001[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Daddy. [Music] Call this meeting to order. >> Roll call. >> President, Mr. Mr. Nishi, >> I am here. >> Vice President, Mr. Nyola, clerk, Mrs. Yokoyama Buui, >> present. >> Board member, Mrs. McCaten. Board member, Mrs. Mendoza, >> present. >> Board member Dr. Rios. >> Board member Mrs. U. >> Here. >> This evening, we'll be discussing the following items in close session. Public employee discipline, dismissal, release, evaluation, six matters. Government s section 54957. Conference with the labor negotiator. uh update on negotiations with ABCFT, AFSCME and CSEA pursuant to government code section 54957.6. We will be discussing a conference
002with real property negotiator two matters government code section 54956.8, the Alandre property and the district office property for the lot behind nutrition services. We'll be discussing existing litigation uh two matters pursuant to government code section 54956.9. The government will be going to close session pursuant to 5495 54956.9D1 to discuss two matters but has determined that specifically identifying the matters would jeopardize its ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations to its advantage. We'll also be discussing special education settlement agreement or set potentially with student OAH 2025080991 pursuant to government code section 5495 6.9. Are there any public comments on close session? >> Yes, we have one. >> David Pelman Powman. >> Thank you. David Pileman. I cannot give my full address in public as the governor has ruled that it that their word in my street name
003is racist. But let let it just be said that I live in the southeast portion of Cerritos. As I said in 2023 when I previously spoke during this portion of your meeting, it's probably unusual for someone to speak during the public comment section prior to a close session, but an item requires my comment prior to you going into close session. According to the posted agenda for this closed session meeting appears that you are again dealing with the Alander property jointly owned by Norwok Lom Marada and you I previously addressed the board on this issue as I'm not privy to all of the data that you have received and or will receive tonight. Just let me give you some of the data which I know. When I spoke before, we knew we were dealing with a
004parcel that was adjacent to a former swap meet that was used for parking for the Excelsier football field and auditorium. We knew that the Lam Marada Stadium was being remodeled and that there were plans to build a stadium at Glenn High School. Therefore, we knew that this parking lot would no longer be needed for parking for football games at the Excelsier Field. Justifiably, we knew why Norwok Lamarado was willing to part with this parcel. We had heard that the city of Norwok had approved a 209 unit housing development adjacent to this parcel. At that time, there was no estimate when this development would be built. Therefore, at the time, the value of this parcel was unknown. Because I was working on the logistics of the request by Srito's high school parents to have a pool
005constructed on the campus. I was investigating several items which might uh facilitate the pool construction or an alternate option. I visited the site. I had conversation with more than one Lamada Norwok staff member including either Florence, the director of facilities for the for that district whose office happened to be in the Excelsier building. At that time, I encourage the board to not be hasty in their liquidation of this property. Unfortunately, today, a physical observation of the area would lead one to believe the residential project will not materialize. But in visiting Norwok City Hall yesterday, I discovered that the plans have been drawn for the development and it has been in the plan check process for several months. The best guess of the Norwok planning staff is that the plan check process will be completed by
006the end of 2025. This of course does not mean that the development will be shovel ready immediately after that date. So I again ask you to be cautious in the decisions you make. The property would on the face of it appear of low value, but its potential for retail or additional parking for this residential development still exists. Sprouts Market would not have decided to build here unless they expected apartments to appear. I'd appreciate your consideration. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other public comments? >> None. >> Thank you. I have a motion to uh close session. Second. >> All in favor say I. >> Motion passes six to zero. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Hey, [Music] Hey, [Music] tell [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]
007Heat. Heat. [Music] [Laughter] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] Hey hey. [Music] Hey [Music] ain't [Music] Hey. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] down. [Music] Hey everybody, [Music] hey [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Guide [Music] god. Yeah, [Music] you [Music] got die. [Music] How are you? [Music] Got me [Music] go die. Guide. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] Heat up [Music] here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] D. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] do hey [Music] do [Music] the [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music]
008Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. Hey a [Music] a [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] a [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] a [Music] a [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Hey, [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] EF. AFSCME and CSEA pursuant to government code section 54957.6. We had a conference with real property negotiators. Two matters. Government code section 54956.8. The Alandre property and the district property located uh behind nutrition services. We discussed uh existing litigation two matters pursuant to government code section 54956.9. In close session, the board discussed and approved a special settlement special education settlement agreement in the amount
009of $119,500, attorney's fees of $10,000, compensatory education of $75,000, non-public school placement January 26 to June 26 of 30 thou 4,500 for OAH 2025 by a vote of 7 to zero Tonight we'll have a pledge of allegiance by Burbank Elementary School. They're accompanied by their principal, principal uh Dr. Jessica Hag, uh assistant principal Miss Hernandez, and student council adviserss Miss Dell, Miss Minhan, and Miss Lopez. Good evening, President Nishi, Vice President Naola, Clerk Yokohama Buouie, distinguished board members, Superintendent Dr. Zitlo, cabinet members, and community members. I'm Kingston, Burbank Student Council President, and Dog Squad Captain. >> I'm Vienna, Burbank Student Council Vice President. >> I'm Dominique, Burbank Student Council Secretary. I'm Mission Bourbing Student Council Treasurer. >> I'm Amelia, Bourbing Spirit Squad Captain. We would like to invite you to join us in the Pledge
010of Allegiance. Please stand. Put your right hand over your heart and place the flag. Ready? Begin. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> You may now be seated. >> We're here tonight as your special guides to showcase our amazing bulldog pride. With over two dozen cultures and spirits to spare, we are so excited we get to share. >> Our studies are focused on skills that we need like math, tech, and science to succeed. We built a community of readers who are critical thinkers and natural leaders. Our magnet program is truly unique. Stop by and you can take a peek at our folk arts, dance class, and musical plays, and a
011studio where our skills are displayed. Our cultural heritage is a melting pot. We embrace the diversity that we got. We hail from Indian, Chinese, and Nepali shores, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and so much more. When it comes to school spirit, nobody beats us. In the morning, there's a Paw Patrol to greet us. We've got recess rallies in the quad and the only hip-hop team and cheerleading squad. >> There's so many notable Burbank features. our classroom, colleges, track team, and great teachers. But since our time to share is almost out, we'll just invite you to come see what we're all about. >> Go Bulldogs. >> Oh, wow. [Applause] And our mascot, the bull the bulldog is here. We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. And we brought a treat for everyone in celebration. >> I know what this is.
012>> Yes. You want to take a picture? >> Yes. >> All right. Take a picture. >> We would like a picture if that's okay. >> Absolutely. [Applause] I think you can't leave without a few board comments and questions. So, we'll start with board member Leticia Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. You said my full name. I feel like I'm I'm in trouble or something because they only call say my parents only say my full name when I'm in trouble. Thank you, Burbank, for being with us here tonight. Um, Burbank is in my trusty area in the city of Artisia. And I'm proud to be their their board member. And I especially like your mascot because I'm a bulldog. I went to Garfield High School and so Garfield High School were bulldogs. And once you're a
013bulldog, you're a bulldog for life. Okay. I really enjoyed hearing all of the activities that you're doing. I know we talked in in the hallway that sometimes I can't make it because I'm a first grade teacher and I'm so tired. >> I'm like a little bulldog when I get home. I just got to sleep. Okay. But I have something for you. You can only get these stickers here at the boardroom. Can you count how many students are here so I can >> tear them off? Five. One, two, three, four, five. I'll give you an extra one for the bulldog. Okay. Can you send someone up? So, these are special stickers. You can only get them here at the boardroom. You're welcome. I don't put them like on on your like materials at in your school.
014I don't know if your teachers like that, but you guys can put them in the mask. >> Yeah. Not on books or anything. Water bottles are good. But thank you guys so much. I will make it out to your school. I just can't tell when, but I'll be out there. Um and I I want a picture. Can I take a picture with the bulldog before is the bulldog still here? >> Time may have passed. >> A little warm. >> Okay. >> I think he went on a walk. The dog went on a walk >> next time when I when I go visit. But thank you so much. You guys did an amazing job. Thank you for being leaders at your school. Um, can I ask you one thing? You shared so many great things about
015Burbank. Can I ask you a question? If there's something that you would like us to change or support you at your school, what would it be? So, I'm going to give you a couple seconds to think about. What would you like the board to help help the school support you guys? A program or something? >> It could be anything you want. Like I can't give you more Reese's time. That's not That's not I can't do that. Okay. No. >> Well, Millie, will you tell the board um what our musical is this year and what part you will play? >> Um so our musical for this year is Matilda and I am playing Matilda. >> Um I'd like some help and support with the stage >> stage on it. >> All right. >> Thank you so
016much. Um, and just to the community, we went to a conference this weekend and we heard about all the great things that our student leaders come and tell us, but we want to hear the things that we are able to support you with. Okay? So, it's nothing too little, nothing too big, because we are here to support you. So, I'm going to look at the superintendent and say we're working on stage. Okay? Thank you. Go Bulldogs. >> We have another comment. Uh uh Miss McChatten, board member Mchaten, >> um I was very impressed with how you told us about what's happening at your school in Rhyme. Um you did a great job on that. And um I went to your back to school night and was very impressed with um with all the things that
017are happening in your classrooms and you just seem to have a lot of spirit. So continue on with that. And um when is Matilda? >> It's late January. >> Okay, we have some time. Okay, thank you so much. >> Rosa, as always, we'll email you the dates. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Board member U. >> Yes. Thank you, President Nishi. I just want to share the the president. >> You you had an awesome unique voice just grabbed everyone's attention. Thank you guys. You guys did such a great presentation today. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, does anybody remember a Godzilla last year at your trunk or treat? >> So, that was me, but I've I Dr. uh actually Dr. Uh, board member Leticia Mendoza was there as well. I remember her booth was
018very cool as well. So, she's there also. You just don't always see her there. Um, yeah. And you guys have some great volunteers. Not just uh not just parents are really important, but people from the community come out to this school regularly daily. They don't have any kids at the school. They just come out and that's kind of an amazing thing to have that kind of support from the general community. So, you guys have a great Christmas program. We had a great international program that I get to see and not always the same countries all the time. It's just a unique like I heard songs about Kenya and um I just don't even remember all the songs but they were all all over the place. Not not always the ones that you would normally typically
019pick. So thank you for providing a real variety of things and and um did any of your parents come here today? Can they please stand up? No, don't raise your hand. We're not in classroom. Stand up. Thank you. These kids were very articulate. I know that the future of ABC is well guaranteed with these kids uh and your you have parents supporting them. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> And this is a good theater program. I I I'm going to go see that Matilda. We got to figure out when that date is going to be. Yeah. All right. Uh the next item is spotlight on teaching and learning. We'll have presentation. Okay. Attendance awareness month. Dr. Castro or actually Dr. Ricardo Lewis. Good evening board members, board president Nisha, Vice President Nyola, clerk Yokoy
020Yamaboy, and other esteemed board members, superintendent Zitlo and executive cabinet. I'm Ricardo Loyce, the director of secondary schools. Some of my work also falls under child welfare and attendance. This evening I'm with Miss Hana Mata, who is our pupil services and attendance coordinator in CWA, and we're talking a little bit about attendance. September is attendance awareness uh month and we're going to talk a little bit about our attendance awareness campaign as well as some of the services that we provide throughout the year in the area of attendance and improving student attendance. We provide some of the research base. Um I won't go point by point because you could see them there, but there is a a strong research base that if kids come to school regularly, they have better academic outcomes. It's pretty common sense,
021but it's been proven more and more. And if we see students having attendance difficulties early on in their education, they're more likely to continue throughout their education and we see poor academic outcomes at the end of their educational journey such as reduced graduation rate, reduced performance in academic areas. So attendance is a very important issue especially post pandemic where across the nation after CO 19 we've seen attendance rates drop throughout the nation. chronic absenteeism increasing and chronic absenteeism is one of our California dashboard measures and it's simply uh any student who's missed more than 10% of the school year. So that's 18 absences and we've seen an increase across the state and in our district. Um attendance work is connected to our strategic plan and our LCAP plan. Uh in terms of the strategic plan
022which the board approved a few meetings ago, it is specifically tied to direction two improving students to be empowering students to be successful. Um we not only support students academically but we support them with such things as behavior and missing school and attendance concerns are behavioral. They could be attached to social emotional challenges or other issues. Um it is specifically tied to priority 2A in developing a comprehensive support plan because when a student is chronically absent, there are usually other issues that we have to support. Could be anxiety, it could be um you know challenges within the home, whatever it is, we have to work with students and families to try uh to get them back to school in a comprehensive manner. It is also tied to our local control and accountability plan. Uh goal
023number two, student connectedness, which is one of the measures that we look at. So that just kind of grounds the work in our strategic plan and our LCAP plan and specifically 2.1 in the LCAP which is technical assistance to school staff on attendance improvement. And that's some of the work that Miss Mata is engaged in each and every day. With that, I'm going to turn it over to Miss Mata who's going to talk a little bit about our student um attendance awareness campaign in the month of September. So good evening board president Nishi, esteemed board members, superintendent Dr. Zitlo and executive cabinet. As you know, September attendance is attendance awareness month. And um here we have our graphic. Um all schools were provided a slide deck to uh present um on back to school night
024on the importance of attendance. We want to make sure that all school sites um are sending the a consistent message across all school sites u to parents whether it's at their back to school nights at their parent workshops or parent meetings that they hold. Um banners and this graphic were uh sent to school sites to promote their attendance awareness month and their campaign. Um we did um um present this uh as a theme right so our theme for this school year is here today ready for tomorrow. So, we came up with fun theme days, dress up days for our students to dress up. Um, and the purpose of our campaign is to build community within the school sites. Um, to build connections uh among staff members, um, to build positive routines and, uh, support learning.
025And here we see our some of our students participating in pajama day. Um, pajama day is a very popular dress up theme day for our campaigns and amongst other school sites. As other school sites also um have several uh theme days throughout the school year to promote and increase attendance. Um, I know some of our school sites such as Ferguson, they have uh they wear a school uniform. Um, so based on their attendance, that was part of their attendance improvement plan. If students hit a goal, they um get a dress up day such as pajama day. So, um, as of Tuesday, September 9th, our district-wide, um, daily attendance is at 97.43%. So, that is really great. We want to continue the work, um, and work with different school sites to keep this as an increased
026positive attendance. >> And it might be on your mind where we at where were we at at the same point last year? We're at about 96%. So, even given some of the um conditions in the community where where families and students may have challenges getting to school that were different from last year, we're still seeing a positive attendance trend as of last week. But the work goes beyond campaigns and um celebrations in September. Some of the work that Miss Mata is engaged in each and every day is providing targeted support to schools with high chronic absenteeism. She has six schools that she works with specifically. Her work is grounded in um you know researchbased strategies working on plan do study act plans that are very short to try to you know make um actionable changes
027in a short period of time and those schools are Aloha Elementary School, Artisia High School, Fetty Middle School, Melbourne Elementary School, Palm Elementary School, Palms Elementary School, excuse me, and Willow Elementary School. Uh she also provides monthly data reports to school sites on which students are chronically absent at at that point in time at the end of a month. Um, chronic absenteeism is a moving target because depending on the number of days that are in school, your chronic absently students will shift. Um, because early on the year, you know, if it's been four days of school and you missed two days of school, you've missed 50% of the school year. Once we get to 180 days, then you could have the true measure. But she provides monthly data reports. She also uh prints out attendance
028um notices to families that are having um struggles with attendance, which are legally mandated through California Ed Code. She also supports with home visits. We encourage our sites to conduct home visits with students that are chronically absent. Sometimes we have more challenging cases and Miss Mata will go out with a site administrator or staff member to visit the homes and to try to find out why the student is not attending school and supporting them and re-engaging them with their education, getting them back at the school site. Also, as you can see, he's working on monthly uh school recognitions. You know, this month we'll probably focus on the schools with the best attendance, but maybe in months to come, who's improved the most, who's had the lowest chronic absenteeism, and promoting those things with our communication
029officer. So, we know that our community is well aware that attendance is an ongoing um piece of work in education that we have to support. And finally, she coordinates our district SARB, our student attendance review board. Uh those are our most uh extreme cases with students with the largest challenge who've gone through the support system of their school site who have been through student attendance review teams at the site and their attendance still has not improved. They go to the district committee which is coordinated by Miss Mata includes members of the LA County District Attorney's Office, local law enforcement and other community agencies. Uh the field of SARBs are very different. When I first started in education 20 years ago, they they were very punitive in nature and now they're they're focused on getting students
030and families the support that they need. It's not seen as particularly punitive. It's about re-engaging the student and re-engaging the family. So, that's a little bit about um student, excuse me, attendance awareness month in September. Some of our attendance work that takes place throughout the year. Uh we're open to any questions that you may have and if we don't have the answers, we'll get them to you in the board update. >> All right. Our member Dr. Rios Thank you so much for the report. I'm very happy to see that we're being um very intentional with our efforts to improve attendance. We know that attendance is absolutely tied to to achievement. I am going to tell you that I'm incredibly concerned that five of the six schools are in area six Lakewood schools um that have
031chronic absenteeism. Please um let me know how we can support. Um, I like to think that the efforts are double down there, that there's a lot of money being invested in supporting um with tangible um things like extra staff. Like I can't imagine one person trying to address um severe chronic absentism issues at six schools. Um yeah, very concerned. Um please keep us posted. I love that you know you're having events and again awareness. Um, a lot of you know I've been in education for 26 years. And when I was a principal, my best attendance day was Valentine's Day. >> You know, we know that culture and climate is tied to student attendance. We got to get kids to want to come to schools. So, please continue your efforts. Let's figure out what it's going
032to take to get our kids there. It'd be hard for me to believe that out of the entire district. You know, more kids get sick in Lakewood or or something. So, let's figure it out and, you know, let's support them in ways that they need to be supported. Thank you for the work you're doing. Thank you. Um, board member Mendoza. >> Oh, you went to board member Mendoza. You didn't call my name. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you so much for the report because I I've been very vocal about doing, you know, spirit days for schools and I wanted it to be um something that we as a district support our schools so they don't have to be coming up with ideas. So, I was so happy to see all the social media social media
033posts doing all of the spirit days. Um, and thank you so much because as board members we get weekly data reports and I look at those because we want our kids in school. Um, and I did notice that there there was a lot of schools that, you know, needed some support. Um, I did also notice that our days and this we're we're educators. We know this. The days that kids miss the most are Mondays and Fridays. You know, we understand we're parents. We got to take them to, you know, doctor's appointments, whatever. Um, but I would like to see like Dr. Dr. Rio said in those schools that are missing Mondays and Fridays, we need to come up with a plan, right? Just specifically for each school site because like Dr. Rio said, each school
034site has their own culture. So, I would like to see what we're doing for those schools because we know like Dr. Rio said, every we you said it, if kids aren't in school, they're not learning, and we need them to be in school. So, parents, we also need your support. Those of you here and those of you who are listening um via YouTube, we need your support to send your children to school. Um, it's really difficult when your child is absent and they miss a day and they come back and they they falling behind. And as a primary teacher, it is so important for the children to be there because research shows that when they go home and they're, you know, in their calm state, their little brain is replaying everything that they learned that
035day, whether it be through homework, through talks with their parents. So, it's really important for them to be there because then they mess up, they're behind. Can I have a question? As a district, what is considered chronic absence? How many absence does a child have before we say you're chronic and we need to intervene? Is it five? Is it seven? Is it 10? >> It's it's a rolling number. So by at the end of the year it would be 18. >> Okay, that's really high. >> 10%. So So if we're on day, let's say we're on day 30, three, three absences at this point would make you chronically absent. But at the end of the year, if you stayed at three, you wouldn't be chronically absent. So it's a rolling number. based on the day
036of schools. >> So what what as a district what is our number the entire school year? Is it you are considered chronic if you're because seven to me is like or even five that's a week of miss instruction time. So can we come up with a number that we can tell our parents if you're more than eight days the entire year you're chronic like you've missed eight days of instructional. Now if you get that in your first three months of school like you know you you already past that. So I think as a district we need to come up with some guidelines to tell our parents because I don't think our parents understand that. I don't think they understand what's me one day here one day but if they miss one day every month and
037it adds up that's chronic and I think that's where we need to intervene and give those supports. So if we can come up with 18 that's a lot. I think that's too many for a child to get to 18 days. I think it needs to be less. >> Yeah. >> Because 18 days that's almost a month of school that you missed. I think as a district we need to come up with something closer to, you know, 10 or 12 because if we give them the 18 days, guess what? We're going to take the 18 days. >> Just to give you a little bit of insight into the mechanics, every month, Miss Monta produces reports for the students that are considered chronic chronically absent at that point in time. Um, also school sites through our our
038student information system database, Aries. Any school site could go on to Aries Analytics. it's a technical term, but they could see a list of the students who are chronically absent at their school in real time. So, um, our administrators and school sites know how to leverage those resources. And we have ongoing conversations about how to improve. Today, Miss Mata looking at some of the, um, the data, you know, software packages that we're looking at at the district educ. It's a lot more nuanced than Aries. She's now able to see who's 50% at this point and send a message to those student attendance review teams at the site. So, it's it's ongoing work and and the sites are are are well aware and have systems in place. One of the challenges with attendance work is every
039year there's there going to be groups of kids that don't come to school. So, it's it's an ongoing challenge and it's engaging and supporting our administrators that it's ongoing work just like academics. Every year there going to be different students that may need the supports. >> It is and I appreciate the work that you're doing. I I see I see the difference. I see the reports every week and I I do look at them. I read them and I I send questions to the superintendent. So, I thank you for the report and I do um I'm going to follow up with Dr. Rios. I do think that those schools need extra support and it can't just be like I know you can't do that all that work. So, if we can support them. Thank you.
