closer to the front. We put up a particle or some kind of board and we had a kind of a secondary workspace in the back of her room. So, um, quite literally the only room on campus that has not been impacted is the fifth grade classroom. Um, and this has been a huge challenge, but I just want to reiterate that I am just incredibly honored and blessed to work

151with the amazing staff, some of whom are here tonight. Um, because this is this has been a very tough time, something that nobody could have anticipated. um and we made this move, but also we're trying to take care of our kids because this is very very hard for our kids. Um and and I just am incredibly impressed by by them through this time. So, uh early April, we also made a move in um thanks to an awesome partnership with our local dascese who um who were fortunate enough to um to you know, we we share this property. So, um, our K first grade classroom and our third grade classroom moved over to the adjacent San Juan Diego Center. You can actually see it right over here. Beautiful building. Um, and so two classes are there

152through the end of the year. All other classrooms have been absorbed via um very collaborative use of spaces and very creative use of spaces throughout campus. So, we've made it work. Uh and then also midappril after inspections uh Orion structural engineering issued the visual structural assessment report of the site. And fortunately the um the report came back fairly minimal compared to what we initially thought would be um needs for repair. Okay. Um so a little bit more on that. Um, as far as now kind of looking forward with now that that's done, um, local diosis and leadership has agreed to cover the cost of the repairs, asbestous, um, termite tenting, some termite damage to classroom and school spaces in preparation for fall 2025, which is awesome. Um, and again, I just need to give a

153huge shout out to Claudia and Father G and Father Raphael. they've been completely supportive in every step of the way. So, um I think the local grassroots and and you know many of you were part of that too um has been a real pleasure in a very hard time. Uh and then the again the dascese has expressed full 100% support to keep the school site open for the incoming school year. Um, the parish also has determined that 100% of funds raised from their upcoming uh annual event, the Corpus Christi Festival, will benefit Vivian Banks Charter School, which is incredibly awesome. This is a a flyer. It's June 1st. It's a essentially a 24-hour event, and all proceeds will go toward the school. And that's something the entire parish determined. Um, yeah. So, that's a really

154cool thing. Yeah. Okay. Um, so as far as charter council goes, now charter council, we um are mandated to meet a few times a year. This year we've met um probably I think we're at about number six or seven maybe it seems like. But um we've had a lot of work to do. So, the charter council, um, in case you weren't aware, it functions very similar to like a school site council. Um, it's made up of school employees and community members. Uh, the way that we've run it this year is all um staff members, teachers, par profofessionals, custodial, everybody's a member of charter council um and community membership. Um we have just recently recruited a lot of new membership which is very exciting. Uh Paula chairman um Robert Smith, Paula Vice Chairman Brandon Johnson, Paula

155Council member Carla Nejo, Paula community member Bud Machado, Paula community member Dion Garcia, and our very awesome co-presenter, Paul community member Tosha Trillo. Um and through recent uh charter council meetings, we put out um various surveys in collaboration with school district, Dr. Golly. Um so again, I appreciate that collaboration and the surveys determined that community support for the school is incredibly strong. Um to the tune of over for families that attend the school over 95%. So very very strong. Okay. So the revision of the charter itself, the most recent charter revision was spring 2017. Um so we began work on revising the charter in January. We submitted the updated charter for review in early March and then we received a request to amend it and get a little more specific um to further specify the

156vision for the future of the school. Um so we had multiple charter meeting charter council meetings um to survey again and determine the strong community consensus so we can have a a consensus on what the vision will be moving forward. And even though we did a lot of meetings, I tried to when I wrote this up, I tried to make it very concise and clear in one hugely run-on sentence. But um but I think I did it maybe. Um so what we see here is the uh existing vision that um that we that was new. Um but this is right here in the bold. This is what we have added. So I want to read it quickly and this is what this is something that it's not me, it's not Miss Calibi, it's not um

157Tasha, it is the community voice. This is what we were asked to do is get what the community would like. This is what the community would like. The charter council of Vivian Banks Charter School in partnership with the school district, tribe, and dascese strives to work toward enhancing a K through5 school with no combination classes, small class sizes of no more than 20 students to emphasize early literacy intervention and support and a culturally relevant blend of community centered and certified teacher supported electives. Okay. Okay. So a few things because data is very important, right? I mean we we very much um run in education I do and I know everybody here does on emotion, right? And and we love our kids and but we also have to look at our data, right? So um some

