ABCUSD Board Meeting - March 10, 2026

001Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Where are you? Power down. Power Are you I don't care. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Yeah. Heat. Doo doo doo doo doo doo. D. Yeah. D. Hey. Hey. Data. Do I'd like to call this meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> President, Mr. Nyola, >> present. >> Vice President, Mrs. Yokoyama Buui. Clerk, Mrs. Mendoza. Board member Mrs. McCaten. Board member Mr. Nishi, >> present. >> Board member Dr. Rios. Board member Mrs. you >> here. >> Thank you. This evening we will be discussing the following items in close session. Public employee discipline dismissal release evaluation. Eight matters government code section 54957. Conference with labor negotiator updates on negotiations with ABCFD AFDME and CSEA government code section 54957.6 and existing

002litigation. Uh the one matter set to be discussed has been pulled from this agenda. The board will be going into close session pursuant to government code section 54956.91 to discuss seven matters, but it has been determined that specifically identifying the matters would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advance advantage. Uh, Los Angeles Superior Court case numbers number 22 NWCV 00502, number 22 STCV19569, number 22 NWCV 00504, number 23 NWCV01 964. Number 22, STCV 1 9567. Number 22, NWCV 00505. number 22 NWCV 00507. Uh I do not see any public comments. So we will I have a motion to move to close session. >> Second. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 4 Z. Heat. Uh-huh. Ah. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Hey, Heat.

003Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Hey, hey, hey. a hey Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. D Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. down. M down. Hey, hey, hey. down. N down. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. What do you do? Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Guide god. Guide Where are you? Come on. Guide guy. Green. I'm down. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey,

004Heat. Heat. Data do. behind. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Number n. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. 39. in session. May I have a motion to open the meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Motion passes 70. Uh, can everybody please silence your cell phones? If anybody is in need of translation services, you can get you can see somebody in the back of the room for support. much gracias. Uh, closeout session report. Public employee discipline dismissal release and evaluation. Eight matters. Government code section 54957. Conference with labor negotiator updates on negotiation. ABCFT AF CME and CSEA government code section 54957.6. Existing

005litigation. The one matter set to be discussed was pulled from this agenda. The government the board met in close session pursuant to government code section 54956.9D1 to discuss seven matters but determined that the specifically identifying the matters would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage. Los Angeles Superior Court case numbers number 22 NWCV 00502 number 22 STCV19567 number 22 STCV19569 number 22 NWCV 00505 number 22 NWCV 00504 number 22 NWCV number 23 NWCV01964 Uh, pledge of allegiance. Tonight, the pledge of allegiance will be led by students by Leo Elementary, who are accompanied by their principal, Dr. Himenez, assistant principal, Miss Ellen Fleming, and student leadership adviser, Mrs. Victoria Durarte. Leo Elementary. Good evening, President Nyola, Vice President Buouie, Mrs. Mendoza, honorable honorable board members, Mrs. McCaten, Mr. Nishi, Dr. Rios, Mr.

006Suyu, Superintendent Dr. Zilo, cabinet members, and ABC community. My name is Giana. I and I am a sixth grade student at Leo Elementary School. I am honored to be here with this evening with a few of my fellow Leo classmates. Representing Leo tonight are my student leadership peers, Tiffany, Clo Khloe, Leah, Lindsay, and Nolan. We are also grateful to have our leadership teacher, Miss Dorte, our principal, Dr. Himemenz, our assistant principal, Miss Flleming, and our MHP, Mr. Pena, accompanying us today. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Leah and I will be I have the honor of leading the pledge of allegiance this evening. Please stand, face the flag, and place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic

007for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. My peers will now share a few exciting updates about the amazing things happening at Leo Elementary. Good evening. My name is Nolan and I will be sharing some exciting events happening at Le alongside my fellow leadership student Lindsay and our friends Tiffany and Chloe. We are proud to share three of our most important recent events that demonstrate the spirit of our school community. In December, our PTA host a successful toy drive. Our leadership, our student leadership group also facilitated a clothing and necessity drive that benefited our uh benefit a local teen shelter. Following that, in January, we focused on kindness week, organizing a variety of kindness focus of activities for our students during recess and lunch. Each month,

008Leo focuses on a different culture to learn about and celebrate. During February, we celebrated Black History Month. With various activities, students created art, listened to music, and participated in a schoolwide assembly to honor and learn about black history. We recent we recently celebrated literacy week with themed dressup days. We ended the week with our most successful annual literacy picnic. We had over 1,600 students, staff, and family members. This event helped us build a strong community and unity with our students and families. Our school spirit is on display every Friday at a roar rally. Our school dance team performs a new routine each morning. We sing our school song and we highlight our student of the week. We also celebrate classes that have demonstrated outstanding behavior in the theater and library with their spirit line awards

009and recognize the class with the most school spirit from the previous week. Finally, as a performing arts magnet school, we are incredibly excited to showcase all of our students hard work during our spring musicals in April and May for all grade levels. We would like to extend a cordial invitation to the entire board to attend one or more of our 28 performances. We also host several after school programs including our leap spring musical Finding Nemo Jr. The musical on March 19th to the 22nd. Thank you very much for your time and allowing us to share. We would now like to open the floor for any questions the board may have. >> Board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. How many young ladies do we have here tonight? >> Six. One, two, three, four, five,

010six. I have these stickers. You can only get him here at the board. And it says ABC school district student leader. Can you send one of the young ladies to come pick them up? And then you can just tear them off and pass them out. Just make sure you don't put them on any books or any school materials. I don't think I don't think your principal would appreciate that. But um I just want to say thank you and I'm so glad to see that you are all young ladies because do you know what what we celebrate also this month? Of course. So, I think you guys are the example of what our young ladies can do in our district. You're very eloquent, sharing so much information, and I know your principal very well because she

011used to be the principal of my kids over at NES. So, I know that she's leading you and she's being the model for you young ladies to do all the work that you're doing. And I'm going to try to make it to one of the 28 performances. I will definitely I have I I I can't miss it, right? I have 28 opportunities. So, thank you so much, ladies. Thank you for doing a good job. Um, and we'll we'll see you soon. >> Thank you, board member Mendoza. Board member, you. >> Thank you. I noticed that all of you were just eloquent speakers because standing in front of the board and your parents who's with their on their cell phone, proud parents, it's nerve nerve-wracking, right? But I could tell that you guys put in a

012lot of effort to prepare. So, so proud of you guys. Did a good job. And finally, I wanted to ask about the shirt. Can somebody tell me about your shirt? Is that one of you guys designed it? It's beautiful. Class of 2026, can you tell me about it? >> Mike mic, use the mic. >> Yeah. Our shirts show that since we are our last year at Leo, um it represents it has all our sixth graders names from each class and it just shows that the hardworking students who been here since TK kindergarten that they finally made it to sixth grade and just to display that they've been here at this great school for so long and they feel like they could get a chance to announce their names to the school and be recognized for

013their hard work. Thank you for the wonderful explanation and presentation. >> Thank you board member. You board member Dr. Rios. >> So hello Leo. Um for some reason you brought me back to when my daughter attended Leo. She graduated from there. She was class president. So it makes me wonder, you know, now she's 26 and an adult, but this is what she would have looked like. Um, yeah, it's it's it's time flies. Um, I do want to give a shout out to your literacy week. Like, we talk a lot about um the importance of reading and I don't know that I've heard a literacy week being celebrated before. So, yay. Kudos to your staff who put that together or if you came up for it, I mean with it to your whole school. Awesome. Um,

014friendships. Uh it also brought me back to the fact that like I get updates of her friend group and most of them came from Leo. So her sixth grade I mean she went to to Leo for most of her elementary years but yeah look to each other to to maintain those friendships because these will be the people that you'll probably see for ever. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you board member Rios. Uh board member McCann >> Leo school. I love your spirit. Um, and I am coming to see um, Finding Nemo, but I'm wondering what the other 27 performances might be. What else is happening this spring? >> Uh, for sixth graders, we have um the case of the missing paragraph. Uh, fifth graders, they do uh, 13 colonies. Fourth graders, uh, the

015uh going west. Uh third graders they do biome. Second graders they do uh Grammar Island. Uh first graders they do uh Mother Goose and kinder they do um Old McDonald's. >> Great job. I put you on the spot. I'm sorry. and um I was there for reed day and I'm looking forward to your um new theater being opened. It is going to be beautiful. >> Thank you board member Macan board member Nishi. >> Yes, thank you uh Mr. President. My daughter is now 22 so it's a couple years younger than uh uh Dr. 's daughter and and I remember when she was there she was really shy and quiet and and people used to always say all they do is study at Leo right that's all they do it's like no it is because these

016kids love school it's not a STEM school it's a performing arts school yet why why do people want to come to this school why why is that because I think it's a combination of all the good things coming together right it's dedicated staff teachers that really care about their kids and know that there's high expectations for performance, the principle that has a vision to create something that uh create a theater that didn't exist before. I mean, we could have gone cookie cutter and that's fine and that's that's great, but uh having a vision for the specificity of this particular school, which is performing arts, to actually get a theater uh within the budget that she has, which is really limited. And then uh you know the students that love school, you know, um just amazing

017thing that you know it proves that all these elements together and the parents that are so involved. I mean the parents all spend extra time to to practically have another job to fund raise and to make sure that their kids are successful and the kids know it because the parents the kids see their parents at school they can't fool around. Um, but it's not an issue of parents watching or the teachers watching these kids. You guys love your school, right? >> I see. Say it louder. >> Yes. >> Ah, there we go. A lot of confidence in being able to speak and perform and that will take you far in your life. I know that uh you're going to be a great generation people coming out of. So, Thank you, board member Nishi. Uh, board

018vice president Tatiana Yokoyama Buouie. >> Hi, girls. You guys did great and amazing. Um, I see many of you daily, weekly, and um, I'm so honored to be able to be a volunteer at your school. Um, I do want to share that those special class of 20 2026 shirts were created um from the vision of our PTA president Suzanne Kim and she um is is really good at at things like this and I'm so glad you highlighted that board uh clerk Mendoza because it was um something that we all put a lot of time into. Uh our our LE students are amazing. We have an excellent village as many of our schools do, but Leo parents work very very hard. Um, are there any parents in the audience tonight that can please stand and be

019recognized? And I'm so sorry to take that away from President Nyola, but um, I also see these parents quite a bit and we work together. So, um, I'm a proud ill parent. Uh the community is um is again we we work very hard uh to to give our kids the best uh a lot of fundraisers um a lot of uh work behind the scenes that only PTA parents only parent volunteers really really know understand and appreciate and I think I thank our admin as well because they highlight and recognize a lot of the work we do. Um there is shameless plug there is a a fundraiser tonight right at California Fish Grill I think. Um but also can so one of you please repeat when finding Nemo is where it is and um so that

020we can get more advertisement for it. Um, so Finding Nemo will be at Certo's High School. And the dates that will be um performed on will be um 19, 18, and the the 19th to 22nd. >> Yes. Thank you. And um can I get your what are your roles? I know three of you are in it. What are your roles? So, I'm Sheldon's parent and um I'm Gurgle. >> And I'm Peach. >> Thank you guys for sharing. >> And thank you, Vice President. Uh thank you guys for being here. Leo Lions, you know, you guys are amazing leaders and role models for your campus. And like Vice President Yokoyama Buouie mentioned, the parents at Leo, they are a community. They they support the students. They alumni come back and and try to give back. But

021our students really take ownership of their school. They they they are dedicated to keeping their school clean. Uh they support each other by sharing kindness, by being tutors. And I last week I did get to see a little bit of that when I went to go read at the fourth grade class and they were telling me projects that they wanted me to do. They wanted me to fix the benches. They wanted me to to uh fix the water fountains, to upgrade the bathroom. So I was they were they were on it. So these were the fourth graders. you're the future and they're they they're adamant about taking care of Leo. So, thank you for being here. Parents, thank you for for being role models and partnering with us and giving us your trust and support.

022Uh, and have a great wonderful night. You guys you guys did a good job. Thank you. >> Moving into recognitions, we will now have a recognition for the Cerritos High School 2026 varsity song palm novice national champions. Dr. Thank you. So, what I'd like to do is we will call up and recognize um the young women um on this team and we'll have President Nyola hand them their certificates. Um they also are receiving a certificate this evening from uh Representative Assemblywoman Sharon Cork Silva. Um Mr. Jopek, her senior field adviser, came and brought those to us today. So, we'll introduce our students and then we can do a picture with the board when we're done. So, um, our >> the national champions for the 2026 varsity song palm novice version, Lauren Arca, >> Avery Dansson,

023>> Karina Diaz, >> Emily Lea, >> Charlotte Powers, Annabella Romero, >> Leila Sevet, >> Ella Takahashi, >> Journey Trusale, Asenda Ward, >> and Angeline Yang. >> Also, their coach is Miss Casey Brickner. and I believe their principal is with them, Dr. Christina Weise. >> So, why don't we um move in for a picture? We can have the students group together and we'll have the board come up as well. Do we do we we have some board comments for our cityong and palm national champions board member Nishi Oh, okay. U gosh, that's kind of cool. Not local, not state, national. I don't know. When is the When was the last time we ever did that? >> Wow. That That is just amazing. I And I know one of them from when they were like little, real

024little. Um that trophy is even bigger than some of the the kids. You just double it up, right? Oh my gosh. That's it's a great feat. It's not an easy task. Lots of uh lots of parents here that sacrificed a lot of time and a lot of money and uh so but you guys actually made their efforts all worthwhile. So congratulations. >> Thank you. Board member Nishi, board member you. >> Yeah. I just noticed one thing. Is it the dancing? Is that the dancing or what is it? Everyone's face looks so joyful. Wow. There. There we go. This is one of the greatest uh healing for mental health. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you, >> Board Clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I don't know if this was done on purpose, but so far, can

025you see like a a pattern? We had the Leo girls representing and now we have Doritos girls representing for Women's History Month. So, congratulations. It's it's an all girl team. You got the principal, you got the coach. I think we're on to something. So, we we hope to see you guys you girls um here next year also. Yes. Thank you for all for all that you do to represent Cerritos. Thank you. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. And I just also want to congratulate you guys. You guys have left your mark on Certo's High School making history once again. So, congratulations. Enjoy today. Today is your moment and let's do it again next year. >> No pressure. >> Thank you. >> We will now have our second recognition. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >>

026Uh, President Niola, Vice President Tatiana Buouie, Clark Mendoza, members of the board, uh, the superintendent and cabinet. My name is Casey Brickner and I'm the head coach of the Critos High School song Palm Team. So, I want to start off by saying how proud I am of all these dancers in our pep squad behind me. As an alumni of this program and it's been an honor to use my experiences from when I was on the song team and to apply it to highlight each and every athletes special talents. Um, these girls have been training with me since July and they have been putting an extreme amount of hard work with practices, with their technique and their routines. So, after winning first place at every single regional competition this season, they were able to achieve the

027national champion title at nationals. And I'm beyond proud of each and every one of these athletes. And I'm proud of them for representing Strutus High School very well. So, I can't wait to see how the future comes out for us. Thank you. Um, first of all, thank you so much for leading the team. Do you have a YouTube where we can watch the competition? >> I will be posting the video on our Instagram page. Um, but it's just Cerrito's song palm on it. You can look it up there. But yeah, >> thank you. All right, we will have our >> Thank you. >> Okay, we will have our our second Critos High School recognition with the boys and girls wrestling CIF Southern Section Individual Champions. Dorito Dr. Zilo. >> Thank you. So, we'd like to

028introduce to you um three individual CIF champions. Only two are here this evening. Um, we'd like to introduce to you Julian Espinosa, a boy CIF southern section individual champion. Also, we have Kiara Jackson. She's a girl CIF southern section individual champion. And we have Isabella Sermana who is also a CIF southern section individual champion. So, these students also are being honored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva. And so, we'll take a moment and take a picture and then we can hear from them. Um, their coaches with us. I'm hoping they're with us or no, but the names aren't matching. So, I have um coach David Aragon for girls wrestling and coach Robert Pameki for boys. >> Oh, no. He's like, "Right, Hey, wait right here. >> So, just to give you guys a little bit of

029context of why this is so monumental on the boys side, uh he's the first CIF champion in 42 years. >> Wow. >> In 42 years. >> That's huge, >> right? First first CIF champion in 42 years. And then also Nira Jackson, she's only a junior. And for her to achieve this as a junior just means that there's a state title coming next year. >> Thank you. Uh do I have any board comments? >> Board member Nishi. >> Okay. This is really a great s I mean you guys have built each other up. You've trained each other. Um last year you had a good year. This year you're gonna have a good year. I'm sure with the junior in your midst, you're going to have some something for the next year. Um, you know, my mom

030was a judo person and not exactly uh the most popular thing for women, but uh um she was able to build a lot of character from that. Also for my dad, my dad was also into judo and also into wrestling. And I think both of them took those things into not just sports, which is really important, but also into their lives and into how they raised their family and and and uh move forward in their life. So you guys have achieved the pinnacle of success and I know that in your life that you're going to achieve even more. This is just the beginning. So congratulations. Thank you board member Nishi, board member you. >> Yes, congratulations and um truly it's a reflection of your character and perseverance and uh I would like to hear how

