001[music] I'd like to call the meeting to order. Uh would everyone please stand and join us for the flag salute? >> Salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, thanks for joining us. Um Jamie uh unfortunately is ill tonight and can't join us. Hope you get better, Jamie. Um, so I'd like to report out on our close session. Um, where am I here? Okay. Uh, item 2A, uh, conference of legal council, uh, pursuant to student settlement agreement, pursuant to government code section 54956.9 and education code 35146. The board voted four to zero with one uh absentee um to approve the settlement agreement as set forth. And then item
002B, conference of legal council um pursuant to government code section 54956.9D uh information was exchanged, no action was taken. So we'll move on to item three. Uh public comment for items not on this agenda. I'm I'm sorry. Uh Mr. Springby just uh corrected me. Um, for item B, we actually uh we exchanged information and we also uh approved the uh settlement um for uh three cases uh sex abuse cases uh Ruano uh versus CUSD Marquez and uh John Doe. Um and then we'll have uh some more information on that uh later. Okay. So now public comment on nonaggendas. Is it on now? Thank you. Uh my name is Jay H. Ner. Although I'm a carpenter resident and property owner, a CMS teacher, a husband of a CMS teacher, parent of a current and former C
003CUSD student, uh I enjoy or join you this evening join you this evening in a unique capacity. I serve as the president of the district's employee union. This evening, I'll provide public comments on behalf of district employees who recently reelected myself and members of our union leadership team to share their experiences, questions, and concerns on matters of district business. As we prepare for another school year, we believe it's important to reconfirm our willingness to move beyond the challenging relational history we've experienced at the hands of district officials who now on multiple occasions have been formerly cited for unlawful behavior, retaliation, discrimination against elected employee leadership. Although we recognize that the past informs the present, we also recognize that little progress can be made if we don't continue to pursue a more collaborative working relationship with
004district officials. So although we do not forget, we do forgive and we remain ready when you are. It's time to reopen the line of communication between the superintendent, Miss Riby, and elected employee leadership. Although Miss Rigby has refused to meet with us directly for seven years, it is not too late to direct her to adjust her posture for the betterment of district students and families. without being polyianish or relying on trust that doesn't exist. We are certain that everyone will benefit if we can pursue good faith agreements which are sustained by clear terms and wellestablished oversight opportunities. As the saying goes, good fences make good neighbors. A recent contingency agreement serves as an example. Like the contingencies we developed, promoted, and then applied to resolve our recent impass agreement, union leadership will continue to seek
005resolutions to challenges and disputes that place district administrators, board officials, and employees on the same side of the table. Whatever issues arise, we will continue to point out the challenges, of course, but we will also continue to look for ways to work together, rowing in the same direction and sharing both the burdens and the benefits that come. Highquality governance demands the CUSD's current district officials and senior administrators take advantage of the opportunities and benefits of an employee union. The healthy operations of a public school district rely on maximizing those opportunities versus ignoring, dismissing, begrudging, or undermining them. To better serve district students and families, let us sit down and discuss how to improve sped services in the district. how to raise test scores and best hold employees, administrators, and families accountable to student success. Uh
006let's discuss how the unforeseen impacts of the DLI program are warping the entire system. How to grow the talent in our midst, stem the transency, and maintain an increasingly loyal labor force. How to promote sound and well-informed decision-making. how properly updated, clear, and easily accessible collective bargaining agreements bring clarity to daily operations in the district and how the district and provisions contained in the contract can be used to depersonalize conflict. Leadership is a practice, not Thank you. >> Um, so I [clears throat] apologize for uh not reporting out totally on item 2B. So, uh I don't know what I was thinking, but here's here's uh the statement. Um, in closed session this afternoon, the board ratified settlement agreements of three separate lawsuits [clears throat] filed on behalf of alleged victims of childhood sexual abuse in
007the 1970s. The settlements totaling $4 million are contingent upon the district obtaining approval from the state to fund the settlements from the proceeds of the sale of the surplus Baylor property. Okay. Um, do we have any more public comment? Not on the agenda. uh Roel Carpentry uh resident once again uh my comments it's the role is based on evidence they're always based on what you have said in the past and what you are you are saying now Superintendent Riby and the school board are responsible uh for misusing public money. That's the word misusing $3.5 million wasted on attorney's fees trying to get uh rid of uh Union President Jay Hushner. You failed. You lost lost lost lost four times and he dropped the appeal. You knew it. You had no case. Are you going to
008uh say I'm sorry to the Hutchin family for all the damage done to them and to him? You should. Are you going to apologize to the community for misusing their hard earned money thrown away? For years, the community has been telling you, "Stop. Stop. You're listening the same. You're listening the same case over and over again." The odds were against you. never listened, told you several times that you had bad lawyers and had no evidence. Uh, Mr. Schaefer, this is what you have to tell the community. Please tell them this exactly the words of the Santa Barbara Superior Court, a female judge. This is what she said. The district's lawyers took the wrong legal approach. They're not competent. Continue. Same judge. Even if the district had presented more than 43 witnesses, the result would have
009been the same because they were not credible. Again, not my boards. End of quote. Her quote. and you knew it, but you didn't care. That's being irresponsible. >> Please acknowledge that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, move on to the approval of the minutes. Uh, can I get a motion to approve the minutes of uh, July 8th? I'll move to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> All right. Can I any public discussion on uh the approval of the minutes? >> No. Okay. Uh all in favor? >> I Okay. We'll move on to item five, approval of the agenda and consent agenda. >> You need to do the public comments for the minutes. >> I did. I just asked. >> You just did. >> Yeah. Uh so um any public comment on approval of the agenda
010and consent agenda? [clears throat] All righty. So this evening's consent agenda contains the approval of a regular of the regular payroll for both uh May and June. Uh and unsurprisingly, CUSD's officials continue the practice of hiding administrative cost figures by including them under the cost of classified support staff. Our you that I should have said June and July, by the way. Um my apologies. Uh so unsurprisingly, CUSD's officials continue the practice of hiding administrative cost figures by including them under the cost of classified support staff our union represents even after countless requests to do different and be more transparent. We ask our district officials to respond either immediately or uh if time [clears throat] can be reclaimed um immediately if time can be reclaimed or immediately after this comment if you prefer. Question one, why