158very interesting data that I think um says a lot here. So very quickly um we did some comparison of just 92059 zip code students who attend Vivian Banks and who attend Bonso Elementary School. Attendance rates for the school year of Vivian Banks 93.92% of students in 92059 at Bonsa Elementary 88.65. So over 5% better at Vivian Banks. That's the part where we did collapse. Yeah. Okay. Um All right. So, here's some more stuff. Um so, assessment. Okay. So, again, we're looking at 92059. Um what this is a kind of crazy chart here, but we've got kindergarten 1, two, 3, 4, five. These are our grades. And then we've got them again over here. So reading reading so that we're looking here these are reading scores comparing uh VBCS and bees with 92059 zip code. Everything

159in bold in comparison to one another that was the higher score. Okay. So, um, kindergarten, uh, 2.14 and as far as these numbers go, um, 2.14 is approaching three is or two is close. Three is approaching four is at grade level. Okay. So, um, but I I just want to really point out and give a shout out. I think she's still here. Yes, she is. Miss Lions right there is a wonderworker and an awesome educator. Um she she also has an and we say this all the time. I mean she's amazing and her class of just amazing little souls are awesome. So um yes and and oh yes hi Anna Anna Anna as well I owe you something now after that. Yeah after that admission. Um so but we can see here reading score and

160math score Miss Lions and Miss Batista's class definitely um rocked it. Um yes, also um we can really highlight third grade um Miss Jessica Koose who is just I've known Jessica for about eight years now and she is just an amazing person and educator as well and she's done wonders. Um 3.66 for reading and for so at grade level for math. Okay, that is that is awesome work. And that's also our employee of the year right over here, Miss Withers, who works handinhand in partnership with Miss Kenst. That is her uh efforts as well. So, thank you, Miss Jackie. [Applause] So the what we can see here is um and and then I'm about done and then I'll hand it off to Tina who will be much more interesting than than my presentation here. But

161um this is something that I you know I I I don't think as educators we we like to tout what we do but this is something that I am very proud of the staff and their accomplishments. Um, when I received this data from Dr. and and we really kind of looked at it the other day, this is something that is I'm extremely proud of. It has nothing to do with me, but I just support the teachers and this excellent work and I think there's a perception maybe that, you know, the academics aren't quite as strong as maybe another site and this is proof that that is incorrect. Okay. So, lastly, and then I'm going to stop. Um, the results. Okay. This demonstrates that American Indian students thrive in a small school setting centered on individualized

162and culturally relevant learning models with early literacy intervention supports and that are staffed by dedicated teachers and staff support and family and community members. Um, also this is a craw that I get in my cap, but I have the mic, so I'll just, you know, grab. Current enrollment is 74. We added three um within the last Yes, that is a great thing. And they're three awesome kids. Our current enrollment is 74, but that is 74 amazing human beings um that are going to have improved outcomes through being at Vivian Banks, through m metriculation at Sullivan, and through graduation at BHS due to a strong foundation that they're receiving at Vivian Banks Charter School. So with that, I'm going to pass on to Miss Tina Cal. It's very small investment. I may get emotional. I've only

163had a small opportunity to meet some of the amazing staff dedicated staff. I know 5:30 It was it was a little bit awkward. change over their friends. But I have ideas, you know, worked at a high military school, right? Uh, no. I'm getting texts from people saying they can't hear you. Could you speak to the mic, please? Oh, goodness gracious. Okay. Sorry, I moved away from the mic. All right. All right. Sorry about that. All right. Um, so talked a little bit about interviewing current and former students regarding what they like and don't like. overwhelmingly students saying that they love love love the small family feel. Um connected with tribal leaders um got Chairman Smith on speed dial and um setting up some ideas and things for possible funding because I'm incredibly passionate about not

164having combination classes for students. It's different when you have a combination class that's set up specifically for students where you have a high grade level coming in and a lower um student from another grade level. very different when you're just tossing kids together based on grade level, right? The students at Aivian Banks need that support. They deserve that support, right? It it sends a message when we don't invest in our kids. Just saying. But I have ideas of raising money, so don't worry. Um connected with staff uh regarding suggestions to increase enrollment. um interviewed a lot of former parents as well for future enrichment opportunities and continue to find different ways that we can really support the needs of the kids for academics, ways to feel like they belong and ways to support the social