040>> Uh board clerk Buouie. >> Thank you, President Nishi. Thank you, Dr. Lloyd and Mrs. Mata. Um again, like echoing my the comments of my fellow board members, thank you for the work you do. Um every child um especially those who who may experience the absenteeism h have individual issues we all we all have to work through. Um educators, families have expressed to me sometimes just just anxiety and just the mental um capacity it takes to have to come to school is a lot for some kids. Uh so even if we do all the work, we make all the calls, we help the parents, ultimately if a kid is going through something, that's where that's the where the support has to be. Uh and and what a challenge, you know, especially a after co. So
041thank you for the work you do. Uh I I was honored to attend CLSBA, the California Latino School Board Association, with my fellow board members this past week. Um and something that was brought up by one of the workshops uh was related to having programs at the schools where the kids are excited about like Dr. Rio said maybe Valentine's Day or something that just you know gives a spark for the kids. We've identified the schools that maybe have some um concerns I I guess at this particular he was the former New York City chancellor Mr. Karanza, he started as a teacher, he started a mariachi band at his elementary school. He was he was a band uh player himself. So for him, he spearheaded that and he had this inspirational story about how he uh
042all the kids in a in in not the best neighborhood all started wanting to come to school because they felt represented. They felt their culture there. So that's something, you know, I I know we're very hopeful at our meetings and we always talk about, you know, our our wish list for things for at our particular schools, finding that for these kids and making sure these kids feel uh help and feel support there uh and doing something that they love to do, that one special thing that will bring them to school. And maybe that's where we can, you know, any additional funding we can get to help support these kids can go to that as well. So thank you. Thank you board member U. >> Thank you President Nishi. Uh thank you Dr. Lois and Maza
043for um spearheading this campaign very very important for our entire district you know um for chronic absenteeism that's in my thought it's related to students who have problem not just you know being lazy here and there or sick here and there but chronic is something that uh they have some problem at home could be an abuse negligence or mental you know shutdown or addiction and parents have no control. So I was like, hm, kids like that need I wonder how the home visits are done. And then I saw the support with home visits. So that was so encouraging. Can you tell us a little bit about how the home visits are conducted? >> So there is a referral process. Obviously we encourage the school sites to go out on their own if that is possible.
044Um, we want to make sure that, you know, the school site has exhausted all interventions possible at the school site to meet with the families to try to re-engage them back into school. Um, and to offer and provide resources, right? Whether it's a counselor or MHP at the school site, an admin member. Um, they are likely to have connected with the school site, with the student at the school site at some point. Um, but once the referral process is filled out, then that's when C.WA gets involved and then we schedule something with the team, right? if they are able to go. Sometimes it's a counselor, the MHP or an administrator. Um, and we go out to the site. Um, depending on the family, it might be announced or not announced depending if the student um,
045you know, is willing for us to come in as well. Like let's say they're experiencing mental health issues, right? So, we don't want to just come in unannounced to the student. So, we kind of give them that warning um, with the MHP involved. So we can facilitate a discussion >> um you know try to convince them to come back to school let them know that there are supports at the school site make sure the parent is aware of that as well. So we def we definitely take that into consideration. We also have a two pay coordinator um who also um has gone with us on home visits to deal with those students who have maybe some type of addiction. Um so we we offer those supports as well. >> Thank you. I mean for students,
046children especially under like 18 when there's a caring adult even if there's one caring adult around their life you know we can save them from falling. Yeah. So that's I think very important and another point that I wanted to bring up is obviously you're just one person but not just the schools mentioned here but I think the problem does uh persist in all other entire district other schools too I mean mental health kids with addiction these days like boys can easily fall into addiction and they just can't get up so they don't go to school for days and the parents are so helpless they don't know what to do. I think those those parents need resources. They're desperate, right? So, how do you uh coordinate with um engage with school counselors because they're the ones
047who work closely and they see and monitor, you know, chronic absence five days in a row. That's an alert, right? And this campaign I think will be very helpful to encourage the counselors to pay attention and to care about the students that they are in charge of and bring it up to you or bring it up to um the administration. How does that work? >> Um so each school site has a SAR team. So it's a student attendance review team. Um so that team gets a has a meeting, holds a meeting and they often pull data and address these concerns. So if a student um you know they pull attendance records and the student has been out three or more absences >> um a truency letter is generated so that they're already on their radar.
048So at that point whether it's a counselor that meets with the student you know they look at the history behind the student whether they've been in counseling or MHP support what interventions have been um conducted at the school site if any if any resources have been provided. also if there's been any parent communication as to their attendance concerns. Um so that's how we um work together and collaborate as a team with counselors and mental health professionals at the school site. >> Thank you. Because you know many parents are really uh helpless and they're dying to grab some someone to to get some help or to get resources. And I think it would be very helpful if the campaign does get to the counselors in each school, middle school, high school, you know, primary K to
049six and um encourage the counselors and the educators to be on the radar for this type of, you know, problems and bring it up. Yeah, I think that would help the kids. Thank you very much for your hard work. >> Thank you, board member Yu. Um, Vice President Nyola. >> Uh, thank you, President Nishi. Uh, thank you, Dr. Lloy, Miss Mata for the presentation. Um, attendance is absolutely important. It is, you know, tied to school connectedness. You know, when kids are are missing from campus, their friends miss them, too. So, I'm very happy that we're growing and we're improving in that area. Uh, a question that I had from, you know, last year moving into this year, what are some of the patterns that you guys have noticed that maybe we're trying to adjust or
050resources that families need that maybe we can, you know, start investigating and bring it on to campus? I know it's there's a variety of reasons why a kid doesn't come to school, but maybe there's a pattern that we can address. Sorry. >> I think one thing that I've noticed postco um even now families are still somewhat confused when their kid should come to school or not when they're sick. Something as simple as that. There's still some confusion. If they have CO, when can they come back? Can they not come back? If they have a fever, should they come? As a society, we're a lot more aware of when we're sick in how we interact with others. Um, I've also seen, at least for me, just having been in education for 20 years, a lot more
051of anxiety and teenagers and students in general, even with younger children that are anxious and and have um challenges coming coming to school. So, that's that's my perspective, but she's out in the field. So, >> so yes, I would echo on what Dr. Lois just mentioned. I think a lot of the mental health issues are definitely a big concern amongst our chronically absent students. Um so definitely having those supports available on the campuses. I know our mental health professionals um do an amazing work with our students. Um but they can only see a certain amount of students, right? So I definitely think that is something that is very important to our students. Um the mental health supports whether they're on campus. I know we also have the care solace agency that we send referrals to
052as well. Um, so that's one of the concerns. >> Thank you. So, I just want to thank you for doing such a great job because increasing the attendance despite the the climate that parents are experiencing of fear is an amazing thing to improve it rather than have uh as in some districts they're going the other direction, right? Uh Dr. Sue thought this was a really important thing and to continue on with extra resources. is I know that you've guys done really great job at Palms reducing the chronic absentee rate by almost 10 over 10%. I don't know the exact numbers but uh it was it's an amazing thing because each of those children that don't that actually come to school they get those extra days of education that uh that are are precious. They they
053don't come back again. So increasing by that large number, I expect to see that even our academic scores will go even better because they're all in school. So all this ties in together. Um thank you very much for your work. It's very important and to have a specific team to be involved and and ensuring that this happens is important. So thank you for your success. All right. Mr. President. >> Yes. I would like to >> I just he brought up a really good um issue like guidelines for students who may have COVID. Like do we have guidelines? Do >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> I'd like to recognize two former uh board members who are really important to the development of our district. Board member uh former president Olympia Chen, please recognize. and also
054former board member and president uh Celia Spitzer. We we stand on your shoulders. So, thank you for all your past work, many years of work. >> All right. Can I have a motion to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of September 16, 2025? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Can I have a motion to move up on the agenda the uh action item 1.3 a resolution for National Hispanic Heritage Month? >> Aiana motions. >> Thank you. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. We have a presentation. Dr. Castro. >> Oh, wait. >> Good evening, President Nishi. Thank you for the introduction. Um, tonight I have uh Dr. Evelyn Ha, as you know, who's in charge of our special programs. Um, but I'm happy
055to introduce our interim equity officer who has uh stepped into the role. She has been in ABC for a really long time and uh she has a a breath of experience from being a world languages teacher. She speaks Spanish fluently. She was a special education teacher, an intervention teacher, and most recently the assistant principal at Palms Elementary and now our interim equity officer. So without further ado, they will provide for you the information on our National Hispanic Heritage Month. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Castro. Good evening, President Nishi, Vice President Nyola, Clerk Yokoyama Buouie, esteemed board members, uh Dr. Zitlo, ABC cabinet, and community. We're very excited to be here today to um share about National Hispanic Heritage Month. And um as you know, that started yesterday and will be going through um October
05616th. And so before uh Miss Harris comes up to share what we are doing in our district, uh we did want to share with you our um theme that is uh from the National Hispanic Heritage Month site and it is collective heritage, honoring the past, inspiring the future. And so of course you know we we celebrate this as this is celebrated nationwide but we really do this also as it is connected with our strategic plan for both our strategic direction number one which is academic outcomes as well as uh direction number two about successful students and it is also tied very closely with our LCAP goals in the area of student connectedness and just you know this is an opportunity for our students we have about 47% of our students who are Hispanic Latino in
057our district for them to feel celebrated, to for them to be seen, um, and also for our other students to learn more about the culture, about the different cultures that make up the Hispanic Latino community. So, without u further, uh, ado, we're going to go ahead and pass it to Miss Mariss Harris. Good evening, President Nishi, Vice President Noyola, Clerk Yokoyama Buoui, distinguished board members, Superintendent Dr. ABC cabinet and community. I'm very excited to join join the district office this year and to share some exciting information with you all tonight about how our district is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. One of the first opportunities I had this year is working alongside Dr. Ha and we were able to curate some resources for our elementary um schools, middle schools, and high schools where we were able
058to put together books, activities, um lesson plans, and TED talk videos as well for our high school students. And this was put together so that we can share out with our um principles and admin team in hopes that they will share this with their staff so that they can share um with the teachers and they can um share the celebrations and the lessons with their students. In addition to sharing the curated resources with um our admin, we were able to um send out a slide to hear how the other schools or how all of the schools in our districts are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Um so just to highlight a few, Elliott Elementary School has planned Loeria, crafts, and music during recess time. um as well as highlighting books of Hispanic figures and authors during
059the rotation, their library rotations, classroom lessons as well. And Ross is um putting together student and teacher interviews where they get a chance to express their um pride and what being Hispanic means to them. And they're also putting together uh student crafted ofendas for the loss muertos which will be featured in their office and students and teachers get to vote on them uh for their top three. And Ross Middle School is also beginning next week. They will um have a four-week flight course um where they are again celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with honoring some um Hispanic figures. And lastly, Artisia um high school will have a home room door decorating contest and they are also doing many ofa projects with the gallery walk and daily school announcements during their home room time to spotlight and
060highlight the Latino and Hispanic figures. Just this past Saturday, we had an opportunity to take um approximately 95 of our students to the Latino College Expo at the University of Leverne. Um which was an amazing time. Uh the students got to participate in four seminars. Um and they had an opportunity, two of our students that we know of so far actually received on the spot acceptance to a few of the colleges. So, we're excited to um share that and we look forward to sharing with you all any more of the students who have been offered and accepted some of the uh scholarships as well as acceptances to some of the uh universities that were at the at the college expo. And here you can see some pictures um of the students that were able to
061attend with us. The top two um show the Cerritos and Whitney high school students as well as Artisia and Gar. And at the bottom highlighting some of the students with their college paraphernalia um from Berkeley, San Francisco State um and the police department just to name a few. And um lastly, this uh on the left is a picture of our um HSLAC. at the end of last year, we were able to I was able to attend as a participant um at that time, but we um the students from the HSLAC were able to participate in a Q&A session where they highlighted their journey and their passion as student leaders. And on the right are three of the seniors who received a stole celebrating their um Hispanic heritage. And so they're super excited. We have two
062of our HSLAC members in the audience with us today. Andress and Emily, if you guys can raise your hands. Um and they are Yes, thank you. our two um adviserss Edward Lemon and Andres Diaz um helped to oversee our HSLAC and they are excited to continue the collaboration um which with HLA LC this year and we were excited we got a chance to um see board member Mendoza at our first pack meeting a couple weeks ago. So we were excited to see you um and we got a chance to talk and it was so nice to have you there greeting our parent advisory group group groups. Um, so I'll hand it over back to Dr. Ha. >> So, yes, we're definitely excited to continue the work with our Hispanic Latino family circle as well as
063our Hispanic Latino student advisory committee. And I just wanted to recognize Eduardo Leone and Andres Garcia, are they are they there somewhere? Okay. So, raise your hand very proudly. These are counselors who have um given up their time to work outside of just a regular duty day to be able to advise our student leaders in the Hispanic Latino Student Advisory Council. So, um they've been meeting um you know, one of the most recent meetings that they had last week, the students are very excited. They want to do a Loeria night with the HLFC. And so those are things that uh Miss Harris will be working with HLFC to to get those kinds of things going so that we can celebrate um Hispanic Latino culture in unique ways across our district. So of course um we
064do want to highlight some data points. Um as I shared we do have um several you know our population is about 47% Hispanic Latinos. So um just wanted to take a few moments to uh give some data points here. One of the things that um we wanted to look at was seal of biiteracy. So seal of biiteracy is a seal that 12th grade graduating seniors receive upon graduation if they are able to show proficiency in English as well as another foreign language. And so um what you see here in this chart is a comparison from last year to um this the year before 2324 to 2425. And the orange line is our Hispanic Latino students. and we see that the trend is in a it's trending in a positive way but we also wanted to
065compare that to just overall students. So there is still a gap there that we definitely want to continue to work on. One of the things that um we will be doing this year is really trying to understand the seal of biiteracy as a whole that it's not just something for 12th grade but how can we um also start as early as elementary school. So as you know that we do have three uh dual language immersion programs and Ferguson Neimus they have been um celebrating in their own ways for the seal of biiteracy for students who are going to be recognized because they're on that way to achieve that seal. So that is something that we will be working with both schools and then of course as the Mandarin program also as they metriculate through the
066years we will include them as well um so that we can recognize and celebrate early and really um create that pathway of success throughout middle school and high school. The other area um that we wanted to highlight today is about AP course enrollment and passage rate. And so what you see here is just the data for Hispanic Latino students. So the first chart is about AP course enrollment. So again, the three-year trend, it is trending in the right direction. We are um able to provide more opportunities for our students and then you can see that increase. However, it's still a pretty low number. So we still have some work to do. Um on the right, you will see the AP exam passage rate. And so as again, we see that increasing. So that is good
067to see. Um for our students, we do want to make sure that we kind of see where we are in relation to others. So the gap is still there. So we do have some more work to do to close that opportunity gap and then when we look at the passage rate um it is good to see that that gap is narrowing. So um still you know we have things to celebrate and that we want to make sure that we capitalize on but at the same time there's still some work to do and that's something that we will do um with special programs and the equity office is really looking at those equity gaps and then working with our counselors working with our school teams to see how we can narrow those gaps. So these are
068just a couple of those highlights as more of the data starts coming in in terms of our academic achievement data but even with behavior um suspensions attendance as well those are all data points that we will continue to look at. So that concludes our presentation for tonight um but we would welcome any kind of questions or comments that you have. >> Okay. Um board member Dr. Rios >> morning very proud to share in the celebration. Thank you for your presentation. Um, a couple of things I want to highlight, three of them actually. Um, I'm glad that we have an interim. Welcome. Very excited. Um, I recently spoke to somebody who participates in the Latino family circle and there was some concern about where we were. Um, because it's, I think, really important when we have
069parents that are willing to collaborate with us on efforts to improve um, whether it's the outcomes or just overall school culture that we leverage that. So, I'm glad that the efforts are going to be there to continue the efforts with the Latino family circle and the black family circle. Um, the second item, I'm very excited that our counselor from Artisia is participating. I hope he's being compensated and we're not having him work for free. So, they are being compensated. >> That's a lot of work. Perfect. Thank you. Um, the third one is, I'm very curious. I'm very happy to see the trend going up with the AP courses. And I don't know if this is a question for principles or for Dr. Castro or for Dr. Zilo, but what steps are we taking to continue
070to improve that because we have the majority of the district being Latino, but yet our AP participation score is at 26. Again, celebrating the growth. We always look for progress, but yes, as it was pointed out, there's a there's a gap. So, I'm curious, what steps are we taking this year that are different from previous years to close that gap? >> Um, I'll answer the question, Dr. Rios, thank you for that question. That's um something we've been working on for the last several years is really opening access for our AP classes, removing any prerequisites as AP encou encourages us to do and really trying to ensure that we're offering our students highinterest classes. And so last year we were happy and proud to finally offer AP Seminar which is uh honestly the closest I can
071say it's it's as close as possible to a dissertation project. uh students really learn some high lever college skills on how to write uh a research project. But the key to that is that they were able to select the project of their choice. And so because that class had a lot of voice and choice, we had a really high enrollment offering um and huge participation for that and a really high pass rate at all of our schools that offered it which included all of our comprehensives. And I know that our teachers in the audience tonight so I just want to do a shout out. They had a 90% pass rate for AP seminar which is amazing. So again, continuing to offer classes such as that, which are high interest classes at our various schools, will
072really increase that enrollment and engagement with our students. And working with our school principles to offer it, not only um scheduling is really important because for some of our students, they're into sports and so you don't want to offer an AP class at the end of the day or during a sixth period or seventh or eighth period when they're going to have to select a sports. is also scheduling the time during the day. That would be an important decision for principles to make. >> Thank you, board member McCaten. >> Uh Dr. Ha and Miss Harris, uh congratulations on all the growth that you've made. Um can you tell me how were the 95 students, the high school students chosen? Um they're part of the Hispanic Latino student advisory group. >> No. So we actually opened
073it up to all of our high schools and so we did provide the opportunity. Um this is something that we went to last year was kind of like a lastm minute thing. So we were much more prepared and so our counselors who have been helping us out with the Hispanic Latino student advisory committee um they were they were on it and we were able to secure like 150 tickets uh right off the bat. And so we did offer to every single high school. We said okay we'll we'll give you 25 spots for right now. if we have extra, we will give you those extra spots. Some of our schools did not have as much participation, but we were very happy that we were able to get about 95. So, we had some last minute uh
074students who trickled in and we said if we can put them on the bus, we're we're going to take them. So, >> so next year even more, right? >> Hopefully. Yes. And then I wanted to also comment about the seal of biiteracy because um last year I did go to Neimus' um sixth grade graduation promotion. >> Um and they did specifically um um point out those students that had gotten the seal of biliteracy. So it's really nice to see that even at elementary they're they're recognizing those students and pro and asking their promoting them to continue that. >> Yeah. So both Ferguson and Neimas they have their own criteria right now. So one of the things that we're trying to do is we're trying to now see how we can make um a similar criteria
075so that it's something that we can actually have for you know our other DLI school as well. Um so in terms of how they recognize so we're actually on October 17th we have one of our professional learning days for our DI elementary schools. And so during that time, one of my program specialists will be working with their team to um look at the the criteria for the elementary for recognition and to see what kinds of efforts we can put in to make sure that we really um emphasize that. >> So just to clarify, someone getting a seal of biiteracy as a senior in high school would be different from getting it as a sixth grader. So, as a sixth grader, it's kind of a recognition that you are on your way to achieving that seal
076of biiteracy when you get to be a senior. >> Thank you, board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I think uh most of the questions I had you answered uh board member Matten answered some of them. Um I I I'm really proud to be a Latina and I'm proud to see that we are uh focusing on our largest population of students. Um, and welcome Miss Harris. I really enjoyed hearing your Spanish. You speak it better than I do. But thank you so much. I I appreciate that we found someone who's going to be able to speak in in the language of our of our families. Um, last year I really enjoyed being on the Hispanic Latino family circle. I kind of was doing double duty. I was a parent and a board member, but
077this year I'm no longer a parent. So, I'm going to adopt all those kids and make them mine because I think it's it's it was really great to see our our students come together and that last day was was amazing. The kids did a really great job. But, um, yes, I did I was uh thinking about the AP classes. I know we've had this conversation before, Dr. Castro, and in one of our of our committees, and um and I know we've done surveys asking our kids, what would you like to see as AP classes? And I'm glad that we took out the prerequisites um for the for our students. Um, and I think we we need to support them because taking an AP class is is it can be easy. It can be a lot
078of work. And I think we do need to, you know, reach out to our kids and say, "Hey, what are you struggling with? What do you need supports with when you're taking an AP class because I think some of them um shy away from taking those AP courses because they look at it as more work, right? And it doesn't necessarily have to be more work. It just needs to be a little bit more rigorous." Um, so I think I think you were I think we've had this conversation asking the kids, surveying them what they want. I think we're on the right track and hopefully next year we can see um the bar graph go up. Um, and thank you for just being aware and being conscious that we do we do have a gap. We
079do need we have work to do, right? And I think we're all going to work together with our parents, um, us as a board recognizing and and you see now on this board you have three Latinos. And I bring that up because kids need to see themselves. Latin to see themselves in leadership roles and as principles, as teachers, as board members and we went to we we've been talking about this conference because it's called the California Latino School Boards Association. It was loved it. And we did meet his name was Richard Aransa and I did speak to him and later on and I said, "Hey, I need you to come out to Artisia to speak to our kids because he has a quote." Do you guys remember the quote? You can't be who you don't
080see. And I love that. I love that quote because if if the kids don't see us, they don't see their teachers as AP teachers, they probably won't take the course, right? So, I'm going to keep saying that you can't be who you don't see. And I think we're doing a great job seeing our kids. So, thank thank you so much for the work. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, board member Suyu. >> Thank you, President Nishi. Thank you, uh, Dr. Hall and, um, Miss um, Harris. And uh I mentioned it several times, but I think I I did I think the district did a good job to recruit you and your Spanish is very fluent and um you know we have 47% of our students are Latino descent and I think it's very important
081because we have many first generation families, parents that uh where you know Spanish is still their more comfortable language. So I think that's very very tremendous and you have a you know big task ahead of you because we need to close the gap and uh just u I mean I think all the programs sounds wonderful but at the end of the day I think most of the parents especially if they're first generation immigrants they want their kids to be well educated more than anything they want what's best for their children's future that they will land on a good job that they could make a living and be independent. dependent and successful and that's why immigrant parents work so hard 10 12 hours 14 hours so I think that if this um you know department I