011do you think CUSD's administrators don't want you to see the administrative salary cost adjacent to cost of those who work directly with district students and families? Number two, uh you don't seem interested in analyzing the salary cost of administrators adjacent to cost of those who work directly with district students and families. Why is that? Uh number three, why hasn't a single board official demanded that the salary cost of administrators be transparently shared in the consent agenda adjacent to the cost of those who work directly with district students and families? Number four, board members, uh are you afraid that by transparently sharing the salary cost of administrators adjacent to cost of those who work directly with district students and families, you may expose the gross compensation in adequate inequities that exist. Those of us who spend
012considerable time analyzing the CUSD budget priorities are not only painfully aware of the gross salary disparities that exist, but of the continued increase in administrative costs and positions. While CUSD invests in support staff, investments in support staff decrease along with the district's overall student population. In the middle of the summer, you provided all district administrators their third salary increase in 26 months. The total of those increases is more than double what teachers and support staff received in the same period. Mr. Schaefer, Miss Diamond, and Miss Rigby often try to justify the low wages CUSD provides teachers and support staff by citing that the district health care plan is fully funded for those who work full-time. But to be clear, CUSD administrators receive the district's fully funded healthcare plan also. And it appears there is no
013regulator on the consistent and robust salary increases that you provide our district administrators. Why is that? At board meetings in both June and July, Superintendent Riby justified painful cuts to successful student programs like Gate and Carpentry of Family School. So, she did so by citing continued reductions in student enrollment, employee employee costs, and allegedly low reserve balances. She failed to mention uh her seven years of exorbitant legal costs under her tenure. And she failed to mention the rapidly increasing administrative costs and the number the number of administrative employees in the district. Now, thank you. Okay. Um should we pull uh Yeah, pull that. Okay. I'd like to um so uh one change to the agenda and consent agenda. J Julie Cota just uh or I'm sorry, Jennifer Cota just uh texted that she won't be
014able to make it tonight to give the major U annual report by the citizens bond oversight committee. So, we're going to we're going to pull that and do it at a future meeting. Um, so with that in mind, can I get a motion uh to approve the agenda and consent agenda? >> I move to approve the agenda and the consent agenda. >> Second. >> All right. Uh, [clears throat] roll call. Um, Eric, >> hi. >> Aaron, >> hi. >> Sally, >> hi. >> I'm I >> Okay, we will move on to public interest reports and presentations. Do we have any public comment on item E, public interest reports and presentations. All righty. So, the superintendent reports uh over the summer CUSD worked diligently to enhance our school's safety and student well-being. Therefore, Miss Riby announced
015the following updates have been made. Uh, quote, "Federal officer procedures. All visitors must continue to check in at the school office before entering campus. Any federal agents will be directed to the CUSD district office to meet with the superintendent. Agents will not be allowed on school campuses without a valid warrant or court order signed by a judge. The policy assumes that all visitors will even stop at the school office before entering campus. It assumes that complete uh completely open campuses like Carpentry High School without any perimeter fencing will restrain those determined to gain access to the CHS campus. It assumes that federal agents, if that is what they are, will put uh will put their mission on hold because they have yet to clear that mission with Superintendent Riby. It assumes that those participating in
016these immigration raids feel an obligation to demonstrate that they have a warrant. The superintendent is correct to suggest that current immigration raids have a nexus to students and employees safety. The safety issues are many, not just for those in our immigrant community, but for everyone in proximity of the raids, where unmarked moving trucks arrive and give birth to individuals often dressed in civilian attire. sometimes wearing military-style uniforms, sometimes not, but most certainly carrying firearms and wearing masks. The district's enhanced policies contained in the superintendence report provide slim insight into how CUSD intends to respond to immigration uh raids that occur as they are legally and constitutionally required um to occur uh not as they actually have been playing out. The district's response to this particular safety issue appears more designed to cya which would be
017cover your administrative arses right uh than one designed to protect students and employees themselves. We have heard CUSD we have heard CUSD planned brief trainings at the site level. Will the trainings include how an employee or student should confirm whether the individual covered with body armor, masks, and carrying a gun is actually a law enforcement officer versus, say, another school shooter, or whether it's an it is appropriate for students or employees to immediately call a lockdown and 911 until they've absolutely um positively figured out that those with firearms adjacent to our school campuses are legitimate agents or not? Can the district assure employees that a senior administrator will be on campuses at all hours on each campus at all hours ser um services are being provided to include the afterchool program hours? That is not
018the case at the middle school and it's not the case at other schools in our district rather than recite legally crafted policy statements. How exactly is CUSD empowering employees to serve as the first line of protection for students and children in our care without being accused and or arrested for obstructing an immigration raid. This is not a political statement. It's a statement requesting CUSD to give this issue and the safety concerns associated with it much more consideration. Thank you. >> Okay. Any more public comment on item on item E? Okay. We will move on to the superintendent report. >> Thank you. So tonight I'd like to begin with appreciation. I'd like to recognize the CUSD district office employees, maintenance, grounds, school custodians, food services, warehouse, transportation, site office coordinators, and school administrators for working this
019summer in preparation for a new school year. We are ready for teachers to return on August 18th and students will be returning on August 21st. The addition the next um item is our response to immigration enforcement. Under the US Constitution, all students have a right to receive an education without discrimination based on immigration status. In Plyer versus D, the US Supreme Court recognized that undocumented immigrants are guaranteed due process and equal protection rights under the Constitution and that children cannot be denied equal access to a public education on the basis of their immigration status. Schools must provide free public education to all students regardless of their immigration status and regardless of their citizenship status of their parents or guardians. In 2017, CUSD board passed resolution number 17-800 in support of the district, excuse me, in
020support of students in the district, which included protections from immigration authorities on campus and information confidentiality as provided by law. In 2019, board policy and regulation 5145.13, response to immigration enforcement, was adopted to guide school staff in providing safe learning environments for all students and responding to immigration enforcement. Over the summer, we worked diligently to enhance our schools and prepare for a successful start of the year. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and student well-being, the following updates have been made regarding federal officer procedures. All visitors must continue to check in at the school office before entering campus. Any federal agents will be directed to the CUSD district office to meet with the superintendent. Agents will not be allowed on school campuses without a valid warrant or court order signed by a judge.