165emotional health. Some student and parent comments. This was very interesting. I researched and found an article from 2016 um about Paula in the San Diego Unified um Tribune. And this is one of the statements that was said. I feel this is where I belong and I feel comfortable here, said Feather, a member of the Capeno Indian tribe. It's like family here. I have friends that have my culture and traditions. Her father, Guy, this was part of the article, is a tribal member who's lived on the reservation all of his life, who also attended school when the school campus was a Catholic school. One family member said, "I miss Vivian Banks." And one another student said, "I loved all my teachers and I love that I went to school with friends and family." So interesting thing

166about Guy is Guy was at the mural unveiling and he hadn't planned on singing from my understanding and yet he did and it was the most impactful thing. I have it on my phone and my granddaughter yesterday found my phone because they always do find your phone and started playing that and she was so fascinated just to hear the tribal the bird singing and the bird dancing and it kind of sparked a conversation for her too about why why do they do this, you know, and I was able to connect it to something that connects for her as well. But incredibly important to notice this, right? This this school has been operated since 96. Before that, it was a Catholic school. You're talking about generations and generations and generations of people where it's grandfathers, great-grandfathers,

167great great-grandfathers who have attended this school. And the school is a it's an icon in this community. And it is so incredibly important to keep this school open and also show that support. Right. There's there's distrust from my understanding there's distrust with the Paula community right as well as the district and we need to try to build and rebuild that bridge and this is one way that we can do it. Okay, so you ask, "All right, Tina, what are you going to do? We need to increase the culturally relevant curriculum, right? This is something that is so incredibly important to our students." The reason why we have those scores up on that board is because we have fantastic teachers, yes, but the kids feel like they belong somewhere. This is their community school. This is

168their neighborhood school. Did you know it takes 11 to 12 miles one way for students to travel from Paula Reservation to school in the in the district? It's it's not fair for these kids to not go to their neighborhood school, right? But ways that we can try to really increase the profile and really try to market the school is by bringing in more culturally relevant opportunities, right? doing the beating, doing the bird singing and the bird dancing, doing the agriculture and farming and gardening, having tribal readers that come read weekly with the kids. Really increasing that academic rigor. The kids are asking for it. They're begging for it. Some of the families said that that's why they left, but now they kind of miss the school, too, because that was their family. That was their

169home. Really deepening that parent engagement, right? We want to make sure that we have those literacy nights and those cultural festivals where we really celebrate what makes Vivian Bank so special, right? Bringing back those movie nights and bringing back a running club, having those weekly assemblies like Tasha was telling me about right before this meeting and really advertising the charter school as a destination place. There are so many different I used to work in Valley Center and that was also a home to so many Native American cultures, right? people need to know about this school. So, I was fortunate that I was able to reach out and connect with all TRO's principal, Miss Prada. Um, we've been going and playing phone tag a little bit, but to research some different programs and grants, right, to

170raise money, connected with Stacy Block from SDCE, and we were able to sign both Mr. Costa and I were able to sign an agreement, right, for a consortium proposal through the US Department of Ed Indian Education. These are all things that have happened in literally less than a week. Okay, when I talk about these things, it's that passion. It's something that happens when you step on that campus. You just want to fight for these kids. Sorry, I'm gonna get emotional. Um, I don't know what I think it's when you get older, Mr. Gatis. I think you get emotional when you get older. I'm not going to lie. Um, but what this what this will do, this partnership will expose our staff to more culturally relevant education opportunities. It will also allow us to enable our

171students to have access to some of those college and career opportunities for specific for um their culture. I've also researched some state resources. I've sent requests for grants from Judy Delgado. She's uh California director of American Indian Education at the California Department of Ed. I've also scheduled a day where I get to come meet one-on-one with the staff members. That's going to be next week. Um, and tomorrow I plan to go and meet every parent at drop or pickup, not drop off. Drop off's kind of crazy, I've heard. Um, just to find out about what the culture, values, wants, and needs of the school are researching grant opportunities through the state and tanniff. Also connecting with uh California Indian Manpower for additional financial opportunities. also was able to make a connection for one of our