031you guys train. How is your schedule throughout the week? >> We practice every weekday at school. Uh, and then sometimes like if you want to do extra practice, we practice like on Saturdays and Sundays, not at school, but at like different clubs. >> So, it's lot of many hours. >> Yes. Many hours. >> Thank you. Yeah. Good job. Good job. >> Thank you. Board member, you uh as as a former wrestler Oh, sorry. Board member McKenna. Um, I just want to ask, um, do you think you'll continue wrestling when you get to college? >> Yes, I'm going to continue wrestling in college. >> And >> I will too. Yes. >> Okay. I'm glad to hear that. So, what do you think is the main thing that wrestling has taught you? What's um what has it

032taught you in life? >> I think for me um the main thing it's taught me is like doing hard things. like try to make it fun and you'll be able to get through it. And yeah, >> nice. Okay, >> for me it's determination and punctuation. It teaches you not only how to persevere like you said, but also to basically have and be on time for your personal life every day for school, when you graduate for college, all of that. And thank you very much to the coach. You got him there. >> Two of them got got you there. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member McCann. I also want to recognize are you guys' parents here today? >> Can I Can you guys please stand so we can be recognized? >> I just want to

033congratulate you guys. uh CIF champions. You know, wrestling is possibly the toughest sport that you can do in high school. And to win the CIF championship, you have to be the best of the best. There is no divisions. You have to beat every kid in this area. So, for you guys to do that, for you guys to make it to the state championship, you guys are representing Cerritos, making history. And I'm sure you guys will will go on to do great great things in your in your life because of the determination, the perseverance that you learned through wrestling. So, thank you guys for representing Theos High School. Thank you. >> Okay, we will now have a presentation on spotlight and teaching uh LCAP stories, student voices and support. Uh Dr. Castro, >> thank you and

034good evening board president Noola and distinguished board members. I'm excited to bring you another uh showcase of our LCAP stories. This one again focuses on goal two, connectedness, and it really highlights the opportunities that the LCAP provides to build community for our students as well as help lift up our students voices through the various ways that they can provide input. You'll see that our equity officer is also highlighted in the video and you'll see our new mentoring program also highlighted in the video today. So without further ado, I think it's almost ready. Uh once again our world premiere of our LCAP stories. Over the course of the school year, we'll be exploring the many ways in which ABC's LCAP positively supports students in a series of videos. Goal two of ABC's LCAP is connectedness and

035features an action entitled community culturally affirming celebrations and activities supporting student agency across several domains. Our LCAP establishes these opportunities for students to coach others, develop and share their voice effectively and productively in uncertain times. There is compelling research that suggests that multi-age learning, mentorship, and other collaborative activities build social emotional growth, leadership capacity, increased likelihood to college attendance, improved academic success, and ultimately increased earnings and social mobility and adulthood. Camino Alexito began from one of our board members, Dr. Olga Rios, and the vision that she had. So the program goal is to foster leadership, connection, and community while also promoting academic success and positive social emotional growth in fifth grade students through peer mentorship with high school students. The Camino Alexito program pairs fifth grade students with high school students with focus areas on

036academic skills in AVID strategies, communication, social, emotional learning, confidence, preparation for middle school. >> I feel like having a mentor means a lot to me that I have someone to help guide me and socialize with. And um really it's kind of meaningful. Yeah, having a mentor to me looks like like a a older friend. One goal my mentor has helped me uh work to is a trust. The advice that my mentor gave me is to be kind to everybody. >> I decided to be a mentor because I feel as if that it's important for the youth to have someone to look up to, someone to be there for them and give them guidance through this transition to fifth grade to sixth grade. And I feel like it's really important as I feel that as well

037because I don't have any older siblings. So for me, you could say it was difficult trying to navigate by myself on what I was supposed to do, what I'm not supposed to do. It has opened my heart to like all these different kids and different experiences. And it warms my heart knowing that, you know, they take in what I'm telling them or advice I'm giving them. And it really I don't know it makes me feel really good to know that my help is helping these kids. >> This year's student voice forum we facilitated those groups using the world cafe model. And the purpose of our student voice forums is to authentically engage students as partners in shaping equitable, inclusive, and effective school programs and services through structured dialogue and feedback. Voices United is an empowering

038conference that brings together ABCUSD students and youth committed to creating meaningful change through collaborative education, intersectional advocacy, and effective action. This event is open to all ABCUSD high school students. By intentionally creating spaces for students to speak, lead and advocate, we are hoping that they will develop confidence and self- advocacy skills that will serve them in college, career, and in life. Also, we hope to strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills which are needed to navigate complex environments. In addition, we are hoping to build leadership capacity within our students so that they understand how to engage constructively in their communities. Lastly, we hope that they will recognize their agency and impact knowing that they can influence systems rather than simply existing within them. In ABC Unified, we believe in developing the whole child and supporting

039them as they learn and grow. Our LCAP goal 2 is essential in this work and the efforts to provide mentorship, community engagement, and leadership opportunities for all our students is a testament to that work. Being a mentor has helped me grow because it opens my eyes to what these kids are experiencing and seeing. Through the ABCUSD LCAP, we're dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning. One vision for all students. Visit abcusd.us/lcap to see how ABC is raising up student leaders and amplifying their voice. So, as you heard, we have three exciting programs. The Camino Exito or Path to Success Mentoring Program, our student voice forums, and our Voices united that was briefly reviewed in that in that uh presentation or LCAP story. Um, and I will now take any questions that you may have. Board member

040Rios, >> thank you for the shout out. As you know, all of us are up here hoping that our work is meaningful and that, you know, this work um kind of leaves the legacy of us making a difference and giving back to our communities. Um, but I know that the work is being done by Dr. Castro and our equity officer and who all the staff at all the schools that that make programs um happen and make them a reality. I'm super proud of us for doing this work. Um, it makes a difference. You know, a lot of us are not the norm, the exception. And I know it takes programs like the Camino Lexito, like the mentoring program to make kids dreams come true, you know, to to see beyond what the reality is to

041what they could become. And so, I'm really proud of this. Uh, again, thank you for the video, whoever put it together. I mean, you know, they say, uh, a picture says a thousand words. Well, I don't know what a video does. Probably times a thousand. Um, so thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Rios. >> Thank you. And, uh, in addition, a special shout out to the specialized support counselors that were part of the planning committee from Artisia, uh, Melbourne, Aloha, Willow, and Palms that helped organize all the activities with the kids um, across the different schools. >> Thank you, Dr. Castro board clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I want to echo my colleague, Dr. uh Rios. Um I I hope that we can share that video to show our community that uh beyond,

042you know, amazing schools, we have um programs that support our students. I think um and and share with the parents because, you know, if I'm a parent and my childhood in that video, I'm going to share like a hundred times. >> So, I think um just getting the word out that we have these kinds of student voice programs um I think is going to mean a lot to our community. Thank you. Yes. And just to that point, it is up on our website now and on our YouTube channel, so families can access it. We'll continue to try to promote it and get it out there to our surrounding communities as well. >> Thank you, board member Nishi. >> Um, thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I'd like to thank uh board member Dr. Rios for bringing

043that program and uh assisting because it's not just what we do up here on the dis, it's what you do also outside into the community and not just being a leader but also being being able to be leading in the particular places that we're at. So that is an amazing thing. She even brought us the equity officer. So, it's it's an issue of you have a position, but also you're going out there and continuing on with the work and working with staff and working together with everybody, which is, I think, a really important thing. Um, Voices United is an amazing thing. The proof is in the pudding. the speaker that was so articulate in being able to tell her story, tell what uh what challenges she had and being able to to bring that forth

044in a really good way. I think uh um it's it proves that this program is going to work. It proves that I think it will result in results. It's it's uh going to be money well spent. So thank you to the staff also Dr. Rios for even uh putting attention. >> Thank you board member Nishi board member you presidentola. I'd like to um applaud Dr. Carol Castro uh and the academic services team for putting this together and also making going that extra mile to uh reach the students in different capacity and uh encouraging the students to engage. I mean mentoring program is not easy to implement but it just by the video it just kind of seems like it's really well done. And I want to shout out to our fellow board member Dr. Rios

045for um Camino elaxito exito wonderful program. So good job. Good job. Thank you very much using the uh LCAP stories. That was wonderful. >> Thank you board member U. I just also want to echo my colleagues and thanking Dr. Castro, her team, the counselors, the principles, the volunteers that you know coordinate this to get all these high school students into elementary schools and you know having them mentor and support one another. It's a great way to empower our students to show them that they are they can already be leaders today that they don't have to wait for college or after college to make a change that they can make a change in somebody else's life today. They have the the tools and the skills necessary. And I also want to thank Dr. Rios for being

046an advocate on this and supporting her community. I think this is a great pilot and I'm sure we're going to expand this to other high schools and other areas. Thank you. >> Yes. Uh we do have plans as this was our first trial to expand this in supports of helping the transition of sixth graders. Um that's coming next year and so we think it's an important piece that will help with that transition as as we have in a year moving our sixth graders to middle school. That'll be part of it. I also want to point out that it's not just an LCAP story. It's part of our superintendent's visionary work with the strategic plan. Uh she put out that portrait of a learner where we want to build uh empathetic and compassionate leaders and that

047was the goal with uh Dr. Rios's recommendation was to work towards building that for our students and this is one of those opportunities where we got to see that in action. So we appreciate all the support from our superintendent and all the different departments in doing this work. All right. Thank you, Dr. Castro. Uh, we will now move into approval of the agenda. May I have a motion to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of March 10th, 2026, removing item 4.6A? >> Second. McCaten. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Approval of minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting February 17th, 2026 as amended? >> Move approval. Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70.

048May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting on March 3rd, 2026? >> Move approval. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70. Uh, middle school activity reports. High school, middle school leadership students will present a report on school activities, including academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. So, ASB President Skyler Marvut and ASB Vice President Elijah Garcia, you have the floor. Good evening, board president, Mr. Niola, board president, board vice president, Miss Yokayoyama Buouie, board clerk, Miss Mendoza, board member, Miss Mcaten, board member, Mr. Nishi, board member, Dr. Rios, board member, Miss Yu, Superintendent Dr. Zitlo, Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Nuen, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Castro, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Frasier. My name is Skyler Marabet and I am the ASB president of Haskell STEM Academy. With me tonight is

049Elijah Garcia, our ASB vice president. We are thrilled to be here to share all the wonderful things happening at Haskell STEM Academy this year. Our students have had incredible opportunities to learn beyond our campus. Our ADVID students visited Calst LA, Biola University, and Rio Hondo Community College and were able to experience firsthand what their futures could hold. ASB students sharpened their leadership skills at a workshop at Disney California Adventure. Select seventh graders were honored to attend not one but two field trips to Catalina Island, and all seventh graders cheered and feasted at everyone's favorite medieval times. Our advanced band performed the national anthem at Angel Stadium and our CTE students explore the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. What an incredible year of adventures. Four times a year, we invite families to our beloved lunch with

050your student event where each time over 400 parents pour onto campus to share a meal with their children. It is one of the most heartwarming events we have. In late January, we celebrated our first semester accomplishments at Highlights of High School, where we held our awards ceremony, offered parent workshops, and welcome families for lunch. It was an absolutely awesome event that truly brought our school community together. We are so excited to announce the opening of our brand new film studio for our CTE film and TV production class, which is giving our student filmmakers a professional space to create. Our Mustang student store is also a fantastic new addition where students can redeem points earned through our PBIS ride values. Being responsible, showing integrity, staying determined, and practicing empathy. It is a wonderful way to celebrate

051students living our school values every day. Our wellness center is one of the most popular spots on campus with counseling provided by a mental health professional and its doors opened at lunch for students to relax, recharge, and participate in activities which include monthly cultural celebrations that are truly a place where every Mustang feels welcome and valued. School spirit is alive and thriving at Haskell. This year's fun run was a blast and was themed survivor games where students competed in team challenges and brought incredible energy. ASB keeps the excitement going year round with monthly spirit weeks, amazing dances including our popular welcome back dance and winter dance and fun-filled lunch activities. Our student clubs include friendship Friday, jazz band, rock band, and speech and debate where all give students even more ways to shine. And our

052student union is always buzzing in the mornings with math tutoring and the writing center and at snack and lunch as a chill hangout for all Mustangs to interact with each other. Pasco Mustangs have a big heart. In November, we held our annual canned food drive and in December we organized a blanket drive because we believe in taking care of each other and our community. During college and career week in the fall, over 30 presenters from a variety of careers, as well as local colleges and high school CTE students, inspired our Mustangs to dream big. It was an unforgettable career day that opened eyes and sparked ambitions. with over 160 students enrolled, our ABC Excels after school program is thriving. From culinary club and conga kids dancing to D-Day scratch esports and championship sports teams, there's

053something for everyone. And inside the classrooms, the energy is just as electric where students are exploring Latin culture in Spanish, conducting science labs, and preparing research projects for our upcoming research symposium on March 27th. We also had the profound honor of hosting the day of remembrance, an experience that had left a lasting impact on our entire school community. As we look into the spring, we are so excited for our spring showcase, Mustang achievement awards, promotion dance, and of course, our promotion ceremony in May. The best is truly yet to come for the Haskell Mustangs. Thank you board president Niola, board members, Superintender, Superintendent Dr. Zilo and distinguished guests for your continued support of Haskell STEM Academy. We are proud to be Mustangs and we are grateful for everything you do to make our school great.

054Go Mustangs. Do I have any board comments? Board Vice President Yokoyama Buouie. >> Thank you both for being here. Thank you to your principal for attending with you. Um I loved your presentation. Um I do follow you on so on on Instagram. So I see the events that you are um participating in and I get very excited. I do want to ask because um I attended research symposium last year. Can you please share one of you uh what the research symposium is and what can we expect and are we invited? >> Yeah. Um, so you can be invited on March 27th and it's where honor students in seventh grade and all of 8th grade get a show uh a research of their topic. Like for example, mine is about Tahesian dancing and how non-local communities

055don't know about it. and you basically just have a survey and you just talk about it in front of your peers, your parents, and whoever else comes on March 27th. >> Thank you. So, um I believe last year it was in your auditorium and the room was full of um presentations both um on on the walls or on the um dividers and also PowerPoint or videos. Correct. And when I was in when I was your age, when I was in school, I didn't not not know how to create project boards like that and presentations. I think you use Canva, correct? So, I'm very impressed by the fact that Haskell is teaching you all to utilize that and those tools so expertly. Um, including being able to make a video presentation, cutting, editing, all of that.

056I'm excited for your new CTE uh film studio which I visited before it was finalized. So I do want to visit again now that it is finalized because it's actually looks like a new studio. Correct. So thank you so much for coming to share all the exciting things that are happening at Haskell and we're all hopefully going to be able to attend research symposium. Thank you. >> Thank you Vice President Yokuyama Buouie. Uh board member Dr. Rios, >> usually I get to share how proud I am of my son, but I think today it's inspiring me to give my daughter shout outs. Um, because I had heard about the film or the broadcast journalism kind of program that we have at Tesla and Carmenita, but I'm really happy to hear that something similar. It sounds

057like it's a little bit more focused on film. Um, but my daughter truly discovered her passion in in middle school in classes like that, in programs like that. and now she's living out her dream as a broadcast journalism working for ABC News in New York. And it really reminds us that what we do matters, right? And we want to tap into the interest that our students have. have it. Yes, we're going to continue to push for academics that kids are reading and writing, but I was really really happy to hear about the um the other types of programming that that students are going going to hopefully find their passion in and interest and really find success in that after after they graduate from our ABC programs. Um shout out to your principal who has who

058who is here. Uh I'm really happy that we get to to hear these reports from students. Um, you know, earlier we heard about Leo, now we're hearing about the middle school, and I can't wait to hear about what's going in the high school. But it allows us to see the progression of not just programming, but student success. Thank you um for being here today. High school students, >> thank you, board member Rios, board member. >> Um, high school students and principal, I'm just amazed at all the things that are going on at your school. And if I was a fifth grader from an elementary school that's going to feed into your um into your middle school, I'd be very excited because there's just a lot going on both in STEM um student council um just

059loads of activities across the board. So you should be very proud. >> Thank you board member McCann. Board member Nishi. >> Thank you Mr. President. Yes, I want to thank the students for asking very insightful questions of survivors during the day of remembrance. Um the speakers Mr. Kami and Mr. Murakami were very uh uh amazed at how good the students were and the forum that you provided that was very respectful and thoughtful and enabled the story to come out so that you can find your own story and um and it's not just about one group of people but it's also about everyone finding their story and being able to express that and being able to really take that story to your heart that you know when somebody else's story or a person is being persecuted

060or hurt that you don't just sit there and let it happen. You push forward and make sure right is right. So I want to thank the principal and and staff for making that experience a true deep and understanding experience. Thank you. >> Thank you board member Nishi board clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you Mr. President. I just want to echo my colleagues. You guys are very busy and I'm glad that you're here because uh last year we didn't have middle school presenting. So, I'm glad that you're here and letting us know what you're doing. You know, I always give it to the elementary schools. Can I give you guys stickers, too? I mean, I don't know if you're into stickers. I don't know, middle schools, but I'm going to give them to you. >> You could