021Student and staff privacy. Personal or identifying information about students or employees will not be released without an effective warrant or court order signed by a judge. The next item is student well-being. School site counselors and family service agency school-based mental health therapists continue to be available to all students and their families. We also have community resources. We partner with the Carperia Children's Project to offer support services to immigrant families. Their website is karpchildren.org and their phone number 8055661600. And then timely communication. Should an incident occur on or near a school campus, we will share timely updates with families via parent square. All staff will receive training on these updated safety protocols at the start of the school year to ensure full implementation and awareness. My next item is congratulations to our high school. Carpenter High
022School was awarded the Career Choices Silver Medal from Academic Innovations, publisher of Career Choices. This medal is awarded to schools that demonstrate strong outcomes in post-secary planning, career readiness, and equitable access for all students. CHS students develop a 10-year plan using the career choices curriculum and school counselors use these plans to guide personalized discussions about course selection interests and future college career opportunities. Students also earn dual enrollment credit through Santa Barbara City Colle's professional development 138D course. The next item is related to our state budget of 2025 2026. In late June, Governor Nuome signed the main state budget bill, budget bill Junior, and most of the budget trailer bills, which contain the implementing language of the 2526 state budget package. The state budget provides robust funding for education despite a projected deficit, largely protecting schools
023and colleges from deep cuts. General fund spending was trimmed to close the gap, but K12 schools, community colleges, and public universities remain priorities. Overall, Proposition 98 funding is about 1.4 104.6 billion, roughly 5 billion less than 2425, reflecting the weaker state revenues. However, the budget taps reserves and accounting deferrals to maintain core program programs, fund key initiatives, and avoid major service reductions in education. LCFF districts will receive 2.3% cost of living adjustment, COLA, for their district budgets, and community funded districts like CUSD will receive the COLA adjustment for categorical programs and special education. Included in this year's state education funding are some notable investments that directly impact impact our district. One of these investments is an increase in the grant funding levels for our afterchool program expanded learning opportunity which we call ELO. Additionally, the
024budget includes one-time allocations entitled student support and professional development discretionary block grant that'll be approximately $567,000 and the learning recovery emergency block grant which is approximately $156,000. This budget also extends the spending deadline of the kitchen infrastructure and training funds from June 30th, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. So, this will allow our district an additional year for needed kitchen appliance repairs. The next item is federal funds. So, state superintendent Tony Thurman and the CDE announced on August 1st that the CDE has received confirmation that it will receive the entire nearly 1 billion in previously impounded federal education funds for the 2526 school year. This comes after weeks of delays caused by Trump's administration's decision to withhold critical funding allocations to states across the nation. CUSD typically receives approximately $126,000 in federal funds for categorical programs.
025And my last item is measure U. During the summer months, the old portables at Canolino were removed to make way for a brand new playyard. And at Aliso, demolition of the TKK building was completed in preparation for the construction of beautiful new classrooms. And last week, we attended the car carpa architectural review board meeting, which um we were granted preliminary approval for our plans. So our next step is to go to the planning commission. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh we're we're um going past the major U annual report. Uh is that right? >> Yes. >> And then uh we're going to move on to item F, uh board policies, the new board policy BP0441, uh artificial intelligence. And I'll read that. Um uh new board policy BP0441. Uh the board is asked to
026approve the new policy. Um the board recognizes that that uh transformative potential of artificial intelligence to increase student access to information, support teacher effectiveness, and facilitate the administration of student assessments as well as the potential for AI to undermine student achievement, health, and well-being. Therefore, the board is committed to supporting the use of AI by students and staff in accordance with the principles stated in BP0441. >> [clears throat] >> Can I get a motion to approve? >> I'll move to approve. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> I'd just like to say it's something that we, you know, do need to pay attention to and I think having a policy that is um as inclusive as we can make it at this time is important. >> Yes. And um we discussed the policy at our
027uh leadership team meeting today and the um administrators uh feel supported by it. And then they will uh follow through with uh conversations and discussions with their uh site staff especially at the secondary level at high school and how um the different AI tools will be used in the classrooms. >> Great. Okay. All in favor? >> I I no public comment. >> Public comment. >> Oh, I'm sorry. public comment. [clears throat] >> Okay. So, the district's AI policy is interesting and lofty and void of clear examples for the nine different policy statements included. Union [snorts] leadership request that district officials here and now uh as you are permitted by the Brown Act clarify their understanding of these nine lofty policy points by providing the community examples of what these statements would look like in practice
028that being in the teaching and learning environment on our school campuses where the rubber meets the road. Can you please provide some routine scenarios that you all are aware of that these nine policy statements would actually address? If so, we will seed the remainder of our public comment minutes to allow the community to hear your response. We believe it would be valuable for the community to better understand how these policies how policies such as these actually apply to the teaching and learning environment. If you are capable of providing some context for the broad statements contained in the AI policy, please do so now. Again, will you please clarify what are some of the routine scenarios that these nine policy statements would address or help us resolve? Are you willing to do that at this time