172students in the ATP program who's going to be aging out and they do have a training program for students when they graduate high school. Um connected with the culture center coup language instructor. He's very interested in bringing some sporting activities as well as doing u more of the language uh support and exchange information with a former Paula student Tasha um who's willing to help us out with some meeting opportunities, some bird dancing and singing which happens together. I was thinking they were separate. Um, but it makes sense now. Um, and reserved a commitment for future donations for students and families during the holidays. I was able to get gifts donated for all the kids. Um, as well as a basketball hoop. Um, and then just developing a plan for future events to increase that enrollment

173and interest of the school. So, please see the passion on my face. I want this school to grow and thrive. I'm going to get us that money so we can get those extra two teachers for next year because that's what matters for these kids. And this was such a highlight for me. I loved interviewing the kids. The kids were so adorable and so much fun and just hearing and seeing their passion on their face and how excited they were. So, I'm going to pass it over to the highlight of the evening, which is Miss Tasha Trillo. [Applause] Hello, my name is Tasha Trillo. I'm a former student of Vivian Binks Charter School, community member of Paula and great great niece of Vivian Binks herself. I am here because I care for this school. This school

174taught and gave me a lot. This is where I found my voice and now I will use my voice in hopes that it helps keep Vivian Bangs Charter School open for many more years to come. We lack numerous resources. There is much funding and improvement needed and wanted. However, we are rich in many other ways. We have a community here. We have a sense of family here. We have strong bonds and roots that tie us together. This is a place our Paula kids feel at home. They feel safe. They feel loved. They feel seen. Why is it that Vivian Banks has less resources than any other Bonsil school? Why is it that I walk into Bonsa Elementary and I see everything is state-of-the-art and top-of-the-line, but yet last year our fifth grade teacher had to

175assemble his desk out of plywood. Our current principal is using a child's desk in his principal office. We make it work with what we have. It is not a secret that we are looked down upon from other schools. It is not a secret that some people think it's easier to throw us away and throw our school away. Vivian Banks has heart and that's something money cannot buy. There is a reason why our staff has stayed here so long. Mr. Kosh, Miss Anna, Miss Teresa, Miss Bran, Miss Castner, Miss Jackie, Lisa, and Dennis who care for our students after school. My grandma Varna Trillo who's been here with the district for almost 40 years, and many more. Our staff comes to work knowing it could be a hard day. They know they may be yelled at

176and hit. They know these kids need a little extra help and care. These staff members know we need help. We need resources. We need funding. We need it all. Yet, they don't give up when their job and their paycheck is at risk and on the line. We don't give up on each other. So, why would anyone give up on us? What I want everyone to think about is what our polish students get the same love and care from another school. the students that come from trauma, the students that come from neglect, the students that come from generational curses, the students that still show up. I am aware of the student needs because I was that student in need. I needed guidance. I needed someone to pay just a little closer attention to me and that

177is what I got. I would like to return that favor back to Vivian Banks Charter School and offer cultural teaching such as beadwork and dress making to students and family. If taken up on my offer, I would also like to use my own personal connections and contacts to arrange music days where traditional bird singing and dancing could be shared and learned. Thank you for your [Applause] time. Thank you for the opportunity to share. We really appreciate it. And please consider what we're saying. Thank you. Thank you. At this time, we're going to open a public hearing uh for the review of the petition for renewal for of the charter for Vivian Banks Charter School. Uh the Bonsel Unified School District is holding this public hearing to review this petition. Uh, and we're it's today is

178Thursday, May 8th, and the time is now 9:02. And do we have any speakers on this topic? Okay. In which case, we are closed with our hearing. And we're not voting right now. This is just an information item. So, thank you for everyone for being here for the presentation. and the board will be considering where we're going with the charter and voting next month. That brings us to our action items today. Uh action item 9.1, the industry partnership agreement between Bonsel Unified School District and California State University San Marcos for the Summer Small Business Academy. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Bringing us to action item 9.2. the public works contract with Western State Builders for the installation of a new shade structure at Bonsel Elementary School. Motion to approve.