061think >> you can only get them here. You can't buy them online or anything. They're not on Amazon. >> Thank you. Congratulations on all the work that you guys are doing. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Board member U. >> Yes. Thank you for your presentation. I enjoyed it very much. I wanted to know if you guys know about the uh AI community roundt with parent focus held at Haskell STEM Academy tomorrow March 11 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. So this would be Did you guys know about it? Yeah. I mean this would be good for all the parents to attend not just for STEM uh Heskell Pescal school but other schools too. And it's uh one of the the the speaker is our own Mr. Lanes. Yeah. So, good job. >>

062Thank you, board member U. Uh, of course, I want to echo with everyone else that thank you guys for being here, for sharing all the incredible things. I want to also thank our Haskell team if they can please stand up to be recognized. I know they're also in attendance. I know it's a team effort. Um, you guys are doing so much on campus and also on off campus. You guys have an amazing field trips. I had a question for you guys. You guys said that the wellness center is the student's favorite place on campus. Can you tell me why that is? >> Okay, so in the wellness center, we have like our mental health professional where she's like posting games or like she's like giving out candy and like she's like letting all the students

063like show like who they are and express themselves. Thank you. Are are your parents here tonight? >> Yes. Can you have them stand up, please, to be recognized? I want to thank parents for being here. >> So, thank you guys for being here tonight. U you guys are already leaders in in my eyes. So, please keep up the good work so you guys can be the leaders here tomorrow. Thank you guys. We will now hear from our student board representatives from Whitney High School. Uh Mr. Irene Jane and Omar Love. Good evening, President Oyola. Vice President Yokoy Yama Buoui, Clerk Mendoza, distinguished board members, Superintendent Zitlo, cabinet members, and ABCUSD community members. My name is Aren Jane and this is Om Lala, and we both serve on Whitney High School's ASB. Uh, our winter sports

064team had a phenomenal season with many of our teams making it far into the respective seasons. Our girls basketball team in particular had an incredible season, making it all the way to the semi-finals, but unfortunately lost. Our boys team also had a phenomenal season and placed fourth in the league just short of CIF playoff contention. Both teams have represented our school with pride throughout the season. This past week, our school held its annual ASB elections with various people running for class and executive board positions. Both M and I ran for positions and as you can see M has bleached his hair blonde showing his dedication and commitment towards our school. In addition, I had a mega mind themed in which I had to paint myself blue to show my passion and emerge myself into the

065election environment. Thank you, Superintendent Zilo, for visiting us last Thursday to see our Whitney culture at its core and to see me blue. Uh Whitney High School recently held its open house, inviting new families, parents, and guardians for an engaging evening on campus. From showcasing our wide curriculum all the way to its vast extracurriculars, Whitney's eccentricity was broadcast all night. Parent organizations like our PTSA were on site with resources and information on how parents could stay involved. Thank you, Clerk Mendoza, board member U, and Mr. Wyn for attending our event. Along with that, just two weekends ago, Whitney held our annual talent show with the Phantom Interlude theme. Whitney's culture clubs participated in creative and lively dances with intricate storylines, allowing the audience to become a part of the each act. In addition to our

066culture clubs, we had individual performances of singing, instruments, and dancing. All of these performances put together with our wonderful MC's made it a memorable experience for our Wildcats. Recently, Whitney held its annual homecoming weekend. This consisted of both our homecoming game and homecoming dance. This year, we played against High School. Although our girls and boys basketball teams played hard and the win went to the Dons, morale and spirits remain high. The next day, we had our homecoming dance at the Skylinks in Long Beach with the theme being Moonlight Lagoon. Given the nature of our school and homecoming being a high school only dance, we recently held our middle school social. This was an event put on by our middle schoolers for our middle schoolers, which was held off campus in the Crito Skyline. The dance

067theme was a walk in the park. Two juniors, Dia Badani and Shrevia, have qualified for the 2026 state debate championship. This is their third time representing our school. Just two years after its inception, RMU has reached the maximum honors any program can reach, sending 15 students in two weeks to compete at nationals in New York City. Our school also bolsters a strong cyber patriot team where a team of four juniors and one sophomore placed top 16 nationally in the cyber security competition. We are proud to announce that Whitney has retained its academic ranking of number one, earning the title of best middle and high school in the state of California. Additionally, Whitney is ranked number 16 nationally. Today we were named a California distinguished school for closing the achievement gap. As of our 50th anniversary,

068Channel 4 News uh with alumni reporter Hetty Chang visited and broadcasted their experience talking with several students and members of faculty. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share ongoing events at Whitney with you all today. Thank you very much for giving us the stage to present and we appreciate your time. >> Thank you. Do I have any board comments or questions for our Whitney representatives? Board clerk Mendoza, >> congratulations. >> I like the I like the blonde hair. I wish I could have seen the blue. Um, do you guys want stickers? >> Of course. >> Okay, come on over here. >> Okay, here. Remember, don't put them on materials. Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you board clerk Mendoza board member U. >> Wow gentlemen you guys did an awesome job with your presentation. Are

069you guys both in the speech and debate team because you guys speak very eloquently. >> Yeah. So some of the things accomplishments that you shared uh that's just amazing. So just want to share how many AP classes do you guys take >> this year? >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm in five. >> Five. Wow. >> I'm taking four. Wow. How many hours do you guys put into studying? >> Too many. >> Yeah, I have to agree on that a little bit. Too many hours. I want to It's It's very amazing to do it, but it's also a lot to do, but it's obviously Whitney High School, so we love it. >> Wonderful. Wonderful. Well, thanks to your parents and supporting you and pushing you, but you guys both look like you're very happy, well-rounded, accomplished young

070men. So, good luck. Thank you. >> Thank you board member. You board member Nishi. >> Thank you Mr. President. Yes. I wanted to thank the principal also for hosting a day of remembrance at the uh uh Whitney. It was you know I saw it before I was like oh it's just a stage nothing there. And then suddenly within the next time I came back it was a full set with very respectful um things. So that way people people are visual and it's not just a piece of paper. it it people forget that you see a impacted statement treat it with respect um the speakers understand the audience understands and and I think the the community understands once these leaders these two leaders and the rest of the community go out and talk about what they

071saw what they experienced and again um these leaders will make a difference in this world they will make our place a better place and uh I am very thankful for all of the efforts that Whitney has been doing, not just being number one academically, but also creating really number one people. And that happens at Grito's High School, happens at all our schools. Um, where we where we make the effort to to go beyond not I mean again academics are super important, but creating ethical people will stand up, keep our country strong. Thank you. >> Thank you. Board member Nishi, board vice president Yokyama Buoui, >> thank you for coming here and speaking and sharing about all the fun things going on in your school. And when I um so when I I'm a proud Whitney

072alum, so when I hear the elementary schools talk, I see the work behind that. So I I want to ask um as ASB and forgive me because it's been like 30 something years since I've been at school. Are you organizing a lot of events? Do you get a lot of the help from the admin? Do you get a lot of help from your parents? Like what h how much of that is is your hard work and time? >> Um a lot of these events are usually planned by ASB. So like for example our homecoming dance is a lot of like it's a collaborative effort. So our group of 48 members all of us ranging from 7th grade to 12th grade we all come together we form committees and we kind of separate the work and

073obviously we can't do anything with our beautiful and amazing admin. Thank you Dr. Sters. >> But it's also like it's it's outside of ASB. It's our community that shows up for us, that shows to these events because although we may plan it, we also need our students to show out for us and we truly appreciate their effort in coming out and supporting us. So, it's kind of like a whole school effort and we just love it. It's just a beautiful culture. >> Just to reiterate a bit, um, our ASB, you know, it's great. We have 48 members and we have commissioners, people who lead specific events. I serve as our commissioner of public relations. Earlier for Winnie Elementary Leadership Conference, I was in charge of, you know, planning logistics. But it really wouldn't come to

074life without everyone, you know, putting everything into it. It's just one big collaborative effort. And a lot of the events that make Whitney special is honestly just because of the people. Like homecoming wouldn't be homecoming if the gym wasn't completely packed. It wouldn't be the same if the Whitney community just wasn't there. And our admin, they're just great. They, you know, sometimes they keep us in check. Our our ideas get a little overly idealistic, but they're essential to planning anything. Yeah. >> Thank you. I know you have a very strong PTSA. Um there's a parent foundation, you have strong alumni who come and support um like Hedi Chang, right? Um I do want to note because when I was in school, so like sometimes I'll remember little memories. Middle school social was not for both

075seventh and eighth. We had eighth grade social. So it was basically like our eighth grade promotion dance. So I'm glad to hear that you guys are including the junior high kids and then next year or in a couple years it will probably be sixth through eighth, right? Um, and I do want to highlight as well because I know we've been talking about mentors and high schoolers um really encourage them encouraging them to mentor our younger um kiddos. And so I do want to thank you all because I know at the high school community you all serve daily as as mentors to you know the seventh and eighth graders. So continue to be positive role models continue to be um you know good beacons so that they know um how to follow in your footsteps. So

076thanks Thank you, Vice President Yokuyamabui, board member McCann. >> Uh, thank you very much for your report and thank you for your leadership. Um, and um, I I'm hoping that the blonde hair and the painting of the blue pain paid off in the long run. Even if even if it didn't and you didn't get elected to your office, I'm sure you will still be there in some capacity to follow through. But, um, I do appreciate your commitment, that much commitment. >> Thank you. Thank you, board member McCann. Are your guys' parents here tonight? >> No. I'm sure they're watching, but I just want to thank them for for for raising two amazing gentlemen, and you guys are representing your entire school. You guys are a testament to our admin and all the hard work they

077do behind the scenes, but the leadership that we allow you guys to to fill those positions and to really take that idealistic mentality and take it into the real world because we need a lot of that. So, I'm sure you guys will will make some big changes. So, thank you for being here, sharing the amazing things at Whitney and and have a good night, you guys. >> Thanks. >> We now have our board reports, our president's report. Um, on March 2nd, I attended Hawaiian Elementary for their reading across America where I got to read to kindergarten kids and also learn a little bit about what's going on at Hawaiian Elementary. I want to thank their team there for always organizing a great event and having our volunteers and our community come out and spend time

078with their kids and reading books to them. And later that afternoon, I got to join Dr. Zelo to meet with the city of Lakewood with their mayor, uh, Cassandra Chase, their city manager, Mr. McCormack, and their assistant city manager, Mr. for Bill Tran to talk about our partnerships, our our current um safety partner uh collaborations and also some planning for the future future consolidations. And we also got to share some some initiatives like their lemonade day and how we can work together to promote that within our schools. On March 3rd, I got to meet with Dr. Zilo again uh with the city of Hawaiian Gardens with their mayor uh Mayor Dio, Council Member Depala, and city manager Marquez. We continued our partnership and collaboration with the city on their extracurriculars and how we can align

079ourselves to be more uh cohesive and aligned and discuss steps for future future changes to our district. And on March 4th, I was joined by many of my board members here to read at Leo where I got a little behind the scenes of the performing arts center. I want to thank Dr. Himenez who was here tonight to giving us that time to really really put into perspective how much how much performing arts means to Leo and all the all the work that our families, our parents, our students uh put in uh and that this performing arts center is going to be a transformative place for kids to really get together and share amazing stories and song and dance. Um and that with that I will pass it on for Dr. Zelo and her report. >>

080Thank you. Good evening everyone. Um, since our last meeting, we have finished meeting with all of our school principles, hearing their mid-year updates on student progress. Um, currently, uh, we are in the beginning stages of assessing that benchmark data that just completed last week for English and math. And so it was nice to hear principal's thoughts in regard to adjustments they're working on things that teachers are working on to um make sure that our students who need support have that um so that they can also demonstrate their learning and uh growth this year. Um, I continue to visit schools. Um, and I love going and visiting classrooms to just see what it is our students are engaged in learning. Um, using our engagement pillar, thinking about what we're asking students to do, how we're asking

081them to interact with one another has been just wonderful. Um, I have four schools to go. It takes a long time to get to every school, but it is worth spending a full day. And um it helps me to have a real real ground boots on the ground understanding of what it's like in a class. And sometimes I help keep a child from escaping out a door because they're having a hard moment. And so, um all those things, um really allow me to help make good decisions for our district. Um I also just want to remind our families um as we are continuing to see various challenges in our world. Um we know that they impact families differently, they impact people differently depending on if you have family in the areas being impacted. And so

082we just want to remind families that if your child needs support, if you as a family are in need of support, we have resources available. you can check in with your school and our mental health professionals can assist as well as we have uh support for all families through care solace. Um we don't know what you might be experiencing but um we have people available to support throughout our district. Um in addition I just will remind our families again that we will continue to follow the law. We will continue to ensure that all students regardless of background, regardless of beliefs, race, immigration status, are provided with the best possible education in a safe space. Um we will continue to monitor that. And if we have any families who are in need, um maybe they're in

083need of food, clothing, other types of support, please reach out to your school site and we will connect you with our ABC community center for support. And that is my report. Thank you, Dr. Zitlo. Employee representative reports, uh, ABCFT. No, moving on to public comments. Board clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Persons wishing to address the board should fill out a card located on the table by the door and submit the completed card to the secretary. Speakers will be called in sequence during the public comment section or prior to board discussion on an agenda item. The board shall provide one hour for spee non-aggendaized items. Each speaker is limited to one presentation of five minutes or less. Those who have a group concern are encouraged to select a spokesperson to address the board. Should

084there be more than 15 speakers for non-aggendaized items, individual speakers shall be allowed three minutes to address the board. In order to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to address the board, any non-English speaker who utilizes a translator shall be provided twice the allotted time to speak. Please remember that the board is unable to directly respond to comments made during the public comment section. In addition, the district does not verify the accuracy of the statements made during public comments. Persons wishing to address the board on a specific agenda item at the time the item is under discussion are limited to five minutes each and will be called to speak following the staff comments and prior to the board's discussion and taking action. The board shall provide 30 minutes for speakers to address address

085agenda items. Should there be more than six speakers for agenda items, individual speakers shall be allowed three minutes to address the board on the item. Adverse remarks about a person's race, ancestry, ethnic group identification, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental or physical disability, or age may not be made. Please avoid remarks or charges which reflect upon the character, motives, qualifications, or ability of any school district employee, regardless if the identification is by name, position, or other reference. Such comments may be presented through the proper administrative channel set forth in bylaw 9323. And we do have two speakers. Our first uh public comment speaker is Tonu Buraba. I'm sorry. And there's going to be a timer on the podium. You ready? >> Yes. >> Good evening everyone. My name is uh Sonu Parava.

086I'm a Critos resident for last 15 years. I'm a retired dentist, a kidney transplant recipient, a cancer survivor and a patient advocate. I'm here today because March is National Kidney Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and it is a disease that millions to be precise 37 million Americans they face it and awareness truly matters but awareness can also come from unexpected and beautiful places. For the last five, I'm here on behalf of my son who is an aluminous of Critos High and he is a product of ABC Unified School District and today he is a senior at UCLA and he'll be graduating soon and uh for the last 5 years my son has been using origyami art to raise kidney health awareness through hundreds of folder papers and educational displays. He

087has been helping people learn about kidney function, organ donation, and prevention in creative and engaging ways. His exhibition is currently on display at Cerrito's Library, where visitors of all ages can come see how art, science, and community education can come together to spark a conversation about health. It's inspiring to see how children, families, and library visitors stop and ask questions and learn something new about kidneys. I would like to invite all the board members and the community to come visit us and have a meaningful conversation regarding this. This is sitting at the intersection of science, art, community and it's a beautiful way in my at least in my opinion to bring awareness to a to a disease which many people find it uneasy to talk about and I I really request the board to promote

088it in schools where the children can come and learn uh about learning learning in different ways unusual ways. of you know promoting things that are close to your heart. So uh that's my request. I just wanted to invite you all and the community. Thank you so much. >> Want to make a one comment. Uh President no I >> is this comment responding to that? >> Yes. Yes. I wanted to ask uh if uh Dr. Zillow if we can uh send this flyer out to all of our schools and especially the elementary schools. I think this will be a great opportunity. Thank you for sharing. >> We we can work with the company to go through our process. >> My question was the same Mr. President if we could just distribute it throughout the district our

089students. Thank you. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our next speaker is Brian Jernigan. >> Get a unique school board. Um, I just wanted to uh say thank you for uh honoring our athletes and our cheerleaders today. It was a wonderful experience and a great experience that they'll remember forever. Uh it also gives me the opportunity to bring to the forefront to the community and I know that the board recognizes that our coaches are grossly underpaid. Uh we were doing the calculation with uh coach David Aragon who's the head girls wrestling coach. Uh he makes $4 an hour. Uh that's well below minimum wage. And in order for us to bring quality coaches who have a very close relationship with their uh their athletes, quality coaches into the district, we have to consider

090um increasing their pay rate. Um it's not only does he only make $4 an hour, he takes off time from his regular job. So he's actually losing money in order to coach our our young ladies. Um our kids have gone on to wrestling in college. the cheerleaders. We have uh scholarship cheerleaders, we have scholarship football players, and every one of those walk-on coaches is making less than minimum wage. And that's totally unacceptable in today's day and age. If we had my myself when I coached, I I I'm a teacher, so I get paid time off to go coach, but when we try to bring on walk-in coaches and we say, "Hey, we're going to only give you a small stipend of $2,000 a year or $3,000 a year," it's impossible for us to bring quality