029while you are permitted? >> I'm not. Go ahead. Continue on. >> Okay. You all were just about to approve this unanimously, but it seems like none of you can speak to it in any depth whatsoever. And that seems concerning. With all respect, you, the members of our school board, are about to approve yet another district policy. Yet, you've demonstrated no clear understanding of the very policy and associated issues the policy is conceivably designed to resolve. You're about to do it again, as you have with many. I'm sorry. Now I'm now you're cutting me off and I didn't I gave you your opportunity before. Now I'm going to continue on. >> Okay. So Mr. This is our meeting, not your meeting. >> Thank you. So uh please raise your hand if you think the community shouldn't
030be concerned about such a scenario where you all are going to approve yet another district policy with no demonstration of being aware of what actually that policy is designed to [clears throat] address. So these policies are set forth by the CSBA who who are paid by the districts across the the the state to come up with polic we don't write all of our policies. >> Of course not. Yeah. >> Yeah. We're not experts on every every topic that every one of our policies uh uh information contained therein. And for you to expect us to to sit here on the spot tell you give you specific examples for nine things that have to deal with AI is is completely uh ridiculous. >> Okay. We're not looking for expertise. We're looking for some level of awareness. You're
031about to approve this policy without demonstrating any policy again. Okay. Well, then the second reading then we can look forward to hearing more from you at the next reading. Correct. [clears throat] Thank you, Mr. >> Thank you. Okay. >> Any discussion on the first reading of our board policy 0441? All in favor? >> I >> Okay, we'll move on to item item G, educational services. Any public comment on item G? Okay, so union leadership is pleased that some grade levels will have access to state adopted curriculum and textbooks in the content areas required by the Williams settlement. That said, elected employee leadership is compelled to note that the issue of textbooks for students is far from resolved for the 2526 school year. Last spring, several teacher leaders requested the purchase of student textbooks for core
032content courses at different schools. CMS comes to mind, specifically science, and history classes at the sixth, 7th, and eighth grade levels. After several years of Superintendent Riby dictating that CUSD would be paperless by 2022, we have not fallen short. We have not only fallen short of that absurdly futuristic vision, but the system has actually reversed course, moving back to the more traditional methods of teaching and learning, books, pens, pencils, and indeed paper. Through this spring, throughout the spring, after student laptops and iPads were that had once been provided um by the district were removed, teacher leaders at CMS advocated for the purchase of student textbooks just like this issue. They were told by principal Persoon that student textbooks were no longer needed because students were no longer required to do homework when teacher leaders disagreed
033and pressed for student access to textbooks by the start of this current school year. >> Mr. Austin, does this have anything to do with the purchase curriculum for the fourth and fifth grade? >> Absolutely. This has to do with curriculum. It has to do with fourth and fifth grade. >> Yes, it does actually. Yes, it does. >> Because because you're you're talking about the middle school. I'll get there. I assure you. Um, and I would like those seconds back because it's a tight statement already. So, I can wait for you to re recalculate. Miss Thomas, >> you're burning up your time here. >> Uh, you're burning up my time, Mr. Sa Mr. Schaefer. >> So, as a result, students in several grade levels and content areas of CMS are beginning the 2526 school year without
034equal access to current books. They're not the only ones in the district, though. Not only does this scenario undermine the teaching and learning process, it is a in direct contrast to the LCAP goals published in CMS and CUSD, these LCAP in February 20. >> And does this have anything to do with with the fourth and fifth grade curriculum? >> Clear. Yes, absolutely. Because those years feed the years that we're talking about and these are coming >> specifically for this curriculum. >> Demand now that the interruptions allow me to recalculate the time and have this time back. >> Well, I you're not speaking to this item, so I'd ask you to sit down. Actually, I am. You're not allowing me to get there. You keep cutting me off cut with your impatience, but we're getting there.
035Okay. We sure are. Um, we're building a background for the statement. And yes, we are getting there as always. As we always do. Yes. Okay. So, um, how much time do I have left, Miss Thomas? >> 18 seconds. Thanks for um, chopping the time down. Thank you, Mr. Schaefer, for obstructing my opportunity to comment. district's responsibility to ensure students have equal access to content focused textbook materials at school and at home just as the Williams settlement requires is your obligation. Teacher leaders and their elected representatives implore district administration to think of the efficacy and legality of the current approach where we remove personal computers from students and then fail to reinvest in the routine resources required for student learning. >> Okay. Again, um I would I would uh remind speakers to speak on the item
036set forth on the agenda and not and not some personal beef with something else. So So that this is >> so many times I wasn't able to >> this is a warning to you to keep it to the topic on the agenda >> item. Uh let's see. So >> need to approve. >> Can I get a motion? Can I get a motion to approve uh the purchase of the McGraill Wonders curriculum for fourth and fifth grades? >> I move to approve the purchase of McGraw Hill Wonders curriculum pilot for fourth and fifth grades. >> Can I get a second? >> And I second. >> All right. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I I Okay, we'll move on to item H, business operations and facilities. Can I get uh any public comment on item H?