179Second. All in favor? Motion carries unanimously. Bringing us to the presentation of the reclassification process. Good evening. board president Anderson, distinguished members of the board, Dr. Gling, Miss McCannerney, and the community still waiting, still here joining us tonight. Um, we have tonight have the pleasure of being accompanied by Miss Karolina Caramo, who is the ELD support at Bonsel West Elementary and Vivian Banks Elementary. And she is part of the team that collaborated with what we're going to present tonight as anformational item. So, um, and you gota excuse me because I think I left my glasses at the at the district table in the back. So, if anybody has seen eyeglasses they can lend me, that would be great because I cannot see a thing. Thank you. Thank you. Um, I know I'm gonna go ahead

180and I'm gonna go ahead and uh go with what So, um, what we wanted to share tonight is really uh the response. Yes. Perfect. Actually, okay. So, what we wanted to share tonight is some of the revisions that we made to our district reclassification process and to be able to provide some context to uh our ELD team, how we met in March uh to review our district's really reclassific uh uh English language learner data. And so, um we are going to tag team this presentation. So, I'll let Miss Kamu go ahead and share the next slide. Okay. Um I also want to say thank you Miss Veronica, thank you board. Um we understood that based on our demographics and you know every year our school is changing, our demographics are changing, our scores are improving.

181Uh we recognize that we need to revise our reclassification criteria. um it has to actually and accurately reflect what our students are scoring and what they're doing in our schools. So for that reason we we realized that it has to be a holistic and equitable approach that considers multiple data points um such as our language assessments, academic performance and teacher input. Um we were um based on our reflections, we noticed that we were we didn't want to prematurely reclassify students um and also we didn't want to hold them back knowing that they were prepared to reclassify. So this change is to better support our um we like to call our students multilingual learners and um that there some of them are dually identified and we're going to be going over that and of course their

182long-term academic success and along with access to grade level instruction. Thank you. So with that, we just wanted to share a little bit of the data that we kind of took a look at. And so this is actually our current data for our district. We currently um are responsible for 193 students who are classified as English learners. And out of that large umbrella, 39 are students who have are learning English for more than seven years. They have not they're still uh have the title of English learners. And from that 193 uh 43 are students that have an IEP and are also designated at English learners. And out of that 193 students, as you saw in that first box, we have students that are that 69 have scored a three or four on the uh ELPAC,

183which means that they are on the cusp of being reclassified. So um it was essential for us to clearly define a process at this point. Seeing our data, we knew that some of the gaps of our current process were um our processes for students who are duly identified and our processes for um our students who are on the cusp. So there was a large number of kids on the cusp of being um reclassified. One of the criteria, the first criteria to being reclassified is a you score of four on the LPAC. So that's a federal mandate. We can't change that first criteria, but we knew that we had to look at the other elements that impacted um our decision as a district to move forward with reclassifying them. So this is the exciting part. Okay.

184Um our first criteria like Miss uh Pendleton, Dr. Pendleton stated, we for sure have to have a level four overall on the LPAC. So that's something that we couldn't change that's statemandated. So we know that for sure we needed to keep that criteria. It was in the second criteria that we did a revision. Um we re um of course the students either have to um get a 40% on I ready which was the past criteria. Um and then we realized that we were using um the percentage versus the Lexile and we decided that it's more accurate if we use the Lexile scores also in comparison to other districts. We realize that that is more accurate and more functionable for our Bonsel Unified School District students. And then of course the uh we had to also

185revise that the ESPback uh we would only reclassify if the students were meeting or exceeding and that too we had to look at our English only students along with our EL learners and we realized that there were students that were approaching. So our students were being looked at a higher a very high um criteria. So that also was revised um hopefully if it passes. And the last one would be the district writing assessment um of a three or a four. So those in criterion number two were the ones that actually were moved uh were revised and we will go over that. Criterion three is always the teacher evaluation. The teachers get to say if the student is prepared to reclassify. And number four is the parent input. The parent gets to decide also if they

186feel that their child is prepared to reclassify. So criterion two is where the focus was. And I just want to clarify that in uh this last year they've added the the state has added a summitive alternative ELPAC for students who are um uh to have an IEP but take the CA. And that is a new criteria number one. So we added it to criteria number one. And the the other piece that I'd like to add is that in uh criterium three, it's always been a teacher observation, but we are now using the optal um the optal form, which is the protocol for teacher for English learners, which is both a qualitative and a quantitative way of ma assessing a student's performance in all the domains of speaking, reading, writing, and uh listening. So it's a