091coaches to our to our campuses. coaches make good programs. Good programs being bring athletes from other districts into ABC Unifi who's in currently in a declining enrollment status. If we cannot keep our programs up to par, I'm sure that we're going to start losing programs or we're going to start hiring coaches that don't have our children's welfare in their best interest. So, as we think about how beautiful it was in the start of the ceremony and honoring all these athletes, behind every great athlete is an amazing coach and behind every amazing coach is a staff system pay rate. that supports that coach being great. So, please, please, please, please over the course of the next few years, let's consider uh changing our our coaching status and our coaching our stipens. Thank you. >> There are

092no more public comments, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Um, consent calendar. May I have a motion to approve the consent calendar? Is there anyone who wishes to remove any item to be considered separately? >> Uh 3.6 C. I just have a question. >> Yes, go ahead. >> Um okay. From what I could tell on that, I think that there's just um like one person that got added to that that list of people that would be employed under um contracts with special education consultants, but I just want to make sure that that's true. There was a long list in this agenda and it was also listed in January and the only discrepancy I could see was one person was added. I just want to make sure it's like not a not a big

093expense. >> You're correct. Uh what we typically do on the consultant list when we add a new one, it's it doesn't come out well in the copy, but you could see it's highlighted kind of on the bottom. It's a gray area. And so that's the only one that was really added is whatever's in the gray. Uh the rest have been continuing. So we don't uh we add the entire list and then we just put into the list the new one. >> Thank you, board member. Board member clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you. Just a question for consent item 3.5c um travel and conference expenses. It says no cost to the district. Can we just have staff explain how we're going to cover the cost so the committee can know? Thank you. Uh sorry let me just

094catch up for a second. So for this one um Renaissance is actually covering the cost because they're inviting the team to be a part of this roundt discussion. And so this Renaissant group will be covering all expenses included in that. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Is there any other items to be considered separately? No. Seeing none. Please note that during the student board representative committee, a preferential yes vote was cast for consent items 3.1 C, 3.2 C, 3.5 C without any additional comments. Uh all those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. Motion passes 70. Uh timed item to follow consent. Uh may I have a motion to accept measure BB general obligation bond annual report for fiscal year 2024 to 2025 as presented by the members of the citizens oversight committee. >>

095A motions second maten >> Mr. W. >> Thank you President Nyola. Good evening. Uh tonight we have um our chair of the citizens oversight committee uh Mr. David Fueos and Mr. Michael Conception, a member u representing the community at large will be presenting to the board their report on the um regarding the citizen oversight committee work for last year. Um as you recall we had a group that was with us for six years and and they have um moved on and we have a new group. We excited to work with this new group. Again, their charge is very simple to ensure that every dollar we spend within the measure BB uh is in compliance with uh what the voters approve. So, with that, I will turn it over to um Mr. San Feos to uh

096share with the board his report and and his findings. Good evening, President Naola, Vice President Yokahan Bui, Clerk Mendoza, Superintendent Zilo, Board Members Manhattan, Nishi Rios, and you. I believe Mr. Wyn has provided you with our oversight committee report. This is the first year on the committee for many most of our members. With any new group, there are many things to learn and to understand. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a person to fill the taxpayer organization representative role. Mr. Smith announced the opening multiple times without success. This did not deter the committee from being dedicated and providing asking probing and insightful questions of both Mr. Win and project manager Rick Gordon Rama. During the school year, the work of upgrading our buildings and classrooms has been completed at high schools and middle schools. The

097construction phase has started at the elementary schools. Now that the board has decided on which schools will be closing, the committee is in a better position to fulfill its oversight role. working on converting our buildings and classrooms from a keyed system to a controlled keycard access system has started at Artisia High School and will progress to the other schools once this site is completed. Artisia will serve as a template for all the other schools in the district for a controlled access system. Using lessons learned to improve the process as a team goes from sight to sight allows for a more cost-effective upgrade as the team proceeds. Key card systems should also allow for a more secure environment. I would like to thank my fellow committee members Juan Alvarado, Michael Kumion, Donald Swinsson, Camille Wallace Flanigan,

098and my vice chair Marcus Bedford Senior for their commitment to their oversight duties. They each brought their critical thinking skills to the task at hand. They asked questions to gain a better understanding of not only the process but the rationale for the decisions made. Last, I would like to thank Ellis for coordinating meetings and making sure we had all the necessary materials to have productive oversight meeting. I would like to thank thank for making sure we understood the rules that apply to our committee and educating us on the bond finance process. He was always open to answer our questions and explain the finan financials until we understood and felt comfortable with what was presented. He also made himself available to show and explain data which members felt he or she needed. Rick always provided information

099in a straightforward way, explaining delays and what they had learned that would make each subsequent site more efficient and cost-effective. But last but not least, Scott, who keeps the train on the rails, I personally cannot count how many district meetings and events I have seen him in attendance. He always brings his smile and welcoming nature. This concludes our presentation. Have any questions? Thank you. Do I have any board questions or comments? Board Vice President Yokoyama Buouie. >> Um I would like that thank you for your service on this committee. Um as I think I heard you had indicated, not only are you at meetings, you're also touring the sites, correct? Yes, we >> this year we haven't done we didn't do a tour because of times but every other year we have tour sites and

100I personally I've been to others on my own. >> Thank you. Um thank you for that additional information. I um I understand that um to attend a meeting, to research, to review the reports, um you're really using a lot of your your own education experience and so thank you for taking the time to do that for the benefit of our community and for our students. Um we appreciate it. >> Thank you, Vice President Yokoyama, board member U. >> Thank you, Mr. Cen Fueos and uh Mr. Conpion. Um, I mean, you know, since passing of the bond, we've also like consolidated four schools. So, I'm sure that things are going to change a little bit, but overall, thank you for your service and for your time and really hope that um that we we will continue

101to use our our bond, you know, for uh the best welfare of our entire district. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, board member. You board member Nishi. >> Thank you, uh, Mr. present. Thank you for your service. Your job is really important as a watchdog of the public monies and making sure that the public gets exactly what they asked for and want and deserve. So your job is very critical. Uh it's not a rubber stamp role. It is a role to think critically and uh so I thank you for the time that you've spent and the time you're going to be spending pouring through those difficult and detailed reports. Thank you. Thank you board member Nishi board clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you Mr. President. I just want to echo my colleagues in saying thank

102you because you guys volunteered to do this and I think you guys are in a unique position because as the oversight committee you actually get to see the work that is done. I mean we see bits and pieces of it but you guys have seen the overall um um the beginning to the middle to the end. And I think that's that's kind of neat. Um, how do we get I know we've tried to get someone to be um a member that represents the taxpayer organization organization. How does one do that? I mean I I think we're having a hard time. How does one become a representative of a taxpayer organization? Who can answer that? So um in this category um you know the intent of the legislature is to ensure that you we have a

103member that represent the interest of the taxpayers. So usually a member within this category um is a member of a taxpayer organization group like Howard Jarvis uh you know tax um >> how does one become a member? Do I do I apply? Do I >> so so right? So so to to be a member of that group you would have to apply within that. So once we we have proof of that then you would apply through this process to serve on the district committee and the board will appoint that uh you know that member the staff will bring forward. So this is a continuing opening and for this category. So, we continue to advertise and if anyone that would fit within this category, welcome to apply and and and we'll bring forward um the recommendation

104to the board. Should should we have someone apply and meet all the criteria within this category? >> If someone's watching and they wanted to go through the process, they call the district, we could support them with going through the steps of becoming organiz >> Yes. >> member. Thank you. Thank you for your Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for all the time you put into our district. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Any other board comments? Any public comments? >> There are none, Mr. President. >> All right. Thank you. I also want to thank thank you guys for the time you're taking to be stewards of our bond monies. You know, the investments we're making as a community and to our schools is very, very important for the future of ABC. and you guys being

105here at this point, it's going to be we are always going to be indebted to the sacrifices you made and giving the time, your expert opinions, and your dedication to ABC. So, really appreciate it from from the rest of the board here, too. Thank you. >> All those in favor, please say I. I. I. >> Motion passes 70. Action item 1.1A. May I have a motion for the board of education to cast one additional vote, if desired, from the list of candidates or writing candidates to be submitted to the California School Board Association on or before March 16, >> Mendoza. >> Dr. Zo, >> thank you. Um, we received an updated ballot where there was adjustments and people that had been indicated as running were not. And so we currently are looking to cast votes

106for the five incumbents. We have six votes to cast. So we would need to know if the board would like to also vote for uh the board member from Downey Unified. >> Thank you, Dr. Zelo. Any public comments? There are no none, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Any board discussion? Board member Nishi. >> Uh, really quick. So, there's two board members from Downey and that's allowed by the PSBA rules apparently. Okay. >> Thank you. >> We Oh, these are all candidates. You have currently voted for all of the ones that have a star by it. The only one we haven't voted on is uh Tyrone Condi from Downey. If you would like to add him to the ballot that we will cast for the board, we can. If you would like to

107not, we don't have to. >> Clerk Mendoza. >> Yes, Mr. President. I would like to um add um Tyrone who are listen everybody will get >> Thank you board member Dr. Rios >> uh yeah I second that I uh I think I spoke about this before I appreciate people stepping up and uh running for this role it's you know what we do and it's taking on an additional I know we have a member of our district that serves as a delegate and I appreciate his service and so I appreciate this person stepping forward so I say we put them on the ballot. >> Okay. Second. >> Seeing no other board discussion, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> Motion passes. 70. Action item 1.2A. May I have a motion to adopt

108resolution 25-23 to order the bianual governing board election on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026. >> Second. Tatiana. >> Dr. Zilo. >> Thank you. Um, we are doing this work in preparation for an election that will happen in November and so trying to um establish all of the proper paperwork with the county for the election. >> Thank you, Dr. Zilo. Any public comments? >> There are none, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Board Clerk Mendoza. Any order comments? Is there a option that you guys would prefer? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70. Action item 1.3A. May I have a motion to approve option one requiring the board of education election candidates to pay their cost for statements in advance and establish a statement limit to 200 words. Becky

109Mendoza, >> Dr. Zilo, >> thank you. Um, we're bringing forward, um, you will see what the options are. Our recommendation is option one, and traditionally as a district, we have limited it to 200 words. >> Thank you, Dr. Zilo. Any public comments? >> There are none, Mr. President. >> Any board discussion? >> Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70 option one. Thank you. Action item 2.2A. May I have a motion to adopt resolution 25-24, reduction or dis discontinuence of classified services for lack of work or lack of funds. >> A motions. >> Dr. Frasier. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Tonight we're bringing forward 2524 reduction of board discontinuence of classified service for lack of work or funds as uh pursuant to education code section 45117 and 45308.

110>> Thank you Dr. Frasier. Any public comments? >> Yes, we do. Mr. President, we have 11 minutes >> three minutes. >> Okay. Do I have a motion to extend public comments? >> I'll motion. >> Second, Tatio. >> All right. Thank you. >> Oh, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. >> Our our first speaker is M Michelle Valdivia. Good evening. I'm the LMT for Melbourne Elementary. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I want to share a simple concern about the proposed reduction in library staffing. My focus is not on titles or positions. My focus is on student access to books and learning resources. Research AC across education consistently shows something very clear. Students read more when they have access to books and the place where

111many students get that access is in the school library. uh Steven Kreson, one of the most widely cited literacy researchers, found that access to books is one of the strongest predictors of reading development. In other words, the more easily students can get books into their hands, the more they read and the stronger their literacy becomes. But access to books doesn't happen automatically. Libraries function because trained staff keep them open, organized, and accessible to students throughout the school day. Classified library staff are the people who make that possible. They help students find books, manage circulation, keep the collection organized, and ensure that thousands of materials remain available and usable. They also manage textbooks, support student research, and help maintain a welcoming space when students feel comfortable exploring ideas and reading. Without that staff presence, the reality

112is very simple. Library access shrinks. When library hours shrink, student visits drop. When student visits drop, book circulation drops. And when circulation drops, student reading drops. For many students, the school library is actually the primary place they have access to books. National re research shows that many homes have very limited number of books and some students rely almost entirely on their school library for reading materials. So when we talk about reducing library staffing, we are not just talking about a a personnel decision. We are talking about reducing students access to books. and access to books is one of the most powerful and cost effective ways we support literacy. School libraries are one of the few places in a school where every student can walk in, explore ideas, and discover something that sparks their curiosity. That

113kind of access matters for strong readers, reluctant readers, and students who are still discovering that reading can belong to them. I respectfully ask the board to consider the partial impact of reducing library staffing. The question is not simply how many positions exist. >> Your three minutes are up. I'm so sorry. Thank you. >> They're up. >> Yeah, because we have so so many cards, we had to limit it to three minutes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Next is Next is Daniela Galindo. Ready. Good evening board members, staff and parents. Let me begin by saying that as a product of ABC that has a majority of my family not only be alumni but also work for the district. I made the decision and currently have a 12-fifth kinder and incoming TK of this district. I am

114proud that I have worked for this district since I was 16 years old. For the past nine years, I have had the honor and the privilege to serve Nixon Academy as their librarian. In short, ABC runs through my veins in full. I'm here today to speak upon the action item on the agenda to cut LMTs and LMC's. I ask you this question. What is a library without a librarian in it? It is a common misconception that in the age of Google, the school librarian is a thing of the past. Some may argue that a student with an iPad or a Chromebook has no need for a librarian. Is that where we have come to? In a world drowning in false information through social media and search engines, our students are starving for the skills to

115navigate the correct pathway through it. Although I've never been here to speak in person, I have been a vigilant onlooker of previous board meetings and I have heard many times the district as well as board members speak that and stating that cuts would be not made in the classroom. The library is a classroom. As a school librarian, we are one of the only educators in the building who works with every single student, staff member, and parent across all grade levels at our sites throughout multiple years. It is commonly suggested that we are just librarians, but I can tell you my students and staff and community do not see me as just their librarian, but much more. Again, I ask of you, what is a library without a librarian in it? With this cut, which I

116assume is just the first, your librarians will be spread thin thin among sites, putting more work, not only us, but at the site levels, our admins and our teachers. Students at the elementary level will not come and see the library on a regular basis, but instead when we are there. Again, I ask of you, what is a library without a librarian in it? My job description for library duties do not fall under just one category. We LMTs are also in charge of checking out, fixing, and inventorying textbooks and devices for every single student we see. We also many times work outside of what is required of us. As a site with over 650 students, I am always working to secure funds for exciting new books. I work diligently to help my struggling readers. and I

117ask you to all come and be in our shoes for a day before you make any decisions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Laura Aravisu. Good evening, President Nyola, members of the board, and superintendent Dr. Zitlo. My name is Laura Arvzu, and I come before you tonight wearing two hats. One as a teacher, and the other as a parent of a child who receives mental health services in this district. I want to begin by saying this clearly. Mental health professionals in our schools are not a luxury. They are a necessity. As a teacher at Palms, I see every day that students are coming into our classrooms carrying far more than backpacks and books. They are carrying anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, and in many cases untreated mental health needs. We are asking children

118to learn, focus, behave, and succeed in an environment where many of them are emotionally overwhelmed. Our MHPs are often the first line of support. They help students regulate their emotions, develop coping skills, manage conflict, and stay in school when things feel unbearable. They don't just help individual students, they support entire classrooms by reducing disruptions, preventing crises, and allowing teachers to teach. Now, I speak to you as a parent. My third grade daughter receives mental health services at Bragg, and those services have been truly transform transformative for her. Her MHP has helped her develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, regulate her emotions, and navigate difficult peer interactions. Because of this support, she is able to say focus on learning and build positive relationships instead of falling behind academically or shutting down emotionally. If these professionals are

119removed or reduced, families are left with few options. Not every family can afford private therapy. Not every family has transportation, insurance, or flexible work schedules. For many children, school is the only place they can reliably access mental health services. When we cut mental health services, we are not just cutting positions. We are cutting lifelines. We are also sending a message to students that their emotional well-being is secondary to budgets and numbers. That their struggles are invisible, that they should simply push through anxiety, depression, or trauma without support. Our children have mental health needs every day, not just on days when their MHP is not split to a different campus. The reality is this. Students who are mentally healthy learn better. Students who feel supported, behave better. Students who are emotionally regulated are more likely to

120attend school, graduate, and succeed. MHPs are not an extra. They are part of the foundation of a safe, effective learning environment. As both a teacher and a parent, I urge you to reconsider this decision. Investing in mental health and investigating investing in academic success, school safety, and the long-term well-being of our children. Please do not take away the people who help our students survive, cope, and thrive. Our children deserve more than just an education. They deserve support, compassion, and care. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Joshua Pena. >> Good evening. My name is Joshua Pena. I'm a mental health professional here within the districts and I'm representing the mental health professionals. I'm going to cut down my speech a little so I'm within the time frame. But uh today

121I just wanted to talk about the impact that um reducing us over the next few years with all the changes that are happening within the district. Um our role is unique. We do many things to the school side, but one of them is we greet new students. New students who are here at our school, whether it's they're new to the district, whether they train mid school year, we are there to help them out. We're welcome them in. We're assessing to see what their needs are. For our typical students, they're um within about a check-in once a week for three to four weeks is what helps them to transition and assimilate into a new school environment. Over the next um two years, we're looking to move over a thousand students with the foreclosures of elementary schools.