037All right. So, tucked in this agenda item are two pretty meaty details associated with highly questionable governance and the misappropriation of funds. In the district's warrants, approximately $60,000 is being paid to the law offices of Andrea Marcus. Yet, when information requests were filed on this topic, the district made no mention of either the $60,000 invoice or the need and reason for the $60,000 invoice. Andrea Marcos is representing litigants associated with special education violations while superintendent Riby has been the superintendent. Yet the district is paying Miss Marcos says firm directly. The scenario begs the question, has CUSD lost yet another legal battle where it is expected to repay legal services provided to those filing against the district? Was the district's behavior once again so obviously unlawful that it once again is being required to pay the
038legal fees of those suing the district? The second detail which falls under letter H item five transfer of site sale proceeds and general fund uh and approval of resolution is even more an even more obvious example of what happens when tax dollars collected in the name of educating carpenters's children are misappropriated. In December 2024 the district exercised the option to allow the housing authority to purchase the Borard property. The transaction officially closed on January 6th, 2025 and the property sold for $4.2 million. At the time, the community was told the sale of the property was a shining example of good stewardship and that the money would be directed to future building and development needs across the district. In fact, that it was reserved for that. However, this evening, after many have forgotten how those monies
039were supposed to directly benefit students, the district seeks to transfer the proceeds of the sale, $4.2 million, into its general fund. These funds will be used for the one-time purpose to pay settlements arising from claims made against the district under AB28. Now certainly the district needs to pay for the liabilities it inherited many years ago when a similar culture of insular and often unqualified district leadership acted to protect one of their own instead of holding the a notorious administrator and criminal to account. But the transfer of the BOR property proceeds was not a given. Had CUSD's officials not squandered $3.5 million on attempts to undermine the bargaining process, silence employee voices, and launch unlawful attacks on employee representatives. The district would have had $3.5 million, the motherload of that 4.2 million to dedicate towards the
040AB218 lawsuits. But CUSD's officials did participate in those unlawful acts. And as a result, they must now transfer $4.2 2 million to fill the enormous void in the district's budget. So this evening, while Superintendent Riby pursues a resolution to reallocate 4.2 million from the sale of the Balor property, let us remember that this was unnecessary and that it will have a direct impact on what CUSD can deliver to students and families. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> uh Roelio Delgado, Carpenter uh resident once again under warrants with illegal fees. >> [clears throat] >> I've I have seen legal for for many years and I was there with you four years and as a private citizen what's going on. You don't understand that. You do not understand. There's a [clears throat] legal fee to attorney
041Marcus 60,000. Two months ago, he settled one special education uh case. Nothing was informed about the amount of that settlement. A month a month [clears throat] before on the coastal view attorney Marcus said that on on top of uh that first case that she had three more coming up. Are are these $60,000 the total of all uh this special education cases? Are you going to apologize to special education families? Why not? Why not? You should. You are the board members. You are the superintendent. Uh Diana, you're responsible. It's happen under your watch. Prove me wrong. Can't you can't because it happened under your watch. So, I don't know. Who knows what's next? What other lawsuits? [clears throat] Probably because misusing public money. I don't know. But that could be coming up. It's up to the
042community because you you misused three and a half million dollars. Throw them away. Wasted them. Prove me wrong. You cannot prove me wrong because he did. Thank you. Okay. Uh we'll move on to warrants. Board's being asked to approve the warrants for the period of 73 uh through uh August 7th. So July 3rd through August 7th in the amount of two 2 million4 2 million4,645.90s. I get a motion to approve. >> I move to approve approve the warrants. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. We'll move on to item two. Repair and repainting of the tennis and pickle ball courts by first serve um at the at the middle school. Uh we had uh two bids, one at 47,201 and one at 12,000 and we selected the $12,000 bid from
043first serve. Um can I get a motion to approve? >> I'll move to approve. >> I'll second. >> All right. Um and are we sharing this with the city or is this is this all on our dime? >> No. According to the um agreement, it is our responsibility to maintain and um serve and to maintain and repaint the tennis courts. >> Okay. >> Um do we charge the city a fee like they charge us to use the pool? >> No, >> we don't. >> No, that's not in the agreement. >> Okay. >> They're they have full use of the tennis courts. >> All right. >> And pickle ball courts. All right. And this will be paid for out of the ret routine restricted maintenance funds. Yes. >> Okay. All right. Uh, all in favor? >>
044I All right. Move on to item three, repainting of the special education room at main school by Mesa Painting. Uh, we're being asked to approve this painting. Uh, district contacted five vendors. Only two vendors responsible with responded with two proposals. Uh, Perfection Painting at 14,925 and Mesa Painting at $6,100. And we chose Mesa Painting. Can I get a motion to approve the contract with Mesa Painting? >> I'll move to approve the contract with Mesa Painting. >> I'll second it. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Uh, the board's [clears throat] being asked to approve the purchase of a used van. Uh, the district has five operational vans and a couple of these vans have exceeding mileage. Um and additionally the district has two two non-operational vans as significant engine damage. So the
045vans are used often for sporting events and for special education uh um students. Uh and so we solicited three proposals. Uh they range from 31,999 all the way up to 44,000. And looks like we're choosing the um 31,3 or 999 one. So, can I get a motion to approve? >> I'll move to approve the van purchase. I'll second. >> Okay. This will also be paid for with the transportation budget. Uh all any any further discussion? All in favor? I I >> Okay. Uh item five. Um, Craig, did you want to uh say anything here? Thank you. With your ratification in close session tonight of the three settlements, you have succeeded in saving this district enormous additional sums of money for which you do not have the funds. And as a result of the impact of
046the settlements which you have been involved in and have succeeded in obtaining, countless millions of dollars have been avoided. Meaning specifically that funds that you collect that are earmarked for your students and your staff will not be threatened in the way that we all know had been a dark cloud overhanging you for the last couple years and for that you are to be congratulated. So how did all this arrive? At the end of 2022, four separate lawsuits were filed in which the plaintiffs alleged that they suffered sexual abuse while they were students in Carperia at a time during the mid 1970s, 50 years ago. Normally claims like that would have long ago expired by the running of the statute of limitations and by the failure to file claims that are required by the government code.