187gives a better picture of the student academically more so um thoroughly than what we were using in the past. In criterion number four it has no change. So um what what Miss Garamo was sharing in STAR and I ready as a team we looked at the data and we realized that there was an identifiable discrepancy in the percentile ranking between a star and I ready assessment. We use star for our secondary students and I ready for our elementary students. Um and when we look examined it, we realized that the Lexile level that it required for a student to ex u to uh successfully access grade level material uh we broke that down by grade level. And you'll see it if you um it's in the attachment you could see it. We broke it down by

188grade level. So the expectation for each student at different grade levels would then um we'd be identifying what what Lexile they would need to to access grade level material. I said that better. And based on our analysis, we determined that the Lexile level provided us with more accurate reading of um and gave a more comprehensive uh representation of who our student was, who our students were and their reading ability. I'd also like to reiterate that we realized the whole exile thing with um one of our students that might reclassify for Vivian Banks charter school. So I was like looking at that student I was like there's something right there's something that's not fitting. So just so you know we're we're waiting for ALPAC scores hopefully coming at the end of the month. Um so uh

189with that said um the ESPback ELA we are no longer just looking at the standard met or standard exceeded but we are also looking at standard nearly met and seeing if the student holistically is ready to go even though they're just nearly meeting. Okay. And that has to do with like I said um all of the population of Bonso Unified School District. Okay. Okay. So, if there are students that are English only that are nearly meeting, then it's only fair and equitable that we see that for our English language learners as well. And also, and so then also they would have a score of three or above still on their district writing assessment. And the CA is something we don't have a lot of students that take the CA, but that is also looked in

190upon when um if for some reason we have to. Okay. And so lastly, our our goal and our intention to really look at what what who our students are here in Bonsel and what our system was doing because our system is perfectly designed to give us those results that we that we get. And so we really wanted to look at the system and the processes put in place to ensure that we were giving every student equitable uh opportunities um to meet standards comparable to their English peers. The other thing is we wanted to give them opportunities so that our secondary students um could participate in early college programs, career technical education, these elective courses and all these wonderful opportunities that our secondary students could have access to if they no longer have to take an

191additional English class that takes us the place of their elective. And we also wanted to represent accurately our student language and academic abilities and needs uh across our district. So um we um brought this presentation to you just to give you kind of a global understanding of why we we started this journey and where we are now with it. And as Miss Kamo said, we um if approved tonight, we have the opportunity to implement this new process or uh screen our students as early as the end of the month when we start receiving scores. Thank you. Thank you for that presentation. Any questions from the board? So, so when we Dr. Pendleton, there's a question. Question. When we reclassify someone, um, are they, in other words, and there's a lot of assessment there, but are

192they able to um, you know, let's say they were a high school student and they reclassified, would they be able to go get a job and and understand and speak and everything they could? Um uh just like you said to me, you need to be able to speak Spanish. I wouldn't. Yeah, I know a little not enough to have to hold down a job. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, I'm going to share that the first domain that students will do uh will master is speaking. Um it's in the writing and reading that the students struggle the domain of writing and reading when you're mastering a second language. And a lot of times depending when our students in integrate into our our school system whether they integrate at a lower level which is the elementary level

193um they acquire uh transferable skills from their primary language into their secondary language. So it actually f funnels into find their foundational skills that can be transferable. We have students at secondary doing the same. But it takes a student anywhere from five to seven years to dominate a language. And so what we're saying here is that students are demonstrating on a test, a state test, that they are are English competent in those four domains. And the federal government requires us to continue to monitor them five years after they've been reclassified for us to ensure that we're providing them the adequate support to for them to be successful in our academic setting. You're welcome. Thank you. to Dr. I would like to say that um based on the history I've been in the district for nine