082mean this group can empower the parents and the you know students to be inspired and motivated to do their best I think that'll be very helpful and something similar to like TED talk I think that of all the programs if our district can invest in a conference where we invite all the high school students and invite some of the you know distinguished um you know successful Latino adults who are in different fields of careers and how they made it. You know for example we have a homegrown uh city manager of Cerritos ABC Homegrown graduate of Whitney and Stanford and he's a city manager Robert Lopez. So I'm just saying that we there's so many you know amongst our uh district in the medical field in you know law in education and something like that I
083think would be very important because we can give them you know sweets and games but at the end of the day the student themselves have to be motivated and inspired and we need to cast a vision that you can do it too but you need to put in the effort that you want to be successful. uccessful, you need to put in the hours like all the others to get to where you want to be. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. All right. Um, yes, thank you for your efforts and and particularly your presentation about academics, you know, being proud of what your culture is. We can't be successful as a district unless we hit that 49% of the people that are out there. It's just impossible for us to advance without making that
084particular effort. So, thank you for working really hard with that. Um, I think we have next a Dr. Adame, the band teacher for Artisia High School is is here in the house. >> I think I see also the principal of Artisia right over there in the corner, Dr. uh, Sergio Garcia. So we have the academics and we also have the the other part the musica. Huh? Oh, I think everybody in the audience is here for this band, right? These are This is the This is the ticket item. Yes. Okay. >> We get the worst seats. Is that what it is as board members? No worries. >> All right. >> Somebody's got to sit back here. So, you guys can all go. [Music] >> Come here. [Music] All right. Next time [Music] Thank you so much
085everybody. Good evening. My name is Dr. Estee Adam. I'm the director of jazz bands at Artisia High School and this is a small part of our students. Uh the other students could not make it but you got a good part of the band here. These are the majority of our leaders, some of our veterans. We have one young man, freshman who's joining or ninth grader joining us, gifted young man as as as as all these students are. We're going to do a number by Tito Penteank. We hope you enjoy and we're all going to take some solos and it's going to be loud. So, if you want to dance, let's go. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] Fox. [Music] la. [Music] Yeah. Here we go. [Music] My god, [Music] heat. [Music]
086Hey, wait. Want to get a picture with them? Hey guys, real Bring yourself. [Applause] Come back. Grab more stuff. All right. We didn't know that we're going to get uh front row tickets to a concert, right? In about a few years, you're going to have to pay for them, right? It's going to be a pretty ticket, right? All right. So, in line with all of that, I thought we would continue on with this with item 1.3A. Can I have a motion to adopt resolution 25.5 acknowledging National Hispanic Heritage Month from se >> Let me finish because there's a reason that we have this whole thing. Uh September 15th to October 15, 2025. So there's a motion, there's a second. >> Dr. Zitlo, >> thank you. Um I thought this evening we could take time to
087read the resolution together. Um, and it should have been on your packet somewhere simple to find. Um, I thought we could start on our far side over there with Dr. with Miss Manhattan. Um, and then each read a paragraph as we go through. >> Page 132. >> Correct. There should have also been a one sitting on your desk. >> You was in here. >> We're just going to use page 132. >> No worries. Page 132. Thank you. Whereas the ABC Unified School District celebrates America's rich Hispanic history and culture with National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic population in the ABC Unified School District is 45.7%. And whereas National Hispanic Heritage Heritage Month was approved by public law 90-498 in 1968 by the United States Congress. And in 1988, Congress extended the celebration from September 15th
088through October 15th, celebrating the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras in Nicaragua, and Mexico, Chile and Biz also celebrate their independence days during this period. Columbus Day in Mexico, the dearasa is on October 12th. And whereas during national his Hispanic Heritage Month. The ABC Unified School District celebrates the countless contri contributions of more than 62 million Hispanic Americans to our culture and society. Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States today. And generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped make our country strong and prosperous. And >> whereas the Hispanic American community has left an indelible mark on our government, culture, and economy. And >> whereas National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our culture and society, Hispanic American
089men and women embody the American values and devotion to faith and family. hard work, patriotism through their countless contributions as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the armed forces. >> Now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the ABC Unified School District celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, 2025. >> Approved and adopted. the 16th day of September 2025 by the board of education of the ABC Unified School District. >> So, [Applause] >> so we'll take the claps as all yes. >> Yes. Yes. See, >> but we'll still take a vote. So, all in favor say I. >> I. >> All motion passes 720 to zero. Thank you. All right. Uh getting to serious business. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting
090of August 19th, 2025? >> Move. Approval. McCaten. Second. Mendoza. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. Motion passes 70. Can I have a motion to approve the special study session meeting of September 2nd, 2025? >> Second. Mendoza. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. >> Like to hear a student representative report uh from Artisia High School. Tonight is Artisia night, right? >> Yeah. >> Um, good even good evening. Um, board president, Mr. Nishi, vice president, Mr. Noyola, clerk of the clerk of the board, Miss Yokoyama Buouie, board members, Miss M. McAden, Miss Monza, Dr. Rios, and Miss Miss U. Superintendent Dr. Zitlo, and esteemed cabinet members. I am Jada Lopez, ASB President um from Artisia High School, and this is my counterpart, Kimberly Santos, president of
091Renaissance. Today, we will be presenting the fall 2025 school report with the focus being registration, college preparations, and fall semester school ride events. leadership has assisted in five days of registration so students can start their first day of school prepared with IDs, textbooks, lockers, and free print cards from the student union. On Monday, August 11th, the class of 2026 hosted a senior sunrise where seniors could watch the sunrise while enjoying snacks, taking Polaroid pictures, and participating in many games. After senior sunrise, Artisia Student Union hosted a college workshop where seniors learned about different colleges as well as the application process prior to to the start of the school new year. For our first school for our first school event, we had our second annual tailgate prior to our first home game. The theme of the
092event was red out where student students will wear the color red to support our team and and school. Students could meet before the game, enjoy food, games, and face painting in order to uplift the school spirit. We ended the night with a successful win against Cababrio where students were able to celebrate by winging the victory bell. During during that week, our teacher had their annual club rush for new and returning students to sign up for different clubs, including Red Cross, Key Club, Drama, Filipino Club, and many more. Our first fall sports rally of the school year was themed Pioneer Fest on September 12th. It it was a success as we had class and sports games. We celebrated our fall varsity athletic teams and saw performance performances by our band and cheer team. That night after
093the rally, we had a football game where students dressed in appropriate surfing gear because the theme of the game was surfs up at at 8:00 p.m. We ended our thrill thrillingly night with our annual back to school dance where people danced around and had the time of their lives. In September, Renaissance created their fall Renaissance cards, which are awards given to students with 3.0 GPA or higher or who received a 0.5 GPA increase from previous semester. These students are given monthly incentives, raffle prizes, and home room rallies. Over 500 students at Artisia High School will receive a Renaissance card this semester. They will be delivered next Tuesday, September 23rd during home room. Our teach staff on Wednesday, September 10th, held a senior information night to inform seniors about upcoming events and college deadlines, including senior
094day, UC UC app kickoff, financial aid night, and senior and our senior ring ceremony. After the presentation, our student student union held a college night from 6 pm to 8:00 pm for students who aspire to go to college in the near future. Additionally, students, the student union has hosted a series of presentations with college representatives from a variety of schools, including U, USC, Cerritos College, CSUB, Grand Canyon University, UC Irvine, and recently UC Davis. Next week will be UC Santa Barbara, University of Leverne, and Cal State Fullerton. The student union constantly updates to stu seniors on college information and scholarships through email. They also have a UC application workshop every Tuesday after school to help students fill out fill out fill out applications for UC's. On our upcoming events, Artisia High School Theater is hosting
095their fourth annual Halloween maze October 30th and 31st. It's been a thrill for students each year to look forward to every school year. This event is held in the FAC for teachers to sign up their classes to go during their period or students can go in the maze after school. We we would love to invite all the board members to come and get scared as well. For for the month of October, ASB is hosting homecoming. We will host a spirit week based on the homecoming theme, the worlds of Tim Burton. On October 3rd, our teacher will have a homecoming rally that will have many club floats, performances, and class and staff games to increase school spirit. Afterwards, Articia is going to have their homecoming game where where ASB set up face painting station and will
096hand out black and silver incentives to go along with our platinum blackout theme. We will hold a special ceremony for our homecoming court during the halftime show. On the same night, we will host our homecoming dance. Leadership along with the help of theater will set up all the decor after the homecoming rally as well as the day of the dance. All leadership students will have assigned shifts for 30 minutes to work different jobs in order to make sure that everything runs smoothly. The hope is for everyone to have an amazing time with their friends while taking pictures, dancing, and creating memories. Um to to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, ASB is in the process process of hosting a spirit week and schoolwide build and a schoolwide building competition to celebrate the rich heritage of all our
097Hispanic students. Leadership will be away for camp from October 13th to the 15th to build our leadership bond so we can grow stronger together as a team. It will be held at Pali Institute and we will be learning new and creative ways to get students engaged and increase school spirit on campus. On October 24th, Renaissance will host a Halloween carnival during home room and lunch for Renaissance called card card holders to play and enjoy games. Also, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, ASV will host a spirit week from October 27th to the October 31st. And we will also host a Halloween comp costume costume competition. On November 11th, the class of 2026 will host senior day, a full day day event where seniors go through team buildings, activities, and listen to a motivational speaker, Keith
098Hawkins, who will who will share some important life lessons. We will continue to push forward with our more with more exciting events as the school year continues. We would look forward to reporting more about our our success at Artisia High School. Thank you for your time. Are there any questions? >> All right, we have uh Vice President Nyola first. >> Uh thank you, President Nishi. Thank you guys so much for giving your first presentation at our schoolboard meeting tonight. Um I just wanted to start by also, you know, recognizing the Artisia staff team. I every time Artisia comes to a schoolboard meeting, they come out in full force. So I want to recognize the the team that you know puts all the effort in getting these kids into these roles to be student leaders. Uh
099my question for you guys is what is your goal as student leaders for this year? >> Our goal this year is to have students um be fired up um for this school year uh and yeah take pride in our school. with as many spirit weeks as we can, home room rallies if so. >> Thank you. >> All right, Dr. Rios, >> are those new jerseys? >> Yeah, >> I love them. They're so cool. Um, yes, like the new look. I'd like the Artisia staff to stand up because as uh board um Vice President Nyola pointed out, they always come in full force. So if you're a NISA staff member, can you please stand up and be recognized? >> Including the pres uh the principal can stand out. >> Thank you. Thank you for being here.
100We always highlight the culture and climate. I brought it up earlier. I'm always really proud that not only is Artisia my alma mater, but it is also a school that I represent. And so I take pride in a lot of what you share and the fact that we see a lot of really good things. The fact that people will say that they feel loved at this school to me brings a lot of joy. So, good job to to what's happening. Thank you for keeping us updated. I'm excited to see all these events. Um yeah, and I look forward to um you guys making that attendance goal happen for us and getting kids to want to attend school and be successful. Um but thank you for being here tonight. >> Thank you, board member Maten, >>
101Jada, and Kimberly. Thank you so much for your report. you have a ton of activities going on at your school. Can you tell me a little bit more about the Renaissance cards and then what you get for that? Okay, so um Renaissance card holders are for well they're for students who have academically achieved um hold on >> a 3.0. >> This is a test. Okay. The GPA um comes in from 0.5 improvement, 3.5 to 3.99, 4.0's, and a 3 GPA to a 3 4 I believe. I'm not too sure. But um um on I have one from last year. >> And so if you get a Renaissance card, does that mean you get special privileges? >> Yeah. So on the Renaissance card, there's um you get free money. >> So if you get a 4.0,
102you get three Renaissance bugs, which you can use in the student union to buy any snacks or beverages. on the 3.5 to 3.9 you get two two Renaissance bucks and then 3 0 to 3.4 4 I believe um you get one Renaissance bucks and then 0 0.5 just doesn't get anything but we want them to like um >> aspire to like >> they're moving towards >> move upwards. >> Yeah. And there's also like other incentives like free print card, replacement ID, teachers choice, ICR passes, and it's just like an incentive to motivate students to work harder and achieve greater things. >> Well, in your report, it says over 500 students at Artisia High School have a Renaissance card. So, I mean, that's pretty impressive. >> Yeah. >> So, um I'd also like to thank the
103Artisia staff for being here. That's great. And, um when you guys talked about ringing the victory bell, my husband coached football at Artisia for like 15 years. So that brought back lots of lots of memories. So thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Okay, this victory bell, is it a big bell? Is it a little bell? How big is it? It's like big like how big. >> It's big. >> And you get to ring it like like how many times? >> A lot. I need to come. I want to see. I need to come and see now. Whatever. >> Okay. So, I need to come out and watch you ring the bell before it needs to go back. >> Okay. I will be there. I will
104be there. I will be there. Unfortunately, I'm not going to come to the Halloween maze because I don't like scary stuff. I'm a messa. But I I want to thank Artisa for being out here, especially on Hispanic Heritage Month that we're celebrating it because what an amazing jazz band that Artisia has. That was awesome. Thank you guys for coming out and making this not just paper, but seeing in reality what our students are doing at Artisia. And I'm just going to say I think she wants a jersey. >> I think Dr. Rios wants I'm just putting it out there. >> Okay, Dr. Rios. Yes. Thank you so much, ladies, for being here. We appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you board member U. >> Thank you President Nishi Jada Lopez and Kimberly Santos but thank you
105for coming out and you guys did a great job today. You know uh it's very nervous and nerve-wracking to stand in front and you know give a presentation but you guys did a great job and you'll only improve. We're your friends. Don't be nervous. Thank you so much and thank you for bringing the spirit to your school. >> Thank you. Yes. I mean, you guys are the the cream of the crop. You're the best ones out there, and I got to see you guys at orientation, and I was really impressed by your ability to to think on your feet and answer some pretty interesting questions out there. Um, I have a quick couple quick questions here. Um, because I'm going to treat you as as real board members because we we work for you, right?
106But we also need your input, your ideas. So, what can we do to support your efforts? Oh, wait a second. We don't got any of that. That's a tough question, isn't it? You can come back. You can come you can come back with that one. Actually, another question. Do you have any uh and also you can come back with something. So, as a board member, you can stay here for the entire meeting and you can comment and provide your input. So, if you have an idea about any agenda item that we have here, it's important for us to hear what you're talking uh to hear what your opinion is because it's going to directly affect you and maybe your brothers and sisters and cousins and and your families. So, uh I invite you to stick
107around and give us your opinion when you when you can. All right. Thank you very much. All right. Thank you. Okay, so tonight's going to be long, so I'll keep my report really short. Uh, I had to write it down because I don't remember everything here. I went to a lot of back to school nights. I went to Leil Tetsaf, Hawaiian, Star Wars Ice Cream, Ross Middle School, Certos High School. Um, there's a lot of hope for the new school year. So, it's it's really fun to go to these back to school and see what the excitement of the parents are for this ne next thing. Went to a couple of fundraisers, several fundraisers. I went to the Critos Elementary fundraiser twice because I got the wrong date. Um, yeah. Oh, that was Whitman. Okay.
108So, then I also went to Critos Elementary's uh fundraiser and Aloha's In-N-Out, which gosh, that wasn't hard to go. It was In-N-Out Burgers. So, that was amazing. The parents there are amazing. They really are involved and and do a lot for their community. There's a Panda Express one. You know how I decide where dinner's going to be? I find out what fundraisers out there. Um, that's that's my job. My job is to eat at fast food. Um, we had an AI seminar which was great. Mr. Lawrence did a great job of of providing us what the future's going to be. Somebody told me that 50% of the jobs in five years is going to be AI. And so us as a district has got to be ready for that. And it's got to it doesn't
109start with the students, starts with the staff and our community and the board members to understand what we're actually voting on the policies that are happening. So also I saw um board member Tatiana Yok um Buouie there as well and it's really important that we understand these things. Thank you. We are at the at the cutting edge of all this. I got to go to CLSBA and that's primarily because of Dr. Rios. Dr. Rios has been a leader in this been telling me to go every single year and one year I almost I almost could do it. But what I'm really proud of is that this board went as a whole and we went as a staff because this is 47% of our population. This is where we can make a big huge difference. So
110Dr. And and by the way, people looked at me like you're not Latino. Why are you going to that thing? And my answer is because it is a we. It is all of us together that make this successful, right? Um, we had Dr. Ha, Dr. Castro, Dr. Zitlo, all of our top leadership went to that conference to learn how to make a difference for our kids. Uh, we learned about, we don't say pulita, you know, that poor victim. We want them to be victorious. We want them to be successful. We want them to have better scores. We do want those AP scores to go up. They're lower. We want them to continually increase exponentially, hopefully. And we got to do that together. We learned about how all of our communities together, they had a panel
111of people up there. Um, the Filipinos were working with the Latinos. We had Larry Leong working with Caesar Chavez and uh, who's what's her name? I forgot her name. >> Dollesa. Yes. I was looking at you because you love her. Um but separate they fell. Together they were make able to make a difference in our country. Um together they were able to do this. We had Dr. Ha go up there and talk about not just uh her experience but Tong which is community and that resonated I think throughout our entire thing. So the next step is for us to take what we learned there and apply it here and I think we have all the steps to do that. Um, so with that, that ends my report. Oh, one more thing. Uh, there is a
112scholarship out there, Tuna Canyon Station, where it talks about civil liberties, and I think it's actually more relevant now than than ever before. This is a place where Italians, Japanese, and Germans were uh incarcerated without uh due process of law. They were um just like all of us, but we thought they were the enemies and we put them away. And so I want our kids, our future, our high schoolers to write, to do art, to do an essay or video saying how can they be a difference in this world? How can they stop injustice from happening? How can they now do that? How can they touch our hearts and make it happen for the rest of us so that we don't have injustice happening. So please sign up for that. Please make a difference in
113our lives. Please uh go forward. That ends my reports and I will defer to the superintendent. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. Um this evening I I just want to say that our school year continues to be going very well for our students. Um we are able to see lots of things happening as I'm visiting schools and going to every classroom. It's been wonderful seeing students engaged either in an activity with one another or in discussion. And so I that is just the key part of what we do. Um currently we have some guests from South Africa who are visiting um and they are learning more about how we work together as a district to make things happen for our students to have our students grow. And so um they've been sharing some pieces of
114their educational system and how they work. And so we're excited to debrief with them on Friday after their visits to schools and see what else we can learn and glean from one another. Um, just as a reminder, um, our district, to our families, to our students, to our staff will continue to follow the law to ensure that all students, regardless of your background, your beliefs, your immigration status, are provided with the best possible education in a safe space. We will continue to provide support for students and families as best we can to ensure that students are able to learn when they are with us at school. And we will continue to communicate with our students and families to provide supports to work one-on-one with anything that a family may need so that their child can
115learn. Um, we have also seen tragedies in other states um, since the start of the school year around schools. And this is just another reminder that safety at schools is something we do together. It is not something that I can do on my own or families can do on their own or teachers. We must work together. And so I would just remind families and staff, everyone that we need to make sure we're taking care of one another. Um for our families, please make sure that your personal contact information, emergency contact information is updated in Aries with your school. And if you don't know how to do that online, please go to your child's school. They will help you with that. But we need good contact information in case something happens. Um, we also need to
116continue to live by the motto that if you hear or see something, you say something. If something is concerning to you or to your child, please notify a trusted adult at a school. Um, call the principal, a teacher, a staff member. We will work to investigate anything that is brought forth. We will work with law enforcement to make sure that we have safe spaces for our students and we continue to have that. Um if something happens after hours when school's not open in the evening on the weekend, a holiday, please contact law enforcement immediately and then they will begin working uh on the matter. Our students and families continue to bring forward issues. If they hear something, they tell us and we investigate because our goal is safe spaces. For me, I am truly thankful
117for the diverse community that we have and I just cannot be more grateful for our teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families working together to make sure that we take care of one another and that we are all safe in these spaces. So that is my report for this evening. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Uh employee reports [Music] Good evening, uh, board president Nishi, uh, members of the board, Superintendent Zitlo, um, members of the cabinet, and, um, all of our, uh, staff and community members, uh, both here in person and at home. Uh, my name's Ruben Vancas and I'm the vice president of the ABC Federation of Teachers. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month. Uh, happy Mexican Independence Day. Uh it's a it's it it it's an exciting day because um we spent um a day uh sharing
118the achievements of um ABC Unified with our guests from from South Africa. Um we have six distinguished educators who have come here. Uh we have a longstanding relationship with um uh SATU. It's the uh uh South African Democratic Teachers Union. We have worked with them for many years successfully and um as we we talked about our our our past uh partnerships that we've worked together, our exchanges, um co kind of threw a wrench into our our our timeline, but uh uh it it it it was a a really positive day. We visited a number of sites and it was truly inspiring. I mean the work that's being done in my classrooms was so exciting. Uh you could see the smiles on the students faces and you could see the thoughtful work that was being produced.
119The students were engaged and our guests were truly impressed. Um thank you to all the sites uh that that welcomed us today. They were gracious hosts and again it was a long day. Everybody's very busy, but they took the time uh to welcome our guest and uh you know, it's a hot day, so thank you for all the water and the snacks that that that were provided. Um and they raised the bar. So, if we're visiting your your site tomorrow, um we you know, we expect you to match what the great schools did today. Um I was thankful to have um these educators with us because uh just like Dr. Zitlo said it gives us an opportunity to learn from them, right? They are here to to to share um and and see what we're
120doing, but it's always an opportunity when educators get together to collaborate. That's one reason collaboration time is so important, right? In other words, any teacher can tell you how valuable collaboration time is. And when educators get together, they are masterful at coming up with solutions and being innovative. And so um I appreciated the opportunity to um hear the thoughtful questions of our colleagues um from South Africa. They they they held up a mirror in a way to to show some things that maybe we had taken for granted or or or even kind of overlooked. Um I I'll use the analogy. It's like having somebody over to your house, right? In other words, you want the house to look nice. Uh but this felt like an authentic visit. This was not a like, oh, you know,
121please go to this one place that looks good. But when when you have somebody over and they say, "Oh, that that, you know, that painting on the wall looks pretty good." You're like, "Oh, I I'd kind of forgotten that, but yeah, I I guess it does look pretty good." Right? You whip up a dish for dinner and they're like, "This is really good. Oh, I just kind of got used to it." It it really allowed us to look at some of our programs and some of the things we're doing with with fresh eyes, and I found it inspiring. I I I was I wanted to match the enthusiasm that um our our guests had. And so, you know, I I I want you to know um just how impressed they were and I want all
122the sites to know how they recognized the great work uh that's that that's being done districtwide. So, um it was inspiring. It will continue. And obviously they're here for our PAL retreat which is going to be on Thursday but we will be visiting sites tomorrow and then uh they will be participating with us during our power retreat. Um I I want to thank um I I heard two two two members mention it. Uh board member Mendoza, you mentioned it earlier and uh uh president Nishi, you you you asked something of the students recently and that is the idea of of course we want to celebrate our successes, right? But I thought it was very thoughtful when you asked, but what do you need? Right? In other words, thank you for telling me all the good
123things that are going on, but what kind of resources or supports do you need? And I want to share that the teachers and nurses of ABC we need a competitive salary schedule. So I want to share that with you right along with sharing all of our successes. I need to share that very very clear need. The work our members are doing is inspiring and it deserves to be rewarded. And the time is now to move forward with a meaningful plan to address to address declining enrollment. I know we're going to talk about it later, but we will work with you on an actionable plan to address the long-standing issue of declining enrollment. We can no longer allow issues like AB28 to hold us back. We need parameters that are expansive enough to meet our goals.