047However, as you know, in 2019, the legislature passed a law that allowed alleged victims of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to file their lawsuits, as long as they did so by the end of 2022. Four lawsuits were filed resulting from that. The district has been defending those lawsuits despite the fact that there is no evidence or corroboration of the claims that these individuals are making except we know of course from the historical record that there was abuse that was going on that uh affected other students. Nevertheless, [clears throat] there's no corroboration of these claims. There are no witnesses. There are no staff members. Nothing that would facilitate an effective defense of these claims. Worse, [snorts] the insurance that the district had at the time, and you know, you had insurance, we had insurance,
048but that insurance is no longer available. Most likely because the company that was involved, United Pacific, long ago became insolvent, which meant that the district was left bare, having to bear the legal expenses, expert expenses, investigator expenses to defend these claims as best it could. On a statewide level, it's estimated that the total cost of hundreds of these lawsuits to K12 districts will range between two and three billion dollars. Most recent estimates are that individual settlements are averaging somewhere between$2 and3 million. Many many verdicts where abuse is known to have actually occurred exceed $10 million per claim and some of them have gone all the way up to $135 million. Those risks were something that your board could not accept. And as a result of successfully negotiating these claims, a very large dark cloud has
049been lifted. The settlements that you ratified are, as you know, being funded as a result of the proceeds from the sale of the Baylor properties. Otherwise, the money simply would not have been available and you would have been left with no choice but to go to trial and risk much, much more, something you could not afford to do. But instead a means has been identified of funding the settlements which no one is happy about through the proceeds that were received from the Baylor sale but which has avoided the otherwise huge impacts on your students and your staff. Now, the transfer of money into the general fund from real property sale proceeds is something that is permitted by state statute upon approval from the state. There are certain conditions that are imposed, certain requirements, including an
050adoption by you of a plan for how the money is going to be spent and making certain representations. That plan has been drafted in the form of a resolution which is before you for approval. The draft resolution contains the elements that are required by the state statute for approval by the state allocation board in the office of public school construction. And so [clears throat] you have it in mind from your agenda that upon your approval of the resolution, a formal letter, which is also in the agenda, will be submitted to the state requesting that they authorize the transfer of these funds of yours from one account into the general fund account. That's my summary of where we are and what it is that is before you for approval. Are there any questions? >> Uh I
051I don't think I have any questions. Um I will read the resolution though as as uh as part of this this item. >> Excellent. And should you have any questions. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Great. >> Okay. Um [clears throat] so I I will read the resolution and then we can vote on approving it. Resolution number 25938 uh the resolution of the board of education of the Carton Unified School District County of Santa Barbara State of California authorizing the utilization of education code 17463.7. Whereas on January 6, 2025, the Cartman Unified School District [clears throat] finalized a sale agreement of surplus property purchased 25 years earlier located at 11:01 and 1103 Baylor Avenue in Carperia to the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara for $4.2 million. Whereas the district initiated the sale of the
052property through the execution of an option to purchase and sale agreement on January 1st, 2020 and did not close until January 6, 2025. Whereas, pursuant to the California Education Code 17463.7, school districts were authorized to deposit proceeds from the sale or lease of surplus real property into the general fund of the school district for any one-time general fund purpose subject to satisfying certain conditions required by the state allocation board and the office of public school construction. Whereas although most of ED codes 17463.7's provisions become inoperable after June 2024, pursuant to 17463.7G, the proceeds from the sale of any surplus property initiated prior to June 2024, which did not close until after June 2024, are still permitted to be placed in the district's general fund. Whereas USD has been defending four AB218 lawsuits for alleged sexual
053abuse based upon events in the 1970s and has reached settlements in three of those cases totaling $4 million conditioned upon being permitted to transfer the proceeds from the sale of the property into the general fund. Whereas the district's insurance that was in place during the applicable time periods is unavailable and the district has no alternative means of paying the settlements. Whereas the payments of the [clears throat] settlements is crucial to the district's fiscal solvency will avoid the risk of larger verdicts at trials and avoid the possible state takeover. Whereas CUSD seeks to utilize the provisions of education code 17463.7 in order to transfer all the 4,200,000 proceeds from the sale of the property to the district's general fund for purposes of paying the settlement amounts due to the plaintiffs as well as for purposes of
054supporting a potential force settlement in the of the remaining lawsuit. Whereas the district presented a plan to the governing board of the Carbon Unified School District at a regular meeting on August 12th, 2025, which detailed the source and intended use of proceeds from the sale of the property. [clears throat] Whereas the plan specifies that the expenditure of the sale proceeds from the general fund will not result on ongoing fiscal obligations for the district as the payment of settlement amounts will will be one time in nature to each plif. Whereas, education code 17463.7 requires the district to certify to the state allocation board that the sale of the property does not violate the provisions of any local bond act and the property is not suitable to meet projected school construction needs for the next 10 years.