194years so I've been working with our EL um students and I could tell you that the when they reclassify they accelerate they do great after they reclassify and so that we have plenty of evidence showing that they do and pl plenty of data showing as well. Um, and so we've we've been doing really well. Thank you to the district because they were able to make sure that all of the schools have equitable access to um to language support. Thank you. I have a I have a couple of comments. Uh first uh I had to look what Lexile actually was. Uh I'm not a specialist. So uh if uh in the next time when we use those kind of more technical approach, you might want to enlighten us. And uh I want to I want to

195comment on on what uh Roger said. Um I'm definitely not a native English speakers. I've been in the US for 25 years now. And if I've not been exposed to a specific topic that's really deep in the language, I don't know the vocabulary because I've never been exposed to it. And so the only way you're gonna grow this is by having exposure and by uh there is nothing like immersion to really grow your your your language skills. And so the more the more we enable uh those kids to to merge with native English speakers and and attend the regular the same classes we going to you know you mentioned it accelerate that that's exactly that because you're here uh understand better uh your your ability to process the the language in your in your in

196your in your brain gets better and when you start thinking in the language you're trying to speak versus trying to translate everything, it makes a huge difference. And so uh you know the how we accelerate that process, how we transfer this ability to process the language natively, not fluently but natively without having to translate everything. Uh there is nothing uh I'm I'm going to make this anecdote and uh if my wife's watching she's going to laugh at that but uh it's 2004 I've been in the US for four years and Larry Larry the cable guy comes on TV strong accent southern whatever my wife and a brother are laughing like there's no tomorrow and I'm there like you know like a de in the headlight what the hell is going on I am like by

197the time I understand what was said I'm like four sentences behind and things like and and that made me realize that, you know, it's I've been there four years and I'm I'm not fluent. Uh I understand the people that I'm used to talk to because I I've learned the way they talk, but I'm I'm not fluent in English. So, you know, the the level of fluency depends of the ecosystem you are you are being in. And the more we expose kids to this ecosystem, the native ecosystem, the better they're going to appreciate, the more the faster they're going to learn and the the better they're going to be at it. So, so you know the it's not lowering the bar, it's making it more accessible to kids to access and progress. So, I'm I'm I'm

198so for it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. That almost sounded like a motion to approve. I definitely would like to uh have a motion to approve. Okay. Is there a second? I'll second Rogers. All in favor? I motion carries. Thank you. That brings us to action item 9.4. Uh the uh turnkey enrichment partnership between Vivian Banks Charter School and Six Crickets. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously bringing us to the agreement with San Diego County Office of Education for participation in services for outdoor education program for the uh school year 2425. This is a ratification. Motion to approve. No stereo. I'll second. Who was the original motion then? Motion to approve. Okay. Pascal. Thank you. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Bringing us to action item

199six, which is a continuation of the San Diego County Office of Education uh outdoor education program uh but for 2526. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously, bringing us to action item 9.7, the continuing membership and 2526 designation of the California Intercolastic Federation CIF San Diego section representatives to league. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Bringing us to action item 9.8. um entering into a public works contract with MCOR services for the work performed per the cowshape grant. This is for HVAC. What's that? That's for HVAC because all the filters and all that other stuff. We have a grant for it to clean air $400,000 worth of HVAC. Yes. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously bringing us to theou between CSCA

200and BUSD for archiving the receptionist position and employee transition to attendance registration clerk position. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously bringing us to action item 9.10 10 the resolution 25-05-01 authorizing filing of applications for the state allocation board administered programs for the Bonsel Unified School District. Motion to approve. I second. All in favor? I. Action carries unanimously, bringing us to action item 9.11, resolution number 25 uh 25-05-01, authorizing filing of applications for the state allocation board administered programs for Bonsel Unified School District. Oh, sorry. This is the one we number 11. That's I feel like a little deja vu here. uh resolution number 25-05-02 for the FY2025 uh26 temporary interf fund transfers of special or restricted funds. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Bringing us

201to action Imam 9.12 fiscal year 2526 annual resolutions authorizing designated agents. Motion to approve. I second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously, bringing us to our last item of the day. Action item 9.13, adoption of resolution number 25-05-08, authorizing transfers of 2024 25 district budgetary funds between expenditure classifications after June 30th, 2025. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously, bringing us to public comment. And we have one public commentator. I bet we can't guess who it is. Okay. Public comment. The Bonso Unified School District Board of Trustees welcomes participation at the at the district school board meetings. If you wish to address an item on the agenda, you must complete this form and deliver it to the executive assistant prior to the board considering the item. If you wish to