124So please share with me the enthusiasm that I saw today mirrored with our guest, right? They they could see all the good work that we're doing. We want to continue doing that good work together and we need to be innovative and so we trust you to be as innovative as all the teachers and nurses and staff members and students are being. Please be as innovative with an actionable plan moving forward. Um, I know we can do this together. Cue, [Applause] we don't need translation for that. Um, public comments. 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 agendaized item. The
125board shall provide one hour for speakers to address 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 there be 15 to 20 speakers for non-aggendaized items, individual speakers shall be allowed three minutes to address the board on the item. In order to ensure that non-English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the board, any member of the public who utilizes a translator shall be provided at least twice the allotted time to address the board. Please remember that the board is unable to directly respond to comments made during the public comment section. In addition, neither the board nor district staff verify the accuracy of the statements made during public comments. Persons wishing to
126address 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 agendaized items. Should there be six to 10 speakers for agendaized 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
127through the proper administrative channels set forth in bylaw 9323. At this time, we have two public comments. >> Yes. Before we go too much farther, I'd like to recognize city council person uh Ernie Vargas, uh city councilwoman Monica Manalo, and the mayor of Critos, Frank Yokoyama. Thank you for participating in this. Go ahead. >> So for non-aggenda items, the first speaker coming forward will be Anish Bashishta. Followed following Anish it will uh the speaker will be Rosalind Henderson if you could please uh line up. Thank you. Please you will have five minutes. Good evening, esteemed faculty and board members. I'm really sorry I put all of your respected and good names into just board members. Really apologize about that. Uh my name is Anisha and I'm a freshman at Whitney High School. I would like
128to begin by thanking ABCUSD board for approving Sanskrit to be counted for world language credits. This decision not only acknowledges the academic value of the language but also creates opportunities for students like me who are passionate about pursuing it. I have been studying the language of Sanskrit since the 8th grade through Samskata Bharati Safo course or samska as a foreign language. A structured program that includes writing, reading, speaking and the cultural study of Sanskrit. Learning Sanskrit has strengthened my skills in grammar, logic, and analysis while also giving me a deeper appreciation for history and culture. It has also helped me in my other subjects as well since the structure and discipline required in Sanskrit carry over to problem solving in math, science, and even to clearer expression in English. Because I've been consistently engaged in
129this program for more than a year, I respectfully request that my coursework be considered for credit beginning this year rather than waiting until next year. This would recognize the effort and time I have already invested and allow me to remain on equal footing with peers who are currently receiving credit for their world language studies. I would also like to emphasize that Safo Sanskrit as a foreign language. The program is not casual learning. It allows it follows a structured multi-year curriculum with textbooks, weekly assignments, interactive classes, midterms, and final exams. If it requires the same level of dedication and accountability as any other high school world language course. By recognizing my work in this program, the district would be treating it with the seriousness and academic value it deserves. Once again, I sincerely thank the board
130for recognizing Sanskrit and for providing students with diverse opportunities in language learning. I respectfully ask for your support in granting credit for my current studies beginning this year. Your decision would not only recognize my effort and commitment, but would also encourage students to take initiative to purs pursue meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and the support you give. Have a nice evening. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have Rosalind Henderson. Thank you. >> Good evening, board members. I'm new to this, so I'm sure I'm missing some accolades and whatnot, but I have a question for you. How is the district actively and regularly supporting the well-being of educators? We have a teacher shortage of and part of that reason is due to burnout across the United States.
131There are 45,000 unfilled positions according to the learning policy institute. Then there is chronic teacher absences that cost the district millions of dollars across the United States. And then there's those stressed educators who show up so overwhelmed that they do just enough to collect their paycheck. Teachers and staff are regularly struggling with toxic stress. And you see it in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, fatigue, you name it. The president of CTA, E Toby Boy, noted that there are a lot of teachers who are just hanging on. I was a teacher for 30 years. The impossible workload, the lack of resources, and the giving and giving and giving till there was nothing left to give ended in burnout for me. Now I'm retired and I have created a program with my son, Dr.
132Email, MD. It's an intervention program called Beyond Self-Care Basics targeted at building the emotional, mental, and physical resilience into the school culture so that the best teachers and administrators are retained and so some educators can find their joy again in teaching. So what's the result of this this program? Well, the result is innovative work being done, continuity of instruction, and higher achievement for both the school and the community. Investing in our educators is investing in our kids and the school communities. Let's talk. I'll be emailing this. Okay. >> Thank you. Are there any more public comments? >> None. >> Thank you. >> Can I have a motion to approve the consent calendar? >> Second. Tatiana, >> is there anybody who wishes to remove any particular item from the consent calendar? >> Go ahead. Uh, board
133member McCaten, >> 3.9 C and 3.10 C. 3.9 C and 3.10 C. >> Okay. Go ahead and ask your questions. >> Um I don't really have a question. I just have a comment for Dr. Castro and for um Dr. Francois. So I see that you are applying for um the first one is the K12 strong workforce program grant which has to do with career technical education and the next one is um the application for career technical education incentive grant program. I was very very happy to see these because um you've done so much with career technical education and I just think this will make it stronger. So just a thank you. >> Thank you. Uh would you like to return it back to the consent calendar? Thank you. So, we'll turn it back to the
134consent calendar. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Correction. I have uh another board comment from board clerk Buouie. >> Yes. Um, quickly for consent item 3.1C. Um, I see that we are um we have services by CF Fitness and El Riscate. um zero um they're provided to the district at no charge. I I want to find out about CF fitness. I believe I've seen that name before and I wanted to know um how we're able to get at no no charge to the district. >> Thank you for the question. Um I can work directly with Elliot Elementary School to provide you that update on how they were able to receive that free of charge. I know that Elliot particularly has worked with CF fitness over the years and they
135do provide activities for lunch and recess and physical education activities. So it might be in addition to some of the services that they're already receiving to receive some additional inind but I can confirm that with the school site principal. As for item number five after Scott I do want to highlight that as an effort from our ABCFT retirement association that they worked with our migrant education department and Dr. A from special programs to form a partnership with Edris Scott, a nonprofit to provide parent workshops on how to support our immigrant families with some of the questions they may have around the current policies. >> Thank you. I do want to highlight those two um businesses, those two partners who are coming to our schools and providing those programs at no cost. So, thank you. >>
136Okay. With that, we can return that back to the regular uh consent calendar. >> Yes, Mr. President. Thank you. >> All right. So, I will recall for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Thank you. >> All right. Action 1.1. I'd like to have a motion to approve the request to form an ad hoc board advisory committee to establish a memorial for Whitney High School to honor Mr. Robert Beal, former ABC administrator. This request was made by a community member. I think it was a mayor. Uh to honor Mr. Beal. >> Second. >> Dr. I was just going to say a community member made this request last spring and so we're bringing it forward. >> Thank you. Are there any public comments on this item? >> I see none.
137>> All right. Is there any board comment on this item? Seeing none, then I'll call for a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. So, the motion passes 70. Please pick your committee members quickly. Thank you. Uh, can I have a motion to approve uh committee member and student appointments to board advisory committees? >> Second. >> Thank you, board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, tonight I bring before the board um approval for my um appointee to the student transfer committee, and that's Linda Gonzalez. She is here um in the audience. If you want to step up so you can say a couple words um just as she's getting up here. Um, if you live in Artisia, you know Linda Gonzalez. She um works with the Artisia, Miss Artisia Pageant. She's very
138involved in the community. I'm going to let her say a few words. >> Okay. >> Well, I know most of you. My name is Linda Gonzalez and I see a lot of familiar faces and yes, I am resident of Artisia Cerritos and I have been all my life. I am currently the director of the Miss Artisia pageant and I have been for 21 years. Um, this is something that the school district has helped me with and actually at Gar High School, I have Miss Artisia and Miss Artisia team attending. I also have a daughter at Gar High School. I have a daughter of special needs at Sters and I have a grandson at Ross. So, thank you for the education that you're giving my children. Um, I belong to a lot of nonprofit organizations here
139in the city of Artisian Cerritos and I'm here to help out with all of you too. Thank you. >> And she's a product of ABC Unified. >> I am Gar High School. >> Thank you, Miss Gonzalez. And I'm just asking for an approval. Thank you board members. >> Great. Is there any public comment on this item? >> There is none. >> Is there any board comment on this item? I I just like to thank you for um selecting her to be part of this comm uh committee. It's it's a she's a great choice. I've seen her she got me involved in things and I don't even know why, but she's got that uh magnetism that happens. You should have warned me. >> All right. So, um all in favor say I. >> I think the
140motion passes 70. Thank you. All right. I have 1.4A. Uh, can I have a motion to approve a plan to consolidate and reconfigure schools to address declining enrollment districtwide? >> Tatiana moves. >> Dr. Zilo. >> Thank you. Um, at our uh special study session, a request was made to bring this item back. Um, and so this evening, what is before you is what you also saw in June. Um the plan would include a process to reconfigure district middle schools to include grades six, seven, and eight, to reconfigure Whitney High School to include sixth grade, and to consolidate four of our elementary schools with other schools near them. Um those schools being Aloha, Ferguson, Wades, and Sters. Thank you, board clerk. Do we have any public content on this item? >> My understanding is we do
141have public comment and um our director we believe we have about 30 currently. So I >> How many do we have? >> We do. We had 29. We've had some people that may have left. If you have if you did get a number when you came in and you got a card, if you could please go outside and line up and we're going to try to make this as efficient as possible. So if you There we go. So we'll take the first we'll have the first 10 line up and we'll please see Mr. Song outside and we'll bring you in. So we'll be bringing them in in groups like we have in the past. >> Great. Thank you. So our policy is 30 minutes for public comment. But I think in order to hear everyone,
142we will need to have a motion to extend our public comment to be able to hear that. So three times it's 3 minutes for a public comment. 29. So that would be roughly an extra 60 minutes. Well, it's an extra 60 minutes. >> Extra. So total 90 minutes. >> So total 90 minutes. Uh can I have a motion to extend public comments? >> Second, Tatiana. >> Okay. So we'll have it extended to 90 minutes. Public comments. It is 910 911. >> Okay. Can I start or Okay. Good evening, this student board members. I'm uh Dennis Jay, father of Jaden Shay. He's a kindergarten student in Star Wars. Um this is his um I mean he's adjusting really well right now uh with this time in Star Wars. So we chose Sters not because of um
143it was our school of choice. Actually, we were at Critos Elementary and we heard about the Mandarin immersion program and actually um we heard it was growing. They had to have a third class from this two classes before um in its third year of infancy. So, um 10% of um the entire ABC school district's um of the,024 kindergarteners out of 20 schools that's 110 kindergarteners you have to consider. So, you could see that the demand is real. Um, Star is also the only IB elementary school in the area. I mean, you have JFK in La Palma. Um, even this um, you know, on your newspaper, Ra Academy, they're they're um, emphasizing IB. So, I mean, if you lose IB, I mean, how long is it going to take to get the IB status back? So,
144um, beyond the numbers, you could see, you know, SARS has had success. Um I mean with the idea of scattering 50 555 students sending some of them to Whitney Middle School as sixth graders and the rest to like Gonzalez because of the school's proximity um or other schools in district it just it seems like a really daunting task if you if you ask me. So um why dismantle a program that is growing and thriving and really delivering the results um specific or you know the IB and the manner immersion program and break the trust and force families you know that didn't want this decision in the first place. So I respectfully ask the board to keep open and allow the students to continue to thrive in this environment. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Respected
145members of the school board. My name is Hector Ruiz, a third grade teacher in Sters's Union Side Rep. Let's talk about the twisties for a moment. Now, you may remember Simone Biles's struggle with the phenomena during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Struggling with spatial awareness while airborne, her vaults became dangerous as she could not locate a landing while attempting a flipper twist. I'm no gymnast obviously, but I have a fear of heights, and the thought of being in the air with no safe way to land is scary enough. I feel that our district is now trapped in a twisty, pushing forward with school closures, yet lacking a definitive plan to stick a landing. You see, a plan that may seem self-evident to those in charge, it's fairly opaque to those of us actually tasked with making
146those plans a reality. Throughout this process, every missive from the district office has placed a school closure decision upon your shoulders as a school board. In some respect, I guess it absolves the district office from for fermenting suffocating uncertainty that hung over the close of last school year and clouds the traditional uplift of this still new school term. Then there's the district's most recent FAQ embracing the sunk cost fallacy of the schoolworks project reported with inaccurate numbers that seriously undercounted Star Wars kindergarteners concluding that a school with the largest group of KER students in ABCUSD should be closed. And it was the district office filled with hubris coming to Star staff in May unloading this closure plan under a shell shock staff taking no direct questions while putting the reports finding upon your shoulders thinking
147our school community would roll over and accept this. One of the DO employees remarked that day that the meeting with us went well. Instead, it was enough motivation that our community's response has been to prove that no, it has not in fact gone well at all. Before you decide, ask the district office to show you their plans. Push them for details. Are we going to stick this landing or are we caught in a twisty where the district can't locate where it will land, much less in any upright position? Because other than tasking you with closing schools, there's a legitimate doubt that detailed plans actually exist. We've heard plans involving teachers following students. In Ster's case, our Mandarin program goes to Gonzalis, while the IB program and conceivably the rest of Star's teachers goes to Cerritos
148Elementary. Despite the fact that Cerritos has not been certified as an IB campus, nor is the district committed to even maintaining IB. And if capacity numbers revealed at the recent study session are accurate, the Sters diaspora would be split between two schools without space for new students, which also means there's no room for teachers who may accompany them there. has the district the loose cash for the added cost of portables at 65 to 150k a pop. Wasn't this plan supposed to keep the district solvent? Yet, we have this money. And what if transferring teachers? Our Mandarin teachers are relatively new, but Sters's old guard include at least five of us with over 25 years of experience each. What does that do to the staff at a school site as our seniority bumps their younger teachers?
149These, of course, are just some of the Sters community's concerns. Now, think about all of the other proposed closure candidates. I understand the pressure to decide, but if the district office wants you as the school board to be the final arbiter, you need to press them for details first. Make the district office accountable for plans before you commit to an irreversible outcome. >> Don't choose just for the sake of choice. Take the time you need because once you head towards the landing, gravity takes over and being in position before that happens will determine how this plays out. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening ABC board members and staff and the community. My name is Pachchi Chowo and I am the parent of a kindergartner Leila Yan Estau Elementary. Although we are an out of district transfer
150family, districts, this district is home to me. My husband and I grew up here and are graduates of ABC specifically Artisia High. And I wanted my daughter to experience the same sense of belonging and opportunity that shaped me and my husband. When we found that the Mandarin dual immersion program at Sters, we knew it was the perfect fit for my daughter. It's not just about learning a second language. It's about connecting with her own heritage in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and empowering. Without the specialized programs such as the dual immersion and the international baloria programs, we would not have been able to enroll in ABC Unified. Although she's only been at Star Wars for a short time, she comes home every day excited to share her experiences and learnings at school. She is
151proud of who she is and is eager to learn more about her culture because of this program. But what makes Stard truly special is not only the program, it's the people. Her teacher and the staff welcome her with open arms, making her feel safe, cared for, and seen. In just a few months, she has blossomed academically, socially, and emotionally. This is the gift this school gives to its children. Closing hours would take away more than classrooms and desks. It would take away a space where kids like mine and are discovering their voices, their confidence, and their identities. For our family and for so many others, this school is more than a place to learn. It's a second home. As a parent who chose to return to the district because of its reputation for excellence in
152community, I ask you to please keep sour open. The value of what happens in these in those classrooms cannot be measured only in numbers. It's measured in the joy of our children, in their growth, and in the pride they carry forward into the future. Thank you for listening. Good evening. My name is Christina Ball, literacy coach at Ferguson Elementary. I have the pleasure of being in this role since the CDE awarded our school with the literacy coaches and reading specialist educator training grant. Last school year, you heard me speak about the goal of the grant, how much money was awarded to our school, and how we have developed and implemented a literacy plan to support the success of the students at our site. Throughout the past year and a half, we have participated in a
153step-by-step process, which has been facilitated by both the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the Sacramento County Office of Education. They both actually just came to visit our site today to see all of the hard work that we've been doing and gave us some really valuable feedback. As I previously mentioned, if Ferguson were to close and this grant were to be lost because again, it is non-ransferable, we would be missing out on a lot of free invaluable professional learning. Unfortunately, there were too many to name in under three minutes. So, I've provided you with a document which takes you through all of the professional learnings we have been a part of in the past year and a half and what professional learnings are still to come throughout the life of the grant. Throughout all
154of the trainings we are receiving from nationally renowned experts and top researchers in the field, we are walking away with actionable steps and strategies and creating a system that supports the specific needs of the students at our site. A couple of examples that we are really excited about this year is that we will be participating in another signature course provided by the California Reading and Literature Project titled Learning How English Works. Over four sessions, we will unpack and learn how to support instruction of part two of the California ELD standards. We will also attend a dual language training series focused on by literacy development around the science of reading. So far last year, we participated in over 60 hours of professional learning. This year alone, we are scheduled to attend 92 hours. All of these
155same trainings will continue to be offered throughout the 2728 school year. One of the final stages of this grant is to focus on sustainability at our site. It would be an absolute shame to have gathered all of this knowledge to only have all of our teachers and students separated into new school sites with different initiatives and zero support to implement all of these new strategies. In one of our trainings with Dr. Daryl Mikkel, he stated that a change in practice can take three to five years and each individual within the organization must change for organizational change to occur. Long-term use of a new skill is unlikely without sustained learning opportu opportunities. The state of California has shown that it sees the value in investing in our students at Ferguson because they see the needs of
156that population. Why is it that the very own district that these students belong to can't see the same? Also, I would like to be clear that I am not up here speaking for myself. I am up here advocating for the work that we've been doing to support our students and families in the Ferguson community who we will continue to speak up for because to us, our students are more than just numbers. As teachers, we're always told that when analyzing data, we should take a comprehensive approach to evaluating a student's entire development, going beyond traditional test scores to include academic, emotional, social, and even physical aspects. When it comes to school closures, why is it that we keep going back to just the data and not taking into account all of those other aspects of our
157most vulnerable communities? Thank you. [Applause] >> Good evening, board members. My name is Marvin and I am here for a third time to advocate on behalf of the community of Hawaiian Gardens. Specifically, I am here once again to ask you to keep Ferguson Elementary School open. When I first stood before you, I highlighted the investment that the city of Hawaiian Gardens has been making to support our youth and reduce crime. I warned that closing Ferguson Elementary without a clear plan for the site would not only disrupt the lives of students and families, but could also leave behind vacant property vulnerable to crime, vandalism, and neglect. The second time I came here, I brought you hard data, statistics on income levels, educational attainment, and poverty rates showing that Hawaiian Gardens is not like its neighboring cities.