122And then with the uh moving our sixth graders to middle school and um Whitney going from sixth to 12th grade, we're looking to have 11 and 12 year olds trying to transition to the meet the expectations of a middle school with middle school staff also trying to meet the needs of 11 and 12 year olds. And at Whitney High School, we are looking to have 11 year olds on the same campus as 18y olds. This may bring some unique challenges that we've never had as a dra as a district. and we are the individuals that are able to support these students and these staff members as we go through these challenges over the next couple of years. Another role that we have at our school site is we are the foster and homeless youth leaison.

123It is our role to guide these families through these challenging transitions. And so in addition to helping these students feel assimilated to campus, we are reaching out to community members to get necessary documents to help them get registered into the school, connecting them with necessary resources that they're going to need to help them not have to worry about if they're going to have clothing, if they're going to have food um on the table. We're able to support them that way so then when they are at school, they feel safe and they're able to learn and they don't have to worry about the worries that are um outside of school that we Excuse me. And lastly, the one last thing that I want to touch on today is um a little bit of data and I

124don't think you can put a price tag on this is and so from the period of the beginning of the school year until um January 21st, we ran data on some of the work that we did. And the one that I want to focus on is we as a collective um we conducted 189 risk assessments for self harm or suicide ideation. As a mental health professional, our field of study makes us the expert at the school sites to conduct these assessments. um we're able to assess the students and determine what's the best way to support them whether it's in school um at the school site with resources from the district or putting them out to the community to get those resources. Um if we are reduced um if we the plan is to reduce the

125mental health professionals having us split sites or change our hours um to cover after school program that access to us is going to be limited and restricted. students aren't going to have a mental health professional that they could talk to or an expert that's going to be able to chat with them about these um serious concerns that they might have with um self harm or um suicide ideation. Um and before I finish up, I do have some of my colleagues here and I want to give them a shout out if they can stand up. They're here with us supporting us. A lot of us started as interns in this district and um we decided to stay. So, we came here as interns, as graduate level interns, and we bought into the ABC uh way of

126life, the mission, and we decided to stay here. And many of us want to continue to be here, and we have many at home that are watching, but they have young kids, so they couldn't be here today. >> But thank you guys for your time, and I greatly appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Daisy Mayor. Thank you. Good evening board members. My name is Daisy and I'm a mental health professional at this district. This year I'm currently serving as a split site MHP and I I'd like to share the experience how that's looked like in a practical standpoint. I understand that districts are facing complex financial decisions and I respect the responsibility you carry in making them. I'm here simply to share what the impact looks like on a school site

127level. At one school site alone, the role of an MHP is extensive. We support students with chronic attendance by partnering with families. We provide individual counseling for students experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges. We facilitate small groups focused on coping skills and emotional regulation. We are school site liaison for our homeless and foster youth and families. We support classrooms to strengthen social emotional learning and overall school climate. We also respond to crises including significant emotional dysregulation that students are experiencing sometimes even suicidal ideiation. In those moments, timing and trust are critical. students are more likely to accept support from someone they know and have an established relationship with. From personal experience this year, I can say that while we work hard to meet student needs, the level of support does become more limited when

128one person is responsible for multiple sites. When I am physically present at one school, I am unavailable to the other. When urgent needs arise at the same time, which does happen and has happened multiple times this school year, it can delay the response and reduce preventative care. Consistency matters in mental health. Relationships matter. Accessibility matters. When time is divided across campuses, it becomes more challenging to sustain the depth and the support that students, families, and staff rely on. Each student community has different needs and current case loads already reflect significant demand. Adjusting staffing does not reduce student need. It reduces students access to support. Mental health services are directly connected to attendance, behavior, academic engagement, and overall school safety. When students feel supported and regulated, they are able to better learn. I respectfully ask the

129board to consider the long-term impact of reducing or further dividing mental health professionals. Consistent accessible mental health support is an investment in student well-being and academic success. Thank you for your time and for your service. Thank you. Next is uh Lucy Pineda and after that will be Nanette Castillo. Okay. Good evening members of the board and superintendent. I am standing here today like Laura to express my concern regarding the decision of our mental health professionals from our district. I speak to you from a dual perspective. as a parent of two primary students who receive MHP services and as a veteran educator responsible for 20 kindergarten students. From both vantage points, I see firsthand that MHPs are not a luxury. They are a necessity for the stability of our schools and families. Our MHPs provide a

130foundation of support that enables academic learning to occur. Their contributions include providing essential social skills, lessons, and assisting students who struggle with emotional regulation and classroom transitions. Our MHPs maintain consistent communication with families. They provide support guiding our newest learners, incoming kindergarters, as they navigate the significant shift into a formal school environment. They serve as a vital resource for educators. They provide strategies and check-ins that prevent teacher burnout like myself, and they help us with classroom support. At the beginning of this school year, we were informed that our MHP would be split to multiple sites. By diluting their time, we have already seen a strain on our support system. In my own classroom this year, I have frequently relied on RMHP to assist students with disregulated moments. When these professionals are stretched thin or removed

131entirely, the burden falls solely on the classroom teacher who is already managing the academic needs of our learners. When you remove these vital positions, what's the plan? Who will support the teacher when a student is unable to self-regulate? who will be the point of contact for families in need of mental health resources. Removing these positions at a school site means leaving our school community without an MHP every day, Monday through Friday. We are essentially asking our students to function without that emotional infrastructure. I urge the board to reconsider and prioritize the mental health of our students and staff. Our children deserve more than a split time MHP. They deserve a fully supported environment. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nan Castile. And after Nan Castile will be Victor Castello. Good evening, Dr. Zitlo and board members.

132I'm writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed elimination of school librarian positions. Libraries play an essential role in the academic success and personal growth of students from elementary school through high school. Removing these positions will have lasting effects on our student staff and school communities. A school library is far more than a room filled with books. It's a place where students discover creativity, imagination, and curiosity. Libraries provide students with opportunities to explore new ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and build a long life love of reading. For many students, the library is where their reading journey truly begins. It helps straighten their literacy skills, supports classroom learning, and provides a foundation for academic success. Without access to wellsupported library programs and trained librarians, students may miss out on the experiences that foster imagination, exploration,

133and a passion for learning. Librarians do much more than manage books. They guide students in selecting reading materials that match their interest and reading levels, support teachers with instructional resources, and help students develop research and information literacy skills. Librarians also create welcoming spaces where students feel encouraged to learn, explore, grow, and feel comfortable in safe spaces where they may not feel safe in other spaces on campus and give some students extra support who may need support throughout the day. In addition to supporting literacy and learning, librarians perform many essential responsibilities that help schools function smoothly. Librarians often manage and issue student devices such as Chromebooks, and oversee textbook distribution. They assist students with technology issues, troubleshooting device problems, and coordinate repairs when devices are damaged. When a new student enrolls, librarians ensure that student receives

134the necessary materials and technologies to participate in the class right away on their first day of school. If librarians positions are eliminated, these responsibilities will have to fall on other staff members who are already full with their workloads. Without a librarian each day, it raises important questions on who will take care of all of these tasks. There are also concerns about um the school closures and students coming to other sites and my school is one of those sites that will be receiving students from Aloha. So, they're already going to be in a transition of moving as well as our school being under remodernization. And for them to have to come and deal with all of that as well as not having a full-time librarian will just put extra stress on the students and uncertainty with

135our families as well. I respectfully ask that the board and district leadership to carefully reconsider the decision to eliminate librarian positions and to recognize the essential role librarians and librarians play supporting our students and teachers and school communities. >> Thank you, Victor Costello. And after Victor Castello, we'll have Sarah Werta. Hello and good evening. Um, I am the parent of uh two kids that attend Nixon Academy right now. Uh, which they actually love. They love going to school. And um, I actually attended Pat Nixon back when it was called Pat Nixon as well as did my older sister. I'm currently working for the city of Critos as a library assistant and I was the uh librarian over at Melbourne Elementary for one year. And I say this because I feel like it gives me a

136unique perspective on this community uh on this school district and uh on the professions that I wanted to talk about tonight. Um, you know, I feel like the librarians and our mental health professionals are the glue in the nails, the glue in the nails, uh, in our school district. You know, at my house in Critos, and I'm sure at your guys's house as well, uh, behind the, um, the wall, you know, you have your 2x4s and they're being held together by both uh, you know, glue and nails. And that's exactly what they do. They work behind the scenes with the teachers and the faculty uh to make sure that our kids are ready u to move on to the next steps in life. You know, librarians there not only to to find books, but they

137also help with uh AR reading levels, finding the right book level that the kid will be able to uh really understand what he's reading. And uh sometimes we even find a book that they enjoy so much that it gives them uh the want to read more. Our mental health professionals, they're the ones that are there to make sure that all of the outside stuff of the world is not affecting them as they are studying and learning and and uh you know just wanting to give them a safe space to be at. You know Dr. Zitlo had mentioned earlier that there's a lot of outside forces right now that are affecting uh the this the you know schools all around the country right and that includes our students and so quite honestly to to affect that

138at our school district seems like a horrible idea right now. Um I I'm up here today really just to ask you to not take away the glue and the nails from our schools. uh their worth. It cannot be measured in monetary value. They really can't. But you know what they can be measured in? They can be measured in GPA. They can be measured in reading levels. And they can be measured in happiness. And that's exactly what they bring to us today. And before I leave, I do want to leave with a quick uh personal story. My son a couple of years ago was uh had a couple issues that he had to work through. And uh Miss Stephanie actually helped him with that. And today he's one of the top kids in his class. Every

139week that the kids go to school, I ask them, you know, what was one of your favorite parts of school? And without a doubt, every week it's going to be going to the library. So please don't take away our nails and our glue. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Sarah Werta. And after Sarah Werta, we'll have Adriana Rodriguez. Good afternoon board. Uh my name is Sarah Werta. I'm a parent at Aloha Elementary and Gar High School. Um I came well I shouldn't say I came my students came to Alo to Aloha um out of LUSD um I had to transfer my son from LUSD to ABC um situation and Mr. B was the first person actually first and second person to help him. Miss um uh Almeida also helped his transition into Aloha, you know,

140and if it wasn't for their help, you know, I I would not be able to get my son out of bed in the morning because he would cry because I pulled him out of what he knew since preschool to fifth the beginning of fifth grade. I moved him to Aloha in the middle of fifth grade. And if it wasn't for the support that he had from Mr. B and Miss Almeida, I don't know what I would have done. You know, I would have still been struggling with him every single day to get him out and and get him to school. And if you take away this support, I don't know what these kids are going to do once you close his their school. Two years ago, I let you I I commented that if you

141close these schools, how are you going to support them? I said, you know, mental health is is a big issue and you need to make sure that you have enough support. If you take away this, it's just going to be another thing you're going to tack onto the list that you have taken away from them. When you started first talking about consolidating schools, you said, "Oh, we will pro provide transportation." That's not going to happen no more. You said you weren't going to be eliminating full-time positions. Here we are talking about not eliminating positions. When does it stop? When do you stop taking away from our children? Because this is ridiculous. I don't find it reasonable that you guys voted for yourselves to give yourself increases for your siphon. There's there's no checks and balances.

142You guys should not be voting for yourself to give yourself increases. Just like you always have a committee to decide other things for you. You guys should have had a committee to vote for your stipen. But here we are having to argue about not taking away essential needs from these kids because if you take away the mental health services and you when you close these schools, it's going to it's going to be chaos because you're not going to have those that that person that's essential to get these kids out of their cars in the morning that are really struggling. I still see it. We're in March and we still have students that struggle in the mornings and luckily Mr. B is out there to help help the parent, help the student to get them to

143school and be able to try to function for the day. And if you take this away, I don't know what your solution is going to be for them. >> Thank you, Adriana Rodriguez. And after Adriana Rodriguez is Melissa Onrado. Hello board members. My name is Adriana Rodriguez and I am the CLM for Cerritos High School. I understand that our enrollment is declining but we have to consider that Critos High School is the highest the largest number of students. We have 1947 so 1947 kids. There are two CLMs or two librarians at that site. Currently, my LMT is out on um medical leave. I am there by myself with a sub. My sub can't do a lot of the stuff that I have there. I am doing the job of two people right now. I am

144servicing 1900 kids all by myself basically. And you want to cut one extra person there? How are we going to provide for our kids? We can't do this. We need to think about all of our students. We're here to help them, not to help ourselves them. You can't cut us. We need us. We need to be there. Thank you, Melissa. Hi, my name is Melissa Honado and I'm come here Um, as a parent, first of all, I'd like to um express my gratitude for the weight of all these impossible decisions that you have to make with our budget. I understand I wouldn't I I don't know how to choose, but for for today, I'm here um to let you know my perspective as a single mother. Um I am divorced. Our family went through a

145lot of trauma with the transition, not to mention, I mean, everybody went through COVID and I don't know what we would do without our mental health professionals. Then on top of my divorce and with the the changes between my family and the dynamics, um there have been multiple occasions where um I've had to text Miss Tiffany, one of our mental health providers at Huarez Elementary, about my sons. Um even this Friday, I can't be there for an award that my son is, you know, going to receive. And he hasn't always had these awards. It's because of the support from the mental health professionals at school. Um also has other people have spoken to like um the depression, the grief that they need to go through, self harm even. I can't even begin to imagine what

146our youth would be going through by themselves feeling isolated without a professional there. Um we're learning how to regulate our emotions. I mean, if our children learn how to regulate their emotions earlier, they'll be able to do that as adults. And I just don't know what I would do as a single mother if I didn't have these people here to support us at both Wararez and Carmenita Middle School. Both of my kids are transitioning next year to high school to Cerritos um and to Ross. And along with the consolidation that's going to happen, I can imagine it will be a lot of pressure on the teachers as well as the students as well as the parents. And I just don't know how they're going to be able to manage that without the mental health professionals

147at their side, not stretched between one campus or another. So, thank you again for allowing me to to speak and thank you so much for your service. And um I want to thank all of the mental health professionals as well. Thank you. And our last speaker is Ray. Good evening, board. Ray Gar, president of the ABC Federation Teachers. A little bit of history. Back in 2007 during uh the last downturn, financial downturn, uh the band was held hostage. Anybody who was in band was held hostage and uh band was always on the chopping block and that got the community out. And at that time we were just all about test scores. That's you know that's when public education went from being an art to checking boxes and test scores which has caused more damage to

148education than ever. Uh so you know but but the mantra was to keep the cuts away from kids right and so the the way the board sent a message to the community that there was uh a lack of funding was to threaten the band. So, you know, we came out of the the recession and in 2011, we were looking for every dime. And one of the ways we could make money for the district was to increase our attendance. And if we increase our attendance by 1% back in the day, we'd make about a million dollars, million and a half. Now, you get about $3 million out of it, right? So, you know, that we were trying to capture money, but we didn't know why our attendance was down. So working through the partnership, we found

149out our attendance was down because we had so many suspensions and absences uh for various reasons for students. So we dug a little deeper in the next year and found out that you know what they needed some kind of mental health supports and PBIS was born out of that. This around 2013 2014 and finally when the LCAP came along we actually dedicated money for mental health. They were the foundation of how we were going to stabilize our classrooms because they were going out of control at the time and it was becoming a fire. So, you know, uh, MHPs need to be there when there's change and, you know, we're all going to we're suffering collective drama at the moment. And when these kids start moving around uh from different schools and we start moving sixth

150graders into to middle school, we're going to need MHPs. We're going to need counselors. We're going to need a lot of support for teachers and students, librarians, you know, so it does impact kids in the classroom, too, you know, because teachers use that for planning time. Uh they they work with the librarians. And I don't understand a school district that, you know, we're all about school, but we're going to cut access to books and imagination. That makes no sense. But in this upside down world where you know we start wars the way we do it makes sense. So uh last thing I'll say is you know we had 10 pages of consultants and we have so much money going out to consultants and for paying them for all the things that we don't do right

151and yet we don't have money for the things that we do right. Thank you. There are no more speakers, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Uh for discussion, >> Vice President Yokamabui, >> I do want to thank you all for coming and speaking and showing support for your communities, your um colleagues. Um I know not everyone uh with the positions of mental health professional mental health professionals library media technicians technicians and library media clerks are here um as mentioned but thank you for being here and showing up. Um I think that all of us on this board and I can't speak for everyone do appreciate the work you do. Um, I can speak from experience. The MHP at my kids school fills many jobs and they do a a lot of work that

152obviously we don't see because they're with students or helping a teacher. But there is also a lot of work that we do see because they're out in the community showing themselves speaking to others and helping share what they do do. And I will say the same for the librarians who um or a lot of the students it is a safe space. So, let's say they may not be able to be out in the playground or they don't want to be because of whatever situation, they can go to the library. I also um I don't again I don't want to disregard and I think one of the speakers said that um there's happiness in this from these people and I absolutely agree um as someone who values mental health who values reading and books and educating

153our children 100% like I I I I I definitely I'm very supportive. Um where there is a challenge is if we were to give a whole pie chart into what the board has to consider. Um and I think there have been various you know budget study sessions related to declining enrollment AB28. Um, I think what what the public in terms of what's not shared in close session, what what we're able to discuss here um is substantial and it's heavy and uh the board does bear the burden of and and I would say the district, the staff, the cabinet of of weighing those things. My understanding is um and I think many of you mentioned this. I'm I'm sure there was some discussion. Um my understanding is we're not leaving sites without an MHP or a

154library tech. I will be split which also I'm not entirely happy with. I do know with our nurses, um, I'll be at my kid's school and a kid will be in the office and a secretary has to go help them because the nurse isn't there that day. And and personally for me, I I I understand and I see that and and I want our schools to be better about sharing those responsibilities, making sure that if someone isn't a library tech isn't available that day, we have someone fill in. So um I again I'm I'm I'm so sorry I'm I'm not able to respond but what what I am thinking in my head is um this is not this this doesn't come lightly. This is very difficult especially the the comment shared by by Mr. Gear.