202address the board considering matters within the board's subject matter jurisdiction that are not on the agenda, you must complete this form and deliver to the executive assistant prior to the public comment section of the agenda. Individual speakers shall be allowed three minutes to address the board on each agenda or non-aggenda item. The board shall limit the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes. With board consent, the president may increase or decrease the time allowed for public presentation depending on the topic and the number of persons wishing to be heard. The president may take a poll of speakers for or against a particular issue and may ask that additional persons speak only if they have something new to add. It is requested that speakers address the board from the podium when addressing

203the board. Commander Joe. Thank you very much. The big three B A believe oops belong. Believe. Achieve. The big four. Service, innovation, collaboration, integrity. Keep keep up the good work on on all of that. You're you're doing it. I've got five quick bullets. Number one, the teacher importance, the teaching, education, highest calling, as Dr. forgali brought up with Nelson Mandela quote uh and the North Coast uh church what they what they exhibited just amazing what the education boards and you all and staff that teaching and education boards and staff is the highest calling. The highest calling. Specifically, a teacher and a board affects eternity. Eternity. No one can tell where his or her influence stops after you all are gone because you're all going to be living at least to 120. It carries on. It

204goes on for eternity. Again, a teacher or a board affects eternity. No one can tell where his or her influence stops. Now, who who quoted that? That's Henry Adams. He's the grandson and great grandson, greatgrandson of two American presidents. So, that's number one bullet. Number two bullet, keep up the budget battles. The budget battles. I just saw in the UT San Diego a couple days back that the mental health grants have been cut two years early for two school districts. Lame Mesa Spring Valley School District, that's a K through eight. They're losing about $6 million two years early. Now, now maybe that won't happen. Hopefully, it won't. Lemon Grove K through8, they're losing a million dollars. So, just keep up the battles. Things are going. Money, money, money is very, very important. That's for sure.

205Number three bullet item. One number one, number two, number three. Colombia University. Again, congrats. keep up the great work and she'll be even though she's not here right now, she she'll always be with you and and your your reports have been absolutely fantastic throughout the year. Great motivator for the community and for yourself and making yourself very very proud. Number four bullet blood donation program. You happen to be there. Fantastic. I uh my blood was accepted. So that was nice. I was was doing I think I was the last one there. And I want to point out to the school board that the security was fantastic. I I had my passport. So So I I go to the gate and they and and said, "No, we need your driver's license." Okay. Need the driver's license.

206Took a picture of the driver's license. I had a badge that that was put on here and where I'm supposed to go and all of that. I I mean, I thought I was getting into the Pentagon. It was fantastic. The security was very, very good. There was a person there very kind, very No, sir. I need to see your driver's license. I don't need your military ID, the retired and all of that. So, so very very good. The blood donation thing was fantastic and you were right there. And uh number five, the last thing is uh my wife gave me an 82year-old birthday present because it's August 1943, so it's coming up here. But I but she she surprised me with the uh Bonsel High School supporter and I say, "Yeah, but I'm all talk

207and no action, but I'm very very proud of this and I'll be wearing it to Walmart or whatever and and I I should probably have something put on the back or whatever. Just keep up the great work and uh thank you so much for all that you do for all of us." And uh keep keep the keep that that uh that Walt business. I know that's kind of negative to some people. DEI. Nothing wrong with that. So, keep up the good work. Keep keep your going and and your comments. And then all of you all of you over here just doing a wonderful job. All right. [Applause] Well, that was a very fabulous meeting. Um, and we are going to uh call it at 9:30 something as soon as I report that we have two

208upcoming meetings in June. Uh, the first regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 18th, and that's here um at 6 p.m. with closed session starting at 4:30. It's also budget month. So, we will have a special board meeting on Thursday, June 26th. Uh it says no close session in the agenda, but there might be a close session u because of all the exciting things going on in our district. Uh and we might also be uh having that on um online. So that would be a virtual meeting potentially. And with that we will officially conclude. It's still 9:30. So thank you very much for all for staying the whole time. [Laughter] I couldn't imagine my husband actually. Was my guess right?