158I made it clear then and I will say it again tonight. School closures do not impact all communities equally. To call this an objective decision is misleading because in reality it disregards equity. Closing Ferguson is not an equal decision. It is a disproportionate one and it will h sorry fall hardest on a community that is just seeking to better itself. And now tonight I stand here at a loss. I cannot understand why a few of you continue to push this agenda and place Ferguson Elementary at a risk for closure. I also cannot understand how some of you have dedicated literally your lives to representing others and know firsthand what it feels like when families are stripped of opportunities and dignity and could just vote to do the same for my community through this closure. Board
159members, I implore you, vote with a conscience. Hawaiian Gardens is nearly 80% Latino and I hope you would agree that our brown community has been through enough. If you move forward with this closure, you are not making a neutral financial decision. You are making a moral one. The message will be clear and also your legacies that equity and representation are negotiable and that this community's needs can be dismissed. I urge you, do not turn your back on Ferguson and do not take away one of the few stable institutions that my community has. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. My name is Edith Padia Corales, Spanish dual immersion literacy coach at Ferguson Elementary. I understand the urgent need ABC has to consolidate schools and take seriously the financial solveny that must keep this district moving forward. However,
160students, families, and communities cannot and should not only be considered data. We must also acknowledge other critical factors, especially when looking at school consolidation. Ferguson Elementary is more than just a building. Its central location in the community of Hoen Gardens makes it an important hub for civic engagement and support. Our field has hosted multiple city events such as as well as youth recreational sports programs. As shared previously um in a board meeting, the city of Hawaiian Gardens continues to invest in this site through the potential field renovation project at Ferguson. The long-term relationships built between Hawaiian and and I'm sorry, Ferguson and Hawaiian Gardens means multiple generations of families have attended the school. It's not uncommon for veteran Ferguson teachers to be working with the children or grandchildren of former students. This translates into open,
161safe conversations where sensitive information can be shared. This is vitally important, especially during this current climate where our immigrant families are targeted and vulnerable within their own cities. If you haven't already, I strongly suggest read the op-ed written by former Ferguson teachers Sandy Mecado and Kathleen Lemon shared in the August 29th Critos News. They share important historical data about the community and its connection to Ferguson. Secondly, the decision to close Ferguson Elementary would undermine the district's mission to serve all ABC students and families. Since 2020, the ABC diversity, unity, and equity board advisory committee is charged with bridging cultural and racial inequities and gaps within ABC. Displayed prominently on the equity office website is the motto, equity is love in action. While I am grateful for the creation of groups like Black Family Circle and
162the Hispanic Latino Family Circle, these groups do not focus on one of the key elements of educational equity and leadership. Transformative equity leadership aims to challenge the status quo, change oppressive structures, and promote empowerment for traditionally underserved students. Last year, I came to speak to the board about the oppressive school of choice system that will always hurt our high need students. I'd like to remind the board that you could choose to improve that system to protect underserved students and their schools. That would be equity and action. The recent district consolidation FAQ stated that less than 20% of the unduplicated students would be affected by consolidation. What it doesn't share is that Ferguson is ranked number two in total of unduplicated students, 93.94% of our students. That means that they are English learners, foster youth, or
163qualify for free and reduced meals. If you choose to close close Ferguson, you are now creating more hardship for students who are already at a disadvantage. And in this month of Hispanic Heritage, I would like to remind the board that our school is 94.9% Hispanic. We are honoring them with platitudes with these presentations and I appreciate it. Um, and if I could just say one more piece, I know I'm over. Um, moments like tonight when the school board takes on difficult decisions, these are the moments when ABC is truly going to show whether they stand behind the phrase equity is love and action. Please act accordingly. Thank you. [Applause] >> Good evening, Dr. Zitlo, President Nisha, and his esteemed board members. Thanks for the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Rick Torres. I'm a
164proud Whitney High School graduate, a proud Whitney Junior High parent, and a very proud spouse to a longtime Whitney teacher. Uh, I understand this topic is not exactly on tonight's agenda, but since action items can be amended, I'd like to share my concerns about with the proposal to move Whitney Junior High to Sters's campus and expand Whitney High School. First and foremost, I believe it's irresponsible to consider such a move without conducting a thorough cost analysis. According to the frequently asked questions document shared to the community earlier this week, uh the response to the question, does the district have the data that shows it it making snow hours into a middle school is cost-effective? The answer was that a full analysis is premature. To be honest, even discussing this as a possible future action without
165preliminary, much less full cost analysis is absurd. I understand uh this may feel like desperate times, but that should never result with desperate actions. Uh I work in the private sector and making a major decision with long-term consequences without full financial analysis would be unthinkable. This is especially troubling because the changes under discussion are being considered strictly for financial reasons. None of the board members have ever argued that splitting Whitney and increasing enrollment is the best in is in the best interest of the of the students and that's because it's not. We have uh no estimate of what the cost would be to retrofit hours to serve middle middle school students, let alone what would be required to create a campus that would compete with others and attract out of district families. Lockers, changing rooms,
166gymnasium, science labs, and other age appropriate facilities would all require major investments. On the other hand, making only minimal adjustments would result in a subpar campus, giving families, especially those outside the district, lower incentive to apply. If a parent had to choose between Oxford and Whitney, why would they choose Whitney if Oxford had stronger facilities? Beyond facilities, Whitney's unique you learning uh environment is part of what makes it successful. Younger students benefit from following the examples of upperassmen as they build strong lasting relationships with teachers and administrators. Partly because they are part of a small, close-knit family for many years. While this culture may not be easily measurable, it is central to Whitney's success. Uh, how can we say with confidence that splitting the school and increasing enrollment would not undermine the very qualities that
167make Whitney so effective? Uh, I understand the logic that opening Whitney uh to more a district students would increase enrollment and bring in additional funds. But if it requires moving Whitney Middle Schoolers from a top-notch campus, the trade-offs seem heavily weighted against the proposal. There are other more logical steps that could increase enrollment without dismantling what makes Whit Whitney unique and successful or disrupting other schools in the district. At the very least, research should be conducted to explore how such a policy might benefit the district. I would also like to see a study session called only to discuss converting junior highs into middle schools, as there's too much at stake to vote for the idea with the promise that we can always vote to go back. Thanks. [Applause] Uh, hello ABC district board members. My
168name is Ling and I'm a proud mom of IAS, a kinder student in the Mandarin program at Sters, a kindergartener who comes home every day saying he how much he loves school. We're an out of district family who transferred from Anaheim Elementary School District. And I'm here to speak from that perspective. Well, before I was to start kindergarten, we were researching where else to send him because our home district wasn't the obvious choice. While it does offer a growing dual language immersion program which includes Mandarin, uh the overall school performance ratings gave us much concern. When we learned about Stard and its MI program, Mandarin immersion program, we were very intrigued, but honestly, it felt out of reach. Since our home district already had a Mandarin immersion program, getting a release to attend another one
169at another school uh was going to be difficult. Not to mention, we had to consider the significant commute as well. But everything changed after I toured the school and learned that Sour isn't just an Mandarin immersion school, it's also an IB school. That was the missing piece, the differentiator that helped us justify the transfer request. We applied and it was approved. But even with all the approvals in place, we hesitated, especially h after hearing about the potential closure last May. It gave us a serious pause. But what ultimately won us over beyond the exceptional academics was the community. the parent involvement, the care and the love for the school and its students. It was inspiring and that gave us the confidence to commit. And um and we weren't alone. Despite the uncertainty of uh despite
170this uncertainty, 110 kindergarten families enrolled this year and 75 of which in management immersion. That's an incredible show of faith in this school and its programs. And yet here we are again facing the possibility of closure. As an out of district family, I want to make something very clear. If if Star Wars closes and the IB program is not continued elsewhere, we cannot simply follow the mandate immersion program to another school in ABC. Our district requires us to renew the transfer annually. Our transfer was granted because of the IB designation and I'm sure this is true for many other out ofdist families. IB is what made the transfer possible and it's not something that can just be moved. It takes years to achieve. It's the combination of IB and Mandarin immersion that has made Sour
171a true magnet school. It's what has drawn families like ours committed to providing our children with the best education possible, even if it means extra paperwork, longer drives, and uncertainty. Lastly, I want to briefly address the proposed sixth to eighth grade middle school model. While I understand the potential advantages, I urge you to consider the impact on families like ours. Many of our home districts follow a seventh to eighth grade structure. To complicate things further, our elementary and secondary school district Good evening board members. My name is Jane Troy and I am the proud parent of two students at Sters Elementary School. Um Sters is our home school. I'm a Critos resident and I'm a graduate of uh Leo Sters Tets and and Critos High School. And I'm here to ask that the board set
172aside the decision on phase two of the reconfiguration proposal which includes moving the 6th through 8th middle to a middle school model u with 6th through 8th as well as subsequently closing hours. I'm opposed to moving the district to a 6 through8 model because I'm not convinced as a parent that the based on the information we were given that the benefits and the positives would really outweigh the negatives and make it truly worth it. Um the fact that ABC Unified is in the minority of districts uh with a 7th to 8th middle school configuration tells me that this is a selling point that other families may be looking for um in in this option of middle school instead of a sixth through 8th option. Um and I would like the board to further think through
173um how this reconfiguration would benefit students and not necessarily um look at it from a financial point of view. And then separately um I would like the board to consider all options about closing one more elementary school before it moves to shut down sour. The stool school works the stool schoolwork study says that if the middle school changes move forward that one more elementary school needs to close due to the smaller population at each elementary school. And then the start schoolwork study recommends that that one more school be sters, but it doesn't say why. It doesn't give an explanation. And you're about to affect the families of 550 plus students. And I think we deserve an explanation of why it's sour. And I think um the previous speaker spoke of this um to kind of
174slow down and take a look at moving to the six through eight model because it's it's a big deal. It's a big change for the entire district. And at the same time, if one more elementary school needs to go, I think we need to look at all other options. And I don't understand why Sters is on the chopping block with really no explanation um given to the families. Um and so u I understand this four study relied on outdated enrollment data. Star Wars has strong enrollment numbers in the past few years and the FAQ was the starting point. More explanation is necessary, however. Um, and I also want to thank our teachers who have been just day in and day out there for the students, keeping them first. Even though this is a huge stress
175for us, for families, for teachers, it's very impactful to think about how we plan for the future, how we invest, how we fundra. And so we ask that at least you consider studies with the most updated information. And u please also clarify whether we're still looking at hours um under phase two. it gets mixed up like oh with phase two versus we're closing these four schools including stars there's there seems to be some confusion about that so I please ask the board to clarify what is really being voted on um because I from my understanding the schoolwork study was just phase two stars was being considered but now I'm hearing four schools including hours are being in cut so um those are my comments thank you so much >> good evening Community and board members,
176I'm here again asking that you reconsider the schoolworks consolidation report. I'm super offended that the board would consider closing elementary schools before we close adult schools that mostly offer arts and crafts, fitness, and sewing. I'm sure we can agree these programs will be easily moved to school campuses or community centers. It's ironic. The presentation on attendance today confirms all the things that I've been asking the board to acknowledge. When you start busing kids to different schools, the attendance will fail along with mental health. And I also wonder why you're asking the kids who are presenting today how you can financially support them. Maybe you didn't specify financially, but we're all sitting here knowing that you're looking to close four schools, and it's just heartbreaking when you want to offer them more programming where we're getting
177less. And what I'm hearing the district say is, "We cannot inconvenience our privileged kids minus families." Ferguson, which is 94% Latino. Aloha Warz are predominantly black and brown and low socioeconomic. Why would you take away from the kids who need the help the most? Parents of Sters are a wealth of information and I hope you listen to the report they present unifying two communities instead of continuing this anti-br agenda. I also have so many ideas myself and I've shared them with you at multiple meetings. When will you listen to the community you represent which is 47% Latino and we are Hawaiian Gardens patriots and we will continue to fight. [Applause] [Music] Hello, my name is Lily Rico. I go to Ferguson and I'm in the dual immersion uh program. And because of my wonderful teachers,
178I am able to read, write um and speak Spanish and along with 70% of the world. So closing down our school would mean an end to this program program and trust and our trust in our school board. [Music] Gracias fantast. Um, [Music] signific Fore [Music] scholar. [Applause] >> Hi, my name is Jennet Ortiz and I am a proud parent for Ferguson Elementary. We often hear talk of equity and equality, but do we truly understand the difference? Equality means giving everyone the same thing. Equity, however, means giving everyone what they need to be successful. And with that, I come to you once again. Achieving equity means recognizing and addressing disparties by providing tailored support and resource resources. It's about ensuring everyone regardless of their backgrounds regarding their background has the same opportunity to thrive and participate
179fully. With that being said, I know our district promotes equality, equity, but are we truly practicing when you are purposely targeting schools with children that have the most needs and targeting our DLI schools? You mentioned that the program can easily be transferred, but let's really think about it. Is it wouldn't it be easier to transfer other schools that only have the SEI program which is the English program to one school or truly promote and invest in our bilingual programs? We are here because of declining enrollment and Ferguson has been able to maintain a steady enrollment. Please give us a chance to keep doing what we've been working so hard this past years. Don't let our efforts, sweats, and tears go in vain. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening, President Nishi, Vice President Noyola, Clerk Yokiyama, Bui,
180uh, Superintendent Zilo, and and members of the board. U, my name is Saku. I am a parent and community member. My husband is a Lakewood native, and he went to kindergarten, 12th grade in ABC Unified. Um, and he couldn't be here today because he's with the kids at home. um but he wanted me to be here to share our story. So um and really talk about how it's going to impact us as far as school closures. So my husband and I just celebrated 15 our 15th year anniversary two months ago. Um it wasn't easy for us to have kids. Um, but in summer of 2020, we had our first son. And soon after, we made a decision to move into the Loha neighborhood elementary school uh area. And for four years, my son and I,
181my husband walk by that school. And my son grew this eagerness to to be part of this school in this community. Um, a few years later, my 2-year-old now walks with us, and it's has the same eagerness. And sometimes we'll ask, can I go to school with brother? Um, and it was in spring of this year that I stopped by the school to say hello, check in on enrollment, and it was uh Mrs. Robinson came out to greet me as a school principal. Um, and it's just in that moment as a parent, I knew that I made a really good decision to choose this neighborhood and come back to this district um for my for where my husband grew up. I grew up next door in Long Beach Unified. Um, and then uh one thing
182that I realized is they continue that in the last month that we've been here. There's always Mrs. Robinson outside, the first smile that students see. If not, it's Mrs. McGregor. And then his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Miller, has been amazing. The support that my son has needed, Mr. Bernett, that's the counselor there. Sorry, I'm getting emotional. Because it's been such a journey for us. And families like mine as well as others in this room as well as not in this room that aren't able to be here are going to be impacted because you're not closing one school, two school, or three schools, four schools that you're considering. That's a lot. and doing so could potentially and will um dismantle community ecosystems. It's going to remove safety nets and it's actually going to possibly impact student supports
183in a way that you probably can't even imagine right now. So, being a parent on the receiving end of this, I'm really urging and pleading that you really look and re-evaluate because is this the only option? Have you really looked at what all the options are? Because this would impact myself and other families in a way where we've prepared to be a part of this these communities and that's going to be taken away and it's not an easy thing to process. Thank you for your time. [Applause] >> Good evening board and Dr. Ziglo. Uh my name is Olympia Chen, retired board member. Back then when I was still on the board, the trend in California of declining enrollment was already appearing. So um we did demographic study back then and it was all confirmed. Your
184Um Mr. Fwin is one of the specialists in this area. He look at the number and pretty much correct each year for the prediction. So back then if we have 200 less students enrollment each year we worry it was big deal. Now let me share with you the number is on the district website. You compare 2018209 with this year's current enrollment, we are 3,000 students less. We're not talking about 200. It's 3,000 less students. In other words, tsunami is on our face right now. Back then, school closure was on the back burner. Oh, we did many creative things, innovative things to put school closure on the back burner, but now with 3,000 less students, we simply have to do something about it. I want to comment on the process. Um I appreciate very very much
185because the um study session town hall meeting uh by the way website is excellent resource. Now if we do if the board does not do anything it creates this uncertainty. People in the community community are talking about it. Staff is talking about it and worry about it. And this plan submitted to you is comprehensive with many brilliant ideas. No plan is perfect and you cannot please everybody. So I strongly urge you to adopt the plan submitted to you and that's move forward. ABC we're in our district our biggest asset is our people our staff under Dr. Zillow's leadership I'm sure we will come up with plan the necessary steps to make adjustment so that school district can continue on. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening again. I'm Celia Spitzer, also a former board member and Olympia
186and I served on the board together for a very long time. As always, she was eloquent and she's always been like that and always really thinks things through. After witnessing declining enrollment for about four years in early 2022, and Olympia's right, we did start we had a demographic study in 2008. Um but even more recently um after witnessing declining enrollment for about four years in early 2022 the current the board at that time saw the proverbial writing on the wall and realized some number of elementary schools needed to be closed and their students consolidated with other schools. The board formed an ad hoc committee to study the declining enrollment in the efficient use of facilities and make a recommendation by May of last year. Unfortunately, due to a number of events, the committee didn't have
187the opportunity to complete the task. In June of this year, after analysis by a consultant, a great deal of input from the ABC community, discussion by the board, and continuing declining enrollment, nevertheless, the board voted four to three to not close any elementary schools, nor to reconfigure reconfigure middle schools to include grades 6 through 8. Here we are in September and faced with the same problem. Declining enrollment continues and a growing number of elementary schools have enrollments so low that their facilities cannot be used efficiently resulting in combo classes which could negatively impact student learning and limited offerings in special programs and extracurricular activities. So here we are tonight faced with an even bigger challenge than in June. You need to take action and close the recommended schools and have the middle schools reconfigured to
188include sixth grade. I support the consolidation and reconfiguration timeline and process as stated in the agenda item. While it may not please a number of people, voting it down again will only make things worse and more severely affect not only students in some elementary schools, but also all current and future middle school students. Thank you. As a reminder, if you have a number that is greater than 16, if you could please make your way outside and we'll call you in. >> Good evening. My name is Heather Montgomery. This is my 27th year as a teacher in this district. All of those years have been at Ferguson. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, "Oh, you teach at Ferguson." At trainings by members of our own district during my master's program, I had
189a professor that told me I shouldn't teach at my school longer than 5 years. I've even heard that when parents have come to enroll their students um in a school in our district that they've been deterred from enrolling them at a school like Ferguson. Teaching at a school like Ferguson is not just a job. It's more of a calling. It takes teachers that teach because they care and they are passionate. After the pandemic, the solution to much needed intervention was everyone gets a tossa. We've all seen that picture of three children who are trying to see over a fence and we give each of them a box. The tallest child could already see. The second child with that one box is now able to see. But the third child is still not able to see.