155So, um I do want to thank you all for being here again and um yes, thank you. >> Thank you, board vice president Yokyaboui, board member. Thank you, President Nyola, and uh we hear you and thank you for coming out to speak. And if you hear from the previous uh board meetings and in our study sessions, all the board members put the highest value on mental health. No doubt because you know we have few educators here. So the reduction if you look at page 122 in our board meeting um board uh agenda uh we we will be reviewing the budget later you guys can stick around but you know there's a deficit that we are dealing with so we had to really nobody likes changes we don't we consolidating was not fun we didn't want

156to do that but uh you know we do have to make some decisions to move forward uh for the for the welfare of the entire district. Uh so the reduction the consolidation we are trying to do the minimal as possible. We had multiple meetings and we had a heated discussion and uh that's where we're at but we we hear you and we will continue to to hear and look out. Thank you. Thank you board member Yu, board member Nishi. Oh. Um, so this is heartbreaking, right? Um, we don't want we want all the cuts to be away from the kid. That's that's the critical aspect here. I actually even take little offense to the thing that says lack of work because not an issue of lack of work, really a lack of fun. Um you

157know this is pursuant to the law that we provide a notice on March the 15th rather than today's March 10th. So um this particular number here is the the maximum of what would be able to to do. Um the hope is that there will be some retirements other areas of uh other people and and so therefore we wouldn't actually have to make any of these particular um situations happen. Um, you know, I know the the value of the MHP that's in the word mental health that's critical to everything. I know the mental health professional at at least that. That's why it was, you know, previously it was a lot more people that were on this particular list, but it's now reduced down to a much lower number. Still, it's it's not able to see any

158number there. I'd rather see it to be zero, quite frankly, but as you look at page 124, it's it's way higher. Um, I'm gonna ask Maybe potentially that we substitute instead of seven media tax that we reduce it by one and then substitute a district person somebody who's not and I understand the district people are critical to the the mission of the kids. totally get that. But um these are the people that see the kids every day. And I'm wondering if we can amend this instead of seven uh library media text to maybe six or or five and substitute that out with one one district person to be named. Um, you know, this would be at the discretion of the superintendent president. So, I'd like to potentially make that as an amendment. The librarians are

159not super high paid positions, so I'm hopeful that could save two this but um that would be my request for amendment. >> Thank you, board member Nishi. I your amendment. Is there a second to Ernie's amendment? Okay. For the amendment to remove two positions from the library media tech and library media clerk um and include one district. Yes. To take two off of the list here and uh substitute for uh a district person. That's either either or in the discretion of the superintendent >> to what we can afford basically. >> Thank you for clarifying. Uh is there any discussion on the amendment? >> Okay, seeing none, we will vote now on the amendment that Ernie motioned and Dr. Bo Mendoza made. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. McCaten. Can I ask for clarification? >> Yes, you

160may. >> Okay. So, can you state it again? >> Yes. Um, so the the objective is to keep the cuts away from the kids much as we possibly can. >> Um, we've already reduced the mental health professionals from a higher number to this particular number and then of course we increased the the I'm hopeful that we can reduce the reductions from instead of seven positions reduce maybe five and to compensate because we still need to make $950,000 savings. That's actually we need to make more than that but at at a minimum if we could substitute that in with some person indispensable person at the district I get it but somebody from the district headquarters location uh in place of the two whether it's a technician or a clerk that's not that's not for me to

161decide that would be for the superintendent specifically implement as to what we can afford to do. That is the I'm reducing this list from seven to five and substituting that in with some district position that I know is critical and important but also a little bit away. >> Can I ask another question before I vote? Okay. Will there be a mental health professional at every school? >> We will look to have a mental health professional available to every school. Um we have to look at the structure of that to know who will be where. Some may be shared be shared at well at three. Okay. With that clarification, as as long as every school will have a mental health professional at least part of the time and we then go to the five positions of

162library. Um I will say yes. >> Thank you board member McCann. Uh just to clarify, we are voting on the earnings amendment. We will return back to the main motion if this is approved. So continue roll call. >> Ernie Bernie. Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nishi. >> Yes. >> Dr. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yu. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yokayyama Buui. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nyola. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 70. >> And now we will return to back to the main motion with Ernie's amendment. Uh board member Nishi's amendment. Thank you. Uh following the discussion, is there any other discussion on the motion now with the amendment? >> Is this including the one um yes? >> Okay, >> Mr. President, unfortunately, uh this um reduction in workforce need to

163be specific to the position. It's a legal document. it's impact the the ranking and the priority of the positions. So we need to specify whether it's going to be two library media technician and three library media clerk or we have to be specific. Unfortunately, unless the board approved as is with with the understanding that will not do more than five, then that give the superintendent a flexibility within the legal authority. But if you were to reduce it by two, then you need to specify the position. I hope that makes sense. Okay. Thank you. So then I need to say one media technician and one clerk by that would be two. >> Oh >> yes. >> So if that's the desire the wish of the board then yes you need to be specific or you can

164approve as is with the direction and understanding that there's no more than five. So um that's up to the board. You can be specific but you have to be specific or you can approve as is but with the direction to the superintendent that that it shouldn't be more than five of the combination of the technician or the clerk. >> So we can say no more than five that would be acceptable. You have to approve the item as is right and then you can give direction to the superintendent. >> If not the amendment have to be specific to the position. >> It can't be just two. >> Okay. So then I should say if I want to be specific I would say one technician and one clerk. >> That is correct. You may do that. >>

165Okay. >> Point of order. We already we already voted on an amendment. So, you need to make a motion to do another amendment to the amendment that you made. >> Okay. Then, uh, I amend my amendment to one library media technician to be taken off this list. Instead of four, it would be three and one library media clerk instead of three, it would be two. >> Do I have a second? >> Actually, can I ask what is the fiscal impact of those two that particular move? So um you know if the average is about 80,000 for one and 75,000 for the other it will be 155,000. So um depends on the positions and the benefits package that specific person have. I'm just giving you the average >> and just to be clear if if the

166budget turns out better then we actually don't have to reduce anybody and we're expecting some people to retire. So um hopefully a moot issue but yes I'll continue on with that >> the the goal is to achieve the saving so if the reduction can be accomplished through uh retirement like you have mentioned then we we we uh we will do that so the end the goal is to get these savings but without the action tonight then we don't have that flexibility you wouldn't have the budget utility so we need this action Can you please restate your motion? >> So the motion is to >> instead of four library media technicians, it would be three positions of instead of three library media clerks, it would be two library media clerks. >> Thank you. Is there a

167second? >> Yes, you. So, uh, Tuan, so is this amendment legitimate for the approval? >> Yes, the board may amend an item. Yes. >> Would the approval? >> Yes. >> Thank you, board member, you clerk. Mendoza seconds. Uh, roll call vote, please. for prior. Any other discussion on Ernie's amendment? >> No. >> Thank you. >> So again, I'm going to ask the same question I did before on the health mental health profession. If you eliminate those positions, will there still be some form of library clerk or media clerk at every school? >> Yes, we will have services to our students at all of our schools. It will have to be structured differently, but there will have services because like with the closing of schools and moving kids to other schools and >> all the things

168that I know that library clerks and media health professionals do, I just I want to make sure that there's that those services are there at every school. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> yes. >> Mr. Nishi E, >> yes. >> Dr. Rios, >> Mrs. U, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> yes. Mrs. Yokoyama Bui. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nyola. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 70. >> Thank you. And now we will return to the main motion with the amendment of three library media technicians and two library media clerks. Uh board member. You do you have further discussion? Is there any other discussion? >> I I do also have a clarifying though. So with what Miss McCaten uh board member McCaten has brought up um ensuring that we have attack and a clerk

169at all sites. Um there was um something that I've I've witnessed and I observed when I do my school sites where there are children who are in the library um not necessarily during their class time but during a recess time or a lunch. uh do we know how we can make we can prevent that from changing at the sites where they will be have a split um a split tech or a clerk. >> So it depends on the site each site does something differently and so as we reconfigure that we will work with principles to reconfigure how they're providing support and helping their students. Um it it just really depends on the school and the site um what they do. Um in in this case um it leaves um two of our high schools with

170two people in their libraries and then it just reduces three at the elementary. So we'll have splits there. Board member Nishi. >> Um, Mr. NW, do we have to identify the specific cut at the district at this time and now? >> Um, no. The direction would be given to the superintendent to reduce district personnel by one. >> By what? To compensate and get closer to the 950 $950,000 that we have to. >> That is correct. >> Achievement. Okay. >> Thank you, board member Nishi. Any other board discussion? Um, I think it goes like everybody here mentioned, we truly appreciate the mental health professionals, our library media text. A lot of us are ABC alumni and the resources that our schools continue to give to our students are are we can't do without um this item

171here tonight. Um, it's following this notice because in order for us to be meet our budget requirements, we have to show that we have a properly balanced budget moving forward for this year. Our hope here at the board is that we don't have to lay off anybody. We're hoping that that we do have enough people retiring and we are able to find additional savings in other ways. There's comments made today that maybe we haven't looked elsewhere. So, as the board president, I will continue to work with staff here to find those savings so that we avoid every single layoff that we can possible. So, I thank you guys for all the work, all the dedication. The choice tonight is not easy, but it is a reminder that we have to do more to try to

172meet the needs of our students. So, thank you guys for being here tonight. Um, with that, we will do a roll call vote. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> yes. >> Mr. Dr. Nishi E. >> Yes. >> Dr. Rios, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yu, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> no. >> Mrs. Yokoyama, >> yes. >> Mr. Nyola, >> yes. >> Motion passes. 61. >> Thank you. Action item 4.2A. May I have a motion to accept the gift reports for 25-07 totaling $92,93928? >> So move Mendoza. >> Second man, >> Mr. W. Thank you, President Nyola. We are grateful. Present to the board a gift report for this month totaling $92,939 donations from community members and and families. >> Thank you, Mr. Win. Any public comments? >> There are none, Mr. President. >> Any board discussion? >>

173Click Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And again, like usual when this comes up on an action item, I just want to thank our community for always supporting our students. Um, they go above and beyond helping our students with field trips. Um, I'm looking just at Whitney Certo's empowering student leadership through ABCCTE. So, just big thank you to our communities for really supporting our students and our families. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Clerk Mendoza. Uh, please note that during the student board representative committee, a preferential yes vote was cast for action item 4.28 2 without additional comments. If all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70. Action item 4.3A. May I have a motion to approve second intern report for the period ending in January 31st, 2026 with a

174positive certification. >> So moveen. >> Mr. Win. >> Thank you, President Nyola. So um twice a year legally under AB1200, uh SNAP is presenting to the board budget adjustments to the budget. So the process is that you approve the budget in June. Um in December we give the board the first update of the budget which is the first interim report and by March uh by March 15 uh we are presenting to the board a second budget update uh to see where we are in terms of revenues and expenditures for the district. So I will begin the report on page 119 uh with the unrestricted general funds. the revenue is on track. We have to make minor adjustments to um in the amount of 241,000 on page 119 there under services and operating expenses to reflect

175the increase in insurance costs. Um on the restricted general fund on page 120, we are making an adjustments of $92,000 and in the services and operating expenses to reflect um additional needs in term of student support regarding behavioral speech and occupational therapy. So uh mainly um the budget uh for behavioral intervention uh behavioral support um and and speech have increased um since the board um pass the first interim report. So that come out of the restricted fund. Another point I want to note is that on page 119 again your um deficit or your structured deficit is 1.6 6 million on the unrestricted funds which uh the board need to address and that's part of the action that you took earlier. On page 120 though we are continuing to spend down the restricted funds to the

176tune of about $15 million per year. So once these funds are exhausted uh there will be programs and um personnel related to these restricted programs that will also be released mainly the learning recovery block grant uh that we were given as a part of you know the co area where we need to support our students with learning recovery. So that's where we are. But overall uh with the um with the recommendation tonight that we are still able as of today to meet the obligations all financial obligations for the current year and the next two years. There's one point I want to make is that this is before any um compensation adjustments that the board may consider. Right? As you fully aware last year in the year 2425 uh we did not uh make any adjustments

177to employees compensation and the current year 2526 is March the year is three quarter over we have not done um anything so far so it's almost two years that we have asked our employees to um um work with compensation adjustment so it it is a point that for us we fully aware of it in order to like we mentioned to retain and attract uh the highest quality employees. So however with that would put pressure onto the budget. We would need to work within our budget to to able to to achieve that. But as of tonight and your second interimm report, I want share that district is able to certify that uh we have the financial resources to meet all obligations in the current year and for the next two years. That's the end of my

178report, the president. >> Thank you, Mr. W. Any public comments? >> There are none, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Board member Rios. >> Hi. Couple of questions. Um, one of them is how much money did we get from the learning and recovery grant? >> So, the learning recovery grant um initially it was about $15 million. This year we are receiving an additional 1 million and next year um in the governor's budget proposal about another 2 millions. So 18 million or so total uh for the learning recovery block grant. Uh and we have until 27 28 to spend out all the money. >> Okay. The the reason I I I ask about this is because, you know, it's like learning recovery and um we've been talking about um have we used this money

179in a way that genuinely and um recovered the learning loss that happened as a result of COVID and I know that we've gotten a lot of reports about all of the improvements that we've made. Um but again, it it goes back to like this money is gone now. And you know we had it's been six years I think this week since the pandemic happened and we got a lot of money uh to support those struggling students. And I guess you know the question that I want to leave us all with is did we thank you. >> Thank you board member Rios and board member you. >> So uh Tuan thank you for this report. I know we covered it many times but um for the unrestricted page 119 so net change in fund balance so

180with the second intern report 1.6 6 million. >> Yes ma'am. >> So that is >> the structural deficit. >> Structural deficit. Yeah. So that's the deficit. And then on page 120 the deficit would be 40. Is that four? >> 15.4 million. That's and this would be >> so this is the restricted funds. So we are intentionally spending down this money. >> Like I said, these all these funds on page 120 are restricted, >> but they do come with strings attached like the grant that I mentioned, the learning block grant, right? >> The art and music block grant um term under Prop 28 >> instructional materials, special education. >> So these all these grants most of them have an expiration date. Mhm. >> So we want to make sure >> that we one spend down the

181money within the timeline given to us and two we need to spend it um >> where it's under the allowable expenditures per the grant right as as intended of the grant >> and three like Dr. Rio said right to use it in the most effective way to support students. Mhm. Okay. So in the unrestricted fund we are structurally 1.6 million deficit. >> Yeah. And this is where we have the the overhead and the payroll and everything. >> Yes. Right. >> This is all district operation. >> Yeah. Operation. So the reduction is inevitable because we we have in deficit for this is the second third year. >> Yeah. Unfortunately with declining enrollment is challenging for school districts facing declining enrollment and rising in cost >> as I have shared with the board many times right so

182we have declining enrollment and all districts suffer that you have less students you have less revenue >> it's as it's it's as simple as that >> but on the other hand you're trying to control cost but there's costs that are um going up naturally right from uh pension cost to health benefit cost to like to insurance cost all costs are going up So, so you have to balance that. So, and and and we no different than than districts up and down the state. So, we're dealing with that. And it's more challenging when the cola is low, right? Where there's 1% last year or two 2.3% this year and 2.41% next year. When you have a higher COLA would mean that the increase in funding is higher, then then you can make it balance. But um

183when you have a lower cola and we have a rising in cost and we have declining enrollment we have to make some adjustments to the budget. >> So just from my understanding two factors that we don't have any control we don't have control is the biggest factors for this deficit is declining enrollment right? >> Yes. >> And then the insurance >> Yes. >> It went up. It doubled. Right. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yeah. Insurance doubled. How much is that? So it went from 1.7 uh to almost 3.6 or 3.4. So uh that's directly attributed to AB28. Somebody mentioned that right our insurance cost is going up. >> But it's more than that. That's a component like I've talked about health benefits gone up. Uh special education needs are more >> and and I don't want

184to single it out but just recognizing the needs and that as a district we u have to support those. So >> Okay. Thank you. I just want really the public to understand as well so they can understand. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you board member U for for asking those questions and letting the public know of our financial situation and thank you Mr. Wyn and your team for putting together this report. Any other board discussion? Okay, seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> Oh, I do apologize. Really quick, um >> board vice president. >> Um Mr. Win for the special a education costs that you referred to that are rising where is that coming from? >> Yeah, so as you know special education funding come from the federal government, the state