055It hereby is resolved that the board of education does hereby resolve and determine as follows. One, authorization. The board hereby authorizes the district to utilize the provisions of education code 17463.7 by submitting the required materials to the state allocation board and office of public school construction. Two, certification. CUSD certifies to the state allocation board that the sale of the property did not violate any local bond act. Additionally, the CUSD certifies to the state allocation board that the property is not suitable to meet projected school construction needs for the next 10 years. Three, non-state funds. The board acknowledges the property was purchased entirely with non-state funds. Four, one-time general fund purpose. Board certifies that upon approval from the state allocation board and the releasing $4.2 million to the general district's fund district's general fund will be
056used to pay three settlements totaling $4 million in the balance of $200,000 will be directed at the re at resolving the remaining lawsuit. These will be one-time payments and thus will not result in any ongoing expenditures for the district. Five, state financial hardship funding. The board acknowledges that utilizing the provisions of education code 17463.7 will reduce any possible state financial hardship funding. Six, effective, the resolution shall take effective upon adoption. All right. Can I get a motion uh to approve this resolution? I move to approve the resolution. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Uh I just uh I'm I'm um while not happy that that we are um we've been burdened with this uh these issues. I feel uh that this is uh going a long way to resolving
057them. And like Craig said, um lifting the dark cloud that has been hanging over our district. Um and and has has caused um a lot of angst, a lot of uh worry not only from the board here, but by you know, students in the district, parents in the district, families, educators, staff. Um and um I feel it's um you know we it's a it's a very difficult position to be in and I know we haven't spoken much on it here at the board because we c you know up here on the dis because we have been um uh negotiating um I think most people read about the only became aware when the articles were written in the um in the Chronicle and I think again in the Bloomberg and then in the independent. Um but
058uh I I would I would still encourage those listening to contact um our uh our legislators in particular our senator state senator Monnique Leone and and encourage her to um to adopt some sort of state uh there's a number of proposals that have been put forth to the to the um to to the Senate, state senate, and to the legislature to to help alleviate the burdens to districts like ours because we're not the only district in this situation. There's there's plenty. And like like Craig said, there's there's a you know two to three billion dollar impact to to to just to districts because this is coming out of districts and a lot of you know a lot of that'll be at uh you know everyone thinks it's insurance money but but we are being fa
059we're facing higher insurance premiums as a result of these settlements across the state because the these these joint powers authorities or joint powers uh is that what they're Well, Joint Power Authorities um insurance groups uh are not endless piggy banks. They have to take they have to they have to be solvent. And so they're going to increase premiums to every district in the state that that are that are members, which is which is again more expense that that takes away money from from our ability to spend it on salary increases on program improvements. So, I would I would really encourage anybody listening and anybody that watches this later to um to uh to contact our legislators and and and try to encourage them to to to develop a relief plan so that the burden is
060not on these districts for for things that are so far out of our realm of responsibility that occurred, you know, 50 years ago, 60 years ago. Um, but I want to thank Craig and your and and all those all your old team for helping put this together. Um, and hopefully we can get as much of this behind us as it's possible. Uh, so this is a roll call. Um, Eric, >> I Aaron, >> hi. >> Sally, >> hi. >> And I am I. >> Okay, thank you. Okay, we'll move on. Uh now to item U. Uh do I have any public comment on item U? Measure U. In particular, the approval of a fence factory contract. So the agenda item regards monies used for the uh used to fund the development of a fence at
061Canalino. Just moments ago, it was announced that $4.2 $2 million previously dedicated to infrastructure building and devel development projects like this fence contract uh will be redirected to pay the district's extraordinary fees, legal fees. Under this measure U agenda item, we see the kind of building and development project that could have been either funded by the proceeds of the Borard sale or at the very least development costs that could have been displaced by the $4.2 million influx of monies associated with the sale of the Borard property. As we examine this specific measure expenditure, the building of a $20,000 plus fence at Canalino, CSD's officials, employees, and the community should consider how the transfer of proceeds from the sale of the Borard property will impact this and future projects like this one. Be it the building
062of a $20,000 plus fence or the resolution or the resolution of plumbing issues at Cantalino or efforts to eradicate the far too longstanding rat infestation at CMS or other projects related to the general maintenance and upkeep of the district. This fence contract serves as a bellweather of the kinds of expenditures to come and the kind of expenditures that will be impacted by the transfer of these $4.2 million. Now, the $4.2 $2 million must be transferred to cover legal expenditures and are no longer available to fund or displace costs like the building of this um fence, this type of item. How will the variety of other building projects needed across the district be impacted? >> What other sacrifices will students and employees and their families have to make to cover the cost of the district's mismanagement?