190Giving each of those children one box wasn't enough. But the one that got two boxes, we could have given or got the the box that he didn't need, he we could have given it to the one that needed two boxes. The state recognized that Ferguson needs that additional block, but our own district has not. It's not that teachers aren't teaching. Many of the challenges that we face at Ferguson are systemic inequities. There are some days that are really hard with the students that I work with. But when we jump at the chance to close a school like Ferguson, we are not recognizing our own privilege. When I went for the interview to teach at Ferguson, my dad said, "Now, Heather, you're going to see things that you are not used to." And I said, "Yeah,
191yeah, yeah. I know. I know." I did not know. Um, I grew up in a large family. We would have qualified for free lunches. My dad was self-employed. There were some years that were good, some that were not. And I will tell you that I do not have the same inequities that my students face. I never experienced things like insecurity, like food insecurity, housing insecurities. I was never worried about ICE. My family never struggled with not knowing the language. Even though things like money were tight, I grew up with parents that were educated and enriched my life with high level vocabulary. My mom was home when I got home from school and I had help with my homework. These privileges are not across our district. our our school even our area has a a nickname
192the southside which I think the intentions initially were to support the schools that face certain inequalities. I really hope that this board can take a step back and recognize the differences here that we can recognize the inequalities and the needs at Ferguson because when we can do better we should do better. Do we need to consolidate schools? Yes. Does it need to be schools that are burdened with inequalities or inequities? No. I don't see where the board has done their due diligence. Please do your due diligence before you make your final decision. Don't put undue strain on a community that community that is already vulnerable. Thank you. [Applause] Uh first of all like to thank the board for their time. I understand that this is a very difficult decision. Um and it's my sincerest hope
193that the parents voice is heard um in that decision. Um there's a couple of things that I know and I don't quite know uh when looking at this process. I know that I signed up my child for Star Wars because of its IB and dual immersion program. I know that there are multiple parents that have spoken highly of that school and the great opportunities that they were given there. What I don't understand is how a decision could be made without all the numbers. I understand that certain savings are expected from this. But how can a decision be made without looking at what the true cost of relocation of rehabilitation and the other impacts that our children will have to face? I do know that year-over-year St. numbers have increased significantly because of out of district
194um students and parents looking at these programs and deciding that's where they want to start their academic year. What I don't know is if the board has looked at what the potential impact is of losing those out of district parents because the thing that they were looking for in this district is no longer available. I know speaking to a lot of parents here that they share the same concerns and I know that if changes do occur there will be an exodus of parents there will be a loss of enrollment there will be concern about the quality of the program and ultimately the savings that you're looking for are not going to materialize so I ask the board to take some time look at all the numbers truly consider what the short-term and long-term costs are
195going to be what potential loss of enrollment is going to be uh before making this decision. Thank you for your time. >> Good evening members of the board. Uh thank you for hosting this so the public could comment. Um I am a 30-year-old uh disabled mother. Um my child is not yet old enough to attend ABC School District. However, I myself am a product of ABC School District. I attended Willow Elementary. I went to Haskell Middle School and I attended both Artisia and Tracy High. If it wasn't for some of these programs that were offered there at these schools, I would not be where I am today. Um, I have been living in Hawaiian Gardens for 15 years now, most of my life. Um and my daughter um while again she is not old enough
196to be in school, it is something that I have considered quite a lot. Um the uncertainty I have now with the potential school consolidations uh worries me greatly. Um I urge the board to consider the human cost in the equation. I understand that there are over $3 million annually. However, I do believe that that is money that is being put into the students, into the community, and I really struggle to imagine what our future, what our communities look like with that at stake. Sorry. Thank you. Um, I really hope that the board reconsiders and that they acknowledge that a nearby school um is a difference between accessibility and reliance on others. for some parents and not just for myself but for other parents who rely on the commute and the routine as a part of
197their daily lives. Thank you. >> Good evening board. I have more notes than I know I going to have time for. So, I I'm just going to just speak on behalf. I'm here, Council Member Ernie Vargas, representing the city of Wine Gardens and also uh in support of you not closing Ferguson Elementary School, a major part of our community. I can't tell you how much it it means to our community and you must enclose it. Some of you that sit right there, you've never lived in a wine gardens. You don't know what it's like. You don't know what it is for people who grow up there and have to deal with u many of the things they've dealt with. I know because as a kid I grew up there so I know what it's like
198and Ferguson is a very important part of our community and our council is 100% in supporting Ferguson as well as all the schools that represent our our our kids attend attend. Um so I'm asking you to reconsider and not close the school. I understand that that there's still $4.9 million in in the uh measure BB B uh as of 63024. That's how much money is still left and that's allocated for Ferguson Elementary School. You can check if I'm incorrect, but that's this this is what I looked up. Um uh Hawaiian has 5 million 5.0. Melbourne has 6.2. Fetty has 4.5. The school district has 10.9. Why don't you take some of that money and put it in the schools that you want to close in the district? I don't know how that money is distributed,
199but you can save these schools by considering what I'm I'm asking here. Also, I want to talk to you about open space. And I'm going to share with you a little bit of the history. Uh um the casino took a major part of our community. Bloomfield School was closed. I was there as as as a coach there. We used to use that as a major part of our programs. Um the bingo property which could have been kept was lost. I have all the the uh Bill Give me a second. The bingo was two 275 and 855 square feet. Bloomfield uh school uh 8 484 350 square ft that was lost. There was a place called Billy Milford Park which is now Parkside. It's apartment. Those properties were all lost. That's open space that we used
200to have and I was there because I I witnessed it. They're not there any longer due to those who make major decisions in our community in the past. They no longer sit on the city council. They no longer sit on the boards. And years from now, you won't sit on those boards. But the decision you make for our community to close Ferguson School will make a major effect in our community. I'm asking you to reconsider. Do not close Ferguson School. is a very important piece of land and landmark for our community and children and the future of those who will attend that school. Thank you for considering my statements. [Music] >> Um thank you President Nichi Superintendent Zo and distinguished board. My name is Michelle Peralta and I'm a parent of a fourth grader at
201Sters Elementary. You can tell we came to Stowers as a as an outofd district transfer on the recommendations of friends whose kids were in Sour. I was able to acquire the transfer because our district doesn't have any IB schools. I will freely admit that I wasn't too sure about what an IB school entailed, but I knew I wanted it to be something for my kid. And I have seen her flourish in the years that she has been there. I have a cousin or I have a nephew who is in a different district and my kid is learning way more stuff than my nephew knows. All thanks to the IB school. So I live in Balflower which is right next door to Downey who now have both an IB and a D an adult language immersion
202elementary and middle school. It makes me wonder why we're so quick to close our IB school, the only IB school in the district that is actually growing. Why are we not willing to spend the money that was spent on consultants and everything else when we could possibly make one of our middle schools an IB school? If we do that, reconfiguration of our schools for growing kids do not have to be made. Our middle school numbers will grow instead of how they're declining. While I've never thought to pull my kid out of this district, I have to admit that the pull of a middle school that has an IB right next to us sounds pretty tempting. Now, I know you might just look at me and say, "She's just one person with just one kid. What
203does that matter?" But I can guarantee you I'm not the only one that's out of district that has those choices to make. and they have crossed many many minds of fellow parents of my of my kids school that that think the same way. You know, we love our IB school. We love our SARS community and it's it's a disservice when we're the only IB school that's flourishing. We're a Mandarin school that's flourishing and our numbers just keep growing and growing and I feel that if you close us instead of promoting the district, you're just going to it. Thank you. [Applause] Since no one else is coming to the mic, I will. Good evening, President Nishi and board members. My name is Gina Clayton Tarvin and I speak tonight as a 30-year classroom teacher here in
204ABC Unified School District, 10 years at Fedy Middle School in Hawaiian Gardens and 20 years at Cerritos Elementary School in Cerritos. And I'm also a four-time elected school board member from the Ocean View School District in nearby Huntington Beach. I want to share a perspective on an issue we faced in Ocean View and that now you are considering here in ABC Unified. school consolidation in the face of declining enrollment and budget cuts. In Ocean View, we learned firsthand that declining birth rates, high housing costs, and families leaving the state all lead to lower school enrollment. With fewer students come less funding, and school boards are left with heartbreaking decisions. keep small neighborhood schools open and cut programs or consolidate consolidate campuses to preserve essential services like music, counseling, athletics, and special education. I know how
205painful this process is because I have already been through this. Parents will come and plead for their schools. Teachers and staff worry about their jobs. Students feel like they're losing a second home. And as both a trustee and a teacher, I've seen the human cost up close. But here's the fiscal reality. The administrative labor costs of running just one elementary school is about 850,000 a year. And when a district consolidates, the potential savings is significant. Those savings are not abstract. They directly translate into protecting programs and ensuring every student has access to a full well-rounded education. So the question then becomes, do we want to spread limited tax dollars across too many underenrolled schools, watering down opportunities for kids, or do we want to act strategically and consolidate? What I urge you, this board, to
206do is lead, take action, lead with both courage and compassion. courage to make financial responsible, fiscally responsible decisions as conservative fiduciaries to conser to secure the district's long-term health and compassion to ensure families and staff are supported through transparent communication, meaningful engagement, and thoughtful transition planning. School consolidation is about ensuring that students now and in the future have the resources, opportunities, and stability they need. And with careful planning and strong leadership from you, ABC Unified can transform what feels like a loss into a renewal. Therefore, I urge a yes vote on item 1.4 for consolidation. Do the right thing. Thank you for your time and for your service to our students. Good night. [Applause] Buenosy Papa Alvaro Kevin Alvaro [Music] mech. I'm gonna read some paragraphs so we can go one by Um, good evening
207all the members of the school board. I'm Juan Alvaro. I'm the father of Kevin Alvaro and he goes to Willow and he's in third grade. And as a dad and member of the community of Willow Elementary, I would like to express how worried I am about the lack of consideration towards all the parents' voices on decisions that affect our kids' education. Um our participation is not only as a right but it's essential element to make sure that each student gets all attention and support they need. Many parents share the concern that our opinions are not always heard and taken into account and important decisions that impact their children education. That participation of the parents is a right protected by the law and a fundamental part of ensuring that each student can fully develop. It is
208important to mention that due to this situation some students have begun to show demotivation even refusal to attend school and it's a clear indicator that immediate attention is and concrete actions are required to ensure A safe, inclusive and quality educational environment. respectfully. I asked the school board to give us the warranty that the rights of parents are heard and taken into consideration and all decisions that affect the education of our kids. Only through collaboration between parents and schools, we can ensure that every student receive the education and support they deserve, fostering a positive and effective learning environment for all of us. Thank you and have a good night. Good evening board members and Dr. Z. My name is Irene Sheay and I'm a parent in the mander immersion program and also a school principal. I'm
209here tonight to speak in support of the dual language programs. Currently, the board is considering a relocation of two dual language programs. In my view, this reflects a mismanagement of the programs. Rather than investing in and strengthening these valuable offerings, the proposal creates instability and uncertainty, conditions that risk long-term damage to both enrollment and program quality. At Ferguson, a literacy grant is being implemented. Research shows that dual language students initially lag behind their Englishonly peers in English development. Ferguson's efforts to support these students through dedicated professional learning, literacy coaching, community building must be sust sustained. Closing Ferguson would abruptly halt this progress and displace students and staff to campuses that do not share that whole school focus. Meanwhile, the Mandarin immersion program at Stars is only in its third year. As shown in the charts
210that I provided, enrollment has grown, especially through its partnership with IB, but the program is still in its early stages. Like any startup, it faces foundational challenges that demand resilience, collaboration, and long-term commitment from both staff and families. Overcoming these challenges requires consistency and stability, and research is clear that consistency matters. Sustained stable environments are essential for both student achievement and program success. The closures of Ferguson and STARS represent the opposite of that. They disrupt learning, break community ties, and erode trust. Staff and students would have to relearn new routines, administrators, peers, and systems. Parent groups would need to uh rebuild relationships and partnerships from scratch. much of the behind-the-scenes work that support these programs would halt. We've been asked to trust the district in relocating these programs, but the current track record does not
211inspire confidence. For example, families are still facing unresolved curriculum access issues more than a month into the school year for a third year in a row. It wasn't until board member Mendoza intervened, and we thank her sincerely for advocating on behalf of our families that we were even given a date for when access would be provided. If it takes over three years to resol to address not even resolve a basic curriculum issue, how can we reasonably trust the district to manage the far more complex task of relocating and successfully transitioning entire programs? Imagine with me instead uh a growing coalition of engaged parents, passionate educators, and committed staff coming together to reimagine what dual language education can become when collaboration takes center stage. Rather than working in isolation, programs and schools like Ferguson and Sters
212can unite around a shared vision that values multilingualism, equity, and community as essential pillars for student success. This district-wide partnership isn't just about improving individual programs. It's about building a cohesive ecosystem where the strengths of each site enriches the whole. So instead of a proposal created by an outside consultant who did not visit the schools and use data, I urged the board to invest in the momentum already building within our community. This is a vision that we should be striving for, not a disruptive top- down relocation plan that derails years of hard work. Together, we have the potential to create something far greater. Thank you. [Applause] My turn. Thank you. Thank you all. I'm going to just say good evening to all of you. Thank you for those of you who took the time to
213respond to my emails and to meet with me and with various groups of parents, including those from Ferguson and Sters. I'm so heartened that they wish to create an alliance in collaboration along with NEIUS to support the maintenance of the three dual immersion programs. Two are being affected. I have emailed you written comments, but here are some items I still think require attention before you vote on a plan without making amendments at a minimum. I know that everyone is well-meaning, but I first thought that you were going to go with the schoolworks plan, but I see now it's just a plan. And I'm hearing that the plan proposed by schoolworks is not the plan now. And so my remarks were going to talk about that, but I will continue to say there's no thing such
214thing as a Whitney attendance area. So if you're going to have a Whitney Middle School, the parents will drive anywhere you post the Whitney Middle School sign. They could join Fetty Middle School to build their school population, as one parent suggested in a Google meeting. If you close another school, you could spend the money on that. Uh there was there's been no mention about the cost of the infrastructure to uh restructure a school, but I'm hearing outside that that's uh off the table. So if that's the case, I'm going to add some comments that Ernie Vargas didn't have a chance to mention regarding additional funds that have come specifically for Ferguson from Michelle Steel. A $1.4 $4 million grant that's matched by the Ma Moscow Foundation. Plus, as of last year, Ferguson has a $4.9
215million application uh allocation from the measure BB budget. Regarding ADA, with the dismantling of Stard's Mandarin IB programs, we could potentially lose 168 out of district permits permits of students that we already have for students that attend the Mandarin NIB programs. You would need to have 168 new potential Whitney program students just to get to net zero. The study session reported report indicated a capacity to grow Whitney Middle and High School by 275 new students with a new curric uh configuration. If we are data driven, the math simply doesn't add up to warrant all the disruption to everyone else to accommodate Whitney. Please amend the action plan to remove Ferguson and Sters, preserving two out of the three dual immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin, including the stellar Mandarin IB combination. I'm here to preserve
216and expand the biiteracy programs and support our community. Also, I'm very knowledgeable about the pathways to biiteracy for preschool and elementary. So, please count on me. I'm here to help. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening board members. Dr. Zitlo, you everyone here knows I've been advocating for Sters to remain open. Um and but I'm here a little differently today. Um my focus is on the IB program and the non-emersion families. Um in the past we've already shown in past presentations how both the IB program and the manner and immersion program have fueled dual um sters growth and thus should remain intact as it is at sters. Um but as you know the schoolworks recommendation states that should sters close the immersion program should go to Gonzalez and the IB non-emersion track goes to another school perhaps
217Critos but there's question as to whether it may even be in the same school. So I'm here um and that my hope is that the IB non-emersion track remains together in the event of closure like the Mandarin program will remain intact. First about the non-emersion students I want and to be clear my children are in the non-emersion track and we're also out of district students. I want to remind the board the district and our school administrator that supporting the non-emersion and supporting the manner and immersion programs is not an eitheror choice. both deserve recognition and investment and this board, this district and Ster's leadership can and should strengthen both whether the school remains open or if it closes and when determining how children are placed and how resources are allocated. Non-emersion families, many of who
218are out of district families have been the backbone of the school. We trusted Sters when no one else did. We carried it forward during the lean years, brought our children here and in doing so brought revenue and ABCUSD that would not have that would have gone elsewhere. We are not an afterthought. We are the reason this school was a perfect landing spot for the Mandarin program. With respect to the inner bachelorette primary reviewers program, the IB program, let me be clear. This is not just another curriculum. It is the worldrenowned program that f fosters global citizenship, inquirybased learning, and prepares students for success of at every level. Families pay after upwards of $24,000 a year to send their school to private school for some for the same IB program we have here at Sers. To
219dismiss it or to fail to support it is to dismiss one of the strongest, most prestigious programs on an elementary school can offer. Instead of closing an IB program, we should expand it. Imagine ABCUSD with a true IB track from elementary to middle to high school. IB at Sters carried into Tesla, then a Nagar. Neighboring high schools like Troy, Sunny Hills, and Kennedy already have an IB program along with their AP classes. We should use an IB. We should use IB as a competitive advantage, a reason families choose a district, a reason that can enrollment can grow. Lastly, I must emphasize the non-emersion community at Sters is not a leftover group of a closure plan. We are families, teachers and students who believed in the school and who carried it forward when others would not
220and who still believe in its potential. And with the arrival of the Mandarin immersion program, the IB and Mandarin immersion program has made Sters become one of the most forwardthinking schools in ABSUSD and you already know that I strongly believe it should be dismantled. Lastly, whatever your decision may be, do not forget about us. Please include us in the process. do not push aside the families who help Keller the school when no one else wanted to. We are not expendable. We are an essential group and program just as the Mandarin immersion program and we deserve to remain part of the school's future or at the very least part of the district's plans if closures move. Lastly, just one more thing. Thank you to the board members who gave so much of their time to hear
221our research and our data and constructively listen to us. I thank you very much and again I know this is our decision. So again, thank you. >> Thank you. Um I'm going to need to have a motion to extend the board meeting. We're supposed to technically end at 10:30. >> Um I allowed for public comments to go an hour and a hour and a half. >> I think I'm the last speaker. >> You're not the last speaker. >> Well, we still have to do um we need to extend the meeting because technically our meeting ends at 10:30. >> So I need to have a motion. >> I can make a motion. >> And so I need a motion. We can only do this once. So >> I think we need at least an hour and
222a half to >> I make a motion to extend the meeting till 12 and we can end early. >> Yeah, we can end early, but we can only do it once. So if we don't finish everything, >> that's it. >> Yeah. >> Second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> We are extended to 12 if necessary. Thank you. Go ahead. >> So do I get like five minutes now? >> You you would get to three minutes, >> but good. >> Good evening. Uh, my name is Marissa and I'm here again representing my two children in the DLI program at Ferguson Elementary. I was not thinking of coming up here today to speak because I did not prepare a speech, but I decided to give it a shot and asked chat GPT for help, something
223I've never done before. Let me just be clear. It went on by telling me closing a school would affect the community, relationships, so on and so forth. I then clicked on possible solutions, and it gave me tons of solutions. And that makes me wonder, have you guys tried Chad GPT? If they had tons of solutions, why can't the board find a different solution instead of consolidating schools? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember parents were sent a survey um asking us if we would consider taking our kids out of school. I don't know if it was 2020, but something about like homeschooling or leaving the the district. Um I remember I participated in that and I believe it asked if we would continue in the district. And um I'm not sure if you guys
224have gotten that report back or if you guys haven't done a survey like that, maybe consider making one to see where you guys would stand, especially after making such a drastic decision. Um I'm here again just to ask for you to please take a different approach. Please consider your decision in closing Ferguson Elementary and Star Wars as they both hold the DLI programs. Thank you again for your time. [Applause] Wait, did Oh, okay. All right, let's take a five minute break. So, let's reconvene at Huh? Where we don't have any more public comments, correct? >> None. >> Okay. So, uh let's reconvene at 10:30. E2. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Oh yeah. Hey [Music] Thank you. We're back in session. So, actually before we uh go to the board comments, I just
225want to thank uh I want to thank that we had a very respectful audience. It wasn't booze, there wasn't a ton of clapping, there wasn't a lot of of things that could happen in many other situations. So, um definitely the fact that we had a a large audience of people that we were able to get through a lot of people and and listen intently to everything. I want to thank the audience for that and I expect it to continue throughout the rest of the tonight. Also just wanted to quickly note that there was a speaker that was out of order and we apologize we weren't uh fully aware of that. Um but again, we're not going to clap at at these issues. Sometimes we don't have everything perfect and that happens. That's not a um
226something that's totally incorrect. We all got a chance to speak and that's the important part. All right. So now it's the board's chance to comment or have questions and uh discuss. Board member Sue, you is first. >> Thank you board uh President Nishi and uh thank you for the community to take ownership to come out. Really appreciate it. I know that we had to spend a long time hearing you out, but that's the process and that was good. It's okay. It's fine. And we can um be respectful in hear's opinions and concerns and perspectives. Really appreciate it. Thank you. And we can agree to disagree with full respect. Um on page 134 and also FAQ, we've had a lot of questions and answers fully explained. And on page 134, this process didn't start just few
227years ago, but it started you know May 2022. We had formed the ad hoc committee advisory committee uh consisting of you know board of community members. On November 6, 2024, we have a contract with school works to study the enrollment trends. And on June 3rd, 2025, we had the public hearing on school consolidation and reconfiguration. And June 17, I mean September 2nd, we had a board study session. So, we did the board and the staff uh we tried our best to have public hearing and wanted to hear you out fully. And uh this is a very tough decision, but it's also very important because we're looking at five to 10 years from now and the board whatever we uh decide on today, we will make sure to assure you of many of your concerns and
228and to address many of your concerns. make sure no programs will be affected and um the board members will make sure to bring it up and hold the the district, you know, the staff and teachers, I mean administrators. We'll all work together to to assure you of that. So, um I'm going to make my comments very short. That is all I have to say. Thank you for coming out and the board will, you know, vote on what's going to what we know is best for the district and we as a board member um we have to make the tough decision for the welfare of all the children and the district sustainability and to keep up with our reputation. Thank you very much. That is all. Thank you, Vice President Noyella. >> Uh, thank you, President
229Nishi. And I would like to also echo the fact that I appreciate all the public comments here tonight. And not just tonight, but in the past, the public has been very involved in this process, sharing their thoughts, their ideas, you know, reaching out to each one of us to share their concerns, their ideas, their suggestions. And um, I guess the silver lining tonight is I see a powerful alliance forming with our dual immersion families. And that's something that I think is very powerful and I would like to explore more and giving them an an opportunity to help promote their schools like we are doing later on in the board agenda that we will you know looking to promote our district and I think our dual immersion programs are you know a strong catalyst for incentivizing
230out of district students and families to ABC. So I would like to make an amendment to the plan that we remove our do immersion programs from phase one and two um and that we create an equitable objective you know assessment to bringing back to other additional schools in the future. >> I second that. >> That would be my motion. Sorry. >> Can can we actually get through some board comments first before we get to the motions? I I would like us to have some full discussion and then you can make your um motion. So I I will hold that until we have actually heard everyone. >> Thank you. >> Is it okay? Do you have any other comments that you'd like to make? >> All right. Thank you. Uh Dr. Rios. >> Thank you, Mr.