185and also the district contribution. So and it's a statewide issue now the percentage of district contribution into the program have been increasing more and more. Now it's up made up to about 60% of of up of of the total budget uh than before. So that's under the contribution to the special program under other financing sources and use. So we have to support the program right if students come in with the needs we assess students but we by law have to provide the support. >> So do we get enough to meet what our our standard is from the federal and state or do we have to take that from elsewhere? >> Thank you for the question. We do not get enough. I mean since the beginning of IDA which I want to say 1974 um the

186federal government has always underfunded that program. The state recognize that and have been trying to support that by increasing funding for the last I want to say 5 to 10 years but it's not at the pace of the cost increase. So um this is a statewide issues again I don't want to focus on that but I just want to report some facts right uh specification used to be 10% of the general population now it's 14 15%. So we have students with more and it's it just just the way it is. >> Thank you Vice President Yokyamui. Any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70. >> I action item 4.4A. May I have a motion to approve bid award ABC 1691 to Hawaiian Elementary School

187Modernization to Full Swing Construction, Inc. as low as responsive and responsible bidder. >> Menosa. >> Second. Mr. Win. >> Thank you, President Niola. I am uh pleased to um bring this item forward to the board. We usually get four five five biders on on a construction project, right? Uh for this one, we get 10. So it speaks to uh the market out there. So that uh there's more um potential uh you know contractors or biders there are are you know bidding on jobs. So because of that why is that important? We know that our bits be very competitive because they they they they they attended this job walk. They understand the scope of the work and and they put in their pricing. And as you can see, the different between um the lowest bidder and

188the next one up is 15,000 out of 4.25 million. So that's a fraction of 1%. So with 10 biders and with this close of a bid, we know that we we received the good that this is the best the lowest responsive and the responsible bidder for this project. So we are recommending the board for approval. >> Thank you Mr. W. Board member Nishi. >> Yeah I just want to thank uh I know you said it's a function of the market but >> point of order Mr. Nishi. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Public comments. Thank you. >> There are no public comments Mr. President. >> Thank you board member Nishi. >> Okay. So, I just wanted to uh yes, it is a function of market, but it's also a function of a good RFP that they

189understood the bid that they're so close within 10% or even less. That's amazing. Just uh want to say thank you for doing a good job with that. That's it. >> Thank you, board member Nishi, board member Rios. Um with Hawaiian Elementary being um potentially one of the only schools left in um Hawaiian Gardens, um are we looking to see like if we're going to increase the amount? Like I really want a high quality school there, not only because I went to Hawaiian, but because I think our students there deserve it. Um especially if they're going to be they may potentially be limited. Um so can you speak to to that a little bit? What's going to happen with the money of the schools that we are closing? Is that going to be? Yeah. >> So,

190so thank you for the question. So, I want to make sure I understand the question. Right. You are asking the unspent measure BB funds at the schools that will be consolidated or uh what will happen to that. So, we will bring forward to you um the amount and a recommendation and based on direction from the board in the past, right? Uh it doesn't have to be exact, but the the money should follow the students, right? For example, if um we have 264 students at Aloha and there's four million left, you just take one divide by the number of students and then you and then depends on where they go. They go to Willow, Palms, Melbourne, then you just divide the bunny follow the student, right? So that's one option for the board and we'll give

191the board a different option. But once we know because we still finishing up the school of choice process, we do not know um we don't have final numbers on where the students going to go. So once we have that, we will present to the board the unspent amount for those four schools that was approved to be consolidated and what is the recommendation uh in in in terms of how to reallocate that funding. I hope that answered the question. >> Yes, kind of. But again, I know that Ferguson is going to be we don't know yet, right? I mean, we voted to correct. So why's going to be developed? What will happen to the money that let's say potentially Ferguson is closed that was allocated for Ferguson Hawaiian is now being renovated. >> So it'll be

192supplement. It's the money still going to go to them if that's the board direction if you were to approve it and then we would use that to further modernize or supplement. Right? So if they have parody if they have X now they can have X plus whatever. So, so we will present to the board what will happen with that money because it's not just the board but the community they voted for for the measure BB with that allocation to that those specific schools right so now with the consolidation we would be transparent in terms of what we want to do with the money and it will go it will follow the students that's an option that's one option >> thank you Dr. Rios for clarifying board clerk Mendoza >> thank you Mr. President, what's the

193timeline? How long is this going to take? >> So hopefully by the next board meeting, we will have um we will finish up the school of choice process and also reporting back to the board where they will go because that's that's another right not just the the the measure BB fund but um you have asked us to report back to the board what will happen to those students. So we will report back again using Alo as an example out of those 264 students where will they be next year >> potentially starting work next school year? >> Yes. So >> and timeline a year >> like I said in the spring April or May we would once we have once we have the school of choice numbers we know where they will be attending. We can

194recommendation. >> Thank you. Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Any other board discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. 70. >> Action item 4.5. Oh, sorry. Excuse me. Can I get a motion to extend the board meeting? >> Let's do 12:00 again. >> I don't think I spent that long. >> Can I have a motion? >> A motions. Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Board meetings extended to 11. >> Action item 4.5A. May I have a motion to approve bid award ABC1692 intrusion and access control at Cerritos SCAR and Whitney High School to DLRM systems and Inc. DBA RM systems as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. >> Becky Mendoza. >> Mr. Win. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have finished modernizing our

195high schools. Um Cartisha is actually the first one to get to receive act full access control. Uh the other three high school we have not um done access control and intrusion system. So this bid is to finish that and to bring parity to all the high schools that this will provide intrusion and access control to the three high schools certo SCAR and Whitney at the amount of one point um $1,650,000. And the recommendation is to again award it to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder which is the LRM. In this specialized field, we only see three biders which is a specialized not like a general contractor where you get 10. Um we believe the bits are are good and I re so that the remainder schools can have full u full full system of access

196control. >> Thank you Mr. W. Any public comments? There are none. Mr. President, >> thank you for discussion. Board clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Can you just go into more detail what it means to have intrusion and access control? >> Thank you. So, the intrusion system is is that's self-explanatory, right? That's the alarm system. That's the intrusion system for uh to protect the you know the property of the school. The access control would be ideally when it's all said and done um the front office or current administrators can just press a button and the entire campus will be locked. This classroom will be locked right uh there'll be training and all of that. Uh in ter of the key they can use the car now to access the classroom. uh so like this

197one here and then uh that's the intent is to able to communicate with law enforcement if there's an intrusion uh as a press of the button. So those are the enhancement that are making >> thank you for the clarification. >> Thank you board clerk Mendoza board member Rios >> I'm very um happy to hear that. I think that is going to go a long way insuring safety. Um, I thought you were talking about the fencing and I was like, you know, I was not a fan of the artisia facing. I think it's very unattractive and I wanted to know if it really does, you know, a how much money that would save and two, I mean, has it really made a difference, right? Because again, it's not the most attractive. But no, I'm totally for

198the single the key access and the immediate response or connection to love. >> Thank you, board member Rios. Board member Nishi. >> Yeah, thank you. Also um really quick just for the public's sake uh we can't use this money for like pay correct like regarding the the positions that we had just reduced we couldn't use it for that right >> that is correct >> thank you that's all I wanted >> thank you board member Nishi board member you >> piggybacking so 1.65 65 million will be spent and this is source of funding is from the measure BB >> the bond. >> Yes. >> And this is going to be used in all the high schools. Articia already has the system the rest of the three high schools for safety. >> That is correct. >> Yeah.

199Which is essential for the public to be aware that the bond was used at the beginning during the pandemic. We used it to install the all the security cameras and this is another safety measure there so the parents can be rest assured that all of our campuses high schools are very secure. >> We are doing our best to for the safety of us. >> So the bond money is used for good uses. >> Yes ma'am. As reported by the citizen oversight committee. >> Yes. >> Tonight. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. Thank you board member U. Any other board discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. >> Motion passes. Dick zero. Action item 4.7A. May I have a motion to adopt resolution 2525 to form a 7-Eleven committee to advise

200the board of education on the use and or disposition of certain real properties owned by the district. Oh, sorry. Oh, so action item 4.6A was removed from the agenda. So, can I have a motion to adopt resolution? >> Thank you, >> Mr. Win. >> Thank you, President Nyola. So this is a legal requirement. Uh before the board consider any lease, long-term lease or disposing of of surplus land property, you must form a committee to advise the board and and they only have recommendations um um u like like any advisory committee. They can make a recommendation to the board and it's not binding. The board have final make a final decision on on that. But the the legal the intent is that it it needs to have a community um make the recommendation for that reflect

201the district. So there's different category. Uh there's there's a reason why they call the 7-Eleven committee, right? So it says that it it have to be at least seven members but not more than 11 members. So the 7-Eleven is the number of memberships within that you can appoint no less than seven and no more than 11. Right? And it has to be on page 169 here certain category within within that. So they have to be very similar to the citizen oversight committee. You have different categories. So this is different than your normal advisory board. Uh this is a state uh mandated advisory board that we have. So um and like I said on page 169 there it's spec it stipulate the category that it have to be it have to represent the ethnic age group

202and social economic composition of the district right so sim it have to mirror um our demographic it has to include the business community uh such as store owners managers or supervisors. So it needs you have to have a business uh community member on it. It has to include the land owners or renters um as a category. Uh you need you must have a teacher, an administrators, a parent and an individual with expert in environmental impact legal contracts or building codes. So should the board approve for the formation of this committee uh then we'll start the process of advertising uh for for memberships and then we will bring forward a recommendation to the board in appointing the members. So um the the process that we use with the citizen oversight is that you know uh we

203we want to make sure that we hit all the different category and if there's more than one interested party uh want to serve uh we use the lottery system uh I'll be that they have to qualify for the category then that's the process we are recommending uh the board to use. uh the board may choose to use other process but you must meet the different category within 160 and on the same page is also stipulate the charge of that what's their role and what is the board asking them to do. So again it says there basically to look at um enrollment to look at um the different potential um surplus land um and and recommend the board for the best use right whether dispose it or to lease it. So you either have onetime revenues

204or ongoing that's what you can with surplus land. >> Thank you Mr. Win. Any public comments? >> There are none Mr. President. >> Thank you board clerk Mendoza. Board member Rios. >> So to clarify, today we would be just voting to establish this committee and then later we would decide if we want to appoint or like have people apply. >> Yes ma'am. So today the first step is to form the committee. by by by this action should the board approve it tonight. And then staff can make a recommendation on the process and then once we have that and once we have um the applications and and and we vet it uh very similar to the citizen oversight and we bring forward to the board for uh approval. So that's that's one method of appointing member

205to discuss. The war may choose other method as you see fit. >> Thank you. And I just want to add that um this is very important to us as board members I think because when we're talking about budgeting issues we also talk about well you know consolidation um we knew that there was going to be you know with challenges there are opportunities to bring money into the district so that we don't have to make these difficult decisions that we don't like making uh but right now don't don't have a whole lot of options. So I'm excited with this committee. I hope that in fact does bring in additional um monies for us to be able to ideally always keep those cuts away from kids. Thank you. >> Thank you, board member Rios. Board member Nishi.

206>> Yes. Uh thank you, President. Um yes, I am also thankful that we're doing this now rather than waiting to the very end and and uh before we have major other issues that we have. So thank you for bringing this item forward as as you did. The question I have is regarding the the seven andor 11. So you're thinking there's going to be an application process. So before with other other committees we typically appoint somebody. This will be more in line with the bond committee. There requirement that is done in that manner. >> There's not like I mentioned that's one method. Um the other method is the board can just appoint but it has to meet the criteria. still has to meet the >> correct. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Board member Nishi, board

207member Macan. Yeah. So that's a separate B action item for separate purpose. So this is just to advise the board. they will work together in tandem because the land consultant is the expert. So they can guide the committee members right and they can guide the board. Uh so in in theory they should work in tandem um to present you know a report to the final report to the board that would meet your goal um and expectation but but they they serve two very different purposes. the land consultant will be consulting to the board um you know on on on how to maximize the value of your land right what is your goal and how to achieve it with their expertise right uh you don't have to do the land consultant but you must do the

2087-Eleven so legally before you thinking of leasing long-term or disposing any land you must do you must form a 7-Eleven committee right it's a process right they carry out their charge, make recommendation to the board. The board may choose to follow those recommendation or you can choose to set that aside and and and and and you know make you make the decision that's would be appropriate for our students. Again, tonight we don't have that information. Unite just approving the formation of the committee. In a future date, we'll bring back the appointment. >> Thank you, board member McCer Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, just potential questions like considering we we approve it um we get all of our um committee members approved, what when can we actually start the work? When can this committee

209start the work? as soon as you have seven members by these category. So the legal requirement that they have you have to appoint seven members if we can get it done by the next board meeting. Okay, >> you will do that and then they have to meet these criteria. You may appoint more but not more than 11. >> So could we as a as a district set a timeline? I'd like to have this in place before because I want the work to get done quickly. So what am I looking at? Am I looking at >> so you can approve the formation tonight and direct the superintendent to uh bring back at the next meeting uh a recommendation on the members and and a a process. So >> so do we just like you you open

210it up to for applications and we close it and then you do the lottery >> again that's one method it doesn't have to be that method >> tonight just the formation of the committee. >> Okay. And then um the next question is we have I I the the last person on here persons with expertise in environmental impact legal contracts, building codes, land use planning. I'm thinking how how do we involve the cities in this committee because ultimately we're going to be working with the cities where our school are consolidated. They need to be a part of this. How do we include them or how are we going to go about including them? >> If they meet the criteria, the members have to be in that. Uh like I said, a city manager or city staff

211is not a criteria. But if they meet one of the other criteria, then they should be the last 7-Eleven committee was in 2003 and there was a very prominent members for Artisia. Mr. Popfor was on the committee and he meet the the last criteria of the expert in legal contract building codes and land. >> That that's the one that that kind of like just like the other one the other committee taxpayer organization. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Thank you board clerk Mendoa. Any other this board discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor please say I. I. Motion passes. 70. Action item 4.8A. May I have a motion to approve request proposal ABC1689 Land Use Consultant to DCG Strategies Inc.? >> Second, Mr. W. >> Thank you. This is again per

212direction of the board. We are um the district went out and and issue uh RP request for proposal to eight firms. We received four responses. uh we review the responses, we make phone calls for reference checks and and talk to um the ones that we believe we want to make recommendation to. And tonight um we are recommending the board to approve uh DCG um as strategies as a land consultant for the district. So the and there's two part to this and tonight we only requesting approval of phase one which is the real estate consultant services. These are the expert. So let me back up uh a little bit and tell process and recommendations right. Uh DC have been in business for 20 years. They work extensively with many many school district similar to our sites

213like I mentioned here right u Inglewood school districta Ventura Hayward um so a number of school district they are the exclusive partner highly recommended by CSBA California schoolboard association so uh those are the positive that we're looking for because we want someone not just land expert but someone understand the school district business Right. And someone who come in can work with understand the community, work with you know uh reflect of the board in the community but at the same time maximize potential revenues for the district. So so that's the service that it will provide and they will work along with the 7-Eleven committee. What I like about this group is also they they understand education code extensively because like I said they work they have worked with school district up and down the state through

214this process. So they know the legal requirement of the 7-Eleven committee, the goal and how to um work in tandem with that committee to ensure that you know when when that committee report give a final report or recommendation report to the board that would meet your your goal and your expectation and your objective. So so that's where we are tonight. they are um the cost is $25,000 per site plus expenses not to exceed $2500. So potentially if you have four or five sites that they you want them to use then that just the cost and again this is just real estate consultant services right when you get to the point if you want whatever you want to do with um the this the surplus property then you may at your discretion retain them or somebody

215else to uh provide a service called brokerage service. So that's if you want to dispose a piece of land, right? No different than if you want to sell your house, you want a broker represent. So that is a second step in the process. Tonight it just land use consultant for the bore. >> Thank you. I said before it's not you don't have to but this is uh what was direction from the board and we highly recommend it for the return on investments of what you able to get uh maximizing because um potentially you know you have we have four or five district office uh four potential sites uh that could be revenues coming into the district. >> Thank you Mr. W. Any public comments? There are none. Mr. President, >> thank you board clerk Mendoza.