063Is this the last fence that will be built for quite some time with the reduction of development monies? Uh will it affect teaching and learning? Will they affect student and employee safety as you consider approval of the measure U expenditures before you? Has the board even considered how this project could have been jeopardized had it been placed on the agenda just a week or two after the $4.2 million transfer? Or will you just keep on keeping on the same arbitrary, unilateral, and at times unlawful approach to oversight of the district? The community deserves a response. And as you know, you are entitled to provide one at this time. So, please go ahead and speak, Mr. Schaefer. Thank you. >> Well, thank you for not addressing the item set forth. Um, so can I get a
064motion to approve the approval of the fence factory contract at Canalino? >> I move to approve. >> A second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Move on to item J personnel. Any public comment on J personnel? Okay. So, this evening we hire we see in the report uh the hiring of three teachers and we see four special education instructional assistants resign. Of the instructional assistants resigning, each has survived the baptism of fire that is associated with the district's bed program and they leave with skills and experiences that are desperately needed at this time. Not accounted for on this personnel report is the resignation of another talented sped teacher who notified CUSD of the resignation last week. And we hope district officials will make every effort to accurately understand the reasons we
065continue to lose talent like the people in this report from the district. We've been advised the timing of these late registration notices may be associated with a significant change in how CUSD honors its healthcare commitment to employees. This is a stellar example of what would easily be called another self-inflicted administrative wound, exacerbating the district's inability to both hire and maintain the highly qualified workforce we need. Examplified in tonight's report, the district has begun cancelling the health care policies of resigning employees, several months before required, and several months before the annual premium cycle is set to terminate at the end of September 2022. Did you know that? CUSD is doing this even after several of these employees have already earned the full value of their health care policies. Employees on this report when they completed their
066annual 2425 instructional contract. While the district's change in practice strips healthcare access from those who already earned the full value of their plans, they did not provide prior notice. Those who resigned at the outset of the summer who had earned and were eligible to receive health care through 2025 through September 2025 learned of this policy shift when they received bills from their medical providers. Bills that were not covered by their insurance packages. In summary, employees who shared the decision to resign before they were required in an attempt to give the district time to prepare for the impact of their resignations were then scorched by the district. So, it should be no surprise that those considering resignation may be more carefully considering the timing of their resignation notifications going forward, even if that means resigning at
067the last possible second like some of the ones we're seeing tonight on the report. Meanwhile, this late in the summer as employees continue to resign just before the school year begins. And while CUSD abruptly terminates health care access for those who had already earned the full value of their package, the district did not fail to provide the administrators the third salary increase in 26 months. These three administrative salary increases total more than double the value of the single salary increase received by teachers and support staff during the same period. Those same administrators also received the district's fully funded healthcare package. while the district struggles to recruit and maintain consistent coverage in CUSD classrooms. And go figure the challenges we're having demonstrated in the personnel report. >> Thank you. >> All right. Can I get a
068motion to approve? >> I'll move to approve the personnel report. I'll second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Move on to um >> Okay. Future agenda items. Any public comment on future agenda items. Uh uh resident. At first I thought that this would be a challenge for you uh to include this uh on my uh future [clears throat] as a future agenda item but I just thought shouldn't be a challenge it would be informational for students and the community regardless of political affiliation. project 2025. We all have heard that. I have heard it, but I haven't read it. >> No, I do. President Trump says that he didn't he got ready project 2025. I know that it includes medical cuts, educational cuts. [clears throat] That should be bad. Here there's five
069of you represented representing education representing students the most vulnerable students. We as a community should be listening to you. What you have what what do you have to say about project 2025? It's been all over since the since the last year and is going to be mentioned again for three more years. Project 2025 doesn't hurt to include it as a future agenda item forformational purposes. I would be interested in listening to you. Thank you. >> Okay. So, future agenda items, uh, we again asked the board to include a full examination of the irregularities associated with Mr. Mr. Schaefer's healthcare usage uh which can be characterized by the district's decision to loan Mr. Schaefer the first 11 months of the 232 24 healthcare package and the first 6 months of the 2425 healthcare package before asking
070him to contribute any money. This is a clear this is clearly an edode violation but the but like the board did in the 70s it is once again at Pierce circling its wagons to shield one of its own from accountability. At the June 10th board meeting, elected employee leadership inquired upon these irregularities associated with Mr. Schaefer's usage of the district funded healthcare plan. Elected employee leadership was interested in better understanding why Mr. Schaefer had received a fully funded $27,618 family health care plan for approximately 11 months at no cost before being charged for the plan just before the plan cycle was fully complete. We were met with silence. Union leadership confirmed the details of this unique arrangement only after filing successive California public records requests. Union leadership privately and then publicly requested an explanation from
071either board member Schaefer or any agent of the district. But instead of providing an explanation, Mr. Schaefer chose to accuse us of lying and um an angry and inaccurate response that provided no further explanation either. Based on Mr. Schaefer's inaccurate public statements. We were then compelled to share the public documents that raised concern. Documents that would lead any reasonable community member, let alone district officials, to ask what exactly is going on here. Union leadership has since shared several exhibits confirming the concerns we've cited. What exactly is going on here is a pretty fair question to ask any public official who is not obligated, not only obligated to enforce an ethical code of conduct, but is also obligated to adhere to the same ethical code of conduct. Mr. Schaefer, district board members, and senior CSD administrators,
072the facts before you demand an explanation that you consider Mr. Schaefer your friend does not absolve you of your oversight responsibilities. Of course, Mr. Schaefer knew that he was receiving the fully funded healthcare plan at no cost for up to 11 months. But who else did? Did you know, Miss Riby? Did any of the other board members know about this? We demand honest and transparent answers to the concerns we've shared. We're not going away. This issue isn't going away. It's only going to get worse, Mr. Schaefer. So, you should try to get in front of it by providing an honest explanation. These are concerns that directly impact the availability of public monies reserved for the education and care of district students and families, not for your own personal self arandisement. Thank you. >> You guys
073have anything for future agenda items? Nope. Uh, anything for the board calendar, Monica? Um, board announcements. Anything big? >> Uh we have this Saturday 4 to 6 pm at the cart pool is our uh water polo alumni game. >> You plan? >> No, but come out and support the [laughter] come out and support the the uh team this year. >> Which team? >> Uh I'll go with the alumni. >> Yeah. Yeah. All right. Um I don't have anything to add. I hope Jamie gets better. Um Oh, I do actually. uh the the fair, the the the FFA um kids, all the took their animals to the fair this last week. Um and and did very well in showmanship. Um the market class was had mixed results, but the um it was it was just great
074to see the the culmination of of of that, you know, that process, the raising the animal. woman that the steer kids have those animals for 10 months, 11 months and uh um and the they're just all so excited about it. It's just it's such a the environment down there is just great and and the and the envir you know and then Miss Garcia um is just really doing a great job. We ran into Mr. Lopez who's who's doing great at Fillmore and um you know he's happy to be close to home and in the school he grew up in. Um, but it was it was really good to go down to the auction and and see everybody. Um, but other than that, I think we're adjourned. Thank you.