231President. Um I think we did not approve the plan the first time because we wanted to be more thoughtful and we wanted to be more intentional. And without revisiting all my earlier arguments, I will just stick to three points. Um, I also want to see Ferguson removed um from the original list. Um, I think we need to do right by the school and invest in their success. We've heard a lot of um data that supports um this interest. Um, I especially appreciate the city of Hawaiian Gardens being so um, present in advocating for their city because I since I've been on this board, I don't think that there has been another city that has really put like they we go to them to support our schools and they never hesitated. Um, and so I think
232we owe it to that relationship. We we we need to honor that. And so for that reason, I would absolutely um support uh our vice president's uh amendment. Um in my opinion, we should pro completely remove phase two at this time. I I think that there is a lot more to explore. There's a lot more to consider. Today's decision is not a oneanddone deal. I think we we decided to move in the direction of moving maybe a little bit slower, maybe continue to explore options for school consolidation in the near future. I think we're taking a step and saying we know we need to do something, but that doesn't that something doesn't have to be the plan as is. So, I would support starting small with small steps. U I've said Tracy, uh I know
233that we need to have continuation school options. I know that it doesn't have to be Tracy. I know that we can house our students who need alternative education options at our comprehensive schools where they probably could could receive even more support um with the added funding that we would be saving. So again, let's consider other options. So um again, I would absolutely support uh Mr. Nyola's amendment. >> Thank you. uh board clerk buoy. >> So I would like to thank um the parents, the teachers, community members, civic leaders who have come out here, oh former board members who have come out here to share your feelings and your thoughts. And um last June following the 43 vote not to approve the plan, a parent and and I get I I've got so many emails and
234and I do read all of them and a parent I can't remember if it was a parent or a friend had had asked, "So are you unhappy that the plan wasn't voted on?" No, I don't think any of us are are happy to be in here. I don't think any of us would be happy with any decision made tonight. We're not comfortable with the uncertainty our district is experiencing. Now, I'm sensing a lot of unhappiness and discomfort with the communities that are being infected, rightfully so. Um, I'm I'm confident and hopeful that our district will look into every single thought and consideration that has been made. Even on break, um, another parent reached out to me about something related to the 6 through8 plan and and I've let her know she can she can communicate
235to the district about that so it can be addressed. Um my thoughts on this are are you know we're hearing the words empower and engagement of our communities and that's important. Um we have to empower and engage our children too. We know that at the smaller schools um aside from the special program programs that are being implemented right now at Ferguson certain communities aren't are not getting the attention maybe that that we would want them to have. We want to put more money and funding into the schools. We have money and funding allocated to them, but they're still not in the optimal environment in terms of one to one teacher to one grade ratio. Um, at CLSBA, something I heard that really resonated with me was a lot of our communities are on the defensive
236right now. We we are allowing what's going on unwillingly by our federal administration to cut certain programs at our school to affect our students, our learners, our families. And look what's happening in our local community. We cannot even agree on what would potentially be the best for our schools because we're um I mean there's a bigger picture. There's a bigger picture of uh a few years not having enough money for our deserving children, potentially cuts to migrant ed. Where is that money going to come from? How is district going to support these programs that we need? So, not only what I see is the federal government is not only directly affecting us right now related to fear in our communities, but it's also indirectly affecting us because we're here trying to make sense of how
237we can best serve our students, but we can't even agree on anything. I heard a lot tonight and as always um at these meetings my my um thoughts are with with the parents and families who are affected. Um it's almost like I feel like you know the children who who've who've been in these schools it's not their fault in what in what has been done. It's um us as adults who kind of have to have to again look at the forest and see how we can be continue to be successful in the years to come. I am supportive of potentially looking at a longer term plan for Ferguson so that they can continue to receive the grant money that they need. I'm absolutely supportive of that. I see the schoolworks report. I know people pick
238apart that schoolwork report and they despise it, but there is good in there. There was an equity analysis done with that report. Not necessary by by our school district thankfully, but we still did it. There was an analysis related to geography. There is still good in what's been done here and I honor that. I think the board will demand certain things of of the district as we move forward in in a phase one or phase two potentially or phase three, who knows? But what what I'm here to talk about is empowering and engaging our children, not being a victim, not being on defensive. We find ways, we find strategies for our kids to move on and be better with more money. Thank you board member McCaten. >> This is a extremely difficult decision and as
239you know in the beginning I had really hoped to go through consolidation much slower but after looking at enrollment data decrease in funding because of fewer students and the possibility of less federal funding for next year I believe we really need to go forward. I so appreciate the individuals who are were willing to address the board in June tonight in our study session and with me in personal meetings or through email. Through this process, I have met so many wonderful people who are sincerely passionate about the district, their school, the academic and social emotional programs present at their schools and most importantly our students. There are great things happening in every single school in ABC, but we have already delayed this consolidation. We can start again and form another ad hoc committee and spend countless
240hours analyzing what what schools to close, but we have a report from a well-recoognized consulting group and I believe we need to go forward following that plan. I hope the enthusiasm that teachers, parents, and the community displayed during this process can continue in an effort to rejuvenate and inspire even more growth in our district and its students. May we specifically recognize the needs of our most vulnerable students and make sure that they are given an equitable education. If we decide to move forward, I trust that administration and union will work together to provide a carefully crafted transition for all involved. It is my hope that schools who will be consolidated be given the time to celebrate their monumental accomplishments over the years and then move on move onto a spirit of adventure and continued commitment
241to their their students in a new local. My hope is that ABC will continue to grow stronger in academic pursuits for all students during this time of consolidation and renewed energy. >> Thank you. I'd al also like to recognize uh the mayor of Hawaiian Gardens uh Danny Depala in the back right there. Thank you for coming and being part of this. I appreciate that. You >> always supported schools. Um board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, I'm going to be honest. I use CHBT and I'm going to tell you why because for me it's been very emotional. This has been a roller coaster since I got on the committee for um the facilities and school consolidation. So I I I always like to speak from the heart and you guys know where I've
242always stood, but I I wanted to be very concise about what I say and it's almost identical to what our community was saying. So as we know we have three dual emer language immersion programs. We have NEAS, we have Star Wars, and we have Ferguson. Dual language immersion programs provide students with the opportunity to fully to become fully bilingual and biiterate. Bilingualism is not only a cultural and social asset, but also an economic advantage in a global workforce. Research shows that dual emerging students outperform their peers academically in the long run and demonstrate greater cognitive flexibility and culture competence. That was from Jack GPT. I'm going to be honest cuz I couldn't come up with that. But you know it's true because they they they grab from all of the information. Um so today two
243of our dual language emerging schools are being considered for consolidation. Closing any four of the schools would disrupt continuity in our communities. But for the dual language emerging students, many would lose access to this unique pathway. And I know that I've heard that programs can change, but it can't change the culture. the culture that's there at that school is going to change. I'm going to speak about Star Wars first. So, Star Wars Elementary School has the only Mandarin dual language immersion and it just started just a few years ago. I don't know if you if everyone understands what it takes for a school to start a dual language immersion. It takes a commitment on the parts of the parents and the staff. And the parents and staff at Stars have made this incredible commitment to
244come together to teach Mandarin to their children. Not only do they have a Mandarin dual immersion, but they have an international bachelorette program. From now on, I'm going to call it IB program. Parents choose to attend Stars because of these two programs. Not just one, but two of them together. And as a result of this commitment, Star Wars enrollment has increased. And this is shown by the data that we had at our study session. So this is the data that we have as a school. Okay, if you look at that data, Sters has the largest kinder enrollment numbers. They've made a commitment to bring their kindergarten students there and to continue throughout the dual immersion program. Sters has been able to bring in over 160 out of district students. If the board chooses to consolidate,
245which they can, I've had many phone calls and many emails that tell me that they wouldn't bring their kids back to ABC Unified because we would have lost their trust. So leaving our district at a greater loss of student enrollment. So I believe that the best choice for Star Wars is for the board to make a commitment to their IB program and their Mandarin dual immersion program. As they will continue to attract students, we the board should be helping to promote their programs. Ferguson Elementary School is the other school that has a dual immersion program which is Spanish. Ferguson for me compared to Neimis because I've been part of the NEIS community. Ferguson is is at the beginning of the dual immersion pro program, but Ferguson has a very unique position. It is literally in
246the heart of the city of Hawaiian Gardens. Ferguson students population is over I had 90, but I'm going to correct myself 94% Hispanic Latino and it is a title one school with a high percentage of socially and economically disadvantaged students. Ferguson provides unique and critical services such as social emotional support and nutritional meals to students who would otherwise be left behind. These services cannot be replicated if the schools were to consolidate. This would dis dis oh my gosh disproportionately impact lowincome and workingclass families, many of whom rely on the school as a hub for resources, stability, and support. Ferguson reflects and honors the cultural identity of his predominantly Latino population. Families see the school not only as a place of learning, but a safe place and a welcoming community space where their language, traditions, and
247values are affirmed. Removing this place of learning um would fracture the community's trust and limit parental engagement and education. Consolidating would create barriers to equitable access for Latino and lowincome students, many of whom would face longer commutes because they would have transportation in the morning and afternoon. But during the daytime, if they had to go and pick up their child, they would have to they would have to cross some major streets. Ferguson is more than a school. It's a lifeline for our families. It's a cultural hub for the Latino community and a model of what equitable bilingual education can look like in practice. Consolidation would not only harm current students and families, but would also send a message that the district is re retreating from its commitment to equity, inclusion, and innovation. And I just
248want to take us back tonight We passed a resolution to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. We not only recognized Latinos that came, Hispanics that came before us, but we're also recognize the ones that are coming in the future. That's our students at Ferguson. And as a Latina, I can't consider consolidating Ferguson because equity requires investment in programs that meet students where they are rather than displacing them. But I I've always been a no vote. You guys know that. I've I've been very vocal about no school closures. But I hear everybody. I hear the employees. I hear our parents. I hear in our students. And I was very vocal about making sure that this was a last resort. I wanted marketing. You're going to see that later on in our agenda today. I wanted a study
249session. We had a study session. I wanted transparency to make sure our community was heard. And I do I do hear you. I hear the teachers. I hear our other employees. And I know that we're at a critical position. So, I'm going to I I know that there is an a motion on the table, but I do want to support the one that our president is going to make very soon. And I do want to ask that Ferguson and Sters be removed from the list. I think we need to invest in them because I think all of us got all of the articles about dual immersion programs. It works. It brings in students. It brings in out of district students. We went to the California Latino School Board Association. We heard that it works. And
250so I would like to remove those two students. And I would also add um Dr. Rio said to remove phase two. I really liked her comments about going slow and I think that's what me as a Latina, as a as a schoolboard member, as a teacher, I want to hear everybody, but I also know there's a crisis and I want to move slow. And I think that if we can go at a slow pace, we can see what our progress is. We can see how we're doing. We can guide ourselves. I don't want to be the board member that closed four schools. Um, thank you, Mr. President, >> thank you. Thank you for your comments. Um, I'll try to keep my comments as brief as possible, but um, I also agree with uh, board member
251Mendoza that programs are very important. IB program is very important. Our dual Mandarin immersion is extremely important and our Spanish dual immersion is very important. These programs are the heart of what this district can bring people in. Programs are important. But if we can't afford the programs, if we don't, if we put our money into a building instead of people, there was a board member here that said, um, ABC is about people. People educate people, not buildings. People are powered by programs and and those two work together. And I understand location is very important to to this change is a scariest thing for all of us all the time. Um, but we're faced with, as board member, uh, Olympia Chen said, we're faced with a tsunami. And in the face of a tsunami, you don't
252you don't just sit there and let the tsunami come over you while you baby step your way through it. We have got to be leaders in this. And I understand there are no votes. There is never going to be a perfect plan. And I I am I don't want to be the board member to close. I don't understand any board member who would actually want to be in our position to to do this. But I think we have to remember what's what's important. The importance is the IB program that brings in the kids. the importance is the the language that uh our students can learn. But if if we don't, you know, eight years ago when I first started here, I was in the same situation. I was thinking, "Oh, heck no. We're not going
253to do any of this consolidation business that I heard way back when when we were approving the bond. No way. Let's improve. Let's bring in more people. Let's do it." I tal and I was with here with board member Mendoza, right? And eight years ago, we we saw these demographic trends and we said, "Nope, we're going to ignore those. We're going to keep going forward." So, we said Mandarin dual immersion at Huarez. Actually, that's where it was originally planned to go. I cried a little bit when it went to Star Wars, but I was okay with that. Um because Huarez had all these other things that was going for it. science nights. Their scores were improving. The the the principal was doing the best he could to to get what he was uh to get
254things to happen. I've seen Aloha and the and the great parents that are there and and developing a great program, Science Night, also over there. Um and my daughter went over to that school to help build a connection between Whitney and and Aloha. That was just before the that was the last thing she did before the pandemic um was to paint that place and I've been to their their places and it's it's an amazing place. Ferguson has the the plantings where the the city council uh mayor is out there. He doesn't say he's the mayor. He's out there planting things. He's out there building doing the work that's there. We're all here part of this thing. I remember going to poetry rooms, being the only uh board member there, but seeing some amazing poetry and
255also seeing the kids sing and that was an amazing thing. But I also noticed this that there weren't a heck there weren't a lot of kids and and I don't want us to have a pulverita type of attitude where we oh the the poor kids let's just keep them and not make any changes whatsoever because you know we're going to impact let's instead of having a a negative attitude about this try to make it this transformative right that's what that's what I learned from CLSBA. Let's not cry about the fact that we're losing 300, 500, 400. In the last three years, we've lost Last year we lost 500. This year we lost 300 and the year before that we lost I think about 400 students. That's four schools, three three schools already and we didn't
256do anything about it. We I mean I'm not saying we didn't do anything about it. This is not the end. This is just the beginning. This is part of a comprehensive change that we need to make in our district. So, in our subsequent agenda items, we're going to have advertising. We're going to spend more on advertising than we've ever done in the past. We're going to transform using LCAP, right, to provide the extra resources that these schools need while we have the resources because I got a letter saying that we don't. We're facing that tsunami here and now. I would love to study this to get the perfect plan. That would be great. But I don't live in an ivory tower and the kids don't either. The kids deserve us to be a leader. I
257don't want to be the board member to vote to do this. Absolutely not. But I'm not going to freewrite on that. I'm not going to not take the responsibility to do this. We can make some changes to this. And so I understand that there's a motion to take half of the plan away and basically close Fetty because there won't be any kids to go to Fetty, right? Because there's only 290 kids. That's not a plan that's I think is wise, but we will see how the motion goes and and I'll live with whatever the board decides on that. Um we can make changes to this plan. And it's not uh it's never going to be a perfect plan and we can adjust it to the needs that we have. Don't forget if we put more
258money into advertising, we have two years out in a year and a half if we end up with a thousand more kids that we didn't anticipate. We can adjust, right? We're not going to sit there and go, "Oh, we got an extra thousand kids. We're not going to do anything about it." Of course, we're going to adjust and make changes. We're trying to do these things, but if we don't have a plan, if we don't do something, that tsunami is going to roll over us. And really, our kids are the ones that are going to suffer. The kids in Hawaiian Gardens, the kids at Star Wars, the kids all throughout our entire district, the 17,000 kids maybe less next year that we represent, they will suffer. They won't have the programs. We love these programs
259that are great. We're not going to have the monies. So, that is short. I didn't follow all this script that I had, but um that's how I feel about this. I I hate to be the person to do this, but um it's um something that uh we need to get some resolution to. It's 11:05. So, I hear there was first a motion on the table to uh cut off half of the plan and not do phase two. What was it specifically? I'd like to hear it. >> So, my motion would be to amend the plan to remove uh Ferguson and Stowers's um essentially also eliminating phase two. Um yes. So moving forward with phase one uh but removing for >> So phase two included uh the closing stars and moving 678. So you're saying no
26067 and 8. >> Yes. >> Okay. So that's the motion. Do we have a second? Second by Dr. Rios. Do we have any Well, I don't I think we've had a public comment. We have any board comment on this? board member U. >> Yeah. Yeah. With all respect, I do like to just remind all of us that, you know, it's it's 3,362 students in the last 10 years, and the decline will continue in California, not just our district, but across the state. And we've already uh hired you know the the school works to do all the analysis not by themsel but with the district sta staff principles you know directors everyone to and they analyze the data from the last 10 years you know and projecting the future and I want to give them some
261respect and because it's not for us to you uh change a little bit here and it's not for us to decide which school to you know consolidate because they did the work they came up with a brilliant plans I and I think that for now it is wise for us to move forward and the details some of the details can be adjusted in the future but we do need to move forward together you know it's not for us to right now if we think take things apart here and there nothing's going to get done. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, >> Dr. Rios. >> Thank you. I think that my previous comments were about starting slow. Um, you know, they talked about this has been happening 10 years, then why is the pressure for us to
262in one night take action to make all of these >> Excuse me. Excuse me. If we have a lot of that, we can't hear each other. So, I would like to hear the board members speak. >> So, I want to be clear, it's not dismissing phase two at all. I know that there's going to be some things that we're absolutely going to have to consider. I think today is a move to start slow. I mean, one of those schools is Aloha. That's in my district area. The last thing I want is for a school to close in my area. But the data I mean, it's really hard for me to make an argument, you know, because everything supports that we have to move in this direction. And so, if we have to make some sacrifices,
263you know, that's I mean, we're not at the negotiating table, but you know, we have to make some concessions. And um I'm very sorry to see a school closed in my area. I my dis my city leadership came out and asked us not to close a school in our area, but I know that things have to happen. Um I just support the idea of doing it slow. Let's learn from it. Um we are going to have to come back and have continue to have these discussions. Um I'm not comfortable with doing it all today. Thank you, board clerk Buouie. >> So, I understand the timeline and processes for plan and prepare. Um, we're not, in my eyes, we're not doing this in one night. there is going to be a plan and preparation over the
264course of one year and potentially over the course of two years or whatever we agree upon. So um you know I I I took office in December. I know that in the prior month that was when the school works study was ordered and you know whether or not our our community knew it there were going to be schools that were considered. Um, so yes, I I I can certainly understand how someone may think it may be in one night. Perhaps if this was a proposal made 5 10 years ago, I would feel maybe the same way that we could we could slow it down. But again, with what's going on outside of these walls, what's what's going on funding wise, I'm not taking a chance on losing out on money, losing out on funding, losing
265out uh not having enough money in a budget for for our most needed students. >> Thank you, board member Mendoza. I I think um I think if you look back to the last meeting, the three members that voted absolutely no on the four schools are now saying that we want to move forward in a very slow pace. And I think I think as a board we have to work together and I still feel kind of feeling like let's do this. I still feel the pressure and I'm trying to come to the board and I'm trying to say I understand. I hear and I want to go slow. I listen, we just got on the board again. I was off the board. We saw this coming. Nothing happened. We had committees. Um the previous board could
266have done it, right? They chose not to. And so now I just like I said before, I feel like I'm being pressured. But I'm coming to the board and saying, "Look, I hear you. I hear everybody, but I want to go slow. Doesn't mean I want to stop. It doesn't mean that maybe next board meeting we can have a discussion about reconfiguring middle school, reconfiguring Whitney, but I think this is a lot to kind of talk about in the next 45 minutes. >> Thank you. Uh my quick comment, you know, we talked about only affecting Latino schools, right? And here we are affecting only Latino schools, Aloha and Huarez. Um and I can't support that. It's not fair. It is not fair at all. I know Huarez is not here and I know Aloha is
267not here, but just because they're not here doesn't mean they have don't have an interest. Huarez is in my area. I go to those science fairs. I go to Aloha's fundraisers. I saw the scores go up with great principles and great staff and great. So, for me to hear that we're just going to affect Latino schools doesn't sit well with me. It just does not sit well with me. The fact that we're also by the by this extension close Fetty because there's not enough kids that are going to Fetty also doesn't sit well with me because that's the only middle school in Hawaiian Gardens. There are no other middle schools in Hawaiian Gardens. So, if you really want to negatively affect, not negatively affect, if you really want to change the trajectory of um of
268a community by closing a middle school that has all of their sports facilities, all of the investment. We spent millions of dollars at Fetty. We're going to let that go because we want to go slow. Don't forget when you >> order, Mr. President, Fetty is not on the agenda, nor is it on this report. I understand that. But the practical effect of that is that a school with only barely 200 kids, a middle school cannot offer what those kids deserve. Those kids deserve a full school. Those kids deserve full science programs. And if they don't have enough kids, they can't get it. It is impossible for us to provide that. We can't put that much money. I mean we it's just not responsible. So I cannot support something like that. That is my statement. I
269will call for a vote. Let's do roll call. So the specific motion that we have on the table is just um consolidating Aloha and Huarez essentially is what the motion is. >> Yes. >> Thank you. and removing phase two. >> Yes, that is also the case but actually phase. Okay, remove phase two. >> Call please. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> no. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> yes. >> Dr. Rios, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yu, >> no. >> Mrs. Yokoyama, >> no. >> Mr. Nyola, >> yes. >> Mr. Nishi, >> no. Motion fails. 3 to four. I call the questions to go for the vote. >> The original >> what vote? >> The original motion. >> Yeah. So when you call the question that means we have to have a vote to accept that. >> Yeah. >> So
270then let's um there's no discussion as to that particular motion. >> So >> can we have a roll call please? >> Mrs. McCaten. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza. >> No. >> Dr. Rios. >> No. >> Mrs. Yu. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Yokoyama Bui. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nyola. No >> Mr. Nishi E. >> Yes. >> Motion passes four to three. >> So the question is called. We have to have a vote on the original motion and I don't think we can actually have an a friendly amendment at this point. >> No no the motion to call the question passed. So, we have to have the motion actually hear the the actual um the rest of it. >> Can we do a friendly amendment at this time to remove Ferguson? >> Unfortunately, we cannot because the
271question was called. >> So, we can vote against it and bring it back with the friendly amendment. >> President Dishi, we should vote. I think the motion was to call the question for the original motion that was set before us on the agenda, >> right? But if motion fails, >> that motion just passed to call the question for the vote. >> And so now we actually have to vote on the motion >> as it is. >> Okay, go ahead. >> So the first motion that we had was to call the question. A call the question means you don't have any further debate. you just vote on the original motion. You don't get to amend. You don't get to do anything. It's it's just the original motion. Um and somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.
272Um >> that motion specifically passed. And so now we have to vote on the original motion and we don't get to debate it. 1.48. >> Accept. >> Correct. >> As written. >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> no. >> Dr. Rios, >> Mrs. Yu, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yokayyama, >> yes. >> Mr. Nyola, >> no. >> Mr. Nishi E. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 4 to three. >> I would like to note that this is just the beginning that we will still need to discuss and many things can happen over the time. >> I'm sorry uh President that is incorrect. We just voted to adopt the plan which means the schools will be closed. The four listed in phase one as well as the entire phase two which is
273the reconfiguration of the middle school. That's what we just voted on. >> All right. 1.5. Can I have a motion to approve the request to contract with Target Riverbe Incorporated to provide marketing and advertising support for the ABC Unified School District through targeted social streaming, online advertising, direct mail, and other targeted marketing and advertising solutions to further to increase enrollment. >> So approval second >> Mr. Scott actually Mr. Scott, Mr. Smith. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Uh I bring to you tonight uh in alignment with our strategic plan direction five priority 5A implement practices to attract, retain, and increase student enrollment. We're bringing two marketing items forward for your consideration to build on our current marketing efforts. Item 1.5A is our contract with Target River. We are requesting approval to contract with
274Target River, a firm pro with a proven track record in helping school districts, specifically school districts, increase enrollment and retain students. While we explored several firms in the past, Target River stood out as the only company with deep experience in public school marketing. In fact, our contact is a former superintendent. They also come highly recommended by neighboring districts. The scope of work is multi-tered and flexible, focusing on targeted outreach to families through online social media ads, streaming ads along with direct mail. Creative design support with messaging and video ads developed in partnership with district staff showcasing our high quality academic and enrichment programs. Performance data, which is the most exciting thing to me, allowing us to see what strategies generate the most engagement and adjust accordingly. This approach, widely used in a lot of industries,
275is relatively new to public school marketing, but has shown strong results. The campaign would begin in the fall, pause during winter break, and peak during open enrollment in the spring. That is my report. >> Thank you. Is there any public comment on this item? >> None. >> Is I have board comment. Uh, board member Mendoza. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm I'm the one who asked for this to be brought to the board and now I'm I'm I'm secondg guessing whether we need this or not because our community is going to know that we're closing schools and they're going to wonder, do I come to a district that might be eventually closing a school? So, I'm I'm very conflicted about this agenda item now. Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I thank you for the comment.