216Board member Yu. >> Thank you, President. Thank you, Tuan, for bringing this up. Uh, this is very important. I think that investing in a consultant and consulting company is very important because in ABC it's not just the four schools that we consolidated. There are other lands in the district, right, that can be looked at. Is that correct? Yes ma'am. >> Yeah. And also there's um we can have a we can be very creative in terms of uh you usage of different buildings and before the the bond money is used to to renovate the whole thing. we can have we it would be helpful to have a consultant look at and scope the whole entire district and come up with uh recommendations that would really be maximized. Right? So here on page 173 it kind of

217uh lays out the detail uh expertise in physibility studies, data gathering and analysis as well as recommendation of alternative business opportunities exploring both public and private use uh agreements. So not just for the public sector but private as well which would make it more competitive and better pricing uh and generating savings from operational expenses. So I am very um I I support the consultant because it's not like any one of us are really a cons you know we're not an expert but we do need experts um data because this is you know involves a large amount of money with all the the land and the properties you know so Thank you, board member. You board member Rios. >> I I don't know. I mean, right now we're talking about saving money and I don't know

218that we're going to have a whole lot of options with surplus properties. I mean, it's going to come down to maybe two, three options. I feel like we're going to establish a community hope I mean a committee hopefully that has some expertise in this area. So, yeah, I don't know that I'm convinced right now that we need to spend, you know, probably by the end and this is just per year, right? Like We're already I mean when would this potentially um be spent this fiscal year? Are we looking at next year? >> It depends on when they start doing the work. It could be this year or next year. Um if you want them to work sooner than it be this year, but it's not about fiscal year, it's about the site. So you would

219pay them $25,000 per site. >> So at a minimum, we're spending about $100,000. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, board member Rios. Board vice president Yokyama Buouie, >> when was the last time we've uh the district has had to form a 7-Eleven committee and or hired a consultant for um as proposed here tonight, a land use consultant. >> Correct. 2003 was the last time the district um former 7-Eleven committee I want to admit that but yeah I was part of that uh so we're through that we did not um retain a consultant uh because at the time we we didn't have a need for any school consolidations we thought we have some potential land but uh yeah but we didn't you know it's it it was a different time we at

220the >> And just this is a follow-up question and only because um I know we're we're really looking at that price tag. Would it possibly be something that um we can get contribution from city? So like for example, if it's in a Hawaiian Gardens area or if it's in a city of Cerritos, would they be willing to help us for with that cost? And and again, I don't know about conflict and all of that. So, I just want to put that question out there because we we are asking our city partners to help us through these tough times. >> Yes, we could ask that. >> Thank you, Vice President Yokoyama Buouie. Board member Nishi. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, so it says not to exceed 25,000. So, it's an hourly rate up to 25,000,

221correct? >> No. So, it's 25,000 per site. The hourly rate is if they were to work with the 7-Eleven committee, that's on an hourly rate. So when they when you want them to analyze the site and make recommendation for best use of the site, right, lease, sales, um the different method of doing that to meet all the legal requirements. So this is an analysis by site. >> So okay, because it looks here total not to exceed 25,000. So actually it's 25,000 per site. >> Yes. Whether it's super complicated or something simple like a vacant lot across the street. >> Well, it depends. Uh so if it's just like I said, one of those solid schools that's 25,000. If it's um the lot behind the district may not be. So we can negotiate. >> So okay.

222And that's what I'm going to uh request. Yes. >> That for some of the simpler ones that would take not as we've you've already done plenty of analysis on some of the sites in the city. >> Yes. um that maybe we could get uh we would provide the superintendent and staff the discretion to negotiate the 25,000 down on on a as as obviously the superintendent would have the authority to do so. That's all. >> Thank you board member Nishi or clerk Mendoza. >> Thank you Mr. President. Could our 711 committee potentially do the work of the consultant? >> Yes, ma'am. So um they don't have the expertise like a like a consultant right they they specialize in that they they can look at they can carry out the charges and and and make recommendation but

223like I said if you look at the compositions right there's teachers administrators parents so you rely on them right so so for for that process it's more reflective of the needs of the community and things that the consultant wouldn't know about the district. So their recommendation mostly reflect on that. The consultant um would come in and from their perspective as as real estate professionals um can work within the law uh to and with our legal counsel to make recommendation and with of course local agency meaning city for the best and highest use of the land and extract the maximum value out of that. The seven event committee, can they do that? I'm not going to say no. Yes, they can. But are they the professional real estate expert in in doing so? No. Because if

224you look at the category, right? So, it's more of they working with the consultant to let the consultant know the things that they wouldn't know about the community, about, you know, uh the culture, about, you know, the history. about you know what if so so it it's they almost complement each other but uh like I said um have to form the 7-Eleven committee which you did but you don't have to approve the consultant but uh if you want to ensure that uh you get the the the best value uh of the the surplus land um whether it's through the leasing process or or or or selling then consultant may be able to help So, I'm going to I'm going to ask my colleagues if they would consider to first let the 7-Eleven committee form and

225meet and discuss and then at a later time maybe bring back this item and to see if we need it because I think we're all kind of thinking the same thing that we need to spend the 25 >> board. Thank you, board clerk. Board member Macan. Um, I would agree with Miss Mendoza that, um, we might be able to get the right people on the bus, um, on this committee. And so, um, the only problem I'm having with this is that they're they're not going to be able to meet all the time where this is going to be the the job of this consultant group. They're going to be able to spend more time. It's going to be their actual job. This is going to be a committee that's going to meet whenever they can

226meet, right? But it's a lot of money to spend. Yes, I I would like to see this 7-Eleven committee form first. >> Thank you, board member McCann. Board member Rios. >> Yes. I also don't feel comfortable voting on this today because um I do want to see the kind of committee that we set up. I like the suggestion of reaching out to our city officials and I'd also be curious to like we know other districts have gone through this. they've done consolidations. I'm curious as to see if they've hired consultants because they've used or made decisions about their surplus property. And so I I'd like to ask staff to maybe look into that and do a little bit of research for us. I I'm not saying no, but I'm saying no today. >> Thank you.

227Board member Rios, board member you. So realistically when we had the the ad hoc committee for facility I mean uh everybody have a full-time job or retired and they meet once a month for um two hours and everybody have different opinion. Yeah. So um it'll really slow down. That's just a re realistic right. And for us board members too, it's not like we're going to spend 10 hours uh studying this before we come here. So um the the the committee is there to represent the community and different stakeholders to give input and direction. Correct. >> And make final recommendation to the board. >> Yes. So, we want someone and I I know that you no one no one feels comfortable. I mean, some of our board members don't feel comfortable voting tonight, but the we

228do need because it involves a lot of money. We do need some expert and professional um to give us the the analysis of the data, the numbers, and uh experience working with other districts. and um you know giving us that you know hard the the real numbers right so that's just just my two cents and uh I think it's okay but it will slow down and that's okay because we still need to get the 911 committee together I mean 711 committee together and that's going to take some time and if we don't vote this today later it'll delay but that that's okay >> thank you board member you just a time check we have 15 minutes left in our meeting uh board member Nishi >> I'll be really really quick. I think it's um I'm

229okay with waiting a meeting as well, but I think it's penny wise pound foolish. We're talking $10 million, $20 million. We're not going to spend $25,000 to get the best deal for our students ever. I think that it's hard to ask for people to give a $10 million opinion and volunteer to do it because it's there's a like for example, I don't have enough professional liability to cover that. It's going to cost me thousands to do that. So, uh, we may not get we may not get the advice value that we get from free advice. We might get it and so we can I'm I'm okay with waiting but not too long because uh we need to make a decision on these properties. It's been follow for a while since I started here. We have

230some properties that's been here follow eight years. That's >> Thank you board member Nishi. Vice President Yokamabui. >> Yes. Um I do believe we're going to need um a real estate expert professional who can provide their education, experience, and input. Um, I do also think we have a concern about potential conflict and I feel like as much as we don't um like to have consultants come in and give us their opinion about things, they uh the goal is to have a un um unbiased party to be able to be there because I know, you know, if if you get a community member in who's really pushing for something, we're going to have to look at why they want that so bad. So with that said, I do want to ensure that we have um conflictfree

231potential consultant. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice President Tokyama Buouie. >> Board member Rios, >> I'm still concerned that here we are talking about saving money. Um I mean it may be my own personal opinion, but it is going to come down to a vote of do we sell or do we lease. And I don't know that we need to spend $100,000 um for somebody to remind us of that. Um I I I like to think that staff can I mean we've had these kind of discussions before can support in some of these efforts. Um about what the potential um money would be. Uh again, yeah, I'm just today I'm not convinced. Um I we're going to have to come back and approve the committee. Maybe at that time we'll be a little bit more

232convinced of whether or not we need this committee, at least me. Um, but I motion that we table this to the next board. >> Is there a second? >> Can we can we amen make amendment? And can we I think we're going to be in the same situation. If I can ask a question of staff that might might kind of when when we can bring this up just for the public. When will the savings from school consolidations kick into our budget? So, um, my understanding from Mr. Wen and the work he's done on that, we will probably see that in about a year and a half. >> We're going to continue to >> correct it. At the end of this year, we will have savings, but it will it will take a bit to catch

233up because we still have to close everything down. Um, Mr. one, maybe you could be more specific about when we would see the um savings from the consolidation of two schools this year. When you anticipate that would be seen in our budget, >> it will be in the 26 27 school year. >> I'm comfortable with seconding uh Dr. Rios's motion to table to the next meeting. >> Well, I thank you for that. But one that Juan's back is this consultant going to be talking to people as far as like giving us like okay this person wants to offer this for lease versus this person wants to offer this for a purchase. >> So that's the next step. So uh you are asking them to do brokerage service right? So >> that that's different. Tonight it's

234just land you >> they would analyze it. They look at different zoning. They would look at the market. they would recommend what is how much potentially you can best maximizing that right uh what's your goal so if the board were to say we want to dispose two and keep two for long-term lease to to generate income so you may do that or you might give them direction that you know we want to lease all four we don't want to sell any of anything and but uh go out and and bring back a proposal that would be maximizing that. So they would have to work with the city for zoning purposes obviously, right? And how to maximize uh you know the property. So >> thank you Mr. W. >> My motion's back on the floor then

235I'd be more comfortable motioning this today. >> So to clarify your motion is to table today's item to the next meeting. >> Correct. >> And there's a second by Ernie. >> Yes. >> Any discussion on the table? Um, just really quickly based on what Mr. Noen has just reviewed, the consultant will do. Our cities have planning departments, our cities have community development. So, and again, I want to I I want to remove any potential conflict that our city may have, but we have people at our community who who can handle those things. So, if it somehow we can work and make it independent and unbiased, those may be resources at our disposal. But thank you. Thank you, board member McAff. >> Um, I'm just going back to the facilities committee that I was on and

236we didn't make a lot of progress. And so, um, if we can get this 7-Eleven committee together quickly and we can look at the the composition of it and think that it's worthwhile, then I'd say, okay, we we can do that and postpone this decision um about the land consultant. But when I think about the facilities committee and how far we didn't get, it was pretty discouraging. >> Understood. Thank you, board member Mcken. remember you. >> Yes, they can. >> Yes, once we finish discussion. >> No, no. >> The motion on the table now is to table this item to the next meeting. There's a second. We're having discussion if we would want the table. Um, are you done with your item? Okay. Board member Rios. >> Well, again, it's going to be our decision.

237Ultimately, this committee is not going to make the decision. It's going to be a recommendation and just like the facilities committee, we had a consultant. They spent a lot of time. So, it's going to probably be a lot like that again. But ultimately, it's going to be our decision about what we do with surplus. >> Okay. Thank you. Seeing no other or discussion, uh, can I have a roll call vote? >> Mrs. McCaten, >> Mr. Nishi, >> the table. So, yes, for one meeting. >> We're just tableabling for one meeting. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Nishi. >> Yes. >> Dr. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mrs. U. Mrs. Mendoza, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yokayyama Buoy, >> yes. >> Mr. Nyola, >> yes. >> Motion passes 6 to one. >> So, this item will be moved

238to the next agenda. Uh, moving into board members reports. Uh, you guys have a minute and 10 seconds each. Sorry, >> board vice president Yokoyama Buouie. >> Um I attended district innovation celebration by our um Dr. Lawrence Gar open house sters open house. I attended Honk Jr. performed by Whitman Elementary. I was able to see Camino El Exito in action the mentoring program for students at Willow Elementary. I watched Matilda Jr. the musical at Burbank Elementary. I also saw in action Voices United which was part of the LCAP story. Carmenita open house, city of Cerritos's festival of friendship held at the city of Cerritos performing arts center featuring some of our ABC students. ABCUSD district musical year in town head start meeting at Kennedy Tets openhouse and award ceremony. District spelling B learning walk at

239Artisia High School led by Dr. Francois Warz family art night of remembrance at Whitney High School. Very very powerful black family circle black educators event featuring touching tributes by our students for the educators who inspire and motivate them. Girl up summit at Sudos High School. I was invited to speak on a panel along with board member Mendoza. Very cool. Seraptos Seroptimus Monte Carlo night. I was a guest reader at Hawaiian Elementary. Leo Elementary for kinder and fifth grade classes. Peter Panaggore High School. PCN39 39th annual Filipino cultural night at Whitney High School featuring students from not only Whitney but high schools in our ABC community and junior highs as well. >> Thank you, Vice President Yoki Yamaboui, board member Nishi. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to skip a couple months. Just went to

240the Huarez literacy event. That was great. Uh Artisia volleyball at this supervisor's office. That was also fun. You're in town. Uh we honored Mr. Zamora with the certificate. That was great. Spelling be honk voices united was great. Do for a couple days that was great. Kappell I wanted to thank uh uh Mr. Glanch miss uh Dr. uh Balwena and Dr. Ha for their participation and ability to really express the issues very clearly and I think we're going to make a change in the larger community as well throughout Kapple. Uh read for Leo serious girls basketball I got to watch a game that was awesome and I toured serious high school. I want to thank Dr. Rios also for uh or actually wanted to commend Dr. Rios for being uh honored by the city for during

241women's history month. That's it. >> Thank you board member Nishi board member Rios. >> Okay, I'll make it fast also. We're on speed mode. Sopimist event was awesome. It's always uh really nice to participate in that event because I get to we get to run into other elected officials and um it's kind of fun to also gamble with a lot of play money >> and not Yeah. um, Youth Hall of Fame. Uh, shout out to Lakewood, the city of Lakewood for hosting this event. A lot of our students are recognized for being um, excellent athletes. I am really proud that my son was recognized for performer of the year in baseball. Um, and kind of want to bring light to what was brought up today. I found it very concerning that, you know, we do

242have an issue with our coaches and hopefully we can't uh revisit that because, you know, every meeting we we not every meeting, but most meetings we do recognize the amazing work of our athletes, the incredible investment that's made by families. And so I do want to know that we have coaches that are the best that we can get and that they're compensated. Um, city of Cerritos, thank you, uh, fellow board member Nishi for being there. Um, Another shout out to uh the city of Cerritos, to Mayor Yokoyama. It it's really nice to know that they value leadership, service, and the contributions of women um to our district. And yes, I was incredibly honored to be recognized by them. And in recognition of Women's History Month, I want to celebrate the incredible contributions of women who

243shape our schools and community each day, our superintendent or cabinet members. Um, as a board member, I am especially mindful of the importance of uplifting girls and young women in our schools, uh, and women in general in our district, ensuring that they see themselves as leaders, scholars, and change makers, and supporting our students especially to so they can succeed in a path they choose. Um, I also want to dedicate uh the our women educators whose guidance, care, and leadership inspire our students daily. their impact reaches far beyond uh the classrooms helping to build confidence, opportunity, and a brighter future of the next generation. Um we got to see some of those highlights in in the women that spoke in the Camino Alexito and other programs. So during women's history month, um we honor the women

244who came before us, celebrate those who lead today, and continue working to ensure ensure that girls in our schools know every their potential, her potential is limited. >> Thank you, Dr. Railos. Board member you. >> Thank you. Make it really quick. Um, thank you to our district for working on and uh, Scott Smith for working on the marketing update. 4.7 million impressions, weekly e newsletter, social media ads, you know, uh, the district is doing everything to to work on uh, increasing the enrollment. So, the whole district is working together. I want to thank the teachers and all the different uh employee and labor groups for doing your work and working hard to cooperate and collaborate with us. Really appreciate all your work because it it's you guys who do the work in the classrooms and

245you know around the buildings that does make our school run and thrive. And uh as I visited the the Cerritos high school during the learn learn learning walk, I was very inspired by I was very inspired by the the different diversity of the students in the AP US history class and how the teacher was on top of things and the kids' eyes were shining like stars. So I was really inspired. So that's it. I'm going to make it short. >> Thank you board member. You board clerk Mendoza. >> Okay, I'm going to go really fast. I attended Cerrito's high school open house, Burbank Elementary, Matilda, Voices United. I presented to the city of Artisia during their city council meeting. Thank you to Scott Smith for helping me with that. I attended the diversity unity equity

246board advisory committee. I was on the girls summit panel with um board uh president, vice president ah uh Yoko Yamaboui. Um I attended this weekend the Artisa baseball softball opening day and just want to congratulate all of our women um celebrating women's history month. All right. Thank you, board clerk Mendoza. Announcements. Next regular board meetings, Tuesday, April 17th at 7 p.m. District board office. >> You didn't give me my chance. >> Oh, sorry. You didn't click it. >> I have to choose my button. >> Board member Macan. Go ahead. >> Okay, fast 30 seconds. Uh, where is art night? Day of remembrance. Thank you, Mr. Nishi. Learning walks at GAR for longtime English learners and others engaged in the learning process. um learning walks at willow um using the youthfly curriculum for foundational skills liquid

247um athletic hall of fame reday at Hawaiian and Leo um star to miss Monte Carlo night the spelling bee and two plays at gar put on by Mrs. Morris and I've got to say she does a really good job. Two two plays back toback, Peter Pan and six. >> Thank you, board member McCann. Uh for all future announcements, you can check our ABC website. Dates to remember local holidays April 3rd, 2026. Spring break is April 6th through 10th. Uh we're going to skip second public comments. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second, Tatio. >> All in favor, please say I. I. >> Meeting is adjourned at 11:01.