276Any other board uh comments on this item? >> Hearing none, I'll call the vote. Um all in favor of this. Actually, let's do a roll call. >> Mhm. >> Since I heard a negative comment, >> Mrs. McCaten. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza. Yes, >> Dr. Rios, >> Mrs. Yu. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Yokoyamai. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nyola. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nishi. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 7 to zero. >> Okay. Um, so for the public to understand, I need to bring back the item because um, it is my understanding that a call the question requires a supermajority. >> Yes, >> I don't have the Robert's rules of order before me, but um, yes, >> I probably could have asked somebody for that. Okay. So it says 2/3. So that means that we can
277continue to discuss this issue. We have to >> unfortunately uh >> since the motion to call a question failed, we may still continue to talk and debate this issue. But yeah, we do have the uh financial report for the fiscal year. >> I understand. >> Yeah. >> Board Dr. Rios. >> So it is not passed yet. >> So Mr. President, may I speak? >> Yes. Please call on me. >> So calling for a vote means to stop debate, right? And vote on the motion. >> That needs supermajority 230. It didn't happen. So debate can continue to vote on the original motion uh or amendment can be made. Since the vote already happened on the original motion, it need to be brought back to reconsider, right? >> And then you can open debate on the original
278motion. >> We don't need a motion to reconsider. >> Yes, you do because you you have vote on it already. >> Okay. Need a new motion. >> So then I think uh we need a motion to reconsider. Yes. >> I'll make a motion to reconsider. Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Okay. 70. >> So we >> no for me. >> Okay. 621. >> I want to move on. >> All right. Dr. Rios. >> Okay. Given that the problem is with phase two, then I'm just going to again um come forth with some the word um concessions. I guess um and just amend that we do not kind of the original vote without including phase two just to not close our dual language schools. >> That's the same thing. >> Okay. Then just
279Ferguson. Let's remove Ferguson from phase one. No, it's not the same thing. >> Okay. I'd like to second that move. >> Any other further debate? >> Um, board member Mendoza, >> I just want to say that, you know, I've I've been advocating for transparency. Our whole community just left right now. They left and we're going back to this and it really bothers me. I'm really upset because it wasn't done right. And thank you to whoever brought it up. Thank you so much. We should have made sure that this was done correctly. >> Okay. >> So, are there any other board comments on this item? I have no further actually. U there's a board comment. Dr. curious. >> Well, I mean, I would I think that the majority just or maybe it's just an assumption wanted
280to consider keeping Star Wars. I mean, from the original time that it that that Star Wars was included in the report, it made no sense to me when we get so much um outside interest. I mean, we want to grow our schools. If we close Star Wars, they've made it clear they will leave. That's 300. We lost 300 this year. that's in an additional 300 students that we can expect to lose. Um, possibly. I mean, are we willing to take that chance? So, I again want to say Ferguson because I I again because of the comments that I made earlier. I won't even revisit it, but I would still like to consider the idea of Star Wars and I hate that we are so quick to move forward um because it is part of phase
281two. So, those are just my thoughts. So, are you amending your motion or >> Well, I tried and I was told no. >> What What is the motion? That's >> my original motion was what Mr. Noyola's original motion was was to not close our dual language schools, which were specifically talking about Ferguson and Sters. >> Okay, let's have a vote on it. Um, yeah. We have a second. >> Can you restate it, please? Because I I need this to be very clear to the community what we're doing. >> I think we asked for a restatement. Yes. So it is to close Aloha and close Huarez and we keep open Ferguson and Star Wars and reconfigure middle schools. So it's this it's okay. So we're still closing Aloha and we're still closing Huarez. >> How about
282we stated that we're just removing for your sentence? You can say it however, but we have to be clear so that people know what we're actually voting on. >> Ready to close all of them. >> Okay. So, there's a second by the vice president to remove Ferguson and Stars and uh not go 678. >> So, okay. Mr. President, please we are understand. Yes. >> Right. So the only thing I am proposing in this amendment is to remove Ferguson and Sters from the plant. I'm leaving phase 2 alone. I'm leaving phase one alone. I see those are the only two schools that I'd like the board to consider. Okay. Removing. Thank you. >> Great. So that's the motion. Is there any board comment on that? >> Okay. I have to make a comment because that's unfeasible
283because that will basically uh make it impossible for us to go 678. There's not enough kids to be in the school. We have to do math. The math is that's not going to work. That's my comment. It's not feasible. >> Oh, okay. I mean, that's >> because relevant right now. We're just talking about two elementary schools and nothing to do with the middle school. >> All right. >> Just vote. >> We'll vote. >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> no. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> yes. >> Dr. Rios, >> yes. >> Mrs. U. >> No. >> Mrs. Yokoyama Buui. >> No. >> Mr. Noyola. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nishi. >> No. >> Motion fails. 3 to four. >> I'll make a motion. >> Um, actually I have board member Noyola. >> Thank you. Um, I
284would like to make a motion to just remove uh Ferguson iteration and keeping the rest of the plan in its entirety. >> Okay. So, the motion is to remove Ferguson and close Star Wars. Aloha. Star Wars. Aloha. >> Mr. President, I I need to understand the motion so that we can know what we're voting on, but also we're still going 678. >> Yes. >> Okay. But also we're going 678. All right. Um board comment. Su. >> Thank you board president Nishi. Thank you for your leadership tonight. This is pretty tough. But so what are the basis for choosing just to changing the whole changing and uh keeping just Ferguson open and uh how about you know in Critos we came up with a you know Star Wars but honestly when I looked at the data
285like Whitman Cerritos um Gonzalez especially you know all these schools had like very very serious is declining enrollment. Yeah. And and so more than 40% of all these schools did not have homeschool students. Okay. So um we have to consolidate not I didn't look at it as closing the school but consolidating because we have to kind of shuffle because uh Star Wars elementary school already many of the Star Wars elementary school homeschool students were going to other schools other schools like you know uh Gonzalez or Cerritos right because we have that data too So what is the basis for let's open this keep this school open let's close this school to make that kind of changes here on the board without you know doing our homework and do diligence with data it just doesn't make
286sense because then you know we we can advocate okay we need to keep stars open okay we're going to close Gonzalez we're going to close Serto's symmetry like how do we make that decision here, right? >> So, thank you. This I understand. >> Yeah. So, I mean, you know what I'm saying? This is like we're going through chaos right now. >> Okay. Uh Dr. Rios, >> so I will give you four reasons board members su we've had the community say this. We have said this ourselves. We have issues there. We have accessibility issues. You cannot compare Hawaiian Gardens to the north side of Cerritos. You just can't. And I don't think that you would argue me on that. We have we have been told over and over again by the community, by city officials, I
287grew up in Hawaiian Gardens, two blocks away from Ferguson. It is a community hub. I was just there for the pow-wow. There's going to be a huge econom economic impact. There are a lot of families that don't have two cars to have their kids jump into and drive them across town like we do in our other areas. We talked about educational equity. if those schools were performing at the highest level and we heard our teachers clear loud and clear say we can get them to perform at a level that they need. We need we can get them all to read at grade level if we're given the proper resources. I think that we have d like there's a reason why I'm on this board and because I knew that there was a huge disparity in
288um funding in resource availability. I continue to make that argument. I don't want to bring up the money and the amount we have in uh reserves, but we could choose to invest fully in the schools in Hawaiian Gardens where we wouldn't have declining enrollment where we would have people from around the city um surrounding city. So Hawaiian Gardens is a fourth three4s of a mile that means that we are surrounded by Long Beach by Los Alamos by you know you name it. if our schools were topof the line getting the support that the teachers needed. We have heard how hard the teachers are working. You know, for some time I did wonder like come on, I was a teacher. I got my kids to read, right? Like why isn't it happening at these schools in
289poor areas? They're telling us why. Have we even given them a chance to provide them with full resources? The numbers are low, but are we who are we blaming when we say that it's all about numbers? We're blaming the students. Thank you. >> We're blaming their families. I'm not done. >> Okay. >> Like, we sit here and we play along, but I like at what point does the Latino community stand up and say, "You know what? Enough is enough." We all I hate that I get nervous because I get emotional. We just came back from a a TLSBA conference that was all about Latino success. Every person that got on that stage came from backgrounds like the kids that are attending Ferguson right now. But one of them is what? uh secretary of the US
290secretary of housing, you know, um another one is going to soon possibly be the superintendent of schools. Latino leadership is out there. Kids can learn. I again grew up two blocks from Ferguson. Don't tell me that I couldn't s that that I can't succeed. I have six siblings. We all managed to make it out okay. These kids just need an opportunity to learn. And so that's what I'm talking about. Um, board member Sue, you cannot compare >> communities. You cannot ask >> Well, you know, I I wouldn't have gotten this passionate if she hadn't made those comments. So, I'm sorry, but Okay, >> just a fact. >> Board member Mendoza, >> thank you. Yeah, I'm going to I'm I'm going to keep it cool because if not, I'm going to speak to the community right
291now. I want you to look at the three people who are voting to try and save schools. These are the three board members who came here because the district got sued because there were no Latino representations. And it's taken this long to get three Latinos on the board, but we still cannot get equity for our students. You can't sit here and say, you know, I I like your shirt. Thank you for the for the little gifts. Thank you for going to se California Latino Schoolboard Associations and learning about community and then choose to close down a school that is the life of a city. If you continue down this road, we are going to break relationships with our cities because if we don't support them, they're not going to support us. And I'm not going
292to apologize for sitting here and speaking my mind. And I will not apologize for Dr. Rios. And I will not be told by someone who is sitting in a ch a chair of power that we should be polite because that's kind of been my life forever. On this board, I have been called rude. I have been called loud and that's what my kids need. And I will continue to do that. and I but at my community look to see look to see who's doing this. We try to concess with them. We try to make we're coming to the board. We're coming to say look we understand. We're trying to work with you. But we don't get that. And it's the first day in all of these years that I've been on the board that I'm
293ashamed to sit here. I'm ashamed to sit here to say that you guys are going to close a school in a city that desperately needs the help. And you can't sit here and say, "Well, it's programs. Programs can move." You can't move a community. You can't move a culture. That's been done before. It's been done to our culture and we have to fight to get it back. So, I'm I'm sorry. I'm not going to sit here and say I'm sorry. You know, I'm loud, but I'm proud. And I can't imagine what it's going to feel like tomorrow because I'm a teacher and I can't I I know I'm going to go to work tomorrow and it's going to be on my mind. It's been on my mind this whole day. So, just know I want
294you to see who are the people who are fighting for your schools. And it's not even about Latinos. We have been arguing for dual immersion. These are the programs that are going to bring kids to our schools. It's data. We are looking at data, our own school data that was presented to us at the study session. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, clerk Buoie. >> So, I do uh want to try to be as respectful as possible to everyone in this room, including my fellow board members. Um, I understand we've all uh have have had different privileges in life. Um, I I I see and recognize each of my board members here as overcoming different um obstacles. And I'm proud to sit up here because we all represent um we've all been elected to represent
295different trustee areas, but also I feel like we're not only representing those trustee areas up here representing the entire ABC community. And when I'm when I'm sitting up here and I listen to public comment, I I I suggested this earlier. I also get a lot of emails. I see people when I visit schools. The comments that we hear up here are a small drop to what we also get outside. There are a lot of community members, teachers, administration who see the promise in what we're doing here in the district. And while I can understand when um I mean I like I said, no one's un no one's happy up here. No one is happy up here. That is not a feeling I feel. It is something I'm demanding of myself to be courageous in this
296moment. because there are significant people even in this room that are despising that this is happening. So what I will say is we have to be respectful. We have to understand that there's about 16,000 students in other schools who are depending on us. There are teachers. There are staff who want better for our community. I'm asking our city officials who are here tonight to help support all the community members that are in this process because we're going to need help. I'm not talking about closing down a building. Maybe we can make it into something else, something with funding from elsewhere. I'm talking about transportation, safe transportation leaison for our students to get to school safely so that they can continue to be successful. So yes, I understand I sit here with privilege, but I'm not
297using my privilege for nothing. I'm using it to to speak for thousands of other voices that are out there. >> Thank you. Um, Dr. Rios, uh, I think you're the originator of the motion to, um, take Ferguson off the list. Would you be, uh, amendable to instead of taking it uh, off the list that everybody's talking about, we're going too fast. So, here's the thing. We have this is part of a general strategy, right? not this. This is not going to solve all of the educational issues that we have in our district is not. There are further cuts to come. Lot more people are going to be out there not happy with the the the future budgets that we're going to have. I'm sorry. That's that's the truth of it. I'm not going to sugarcoat
298it. This is just the beginning. But we're paying money for advertising 100,000 more than we've ever done before. We're doing some major other changes that maybe we could have done long time ago, but I'm not at that boat now. I'm here today and now. Um, so I'm always of the opinion that you make a decision, but you always uh get data and you um you can always change it later on. If our enrollment due to the advertising increases and instead of losing a school every year for the last 10 years, 3,000 kids, instead of losing, we stay even. Then maybe we can delay the decision regarding Ferguson for an extra year. So Ferguson was part of phase one and uh as was Huarez as was Aloha. Um and phase two was Sters and the 678.
299Would you be amenable to compromising and instead of having Ferguson in the first year it would be year two? And the same thing would apply to Sters. It would be the same issue, right? If enrollment increases, if Fetty can get all the students, all these issues, if that can happen, would you be amendable to amending your motion and compromising in that way? >> So, Mr. President, my motion is to remove Ferguson at this time from this plan. I understand completely understood that we are going to have this conversation. >> I understand you've just made it clear there is no amendment. Call for the vote. Wait, miss. I don't understand. My amendment is still on the floor, Mr. President. >> Yes, your amendment is on the floor. We're going to vote on it now. >> Thank
300you. >> So, the amendment is to take Ferguson off the list. Totally. >> For now. No, it's it's totally. That's what the motion is right now. The motion is right now to take Ferguson off the list. >> When would you like to reconsider it? >> Call the vote. >> We don't have that. >> I'm not done. I'm not done with my time, >> Mr. President. When would you like to reconsider it? I don't have another date for that. >> We have a vote before us now >> and I don't understand. I maybe I don't understand what you're suggesting. >> You have asked to have Ferguson removed from the list. >> Right. And you made a suggestion. What was that suggestion that I didn't understand? >> Okay. The suggestion was that Ferkins stays on the list
301but instead of closing it in year 1, the 2006 2007 that we wait for additional data to come also we would get the additional year of the teaching that was part of the grant and we wait an extra year. So >> yes, I totally guess that. >> So you would be okay with that amendment? >> Yes, because I feel like we're going to be having these considerations every year. So yes, I accept. probably right. Okay. So, Ferguson would move to phase two. Instead of closing in the 20 26 202 206 27, it' be 2728 school year and a lot can happen in two years. >> How much? >> That's correct. And the teachers can get their uh additional education. Uh do you have a question? You have to press the button. Press the button. >>
302Sorry. >> Thank you, >> Board Member Mcaten. >> So, are you saying, >> Mrs. Rios, Dr. Rios, that you want both Stars and Ferguson to move to phase two with the idea of us looking at enrollment at that time? It is. It is. I'm just making sure I understand where it's falling. Yes. [Music] Okay. So, let's have a vote. Press the button. >> Sue you. >> So, can you clarify your motion because I didn't quite understand. It's kind of confusing going back and forth. So after considering President N is suggestion, Ferguson will only move instead of being at phase one, it will move to phase two. That's it. >> Okay. So it's going to go into phase two. >> Correct. >> And that means it's still going to be >> that means we will look
303at data and consider it for possible consolidation. Yes. >> In year two rather than year one. >> Okay. >> I'll second. One of my concern Oh, is one of my concern is that's putting a lot of pressure on the the teachers, >> right, >> Ferguson, >> which I think they welcome. >> They're getting more time. >> Okay. Okay. And >> and they get an extra year of um professional development. >> Yeah. And another concern I do have is um the families and that's that's a thing that we cannot control because every family have the right by our policy board policy to to choose the schools they want to attend out of outside their home school. >> Right. Yeah. >> Right. And and I think like those families are very silent right now. But once we
304put restriction for them, the restriction on their choice to transfer >> there's no restriction. >> You know what I'm saying? >> There's no restriction. >> This is simple. It's just the motion that we have on the table here. We're just moving >> Ferguson from phase one to phase two. That's it. But the thing is uh that would put pressure on the families and some of the leaders who's been sending their kids to other schools to stay at their home schools. No, >> that might be the case. >> Yeah, that might be the case. Yeah. So, we just >> So, can we have a vote on this item? >> Call the call the roll call, please. >> Mrs. McCaten, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mendoza, >> yes. >> Dr. Rios, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yu, >> yes.
305>> Mrs. Mrs. Yokoyama Bui. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nyola. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nishi E. >> Yes. >> Motion passes 7 to zero. >> Thank you. >> All right. We have 10 minutes. Can I have a motion to approve the uh to approve request to contract with outfront media to provide advertisement of the ABC Unified School District on eight digital billboards for a 12-week period beginning October 2025 to further increase enrollment approvals. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Smith, can you give a abbreviated report? We did read the report. >> Terrific. Yes. This is uh just really quickly, we would run a 12-week campaign on the 91 and5 freeways. This is in line with what the ABC adult school did uh last year. >> Thank you. Thank you for that reportion. >> Do we have
306any public comment on this item? >> None. >> Do we have any board comment on this item? Uh board member Mendoza. >> Yes. Mr. Smith, can you I know usually with these kinds of um contracts, we usually go out to bid. Did we go out to bid for this one or >> not for outfront? No. Outfront holds many of the billboards that you see in and around the Los Angeles area. And these would t these are targeted in our immediate area off the five and 91 freeways like the one right off Pioneer. >> Okay. And it says approximately so much money. That doesn't mean that we're going to spend all that money. >> It is a it is a $50,000 buy for a 12-week period >> For 12 weeks >> and if we don't see
307we can do less. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. So, uh, thank you for the board comment. Can I call the vote? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. The motion passes 70. This time we're pulling items 1.7A and 1.8A because there uh are certain issues with that. Um, and use the presidential prerogative on that. 3.11A. You can have a motion to open a public hearing and adopt resolution 256 for textbooks and instructional materials compliance and approved certification of provision for standards aligned instructional materials with education code section 60119 grades K12 fiscal year 2526 moved >> second. >> Is there any board uh any public comment on this item? >> None. >> Any board comment? Okay. And then I'll call for a vote. All in favor say I. >> I.
308>> Thank you. The motion passes 70. I have a motion to approve a request for new courses entitled English language arts, ethnic studies, ELA, and English language arts at Tracy High, online learning, O financial literacy, budgeting and investing, O drawing one, O college writing a at all high schools for the 2526 school year. >> Approval. >> Second. >> Uh Dr. Castro, if you could do a really quick report. We have all read the report. >> Thank you. This is just to introduce some new courses for our online credit recovery and for original credit. >> Thank you. Is there any public comment on this item? >> None. >> Is there any board comment on this item? >> Okay. I will call for a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Can
309I motion to approve the request to enter into a participants in learning leading and serving PLLS out of state agreement with Grand Canyon University GCU and the ABC Unified School District for the 2526 school year. >> So move. >> Second. >> Dr. Castro. quick report. We have also read the report and it's public. >> Yes, thank you. This is a great opportunity for our students offering scholarship not only for our students but also for our employees classified and certificated if they want to further their education with Grand Canyon University. >> Great. Thank you. Um any public comment on this item? >> None. >> Any board comment on this item? I will call for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Great. The motion passes 70. Can I motion to request to accept
310the community engagement initiative CEI grant award on behalf of ABC Unified School District with Willow Elementary serving as a district's participating site and the CI peerleading and learning network for the 2527 school years. >> A motion >> second. >> Dr. Castro, I think we've already read the reports. It is also publicly u published. So I will just see if there's any public comment on this. >> None. >> Thank you. Is there any board comment on this? Just really quickly really encourage us to consider going visiting the Harvard's program on family engagement to kick off our efforts with family engagement. Thank you. >> That would be great. All in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Motion passes. Can I have a motion to accept the gift report 252 totaling 47,65594? >> Motions.
311>> Second. >> Okay. We also have read that report. It is basically dollars and cents. Uh Mr. Dwin, I think we will pass on your report. Is there any public comment on this? >> None. >> Is there any board comment on this? Thanking. We can also do this later too. Um, call for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Can I have a motion to approve a bid award ABC1680 medical supplies to the following as the lowest responsive and responsible biders? School nurse supply and school health corporation biders for the 2526 school year with an option to renew annually for the additional two years. >> Move. Second. Um, Mr. New, I think we've all read the report again, so I will see if there's any public comment. >> None.
312>> Is there any board comment on this item? All right. Uh, hearing no word comment. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Motion uh item 4.9. May I have a motion to approve bidder award ABC1681 unit price painting GDL best contractor is the lowest respons bidder. So move. second. >> Um, Mr. Ruin, I think we've all read the report and I've also submitted questions in advance regarding the single singular nature of it and which I've received and I will have that published also. Um, any public comments on this item? >> None. >> Any board comment? Okay, this motion passes actually. Can I call for a vote? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. >> I need to have a motion to approve 2425 arts and music in
313schools annual report. Move approval. >> Second. >> Mr. New, we've read the report. Is there any public comment? >> None. >> Okay. Is there any board comment on this item? Uh, board member Mendoza, >> can staff just go over the funding for each school site, how they how they came up with that number. >> Thank you for the question. The allocation to each school is determined by the state. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Call for the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. Can I have a motion, this is important, to approve the 2425 unodudited actuals financial report. >> So move >> second. >> Um, Mr. Nuin, there was a report. We've all had a chance to review through it. Um, I will just ask for public
314comment at this point. >> None. >> Okay. Is there any board comment? Uh, board member U. >> Thank you, President Nishi. Um, Tuan, I I am very concerned about one page 178. We have deficit of uh 11 million unrestricted and 18 million in restricted and that's a total of 30 million this year in deficit. Correct. This is very concerning. Is this like ongoing? Is this deficit going to be next year too or what's going on? >> Yes ma'am. uh for last year the 2425 school year and this is the unodudited actual report we did spend down $30 million like you said again I don't want to repeat myself but 11.3 million from unrestricted and 18.7 from restricted on the restrict programs we will continue to spend it down on our students until we spend all
315down all the restricted money on the unrestricted we u the county have request us to um put together a budget stabilization plan a spending cut and the board did that in the June report >> and they are asking us to do another report uh another budget uh spending cut. So I will bring that forward to the board and hopefully that 11.3 won't continue. >> Thank you. >> So I'm also concerned >> actually board member you we have another question by uh board member Dr. Rios. >> All right. So can you quickly explain to me how it is that our um ending balance increased? >> It did not actually it went from 102 million to 72 million. So we begin the balance the year with 102 million and then we spent down 30 million. So if
316you look at the very last number the ending balance is at 72 million. So >> I remember 64 at one point but thank you for clarifying. >> You're welcome. This is the tsunami that we're talking about um which everybody left. Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes 70. We have our information items. Result of site visits, reviews, uniform complaint data for 2425 fourth quarter. Dr. Zilo, >> we had no complaints in instructional materials, facilities, or teacher vacancies and mis assignments. >> Thank you. There's no vote on that. Need to have board members report. You got 30 seconds each. All right. Well, I mean, we are supposed to end at 12. So, does anybody want to press for a board uh report? Okay, then I'll do announcements. Regular next regular board meeting
317is Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 7 p.m. District board office. We'll have LCAP study session at 5:00 p.m. prior. So, uh on October 7th, we'll have that LCAP session. Diversity unity equity board advisory committee is Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. District board office. Religious Policy Board Advisory Committee, Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. District Conference Room. Finance and Audit Board Advisory Committee, Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at 6 p.m. District Conference Room and Strategic Planning Board Advisory Committee, Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Are there any public comments for the second session? >> Yes, we we have one, but um how much time do we have? >> We can hear it. Let's hear We have less than a minute. >> Come on up. >> Okay. I know this is a really hard
318u moment for everyone. I wanted to assure the Sters community that I still want to be supportive of them and the collaboration with Ferguson. I wanted to speak when you had the motion for the advertisement. So the $100,000 could have been to support the advertisement of the two schools as intended so that we could have drawn additional and kept additional people here. But now it's going to be kind of hard to advertise for schools that are slated to close. But if there is change, like you said, there could be change. I'm still going to be optimistic and I am committed to help both of the the the families of the committee of both schools, but if they're not going to be going together into a receiving school that's going to accommodate them, it's going to
319be difficult. So, just want to put that on the table. Thank you. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. We are adjourned at exactly 12. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Woohoo! Hallelujah.